Chonghua had two prominent young generals: Mo Xi and Gu Mang.

Mo Xi had a cold temperament and was known for his chastity.

The army had a betting pool on when Mo Xi would lose his chastity.

Gu Mang had a warm personality and was known for his flirtatious nature.

Gu Mang later became a traitor, joining an enemy nation.

Before betraying Chonghua, Gu Mang approached Mo Xi with a booklet he had written.

The booklet contained various topics, including food, experiences, travel notes, and weapons.

Gu Mang mentioned that he wrote about Mo Xi in the booklet.

Mo Xi was initially busy with military paperwork but decided to add a comment in the booklet.

Upon hearing Gu Mang wrote about their past, Mo Xi inscribed a stern warning in the booklet: "This book is forbidden. Transgressors will be punished."

Snow falls on Chonghua's border, covering the ground.

Wang Er-mazi, a meat pie seller, mocks Gu Mang while selling his pies.

Wang Er-mazi used to praise Gu Mang when he was a celebrated general.

Yue Chenqing, a young and carefree deputy general, patrols the market with his retinue.

Yue Chenqing is known for his laid-back nature and love of comfort.

He buys various goods from the market, including a meat pie from Wang Er-mazi.

Yue Chenqing warns Wang Er-mazi not to mention Gu Mang, as it's a taboo subject with Commander Mo Xi.

Mo Xi, known as Xihe-jun, is strict and disciplined, leading Chonghua's army with a reputation for avoiding pleasures.

Gu Mang is described as the stain on Mo Xi's life, having been a close companion who betrayed Chonghua.

Mo Xi receives a secret letter from the emperor, informing him that Gu Mang will be returned to Chonghua as part of an armistice with the Liao Kingdom.

The emperor seeks Mo Xi's advice on whether Gu Mang should be executed or spared.

Mo Xi is filled with a mixture of anger, bitterness, and unresolved feelings toward Gu Mang.

In the past, Mo Xi and Gu Mang were close companions, comrades, and even lovers.

Mo Xi struggles with his emotions, contemplating whether Gu Mang should be executed.

In the end, Mo Xi decides to abstain from commenting on Gu Mang's fate, leaving the decision to the court officials.

Mo Xi burns the letter after sending his response to the emperor.

He reflects on his tumultuous and passionate relationship with Gu Mang, which was marked by love, desire, and eventual betrayal.

Mo Xi acknowledges that despite their enmity, they once shared a deeply intimate and complex bond.

The emperor of Chonghua announces Gu Mang's return and punishment: Wangshu-jun will have complete control over him.

News of Gu Mang's fate spreads quickly, reaching the Northern Frontier Army in three days.

The Northern Frontier Army, formerly known as the Wangba Army, is conflicted about Gu Mang's return.

Gu Mang had once been their commander, and despite his betrayal, the soldiers have complex feelings about him.

Gu Mang had named the army "Wangba," which means "tortoise" and "bastard," as a joke.

Despite the crude name, many soldiers admired and followed Gu Mang because of his charisma and bravery.

Gu Mang was known for his recklessness in battle, often getting wounded while leading from the front.

He was popular among his troops, celebrating their birthdays and buying them wine and food, even using his own belongings to pay.

Gu Mang's antics included stripping down to barter for wine and food and kissing a widow to get extra beef for his soldiers.

He was known for his carefree and rebellious nature, winning the loyalty of his troops despite his unorthodox methods.

After Gu Mang's betrayal, Mo Xi took command and renamed the army the Northern Frontier Army, bringing discipline and order.

The soldiers have mixed feelings about Gu Mang, with some still reminiscing about his past actions and charisma.

The older soldiers especially remember Gu Mang's leadership fondly, feeling regret for how things turned out.

The news of Gu Mang being handed over to Wangshu-jun suggests he will face a harsh and possibly brutal punishment.

Gu Mang, once a hero and admired figure, is now despised by the public, including young children who view him as a disgrace.

The people of Chonghua eagerly await Gu Mang's execution, considering various forms of execution for his betrayal.

Gu Mang's reputation has fallen from being the "Beast of the Altar" to being called a "disgwaceful pighead" by even the youngest members of society.

The Northern Frontier Army has been guarding the border for two years and is now returning home.

Soldiers prepare for their return, bathing and tidying up in the Fushui River.

Mo Xi remains distant, having no family or loved ones to look forward to upon his return.

Yue Chenqing mentions Princess Mengze to Mo Xi, who dismisses the topic.

Mo Xi reflects on Gu Mang's fate, remembering the chaotic events from two years ago when Gu Mang was returned to Chonghua.

Rumors about Gu Mang's return were fragmented, and Mo Xi never learned the full details of what happened.

There was widespread speculation about Mo Xi’s supposed desire for revenge against Gu Mang, including exaggerated tales of torture.

Mo Xi felt betrayed and conflicted, having known Gu Mang for half his life.

Gu Mang's downfall began when the new emperor stripped him of his rank and authority due to his low birth.

Mo Xi tried to help Gu Mang, but Gu Mang descended into despair and turned to drinking and spending time in brothels.

Gu Mang defected to the Liao Kingdom, and Mo Xi initially refused to believe the rumors.

During a battle at Dongting Lake, Mo Xi saw Gu Mang leading Liao Kingdom forces, confirming his betrayal.

Gu Mang confronted Mo Xi, revealing his acceptance of the Liao Kingdom's value for his talents regardless of his birth.

Mo Xi tried to bring Gu Mang back by offering his own life, but Gu Mang stabbed him in the heart, showing no remorse.

Gu Mang mocked Mo Xi's hope and told him he should have tried to take him down instead of appealing to their past.

Mo Xi was gravely injured and saved by Princess Mengze's timely arrival, surviving the encounter.

The Liao Kingdom used Gu Mang's strategies to defeat Chonghua's forces, leaving Mo Xi with deep emotional and physical scars.

Mo Xi's past with Gu Mang haunts him, especially memories of their time at the academy when they were close friends.

Despite his hatred and desire for revenge, Mo Xi struggles with the loss of the man Gu Mang once was and what he has become.

The Northern Frontier Army returns to the capital, greeted by an excited crowd.

Mo Xi, leading the procession, is in full imperial army uniform, appearing stern and distant.

Civilians admire Mo Xi, with many young women swooning over his looks and discussing his relationship with Princess Mengze.

Yue Chenqing flirts with the crowd and causes a minor stir until Mo Xi reprimands him.

The army’s demeanor is disciplined and reserved, a stark contrast to the days when Gu Mang led with a more relaxed and carefree attitude.

The procession leads to the imperial palace, where a long merit ceremony and an evening feast are held.

Mo Xi is surrounded by noblewomen, including Princess Yanping, who flirts openly with him.

Yanping addresses Mo Xi as "Brother-in-Law," hinting at his connection to her sister, Princess Mengze.

Mo Xi remains cold and dismissive, showing no interest in the princess's advances.

Yanping tries to seduce Mo Xi by suggesting he should not wait for her sister and offering herself as an alternative.

Mo Xi, offended by her suggestion and approach, leaves her abruptly and heads to the terrace for some solitude.

Mo Xi reflects on his past, remembering the time when no one paid him any attention except for Gu Mang.

Gu Mang was the only one who comforted and supported Mo Xi during the difficult times after his family's downfall.

Mo Xi's success and military merits have made him a revered figure, especially after Gu Mang’s defection.

Despite his fame, Mo Xi feels that people only admire an idealized version of him, not the real person with his flaws and past struggles.

Mo Xi recalls how only Gu Mang had genuinely reached out to him when he was at his lowest.

While Mo Xi is lost in thought on the terrace, someone unexpectedly speaks to him, asking if they can join him, echoing words from his past with Gu Mang.

Mo Xi is startled when he turns around and sees that the speaker is not Gu Mang but Jiang Yexue, Yue Chenqing's elder brother.

Jiang Yexue, sitting in a wheelchair, had a difficult past, being disowned by the Yue Clan for marrying a criminal’s daughter and later losing his wife and legs in battle.

Despite his hardships, Jiang Yexue became an elder at the cultivation academy, though not without contention from his family.

Mo Xi and Jiang Yexue talk briefly; Jiang thanks Mo Xi for looking after Yue Chenqing.

Jiang Yexue senses Mo Xi's curiosity about recent events in the capital and offers to provide updates.

After some hesitation, Mo Xi inquires about Gu Mang’s condition, revealing his lingering concern.

Jiang Yexue informs Mo Xi that Gu Mang has been imprisoned at Luomei Pavilion for two years, shocking Mo Xi.

Luomei Pavilion is a place of torment, where prisoners of war and slaves are subjected to dehumanizing conditions.

Mo Xi is horrified to learn that Gu Mang has been subjected to this treatment on Wangshu-jun's orders.

Overwhelmed with conflicting emotions, Mo Xi wrestles with his hatred and unexpected pity for Gu Mang.

Memories of Gu Mang's past resurface, reminding Mo Xi of Gu Mang’s compassionate nature and the time he passionately advocated for proper burials for fallen soldiers, despite being scorned by the nobles.

Mo Xi struggles with his feelings but decides he needs to see Gu Mang for himself, believing that only this visit will quell his turmoil.

Mo Xi travels to Luomei Pavilion, approaching the brothel secretly through the back entrance to avoid recognition.

Inside the pavilion, he passes rooms labeled with the captives’ ranks and countries of origin, hearing the sounds of their suffering.

After searching, Mo Xi finds Gu Mang's room marked with a plaque stating "Traitorous Subject, Gu Mang of Chonghua," the only one labeled as Chonghua.

Mo Xi reaches for the door but stops when he notices the plaque is red, indicating someone is currently with Gu Mang.

Mo Xi is enraged and disgusted, his emotions reigniting as he waits outside Gu Mang’s room in Luomei Pavilion.

He recalls a past incident where he found Gu Mang in a brothel after losing his rank, where Gu Mang seemed indifferent and unfazed by Mo Xi’s shock and sadness.

Mo Xi feels a mixture of hatred and pity for Gu Mang, struggling to reconcile the man he knew with the one in front of him.

He wrestles with conflicting feelings of loyalty, betrayal, and an intense desire to hate Gu Mang for what he has become.

A drunk client leaves Gu Mang’s room, confirming to Mo Xi that someone was indeed with Gu Mang.

Mo Xi enters Gu Mang’s room and finds it empty, only to hear splashing from behind a screen, indicating Gu Mang is bathing.

Filled with rage and confusion, Mo Xi sits down at a table, thinking of what to say when Gu Mang emerges.

Gu Mang finally appears, wearing only a thin white robe, looking thinner and paler than Mo Xi remembers.

The two stare at each other in silence, Gu Mang's expression calm and unreadable, showing no recognition or emotion toward Mo Xi.

Mo Xi, overwhelmed by past memories and emotions, struggles to find words or questions to ask.

Gu Mang sits next to Mo Xi and hands him a bamboo scroll.

Mo Xi reads the scroll, which details the services and prices offered by Luomei Pavilion, ranging from conversation to physical acts.

Enraged and shocked, Mo Xi slams the scroll down and confronts Gu Mang, asking if he's lost his mind.

Gu Mang remains impassive, telling Mo Xi to choose something from the scroll.

Mo Xi is horrified by Gu Mang's suggestion, feeling a mix of anger, betrayal, and sadness.

Gu Mang insists that if Mo Xi doesn’t choose, he should leave, showing a complete lack of emotional connection or recognition of their past.

Mo Xi is filled with conflicting emotions, struggling to make a decision about how to interact with Gu Mang in his current state.

He ultimately chooses the "Conversation" option from the scroll but does so with clear anger and disdain.

Gu Mang asks Mo Xi for payment, showing no emotion, which infuriates Mo Xi further.

Mo Xi gives Gu Mang a valuable golden cowrie, which Gu Mang places in a jar on the shelf without any reaction.

Mo Xi, seething with mixed feelings of betrayal and resentment, questions how much money Gu Mang has saved and how many people he has been with.

Gu Mang offers no explanation or justification, acting indifferent and emotionless, which only deepens Mo Xi's rage.

Mo Xi tries to leave in a fit of anger, but Gu Mang stops him and attempts to return the payment, which confuses and infuriates Mo Xi even more.

In a burst of emotion, Mo Xi confronts Gu Mang, demanding to know how he could have sunk to such a level.

He grabs Gu Mang by the lapels, their faces inches apart, and notices the bruises on Gu Mang’s shoulder, which stokes his fury and causes a surge of complex emotions.

Overcome with anger, Mo Xi pins Gu Mang against the wall, his emotions blurring the lines between rage and desire.

In the darkness, with the sounds of the brothel surrounding them, Mo Xi's control slips further, and he questions if Gu Mang wants him to choose to sleep with him.

Mo Xi is conflicted and tormented, feeling both hatred and a twisted longing, accusing Gu Mang of wanting to be used in this manner.

During the intense moment, Mo Xi accidentally knocks over Gu Mang's coin jar, and it shatters on the floor.

To Mo Xi’s shock, he realizes the jar is completely empty, indicating that Gu Mang had not received any payment or chosen to degrade himself for money.

Mo Xi is confused and unsettled by the fact that Gu Mang's jar is empty despite having clients, questioning why he hasn't received any payment.

Madam Qin, the manager of Luomei Pavilion, enters the room and berates Gu Mang for not earning any money, threatening to kill his dog if he doesn’t improve.

Gu Mang explains that the clients refuse to pay him because they view him as a traitor, believing it’s his duty to serve them without compensation.

Gu Mang obediently kneels when Madam Qin orders him to, revealing his submissive and apathetic state.

Madam Qin beats Gu Mang with a spiritual whip, causing fresh wounds on his already scarred back, while Gu Mang remains silent and unfazed.

After Madam Qin leaves, Mo Xi confronts Gu Mang about his injuries, but Gu Mang dismisses the concern, showing no interest in treating his wounds.

Mo Xi struggles with his emotions, feeling anger, confusion, and a sense of loss at Gu Mang’s behavior and the state he’s in.

Mo Xi asks about salves and bandages for Gu Mang’s wounds, but Gu Mang seems indifferent, stating they will heal on their own.

Gu Mang’s response to Mo Xi's questions reveals a lack of understanding of his situation and a lack of desire to improve it.

Gu Mang states that he simply wants cowrie shells, expressing confusion over why he hasn't received any and why others believe he shouldn't have them.

Mo Xi gives Gu Mang another golden cowrie out of frustration, which Gu Mang accepts and plans to store in a brocade pouch.

Mo Xi realizes something suspicious about the pouch and demands Gu Mang to show him what's inside, his tone threatening and dangerous.

Mo Xi is enraged when he sees the expensive brocade pouch in Gu Mang’s possession and demands to know who gave it to him. Gu Mang claims it's his but avoids explaining how he got it.

Mo Xi accuses Gu Mang of exchanging his body for the pouch, growing more furious and frustrated when Gu Mang stays silent and vague.

Gu Mang finally says someone had been good to him, which sends Mo Xi into a spiral of disbelief and heartbreak, unable to accept that Gu Mang, who had betrayed everyone, could still find kindness from others.

Madam Qin interrupts, calling for Gu Mang to prepare for his next client, Zhou-gongzi.

Mo Xi, filled with anger and self-loathing, restrains himself from attacking Gu Mang. He sarcastically congratulates Gu Mang on still having people treat him kindly and prepares to leave.

Gu Mang, confused, tells Mo Xi that he wants to know who Mo Xi is, revealing that he doesn’t remember him.

Mo Xi is stunned by Gu Mang’s words, but before he can react further, Zhou-gongzi arrives. Mo Xi has no choice but to hide his identity.

To avoid being recognized by Zhou-gongzi, Mo Xi pushes Gu Mang against the wall and pretends to kiss him, covering both their faces.

Zhou-gongzi, though initially surprised, becomes intrigued by the sight of Mo Xi and Gu Mang in a seemingly passionate embrace, and suggests sharing Gu Mang for a threesome.

Mo Xi tries to maintain his anonymity while facing Zhou-gongzi, who rudely intrudes on his private encounter with Gu Mang.

Zhou-gongzi boasts about his connections, mentioning he’s friends with General Mo (unaware he’s speaking to him) and crudely insults Gu Mang, mocking his supposed broken mind and damaged soul.

Mo Xi is struck by the revelation that Gu Mang might have suffered severe mental and spiritual damage, possibly causing his strange behavior.

Gu Mang listens to Mo Xi obediently, avoiding further escalation as Zhou-gongzi becomes more aggressive and vulgar.

Enraged, Mo Xi violently strikes Zhou-gongzi, knocking him down and scaring him off by showing his military command token, which prevents Zhou-gongzi from recognizing him.

After Zhou-gongzi leaves, Mo Xi confronts Gu Mang, asking whether Zhou-gongzi visits often and whether he was the one who gave him the pouch. Gu Mang’s responses, though passive, indicate that Zhou-gongzi was indeed a frequent client.

Mo Xi tries to leave, frustrated and confused, but Gu Mang’s comment about not knowing who Mo Xi is shocks him. Gu Mang’s memory loss and confusion further confirm that something is deeply wrong with him.

Mo Xi leaves Luomei Pavilion, deeply disturbed and heartbroken, reflecting on the revelation that Gu Mang might have lost his memories or his sanity.

Memories of their shared past—Gu Mang’s significance in Mo Xi’s life and their intimate connection—flood back to Mo Xi, intensifying his emotional turmoil.

Mo Xi’s unresolved feelings toward Gu Mang resurface, leaving him questioning why Gu Mang never expressed regret or remorse for leaving Chonghua and betraying him.

In the days following the encounter, Mo Xi becomes increasingly irritable, his anger manifesting in the workplace, particularly when he harshly scolds Zhou-gongzi at the Bureau of Military Affairs.

Mo Xi finally asks his housekeeper, Li Wei, about Gu Mang’s condition over the past two years, though the conversation leaves him frustrated and unsatisfied, with Li Wei confirming that Gu Mang is "utterly ruined."

Mo Xi's housekeeper, Li Wei, updates him on Gu Mang's condition, revealing that Gu Mang now believes he is a "strong and mighty male wolf."

Mo Xi is shocked and asks if the healers who diagnosed him were reliable. Li Wei reassures him that multiple people observed Gu Mang's odd behavior, including Wangshu-jun.

Gu Mang’s state stems from the Liao Kingdom's torment. The Liao Kingdom removed two of his corporeal souls, affecting his memory and mind, making it difficult for him to speak or understand others.

Li Wei recounts that when Gu Mang returned to Chonghua, he was caged with wolves, blending in with the animals and acting as one of them. This bizarre behavior stunned onlookers and fueled their disgust.

Wangshu-jun (Murong Lian) was responsible for Gu Mang's suffering. After trying to extract information from him and failing, he sent Gu Mang to Luomei Pavilion.

Mo Xi learns that Gu Mang’s condition is irreversible unless the lost souls can be found and restored, but no one knows where they are.

Li Wei expresses concern over Wangshu-jun, advising Mo Xi to avoid him due to his greed and jealousy.

The backstory of Gu Mang’s relationship with Murong Lian is explored. Gu Mang had been chosen by Murong Lian as a servant at the cultivation academy. However, due to Gu Mang's exceptional cultivation skills, he quickly surpassed his master, igniting Murong Lian’s jealousy and cruelty.

Li Wei recalls an incident where Gu Mang, showing compassion, used Murong Lian’s name to obtain medicine for sick villagers. In retaliation, Murong Lian whipped Gu Mang and forced him to kneel in the rain for twenty days with a sign that labeled him as "shameless."

Mo Xi had advocated for Gu Mang’s release at the time, but Murong Lian refused and publicly humiliated Gu Mang further.

As punishment, Murong Lian presented Gu Mang with a slave collar. This dehumanizing collar was a symbol of ultimate degradation, only given to the most disobedient slaves.

Gu Mang was forced to kneel and accept this punishment, a further act of cruelty by Murong Lian, and a public declaration of his dominance over Gu Mang.

Mo Xi confronts Murong Lian after seeing him present a slave collar to Gu Mang at the academy. Mo Xi tries to stop it, but Gu Mang intervenes, accepting the collar without showing any resistance.

Gu Mang fastens the collar himself, surprising everyone with his calm demeanor and lack of resentment. He even thanks Murong Lian for the "gift."

Murong Lian activates the collar’s magical restraints, causing intense pain to Gu Mang. Lightning-infused cords bind him, and thorns stab into his body, leaving him bloodied and convulsing on the floor.

Mo Xi tries to intervene, demanding that Murong Lian stop the torture, but Murong Lian mocks him and offers a deal: Mo Xi must lose to him in the academy’s New Year’s Eve cultivation tournament.

Mo Xi agrees to the humiliating deal to stop Gu Mang’s suffering. Murong Lian lifts the punishment, leaving Gu Mang in a pool of his own blood.

Murong Lian cruelly reminds Gu Mang of his lowly status and his "dirty blood," asserting his ownership over him.

Mo Xi is disgusted by Murong Lian's cruelty but is perplexed by Gu Mang’s loyalty to such a cruel master, unable to understand why Gu Mang stayed with Murong Lian for so long.

Years later, Mo Xi encounters Murong Lian again in the capital after avoiding him for some time. The tension between the two is palpable, with Murong Lian now more arrogant and cruel than ever.

Murong Lian invites Mo Xi and other young officials to a gathering at Wangshu Manor. He brings up Gu Mang, suggesting they should visit him at Luomei Pavilion to see how far he has fallen.

Murong Lian mocks Mo Xi’s former efforts to protect Gu Mang, reminding him of how Gu Mang betrayed him on the battlefield.

Murong Lian proposes to bring Gu Mang to Wangshu Manor to “liven up” the night, suggesting this would be his “welcome home” gift to Mo Xi.

Murong Lian taunts Mo Xi, suggesting that Gu Mang should join their gathering at Wangshu Manor, causing discomfort for Mo Xi. He continues to prod at Mo Xi's weakness by bringing up their past connection to Gu Mang.

One of the young nobles makes a disparaging comment about Gu Mang, but stops after sensing Mo Xi's hostile gaze.

Murong Lian revels in the tension, mocking Gu Mang's current state as a fallen general and slave. He asks if Mo Xi is curious about how he has "mastered" Gu Mang.

The group eventually heads to Wangshu Manor for the gathering. The manor is grand and ostentatious, adorned with symbols of wealth and power, and filled with narcotic fragrances from the Liao Kingdom, indicating Murong Lian's indulgence in vices.

During the feast, Murong Lian offers opium-like incense called "ephemera," which creates a euphoric high followed by deep depression. Mo Xi warns Yue Chenqing to stay away from it.

The atmosphere becomes rowdy as guests partake in games and revelry. Murong Lian flaunts his wealth and superiority, mocking those who cannot afford the luxurious substances he enjoys.

The mood shifts when the housekeeper announces the arrival of individuals from Luomei Pavilion. A group of prostitutes is brought in to entertain the guests, but Gu Mang is notably absent.

Murong Lian hints that Gu Mang is outside, refusing to enter due to his "strange" temperament. He proposes bringing Gu Mang inside to "liven up" the evening, much to Mo Xi's discomfort.

The other guests, in their drunken state, begin teasing Mo Xi, suggesting that he should indulge and take part in the debauchery, but Mo Xi remains silent, his frustration building.

Murong Lian, noticing Mo Xi’s tension, mocks him further by insinuating that Mo Xi’s true desire is for Gu Mang, not any of the other men or women present.

Finally, Murong Lian calls out to bring Gu Mang inside, referring to him as the "traitor commander," and offers him to Mo Xi, adding to the torment and humiliation.

The housekeeper brings Gu Mang into the hall, shackled by an iron chain around his neck. Gu Mang, although tense and wary, briefly locks eyes with Mo Xi but quickly looks away, treating him like any other stranger.

Murong Lian taunts Gu Mang, reminding him of his past under the Murong family and mocking his current state. When Gu Mang tries to escape, he is swiftly recaptured and forcibly bound with magic ropes.

Gu Mang is made to kneel in front of Murong Lian, who strikes him hard across the face and berates him for still not learning obedience after two years.

Murong Lian tries to provoke Mo Xi, suggesting that Mo Xi teach Gu Mang a lesson, referring to their shared history and the fact that Gu Mang once stabbed Mo Xi in the chest. He offers Mo Xi the chance to torture Gu Mang as an act of revenge.

Mo Xi approaches Gu Mang, who struggles against the chains, and takes hold of his jaw, but instead of reacting with cruelty, Mo Xi coldly orders Gu Mang to be taken away, claiming he has no interest in him.

Murong Lian continues to mock Mo Xi, implying that Mo Xi has no desires for either men or women and questioning what kind of person could attract him. Mo Xi brushes off these insinuations.

Murong Lian decides to offer Gu Mang to the others present at the banquet, declaring that if Mo Xi doesn't want him, the other guests can have their "fun" with Gu Mang. The young masters, eager to impress, surround Gu Mang to humiliate him.

Someone throws a piece of food on the floor, and Gu Mang, driven by hunger, picks it up and eats it, prompting laughter and taunts from the crowd. They continue to mock and degrade him, even tricking him with disappearing food and offering him tainted drinks.

When Gu Mang retaliates by spitting out a foul drink, the crowd gets violent, hitting him and restraining him with chains. They escalate the abuse, casting offensive spells and physically beating him, aiming to impress Mo Xi and Murong Lian.

As the situation intensifies, Mo Xi finally reacts. He slams his jade cup onto the table, standing up in anger, his expression dark and furious, signaling that he’s reached his limit.

Mo Xi, seething with anger, stands up abruptly as the crowd mocks and abuses Gu Mang. He struggles with his emotions, almost revealing his feelings but controlling himself at the last second.

Mo Xi reprimands the nobles, criticizing their decorum and calling their behavior despicable for tormenting Gu Mang, a traitor. His words imply that their actions are unbecoming of their rank and status as officials of the Bureau of Military Affairs.

Murong Lian, visibly annoyed, mocks Mo Xi and defends his right to torment Gu Mang, claiming that Gu Mang is his slave and that the nobles are his guests, further insulting the crowd by calling them "dogs."

Mo Xi rebukes Murong Lian for referring to the nobles as his subordinates and reminds him that their loyalty is to the emperor, not to Murong Lian. His warning strikes a nerve, reminding Murong Lian of the limits of his power.

Frustrated and humiliated, Murong Lian summons a spiritual whip and begins mercilessly beating the slaves in the room to vent his anger, causing Mo Xi’s memories of his vow to protect the slaves to resurface.

Flashbacks reveal that Mo Xi had previously sworn a Vow of Calamity, sacrificing ten years of his life to save the slave-born soldiers of the Wangba Army after Gu Mang’s betrayal. Mo Xi’s deep care for these soldiers contrasts with Murong Lian’s cruelty.

Murong Lian, still unsatisfied, turns his attention to Gu Mang. He drags Gu Mang forward and begins to taunt both him and Mo Xi, suggesting that Gu Mang once harbored loyalty toward Mo Xi.

Intoxicated and malicious, Murong Lian proposes a sadistic test for Gu Mang, offering him a choice: either cut off Mo Xi’s arm or allow Murong Lian to mutilate his own face. He forces a dagger into Gu Mang’s hands to see what Gu Mang will choose.

As the tension builds, Mo Xi is torn between stopping Murong Lian and his curiosity about whether Gu Mang truly remembers anything. Mo Xi reflects on whether Gu Mang’s mental deterioration is real or just an act.

The situation escalates as Murong Lian begins counting down, demanding a decision from Gu Mang. Mo Xi watches anxiously, torn between intervening and seeing how Gu Mang will react.

When Murong Lian reaches “three” and moves to slash Gu Mang’s face, Mo Xi reacts too late. Blood spurts as the dagger cuts into Gu Mang’s cheek, leaving Mo Xi horrified.

Murong Lian stabs at Gu Mang, but instead, a protective array activates around Gu Mang, resulting in Murong Lian being injured and his silk robes soaked in blood. Chaos erupts as Murong Lian’s attendants scramble to stop the bleeding.

The crowd is shocked and confused. A young master explains that the array surrounding Gu Mang is triggered by physical attacks like punches and kicks, which releases light swords to protect him. The array is something Gu Mang invented in the past, likely as a joke.

Murong Lian is furious and embarrassed. He orders his attendants to remove Gu Mang and requests new courtesans from Luomei Pavilion, while also decreeing that Gu Mang be punished with eighty lashes and a month of reduced food and drink.

Mo Xi’s attention is drawn to the array and the red lotus sigil on Gu Mang’s neck, which makes him suspicious. Murong Lian notices Mo Xi’s focus on Gu Mang and taunts him, but Mo Xi responds coldly, avoiding further conflict for the moment.

Mo Xi remains silent throughout the feast, watching Gu Mang being taken away with a troubled expression. He later returns home and drinks heavily, contemplating his feelings and his past with Gu Mang.

Mo Xi reflects on his complex relationship with Gu Mang. Despite the betrayal, he recalls how Gu Mang had once been a source of hope and kindness for him when he had lost faith in humanity.

Mo Xi’s housekeeper, Li Wei, reminds him of their long relationship and asks about his bond with Gu Mang. Mo Xi admits that their relationship was complicated, but not one that could be easily explained.

Mo Xi begins to suspect that Gu Mang’s apparent memory loss might be an act, and he quietly asks Li Wei if it’s possible that Gu Mang is pretending, suggesting that there may be more to Gu Mang’s current state than meets the eye.

Mo Xi expresses doubts that Gu Mang's mind is truly broken, believing he may be pretending to have lost his memory. He bases this suspicion on Gu Mang’s decision to let himself be hurt rather than harm Mo Xi when given the choice by Murong Lian.

Li Wei is shocked by Mo Xi’s theory and tries to reason that Gu Mang’s condition was diagnosed by reputable healers. Despite this, Mo Xi cannot shake his suspicion and considers seeking confirmation from Shennong Terrace or Imperial Healer Jiang.

Mo Xi visits the Healer’s Manor, but is told that Medicine Master Jiang is away collecting medicinal supplies and may be gone for months.

Distracted by thoughts of Gu Mang, Mo Xi dreams of a moment from years ago when he realized his feelings for Gu Mang. In the dream, Mo Xi remembers a day after a battle, finding a soldier’s love letter, which stirs feelings within him. These emotions prompt him to search for Gu Mang, but the dream ends before Mo Xi finds him.

The next morning, Mo Xi wakes up from the dream still affected by it. He is informed that Changfeng-jun sent him a gift, but he refuses it, suspecting ulterior motives.

Mo Xi has been spending his free time visiting a tea stand near Luomei Pavilion, where Gu Mang had frequently been seen staring at fish in a pond. Mo Xi eventually realizes that Gu Mang was likely hungry and trying to catch fish to eat due to the reduced rations imposed by Murong Lian.

For the past five days, Gu Mang has not appeared by the pond. Growing anxious, Mo Xi waits at the tea stand, but when Gu Mang doesn’t show up, he crosses the street and heads toward Luomei Pavilion, worried that something might have happened to him.

Mo Xi visits Luomei Pavilion looking for Gu Mang, startling a low-ranked cultivator who is shocked to see him in a brothel.

Mo Xi learns that Gu Mang was locked in a shack as punishment for stealing food, and that he triggered his defensive sword array, injuring a cook in the process.

The cultivator offers to restrain Gu Mang before bringing him to Mo Xi, but Mo Xi insists on seeing Gu Mang alone.

Gu Mang, who had been locked up and starved for five days, appears weak and animalistic, with blue wolf-like eyes—a result of bestial fusion by the Liao Kingdom.

Mo Xi is shaken by the sight of Gu Mang’s transformation and grabs him, noticing that Gu Mang’s sword array activates but does not harm him. Instead, the swords transform into feathers.

Mo Xi reveals that the sword array cannot harm him because he shares control over it. The array, including Gu Mang’s protective sigil, was created by Mo Xi, not Gu Mang.

Mo Xi grabs Gu Mang’s wrist, and Gu Mang pleads for his life, asking Mo Xi not to kill him. Mo Xi reassures him that he won’t hurt him, but is emotionally overwhelmed.

Mo Xi reveals the truth about the sigil: it was created using his own blood, and the array was drawn by his hand. He shares control over it because of their deep connection.

Mo Xi shows Gu Mang the matching sigil on his own neck, revealing that it was made for Gu Mang. His emotions boil over as he expresses his anger and heartbreak, pushing Gu Mang away in despair.

Mo Xi is in a highly emotional state, pacing as he contemplates his feelings for Gu Mang. When Gu Mang reaches out to touch Mo Xi’s lotus sigil, Mo Xi becomes furious, feeling betrayed and hurt.

Mo Xi recalls how Gu Mang once gave him hope and faith, only to take it all away through betrayal. He blames Gu Mang for deceiving and abandoning him, expressing his pent-up feelings of betrayal.

Mo Xi grabs Gu Mang, pushing him against the wall, demanding to know why Gu Mang didn’t stab him a second time at Wangshu Manor. His rage boils over as he questions Gu Mang's motives.

Gu Mang, confused and speaking slowly due to his condition, tries to comfort Mo Xi, asking him not to be sad. This unexpectedly softens Mo Xi, and his anger cools.

Mo Xi reflects on his memories of Gu Mang, including a time when Gu Mang played a terrible tune with his suona after a battle. Despite his lies, Mo Xi still believes Gu Mang cared about him.

Mo Xi finally tells Gu Mang that if he has forgotten everything, it doesn’t matter—Mo Xi will wait for him to remember or tell the truth, even if it takes a long time. However, he warns that if Gu Mang lies to him again, he will make Gu Mang’s life worse than death.

Gu Mang, confused by the phrase "a life worse than death," asks if it means Mo Xi will spare him. Mo Xi replies that he doesn’t beat imbeciles.

Gu Mang, in a moment of vulnerability, thanks Mo Xi for being the only one willing to offer him a life worse than death.

Mo Xi, unexpectedly moved, leaves to get Gu Mang food. Gu Mang hesitates to eat because he feels he owes something in return, but Mo Xi angrily throws the food at him, frustrated by the implication.

Later, Mo Xi returns to his manor, his eyes red from emotion, claiming it’s due to "flying sand." He lies awake, haunted by thoughts of Gu Mang and the possibility that his mind may not be as broken as it seems.

Mo Xi's work keeps him busy, and he avoids frequenting Luomei Pavilion, as it belongs to Murong Lian. However, when passing by, he sees Gu Mang once again squatting by the fish pond, as if nothing had changed.

At the end of the month, as the first heavy snow falls, Mo Xi is approached at his desk by someone asking for a favor, signaling another development in the story.

A low-ranked cultivator asks Mo Xi for help because her daughter was injured by Changfeng-jun’s daughter, leaving files for Mo Xi to sort.

While organizing the files, Mo Xi finds Gu Mang’s academy ethics exam, filled with humorous and irreverent answers, which brings back memories of Gu Mang's youthful personality.

Mo Xi is interrupted by the sudden news of chaos at Luomei Pavilion, where Gu Mang has gone berserk, releasing a burst of malevolent qi and attacking.

Upon arriving at the scene, Mo Xi finds Gu Mang hiding inside Luomei Pavilion, surrounded by soldiers on guard. Despite his shattered spiritual core, Gu Mang's martial abilities and spiritual energy appear overwhelming, leading to suspicion that he's been faking his condition.

Murong Lian arrives and attempts to subdue Gu Mang using chains of blue light, but Gu Mang breaks free and retaliates by unleashing an even more powerful sword array.

As Murong Lian continues to provoke Gu Mang, Gu Mang loses control, summoning an even stronger spiritual energy that overpowers the cultivators. Mo Xi orders Murong Lian to step back as Gu Mang grows increasingly violent.

Gu Mang explains that he’s attacking because he’s hungry, blaming Murong Lian for starving him. As tensions escalate, Gu Mang summons the same demonic weapon he once used to stab Mo Xi.

Mo Xi quickly intervenes to save Murong Lian from being attacked by the demonic dagger, but Mo Xi is injured in the process, taking the hit meant for Murong Lian.

Despite his injury, Mo Xi fights back, using his snake whip, Shuairan, to subdue Gu Mang. He angrily accuses Gu Mang of faking his broken mind and spiritual core, demanding to know why he returned to Chonghua.

As Gu Mang struggles to breathe, Mo Xi grows more enraged, believing that Gu Mang remembers everything and is intentionally deceiving everyone.

Just as Mo Xi is on the verge of strangling Gu Mang, a palace official arrives with an urgent message from the emperor. The emperor has ordered that Gu Mang be taken to the palace to be examined by the nation's best doctors. The official warns Mo Xi and Murong Lian not to execute Gu Mang without the emperor’s permission.

A low-ranked cultivator asks Mo Xi to help organize files so she can tend to her injured daughter.

While sorting the files, Mo Xi finds Gu Mang’s academy ethics exam, filled with humorous answers, which brings back memories of Gu Mang’s past personality.

Mo Xi hears that something has happened at Luomei Pavilion, where Gu Mang has gone berserk, releasing a surge of malevolent qi.

Mo Xi rushes to Luomei Pavilion and finds the streets in chaos. Gu Mang is hiding inside the pavilion, having overpowered the soldiers sent to subdue him.

The soldiers report that despite Gu Mang’s shattered spiritual core, his martial abilities are still extremely strong, leading them to believe he’s been faking his condition.

Murong Lian arrives and uses chains of blue light to capture Gu Mang, dragging him out of hiding. Murong Lian taunts Gu Mang, but Gu Mang retaliates, breaking free from the chains and unleashing a powerful sword array.

Gu Mang's spiritual energy overwhelms the soldiers, forcing Murong Lian to summon water demons to subdue him, but Gu Mang easily destroys them.

Gu Mang attacks Murong Lian, explaining that he’s furious because he’s been starved. He summons fireballs and launches an attack at Murong Lian, but Mo Xi steps in and creates a sandy barrier to protect him.

Mo Xi orders Murong Lian to get behind him, but Murong Lian hesitates, causing Gu Mang’s demonic dagger to almost hit him. Mo Xi pushes Murong Lian out of the way and takes the hit himself, getting stabbed in the abdomen.

Despite the injury, Mo Xi fights back, using his snake whip, Shuairan, to bind Gu Mang. Mo Xi accuses Gu Mang of remembering everything and faking his broken mind and spiritual core.

As Mo Xi strangles Gu Mang, the palace official arrives with an order from the emperor, instructing that Gu Mang be taken to the palace to be examined by the nation’s best doctors. She warns that Gu Mang must not be executed without the emperor’s permission.

The Great Hall is filled with nobles, healers, and palace officials as the emperor listens to the report about Gu Mang’s condition after his berserk episode.

Gu Mang is restrained and unconscious under a hypnosis spell, and the emperor questions the Shennong Terrace healers about the situation.

The healers confirm that Gu Mang’s spiritual core is shattered, but there is powerful malevolent qi in his chest, which caused his frenzy.

The emperor refuses the suggestion to kill Gu Mang to dissect him for study, calling the healers “useless trash” and ordering them to find another solution.

Murong Lian suggests that Gu Mang’s mind might not be fully broken, insinuating that Gu Mang may still have his memories. The Shennong Terrace elder explains that strong emotions can cause someone to summon a weapon even without their memory.

Nobles call for Gu Mang’s execution, arguing that he’s too dangerous to be kept alive. The emperor dismisses their demands, saying that Gu Mang is more valuable alive for studying the Liao Kingdom’s dark magic.

The emperor explains that keeping Gu Mang alive may help Chonghua understand the Liao Kingdom’s demonic techniques, which could be crucial for future conflicts.

Murong Lian offers to take Gu Mang into custody at his manor, claiming it would be safer than keeping him at Luomei Pavilion after his recent rampage.

Mo Xi objects, insisting that he should take Gu Mang into custody instead, arguing that Murong Lian is not capable of controlling him if Gu Mang goes berserk again.

Murong Lian accuses Mo Xi of wanting to protect Gu Mang rather than punish him, hinting at Mo Xi’s past relationship with Gu Mang.

Mo Xi defends his stance, claiming that he nearly killed Gu Mang during their earlier fight and has no intention of protecting him.

Murong Lian continues to press, bringing up Mo Xi’s recent visit to Luomei Pavilion, suggesting that Mo Xi's actions were not about revenge but about his personal feelings for Gu Mang.

Tensions rise as Murong Lian implies that Mo Xi is still emotionally attached to Gu Mang, causing a stir among the nobles.

Murong Lian argues that if Mo Xi takes Gu Mang into his manor, he might secretly aid him again. The emperor hesitates, unsure of how to proceed, while Mo Xi becomes increasingly angry.

Mo Xi challenges Murong Lian’s accusations and declares his intent to take Gu Mang into his custody, despite Murong Lian’s protests.

Murong Lian taunts Mo Xi, trying to intimidate him by using his imperial bloodline, but Mo Xi remains calm and defiant, stating he will not allow Murong Lian to take Gu Mang.

The two exchange sharp words, with Murong Lian accusing Mo Xi of secretly protecting Gu Mang, while Mo Xi denies any lingering affection for Gu Mang, reminding everyone of the scar and betrayal.

Mo Xi kneels before the emperor, requesting custody of Gu Mang, citing his knowledge of Gu Mang’s spells and Murong Lian's failure to control him.

Before the emperor can decide, an urgent report interrupts the proceedings: a massacre has taken place at the Mansion of Beauties, and Official Yu of Chengtian Terrace is among the dead.

The culprit left a cryptic message in blood: “This humble one is lonely; sincerely seeking wives.”

Shocked by the massacre, the emperor declares that whoever solves the case and captures the culprit first will be allowed to take Gu Mang into custody as a reward.

Both Mo Xi and Murong Lian accept the challenge, turning Gu Mang into a prize for solving the crime.

At the crime scene, Mo Xi and Murong Lian investigate. The dead include prostitutes, clients, and employees. Five prostitutes are missing, presumed taken by the killer.

Elder Yu’s body shows signs of black magic, with his eyes and heart removed, which leads Mo Xi to suspect the work of a cannibalistic vengeful ghost, though the message left behind seems too coherent for a typical vengeful ghost.

As they investigate further, a report arrives from Luomei Pavilion: a bedridden cook, injured a month ago by Gu Mang, has escaped during Gu Mang’s rampage.

Murong Lian is furious, realizing that the cook, originally from the Liao Kingdom, could be involved in a larger plot and might have planned the escape with Gu Mang.

Murong Lian orders an investigation into the cook’s background and rushes to the palace to warn the emperor, fearing that Gu Mang and the cook are working together in a conspiracy.

Murong Lian rushes to the palace to inform the emperor of his suspicions that Gu Mang and the escaped cook might be colluding in a larger plot.

The emperor dismisses Murong Lian's concerns, assuring him that the palace is well-guarded and even suggests moving Gu Mang to the prison for added security.

Murong Lian requests permission to interrogate Gu Mang, including the use of torture if necessary. The emperor grants permission but warns him not to overdo it and to avoid causing further disputes with Mo Xi.

As dawn breaks, news of the massacre at the Mansion of Beauties spreads throughout the imperial capital, becoming the talk of the town with various exaggerated and lurid rumors.

Citizens speculate wildly about the killer, with some believing it to be a vengeful ghost or a lecherous murderer who abducted women for his own desires.

Yue Chenqing, a carefree young master, hears the rumors and mocks the exaggerated tales, humorously downplaying the killer's supposed virility and pointing out the absurdity of the stories.

In Wangshu Manor, Murong Lian interrogates a servant who shared a room with the escaped cook from Luomei Pavilion.

The servant reveals that the cook was brought to Luomei Pavilion five years ago, was quiet and creepy, and had a reputation in the Liao Kingdom as a lecher who even slept with his sworn brother's wife.

Murong Lian concludes that the cook is a pervert and possibly the murderer, suspecting that he took the five missing prostitutes to fulfill his own desires.

Determined to get answers, Murong Lian decides to personally interrogate Gu Mang in the prison's Chamber of Ice.

Meanwhile, Mo Xi continues his investigation at the crime scene, examining the wounds on the victims and noting peculiarities.

He discovers that some of the victims bear wounds consistent with the Water-Parting Sword technique, which is associated with the righteous swordsman Li Qingqian.

Mo Xi is skeptical that Li Qingqian or his younger brother could be involved, as it doesn't fit their character or timeline, given the difficulty of mastering the sword technique.

Mo Xi also observes that the five missing prostitutes are not the most beautiful ones, suggesting that the killer's motive was not driven by lust, and that the message left at the crime scene might be a red herring.

A servant from Xihe Manor arrives to inform Mo Xi that Murong Lian has gone to interrogate Gu Mang alone in the Chamber of Ice.

The servant reports that Gu Mang has been tortured, and Mo Xi, alarmed by this news, immediately abandons his investigation and rushes to the prison.

Mo Xi's concern for Gu Mang indicates deeper feelings and a fear that Murong Lian's actions might have severe consequences.

The chapter ends with Mo Xi hurrying to the prison to confront Murong Lian and to check on Gu Mang's condition.

The Chamber of Ice, a prison cell designed for severe punishment and interrogation, was dark, cold, and filled with the lingering pain of countless tortured souls.

Gu Mang lay on a stone bed, severely wounded and close to death after enduring Murong Lian’s torture. Blood covered his white prisoner’s robes.

Mo Xi arrived at the Chamber of Ice, insisting on seeing Gu Mang despite the warden’s warnings that he was unconscious and critically injured.

Inside, Mo Xi found Gu Mang in a horrific state, his face pale and eyes unseeing. The Draught of Confession and Soul-Recording Spell used on Gu Mang had not worked, leaving him physically and mentally devastated.

Mo Xi silently observed the damage inflicted on Gu Mang, feeling a deep pain as he recalled their past and wondered how many times Gu Mang had endured such torture while he was away.

Despite knowing that helping Gu Mang could put him at risk, Mo Xi decided to heal him personally. He passed his spiritual energy into Gu Mang’s body to stop the bleeding and help him recover, showing his conflicting feelings of hatred, attachment, and guilt.

As Mo Xi held Gu Mang, Gu Mang began to mutter incoherently in his unconscious state, expressing confusion and fear. He then mumbled tearfully, “I want... a home,” which shocked Mo Xi.

This phrase triggered memories of their past. Mo Xi remembered a moment when Gu Mang had whispered the same desire after an intimate encounter, revealing his vulnerability and longing for a place to call his own.

Mo Xi had promised to give Gu Mang a home, swearing that he would use all his achievements to win the right to be with him, despite Gu Mang’s apparent disbelief in such promises.

The chapter ends with Mo Xi, deeply heartbroken, holding the unconscious Gu Mang and recalling his youthful, earnest promise to build a home for the man he loved.

Mo Xi exited the Chamber of Ice, leaving Gu Mang behind after personally healing his injuries and covering him with his black-and-gold fur coat.

The warden, fearing the worst, was surprised to find Gu Mang alive and covered by Mo Xi’s coat. The warden and his disciples speculated on Mo Xi’s motives but were too scared to speak openly.

Mo Xi, lost in thought and emotion over Gu Mang’s muttered wish for "a home," walked the streets of the capital, determined to secure Gu Mang from Murong Lian’s custody after the current investigation concluded.

On his way, Mo Xi heard a scream and discovered that a man in black had broken into a tavern, injuring Yue Chenqing and kidnapping a tavern maid named Xiao-Cui.

Yue Chenqing explained the situation to Mo Xi, adding that the attacker used a strange demonic technique and bore a familiar aura. He also wondered if this man was related to the Mansion of Beauties murder case.

Mo Xi inspected Yue Chenqing’s wound and identified it as caused by the Water-Parting Sword, which puzzled him as the sword’s wielder, Li Qingqian, was known for his righteousness.

Yue Chenqing drew a portrait of Xiao-Cui, adding a detail about an eye mole, which Mo Xi connected to one of the missing women from the Mansion of Beauties, furthering his theory that the kidnapper was seeking women with specific features.

Mo Xi instructed Yue Chenqing to inform the Bureau of Public Safety to offer protection to women with these characteristics.

Back at Xihe Manor, Mo Xi received portraits of other missing women and confirmed the similarities between them, reinforcing his belief that the “rapist” had a specific pattern in selecting victims.

Meanwhile, fear spread through the capital as more cultivators and women went missing, prompting the populace to seek protection from talismans sold by the Yue Clan.

One night, Mo Xi's tracking ring, linked to Gu Mang, suddenly activated, indicating that Gu Mang had been drugged and taken toward Warrior Soul Mountain, the resting place of Chonghua’s heroes.

Simultaneously, the capital’s warning bell rang, signaling that a dangerous criminal, Gu Mang, had escaped from prison.

Mo Xi rushed to Warrior Soul Mountain after realizing that Gu Mang had escaped. Upon arriving, he found two dead cultivators at the mountain’s entrance, killed in the same manner as Elder Yu, with their hearts and eyes taken.

Mo Xi entered the mountain and encountered a thick mist, a product of the "Dream of Longing" technique, which manipulates desires into illusions. He realized Gu Mang was trapped within this illusion and entered the mist to find him.

Inside the mist, a mysterious man began speaking to Mo Xi. The man claimed responsibility for the Mansion of Beauties murders, confirmed he had posed as a storyteller, and mocked Mo Xi’s investigation. He hinted that he had used Gu Mang as a pawn, taking advantage of his broken mind and the tracking talisman Mo Xi had placed on him.

The man revealed that Gu Mang was a valuable soldier, even with his spiritual core broken, and he refused to hand him over to Mo Xi. He also taunted Mo Xi about his past relationship with Gu Mang, hinting that he knew personal details about their connection.

The mysterious man activated the Dream of Longing illusion to trap Mo Xi, saying he had drugged Gu Mang to further control him. Mo Xi, furious and worried, realized the man intended to exploit Gu Mang’s fragile state.

The illusion shifted, and Mo Xi found himself outside Wangshu Manor, a place tied to Gu Mang’s past. Mo Xi realized the illusion was drawing on Gu Mang’s memories and fixations, especially those related to his time at Wangshu Manor, hinting that a traumatic event was being recreated within the dreamscape. Mo Xi rushed toward a specific corner of the manor, fearing what he might find.

Mo Xi followed the tracking talisman to Wangshu Manor, specifically to a room where he and Gu Mang had once shared intimate moments. The talisman pointed to this location, where Gu Mang was inside, drugged and overwhelmed by lust due to the influence of the Dream of Longing spell.

Mo Xi reflected on their past trysts in Wangshu Manor, recalling how Murong Lian had taken credit for Gu Mang's battlefield achievements, leaving Gu Mang as a mere slave. Mo Xi had been desperate to see Gu Mang, leading to secret, intense encounters.

During their past trysts, Mo Xi had struggled with the fact that Gu Mang was bound to Murong Lian by a slave collar, a symbol of ownership that deeply angered him. Despite their passionate encounters, Gu Mang's position as Murong Lian’s property weighed heavily on Mo Xi.

Mo Xi remembered the emotional intensity of their relationship, where both men expressed their feelings through physical intimacy, with Gu Mang teasing and provoking Mo Xi during their encounters.

In the present, Mo Xi realized that the Dream of Longing had drawn from Gu Mang’s memories, recreating a place from their past filled with desire and vulnerability. He knew that if he didn't intervene, Gu Mang could be trapped in the illusion forever, but if he engaged too fully, the illusion could strengthen.

Mo Xi decided to act cautiously, trying to keep Gu Mang grounded while stalling for time until reinforcements arrived. He entered the room, prepared for whatever awaited him.

As soon as Mo Xi opened the door, Gu Mang, drugged and overwhelmed, grabbed him and pushed him against the wall, kissing him desperately.

Mo Xi followed the tracking talisman to a servant’s room in Wangshu Manor, a place where he and Gu Mang had shared intimate encounters in the past. He suspected Gu Mang, drugged with aphrodisiac, would be driven by lust.

Mo Xi recalled their past trysts, where Gu Mang had been bound to Murong Lian by a slave collar, which frustrated and angered him deeply. Despite their intense physical connection, Gu Mang's status as Murong Lian’s slave weighed heavily on Mo Xi.

Gu Mang, drugged and overwhelmed by the illusion, kissed Mo Xi. Although Mo Xi felt the pull of desire, he fought to maintain control, knowing the illusion was manipulating his emotions.

Mo Xi attempted to knock Gu Mang unconscious to stop the escalating situation, only to find out that the Gu Mang in bed was an illusion. The real Gu Mang appeared, holding a dagger and attacking Mo Xi.

The phantom revealed that Mo Xi had been tricked into thinking Gu Mang had been drugged and lured him into the illusion. Mo Xi struggled to determine whether the Gu Mang fighting him was real or another illusion, all while being taunted by the phantom.

Mo Xi realized that this was the real Gu Mang, controlled by malevolent qi. They exchanged several blows before Mo Xi managed to subdue Gu Mang by binding him with Shuairan, his holy weapon.

The Dream of Longing began to collapse as reinforcements arrived, including Yue Chenqing and Murong Lian. The phantom taunted Mo Xi, claiming victory was still undecided.

Mo Xi and the group ventured into a cave, where the phantom was hiding. Yue Chenqing tried to assist by offering Mo Xi an immobility talisman from his fourth uncle, which he slapped onto Gu Mang’s forehead to restrain him as they prepared to confront the phantom.

Yue Chenqing immobilized Gu Mang with a powerful immobility talisman. Mo Xi insisted they couldn't leave Gu Mang behind, so Yue used an enchanted bamboo warrior to carry him.

Mo Xi, Yue Chenqing, and Murong Lian entered the cave, suspecting the phantom was hiding inside to regain his strength.

The trio found evidence of the phantom's presence, including dried blood and clothing scraps from previous victims.

They reached a dangerous karst bridge over a deep gorge, and Mo Xi carried Gu Mang across using his exceptional qinggong skills.

On the other side, they saw jade-green magical light coming from a cave up ahead, indicating the phantom’s presence.

They discovered a creepy poem written on the cave wall, warning of a deadly ghost that laughs three times before sealing its victim's fate.

Suddenly, a group of female corpses dressed in red robes appeared, including a dead woman named Cui, whom Yue Chenqing recognized from a teahouse. Terrified of ghosts, Yue panicked and clung to Murong Lian.

Miss Cui giggled twice, and Yue remembered the poem, realizing she would kill him if she laughed a third time.

Murong Lian frustratedly dealt with the situation by shoving his pipe into the ghost’s mouth before she could finish her third laugh, while chastising Yue Chenqing for his fear.

Yue Chenqing, terrified of the ghosts in the cave, clung to Murong Lian, who kicked him away in frustration.

More female corpses in red robes and golden brocade shoes, all wearing bloody smiles, began to appear. These ghosts resembled the murdered women from previous incidents.

While Mo Xi and Murong Lian fought off the corpses, Yue Chenqing was attacked by a ghost who let out a third laugh, a sign from the poem that her fate-sealing attack was imminent.

Before the ghost could harm Yue Chenqing, the bamboo warrior tied to Gu Mang came to life and intervened, defeating the ghost in combat.

Gu Mang, tied to the bamboo warrior, absorbed the malevolent qi from the ghosts, causing them to collapse and wither. The corpses submitted to Gu Mang, begging for mercy.

Murong Lian accused Gu Mang of being in league with the phantom and tried to harm him. Mo Xi intervened, stopping Murong Lian and defending Gu Mang.

Murong Lian argued that Mo Xi was biased and reminded him of Gu Mang’s betrayal, even bringing up Mo Xi's father's death.

Despite Murong Lian’s provocations, Mo Xi remained composed, pushing him away and continuing deeper into the cave.

The group reached the final cave, where a green light revealed a God-Repelling Array from the Liao Kingdom. Mo Xi began the lengthy process of breaking through the barrier.

As the barrier faded, the phantom's voice welcomed them inside, signaling the next confrontation.

The cave where Mo Xi, Murong Lian, Yue Chenqing, and Gu Mang found themselves was filled with the remains of corpses and signs of horrific rituals.

They discovered the "rapist," who turned out to be a malevolent spirit resembling a pale-skinned man consuming a woman's soul.

Mo Xi recognized the man as Li Qingqian, a swordsman he had met years ago, but something felt off about his behavior.

Yue Chenqing identified Li Qingqian as a sword spirit, an entity formed when a human soul is trapped inside a weapon, and the spirit retains both its human form and obsessions.

The group realized that the sword spirit was incredibly dangerous and needed to find the sword that housed his true form to defeat him.

Murong Lian and Yue Chenqing discovered that Li Qingqian’s true form—his sword—was in Murong Lian’s possession, among the confiscated weapons stored in his qiankun pouch.

Murong Lian explained that these weapons, taken from prisoners, were stored in Luomei Pavilion with their spirits suppressed by a pool and barriers. However, Li Qingqian had managed to escape, becoming a free sword spirit.

Meanwhile, Mo Xi fought Li Qingqian, who attempted to blackmail him by threatening to reveal secrets about Mo Xi’s past with Gu Mang.

Mo Xi remained unfazed by the threats and continued to fight, summoning Shuairan, his powerful weapon, to fend off Li Qingqian.

The bamboo warrior, tied to Gu Mang, wanted to help but was restrained by Mo Xi, who placed a protective barrier around Gu Mang to keep him safe.

Behind the stalagmites, Yue Chenqing and Murong Lian searched through the pile of confiscated weapons to locate Li Qingqian’s true form, the key to defeating him.

Murong Lian explained that during Gu Mang's confinement, he had knelt by the Qingquan Pool and tried to catch fish, attracting the attention of Li Qingqian’s sword spirit.

Li Qingqian, still weak at the time, took temporary control of Gu Mang's body to injure a Liao Kingdom cook, preparing the cook's body as a vessel for future possession.

Yue Chenqing identified the true form of Li Qingqian's sword spirit: the Hong Shao Sword, which Murong Lian had unknowingly kept in his collection.

Yue Chenqing began a complicated ritual to destroy the Hong Shao Sword, but it was a difficult task and required precision.

As Yue Chenqing worked, Li Qingqian fought Mo Xi and, in desperation, used a high-level Liao Kingdom Demon-Summoning Talisman to awaken the malevolent qi in Gu Mang.

Gu Mang broke free from his restraints and, under the influence of the talisman, followed Li Qingqian's orders to kill Mo Xi. However, Mo Xi managed to hold his ground and continue fighting.

Li Qingqian, weakened and faltering, was being overwhelmed. In his last-ditch effort, he called Gu Mang to take the sword, but Mo Xi stopped him.

Confused by the conflicting commands from both Li Qingqian and Mo Xi, Gu Mang expressed his intent to "want" Mo Xi first before taking the sword, though it was clear he was under the curse's influence.

Mo Xi restrained Gu Mang and used his extensive knowledge of Liao Kingdom techniques to begin lifting the curse, even as Gu Mang struggled violently.

Mo Xi’s internal conflict about his feelings for Gu Mang surfaced as he restrained him, and he fought the urge to give in to his long-suppressed desires.

Despite Gu Mang's resistance, Mo Xi continued to focus on removing the curse, knowing it would be painful for Gu Mang but necessary to save him.

Mo Xi started the painful process of freeing Gu Mang from the Demon-Summoning Talisman. The agony was overwhelming for Gu Mang, who eventually broke down, crying and convulsing.

As the pain increased, Gu Mang instinctively bit Mo Xi’s shoulder, something he had done in the past. Mo Xi allowed it, knowing Gu Mang needed the release.

Gu Mang whispered that he was in pain, a rare and vulnerable moment, which stirred Mo Xi’s emotions, but he refocused on removing the curse.

Gu Mang eventually passed out from the pain, and Mo Xi placed him in the care of the bamboo warrior before returning to help the others.

Yue Chenqing’s sword-destroying incantation weakened Li Qingqian, but Li Qingqian continued to fight despite his deteriorating condition.

Mo Xi questioned Li Qingqian about his past and the events at Maiden’s Lament Mountain, but Li Qingqian responded with madness, refusing to give a coherent answer.

As Yue Chenqing recited the final part of the incantation, the Hong Shao Sword reacted violently, breaking free of its restraints and returning to Li Qingqian’s hand.

Yue Chenqing’s attempt to destroy the sword backfired, and Li Qingqian regained strength, fusing with the sword and becoming nearly invincible.

Mo Xi was unable to defeat Li Qingqian in his new, powerful form. Murong Lian accused Mo Xi of protecting Gu Mang, but Mo Xi defended his actions, knowing the dangers of Gu Mang’s malevolent qi.

Just as it seemed Li Qingqian would escape, the bamboo warrior, controlled by an unknown power, blocked his path.

A white-robed cultivator with an imposing aura appeared—the master of the bamboo warrior, Murong Chuyi, who is also Murong Lian’s brother, one of Chonghua's most powerful figures.

Murong Chuyi, known as the "Ignorant Immortal," was aloof, indifferent to good and evil, and dedicated solely to his work of crafting powerful weaponry. He was often detached from the world, uninterested in friends or family.

Yue Chenqing, excited to see Murong Chuyi (his "Fourth Uncle"), eagerly tried to hug him, but Murong Chuyi coldly dodged his approach, focusing instead on trapping Li Qingqian's sword spirit with his horsetail whisk.

Murong Chuyi effortlessly used a talisman and incantation to break Li Qingqian’s sword, shattering it into fragments with one try, while Yue Chenqing had failed despite multiple attempts.

The sword spirit of Li Qingqian, instead of dissipating as it should have, escaped as a cloud of black mist. Murong Chuyi calmly remarked that they couldn’t catch up to it.

Yue Chenqing asked questions about the sword spirit, and Murong Chuyi explained that Li Qingqian had become a sword demon due to deep obsession, meaning the spirit would only dissipate if the obsession was resolved.

Murong Chuyi suggested talking to the sword demon to resolve its obsession, then invited the group to return to Yue Manor to discuss further.

Despite Yue Chenqing’s enthusiastic devotion to his cold Fourth Uncle, Murong Chuyi treated him indifferently, barely acknowledging him.

Mo Xi observed how, despite Jiang Yexue's kindness, Yue Chenqing preferred Murong Chuyi’s coldness, and this reminded Mo Xi of his own lingering feelings toward Gu Mang despite Gu Mang’s betrayals.

Yue Manor was a highly secretive place, with Murong Chuyi’s private areas being the most impenetrable. His artificing workshop was so well-guarded that not even the Emperor could access it.

The group arrived at Yue Manor, where Yue Chenqing’s paternal uncle scolded him but was shocked to see Murong Chuyi out in public, as he rarely left his private quarters.

Murong Lian mocked Uncle Yue, while Uncle Yue struggled to recognize Wangshu-jun (Murong Lian) and Xihe-jun (Mo Xi), eventually apologizing for his mistake.

Uncle Yue was also astonished to see Gu Mang tied to a bamboo warrior and unconscious.

Murong Lian, amused, teased Uncle Yue about his poor eyesight and advised him to visit Medicine Master Jiang for treatment.

Murong Lian asked for a pipe, but Murong Chuyi forbade open flames in his courtyard, stating it would "blow up," further emphasizing the danger and mystery surrounding his artificing workshop.

The group followed Murong Chuyi into the deepest, most secret part of Yue Manor, where they stopped at a full-moon door protected by a complex star-formation lock. Murong Chuyi effortlessly navigated the lock mechanism, unlocking it with a key given by wooden figurines.

Murong Chuyi invited the group to enter after unlocking the door, leaving Yue Chenqing and the others in awe of the intricate defenses surrounding his workshop.

Mo Xi saw the chaotic and dangerous state of Murong Chuyi’s courtyard, filled with armor pieces, bamboo warriors, and hazardous materials, which explained why open flame was prohibited.

Murong Chuyi led the group to the Dream-Transfiguring Pool, a special pond that turned gold when spiritual items were thrown in.

Murong Chuyi explained that drinking from the pool would allow them to dream of past events related to the Hong Shao Sword.

Mo Xi asked what would happen to Gu Mang while they slept, and Murong Chuyi activated a protective formation using bamboo warriors to guard him.

Murong Chuyi, Mo Xi, Murong Lian, and Yue Chenqing drank from the pool and fell into a shared dream.

They entered a memory of Li Qingqian, around the age of twenty, practicing swordsmanship with a young girl named Hong Shao.

Hong Shao was playful and had a close bond with Li Qingqian, having traveled together for over three years.

Despite their obvious affection for each other, neither Li Qingqian nor Hong Shao knew how to express their feelings, leading to awkward interactions.

One night, Hong Shao, drunk on wine, attempted to hold Li Qingqian’s hand, but became too nervous to confess her feelings and instead suggested an arm-wrestling match as an excuse.

Li Qingqian was equally unsure of how to express his feelings, believing he was too poor and serious for someone as lively as Hong Shao.

Hong Shao had been saved by Li Qingqian when she was a young girl during a famine, and she was deeply attached to him, refusing to leave his side despite his attempts to send her to a healer’s hall.

Hong Shao, desperate not to be abandoned, cried and begged Li Qingqian to let her stay with him, expressing her fear of being sold or sent to another household.

Li Qingqian’s backstory revealed that he had witnessed his parents’ murder as a child during a demon attack. He had hidden in a closet with his baby brother, trying to protect him while hearing their parents being killed.

After their parents' deaths, cultivators had considered killing Li Qingqian and his brother, but they were saved by a mysterious figure in green who killed the attackers.

Li Qingqian recalled the mysterious green-robed cultivator who had saved him and his brother during a demon attack and given him medicine and a sword cultivation manual.

Years later, Hong Shao became sick after being infected by demonic miasma near the Liao Kingdom.

Li Qingqian desperately sought medicine, but it was too expensive, and most doctors refused to help him without payment.

Hong Shao remained bedridden, becoming weak and thin. Despite her condition, she tried to comfort Li Qingqian by joking about saving money by eating less.

Li Qingqian was emotionally overwhelmed and broke down crying outside the hut, feeling powerless and unable to protect Hong Shao.

He wandered through the Liao Kingdom market, buying what little medicine he could afford, but with only one dose left, he didn’t know how to help her further.

Li Qingqian overheard an announcement that girls resembling a portrait of a woman, who looked like Hong Shao, would be taken to the palace as priestesses and their families would receive money.

The Liao Kingdom cultivator confirmed that even a girl with demonic miasma would be accepted if she met the appearance criteria.

Li Qingqian, feeling desperate, considered the idea of sending Hong Shao to the palace to save her life with medicine, as he couldn’t afford it himself.

He wandered to a market stall selling trinkets and was humiliated when he couldn’t afford even the cheapest item to bring back for Hong Shao.

Deeply ashamed and humiliated, Li Qingqian fled the city, unable to lift his head, and spent hours in a roadside pavilion, wrestling with his decision.

By dusk, he returned to the hut, where a feverish Hong Shao called out to him weakly from her bed, unaware of the turmoil Li Qingqian was going through.

Li Qingqian returned home with a red peony for Hong Shao, who was overjoyed despite her illness.

Li Qingqian braided Hong Shao's hair and pinned the peony in, but couldn't meet her eyes, hiding his guilt.

Li Qingqian told Hong Shao about the guoshi’s search for priestesses who looked like her, and how she could be healed if she went.

Hong Shao burst into tears, refusing to go, accusing Li Qingqian of abandoning her like everyone else.

Despite her pleas, Li Qingqian coldly insisted she should go, masking his heartbreak with harsh words.

Hong Shao was devastated but resigned, realizing she had no choice as a low-born girl.

Hong Shao ascended the stage to meet her new fate as a priestess while Li Qingqian walked away, never turning to say goodbye.

After Hong Shao left, Li Qingqian gave away most of the gold he received, living in regret and mastering his Water-Parting Sword.

Li Qingqian exorcised vengeful ghosts on Maiden's Lament Mountain, where hundreds of girls, similar in appearance to Hong Shao, had been sacrificed.

As he released the ghosts, his fear grew that one of them might be Hong Shao.

The final ghost revealed itself as Hong Shao in wedding attire, confirming that she had been sacrificed by the Liao Kingdom.

Overwhelmed by grief, Li Qingqian realized he had been deceived and Hong Shao had died because he sent her away.

Li Qingqian spent a day with Hong Shao's ghost, sobbing and confessing his regrets.

He performed the rebirth mantra to send Hong Shao's spirit away, painfully watching her depart.

Li Qingqian was consumed by guilt and anger, vowing to take revenge on the Liao Kingdom for their betrayal.

He returned to the Liao Kingdom, slaughtered the guards, and stormed into the guoshi’s hall, seeking vengeance.

Li Qingqian stormed Guoshi Hall seeking vengeance for Hong Shao and the maidens sacrificed at Phoenix Feather Mountain.

The Liao Kingdom’s guoshi greeted Li Qingqian calmly, playing a qin made from human skin and hair, with human eyes embedded in it.

Li Qingqian accused the guoshi of burying the maidens alive as sacrifices, but the guoshi denied it, mocking him for being naive.

The guoshi revealed that he didn’t sacrifice the women to a mountain god but buried them for his own amusement, because they resembled a woman he once loved and hated.

The guoshi explained his obsession with a former priestess who had betrayed him, which led to his twisted revenge by marrying and killing women who looked like her.

Li Qingqian, horrified by the guoshi’s twisted logic and evil actions, attacked him using his perfected Water-Parting Sword technique.

The guoshi easily nullified Li Qingqian’s powerful strike, revealing that he was the one who had originally written the Water-Parting Sword manual that Li Qingqian had learned from.

The guoshi pinned Li Qingqian to a pillar, confirming that he was the green-clothed cultivator who had saved Li Qingqian and his brother years ago.

After mocking Li Qingqian, the guoshi brutally killed him, ripping out his heart and organs while laughing maniacally.

The guoshi dragged Li Qingqian’s corpse out of the hall, reciting lines from the Water-Parting Sword manual in a crazed manner.

The vision ended, and Mo Xi woke up from the Dream-Transfiguring Pool, reflecting on the tragedy of Li Qingqian and Hong Shao’s story.

Mo Xi thought about the cruel fate that had separated lovers and how destiny often crushed relationships through poverty, illness, or other trials.

Murong Chuyi and Mo Xi discussed how the sword demon Li Qingqian was acting under the guoshi’s influence and driven by his obsession with the "peerless beauty."

Mo Xi concluded that Li Qingqian would not leave Chonghua and would continue to pursue women who resembled the "peerless beauty."

Mo Xi asked Yue Chenqing if he knew who had been considered the most beautiful maiden in Chonghua ten years ago, implying that this woman might be the key to stopping Li Qingqian’s madness.

Yue Chenqing revealed that the peerless beauty from ten years ago was Su Yurou, who married Jiang Fuli, Chonghua’s wealthiest merchant.

Mo Xi realized that Li Qingqian’s next target was likely the Jiang residence, given his obsession with Su Yurou.

A massive fire broke out in the eastern market, and Mo Xi and Yue Chenqing rushed to the scene, suspecting it was caused by Li Qingqian.

The fire, spread by demonic flames, had engulfed the entire market. Mo Xi used his powerful holy weapon, Tuntian, to summon rain and extinguish the fire, leaving the crowd in awe of his strength.

Li Qingqian, completely overtaken by the guoshi’s influence and demonic energy, demanded that Su Yurou be handed over, blaming her for Hong Shao’s death.

Amidst the chaos, Madam Jiang (Su Yurou) arrived, having been summoned by Murong Chuyi, and offered to speak privately with Li Qingqian.

Madam Jiang whispered something to Li Qingqian that caused him to break down in shock and disbelief, claiming his hatred had been misplaced all along.

She then lifted her veil, revealing her face to Li Qingqian, which confirmed whatever she had told him. This revelation shattered his obsession, leading to his collapse.

Li Qingqian’s demonic form dissolved into a pool of blood, his vengeance undone by Madam Jiang’s words and her appearance.

Everyone was left wondering what Madam Jiang had said to him, but Mo Xi concluded that the truth was too complex and unnecessary to pursue further.

Madam Jiang apologized to the crowd and promised reparations for the damage caused by Li Qingqian’s rampage before departing.

Yue Chenqing noticed that many of the poor homes in the eastern market had been protected by the Yue Clan’s Talisman of Indestructibility, likely given out by Jiang Yexue, Jiang Fuli’s frail and kind-hearted brother.

Yue Chenqing felt conflicted about Jiang Yexue’s actions, torn between his admiration for his uncle’s compassion and the cynical view that Jiang Yexue was simply seeking attention.

After Li Qingqian’s defeat, the emperor needed to decide who would take responsibility for Gu Mang. Since neither Jiang Manor nor Murong Chuyi wanted to be involved, the emperor assigned Gu Mang to Mo Xi.

Mo Xi went to Yue Manor to collect Gu Mang. Murong Chuyi mentioned hearing Gu Mang say the name "Lu Zhanxing" in his sleep, raising doubts about Gu Mang’s claimed memory loss.

Mo Xi found Gu Mang hiding under the bed in the eastern bedroom. When Gu Mang tried to escape, Mo Xi restrained him, eventually having him gagged and bound by a bamboo warrior.

As Mo Xi transported Gu Mang back to his manor, seeing Gu Mang in this restrained state triggered memories of their past intimate relationship, causing Mo Xi to wrestle with conflicting emotions of desire and resentment.

Upon arrival at the manor, Mo Xi considered how to handle Gu Mang and enlisted his servant, Li Wei, for advice. Li Wei suggested keeping Gu Mang busy with menial tasks as a way to monitor him and potentially expose any deception regarding his memory loss.

Mo Xi reluctantly agreed with Li Wei’s suggestion but asked him to manage Gu Mang's living arrangements and duties. Despite being wary of Gu Mang, Mo Xi trusted the alarm sigil placed on him to alert him to any threats.

Mo Xi was frustrated by the lack of progress in integrating Gu Mang into Xihe Manor. Li Wei suggested that Gu Mang was still too wary and unsettled in his new surroundings, comparing him to a skittish cat.

Gu Mang spent his days hiding in strange places like the rice barrel in the granary, avoiding contact with others. Mo Xi found him there and, exasperated, engaged in a brief but silent standoff with Gu Mang, who tried to hide again after being discovered.

Gu Mang's second favorite hiding spot was the wine cellar. Mo Xi decided not to bother him there, deeming it too dark to be worth his time.

Mo Xi observed Gu Mang’s peculiar behavior at night, often catching him foraging for food like a bear. One night, he saw Gu Mang overloaded with food, including steamed buns, sausages, and corn. Gu Mang struggled to carry everything, constantly dropping corncobs and repeating the process of picking them up, only to drop more.

Unable to watch the ridiculous scene any longer, Mo Xi yelled at Gu Mang, prompting him to retaliate by throwing corn at Mo Xi before running off. Mo Xi was furious, and his servants were bewildered by the scene.

Mo Xi spent the next day burning baskets of corn in frustration, but as time passed, Gu Mang became more relaxed in Xihe Manor, slowly lowering his guard and occasionally sunbathing in the courtyard.

One afternoon, while Mo Xi was meditating, Gu Mang climbed a tree to pick berries and accidentally dropped some on Mo Xi’s head. Furious, Mo Xi demanded that Gu Mang come down, but Gu Mang simply ignored him and climbed higher into the tree.

Weeks passed with Mo Xi growing more accustomed to Gu Mang's antics, until one morning, Li Wei informed Mo Xi that there was some good news awaiting him.

Mo Xi finds Gu Mang sitting in his chair, a seat that no one had ever taken. Mo Xi is immediately irritated by this, demanding that Gu Mang get up. Gu Mang initially refuses, claiming he is waiting for food.

Li Wei tries to smooth things over but Mo Xi grows more frustrated, especially when Gu Mang tries to sit in the other chair at the table. Mo Xi denies him the seat and questions Gu Mang about why he is there.

Gu Mang responds that he is hungry and doesn’t want to go to the dining hall because he doesn’t know anyone there. He points out that Mo Xi gave him water before and that he sees Mo Xi as familiar, so he came to him for food.

This angers Mo Xi further. He throws a wine cup at the wall, demanding that Gu Mang explain what he could do to earn his food. Gu Mang, seemingly drawing on his experiences from Luomei Pavilion, offers to be beaten in exchange for food.

Mo Xi rejects this, emphasizing that Xihe Manor isn’t like Luomei Pavilion. When Gu Mang struggles to offer any other services, Mo Xi grows exasperated, but eventually agrees to give him food if he completes work around the manor.

Mo Xi instructs Gu Mang to behave and work under Li Wei’s guidance, promising him food if he completes his tasks. Gu Mang reluctantly agrees, unsure of what else he can do.

The first task Li Wei assigns to Gu Mang is chopping firewood, telling him he won’t get dinner until the pile is completely chopped. Gu Mang works diligently, despite not fully understanding the task at first.

By evening, Gu Mang finishes chopping the massive pile of wood. He goes to the main hall, where Mo Xi waits for him with a warm meal, signaling a new chapter in their tense coexistence.

Gu Mang sits at the dining table with Mo Xi, eagerly uncovering a variety of dishes, all containing green onions, except for a roast goose. He dislikes the green onion dishes and refuses to eat them.

Mo Xi, knowing Gu Mang’s distaste for green onions, offers him the roast goose, which Gu Mang devours with great enthusiasm.

Mo Xi reflects on memories of his past with Gu Mang, recalling how they used to share food during a hard battle at the frontier. Gu Mang’s casual behavior triggers Mo Xi’s painful memories, as he tells a story of how Gu Mang had once hunted a goose and prepared a similar meal for them.

Gu Mang requests more roast goose, showing no recollection of these shared memories, deepening Mo Xi's inner turmoil. Mo Xi continues reminiscing, talking about how Gu Mang once warned him about burning his tongue on hot food.

When Gu Mang asks about Mo Xi’s shixiong from the story, Mo Xi becomes emotionally overwhelmed, as the memories remind him of Gu Mang’s betrayal and the bond they used to share.

Mo Xi hesitates to reveal Gu Mang’s name, clearly still in pain from the past. His eyes redden as he turns away, masking his emotions by becoming more distant and harsh.

Gu Mang finishes his meal and leaves without touching the sour plum sauce, a habit that the old Gu Mang had always indulged in. Mo Xi had intentionally placed the sauce there to see if Gu Mang would remember it, but the untouched sauce only confirms Mo Xi’s fears that Gu Mang’s memories are truly gone.

Mo Xi’s frustration and emotional turmoil reach a breaking point, and in a fit of anger, he overturns the entire table, sending food crashing to the floor.

Li Wei arrives and tries to console Mo Xi, but Mo Xi is deeply conflicted. He longs for the old Gu Mang, the powerful figure capable of fighting him, hating him, and remembering their past together.

A servant interrupts the tense moment, announcing that a herald from the emperor has arrived with an urgent message, requiring Mo Xi’s presence immediately.

Mo Xi is summoned to the palace, where he finds the emperor suffering from a chronic freezing illness that only Mo Xi’s fire elemental energy can alleviate.

The emperor muses about his illness and the political dangers it poses, lamenting how the court would react if his condition became widely known.

After Mo Xi helps alleviate the emperor’s symptoms, the emperor shifts the conversation to Gu Mang, questioning Mo Xi's conflicted feelings about him.

The emperor highlights that while Mo Xi appears to harbor hatred for Gu Mang, he still cannot fully let go of their past camaraderie.

Mo Xi admits that Gu Mang is guilty of treason, but he requests to be the one to execute him when the time comes, should Gu Mang become uncontrollable or no longer useful.

The emperor is surprised by this request, but ultimately delays making a decision, leaving the matter unresolved.

Returning to his manor, Mo Xi finds his bedroom in complete disarray, with Gu Mang having caused chaos, including using Mo Xi’s blanket to fortify a makeshift den.

Mo Xi is furious, but Li Wei tries to calm him down, suggesting that Gu Mang is showing signs of settling into Xihe Manor, though he still behaves unpredictably.

Gu Mang briefly encounters Mo Xi and Li Wei before running off with a stolen blanket and his black dog, showing that he still retains some of his wildness.

At court, a group of nobles pushes for Gu Mang to be imprisoned again, fearing the danger he poses. The emperor compromises by suggesting that Gu Mang be collared as a slave to prevent escape, a decision that deeply unsettles Mo Xi.

Mo Xi is reminded of the past when Gu Mang’s previous slave collar was removed after his achievements in battle, and now, as his new master, Mo Xi faces the burden of re-collaring Gu Mang. This thought leaves him deeply conflicted and distressed.

Mo Xi takes Gu Mang to be registered as a slave, reflecting on Chonghua’s history of slavery and the controversial rise of individuals like Gu Mang.

They arrive at the Cixin Artificing Forge, a small, rundown shop where Mo Xi meets an old metalworker named Uncle Song, who is suffering from memory issues and mistakes Gu Mang for his former self.

Jiang Yexue, the owner of the forge and Mo Xi’s acquaintance, appears and escorts them upstairs to perform the registration procedure.

Mo Xi reflects on the past, remembering the time when Gu Mang’s slave collar was removed years ago. Now, Gu Mang must wear it again, a fact that deeply troubles Mo Xi.

Jiang Yexue begins the procedure to place the slave collar on Gu Mang, and black spiritual energy forms the collar around Gu Mang’s neck, marking him as a slave once more.

Gu Mang, unaware of the full significance of the collar, mistakenly refers to it as a "necklace" and thanks Mo Xi for it, which causes Mo Xi internal pain and despair.

Jiang Yexue asks about engraving Mo Xi’s name on the collar’s tag, but Mo Xi refuses, not wanting his name to be associated with the collar around Gu Mang’s neck.

Gu Mang suggests engraving Mo Xi’s name, calling him “lord,” but Mo Xi insists they leave, visibly uncomfortable with the idea.

On their way out, they encounter Murong Chuyi and his nephew, Yue Chenqing, in a general store. Murong Chuyi immediately leaves upon seeing Jiang Yexue, indicating tension between the two due to past family conflicts.

The chapter ends with the awkward silence left by Murong Chuyi’s abrupt departure, and Jiang Yexue sighing as the unresolved tension lingers between the characters.

Yue Chenqing becomes angry at Jiang Yexue, blaming him for causing Murong Chuyi to leave and not teach him about spirit stones.

Jiang Yexue tries to smooth things over with Yue Chenqing, but Yue angrily declares he doesn’t want Jiang’s help, insisting he’s nothing compared to his fourth uncle.

Jiang Yexue apologizes, visibly hurt by Yue’s harsh words, and tries to leave, but Yue Chenqing still refuses to listen.

The shopkeeper prioritizes Yue Chenqing’s order over Jiang Yexue’s request for pine oil, lying about the stock, which irritates Mo Xi.

Mo Xi calls out the shopkeeper’s dishonesty, forcing the assistant to admit they sold the pine oil to Yue Chenqing instead.

Jiang Yexue, wanting to avoid conflict, tells Mo Xi that it’s okay and decides to let Yue take the oil, showing kindness despite the unfair situation.

Gu Mang suddenly pulls Yue Chenqing back into the room, pointing out that Jiang Yexue should get the pine oil because he was there first.

After realizing the situation, Yue Chenqing feels guilty for his behavior and hesitates, but Jiang Yexue insists it’s no problem and leaves, deeply embarrassed.

Yue Chenqing, conflicted, asks Jiang Yexue about his involvement in helping the poor during the Li Qingqian incident but is left in a daze as Jiang walks away.

Mo Xi, Gu Mang, and Jiang Yexue return to the forge, where Jiang Yexue quietly processes the tense encounter.

Gu Mang, still confused, asks Mo Xi why Jiang Yexue let Yue Chenqing take the oil, and Mo Xi explains that sometimes people let important people have their way, drawing a comparison to someone letting Mo Xi have roast goose in the past.

Gu Mang declares that the person who gave him the brocade pouch is important, despite Mo Xi arguing that if they were truly important, they would have come to rescue Gu Mang during his troubles.

Mo Xi becomes frustrated with Gu Mang’s unwavering belief in the person’s importance, even though no one has come for him, and the conversation turns cold.

Walking through the city, Mo Xi draws attention from passersby, particularly from the girls at a nearby brothel, who gossip about him and his aloof demeanor.

They speculate about Mo Xi’s passionate nature and envy Princess Mengze, who they believe is the one he’s waiting to marry.

The conversation shifts to Gu Mang’s past reputation as a playboy, with the madam of the brothel dismissing him as someone who always had a different girl on his arm.

Unbeknownst to them, Gu Mang, the man they speak of, is standing beside Mo Xi, and he quietly asks Mo Xi if they will eat since it’s dinnertime.

Mo Xi, still upset, tells Gu Mang to ask the person who gave him the brocade pouch, but Gu Mang insists on asking Mo Xi instead.

Frustrated, Mo Xi finally relents and says they’ll go eat, still processing the complex emotions between them.

Mo Xi takes Gu Mang to an old, once-famous restaurant called The Soaring Swan, now past its prime due to competition.

The restaurant owner, recognizing Mo Xi, leads them to a private room where they had dined together in the past.

Mo Xi lets Gu Mang choose the food, but Gu Mang claims he can’t read. Mo Xi explains the menu uses pictures.

Gu Mang orders several dishes while admitting how hungry he is, and Mo Xi, deep in thought, reflects on their shared past.

Gu Mang attempts to cheer Mo Xi up, saying that Mo Xi is important, too, which stirs Mo Xi’s emotions and memories of their friendship.

Mo Xi recalls how, in the past, Gu Mang took care of him during their time in the army, often secretly working extra jobs and buying food for Mo Xi without telling anyone.

Mo Xi also remembers discovering Gu Mang working in a restaurant, disguised, while everyone else thought he was at a brothel, a memory that stirred conflicted emotions in Mo Xi at the time.

Mo Xi reflects on how Gu Mang’s kindness shaped his life, though now he feels only guilt for having put the slave collar around Gu Mang’s neck.

As the meal progresses, Mo Xi remains distracted, thinking about their complicated history, while Gu Mang enjoys the food and mentions it feels familiar, sparking Mo Xi’s discontent.

During the meal, Gu Mang calls Mo Xi “Princess,” a term from their past, which shocks Mo Xi.

Mo Xi is startled when Gu Mang calls him "Princess" and demands to know why.

Gu Mang explains that Li Wei taught him that "princess" refers to someone respected and cared for, and he thinks Mo Xi fits that description.

Mo Xi feels a mix of hope and disappointment, realizing Gu Mang doesn’t remember their past.

Gu Mang eats the food but gets a mouthful of peppercorn, thinking he’s been poisoned, prompting Mo Xi to help by giving him tea.

Afterward, they walk by Yanzhi Lake, where Mo Xi continues to test if Gu Mang remembers anything from their past.

Mo Xi reflects on Gu Mang’s betrayal, his own unspoken feelings, and the complexities of their relationship, wondering if things could still change.

Gu Mang’s innocent words about Mo Xi being a "good person" stir Mo Xi’s conflicted emotions, but Mo Xi remains trapped in his bitterness.

Mo Xi hints at secrets between them, but Gu Mang refuses to listen, knowing he might not remember the meaning.

Mo Xi laughs genuinely for the first time in a long while as Gu Mang touches his face, asking if he can have Mo Xi’s name on the plaque on his collar.

Mo Xi harshly tells Gu Mang he’s unworthy of this, despite Gu Mang's insistence.

Mo Xi, overwhelmed with emotion, tells Gu Mang he hates him, explaining that hate means wanting to tear him apart and cause him endless suffering.

Gu Mang looks into Mo Xi’s eyes and asks if hating him causes Mo Xi pain, observing that Mo Xi seems hurt by it.

Mo Xi is shocked when Gu Mang calls him "Princess" and demands to know why.

Gu Mang explains Li Wei told him that "princess" means someone important and respected, and he thinks Mo Xi is like that.

Mo Xi feels a rush of emotions, thinking Gu Mang might remember something, but his hopes are dashed when Gu Mang seems unaware of their shared past.

Gu Mang eats peppercorn soup, accidentally biting into a peppercorn, causing him to react as if he’s been poisoned.

Mo Xi reflects that Gu Mang used to tolerate spicy food but has now reverted to his old intolerance after losing his memory.

Mo Xi gives Gu Mang cold tea to "cure" the peppercorn “poison,” and Gu Mang declares that the restaurant is no good.

They leave and walk by Yanzhi Lake, with Mo Xi asking Gu Mang questions that hint at their past, but Gu Mang is oblivious.

Mo Xi reflects on their past friendship, Gu Mang’s role in his life, and the unresolved emotions he still harbors.

Mo Xi internally debates confessing his true feelings and long-held secrets but holds back, not wanting to burden Gu Mang, who won’t understand.

Gu Mang covers his ears, refusing to listen to anything Mo Xi wants to say, sensing that it’s something painful.

Mo Xi, unexpectedly amused, laughs genuinely for the first time in a long while.

Gu Mang touches Mo Xi’s face, asking if he can have Mo Xi’s name on the plaque of his slave collar.

Mo Xi denies the request, saying Gu Mang is unworthy, though Gu Mang insists he wants Mo Xi’s name there.

Mo Xi tries to explain his deep hatred for Gu Mang, expressing his desire for revenge and torment.

Gu Mang, confused, looks closely at Mo Xi and notices that hating him seems to cause Mo Xi pain, asking if Mo Xi suffers from his hatred.

Mo Xi orders Gu Mang to kneel before him, but is dissatisfied with Gu Mang's posture, as it lacks submission and humility.

Gu Mang, confused, kneels as instructed but does not display the expected deference, frustrating Mo Xi.

Mo Xi, angered by Gu Mang’s lack of understanding, grabs his jaw, but Gu Mang innocently asks if Mo Xi has been drinking, reminding him of a past moment.

Mo Xi, conflicted with emotions, brushes off Gu Mang’s inquiry, masking his hurt and frustration with cold indifference.

The tense atmosphere persists as Mo Xi throws a book at Gu Mang and instructs him to read, even though Gu Mang can barely do so.

Gu Mang’s clumsy reading frustrates Mo Xi, who then decides to take Gu Mang to the study for a more structured lesson.

As they walk, Gu Mang, with numb legs, stumbles and instinctively grabs onto Mo Xi’s waist, creating an awkward but intimate moment between them.

In the study, Mo Xi attempts to test Gu Mang’s knowledge by asking him to write various words, including poetic verses filled with emotion, which Gu Mang struggles to write.

Mo Xi grows increasingly frustrated as he forces Gu Mang to stay seated and continue writing, but eventually, he decides to teach him.

As Mo Xi leans over Gu Mang, instructing him, Gu Mang gradually edges closer to Mo Xi, seeking warmth in the cold room.

Mo Xi becomes aware of Gu Mang’s closeness and, irritated by the intimacy, grabs Gu Mang by the jaw, demanding an explanation for why he didn’t put on a coat as ordered.

Gu Mang suggests sitting close to Mo Xi to keep warm, referencing how he and Fandou used to do the same.

Mo Xi, unsettled by the idea of sitting close due to his lingering attraction to Gu Mang, harshly rebuffs him.

Gu Mang, confused, asks if they can’t sit close because they are companions, but Mo Xi coldly reminds him that they are enemies, not companions.

Mo Xi takes Gu Mang to Medicine Master Jiang in hopes of finding a way to restore his memories.

Jiang Fuli, known for his arrogance, examines Gu Mang and declares there is no way to fully restore his memories without finding his two lost souls.

Jiang Fuli informs Mo Xi that while Gu Mang may recover some memories over time, they would be fragmented and could be dangerous or traumatic.

Mo Xi reluctantly asks Jiang Fuli for a prescription to help suppress dark memories, despite the high price of seventy thousand gold cowries.

Jiang Fuli warns that the medicine won’t prevent emotional consequences if Gu Mang recalls something painful, but it may help avoid the worst memories.

Gu Mang, who had been recovering his curiosity and boldness, objects to the high cost, fearing they will go hungry, but Mo Xi proceeds with the transaction.

Jiang Fuli gives Mo Xi advice to keep Gu Mang away from objects tied to his past, as they could trigger unwanted memories.

After the transaction, Jiang Fuli asks Mo Xi about the remains of the Hong Shao Sword, which is currently in Murong Chuyi’s possession, before warning Mo Xi again about the dangers of Gu Mang regaining memories.

Gu Mang dislikes taking the medicine prescribed by Jiang Fuli, finding it too spicy, leading to daily chaotic scenes of Li Wei chasing Gu Mang around Xihe Manor trying to force him to drink it.

One day, after a failed attempt by Li Wei, Gu Mang crashes into Mo Xi as he tries to escape. Mo Xi grabs Gu Mang, drags him into a room, and forcefully makes him drink the medicine.

Mo Xi recalls a memory of the past when Gu Mang similarly refused medicine and Mo Xi had fed it to him through a kiss, using that intimate moment to show affection.

Despite Gu Mang's protestations, Mo Xi forcibly administers the medicine, warning him that future refusals would lead to similar forceful treatment.

Afterward, Gu Mang starts obeying and takes his medicine without further resistance, helped by Li Wei offering him treats, while Mo Xi only watches him with a stern, unreadable expression.

Once the first course of treatment is complete, Mo Xi takes Gu Mang to Jiang Fuli for a follow-up examination, where they meet Changfeng-jun and his heart-mad daughter, Lan-er.

Changfeng-jun, struggling with his daughter’s uncontrollable spiritual core, leaves her in Jiang Fuli’s care while attending the memorial ceremony with the emperor.

Jiang Fuli checks Gu Mang’s pulse and informs Mo Xi that Gu Mang’s recovery is progressing and warns that within the next five days to a month, Gu Mang will start regaining fragmented memories.

Jiang Fuli advises Mo Xi to be prepared for potentially dangerous memories to resurface and provides another dose of medicine for their upcoming journey to the Soul-Calling Abyss for the end-of-year ceremony.

Mo Xi and Jiang Fuli return to find Gu Mang playing with Lan-er, who is teaching him words.

Lan-er gives Gu Mang a bamboo dragonfly, but he tries to return it, explaining that he lives with a very "mean" person (referring to Mo Xi).

Mo Xi interrupts the conversation, scolding Gu Mang and dragging him away, reminding him of Jiang Fuli’s warnings.

The emperor and the nobles prepare for the end-of-year memorial ceremony, where sacrifices are made to honor their ancestors.

Mo Xi goes to the hot springs in Xihe Manor to bathe alone, as he dislikes servants assisting him.

While Mo Xi is bathing, Gu Mang suddenly emerges from the water, shocking Mo Xi. Gu Mang explains that Li Wei told him to take a bath.

Mo Xi furiously orders Gu Mang to leave the hot spring. Gu Mang exits the water, completely undressed, making Mo Xi turn away in embarrassment.

Gu Mang finds Mo Xi’s ceremonial robes and puts them on, including a blue and gold ribbon that triggers a painful memory fragment of his past.

Mo Xi sees Gu Mang wearing the ceremonial robes and the soul emblem of Mo Xi's father, which enrages him. Mo Xi demands that Gu Mang remove the ribbon.

Gu Mang defies Mo Xi, refusing to remove the ribbon, which ignites Mo Xi’s fury. Mo Xi pulls Gu Mang back into the hot spring, completely enraged.

Gu Mang falls into the deep end of the hot spring after being pulled in by Mo Xi, who then pins him against the side of the pool.

Mo Xi tries to pull the ceremonial ribbon off Gu Mang’s head, but Gu Mang resists, triggering a desperate panic and an intense struggle between the two.

Gu Mang bites Mo Xi’s hand in an attempt to keep the ribbon, but Mo Xi, enraged, slaps him hard across the face, leaving Gu Mang shocked and hurt.

Mo Xi angrily accuses Gu Mang of being “dirty,” a statement that deeply affects Gu Mang, though he doesn’t fully understand why.

Mo Xi tells Gu Mang to leave, and despite feeling regret, Gu Mang apologizes and walks away, feeling defeated and broken.

Gu Mang encounters Li Wei, who is shocked to see him in soaking ceremonial robes. Gu Mang tries to explain his confusion, but his mind is too scattered, and he feels hopeless and lost.

Gu Mang admits he feels like he’s always doing things wrong, which is why others treat him poorly. He is visibly upset and emotionally distressed.

Li Wei scolds Gu Mang for going to the hot spring, reminding him of his status, which causes Gu Mang to break down further.

Gu Mang returns to his den, strips off the wet ceremonial robes, and comforts himself by talking to Fandou, his dog. He tries to rationalize his pain, telling himself he can endure it.

The next morning, Mo Xi, visibly tired and sleep-deprived, eats breakfast alone, showing little appetite.

Mo Xi gives orders for Gu Mang to join the ceremonial weaponry team, no longer wanting to keep him close after the previous night’s events.

Li Wei, sensing tension, instructs the captain of the team to make sure Gu Mang takes his prescribed medicine and to force it if necessary.

The group prepares to depart for the end-of-year memorial ceremony.

The imperial procession sets off for the Soul-Calling Abyss for a memorial ceremony, with three days of travel ahead.

At dusk on the first day, the nobles dine in a pavilion, including Mo Xi and Murong Lian, who wears his ceremonial blue and gold ribbon.

Mo Xi, still in a foul mood from his fight with Gu Mang, drinks more than usual during the meal, recalling memories of the first time Gu Mang attended the ceremony, when he was excited and talkative.

After dinner, Mo Xi is informed by his guard captain that Gu Mang is missing from his tent and didn’t eat dinner.

Mo Xi senses Gu Mang is still in the encampment and finds him asleep at the base of a tree with a high fever.

Mo Xi carries Gu Mang to his tent, where Gu Mang, in a delirious state, refuses to stay, saying he’s “too dirty” for the bed.

Gu Mang clings to Mo Xi, tearfully mumbling about being dirty and not wanting to dirty the bed, breaking Mo Xi’s heart.

Mo Xi recalls a memory of Gu Mang saving him in battle years ago, embracing him despite Mo Xi being covered in poison and filth, and telling him not to be afraid.

Overwhelmed with emotions—love, hate, and regret—Mo Xi carries Gu Mang back to his own tent and lays him on his bed.

Gu Mang flinches when Mo Xi touches his cheek, afraid after being slapped the previous day, but Mo Xi remains gentle.

Mo Xi leaves the tent, torn between his duty to the nation and his lingering care for Gu Mang. He decides to get food for Gu Mang, realizing he hadn’t eaten.

Mo Xi asks the imperial cooks to make something light for Gu Mang, returning to his tent with fish congee and crab roe soup dumplings.

Mo Xi wakes Gu Mang, who quickly eats the congee and struggles with chopsticks while trying to eat the dumplings, making a mess.

Mo Xi, frustrated, feeds Gu Mang directly, though an accident causes soup to spray everywhere, hitting both of them. Mo Xi becomes frustrated, but there is tension as he stares at Gu Mang’s lips.

Gu Mang finishes eating, takes his medicine without much protest, and Mo Xi gives him another jar of medicine for his fever.

Gu Mang, confused by Mo Xi’s mix of sternness and care, follows orders to go to sleep, curling up in a corner of Mo Xi’s bed.

While asleep, Gu Mang dreams about Mo Xi’s coming-of-age night when he brought wine and food to celebrate with him.

The memory involves Gu Mang teasing Mo Xi, affectionately calling him "Shidi" and drinking with him late into the night.

Gu Mang, tipsy and affectionate, ends up in Mo Xi’s arms after insisting on staying, calling Mo Xi delicate and pretty while unaware of Mo Xi’s repressed feelings for him.

The memory continues with Gu Mang pulling out a pornographic booklet as a "coming-of-age gift" for Mo Xi, proudly explaining it to a flustered Mo Xi, who is mortified upon realizing what it is.

Gu Mang drunkenly teases Mo Xi with an erotic booklet, forcing him to look at it despite Mo Xi’s discomfort and embarrassment.

The two of them end up wrestling playfully over the booklet, with Gu Mang insisting Mo Xi read it.

Mo Xi leaves the tent to calm himself, feeling conflicted after Gu Mang’s teasing.

Gu Mang, while drunk, gets aroused looking at a specific erotic image in the booklet, realizing he prefers looking at the men in the drawings rather than the women.

When Mo Xi returns, Gu Mang drunkenly tries to show him the erotic picture of two men together, feeling both playful and nervous.

Gu Mang regrets his teasing when Mo Xi, affected by the atmosphere, lies down next to him and forces him to continue looking at the booklet.

The tension between them escalates as Mo Xi pins Gu Mang down and they begin to engage physically, with Mo Xi embracing and kissing Gu Mang passionately.

Mo Xi, now overtaken by desire, kisses Gu Mang roughly, turning the playful situation into something more serious and intimate.

Despite Gu Mang’s half-hearted protests, Mo Xi continues, pushing the situation further.

Mo Xi, emboldened by Gu Mang’s earlier teasing, asks Gu Mang to "teach him" as he takes control of the situation, determined to act on his feelings.

Gu Mang wakes up from a vivid dream where he remembers an intimate moment with Mo Xi.

He touches Mo Xi's lips while he sleeps, waking Mo Xi, who, in a half-dreaming state, kisses Gu Mang’s hand and speaks tenderly, thinking it’s just a dream.

Gu Mang tells Mo Xi that he dreamed of him, recalling memories from their youth, which shocks Mo Xi and makes him emotional.

Gu Mang describes a memory of Mo Xi’s coming-of-age ceremony, where they were close and affectionate, further unsettling Mo Xi.

Mo Xi is overwhelmed by hearing Gu Mang remember their shared past, breaking down emotionally before fleeing from the tent.

Mo Xi begins avoiding Gu Mang, unsure how to handle the resurfacing memories and emotions, particularly fearing Gu Mang might remember more of their intimate past.

Gu Mang tries to approach Mo Xi to talk about the memories, but Mo Xi refuses to engage with him.

The imperial procession arrives at the Soul-Calling Abyss for the memorial ceremony honoring fallen heroes.

As the nobles perform the ceremony, releasing flower lanterns for their ancestors, Gu Mang is overwhelmed with guilt and haunting memories of the soldiers he led, whom he can’t remember by name.

During the ceremony, Gu Mang experiences a vivid flashback to a battlefield, where he had promised to lead his soldiers home or raise gravestones for the dead. This realization causes him intense shame and agony.

Overwhelmed by the resurgence of painful memories, Gu Mang collapses.

Gu Mang remains unconscious for nearly a week, experiencing fragmented memories of his past, including scenes with Mo Xi and soldiers who once served under him. He feels immense guilt for forgetting the names of those who followed him into battle.

In his dreams, Gu Mang recalls the soul-calling ceremony and is haunted by the memory of his soldiers, particularly Lu Zhanxing, a close friend and brother-in-arms who appears to him in the dream before disappearing among the dead.

Filled with grief and regret, Gu Mang breaks down, blaming himself for the deaths of his men and their inability to return home, even in spirit.

In the dream, a comforting presence holds his hand and offers reassurance, urging him not to cry. Gu Mang clings to this hand, sensing safety and trust in the person, though he remains unable to recognize them.

On the fifth day, Gu Mang finally awakens, back in Xihe Manor. He feels lost and overwhelmed by the remnants of his dreams and the memories that are slowly resurfacing.

Gu Mang recalls the name "Lu Zhanxing" and recognizes him as a brother, but his memory remains incomplete. He is frustrated by the gaps in his recollection.

Li Wei arrives with medicine and flower cakes, explaining that Mo Xi ordered the food to help Gu Mang recover. Gu Mang is surprised by this gesture, though Li Wei corrects him for referring to Mo Xi by name.

Gu Mang feels a strange, growing emotion for Mo Xi, likely stirred by the memories he has recovered, and decides to save a flower cake for him.

Mo Xi returns to the room and dismisses Li Wei, sitting down beside Gu Mang to ask him directly about what he has remembered during his unconscious state.

Gu Mang hesitates to answer, but Mo Xi reveals that he heard Gu Mang calling out in his sleep, specifically the name of Lu Zhanxing.

Mo Xi is clearly emotional, torn between dissatisfaction, hatred, and a hint of jealousy, as he confronts Gu Mang for not being able to forget Lu Zhanxing.

Mo Xi accuses Gu Mang of always holding Lu Zhanxing in higher regard than him, which provokes a defensive response from Gu Mang, as he recalls Lu Zhanxing being his brother.

Mo Xi's simmering resentment surfaces, and he mocks Gu Mang's sentiment for Zhanxing, referring to him as a useless, impulsive man whose actions led to devastating consequences for Chonghua.

Gu Mang is confused, asking about Zhanxing's whereabouts, to which Mo Xi coldly reveals that Zhanxing is dead—he was decapitated and his body hung for three days in the eastern market.

Mo Xi erupts, accusing Zhanxing of being responsible for the deaths of countless soldiers and civilians, and for ruining Gu Mang’s lifelong dream of seeing slaves rise to power. He blames Zhanxing’s reckless actions for Gu Mang’s downfall and defection to the Liao Kingdom.

Mo Xi’s anger reaches its peak as he accuses Gu Mang of always defending Zhanxing, even after his betrayal. He laments that, despite everything, Gu Mang never valued him the way he valued Zhanxing and others.

In a moment of vulnerability, Mo Xi asks Gu Mang what he meant to him, expressing his heartbreak that despite giving everything, Gu Mang always prioritized others over him.

Gu Mang, struggling with his fractured memories, tries to comfort Mo Xi, but he cannot find the words. Mo Xi’s despair deepens as he accuses Gu Mang of never truly caring for him and reminds him that Gu Mang nearly killed him in the past.

Mo Xi’s bitterness and pain culminate in a chilling vow: he will wait for the day Gu Mang fully remembers everything, and when that day comes, he expects Gu Mang to kneel before him and apologize. Mo Xi warns Gu Mang not to make him wait too long, hinting at the limits of his patience.

Gu Mang began to notice that Mo Xi’s calm exterior hid a deep turmoil of emotions, making him irascible and contradictory. Despite Mo Xi’s strength, Gu Mang felt an instinctual need to protect him.

Gu Mang’s memories were slowly returning, but they were scattered and unclear. He remained confused about his past relationship with Mo Xi and what their connection had been.

On New Year's Eve, Xihe Manor was lively with preparations. Gu Mang, trying to help, inadvertently caused mishaps and was eventually tasked with copying verses to keep him occupied.

Mo Xi prepared to attend the New Year's banquet at the imperial palace, intending to bring Gu Mang along because the emperor had specifically requested him.

At the palace banquet, Mo Xi and Gu Mang’s arrival drew attention, particularly because of Gu Mang’s status as a traitor.

Yue Chenqing greeted Mo Xi cheerfully, and they discussed Murong Mengze, a princess and Mo Xi’s old companion who had returned recently.

Mo Xi reflected on his complicated relationship with Murong Mengze. She had loved him deeply, but he had rejected her affections, not understanding her feelings at the time.

Despite her rejection, Murong Mengze had quietly supported Mo Xi over the years, even saving his life at great personal cost by sacrificing her spiritual core, which permanently damaged her health.

Mo Xi felt immense guilt and gratitude toward her, though he could not love her romantically. Over time, Murong Mengze became the only woman he deeply cherished and respected.

Learning that Mengze was at Feiyao Terrace viewing lanterns despite the cold, Mo Xi decided to check on her, showing concern for her health.

Mo Xi finds Murong Mengze at Feiyao Terrace, gazing at lanterns. She looks elegant and beautiful in the soft glow of the lights, despite her frail health.

Gu Mang, watching the interaction, is struck by an unfamiliar feeling as Mo Xi shows concern for Mengze, a woman who holds a special place in Mo Xi’s life.

Murong Mengze greets Mo Xi warmly, but when Gu Mang tries to help her by removing a flower from her hair, Yue-niang, Mengze’s handmaiden, rebukes him harshly, calling him a traitor. Mengze, however, stops Yue-niang and dismisses her.

Mo Xi sends Gu Mang away so he can talk to Mengze privately. Gu Mang feels conflicted, realizing he is no longer a part of Mo Xi’s world. He watches from afar, feeling pain and confusion as he recalls fragments of memories where Mo Xi had once promised him a future together.

The weight of Mo Xi’s past promises and the reality of their current situation leaves Gu Mang emotionally devastated. He feels deeply that Mo Xi is now distant, yet something in his heart aches at the memories of their once-close bond.

Gu Mang retreats to the palace hall, feeling out of place and surrounded by hostile stares from the other guests. He finds a secluded spot and is later joined by Jiang Yexue, a fellow soldier from his past.

Jiang Yexue tells Gu Mang about his close relationship with Mo Xi and explains how Mo Xi always cared deeply for him, even risking his own life to save Gu Mang on multiple occasions.

Gu Mang is overwhelmed as Jiang Yexue recounts how much Mo Xi once loved and protected him, but that Mo Xi’s deep hatred toward traitors has fractured that bond.

Jiang Yexue reveals that Mo Xi's father, Fuling-jun, was brutally betrayed by his second-in-command during a battle, and Mo Xi witnessed the aftermath of his father’s betrayal and death as a child. This deeply scarred Mo Xi, explaining why he hates traitors more than anything.

The realization that Gu Mang’s actions mirrored those of the man who betrayed Mo Xi’s father hits Gu Mang hard, leaving him to confront the full weight of the harm he had caused Mo Xi.

Mo Xi and Mengze enter the Great Hall together, and Princess Yanping greets them playfully, teasing Mo Xi by calling him her "brother-in-law." Mengze scolds her for her behavior, and Yanping leaves.

Mo Xi becomes concerned about Gu Mang’s whereabouts and searches the palace for him, eventually finding Gu Mang talking with Jiang Yexue.

Before Mo Xi can confront Gu Mang about what he has learned, the emperor arrives, officially beginning the New Year's Eve feast. The hall fills with music, dancing, and celebratory toasts.

As the banquet progresses, nobles approach Mo Xi for toasts, forcing him to drink continuously. Although Mo Xi has a high alcohol tolerance, the pressure from the elders begins to push him to his limits.

Murong Lian, already drunk, watches Gu Mang with an enigmatic expression, while Mo Xi interacts with Changfeng-jun and his daughter, Lan-er, who recognizes Gu Mang and tries to talk to him.

Gu Mang, affected by Jiang Yexue’s words about his past actions, begins to fully grasp his status as a traitor and feels weighed down by guilt, especially regarding Mo Xi’s hatred of betrayal.

Lan-er tries to speak with Gu Mang, but her father, Changfeng-jun, quickly pulls her away, leaving Gu Mang feeling alienated and conflicted about his role as a traitor.

Mo Xi, visibly intoxicated, is continuously pressured to drink by the elders, who see an opportunity to humiliate him. They use his father’s memory to push him further, which infuriates Mo Xi.

Mo Xi reaches his breaking point after multiple toasts and suddenly challenges one of the elders, Uncle Qin, to a drinking contest. Mo Xi finishes his jug of wine, but Uncle Qin cannot keep up and throws up, admitting defeat.

Despite this, other nobles continue pressuring Mo Xi, but before he can continue drinking, Gu Mang intervenes, taking the wine jug from Mo Xi and asking why so many people are targeting him.

Mo Xi, struggling with the effects of alcohol, tries to push Gu Mang away when he intervenes in the confrontation with the nobles, but Gu Mang refuses to leave.

Gu Mang defends Mo Xi, confronting the nobles for bringing up Mo Xi’s deceased father during the celebration and accusing them of trying to make him sad.

The nobles are enraged, and one of them violently kicks Gu Mang, smashing the wine jug he intended to drink from on Mo Xi’s behalf.

Despite his injuries and the crowd’s hatred, Gu Mang stands firm, insisting that while he has done terrible things, Mo Xi has not, and it’s unfair to gang up on him.

The nobles attack Gu Mang, escalating the situation, but Mo Xi, despite being drunk and disoriented, tries to protect him, though his actions are mostly unnoticed by others.

Soldiers from the Northern Frontier Army, loyal to Mo Xi, step in to break up the fight, but some enraged nobles continue to assault Gu Mang, blaming him for the deaths of their sons.

Princess Mengze attempts to intervene, but the nobles, blinded by grief and anger, continue their attack, berating Gu Mang for his past crimes and calling him a traitor.

Gu Mang is knocked to the ground, wounded by shards of porcelain, but before he can be further injured, Murong Lian unexpectedly steps in, stopping one of the nobles from hitting Gu Mang.

The emperor, entertained by the chaos, finally orders the imperial guards to intervene and end the fight, pulling Gu Mang out of the scuffle.

Mo Xi is injured during the altercation, and Mengze tends to his wound, admonishing him for getting hurt while trying to protect Gu Mang, whom she still sees as a traitor.

Gu Mang witnesses Mengze’s care for Mo Xi and begins to realize why Mo Xi treats her with kindness. He feels ashamed of his own actions and believes he has caused Mo Xi only harm.

Hurt and humiliated, Gu Mang pulls a shard of porcelain from his arm, realizing that his attempts to help Mo Xi only made things worse. He feels unworthy of Mo Xi's kindness and retreats into a corner, curling up and trying to avoid the judgmental stares and harsh whispers from the surrounding crowd.

The nobles mock Gu Mang, calling him arrogant, claiming that his rise to power was due to luck, and dismissing his actions as foolish. He is left feeling small and defeated, once again overwhelmed by guilt and shame.

Mengze takes Mo Xi back to Xihe Manor after the New Year’s Eve banquet. Gu Mang tries to help, but Mengze rejects his assistance, telling him that he has already hurt Mo Xi enough.

Yue-niang berates Gu Mang, calling him unworthy of trying to make amends for the pain he caused Mo Xi.

Mengze, though polite, also tells Gu Mang to leave Mo Xi alone and stop causing him trouble. Gu Mang, understanding the meaning behind her words, quietly steps aside.

At Xihe Manor, Li Wei warmly welcomes Mengze, treating her as though she is the mistress of the house. He flatters her, suggesting that Mo Xi has always saved a special place for her.

Gu Mang, observing this from a distance, realizes that the seat beside Mo Xi, which he had occupied in the past, was meant for Mengze. This revelation brings him shame as he understands his place in Mo Xi’s life.

In the following days, Gu Mang becomes more obedient and quiet, no longer sitting in places he doesn’t belong. Li Wei attributes this change to Jiang Yexue’s influence, though Mo Xi is still curious about what exactly was said to Gu Mang.

On the first day of spring, Mo Xi announces his intention to visit Warrior Soul Mountain to pay respects to his father, and Gu Mang asks to accompany him.

Mo Xi agrees, and they travel to the mountain together. They walk in silence, passing many gravestones of Chonghua’s heroes, including Murong Lian’s father, Wangshu-jun.

At the summit, Mo Xi kneels before his father’s gravestone, offering sacrifices. Gu Mang hesitates but eventually joins him, lighting incense and burning paper money in silence.

Mo Xi reflects on how he once wished for Gu Mang to accompany him to pay respects to his father, but now that it has finally happened, it feels hollow. Gu Mang’s apology and presence no longer bring him joy.

Gu Mang apologizes sincerely to Mo Xi, expressing regret for his past betrayal, though he cannot remember the reasons behind it.

Mo Xi, however, dismisses the apology, stating that Gu Mang’s betrayal stemmed from his own ambitions and desire for vengeance. Mo Xi explains that while they were comrades on the battlefield, their hearts and desires were never aligned.

Mo Xi admits that he hates the battlefield, as it has only ever taken away the things he cares about most, while Gu Mang thrived in war. He concludes that their paths were always destined to diverge.

Gu Mang expresses sorrow, stating that he doesn't believe he likes war either, feeling pain as he speaks.

Mo Xi reflects on his father's death, recalling the betrayal and the devastation it caused him at a young age.

Mo Xi remembers a specific moment with his father, Mo Qingchi, showing him his spiritual weapon and promising that Mo Xi would one day have his own.

Mo Xi's excitement for his seventh birthday, when he would start his path to cultivation, is shattered by the news of his father’s death.

Mo Xi experiences overwhelming grief during his father’s funeral, realizing the true meaning of war and its cost.

Mo Xi reflects on the deep hurt and resentment he feels toward Gu Mang, believing Gu Mang betrayed Chonghua out of ambition and a desire for revenge.

Gu Mang, overwhelmed by Mo Xi's coldness and his past actions, asks Mo Xi if he could trust him once more.

Gu Mang kneels before Mo Xi, earnestly asking for forgiveness and to be taught by Mo Xi, hoping to atone for his past mistakes.

Before Mo Xi can respond, they are interrupted by a sarcastic voice that mocks their exchange, likening it to a tale of redemption.

Murong Lian appears from the shadows, mocking Gu Mang’s desire to atone.

Mo Xi steps in to defend Gu Mang, but Murong Lian continues berating him, accusing Gu Mang of being a traitor who doesn’t deserve forgiveness.

Gu Mang firmly states that he wants to apologize and atone, even if it's not enough.

Murong Lian challenges Gu Mang, telling him to kneel before every gravestone in the cemetery and admit he deserves death.

Gu Mang agrees to Murong Lian’s harsh terms, showing his commitment to atoning for his crimes, regardless of the difficulty.

Murong Lian mocks Gu Mang, suggesting that no matter how long he kneels, it won’t change anything.

Mo Xi, though conflicted, warns Gu Mang that no one will forgive him even if he kneels for days, but Gu Mang insists on showing his sincerity.

Mo Xi finally reveals that Gu Mang is under a death sentence, kept alive only for black magic experiments.

Gu Mang accepts his fate, saying that even if he only has a day or a year left, he wants to live the right way and be a good person for however long he can.

Gu Mang remains determined to atone, seeing it as his last chance for redemption, no matter the outcome.

Gu Mang begins kowtowing to every gravestone on Warrior Soul Mountain, as Murong Lian had demanded.

Despite the humiliation intended, Gu Mang persists, determined to atone and show his sincerity.

Mo Xi watches Gu Mang from a distance, unable to dispel his unease.

Word of Gu Mang’s actions spreads, and people gather to mock and criticize him as he continues his penance.

Over three days and nights, Gu Mang kneels without stopping, repeating that he deserves to die for his crimes.

On the fourth day, Gu Mang collapses from exhaustion at Murong Lian’s father’s grave.

Some onlookers kick and mock him while he’s unconscious, but Changfeng-jun’s daughter Lan-er tries to intervene, showing compassion.

Lan-er’s father, fearing repercussions, quickly takes her away, explaining to her that Gu Mang’s crimes are unforgivable.

Mo Xi is summoned to court for urgent military matters but returns to the mountain after working through the night.

When Mo Xi arrives, Gu Mang is at the end of his trial, barely able to stand after four days of penance.

Mo Xi catches Gu Mang as he collapses, comforting him while Gu Mang tearfully insists that he is being truthful and sincere this time.

Mo Xi silently supports him, bringing food and cleaning Gu Mang’s hands before allowing him to eat.

Gu Mang shares his food with Mo Xi, showing a moment of warmth and reconciliation between them after their long estrangement.

Mo Xi refuses Gu Mang's offer to share food, claiming he's already eaten.

They descend the mountain together, with Mo Xi watching Gu Mang stumble along, evoking memories of the once-proud general who had inspired so many.

Gu Mang becomes distracted by the restricted area of Warrior Soul Mountain, feeling like he’s dreamed of it before, but Mo Xi dismisses the possibility.

Back at the manor, Mo Xi gives Gu Mang scrolls of Introduction to Magic and History of Chonghua from the emperor, clarifying that while Gu Mang can learn, his execution is still inevitable.

Despite this, Gu Mang remains determined to learn and reflect on his past.

Mo Xi begins teaching Gu Mang again, hoping it will trigger more memories, though most are light fragments related to Gu Mang’s academy days.

Gu Mang slowly starts to regain parts of his former personality, oscillating between the arrogant General Gu and the quiet, guilt-ridden Gu Mang.

Gu Mang occasionally makes arrogant remarks that land him in trouble with the household, but he’s also increasingly confused about how to behave, leading to awkward silences.

Despite this, Mo Xi continues teaching him spells and history, noticing Gu Mang reading History of Chonghua by the pond.

Their proximity during a brief interaction makes Mo Xi feel self-conscious.

Gu Mang points to a picture of the “Wise Gentleman” in the scroll, saying the person looks familiar, hinting at more memories.

Gu Mang looks at a painting of the Wise Gentleman (Chen Tang) and feels he's seen him before, but Mo Xi explains that Chen Tang died hundreds of years ago.

Mo Xi recounts the history of Chen Tang, the headmaster of the cultivation academy and state preceptor, who was highly respected and produced many talented disciples.

Chen Tang took pity on a slave named Hua Po’an, who secretly cultivated despite the prohibition on slaves practicing cultivation. Chen Tang helped Hua Po’an develop his spiritual core, saving his life.

Hua Po’an showed great potential and grew powerful, eventually becoming highly regarded by the emperor. However, his ambition led him to betray Chonghua, defecting to create his own kingdom—Liao.

Mo Xi explains that Hua Po’an kidnapped people with a special constitution (Butterfly-Boned Beauty Feasts) to increase his slave army’s power through dual cultivation and cannibalism, founding the Liao Kingdom as its first king.

Gu Mang, hearing this, is uneasy and ashamed, realizing the parallels between himself and Hua Po’an, as both were slave-born and betrayed Chonghua.

Mo Xi emphasizes that Gu Mang and Hua Po’an are not the same, but Gu Mang feels deep regret for his past actions.

Gu Mang asks how Chen Tang’s core was destroyed, suggesting he feels a personal connection to the story.

Gu Mang asks Mo Xi about how Chen Tang’s core was destroyed, and Mo Xi explains that Hua Po’an created a Demonblood Beast after founding the Liao Kingdom.

Chen Tang blamed himself for teaching Hua Po’an, and in the final battle, he sacrificed himself to destroy the Demonblood Beast, using his own spiritual core to seal it.

Gu Mang becomes preoccupied with why he defected, having vague memories of pleading in the throne room and kneeling, but no one listened.

Mo Xi explains that Gu Mang’s defection was partly fueled by the failure of a military campaign, where Lu Zhanxing's mistake led to the deaths of many soldiers.

Gu Mang had pleaded with the emperor to build gravestones for his dead comrades, but the emperor refused. This dismissal and the ridicule from officials broke Gu Mang’s spirit.

Gu Mang’s attempts to protect the soldiers were ignored, Lu Zhanxing was executed, and Gu Mang lost everything.

Mo Xi shares that Gu Mang’s defection was unexpected, but despite understanding Gu Mang’s despair, he can’t comprehend why Gu Mang chose the Liao Kingdom, the darkest option.

Gu Mang, confused, can’t fully explain his own reasons, though he assumes it was for revenge against Chonghua.

Mo Xi urges Gu Mang to take more calming medicine and avoid thinking too deeply about his defection to prolong his life.

Gu Mang avoids recalling details about his defection as Mo Xi advised, focusing on being obedient to enjoy life.

Mo Xi becomes overwhelmed with work after the spring hunt and falls ill due to neglecting food and sleep, becoming irritable and picky with meals.

Medicine Master Jiang scolds Li Wei, urging that Mo Xi must eat properly to recover, but Mo Xi continues refusing different soups made by the kitchen.

Gu Mang, after noticing Mo Xi’s worsening condition, offers to help and decides to cook a fish dish.

Gu Mang goes to Peach Blossom Lake to catch fish, bringing along the black dog, Fandou.

While fishing, Gu Mang encounters Murong Chuyi, who is bathing in the lake, mistaking him for a woman at first. Murong Chuyi attacks him for the intrusion.

After the misunderstanding, Murong Chuyi, who is revealed to be unwell, asks Gu Mang to fetch medicine from Jiang Manor, making him promise not to tell Yue Manor about his condition.

Gu Mang, feeling bad for the weakened Murong Chuyi, agrees to fetch the medicine after Murong Chuyi collapses.

Gu Mang asks Jiang Fuli for heartbalm for Murong Chuyi but refuses to disclose its recipient, keeping his promise to Murong Chuyi.

Jiang Fuli warns that heartbalm, though a healing herb, can also be dangerous, but Gu Mang assures he won’t misuse it.

Gu Mang administers the heartbalm to the unconscious Murong Chuyi, soothing him as he murmurs in his delirium about his sister and Yue Chenqing.

Murong Chuyi eventually calms down, but remains unconscious, prompting Gu Mang to leave him to fish for Mo Xi.

Gu Mang struggles to catch any fish, but Murong Chuyi awakens, appearing fully recovered, and helps Gu Mang catch five fresh peach blossom perch using his spiritual skills.

Murong Chuyi gives Gu Mang enchanted "Voice-Obeying Arrows" for future use, but makes him promise to keep his illness a secret, especially from Yue Chenqing.

Gu Mang returns to Xihe Manor, prepares the fish for Mo Xi, and delivers the meal to Mo Xi’s study.

Mo Xi initially brushes off Gu Mang’s casual familiarity but ultimately shares the meal with him, amused by Gu Mang’s antics.

As they eat, Gu Mang begins to feel an inexplicable attraction and intense primal desire toward Mo Xi, his memories and instincts stirring, but Mo Xi remains unaware.

Mo Xi informs Gu Mang that Yue Chenqing’s birthday is approaching and tasks him with arranging a gift.

Gu Mang gets flustered and confused, having been too distracted by his growing attraction to Mo Xi to pay attention.

Mo Xi explains that Yue Chenqing’s birthday is not celebrated lavishly due to the circumstances of his birth—his mother, Murong Huang, died in childbirth.

Gu Mang learns that Murong Chuyi is not of royal blood but was adopted by Murong Huang, who treated him as a little brother, though she raised him like a son.

Mo Xi elaborates on the Yue family’s complicated dynamics: Murong Chuyi resents Yue Juntian (Yue Chenqing's father) for his infidelity, which he believes contributed to Murong Huang’s death.

Murong Chuyi harbors conflicted feelings toward Yue Chenqing because of his father’s actions, believing that both the marriage and Yue Chenqing’s birth were mistakes.

Despite knowing Yue Chenqing is blameless, Murong Chuyi cannot fully forgive him, leading to their distant relationship.

Mo Xi reveals that Yue Chenqing has been secretly searching for a cure for Murong Chuyi’s illness, despite his uncle’s attempts to hide his condition.

Gu Mang struggles to make sense of the family drama, repeating the idea that "understanding is not the same as forgiveness."

Mo Xi reflects on how Gu Mang used to explain such complicated emotional matters to him, reminding him of the compassionate and sunny person Gu Mang once was.

Days later, just as Mo Xi prepares to retrieve a book for Yue Chenqing, he learns from Li Wei that Yue Chenqing has mysteriously disappeared.

Yue Juntian pleads with the emperor to save his son, Yue Chenqing, who has gone missing on the Dream Butterfly Islands, weeping and wailing as he begs for help.

The emperor, irritated by Yue Juntian’s emotional outburst, assigns Mo Xi to rescue Yue Chenqing but refuses to send the Northern Frontier Army.

Yue Chenqing had sent a desperate message saying he was trapped in darkness, having dreams, and that demons were interested in his blood.

Mo Xi deduces that vampire bats may have taken Yue Chenqing hostage based on the details of the message.

The emperor gives Mo Xi Yue Chenqing’s life crystal, which will indicate whether Yue Chenqing is still alive during the mission.

The emperor also informs Mo Xi that Murong Chuyi and Jiang Yexue will be joining him on the mission.

Mo Xi is reluctant to take others, fearing that the presence of more humans might provoke the demons, but he complies with the emperor’s orders.

Mo Xi packs for the mission and brings Gu Mang along, as he can’t leave him unsupervised due to his unpredictable memory lapses.

When they meet Jiang Yexue and Murong Chuyi at the departure pavilion, there is visible tension between the two, with Murong Chuyi barely acknowledging Jiang Yexue.

Jiang Yexue summons a ship made from a transformed walnut to carry the group to the Dream Butterfly Islands, but Murong Chuyi refuses to travel with him, summoning his own ship from a pear blossom instead.

Murong Chuyi coldly insists that Jiang Yexue call him “Uncle” due to their familial seniority, though the atmosphere suggests deeper unresolved issues between them.

Mo Xi is left pondering the strained dynamics between Murong Chuyi and Jiang Yexue, sensing that something significant is being concealed.

The walnut ship soars through the sky, with Murong Chuyi keeping his distance in his own ship, refusing to travel close to Jiang Yexue.

Gu Mang, engrossed in the sunset view, encounters an ugly enchanted ceramic servant, which Jiang Yexue reveals was made by Gu Mang himself years ago.

The ceramic servant urges Gu Mang to eat, leading Jiang Yexue to invite Gu Mang to dinner inside the cabin, where enchanted clay figurines serve simple but delicious food.

Gu Mang drinks fragrant snow wine, and despite Mo Xi's disapproval, he enjoys several cups.

After the meal, everyone retires to their cabins. Since Mo Xi needs to monitor Gu Mang closely, they share a cabin.

Gu Mang feels unwell after overeating, and Mo Xi reluctantly massages his stomach, easing his discomfort.

As Gu Mang drifts off to sleep, he dreams about a passionate night from his past—the night of Mo Xi’s coming of age.

In his dream, Gu Mang recalls the intense and intimate encounter with Mo Xi, overwhelmed by the memory of their closeness and desire on that night.

Upon waking from the vivid dream, Gu Mang is left trembling and sweaty, his eyes meeting Mo Xi’s tense gaze, hinting at the tension between them.

Gu Mang wakes up confused and distressed after an intimate dream about Mo Xi, noticing the physical aftermath of the dream. He asks Mo Xi if he's sick, but Mo Xi awkwardly explains that it was just a normal reaction and not an illness.

Gu Mang admits he dreamt about the night of Mo Xi's coming of age, recalling their past intimacy. He insists that they both enjoyed it, which unsettles Mo Xi, but Mo Xi dismisses the memories as dreams.

Gu Mang, still convinced the memories are real, impulsively kisses Mo Xi. Mo Xi angrily pushes him away, biting his lip in frustration and embarrassment. Despite this, Gu Mang confirms that their past intimacy was real, noting Mo Xi's physical reaction.

Mo Xi, flustered and furious, storms out of the cabin, warning Gu Mang not to speak of the incident or seduce him again, threatening to send him back to Luomei Pavilion if he does.

Gu Mang, trying to diffuse the situation, apologizes and promises not to repeat his actions, but he can't help laughing at how reminiscent Mo Xi's behavior is of their past dynamic.

Outside the cabin, Mo Xi encounters Jiang Yexue, who notices Mo Xi's anger. They discuss Gu Mang, with Jiang Yexue advising Mo Xi to give Gu Mang extra warmth since his health is poor.

The next morning, the group arrives at the Dream Butterfly Islands. Jiang Yexue uses a compass to locate Bat Island, where they believe Yue Chenqing is being held.

The group descends onto Bat Island, discovering a large demon tower at its center with decaying human heads hanging from the eaves and thousands of bats clustered around it.

Jiang Yexue explains that the tower is a "human sacrifice tower," used by demons to trap humans for future use, often for food or blood consumption.

Murong Chuyi impatiently breaks open the tower's doors with a paper talisman, and the group enters. Inside, they find fire bat demons, half-demon, half-beast creatures in various stages of transformation, hanging from the tower's ceiling.

Mo Xi explains that fire bats are descendants of the feathered tribe, a mix of immortal, demon, and beast blood, though they are not very intelligent.

Jiang Yexue sends a spiritual sparrow to search for Yue Chenqing’s tracks, but it is destroyed by a magical barrier, which demands a blood sacrifice to proceed further into the tower.

They drip blood into a pool in the center of the tower, summoning a monstrous creature—a shangao, an ancient evil beast resembling a pig with a human body and a penchant for profanity.

The shangao insults the group and confirms that he has seen Yue Chenqing, whom he describes as a "chattering slacker with a pig’s brain." However, he refuses to give up Yue Chenqing's whereabouts without a trade.

The shangao reveals that he feeds on human suffering and offers to answer their questions in exchange for their painful memories. Murong Chuyi agrees, but Gu Mang cleverly negotiates that only one person's memories should be taken per question.

The shangao selects Jiang Yexue, referring to him as "Lamelegs" and assuming his life has been filled with the most suffering. Jiang Yexue agrees but makes the shangao swear a demonic oath not to reveal any of his secrets.

After consuming Jiang Yexue’s painful memories, the shangao hints at something significant involving Jiang Yexue but keeps his promise and stays silent. He looks maliciously at Murong Chuyi before being reminded to reveal Yue Chenqing’s location.

The shangao reveals that Yue Chenqing is imprisoned in the fourth dark room at the top of the tower, guarded by two high-level bat demons and twelve bloodsucking vines.

Murong Chuyi dismisses the danger, preparing to rescue Yue Chenqing without further questions.

The shangao grows angry when the group refuses to ask more questions, feeling cheated. He attacks, but Gu Mang swiftly uses a protective talisman to block the attack.

Gu Mang offers his own memories to satisfy the shangao’s greed, encouraging him to absorb the suffering. The shangao greedily accepts and begins taking memories from Mo Xi and Murong Chuyi as well.

When the shangao consumes Gu Mang’s memories, he is overwhelmed by the immense suffering but frustrated because some memories are missing. He becomes even more ravenous, realizing Gu Mang’s lost memories would be an exceptional feast.

The shangao breaks his promise and attacks Gu Mang, intending to recover Gu Mang’s missing memories and free himself from his imprisonment.

Mo Xi defends Gu Mang, but the shangao summons a massive Time Mirror from the blood pool, a fragment of a legendary object that can trap people in illusions of the past.

The Time Mirror’s pull drags Gu Mang and Mo Xi toward it. Mo Xi tries to resist but is ultimately pulled into the mirror with Gu Mang.

Meanwhile, the tower’s bat demons awaken and attack the group. Murong Chuyi uses his sword, Zhaoxue, to fight them off but is overwhelmed.

Murong Chuyi slashes his palm to use his spirit-infused blood as bait to attract the bats, trapping himself in a barrier while commanding Jiang Yexue to stop the Time Mirror.

Despite their efforts, Mo Xi and Gu Mang are pulled into the Time Mirror, leaving Jiang Yexue and Murong Chuyi to fend off the bat demons.

Mo Xi finds himself in his past, eight years ago, after being pulled into the Time Mirror.

He realizes this is the time shortly before Gu Mang's defection to Liao, a painful period for both of them.

The mirror world is an exact replica of the past, and Mo Xi is determined to observe and understand Gu Mang’s mental state before he defects.

Mo Xi wakes up in Xihe Manor, recognizing familiar surroundings and people from the past, including Shuang Qiu, a servant who would later betray him.

Mo Xi rushes to the palace, knowing this is the day he leaves for the northern frontier, and hoping to delay his departure to understand Gu Mang’s actions.

In the imperial palace, Mo Xi encounters the younger version of the emperor, who is more suspicious and cold than in the present.

Mo Xi requests a ten-day postponement for his trip to the northern frontier, claiming illness, to stay close to Gu Mang during this critical time.

The emperor, however, only grants a three-day extension, subtly warning Mo Xi to avoid certain people, implying Gu Mang.

Mo Xi realizes the emperor’s true intentions—Gu Mang's defection is on the horizon, and the emperor is trying to manipulate events surrounding it.

Mo Xi directly confronts the emperor, expressing his loyalty to Gu Mang and his concern that Gu Mang might defect if pushed too far.

The emperor dismisses Mo Xi's concerns, coldly stating that Gu Mang is a criminal and not worth the risk, implying that Gu Mang’s success was only due to the late emperor's grace.

Mo Xi argues that Gu Mang only wants justice for his soldiers, including proper gravestones, but the emperor refuses, citing the men’s low status.

The emperor reveals his plan to execute Lu Zhanxing, a key figure in Gu Mang's life, believing that if Gu Mang defects, it will expose his true nature as a traitor.

Mo Xi realizes the emperor may have orchestrated events to push Gu Mang to treason, possibly even planning his departure from the capital to ensure Mo Xi couldn’t intervene.

Devastated by the emperor’s manipulation, Mo Xi leaves the palace and heads to Apricot Mansion, a brothel where Gu Mang had sought solace during this time.

At the brothel, Mo Xi overhears Gu Mang playing the soul-calling song and sees Gu Mang from eight years ago—whole, unbroken, and still the man Mo Xi had loved before the betrayal.

Mo Xi finds Gu Mang sitting on a balcony at the Apricot Mansion, playing the soul-calling song on his holy weapon, Fengbo. The music is sorrowful, reflecting Gu Mang’s inner turmoil.

Mo Xi confronts Gu Mang, insisting on speaking privately. Gu Mang dismisses him, mocking Mo Xi’s presence and expressing no desire to talk, while downplaying the gravity of his situation.

Mo Xi, desperate, refuses to leave and insists on spending the night with Gu Mang. He knows this might be his last chance before Gu Mang defects.

Gu Mang initially brushes off Mo Xi's concerns, acting carefree and detached, but Mo Xi pushes back emotionally, revealing his pain and determination to stay.

Gu Mang eventually relents, dismissing the pipa girl and allowing Mo Xi to stay, albeit with a mocking tone, suggesting they spend “one last night” together.

Gu Mang provocatively kisses Mo Xi, but the kiss is tinged with bitterness and confusion for Mo Xi, who feels conflicted by Gu Mang’s actions, knowing what lies ahead.

Mo Xi struggles with the emotional weight of their relationship, recalling how Gu Mang had always been evasive about his feelings despite their physical closeness.

As Gu Mang pulls away from the kiss, Mo Xi, overwhelmed with emotion, asks him to share his burden and not bear everything alone, begging him not to defect or betray Chonghua.

Gu Mang, however, remains cryptic, not revealing his true feelings or plans. He questions what Mo Xi thinks he has been hiding.

Gu Mang's expression turns apathetic as he asks Mo Xi what he believes he’s hiding, but Mo Xi doesn’t directly accuse him of treason, instead trying to express concern over Gu Mang’s anger toward Chonghua and the emperor.

Gu Mang remains sarcastic and dismissive, acknowledging his loss of status, his soldiers' imprisonment, and his brother’s impending execution, all while accusing Mo Xi of trying to control or betray him like everyone else.

Mo Xi insists his feelings are genuine, but Gu Mang is cynical, comparing Mo Xi’s sincerity to the fleeting favors of nobles and rulers like the emperor, whose devotion to him had vanished after his defeat.

Gu Mang challenges Mo Xi’s trust, implying that even though Mo Xi claims to care, nobles like him will always prioritize their own interests.

Mo Xi apologizes for not being there when Gu Mang returned from Phoenix Cry Mountain, acknowledging the suffering Gu Mang and his troops endured, and promising to petition the emperor for the gravestones Gu Mang had requested for his fallen soldiers.

Gu Mang becomes defensive, refusing Mo Xi’s help and claiming that the dead soldiers were treated like ants and didn’t deserve gravestones, revealing the deep sorrow and bitterness he hides behind his façade.

Mo Xi grows more desperate, asking what Gu Mang plans to do next, but Gu Mang brushes him off, claiming he’ll live a carefree life with no further ambitions, though Mo Xi knows this isn’t true.

Mo Xi realizes that Gu Mang’s hidden burdens and the emperor’s actions may have been what ultimately drove Gu Mang to defect, and he resolves to uncover the truth behind a mysterious mission the emperor assigned to Gu Mang before his defection.

Mo Xi leaves the brothel to investigate further, recalling that the emperor had given Gu Mang a mission after his defeat, which may have been a final push toward treason.

Mo Xi visits Lu Zhanxing in prison, finding him in surprisingly good conditions despite his imminent execution, and casts a soundproof barrier around the cell to question him.

Mo Xi asks Lu Zhanxing if there was any injustice behind the defeat at Phoenix Cry Mountain, to which Lu Zhanxing sarcastically admits that while he takes responsibility for killing the envoy, the punishment of Gu Mang and the remaining soldiers was unfair.

Mo Xi is angered by Lu Zhanxing’s reckless behavior, knowing his impulsive decision to execute the envoy contributed to Gu Mang’s downfall and the collapse of their forces.

Lu Zhanxing admits to Mo Xi that he intentionally killed the envoy, not out of impulse, but as part of a larger plan.

Mo Xi is shocked and furious, accusing Lu Zhanxing of ruining Gu Mang's life, as his actions led to the disastrous defeat at Phoenix Cry Mountain and Gu Mang’s fall from grace.

Lu Zhanxing defends his actions, claiming that stripping Gu Mang of his power was better than allowing him to continue leading his troops into futile battles on behalf of Chonghua’s elite, who he believes only used him.

Mo Xi is horrified to learn that Lu Zhanxing orchestrated the envoy’s death on purpose, seeing it as a way to “save” Gu Mang from a worse fate in the future—either being killed or betrayed by those in power.

Lu Zhanxing explains that Gu Mang’s rise in power made the nobles and the emperor fearful, comparing Gu Mang to Hua Po’an, a former general who betrayed Chonghua, and arguing that Gu Mang would eventually face the same fate.

Lu Zhanxing insists that, by sabotaging Gu Mang’s career, he was preventing him from becoming a greater threat to the emperor and saving him from being executed as a traitor in the future.

Mo Xi is devastated, realizing that Lu Zhanxing’s plan to ruin Gu Mang’s military career was a deliberate attempt to prevent him from being used by the emperor and the nobles, but it cost the lives of seventy thousand soldiers and destroyed Gu Mang’s legacy.

Despite Lu Zhanxing’s belief that he “saved” Gu Mang, Mo Xi is overwhelmed with anger and grief, seeing the irreversible damage caused by his actions. He slaps Lu Zhanxing in fury.

Mo Xi slaps Lu Zhanxing, furious that Lu Zhanxing made decisions for Gu Mang and manipulated events, including the death of 70,000 comrades, without considering the consequences for Gu Mang’s heart and future.

Lu Zhanxing defends his actions, claiming he was trying to protect Gu Mang from the inevitable destruction he would face at the hands of the emperor and nobles due to his lofty ideals and background as a former slave.

Lu Zhanxing believes Gu Mang’s ambition to change the world was doomed and that his refusal to accept reality would have eventually led to his execution.

Mo Xi accuses Lu Zhanxing of pushing Gu Mang into an even worse situation, despite his claims of saving him.

Lu Zhanxing reveals he sabotaged Gu Mang’s military career intentionally, believing that losing everything was the only way to keep him from being further used by Chonghua’s rulers.

Mo Xi notices Gu Mang’s dice in Lu Zhanxing’s cell, recalling their past significance, but doesn’t confront him about it.

Mo Xi asks if Lu Zhanxing considered that Gu Mang might defect. Lu Zhanxing initially dismisses the idea but grows uneasy, suggesting he might know more about Gu Mang’s mental state than he’s admitting.

Mo Xi suspects that Gu Mang has visited Lu Zhanxing in prison, but Lu Zhanxing denies it, growing increasingly uncomfortable.

Before Mo Xi leaves, Lu Zhanxing asks if he and Gu Mang were romantically involved. Mo Xi confirms it, stunning Lu Zhanxing, who laments Gu Mang’s self-destructive tendencies and inability to accept his own limitations.

Mo Xi acknowledges that he, not Gu Mang, was the one seeking self-destruction by clinging to him.

Mo Xi returns to Xihe Manor but, unable to sleep, heads back to Apricot Mansion, yearning for more glimpses of Gu Mang from the past.

Mo Xi sneaks into Apricot Mansion using a special cloak, allowing him to observe Gu Mang without being detected.

Gu Mang appears alone in his room but is soon visited by a mysterious figure in a black cloak and a mask.

The masked man speaks in a distorted voice and asks Gu Mang if anything unusual happened that day. Gu Mang denies any visitors.

The masked man gives Gu Mang a bundle of clothes and tells him to prepare for an important task, revealing that Gu Mang has agreed to defect.

Mo Xi, still invisible, follows the pair as they leave the brothel and head toward Warrior Soul Mountain, where Chonghua’s heroes are buried.

At the foot of the mountain, the masked man convinces Gu Mang that defecting is the only way to change the current power structure in Chonghua, emphasizing that Chonghua is controlled by nobles, and Xihe-jun (Mo Xi) can’t help him.

The masked man reveals that Gu Mang’s treason is already in motion and cannot be undone.

Gu Mang silently agrees to the defection, even though he shows signs of internal conflict, such as visibly trembling and later being seen with red eyes, indicating he has been crying.

Mo Xi is devastated by this, realizing Gu Mang has made up his mind to betray Chonghua.

After Gu Mang and the masked man leave, Mo Xi tries to investigate the restricted area on Warrior Soul Mountain but is unable to breach the barrier.

Mo Xi is overwhelmed by the discoveries he’s made and feels as though everything he knew for the past eight years was a lie.

He returns to Xihe Manor, still struggling to process the events, accidentally breaking a teacup in his hand out of frustration, causing himself to bleed.

Mo Xi resolves to continue uncovering the truth, even if it brings him pain. He hopes to stay in the Time Mirror to learn more before the rescue team pulls him back to the present.

Three days have passed inside the Time Mirror, and Mo Xi notices the world within the Mirror beginning to fade, signaling its imminent collapse.

Despite the emperor's orders to head to the northern frontier, Mo Xi stays to uncover more secrets from the past before time runs out.

The execution of Lu Zhanxing is scheduled at the eastern market, drawing a large crowd. Many are eager to see the traitor executed.

Lu Zhanxing remains calm and even cheerful, joking with the officials as he eats his last meal and drinks his final cup of wine.

Gu Mang arrives at the execution platform dressed in Chonghua's military robes, though stripped of rank, bringing a jug of pear-blossom wine to share with Lu Zhanxing.

Despite Lu Zhanxing’s actions leading to his downfall, Gu Mang shows no anger. They talk and drink together peacefully, shocking the crowd, who expected animosity.

Lu Zhanxing asks Gu Mang to fulfill several final wishes: drink more pear-blossom wine, appreciate life’s beauty, and stop wearing his military uniform, signaling a desire for Gu Mang to leave the battlefield behind.

Gu Mang agrees, though Mo Xi knows that Gu Mang is already planning to defect, making the promise bittersweet and deceptive.

Lu Zhanxing’s final wish is for Gu Mang to settle down and find happiness, revealing his brotherly affection. He tries to leave Gu Mang with hope for a peaceful life.

The time for the execution arrives. The executioner strikes the gong, and the crowd becomes tense.

As the executioner raises his blade, Lu Zhanxing smiles at Gu Mang, remembering their youthful dreams and light-hearted talk about death.

Lu Zhanxing is beheaded without resistance, marking the tragic end of his life, not as a hero but as a criminal, with only Gu Mang by his side.

The execution of Lu Zhanxing is completed, his head severed and displayed for the public. Blood splatters across the platform as the crowd reacts with a mixture of awe and horror.

Gu Mang stands stoically, showing no emotion as he watches his best friend's death. Some in the crowd speculate about his indifference, questioning his loyalty and feelings toward Lu Zhanxing.

Despite the whispers, Gu Mang remains composed, watching as Lu Zhanxing’s body is bound, his head strung up, and the bloodstains cleaned away.

The imperial edict announces Lu Zhanxing’s crimes and the consequences of his actions. Gu Mang, still silent and emotionless, leaves the scene, carrying the wine jug he shared with Lu Zhanxing.

Mo Xi, under his invisibility cloak, follows Gu Mang back to his humble dwelling. Gu Mang's house is small, with minimal possessions—just a desk, chair, bed, and a few wooden boxes.

After returning home, Gu Mang begins eating in silence. The pain of Lu Zhanxing’s death slowly overtakes him, but he continues to eat mechanically, trying to stave off his sorrow.

As Gu Mang eats, he begins to cry, his tears falling into his bowl. He tries to hold back his emotions, but they eventually overwhelm him. He sweeps the table, breaking dishes and the wine jug in frustration.

Gu Mang crumbles, sitting on the floor in despair, unable to contain his grief any longer. He sobs uncontrollably, apologizing repeatedly to his fallen comrades.

Mo Xi, witnessing Gu Mang’s breakdown, is in agony. He tries to comfort him but realizes that he can’t interact with this world—he passes right through Gu Mang when he attempts to embrace him.

Mo Xi understands that time in the Mirror is running out. He remains by Gu Mang’s side all night, powerless to change the past or comfort him as he weeps and sleeps in anguish.

As the night passes, Mo Xi is heartbroken, knowing that even in this illusion, he cannot alter the course of events.

Mo Xi realizes that time in the Mirror is running out; the colors and sounds are fading, and he becomes more transparent.

For three days, Gu Mang remains isolated in his house, with no visitors or companions, mourning the loss of his closest friend, Lu Zhanxing.

Mo Xi passively waits, hoping to stay in the Mirror long enough to witness Gu Mang's final moments before his defection.

An imperial herald arrives to summon Gu Mang to the palace, where the emperor is set to give him his last assignment.

Gu Mang enters the palace, feeling exhausted and worn down, still mourning Lu Zhanxing. He meets Murong Lian, who smugly delivers the emperor’s cruel command.

The emperor’s edict orders Gu Mang to personally deliver Lu Zhanxing’s head to the Rouli Kingdom as an apology for the envoy’s beheading.

Gu Mang, despite his shock, accepts the edict with cold indifference, understanding the emperor’s cruelty.

Mo Xi is devastated, knowing this mission will lead to Gu Mang’s eventual defection.

Gu Mang sets off on his journey with Lu Zhanxing’s head in a knapsack. He attempts to buy snacks from the market but is shunned by the stall owners.

As Gu Mang passes Chonghua Bridge, an old beggar offers him a pastry, sensing his loneliness. Gu Mang accepts, taking it as a final memento of his homeland.

Gu Mang bids farewell to the capital of Chonghua, knowing it may be his last time there, and walks away alone, with no one to see him off.

Mo Xi is heartbroken, knowing Gu Mang’s departure marks the start of his defection and that nothing can change the past.

As Gu Mang disappears into the horizon, the Time Mirror begins to pull Mo Xi back, causing him immense pain as he is forcibly returned to the present.

Mo Xi collapses on the floor of Bat Tower, overwhelmed by the agony of having witnessed Gu Mang’s suffering and unable to prevent his defection.

Gu Mang also emerges from the Time Mirror, but this time with all of his past memories restored, fully aware and no longer the broken man Mo Xi once knew.

Mo Xi realizes that the man who has returned is the real Gu Mang, the once-powerful and unyielding General Gu, with all his memories intact.

Mo Xi is shocked that Gu Mang has regained his memories, as the Time Mirror should not have been able to restore them.

A bat monster attacks, but Gu Mang, despite his shock and newly recovered memories, instinctively protects himself and the others with a talisman.

Gu Mang’s battlefield instincts kick in as they are overwhelmed by a horde of rat monsters. Despite the mental shock of his restored memories, Gu Mang takes swift control of the situation.

Gu Mang tries to summon his holy weapon, Fengbo, but fails due to his shattered spiritual core.

Unable to summon his former weapon, Gu Mang resorts to using Yongye, the demonic weapon given to him by the Liao Kingdom, which he used when he defected.

Gu Mang skillfully fights the horde using Yongye, while Mo Xi watches, visibly weakened from his injuries.

Mo Xi summons his holy weapon, Tuntian, and uses its most deadly ability, “Swallowing Leviathan,” to destroy the horde, despite his deep aversion to using such overwhelming force.

Gu Mang notices Mo Xi’s deteriorating condition and goes to him, asking if he remembers everything from the Time Mirror.

Mo Xi is relieved that Gu Mang has regained most of his memories but is emotionally overwhelmed, asking if Gu Mang intends to leave Chonghua now that he remembers.

Gu Mang responds coldly, pointing out that Mo Xi is the one who holds the power over him because of the slave collar around his neck, implying he cannot leave without Mo Xi's permission.

Mo Xi is devastated by Gu Mang’s detached tone and expression, reminding him of Gu Mang’s apathy after defecting.

Overcome with exhaustion and grief, Mo Xi collapses, coughing up blood. Gu Mang instinctively catches him.

Mo Xi, on the verge of unconsciousness, expresses his longing for the past, wishing Gu Mang’s eyes were still black, symbolizing the man he once knew and loved.

Mo Xi's final thought is a sorrowful wish that he had died at the battle of Dongting Lake, as he feels utterly broken by everything that has happened.

Before Mo Xi loses consciousness, Murong Chuyi returns from the top of the tower, questioning what they are doing amidst the river of blood.

Mo Xi wakes up in a cave, surrounded by Gu Mang, Jiang Yexue, Murong Chuyi, and the unconscious Yue Chenqing. The memories of what happened in the Time Mirror, including Gu Mang's departure with Lu Zhanxing's head, flood back to him.

Mo Xi notices Gu Mang has regained his memories and feels a mix of confusion, shock, and hope, but also realizes Gu Mang is acting cold and distant, nothing like the shixiong he once knew.

Gu Mang acknowledges that Mo Xi is awake but remains detached and indifferent, maintaining an emotional distance. Jiang Yexue tries to help Mo Xi feel more at ease by explaining the situation.

They are still trapped on Bat Island due to the Bat Queen Wuyan, who sealed off the island. Gu Mang was instrumental in helping them escape the initial danger, but they are not safe yet.

Gu Mang taunts Mo Xi, offering sarcastically to carry him over to the fire, mocking their strained relationship. Mo Xi feels heartbroken by Gu Mang’s coldness but says nothing.

Murong Chuyi informs Mo Xi that Yue Chenqing is alive but poisoned by gu worms, which will turn his body into an undead puppet for the Bat Queen to reconstruct someone else.

Gu Mang offers to capture a demon for interrogation to help find a cure for Yue Chenqing, but in return, he asks the others to keep his recovered memories a secret when they return to the capital.

The group is shocked by Gu Mang’s request, and he explains his fear of being sent back to Luomei Pavilion or being tortured for Liao Kingdom secrets if anyone finds out.

Gu Mang claims he has not fully regained all his memories, as two of his souls are still missing, and suggests he has forgotten key information about his time in the Liao Kingdom.

Murong Chuyi questions why Gu Mang doesn’t just kill them all and escape, to which Gu Mang responds that it wouldn’t be worth the risk, as the Bat Queen would likely find him afterward.

In a tense moment, Gu Mang jokingly threatens the group but quickly retracts, stating that he would likely lose in a fight and attract too much attention from the Bat Queen.

Murong Chuyi agrees to keep Gu Mang’s memory recovery a secret if Gu Mang helps them, but Gu Mang wants assurance that everyone, including Mo Xi, will stay silent.

Gu Mang directly taunts Mo Xi, calling him the most stubborn of them all and questioning if he will agree to keep his lips sealed.

Gu Mang taunts Mo Xi, making him feel awkward and uncomfortable, as Mo Xi turns away.

Gu Mang proposes a deal: he will help the group by capturing a demon to interrogate, and in return, they will keep his memory recovery a secret. Jiang Yexue and Murong Chuyi agree to the deal, but Gu Mang waits for Mo Xi's response.

Mo Xi reluctantly agrees not to hand Gu Mang over to the emperor but remains emotionally conflicted.

Gu Mang, having expended his spiritual energy, decides to rest and eat first. The group shares food, including a roast goose cooked by Gu Mang.

Gu Mang ignores Mo Xi’s attempt to speak to him and focuses on light conversation with Jiang Yexue and Murong Chuyi. He praises Jiang Yexue’s puppet-making skills, creating a warm but slightly awkward atmosphere.

Mo Xi’s feelings of longing and frustration grow as Gu Mang distances himself, making it clear that he no longer considers Mo Xi a close companion.

Gu Mang carves the roast goose and serves Jiang Yexue and Murong Chuyi, purposefully ignoring Mo Xi. When Mo Xi notices this, Gu Mang makes a snide comment about not wanting to serve someone who might be disgusted by him.

Mo Xi, hurt by Gu Mang’s coldness, refuses to eat and steps away from the group. Jiang Yexue tries to encourage Mo Xi to eat, but Gu Mang dismisses the need, implying Mo Xi is no longer someone to be coddled.

After the meal, Gu Mang prepares to go out and trap a demon for interrogation. He instructs the group to wait for him and says he’ll send a messenger butterfly if necessary.

As Gu Mang leaves, Mo Xi watches him go, feeling the emotional distance between them grow even wider.

Jiang Yexue, noticing Mo Xi’s strange behavior, asks what happened in the Time Mirror. Mo Xi explains they returned to eight years ago, before Gu Mang’s defection, but mentions he needs to investigate more before sharing what he saw.

Their conversation is interrupted by Yue Chenqing, who wakes up, calling out for his uncle.

Yue Chenqing, in his sleep, cries out for his "Fourth Uncle" (Murong Chuyi) in a fevered delirium. Despite his cold demeanor, Murong Chuyi eventually goes to check on him.

Murong Chuyi discovers that Yue Chenqing has a high fever, which is unusual given that he had used the Sacred Heart Technique to heal him—a forbidden spell that prevents such conditions.

Jiang Yexue and Mo Xi are concerned for Murong Chuyi, knowing the dangers of the Sacred Heart Technique, but Murong Chuyi dismisses their worries.

Murong Chuyi speculates that Yue Chenqing’s fever might be due to the gu worm that infected him, a mysterious poison that they still know little about.

While waiting for Gu Mang to return with information, Mo Xi notices that Murong Chuyi’s spiritual energy is unstable, risking a qi deviation. He helps Murong Chuyi, who thanks him but insists on keeping his injuries secret, especially from Yue Chenqing and Jiang Yexue.

Mo Xi observes that Murong Chuyi treats Yue Chenqing differently from Jiang Yexue, showing more care toward Yue Chenqing despite his usual coldness.

As Yue Chenqing mutters in his fever, calling out for both his "Fourth Uncle" and his "Mama," Murong Chuyi shows a rare moment of conflicted emotions, trying to comfort Yue Chenqing despite his impatience and anger.

Gu Mang finally returns with a young bird spirit named Rongrong, instead of a demon as expected. She is shy and hesitant but introduces herself as a half-immortal from the feathered tribe of Mount Jiuhua.

Gu Mang introduces Rongrong to the group, including Mo Xi, and reassures her that the others are good people.

Rongrong reveals she is from the feathered tribe of Mount Jiuhua, a half-immortal race close to the gods, but she didn't grow up with them, having been taken at a young age.

Rongrong confirms that she was kidnapped by Wuyan, the Bat Queen, who is trying to cultivate into immortality.

Rongrong is visibly scared, but Gu Mang reassures her and asks her to rest by the fire, where she eats the flames.

Gu Mang teases Mo Xi, provoking him by making comments about Mo Xi’s lack of a wife and poking fun at his serious demeanor, which angers Mo Xi, though he suppresses his emotions and walks away.

Jiang Yexue defends Mo Xi, explaining that he hasn’t married because of his loyalty to Princess Mengze, who has been sick for a long time. Gu Mang then mocks Mo Xi in a more cutting way, implying that Mo Xi’s physique would be too much for the frail princess.

Mo Xi, hurt by Gu Mang’s remarks, leaves the conversation, while Jiang Yexue asks why Gu Mang is continuously antagonizing him. Gu Mang brushes it off, saying it’s just a habit.

The group shifts focus to Rongrong and the mystery of why Wuyan, a demon, would take someone from the feathered tribe. Gu Mang explains that Wuyan seeks to cultivate into immortality, but because demons take in yin energy, her body can’t properly handle the yang energy needed for such cultivation. She needs immortal energy, which she gets by consuming blood from the feathered tribe.

Gu Mang further explains that Wuyan has been regularly taking blood from Rongrong to maintain her spiritual energy, which is why Rongrong has visible scars from bloodletting.

Gu Mang reveals he found Rongrong in Wuyan’s pill-refining room, surprising everyone. When asked how he knew where to look, Gu Mang humorously says it was thanks to Murong Chuyi, referencing an incident at Peach Blossom Lake where Gu Mang once caught Murong Chuyi bathing.

Murong Chuyi reacts darkly to Gu Mang's revelation that Yue Chenqing had been secretly trying to find a cure for Murong Chuyi's hidden illness.

Gu Mang explains that despite Murong Chuyi’s attempts to conceal his illness, Yue Chenqing noticed and had been researching potential remedies.

Gu Mang shifts the conversation to the legends of miracle cures, mentioning the Xueling Pill, a medicine from the Dream Butterfly Islands, as a possible cure.

Murong Chuyi challenges Gu Mang, pointing out inconsistencies in Gu Mang’s claim that he remembers little of the Liao Kingdom, making everyone suspicious.

Gu Mang responds with a solemn vow to prove his honesty, though everyone remains somewhat skeptical, particularly Mo Xi.

Gu Mang tells the legend of a Liao Kingdom cultivator who traveled to a demon island (likely Bat Island) to cure his mother’s illness with the Xueling Pill.

There are two versions of the story: one where the Bat Queen (likely Wuyan) helps out of kindness, and another where she demands the cultivator become her servant in exchange for the pill.

Gu Mang believes Yue Chenqing came to Bat Island to seek the Xueling Pill, and he connects this to the fact that Rongrong, a member of the feathered tribe, has been used to make the Xueling Pill from her blood.

Rongrong, after recovering her strength by eating flames, begins to examine Yue Chenqing, concluding that his fever and illness are due to a gu worm, which she can cure with the blood of a relative.

Jiang Yexue volunteers his blood, revealing his familial connection to Yue Chenqing, while Murong Chuyi, despite being the one closely guarding Yue Chenqing, has no blood relation to him.

Rongrong explains that Yue Chenqing cannot be moved during the gu worm extraction process, despite the potential threat from Wuyan.

Mo Xi volunteers to deal with Wuyan while the others remain in the cave to guard Yue Chenqing during the dangerous procedure.

Mo Xi prepares to leave the cave, intending to act as bait to distract Wuyan and her forces while the others stay to remove the gu worm from Yue Chenqing. Jiang Yexue protests, but Mo Xi is determined.

Gu Mang follows Mo Xi, mocking him lightly but offering to help. Mo Xi dismisses Gu Mang’s words and leaves in frustration.

Gu Mang eventually catches up with Mo Xi and joins him, explaining the need for multiple people to draw attention away from the cave.

Mo Xi suddenly asks Gu Mang if he hates him, expressing his deep insecurities and pain over their strained relationship.

Gu Mang denies hating Mo Xi but admits that their paths have diverged and that he has let go of the past. He encourages Mo Xi to do the same.

Mo Xi struggles to accept Gu Mang’s detachment, lamenting the 17 years they’ve spent together and how he can’t let go of their shared history.

Mo Xi becomes emotional, asking Gu Mang to teach him how to let go of the past, expressing how deeply the years of separation have affected him.

As Mo Xi’s emotions overwhelm him, he walks ahead, trying to distance himself from Gu Mang. Gu Mang follows silently, just as he did during their past missions together.

Their tense exchange is interrupted when they overhear Wuyan angrily shouting at her subordinates. Both Mo Xi and Gu Mang fall into silent agreement, preparing to investigate further.

They approach quietly and discover a surprising scene as they peer around a large tree.

Mo Xi and Gu Mang come upon a horrifying scene: a sunken area surrounded by petrified crosses, shackles, and a blood pool filled with skeletons. A pavilion built from human bones sits over the pool.

They spot Wuyan, the Bat Queen, a woman of around forty, seated at the center of the pavilion. She exudes regal luxury while her terrified subjects attend to her.

Wuyan brutally punishes a bat demon official, Shunfeng-er, for allowing Rongrong to escape, ordering her to be boiled alive.

The queen’s subordinate, Shunfeng-er’s disciple, is terrified and flees after being threatened with the same fate if she fails to track down the intruders.

Wuyan, weakened from her cultivation methods, relies on Xueling Pills made from Rongrong’s blood to maintain her vitality. She conserves her remaining pills, deciding to stay near the blood pool to limit her energy consumption.

Gu Mang theorizes that Wuyan damaged her vital energy and that staying by the blood pool minimizes the effects. He suggests getting closer to her to find a way off the island by identifying weak points in the barrier she set up.

Gu Mang casts a Liao Kingdom spell, the Illusion Butterfly Transformation Technique, to disguise himself and Mo Xi as bat demons—a servant girl and a guard, respectively.

They knock out two bat demons and steal their waist tokens to blend in with the crowd.

A senior bat demon notices them and berates them for slacking. Mo Xi narrowly avoids a confrontation by playing along, while Gu Mang smooths over the situation with flattery.

Mo Xi is assigned to patrol the blood pool, while Gu Mang is tasked with delivering fruit to Wuyan in her private courtyard.

Gu Mang successfully infiltrates Wuyan’s quarters and observes her preparing for a bath in a pool of boiling blood, which is centuries old and maintained by mysterious means.

Wuyan, naked, enters the blood pool and has her attendants pour blood over her. Gu Mang watches carefully, hoping to gather clues, though he tries to avert his gaze from her more intimate details.

Something extraordinary happens as Gu Mang watches Wuyan in the blood pool, leaving him shocked.

Wuyan, the Bat Queen, bathes in a pool of human blood that rejuvenates her, transforming her appearance from that of a woman in her forties to a youthful maiden in her twenties.

Gu Mang realizes that Wuyan is the legendary beauty from the Liao Kingdom's stories and the old hag, both affected by her failed attempt to cultivate immortality. She relies on the Xueling Pill and the blood pool to maintain her youth.

Wuyan reflects on her obsession with an immortal who betrayed her, and how she uses gu worms to transform other men into his likeness. This explains why she altered Yue Chenqing’s appearance.

Wuyan orders fruit, and Gu Mang serves it while casting a hidden Soul-Recording Spell to gather information from her.

As Wuyan relaxes, she asks her servant, A-Fang, to arrange for a guard to "service" her that night, hinting at dual cultivation to restore her yin energy. Gu Mang is horrified at the implications.

Fragrance is released into the pavilion, affecting the bat demons and almost overpowering Gu Mang with its intoxicating effects, but he suppresses it with his spiritual energy.

A-Fang brings in a group of bat demon guards, one of whom is Mo Xi, disguised by Gu Mang’s spell. Wuyan selects Mo Xi to "serve" her, unaware of his true identity.

Mo Xi, oblivious to the situation at first, becomes confused and then mortified when Wuyan emerges naked from the blood pool and orders him to help her dress.

Gu Mang watches in horror as Mo Xi, caught off guard, turns various shades of green, realizing the uncomfortable position he's been placed in by Wuyan's advances.

Gu Mang realizes that Mo Xi’s temper is unsuitable for a honeypot scheme, but he quickly thinks of a plan to save him from Wuyan’s advances.

Gu Mang loudly accuses Mo Xi of being unable to perform in bed, claiming that Mo Xi damaged his vital energy during dual cultivation. This humiliates Mo Xi in front of Wuyan and the other demons.

Wuyan, now suspicious of Mo Xi’s abilities, dismisses him, leaving Mo Xi furious but forced to leave.

Wuyan selects another male demon to accompany her, and the bat demons disperse, some pairing off for their own dual cultivation.

Gu Mang observes that the demons generate spiritual energy through dual cultivation, which Wuyan absorbs to restore her own energy.

Suddenly, Gu Mang is grabbed by a strong assailant and dragged into a hut, where he fears he’s about to be assaulted.

The assailant turns out to be Mo Xi, who angrily confronts Gu Mang for humiliating him earlier. They bicker, with Gu Mang defending his actions as necessary to protect Mo Xi.

After calming down, Gu Mang prepares to extract the Soul-Recording Spell he placed on Wuyan earlier, revealing the secrets of her barrier and her intentions.

As they listen to Wuyan’s recorded memories, they learn that she was once betrayed by an immortal, the source of her obsession with transforming men into puppets using gu worms.

The spell begins to show a scene from Wuyan’s past, hinting at the origins of her desire for revenge.

Wuyan recounts her past, explaining how the Dream Butterfly Islands were at war and her tribe was slaughtered. She narrowly escaped death after her wings were broken, only to land on a mysterious island inhabited by an immortal named Chen Tang.

Chen Tang, known as the Wise Gentleman and revered in Chonghua, healed Wuyan and took care of her. Wuyan grew to love him, despite their differences as demon and immortal.

Despite Wuyan's feelings, Chen Tang rejected her, stating his heart was dedicated to the Dao and he desired nothing else. Wuyan became obsessed with him, believing he lied about not loving her.

Wuyan tied a magical thread to Chen Tang’s pinky, which would signal if he ever married someone else. When the thread eventually broke, indicating he had married another, she was consumed by rage and heartbreak.

After this perceived betrayal, Wuyan developed a hatred for all men who weren’t of her tribe. She started transforming trespassing men into puppets that resembled Chen Tang, using them to cope with her obsession.

Gu Mang and Mo Xi discuss Chen Tang’s unexpected role in Wuyan’s past, noting that Chen Tang was never known to have married or had children, adding mystery to the situation.

Gu Mang then provocatively asks Mo Xi if he ever resented him, suggesting that, like Wuyan, Mo Xi might have held onto feelings of betrayal or unrequited love.

Mo Xi, hurt by Gu Mang’s words, reminds him that unlike Chen Tang, Gu Mang once said he loved him. Gu Mang dismisses this, claiming that words said in moments of passion don’t necessarily reflect true feelings.

Mo Xi is visibly heartbroken and furious at Gu Mang’s nonchalant attitude, causing tension between the two.

Mo Xi becomes emotional, frustrated that Gu Mang compares his feelings to Wuyan’s obsession, insisting that his pain comes from Gu Mang’s betrayal, not unreciprocated love.

Mo Xi expresses how he hated that Gu Mang abandoned everything he once stood for, including his comrades and dreams, which had hurt Mo Xi deeply.

Gu Mang reflects on their past, recalling the first time he saw Mo Xi, when he admired his integrity and strength, even though they didn’t interact at first.

Mo Xi reminisces about the connection they once had and expresses his longing for Gu Mang to come back to who he used to be.

Gu Mang struggles internally with his feelings, knowing he needs to distance himself from Mo Xi to protect them both, yet he can’t help feeling drawn to Mo Xi’s pain and sincerity.

They sit together in silence, lost in thought, but the mood is interrupted when two bat demons, consumed by their lust, start coupling loudly in the hut next door.

Mo Xi’s irritation grows as he and Gu Mang awkwardly sit through the sounds of the bat demons’ passionate encounter, but they must wait until the bat demons are gone before they can leave.

Gu Mang and Mo Xi are stuck in a small hut with thin walls, listening to bat demons having loud sex next door, making them both uncomfortable.

Gu Mang starts humming loudly to distract himself from the sounds, which annoys the bat demons next door, causing them to angrily leave the hut.

Gu Mang laughs at the situation, explaining to Mo Xi that sometimes acting crazier than others is the best way to deal with things.

They try to leave the hut, but discover a barrier that prevents them from leaving unless they engage in sexual activity inside the hut, a mechanism that powers the bat queen’s energy.

Gu Mang starts feeling dizzy and realizes the fragrance from the bat queen’s pavilion contains an aphrodisiac that is affecting him, but not Mo Xi because he’s human.

The aphrodisiac starts overwhelming Gu Mang, making him recall intimate memories with Mo Xi, and he tries to suppress his growing desire and discomfort.

Gu Mang eventually gives in to the intense heat and starts secretly pleasuring himself, trying not to make any noise or let Mo Xi notice.

Mo Xi notices Gu Mang’s distress, embraces him from behind, and takes over, leaving Gu Mang overwhelmed by conflicting feelings of pleasure and shame.

Mo Xi realizes something is wrong with Gu Mang but doesn’t want to act inappropriately. However, he’s unable to ignore Gu Mang’s suppressed pain and suffering.

Gu Mang tries to hide his condition, but Mo Xi notices Gu Mang touching himself, trying to deal with the effects of the aphrodisiac.

Despite Gu Mang’s resistance, Mo Xi can’t bear to see him suffer and decides to help him, telling Gu Mang to pretend it’s not him.

Gu Mang is torn between his desire for Mo Xi and his internal struggle. He tries to push Mo Xi away but ultimately gives in to the overwhelming desire caused by the fragrance.

Gu Mang, in a haze of lust and emotion, desperately pleads for Mo Xi to help him. He tries to detach himself emotionally by saying he will pretend Mo Xi is someone else.

Mo Xi, deeply hurt by Gu Mang’s words, begins to physically engage with him, but their interaction is filled with pain and unresolved feelings.

Gu Mang is overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions of desire, love, and regret, torn between wanting Mo Xi and feeling like he can’t be with him.

Mo Xi, equally pained, tries to fulfill Gu Mang’s need while suppressing his own emotions. He ties a ribbon over Gu Mang’s eyes, trying to distance the act from their emotional connection.

The intense physical interaction continues, but it’s clear that both are deeply emotionally hurt, and the act is more about helping Gu Mang deal with the poison than rekindling any romance.

Mo Xi questions Gu Mang’s feelings and who he’s thinking of during their encounter, reflecting his own jealousy and pain.

The chapter ends with Mo Xi telling Gu Mang that this night is only to help with the poison, emphasizing that it’s not meant to rekindle their lost love.

Mo Xi realizes Gu Mang's body is extremely sensitive due to the Liao Kingdom's influence, making their current physical situation intense.

Mo Xi enters Gu Mang after minimal preparation, and Gu Mang begs for more, overcome by desire and the effects of the aphrodisiac.

As Mo Xi takes Gu Mang, Gu Mang's human rationality fades, leaving only beastly lust. Gu Mang pleads for Mo Xi to continue, craving deeper intimacy.

Mo Xi questions Gu Mang's past lovers, but Gu Mang, lost in pleasure, denies any others and only asks for more.

Mo Xi pulls out just before Gu Mang reaches his climax, teasingly questioning him about their relationship.

Gu Mang is flipped into a different position, and Mo Xi takes him harder. Gu Mang eventually climaxes several times, begging for Mo Xi to release inside him.

Despite their intense coupling, the interaction is filled with unresolved emotional pain. Mo Xi struggles with the situation, and Gu Mang, overwhelmed, loses himself in desire.

After several climaxes, Mo Xi finally comes inside Gu Mang, as Gu Mang begs him to.

In the aftermath, Mo Xi remains inside Gu Mang for a while, and they share a brief moment of intimacy, with Mo Xi holding Gu Mang's hand.

As morning comes, both silently dress and prepare to leave. Gu Mang is visibly shaken but tries to mask it. He downplays the encounter as purely a physical act caused by the poison.

Mo Xi also attempts to act as if the encounter meant nothing more than dealing with the aphrodisiac, though it's clear they both feel conflicted.

Upon returning to the cave, they find Yue Chenqing crying after regaining consciousness. Murong Chuyi berates him for his recklessness.

Murong Chuyi becomes furious, lashing out at Jiang Yexue and pushing him to the ground. Jiang Yexue remains calm and apologizes, which only angers Murong Chuyi more.

Yue Chenqing, devastated by Murong Chuyi's treatment of Jiang Yexue, defends him, accusing Murong Chuyi of caring only about his deceased sister and not them.

Murong Chuyi, in a fit of rage, calls Jiang Yexue a "bastard," revealing his deep-seated resentment and shocking everyone present.

Jiang Yexue silently accepts the insult, while Yue Chenqing breaks down in tears, accusing his uncle of being heartless.

Yue Chenqing, deeply emotional, questions Murong Chuyi's harshness, expressing his long-held feelings of being unloved and unseen. He breaks down, wondering if Murong Chuyi wishes he had never been born.

Murong Chuyi, visibly struggling with his emotions, coldly tells Yue Chenqing to fend for himself and leaves without looking back, despite his heartbreak.

Gu Mang stops Mo Xi from following Murong Chuyi, advising that he give him space, as Murong Chuyi seemed on the verge of tears when he left.

The group prepares to leave Bat Island. Gu Mang, now idle, notices that the feathered girl Rongrong is watching him. She remarks on the strong scent of Mo Xi on him, and Gu Mang playfully dismisses her observations, advising her to learn human customs and keep quiet about it.

They escape Bat Island easily thanks to Gu Mang's knowledge of the barrier's weakness, and they prepare to head back to Chonghua.

Gu Mang arranges to switch rooms with Jiang Yexue, joking about his dangerous nature and how being too close to Mo Xi could lead to trouble. Mo Xi silently accepts the arrangement, and they part ways to rest.

Yue Chenqing is confused about the tension between Gu Mang and Mo Xi, and Jiang Yexue offers to explain everything to him later.

Jiang Yexue reassures Yue Chenqing that he, Murong Chuyi, and the others all care about him, despite the recent conflict. He also comforts Yue Chenqing with snacks and conversation, advising him not to dwell on guilt or apologies.

Murong Chuyi, still angry, momentarily opens his window on his ship for fresh air, but when he notices Jiang Yexue looking at him, he quickly shuts the curtain again. Jiang Yexue playfully sends a paper crane to him, which is angrily crumpled and thrown back.

Jiang Yexue, unbothered by Murong Chuyi's reaction, returns to his cabin where Gu Mang is already asleep. Noticing that Gu Mang has bathed before sleeping, which is out of character, Jiang Yexue becomes suspicious.

His suspicions are confirmed when he spots Mo Xi’s black-and-gold hair ribbon, realizing that something intimate happened between Gu Mang and Mo Xi.

Jiang Yexue notices that Gu Mang is using Mo Xi’s hair ribbon, which is unusual given Mo Xi’s strict cleanliness and possessiveness.

He inspects Gu Mang’s appearance for any suggestive marks but finds nothing. Gu Mang wakes up and notices Jiang Yexue’s awkward reaction.

Jiang Yexue excuses himself to wash up, leaving Gu Mang to silently check for any signs of last night’s encounter. He finds nothing suspicious but is reminded of their past, when they had to hide their relationship.

Gu Mang reflects on Mo Xi’s past kindness and current actions, wondering why Mo Xi continues to protect him despite everything. He knows Mo Xi still loves him and feels despair because of it.

Gu Mang worries that if anyone discovers their relationship, Mo Xi’s reputation will be ruined, as Gu Mang sees himself as a stain on Mo Xi’s otherwise noble life.

The group arrives in Chonghua’s capital. Murong Chuyi, still angry, leaves without speaking to Yue Chenqing, who is visibly saddened. Jiang Yexue reassures him that Murong Chuyi will calm down.

Mo Xi prepares to report to the emperor and tells Gu Mang to return to Xihe Manor without causing trouble. Gu Mang playfully tries to avoid returning but ultimately agrees.

Mo Xi enters the palace to report to the emperor but finds Eunuch Li behaving oddly. Mo Xi is told that the emperor is indisposed, but Eunuch Li hints at someone else being in the Great Hall.

Mo Xi enters the hall and is surprised to find Princess Mengze, who is equally startled and pleased to see him.

Mo Xi enters the hall and sees Princess Mengze reviewing memorials for the emperor, who is ill.

Mengze explains that the emperor is recovering but still weak, so she is helping with state affairs. She offers to pass Mo Xi’s report to the emperor on his behalf.

Mo Xi notices Mengze looks tired and advises her to rest and wear warmer clothing before leaving.

Mengze’s handmaiden, Yue-niang, expresses disappointment that Mengze didn’t ask Mo Xi to stay longer, believing Mengze should try harder to win his affection.

Mengze brushes off Yue-niang’s concerns, explaining that Mo Xi doesn’t wish to marry her, despite their connection.

Yue-niang grows upset, mentioning rumors that Princess Yanping has tried to seduce Mo Xi. She believes Mengze should act before someone else wins Mo Xi's heart.

Mengze refuses to force Mo Xi into a relationship, believing that love should not be coerced.

Yue-niang then tells Mengze about noticing that Mo Xi wore a hair ribbon that didn’t belong to him, implying he may be seeing someone else.

Mengze reacts quietly, dismissing Yue-niang’s concerns about the ribbon, though internally, she seems affected. She instructs Yue-niang to stop talking about the matter and continue grinding ink.

Mo Xi leaves the palace with three unresolved questions: the identity of the black-garbed man, what happened at Warrior Soul Mountain, and Gu Mang’s secret meeting with Lu Zhanxing before his defection.

He decides to investigate the Imperial Censorate, where historical records are stored.

Mo Xi sneaks into the Imperial Censorate, where the past is metaphorically “buried” in a mausoleum-like structure.

Upon reaching the room for records from eight years ago, he finds that the jade scrolls recording events from that period have been deliberately shattered.

Realizing someone powerful must have destroyed the records to conceal the truth, Mo Xi gathers the fragments into his qiankun pouch, hoping they can be repaired.

Guards are alerted to his presence, but Mo Xi uses his reputation and authority as Xihe-jun to bluff his way out, claiming he is on a secret military mission.

The guards, too intimidated to question him further, let him go.

Mo Xi leaves the Censorate, drenched in sweat from the close call, and realizes he needs a powerful artificer to repair the damaged jade scrolls.

As he reflects on this, he recalls someone suitable for the task.

As Li Wei tries to stall Zhou He from taking Gu Mang away for black magic experiments, another group arrives at Xihe Manor led by Murong Lian, also known as Wangshu-jun.

Murong Lian arrogantly pushes his way into the manor, ignoring decorum and the protests of the servants.

He mocks Gu Mang, referring to him as the traitor, and notes how comfortable Gu Mang seems at Xihe Manor.

Zhou He informs Murong Lian that he is there to take Gu Mang to Sishu Terrace for black magic trials under orders from the emperor.

Murong Lian produces his own imperial decree, stating that Gu Mang is to be transferred to his custody effective immediately.

A confrontation ensues between Zhou He and Murong Lian over who has the rightful authority to take Gu Mang.

Li Wei and the servants are caught in the middle, fearful of defying either the elder or the prince.

Gu Mang remains calm and observant during the exchange, showing a hint of interest in the proceedings.

As Murong Lian's men move to take Gu Mang away, Mo Xi arrives at Xihe Manor and demands an explanation.

Mo Xi examines the imperial decree presented by Murong Lian and questions its authenticity and timing.

He points out that he was not informed of such a decree and suggests that there may be confusion regarding the emperor's orders.

Murong Lian accuses Mo Xi of overstepping his authority and defying an imperial decree.

Zhou He insists on his own orders to take Gu Mang for the black magic trials, adding to the tension.

Mo Xi declares that until the conflicting orders are clarified by the emperor himself, Gu Mang will remain at Xihe Manor.

An uneasy standoff occurs between Mo Xi, Murong Lian, and Zhou He, each holding their ground regarding Gu Mang's fate.

The chapter ends with the tension unresolved, setting the stage for further conflict over who will gain custody of Gu Mang.

Murong Lian arrives at Xihe Manor unexpectedly, bringing attendants from Wangshu Manor, and causes a stir with his presence.

Fandou, Gu Mang's black dog, rushes to greet Murong Lian enthusiastically, causing some chaos before being dragged away by the servants.

Murong Lian announces that he is there to take Gu Mang for black magic experiments, surprising everyone present.

Zhou He, already there to claim Gu Mang for his own experiments, becomes increasingly agitated by Murong Lian’s interference.

A verbal sparring match ensues between Murong Lian and Zhou He, with each asserting their right to take Gu Mang. Murong Lian cites his connection to the emperor, while Zhou He claims his authority as the top elder of Sishu Terrace.

Murong Lian insists that since he has raised Gu Mang from childhood, he has the right to use him for experiments, referring to Gu Mang derogatorily as a “dog.”

The tension escalates as Zhou He challenges Murong Lian’s claim, but Murong Lian taunts Zhou He about his authority and capability.

Zhou He, refusing to back down, reveals an imperial edict from the emperor, which grants Sishu Terrace the first right to experiment on Gu Mang.

Murong Lian is shocked and angered by the existence of the edict, realizing he was not informed about it.

Zhou He unrolls the decree, which confirms that he has been granted priority for the black magic experiments on Gu Mang.

The chapter ends with Zhou He asserting his authority and telling Murong Lian to step aside, leaving the situation highly charged and unresolved.

Jiang Yexue begins repairing the shattered history-recording jade scrolls, acknowledging that even with his abilities, the restoration will take time.

Mo Xi reveals he cannot wait for a full restoration due to the risk of being discovered by the emperor.

Jiang Yexue warns Mo Xi about the dangers of interacting with these jade scrolls, as they derive power from the Space-Time Gate of Life and Death and could harm him physically and spiritually.

Mo Xi insists on proceeding, stating that he needs answers about Gu Mang’s defection.

Jiang Yexue is concerned, reminding Mo Xi of the pain and consequences of trusting Gu Mang before, leading to his near-destruction eight years ago.

A flashback recounts Mo Xi defending Gu Mang in court, standing alone and swearing on his life that Gu Mang would never defect, only to be betrayed by Gu Mang’s actions.

Mo Xi reflects on the suffering and death Gu Mang caused during his defection, the lives lost under his command, and the burden of guilt Mo Xi has carried for years as he was blamed for vouching for a “devil.”

Mo Xi expresses the deep torment of having to confront the consequences of Gu Mang’s actions, even as he still struggles with his lingering feelings for him.

Despite the pain, Mo Xi admits that if the jade scrolls reveal that Gu Mang had a secret reason for his actions, even if Mo Xi dies in the process, he would be happy to know he hadn’t misjudged Gu Mang.

The chapter ends with Mo Xi clinging to the fragile hope that he may have been right about Gu Mang all along, despite the anguish and bloodshed of the past eight years.

Jiang Yexue warns Mo Xi about the dangers of using the broken jade scrolls, as they require his flesh, blood, and spiritual energy to repair, and it could put him at serious risk.

Mo Xi, reflecting on the past eight years of waiting, decides to proceed with the repair and learning the truth, feeling that he has already waited too long and needs answers.

At Xihe Manor, Zhou He prepares to take Gu Mang away for black magic experiments under the authority of an imperial edict, despite resistance from Housekeeper Li and Murong Lian.

Murong Lian tries to negotiate with Zhou He, insisting that Gu Mang should be left alive for him to use later, and places a tracking ring on Gu Mang to ensure this.

Zhou He eventually takes Gu Mang away, while Murong Lian remains suspicious of Mo Xi’s absence and orders his people to search the capital for him.

Murong Lian, frustrated by his inability to find Mo Xi, bursts into Jiang Yexue's residence, suspecting Mo Xi might be there.

Jiang Yexue uses an illusion spell to hide Mo Xi, who is unconscious beside the history-recording jade scrolls, while pretending Mo Xi isn’t present.

Murong Lian leaves after failing to find Mo Xi, and Jiang Yexue continues to monitor Mo Xi as he reads the scrolls, concerned about both Mo Xi’s health and Gu Mang’s fate in the hands of Zhou He.

Mo Xi enters the illusory realm of the jade scrolls and finds himself in a dark, stormy night.

A booming voice from the jade scroll asks Mo Xi what he wishes to know, and he requests the truth behind Gu Mang’s defection.

A dragon of jade-blue light descends, leading Mo Xi to a moment from eight years ago on the Golden Terrace, a secluded palace hall used only by the emperor's most trusted subjects.

Mo Xi witnesses a secret conversation between the emperor and Gu Mang from the past.

The emperor asks Gu Mang if he despises him and mentions overhearing Gu Mang's complaints to Mo Xi about his exhaustion.

Gu Mang, now stripped of rank and authority, expresses his frustration and disbelief at the emperor’s manipulation.

The emperor reveals a shocking truth: Lu Zhanxing, Gu Mang’s brother, was falsely accused and a victim of a plot.

Both Mo Xi and Gu Mang are stunned by the revelation, with Gu Mang becoming frantic and demanding answers.

The emperor explains that while Lu Zhanxing did kill the envoy at Phoenix Cry Mountain, he was possessed and used as a pawn by someone else.

The emperor presents a blood-streaked white chess piece as evidence of the forbidden techniques involved in the plot, asking Gu Mang if he recognizes it.

The emperor reveals that Lu Zhanxing was controlled by a forbidden technique called the Zhenlong Chess Formation, a method of blood magic that can turn its victims into puppets, making them carry out the spellcaster’s will.

Gu Mang realizes that his brother, Lu Zhanxing, executed the envoy at Phoenix Cry Mountain because he was under the control of the white Zhenlong chess piece.

The emperor explains that Lu Zhanxing was an easy target for this manipulation due to his lower spiritual energy and the circumstances of his isolation while guarding the army.

Gu Mang is overwhelmed with a mix of hope and desperation, pleading to the emperor for justice and to redress the wrongs done to his brother.

The emperor ambiguously reassures Gu Mang, saying Lu Zhanxing’s suffering wouldn’t be “for nothing,” but doesn’t outright promise to clear his name.

Gu Mang is deeply affected, showing tears and a renewed willingness to serve, but the emperor subtly manipulates the conversation, keeping control over Gu Mang’s emotions and loyalty.

The emperor reveals that during Lu Zhanxing’s imprisonment, he believed he had committed the envoy’s murder in a moment of impulsive rage, and had no memory of being controlled.

The emperor admits that he has avoided telling Lu Zhanxing the truth because of guilt, and claims he cannot bear to face the deputy general.

Despite Gu Mang’s pleas, the emperor states that clearing Lu Zhanxing’s name is not possible, leaving Gu Mang devastated by the futility of his hopes for justice.

The chapter ends with the emperor reflecting on how much he valued Gu Mang’s army and soldiers, expressing that he never wanted to lose them, but still refuses to absolve Lu Zhanxing.

The emperor tries to justify his actions, claiming that Gu Mang’s army was precious to him, not something he wanted to destroy, despite what it seemed like.

He explains that he was born into a precarious position, with all his brothers mysteriously dying in infancy, possibly due to his mother's actions. This left him isolated and surrounded by enemies, even within his own family.

The emperor admits that he faces internal political struggles and external threats, making it difficult to enact reforms, especially as powerful nobles cling to their privileges and oppose change.

He expresses a desire to reform Chonghua, remove corrupt nobles, and gain a deeper understanding of black magic techniques to prevent future tragedies like what happened to Lu Zhanxing.

The emperor finally reveals his true intent for summoning Gu Mang: he wants Gu Mang to pretend to defect to the Liao Kingdom and serve as a spy, gathering intelligence on black magic while undermining both the Liao and the Chonghua nobles.

Gu Mang is deeply conflicted but understands the emperor’s request. He is willing to sacrifice himself for the mission if it means justice for his fallen comrades.

Gu Mang demands that in exchange for his loyalty and sacrifice, the emperor must spare his brother Lu Zhanxing’s life.

The emperor acknowledges Gu Mang’s willingness to accept the mission but states that Lu Zhanxing cannot be spared, leaving Gu Mang heartbroken.

Gu Mang angrily questions why his brother, Lu Zhanxing, must die.

The emperor explains that Lu Zhanxing is tainted by demonic qi from the chess piece, making it impossible for him to be spared. If he lived, the nobles would demand the execution of the entire army.

Gu Mang, overwhelmed by sorrow and anger, acknowledges that his army is not just a "treasure" but his family, his life.

He confronts the emperor, accusing him of valuing soldiers as mere numbers rather than individuals with lives and families.

The emperor, showing rare emotion, begins reciting the names of Gu Mang's fallen soldiers, including Xu Xiaomao, breaking Gu Mang down emotionally.

The emperor apologizes, claiming he remembers all the fallen soldiers' names and has tried to honor them privately, despite not being able to do so openly.

Gu Mang collapses in grief, finally unable to hold in his pain any longer. The emperor helps him stand and swears an oath, promising Gu Mang that the thirty thousand soldiers will be protected, the law allowing slave cultivators will not be repealed, and the seventy thousand dead will receive proper burial rites.

The emperor concludes the vow, declaring that if he fails to keep any of these promises, he will be cursed to live without love and die without peace, condemning his soul for eternity.

Gu Mang is devastated by the emperor’s response but still requests permission to tell Lu Zhanxing the truth before his execution.

The emperor warns that it's better for Lu Zhanxing to remain ignorant, but Gu Mang insists, burdened by guilt and his desire to give his brother peace.

The jade scroll brings Mo Xi to witness Gu Mang visiting Lu Zhanxing in prison.

Gu Mang, disguised as an interrogation official, reunites with Lu Zhanxing, who is overwhelmed with guilt over his actions at Phoenix Cry Mountain.

Lu Zhanxing confesses that he doesn’t understand why he lost control during the battle, expressing deep remorse for betraying Gu Mang and their comrades.

Gu Mang tearfully reassures Lu Zhanxing, revealing that the Rouli envoy's death was not his fault—it was caused by the Zhenlong chess piece the Liao Kingdom planted in him, manipulating his actions.

Mo Xi, observing this, realizes that Lu Zhanxing was not the careless traitor he appeared to be in the Time Mirror but a loyal subject who sacrificed himself to save the lives of others.

Lu Zhanxing’s guilt and false confession were part of a larger plan to protect Gu Mang and their comrades, and he embraced his death for their sake.

Gu Mang explains the truth about the Zhenlong chess piece to Lu Zhanxing, revealing that Lu had never betrayed them.

Lu Zhanxing experiences a range of emotions, from disbelief to relief, realizing he hadn’t betrayed his comrades.

Both Lu Zhanxing and Gu Mang discuss the burden of living with the memories of their dead comrades, admitting they both feel haunted by them.

Gu Mang confesses his guilt over leading his comrades to their deaths and questions his own worth and decisions after Phoenix Cry Mountain.

Lu Zhanxing acknowledges that his death is inevitable due to the political and social realities of Chonghua and the nobles’ power but expresses no resentment.

Lu Zhanxing recalls their childhood bond, particularly how he protected Gu Mang as a child, and now feels peace knowing he never truly betrayed his comrades.

Gu Mang and Lu Zhanxing swear an oath of brotherhood, drinking together and reminiscing about their years of support for one another.

Lu Zhanxing, fully aware of his impending execution, tells Gu Mang to continue forward with whatever path he chooses, reaffirming their bond.

The two brothers share a moment of laughter and tears, their bond deepening despite the looming tragedy.

Mo Xi realizes that Lu Zhanxing’s actions in the Time Mirror were an act to protect Gu Mang, and that their true bond was one of deep loyalty and love.

The chapter ends with the recognition that Lu Zhanxing’s execution took not just Gu Mang’s last comrade, but his newly sworn brother—his only family.

Mo Xi experiences immense physical and emotional pain as the jade scroll drains his spiritual energy, but he pushes through, desperate to uncover the full truth about Gu Mang’s past.

Mo Xi reflects on the immense suffering Gu Mang endured as a spy, forced to betray the country he loved, kill his comrades, and endure scorn without being able to reveal the truth.

Gu Mang’s pain, both physical and emotional, is emphasized: his shattered core, his loneliness, and the weight of the promises he was forced to uphold without recognition.

Mo Xi recalls Gu Mang’s departure from Chonghua, carrying his brother Lu Zhanxing’s head, while being misunderstood as a traitor by everyone.

Mo Xi realizes that all of his accusations against Gu Mang over the years were false, feeling guilty and overwhelmed by the knowledge of Gu Mang’s true loyalty and suffering.

Mo Xi is haunted by visions of Gu Mang, remembering him as a noble and selfless commander who only wanted to protect his comrades and build a better future for Chonghua, even at great personal cost.

The jade scroll’s toll on Mo Xi’s body intensifies, but he presses forward, consumed by his need to understand Gu Mang’s sacrifice.

Mo Xi has a vision of Gu Mang in his military uniform, surrounded by his fallen comrades, including Lu Zhanxing. Gu Mang smiles at Mo Xi, telling him that everything will be okay, and that spring will come after winter.

As Gu Mang’s vision fades, Mo Xi is pulled out of the jade scroll’s realm, returning to Jiang Yexue’s residence, broken and bloody but filled with a newfound determination.

Despite his physical state, Mo Xi rises, intent on returning home to find Gu Mang and tell him that he believes him, that he’ll never let him be alone again.

Jiang Yexue reveals that while Mo Xi was reading the jade scroll, Murong Lian had come and taken Gu Mang away to Sishu Terrace, leaving Mo Xi devastated and more determined to save him.

Zhou He returns to Sishu Terrace and prepares for the examination of Gu Mang in the Asura Room, a cold chamber where black magic experiments are conducted.

Gu Mang remains calm and unphased by the freezing temperature and impending torture, showing no fear, which piques Zhou He’s curiosity.

Zhou He orders his attendants to begin the process of experimentation and torture, but Gu Mang remains composed, only mentioning that it's cold.

Gu Mang remembers his previous experiences in the Liao Kingdom’s Soul-Tempering Room, where he was tortured and forced to prove his loyalty by enduring brutal experiments similar to those he now faces.

In his flashback, Gu Mang recalls defecting to the Liao Kingdom, offering a jade scroll of Chonghua’s secret techniques and recounting his suffering to gain the trust of Liao officials, particularly the guoshi (advisor).

The Liao Kingdom’s guoshi demands proof of Gu Mang’s defection, referencing Hua Po’an, who severed all ties with Chonghua by enduring horrific black magic tempering.

Gu Mang undergoes three days and nights of agonizing torture in the Liao Kingdom, where black magic is forcibly imprinted into his body, erasing Chonghua’s spiritual energy and binding him to the Liao Kingdom.

Throughout the torment, Gu Mang holds onto his memories of his comrades, the emperor, and Mo Xi, using them to keep going despite the excruciating pain.

Gu Mang struggles with the emotional pain of betraying Mo Xi, whom he truly loves, and reflects on how he arranged to keep Mo Xi away during his defection to spare both of them the pain of parting.

The guoshi forces Gu Mang to renounce Chonghua entirely, engraving black magic into his bones, ensuring that he will never escape the Liao Kingdom’s control for the rest of his life.

In the present, back in Sishu Terrace, Zhou He taunts Gu Mang, eager to see how long he can last before breaking, as the attendants begin the black magic experiments once again.

Zhou He observes the black magic trials being conducted on Gu Mang, who is restrained and subjected to brutal experiments without any numbing agents. Gu Mang is unconscious, his body in a fragile state, bleeding profusely from the trials.

Zhou He asks about Gu Mang’s condition. While his spiritual flow and heart vein are on the verge of collapse, Gu Mang’s mental strength remains remarkably strong, showing no signs of breaking.

Surprised by Gu Mang's mental resilience, Zhou He decides to carry out another task: scrambling Gu Mang’s memories as part of a secret favor for a personal connection.

Zhou He uses his holy weapon, Lieying, to initiate the Soul Chaos technique, targeting Gu Mang’s memories. The weapon's fine chains penetrate Gu Mang's skull, causing him excruciating pain as his memories are forcibly erased.

As Lieying begins tearing apart Gu Mang’s most precious memories, including those of his comrades, the emperor’s promise, his brother Lu Zhanxing, and his lover Mo Xi, Gu Mang fights back in despair. He weeps as his memories are stripped away, feeling a deep outrage at being treated this way after sacrificing everything.

Despite his resistance, Gu Mang is unable to stop Lieying from erasing his memories, and he experiences immense suffering. His plea, though muffled by the gag, begs for mercy as he tries to cling to the few memories he has left.

Gu Mang’s resistance falters, and just as his memories are about to be obliterated, Lieying unexpectedly recoils, unable to complete the task. The weapon reverts to its dagger form, and Zhou He is left stunned by Gu Mang’s mental strength.

Gu Mang collapses, severely injured and bleeding from his head, barely conscious.

Suddenly, there is a commotion outside the Asura Room, and the stone doors are thrown open. Mo Xi, battered and in a desperate state, bursts into the room, confronting Zhou He and the Sishu Terrace disciples.

Mo Xi arrives at Sishu Terrace, looking bloodied and exhausted, and immediately rushes to Gu Mang, breaking the chains that hold him and catching his limp, blood-soaked body.

Mo Xi holds Gu Mang, realizing how frail and scarred he is after enduring years of torment, loss, and sacrifice, shattering Mo Xi’s perception of his once-strong and invincible shixiong.

Gu Mang, delirious from pain and trauma, struggles to speak. His memories, shattered by Zhou He’s experiments, threaten to slip away. Despite his confusion, he grasps Mo Xi's hand in a rare display of vulnerability.

Mo Xi reassures Gu Mang that he is there and will take him away. Gu Mang, though on the brink of losing his memories, finds comfort in Mo Xi’s presence. He tearfully holds on, overwhelmed by the words he had longed to hear: "I trust you."

Mo Xi, overwhelmed with emotion, promises to take Gu Mang home, declaring his unwavering belief in him.

Zhou He tries to stop Mo Xi, citing the emperor’s orders and the significance of Gu Mang as a test subject. Mo Xi, filled with righteous fury, calls forth Tuntian, a powerful holy weapon, despite knowing it will further damage his already weakened spiritual core.

Mo Xi's fierce display of power forces everyone to back down, including Zhou He. The spiritual energy from Tuntian shakes the entire area, leaving the disciples of Sishu Terrace cowering.

Mo Xi, unafraid of the consequences of defying orders, challenges Zhou He, daring him to indict him. He then picks up the unconscious Gu Mang and, amidst the silence and fear of those around him, walks out of Sishu Terrace, carrying his shixiong out of the bloodstained place.

Zhou He, furious at Mo Xi for defying the emperor’s orders and taking Gu Mang from Sishu Terrace, orders his attendants to report Mo Xi’s actions to the emperor.

Jiang Yexue tries to deescalate, warning Zhou He that the situation is more complicated due to the emperor’s current condition.

Back at Xihe Manor, Gu Mang remains unconscious from the severe damage caused by the black magic experiments, while Mo Xi stays by his side, refusing treatment for his own critical injuries.

In his unconscious state, Gu Mang dreams of a memory from years before when Mo Xi asked him to live together after his first military campaign. Despite knowing they couldn't have a future, Gu Mang had accepted in the moment, moved by Mo Xi’s sincerity and love.

The memory shifts, and Gu Mang realizes he always trusted Mo Xi but had to sacrifice his happiness for the greater good, knowing their paths would ultimately diverge.

Tears fall from Gu Mang’s eyes while unconscious, showing the depth of his internal struggle and sorrow. The healers tending to him notice, realizing the extent of the emotional and mental damage Gu Mang has suffered.

Mo Xi, ignoring his own injuries, demands that all healing resources be focused on Gu Mang, even though his own spiritual core is near collapse.

A servant informs Mo Xi that Eunuch Zhao has come with an imperial edict, but Mo Xi, in his grief and stubbornness, coldly replies, “Let him wait,” shocking everyone present.

The healers express concerns about Gu Mang’s mental state, revealing that his mind is near collapse, which could result in memory loss, inability to speak, and possible blindness.

Mo Xi, overwhelmed by the devastating news, releases a burst of spiritual energy, ignoring warnings from the healers about the danger to his own body.

Princess Mengze suddenly arrives, chiding Mo Xi for risking the spiritual core she gave him, drawing attention as the room bows in respect.

Princess Mengze arrives at Xihe Manor with her handmaiden, Yue-niang, carrying a medicine chest, expressing concern over Mo Xi risking his life again for Gu Mang.

Mengze reminds Mo Xi of how she once saved his life after a previous incident involving Gu Mang, urging him to consider the consequences of his actions more carefully.

Despite Mengze's emotional plea, Mo Xi remains focused on saving Gu Mang, stating that he will explain everything to her later and requesting her trust.

Mengze, deeply hurt and tearful, agrees to help Mo Xi but struggles to contain her feelings, showing rare vulnerability.

Just as Mengze is about to offer forbidden healing techniques, Jiang Fuli, a renowned and wealthy healer, arrives. He arrogantly claims Gu Mang won’t die and takes over the healing process.

Jiang Fuli assesses Gu Mang’s injuries and discovers a familiar petal-shaped mark on Gu Mang's arm, though he is unsure where he’s seen it before.

Using his unique healing methods, Jiang Fuli quickly begins repairing Gu Mang's injuries, earning praise for his skill.

Tensions rise when a servant rushes in, warning that Eunuch Zhao, furious at Mo Xi’s refusal to meet him, is threatening to forcefully escort Mo Xi to the palace to address the imperial decree.

Eunuch Zhao, furious at being kept waiting, confronts Housekeeper Li outside Xihe Manor, accusing Mo Xi of defying imperial orders by not receiving the emperor’s edict and stealing Gu Mang from Sishu Terrace.

Housekeeper Li tries to deflect the argument, claiming Mo Xi is unwell, but Eunuch Zhao doesn’t believe him.

Mo Xi appears, dismissing Li and agreeing to follow Eunuch Zhao to the palace, ending the standoff.

Mo Xi is led to Zhuque Hall, where the emperor, recovering from illness, is resting. The hall is filled with an oppressive atmosphere of wealth and power.

The emperor begins by recounting how Zhou He reported Mo Xi’s actions, portraying them as lawless and reckless. He accuses Mo Xi of forgetting Gu Mang’s betrayal and of siding with a traitor, expressing deep disappointment.

Mo Xi, burning with rage, listens silently before finally speaking, revealing that he knows the truth about Gu Mang’s mission as a spy and the emperor’s betrayal of that trust.

Mo Xi recounts the story of Gu Mang’s sacrifices, how he endured torment for five years in the Liao Kingdom, all for the emperor’s promise of a better world.

The emperor grows visibly more anxious and pale as Mo Xi accuses him of hiding the truth, betraying Gu Mang, and allowing him to be publicly reviled, imprisoned, and used for black magic experiments.

The tension reaches its peak when Mo Xi directly accuses the emperor of destroying the history-recording jade scrolls, the only proof of Gu Mang’s innocence.

In the chilling silence that follows, the emperor finally admits, with a soft and resigned voice, “...And if I do?” acknowledging his betrayal.

The emperor admits to destroying the history-recording jade scrolls, justifying it by claiming that preserving the past would only cause unnecessary confusion and harm the present.

Mo Xi, furious, accuses the emperor of betraying Gu Mang and using him for his own benefit, without fulfilling any of his promises. He demands that the emperor restore Gu Mang’s honor.

The emperor defends his actions, stating that circumstances tied his hands, and though he felt guilt, the stability of the nation required certain sacrifices, including keeping the truth hidden.

The emperor reveals the complexity of his position: clearing Gu Mang’s name could destabilize the nation, incite unrest among the old nobles, and expose secrets that could endanger Chonghua.

Mo Xi is torn between understanding Gu Mang’s sacrifice for the greater good and his deep emotional pain at seeing him suffer. He accuses the emperor of needlessly subjecting Gu Mang to black magic experiments, questioning whether it was done for vengeance or to gain further knowledge.

The emperor struggles with his own guilt, explaining that some decisions were forced by political realities. He reveals his anguish over not being able to honor Gu Mang’s sacrifices publicly.

Mo Xi reveals that Gu Mang had recovered most of his memories during their time on Bat Island and had known the truth about the emperor’s betrayal but still chose to remain loyal and keep the secret.

Shocked and devastated by this revelation, the emperor collapses emotionally, realizing that Gu Mang went into the black magic experiments knowing he had been forsaken, yet still maintaining his loyalty.

Overcome with grief and regret, the emperor admits that he has one remaining history-recording jade scroll, kept hidden all this time.

The emperor, broken and filled with sorrow, asks Mo Xi to follow him, hinting at revealing more about the scroll and the truth.

The emperor leads Mo Xi to a pool of dream-gathering water, revealing a hidden truth from the past.

The emperor admits that while the jade scrolls were destroyed, he had preserved one dzi bead that held the truth of Gu Mang’s innocence. He planned to reveal it when circumstances allowed or have it passed down to future generations if he failed.

The dzi bead is activated, revealing a memory of the emperor and Gu Mang eight years prior, on the eve of Gu Mang’s defection.

In the memory, the emperor brings Gu Mang to Warrior Soul Mountain, a sacred place where the graves of 70,000 fallen soldiers from Phoenix Cry Mountain are located.

Gu Mang, wearing white mourning robes, breaks down in tears, weeping as he sees the tombstones of his fallen comrades, for whom he has carried deep guilt and sorrow.

The emperor tells Gu Mang that these graves are the first promise he has fulfilled for him. Each soldier’s name was carved into a stone by the emperor himself.

Gu Mang makes three final requests:

First, if he doesn’t return, he asks that no tomb be erected for him because he doesn’t feel worthy after betraying Chonghua, even if it was for a secret mission.

Second, he asks the emperor to spare Mo Xi from punishment when he inevitably tries to defend him after his defection.

Third, he requests to play the soul-calling song for his comrades, asking to borrow the emperor’s holy weapon to perform the ritual.

Gu Mang plays the soul-calling song on the emperor’s bamboo xiao, grieving for the lost souls of his soldiers and expressing the humble desires they had while they were alive.

The emperor promises to fulfill all Gu Mang’s requests, agreeing to bring wine and food to the soldiers’ graves on his behalf.

The memory fades, and the emperor reveals that he has watched this scene repeatedly over the past eight years, never forgetting his shame and the burden he carries for betraying Gu Mang.

Both Mo Xi and the emperor are deeply affected, sharing a moment of grief and understanding, each burdened by their roles in Gu Mang’s tragic fate.

Mo Xi spends three days in seclusion at his manor after visiting the emperor, during which the capital is abuzz with rumors about why he wasn't punished.

During these three days, Jiang Fuli remains at Xihe Manor, treating Gu Mang, and restricts anyone from visiting the patient.

Mo Xi spends time rereading the letters Gu Mang had sent to the emperor during his five years as a spy in the Liao Kingdom, revealing Gu Mang’s guilt and pain over the people he killed, and his requests for forgiveness.

In his last letter, Gu Mang explained why he should be used for black magic experiments, acknowledging that his body had been tempered by the Liao Kingdom with demonic energy that was now beyond his control.

The emperor had justified the black magic experiments as necessary to save Gu Mang and prevent the demonic energy in his body from eventually destroying both him and Chonghua.

After receiving news from Li Wei that Gu Mang has been saved but is still asleep, Mo Xi speaks with Jiang Fuli, who confirms that although Gu Mang’s body has been healed, his mental state remains fragile due to the severe traumas he endured.

Jiang Fuli explains that while the Time Mirror restored some of Gu Mang’s memories, this was only a temporary "flashback," and the memories will fade again in a month or two.

Jiang Fuli warns Mo Xi that Gu Mang’s mind cannot handle any further trauma, or else he will go mad, and even an immortal would not be able to save him without his missing souls.

The chapter ends with a peaceful night in Xihe Manor. Mo Xi keeps vigil at Gu Mang’s bedside, apologizing for the long wait and gently kissing his hand.

After a moment, Gu Mang’s fingers twitch, and he slowly opens his eyes.

Gu Mang wakes up and sees Mo Xi crying, instinctively asking why.

For a brief moment, Gu Mang appears soft and gentle before snapping back into his hardened, defensive persona.

He scolds Mo Xi for coming to the Asura Room, but Mo Xi cuts him off with a tight embrace.

Mo Xi tenderly kisses Gu Mang’s hair and tells him, “I already know everything.”

Gu Mang’s entire façade cracks, and he becomes visibly shaken as Mo Xi continues to hold him.

Mo Xi tells Gu Mang he never truly wanted to kill or hurt anyone, revealing his deep understanding.

Mo Xi apologizes for not understanding Gu Mang sooner, acknowledging the immense pain he has endured for eight years.

Gu Mang, overwhelmed, starts trembling and desperately tries to push Mo Xi away, insisting Mo Xi doesn’t understand.

Mo Xi, heartbroken, asks Gu Mang why he continues to push him away after all these years.

Mo Xi confesses that the worst pain wasn’t being stabbed or abandoned, but losing the person he once knew.

He reveals that he never feared suffering with Gu Mang or facing judgment—his only fear was losing him.

Mo Xi, on the verge of tears, says he doesn’t care if Gu Mang loves him or not anymore—he just wants to stay by his side and protect him.

Gu Mang is utterly crushed, realizing Mo Xi has never stopped chasing him, despite all the suffering he inflicted.

Gu Mang notices Mo Xi’s spiritual energy is dangerously weak and suspects Mo Xi used the Time Mirror to learn the truth.

Panicked, Gu Mang demands to know how Mo Xi discovered everything, but Mo Xi only responds with a sad smile.

Gu Mang realizes the truth—it was the jade scrolls—and breaks down crying.

He finally understands that no matter what he did, Mo Xi never gave up on him.

Gu Mang, overwhelmed, finally collapses emotionally and sobs uncontrollably in Mo Xi’s arms.

He apologizes repeatedly, realizing he had underestimated Mo Xi’s devotion and misjudged his own actions.

Mo Xi reassures him that he doesn’t need to apologize, as long as he’s alive and willing to let Mo Xi stay by his side.

As Mo Xi prepares to pull away, Gu Mang suddenly clings to him tightly, breaking down completely.

He weeps into Mo Xi’s chest, finally confessing how much he suffered alone for eight years.

Gu Mang reveals that he had to kill his own people and endure unbearable pain in silence.

He admits that he never wanted to leave Mo Xi, breaking the years of deception.

Mo Xi is stunned into silence by Gu Mang’s confession.

Gu Mang, after years of denial, finally admits he never wanted to see Mo Xi with anyone else.

Mo Xi, caught off guard, is overwhelmed by hope and disbelief.

Gu Mang, with tears in his eyes, finally says the words he has suppressed for so long: “Mo Xi, I do love you.”

Mo Xi is completely shaken, unable to believe Gu Mang’s words at first.

Gu Mang tearfully explains that he had tried to protect Mo Xi in his own misguided way but now realizes he had been wrong.

Mo Xi gently wipes away Gu Mang’s tears and asks if he didn’t realize how deeply Mo Xi had loved him all this time.

Gu Mang asks if Mo Xi still wants him, afraid he has lost his chance.

Mo Xi, smiling through tears, reassures him that his love has never changed.

They gaze at each other, finally reconciled, no longer able to cry but understanding the weight of their past suffering.

Their love, though scarred by time and pain, remains unwavering.

The ice between them shatters completely, and they embrace, finally allowing themselves to take comfort in each other.

No longer separated by lies or misunderstandings, they vow to stay together, never to part again.

Gu Mang was slowly recovering.

The emperor and Mo Xi couldn't yet clear Gu Mang’s name because revealing his identity too soon would ruin his efforts to reform Chonghua.

The emperor and Gu Mang both wanted Mo Xi to keep the secret.

Mo Xi struggled to deceive others, not because he was unreliable, but because he couldn’t hide his feelings for Gu Mang.

The people of Xihe Manor noticed the drastic change in Mo Xi’s treatment of Gu Mang.

Mo Xi, who used to be cold toward Gu Mang, was now gentle and warm.

A cook, unaware of Gu Mang’s condition, sent him to help stoke the fire.

Mo Xi, upon learning this, rushed to the kitchen and dragged Gu Mang away, scolding the cook.

The kitchen servants were shocked at Mo Xi’s sudden protectiveness.

A servant recounted an incident where Gu Mang accidentally broke the most expensive vase in the manor while chasing the dog, Fandou.

Instead of punishing Gu Mang, Mo Xi was only concerned about whether Gu Mang was hurt.

The servants of Xihe Manor realized Mo Xi’s attitude toward Gu Mang had completely changed.

Housekeeper Li Wei advised the staff to trust Mo Xi and not question his actions, ensuring the secret remained within the manor.

Gu Mang’s wounds healed quickly due to the faewolf blood in his body.

However, the Time Mirror’s effect was deteriorating, causing Gu Mang’s memories to fade again.

Gu Mang knew he had limited time to recall and record his memories.

He started writing everything down to preserve his recollections.

Each morning, he reread his notes to ensure he didn’t forget anything.

Mo Xi once saw Gu Mang’s writings while he was asleep.

One passage detailed their first meeting at the academy, where Gu Mang believed Mo Xi had no impression of him.

Gu Mang caught Mo Xi reading his notes and quickly snatched them away, embarrassed.

Gu Mang joked that Mo Xi could read them once he forgot everything again.

Mo Xi, instead of responding, brought their foreheads together and touched Gu Mang’s ink-stained fingers.

Mo Xi recalled how Gu Mang willingly subjected himself to black magic experiments despite knowing everything.

Gu Mang told Mo Xi not to hate the emperor, explaining that rulers often had limited choices.

Mo Xi remained silent but continued holding Gu Mang’s hands.

Mo Xi noticed Gu Mang’s sapphire ring, given to him by Murong Lian.

Mo Xi did not question its significance but asked if Gu Mang wanted him to return it.

Gu Mang decided to go to Wangshu Manor himself.

Mo Xi was unhappy but agreed, telling Gu Mang to wear a mask and cloak for safety.

Gu Mang noticed Mo Xi’s discontent and smiled at him.

Mo Xi warned that there were still many in Chonghua who would make things difficult for him.

Gu Mang prepared to visit Wangshu Manor at night to return the ring, disguising himself with a hooded cloak and silver mask.

Mo Xi gave Gu Mang a jade token marking him as a special ambassador of Xihe Manor, so he could avoid trouble with Wangshu Manor's guards.

Gu Mang joked that he didn’t need it because he planned to jump over the wall, but Mo Xi sternly warned him against it, fearing Murong Lian’s temper.

Mo Xi pulled Gu Mang close to attach the jade token, their faces nearly touching, making Gu Mang notice Mo Xi’s flawless skin.

Gu Mang teased Mo Xi, calling himself "yours" before leaving. Mo Xi, hesitant to part, offered to wait outside Wangshu Manor.

Gu Mang realized Mo Xi feared being separated from him, as he dreaded the time limit on Gu Mang’s lucidity.

Gu Mang reassured Mo Xi, promising to return soon, which Mo Xi doubted given Gu Mang’s history of broken promises.

Mo Xi’s possessive and intense love was evident, and Gu Mang reflected on their long-standing relationship, filled with passion and devotion.

Gu Mang entered Wangshu Manor smoothly using the jade token and waited in the garden pavilion for Murong Lian.

The garden triggered childhood memories—Gu Mang had once played there as a slave, sneaking moments of joy among the chicks and ducklings.

One day, he had fallen asleep on Murong Lian’s swing, only to be violently shoved off, cutting his forehead and bleeding profusely.

Murong Lian, horrified, overreacted, ordering the swing to be destroyed and calling Gu Mang a “dirty slave.”

Young Gu Mang, confused and in pain, burst into tears, terrifying Murong Lian, who ran away in a panic.

Auntie Lin, a disfigured servant mocked by others but kind to Gu Mang, found him bleeding and comforted him.

Gu Mang saw her as a mother figure, loving her warmth and scent despite others calling her ugly.

He clung to her, feeling safe in her embrace, as she carried him away to tend to his wound.

Murong Lian is lounging in the inner pavilion, smoking and drinking, when Gu Mang arrives.

Murong Lian assumes Gu Mang is a special envoy due to his mask and hood but is shocked when he recognizes his voice.

Murong Lian reacts with a mix of emotions—shock, anxiety, hatred, and hesitance—before demanding to know why Gu Mang is there.

Gu Mang, pretending to still be mentally impaired, returns a sapphire-blue ring Murong Lian had given him.

Murong Lian is deeply offended by the rejection and angrily reclaims the ring, initially appearing ready to reveal something significant about it but ultimately holding back.

Gu Mang’s real reason for visiting is to look around Wangshu Manor for cherished relics from his past.

Murong Lian grows suspicious and questions Gu Mang’s mental state, hinting that he knows he has regained his memories.

Murong Lian provocatively mentions Auntie Ni, seemingly testing Gu Mang’s reaction.

Gu Mang pretends not to know who Auntie Ni is and feigns ignorance, knocking away Murong Lian’s smoking pipe and making a comment about his addiction.

He leaves without looking back, but internally, he is anxious about Murong Lian’s suspicions.

Outside Wangshu Manor, Gu Mang contemplates Murong Lian’s words, uncertain if someone informed him or if he deduced it himself.

Instead of returning to Xihe Manor, Gu Mang heads to the Jiang residence, intending to find medicine to help Murong Lian quit his drug habit.

Upon arrival, he finds that Medicine Master Jiang is away, and his wife, Su Yurou, is handling prescriptions.

Su Yurou initially assumes Gu Mang is a patient but refuses to provide medicine when he requests help for someone in Wangshu Manor.

She explains that medicine is useless if the person has no will to quit, and she won’t risk her reputation by providing ineffective treatment.

Gu Mang is forced to leave empty-handed, frustrated but understanding her reasoning.

Gu Mang reflects on his complicated feelings toward Murong Lian, recognizing his many faults but also pitying him.

He recalls how Murong Lian’s mother, Madam Zhao, had tried to mold her son in his father’s image, suppressing his natural talents and causing deep emotional scars.

Gu Mang enters the small kitchen in Xihe Manor and finds Mo Xi struggling to cook, surrounded by cookbooks.

Mo Xi is visibly perplexed by the recipe and unknowingly drums his knuckles against the counter, a habit of his when troubled.

Attempting to peel a shrimp, Mo Xi accidentally crushes it into dust using his spiritual energy.

Gu Mang bursts into laughter and teases Mo Xi for using the Armor-Removal Technique on a shrimp.

Mo Xi, embarrassed, asks Gu Mang why he is back so soon.

Gu Mang embraces Mo Xi from behind, saying he missed him and came to witness the "battle between the beauty and the shrimp."

Mo Xi, flustered, tries to justify why he decided to cook, but Gu Mang refuses to let him go.

Gu Mang playfully compliments Mo Xi’s physique, joking that he would be a top performer at Luomei Pavilion.

Mo Xi, ears turning red, tells Gu Mang to let go, but Gu Mang continues teasing.

Mo Xi retaliates by reaching for Gu Mang’s face with starch-covered fingers, causing Gu Mang to retreat, laughing.

Gu Mang sits and watches Mo Xi, noting how much is weighing on his mind.

Mo Xi is worried about Gu Mang’s fading memories, his damaged reputation, and the black magic inside him.

Gu Mang recognizes Mo Xi’s deep anxieties but tries to lighten the mood by flirting boldly.

He tells Mo Xi he loves him and that he is happiest when Mo Xi is in his arms or his bed.

Mo Xi, overwhelmed, drops a bowl of starch and turns to Gu Mang in embarrassment.

Pretending to be calm, Mo Xi instructs Gu Mang to roll up his sleeves.

When Gu Mang approaches, Mo Xi suddenly grabs him, pressing him against the countertop.

Mo Xi holds Gu Mang from behind in a firm embrace, his breath warm against Gu Mang’s neck.

Gu Mang shivers at the sensation and Mo Xi’s closeness.

Mo Xi warns Gu Mang not to test him before letting go, leaving Gu Mang breathless and blushing.

Mo Xi calmly returns to preparing shrimp, pretending nothing happened.

Gu Mang watches Mo Xi, feeling a deep sweetness in his heart, realizing how much Mo Xi cherishes him.

He understands that Mo Xi refuses to let passion override Gu Mang’s fragile health.

This restraint makes Gu Mang feel treasured, filling him with hope for their future together.

Mo Xi works tirelessly through the morning and afternoon to prepare a meal.

Time passes, and the Dragon Boat Festival approaches.

Gu Mang struggles with memory loss, often forgetting things overnight.

Mo Xi is heartbroken seeing Gu Mang re-read papers daily to remember his past.

Gu Mang's health improves, and the black magic in him remains stable.

The emperor sends a secret letter to Gu Mang while he and Mo Xi drink green plum wine.

The emperor, ashamed of his past actions, invites Gu Mang to Warrior Soul Mountain for the festival.

Gu Mang refuses, saying it would only create unnecessary drama.

Mo Xi apologizes for failing to clear Gu Mang’s name.

Gu Mang refuses to go, believing he must bear the burden of his past crimes.

He acknowledges that many people see him as a murderer and won’t forgive him.

Gu Mang believes that, to the dead, he remains a man with a clean conscience.

Mo Xi respects Gu Mang’s decision, and they reject the emperor’s invitation.

The day before the festival, they receive another invitation—this time from Jiang Yexue.

Jiang Yexue invites both of them to make zongzi at his house.

Mo Xi assures Gu Mang that Jiang Yexue doesn’t see him as a traitor anymore.

Gu Mang becomes emotional, touched that Jiang Yexue still considers him a friend.

They travel to Jiang Manor by carriage to avoid attention.

Upon arrival, they hear laughter from two youngsters—Yue Chenqing and a little girl.

The little girl wears a traditional festival robe with embroidered warding symbols.

Yue Chenqing is wearing his usual elegant white and gold attire.

Murong Chuyi wants to leave Yue Manor, and Yue Chenqing is heartbroken but exhausted after years of unreciprocated devotion.

Yue Chenqing suspects Murong Chuyi never saw them as family and only stayed to repay a debt to Yue Chenqing’s mother.

Gu Mang and Mo Xi witness Yue Chenqing’s sorrow but remain silent, feeling it isn’t their place to interfere.

Jiang Yexue arrives in a wheelchair, greeted warmly by Lan-er, and exchanges pleasantries with Mo Xi and Gu Mang.

The group prepares for the Dragon Boat Festival, enjoying domestic tasks together.

Jiang Yexue reminds Gu Mang about the importance of drawing noon-water for its yang energy, which Gu Mang had forgotten.

Gu Mang plans to bring it up with Mo Xi to seem thoughtful.

Jiang Yexue tells Gu Mang he hasn’t revealed Gu Mang’s secrets to Yue Chenqing but has vouched for his character.

Jiang Yexue apologizes for not fully believing in Gu Mang in the past, referencing Gu Mang playing “Song of Courtship” at his wedding.

Gu Mang dismisses Jiang Yexue’s guilt and changes the subject to Lan-er.

Jiang Yexue explains that Lan-er has a powerful spiritual core but a weak body, which caused heart-madness.

Lan-er’s condition led to violent outbursts at the academy, where she injured students, including a distant nephew of the emperor.

The academy planned to expel her and destroy her core, but Jiang Yexue took her in as his disciple to protect her.

Lan-er faced bullying at the academy, making her condition worse, so Jiang Yexue gave her a safe home.

Jiang Yexue reveals another reason for keeping Lan-er: she helps push his wheelchair, joking that it feels “automated.”

Mo Xi announces the leaves are ready, and the group begins making zongzi.

Jiang Yexue prepared ingredients based on everyone’s preferences.

Yue Chenqing excitedly chooses meat-filled zongzi, while Lan-er decides to make sweet ones instead of tending the fire.

Jiang Yexue watches them with amusement before suddenly remembering something important.

Murong Chuyi wants to leave Yue Manor, and Yue Chenqing is heartbroken but exhausted after years of unreciprocated devotion.

Yue Chenqing suspects Murong Chuyi never saw them as family and only stayed to repay a debt to Yue Chenqing’s mother.

Gu Mang and Mo Xi witness Yue Chenqing’s sorrow but remain silent, feeling it isn’t their place to interfere.

Jiang Yexue arrives in a wheelchair, greeted warmly by Lan-er, and exchanges pleasantries with Mo Xi and Gu Mang.

The group prepares for the Dragon Boat Festival, enjoying domestic tasks together.

Jiang Yexue reminds Gu Mang about the importance of drawing noon-water for its yang energy, which Gu Mang had forgotten.

Gu Mang plans to bring it up with Mo Xi to seem thoughtful.

Jiang Yexue tells Gu Mang he hasn’t revealed Gu Mang’s secrets to Yue Chenqing but has vouched for his character.

Jiang Yexue apologizes for not fully believing in Gu Mang in the past, referencing Gu Mang playing “Song of Courtship” at his wedding.

Gu Mang dismisses Jiang Yexue’s guilt and changes the subject to Lan-er.

Jiang Yexue explains that Lan-er has a powerful spiritual core but a weak body, which caused heart-madness.

Lan-er’s condition led to violent outbursts at the academy, where she injured students, including a distant nephew of the emperor.

The academy planned to expel her and destroy her core, but Jiang Yexue took her in as his disciple to protect her.

Lan-er faced bullying at the academy, making her condition worse, so Jiang Yexue gave her a safe home.

Jiang Yexue reveals another reason for keeping Lan-er: she helps push his wheelchair, joking that it feels “automated.”

Mo Xi announces the leaves are ready, and the group begins making zongzi.

Jiang Yexue prepared ingredients based on everyone’s preferences.

Yue Chenqing excitedly chooses meat-filled zongzi, while Lan-er decides to make sweet ones instead of tending the fire.

Jiang Yexue watches them with amusement before suddenly remembering something important.

Gu Mang examines a memorial plaque and feels uneasy.

He realizes the plaque is covered in dust, which seems unusual.

Jiang Yexue arrives and asks what he is doing.

Gu Mang, startled, says he was looking for nine-colored thread.

Jiang Yexue thanks Gu Mang for remembering his late wife, Qin Mujin.

Gu Mang notes the contradiction between Jiang Yexue’s love for his wife and the neglected plaque.

Jiang Yexue invites Gu Mang to wrap zongzi with Little Lan-er.

Little Lan-er wraps the fastest, while Jiang Yexue and Gu Mang manage adequately.

Yue Chenqing, greedy, stuffs too many fillings into his zongzi, causing them to fall apart.

Everyone laughs at Yue Chenqing’s failed zongzi attempts.

They begin boiling the first batch while continuing to wrap more.

Jiang Yexue suggests Yue Chenqing make zongzi for Xiaojiu, but Yue says his Fourth Uncle is ignoring everyone due to a fight with his father.

Jiang Yexue sighs, implying the Fourth Uncle has a bad temper.

They make more zongzi than they can eat, so Jiang Yexue suggests donating them to elderly neighbors who lost children in war.

Yue Chenqing and Little Lan-er volunteer to distribute the zongzi.

Jiang Yexue carefully selects zongzi for gifting but avoids including the poorly wrapped ones.

Gu Mang removes his own zongzi from the basket, feeling guilty about the war.

Mo Xi understands Gu Mang’s guilt and insists they distribute the zongzi together.

Mo Xi drags Gu Mang away despite his protests.

Mo Xi leads Gu Mang to a quiet street, trapping him against a wall.

He reassures Gu Mang that the grief in Chonghua is due to the Liao Kingdom, not him.

Mo Xi interlaces their fingers, urging Gu Mang to stop blaming himself.

The emperor, enraged, demands answers from his court regarding the loss of three frontier cities.

A noble protests that Princess Mengze overstepped her authority by dispatching troops without full court approval.

The emperor furiously dismisses regulations, blaming the loss on bureaucratic interference.

He singles out an old noble who tries to deflect blame onto others.

The emperor demands to know who blocked Mengze’s orders and threatens to have her name names.

Mengze de-escalates, urging her brother to focus on a counterattack instead of blame.

The nobles are relieved that Mengze does not retaliate and attempt to justify their actions.

A noble claims the emperor’s illness justified their caution, sparking another outburst.

The emperor loses control, overturning a table in rage and ordering the court to leave.

He calls Mo Xi to stay behind.

Alone, the emperor vents his frustration over corrupt officials and the token of immunity that protects them.

Mo Xi, familiar with the emperor’s tendency to express such thoughts when cornered, remains silent.

The emperor unexpectedly shifts the topic to his prolonged illness.

He questions why he did not summon Mo Xi to help, as was usual in the past.

The emperor suggests it is time to reveal a hidden truth.

He recounts the origin of the Liao Kingdom, founded by the traitor Hua Po’an.

The emperor alludes to dark magic used by Liao and hints at a deeper mystery regarding their techniques.

The emperor explains that the Demonblood Beast was a terrifying creature that emitted a demonic aura, turning people violent.

The beast was thought to be unkillable, as it could revive itself after death.

Although it was sealed by Chen Tang, Chonghua’s emperors remained wary of its return.

The late emperor attempted to prepare for this risk by secretly raising a spirit beast capable of countering the Demonblood Beast.

The spirit beast’s abilities were the opposite of the Demonblood Beast, as it had purifying properties.

Chen Tang had originally sealed away the method of creating the spirit beast due to its cruel and dangerous nature.

The late emperor attempted the process but ultimately failed due to unfavorable timing, location, and people.

The failed experiment left an incomplete body of the spirit beast, whose whereabouts are unknown.

Those who had contact with the spirit beast suffered mutations.

The emperor names three people who were confirmed to be affected:

Zhou Xiao, the former grand elder of Sishu Terrace, developed abnormal bloodthirstiness.

His son, Zhou He, inherited this trait and became known for his violent tendencies.

Murong Xuan, the emperor’s uncle, had minimal exposure before dying in battle.

His grave later revealed that his body had been entirely consumed by the mutation.

The late emperor himself also suffered from a mutation—an unnatural fear of the cold.

The late emperor’s mutation passed down to his son, the current emperor, worsening due to his natural yin-aligned constitution, leading to his freezing illness.

When the late emperor realized this, he considered deposing his heir.

The emperor dismisses the past, focusing instead on the loss of Da’ze City, where the Demonblood Beast was sealed.

Da’ze had been a contested territory between Chonghua and the Liao Kingdom for centuries.

The Liao Kingdom aimed to control Da’ze to revive the Demonblood Beast.

When the current emperor ascended the throne, Chonghua reclaimed Da’ze.

He immediately sent members of Sishu Terrace to investigate any lingering traces of magic.

Mo Xi returns home and finds Gu Mang writing down fading memories.

Mo Xi watches Gu Mang in silence before Gu Mang notices him.

Gu Mang is surprised and asks about Mo Xi’s return and the emperor’s court session.

Mo Xi informs Gu Mang that Da’ze City has fallen, and the emperor is appointing commanders.

Mo Xi is assigned to lead the Northern Frontier Army with Murong Lian’s Winged Cavalry and an unassigned Scarlet-Plumed Battalion.

Gu Mang is immediately wary upon hearing Murong Lian’s name.

Mo Xi reveals that the emperor intends for Murong Mengze to command the Scarlet Plumes administratively while another leads them in battle.

Mo Xi asks Gu Mang if he would be willing to lead the Scarlet Plumes and fight alongside him.

Gu Mang is momentarily happy at the idea of fighting for Chonghua again but quickly hesitates.

Mo Xi reassures him, explaining his plan to hide Gu Mang’s identity with a mask and a false noble background.

Gu Mang recognizes the effort Mo Xi put into securing this opportunity for him.

Despite this, Gu Mang declines, believing it is too risky given the Scarlet Plume soldiers’ hatred for him and his worsening memory loss.

Gu Mang insists that Mengze should take the position instead.

Mo Xi is visibly disappointed, understanding the sacrifice Gu Mang is making.

Gu Mang comforts Mo Xi, choosing to fight beside him as an attendant rather than a commander.

They share a quiet, intimate moment where Gu Mang reassures Mo Xi that they will fight side by side.

The Liao Kingdom breaks the armistice and launches a surprise attack, capturing Feng, Di, and Da’ze cities.

The emperor wakes and immediately appoints generals to reclaim the lost territory.

Mo Xi stands on the command platform in black and gold beside the emperor, with Murong Lian on the other side.

Two days later, at night in Da’ze City, eerie qin music plays from the governor’s official residence.

A Liao Kingdom cultivator rushes to inform the guoshi that Chonghua’s army is approaching and will arrive in half a shichen.

The guoshi, calm and unfazed, emerges from the hall wearing a golden mask and luxurious robes, acting as the true ruler of Liao.

He comments that Chonghua’s troops must be anxious if they have arrived so quickly, ordering preparations for their arrival.

The Liao Kingdom’s king is a puppet controlled by the guoshi, who previously murdered his mother in front of him, smearing her blood on his face.

The guoshi enjoys his position as state preceptor rather than king, preferring power without responsibility.

The guoshi is a feared, sadistic figure, known for his cruelty and unpredictability, often killing subordinates on a whim.

The terrified messenger flees to relay the orders.

The guoshi leisurely returns to the main hall, which remains filled with the hanging corpses of Da’ze’s former governor and his family.

He enjoys the presence of death and refuses to have the bodies removed, treating them as part of the atmosphere.

He plays a qin made of human skin, strung with human hair, and embedded with nine human eyes that move wildly.

As he plays, the sounds of battle erupt outside, with spells exploding and screams filling the air.

Chonghua’s forces breach the city walls, causing chaos among the Liao defenders.

The guoshi orders an attendant to check who is leading the attacking forces.

The attendant reports that the commanding general is Mo Xi, with deputy generals Murong Lian and Murong Mengze.

The guoshi notes Mo Xi’s reputation, calling him formidable but weak only against his shixiong.

He dismisses Murong Lian as an addict and sneers at the idea of sending a woman as deputy general, implying Chonghua is in decline.

The opening battle outside Da’ze City ends at dawn, leaving the battlefield covered in corpses from both sides.

Mo Xi assesses the situation and orders the Chonghua cultivators to retreat and rest before the next battle.

The army sets up camp at a safe distance, constructing barriers and trenches.

Mo Xi enters his commander’s tent, where several attendants, including Gu Mang, are tidying up.

He dismisses everyone except Gu Mang and removes his mask, assuring him that no one will see.

Mo Xi embraces Gu Mang and apologizes that he cannot publicly lead his own army.

Gu Mang insists he should contribute in battle rather than stay hidden.

Mo Xi acknowledges his resolve but tells him to wait a little longer before taking on a mission.

They are both exhausted; Mo Xi tells Gu Mang to rest while he studies the battlefield map.

Gu Mang teasingly tells Mo Xi to rest as well, saying, “Gege will wait for you in bed.”

Mo Xi works late, repeatedly adjusting the sand table formations.

When he finally turns around, Gu Mang is already fast asleep, curled up in a corner of the cot.

Mo Xi washes up and carefully lies beside him, maintaining discipline.

By noon, Mo Xi wakes to find Gu Mang unconsciously clinging to him, his robe loose and exposing his chest.

The sight reminds Mo Xi of their youth, when Gu Mang used to seek him out for comfort.

A past memory surfaces: Gu Mang once caught Lu Zhanxing fooling around with a woman in their shared tent.

Shocked and inexperienced, Gu Mang fled and sought refuge in Mo Xi’s bed instead.

Mo Xi initially resisted, citing excuses such as being a clean freak and not liking to share his bed.

Gu Mang playfully countered each excuse, insisting he could help Mo Xi “correct” his sleeping habits.

In the end, Mo Xi was unable to refuse and let Gu Mang stay with him.

Mo Xi sits up, attempting to leave, but Gu Mang pulls him back down.

Gu Mang, looking relaxed, teases Mo Xi about leaving in his current state.

Mo Xi, embarrassed, turns away and tells Gu Mang to shut up.

Gu Mang playfully blows on Mo Xi’s eyelashes, causing Mo Xi to react in frustration.

Gu Mang straddles Mo Xi, kisses his cheek, and grabs his erection.

Mo Xi warns Gu Mang about his injuries, but Gu Mang insists he’s healed due to faewolf blood tempering.

Mo Xi remains skeptical and worries about a relapse without Jiang Fuli’s help.

Gu Mang, teasing, argues that Mo Xi repressing himself is a bigger concern.

Gu Mang removes his robe, showing his body to Mo Xi, proving his wounds are healing.

He explains that the faewolf blood gives regenerative abilities similar to the legendary Demonblood Beast.

Mo Xi touches Gu Mang’s skin, feeling reassurance but also deep sorrow for the pain he endured.

Gu Mang points out that his older scars remain and expresses dislike for them.

Mo Xi, moved, kisses Gu Mang and reassures him that his scars are beautiful.

Their passion escalates, but Mo Xi is no longer the reckless youth he once was.

Instead of immediately taking Gu Mang, Mo Xi flips him onto his stomach and tells him to press his legs together.

Mo Xi thrusts between Gu Mang’s thighs instead of fully penetrating him.

He uses wound salve for lubrication, making the sensation more intense.

Gu Mang, caught off guard, asks Mo Xi where he learned this method.

Mo Xi, embarrassed, admits he got the idea from an erotic book Gu Mang gave him years ago.

Gu Mang recalls that Mo Xi once vowed to burn the book and shut down the bookstall that sold it.

Mo Xi continues thrusting, the pressure teasing Gu Mang’s entrance.

Mo Xi grips Gu Mang’s cock, heightening the pleasure.

Gu Mang's body reacts intensely, becoming slick, making penetration nearly inevitable.

Mo Xi, despite his desire, restrains himself, creating a mix of pleasure and frustration.

Gu Mang comes as Mo Xi's cock barely breaches his entrance, heightening the tension between them.

A group of idle cultivators gossip about strange noises coming from General Mo Xi’s tent around noon.

They speculate that it was Princess Mengze visiting Mo Xi, convinced by a rumor of them almost kissing during the Dragon Boat Festival.

They joke about the princess’s health and what would happen if she got pregnant.

Inside the main tent, Gu Mang, disguised as an attendant, sneezes and catches Mo Xi’s attention despite the large crowd.

The generals discuss battle strategies; Murong Lian presents a plan that Mengze quickly refutes.

Mo Xi takes over the strategy discussion, showcasing his growth as a commander.

Gu Mang, watching from a distance, reflects on Mo Xi’s transformation and feels his memories fading.

Gu Mang is summoned outside to handle the delivery of magical weapons and talismans.

The meeting ends with everyone impressed by Mo Xi’s intricate battle plan.

Mo Xi, exhausted, stays behind to refine his strategy.

Expecting Gu Mang, Mo Xi is surprised when Mengze serves him tea.

Mengze expresses her feelings, misinterpreting Mo Xi’s earlier distraction as concern for her.

Mo Xi struggles to correct the misunderstanding without exposing his true thoughts about Gu Mang.

Mengze acknowledges what Mo Xi is about to say, predicting that he will tell her to stop following him or that he has no feelings for her.

Her sorrowful expression hints at her realization, but she still chooses to stay with him.

Gu Mang checks rations at the barracks in Da’ze, a rainy city.

He orders the cultivators to rest and ensures the grain sacks are covered with oilcloth.

A soldier shouts an old phrase Gu Mang used to say in the Wangba Army, catching his attention.

Gu Mang recognizes the soldier as one of his former subordinates.

The soldier mistakes Gu Mang for a new recruit and asks him to help secure the oilcloth.

Gu Mang joins in, securing the bricks, and they chat casually.

The soldier reminisces about Gu Mang, unaware he is speaking to him directly.

He compares Gu Mang and Mo Xi, calling Gu Mang approachable and Mo Xi aloof.

The soldier mentions the emperor originally intended to dissolve the Wangba Army or transfer them to Wangshu-jun.

Mo Xi intervened, convincing the emperor to hand the army to him instead.

Gu Mang is surprised, wondering what Mo Xi said to change the emperor’s mind.

The rain starts pouring, and the soldiers run back to their barracks, laughing and playing in the downpour.

Gu Mang watches them fondly, remembering his past with Mo Xi.

He recalls a memory of himself and a young Mo Xi running together under the rain.

As the rain eases, Gu Mang picks up an oilpaper umbrella and walks back.

He notices the main tent still lit despite the late hour.

Expecting Mo Xi, he enters but finds Murong Lian instead.

Murong Lian is deeply focused on the sand table, adjusting strategic flags.

His battle strategy is ruthless, sacrificing certainty for speed.

Gu Mang realizes Murong Lian had deliberately presented a weak strategy earlier.

Murong Lian begins coughing violently, spitting blood into a handkerchief.

He dismantles his entire battle strategy in frustration.

Exhausted, he slumps into a chair, looking vulnerable and alone.

Gu Mang tells Mo Xi that he saw Murong Lian in the main tent, secretly strategizing with a battle plan different from the one he publicly presented.

Mo Xi pauses while eating, finding this revelation intriguing but not surprising, given Murong Lian’s recent contradictory actions.

Mo Xi recalls that Murong Lian previously tried to stop Zhou He from taking Gu Mang for black magic experiments but failed.

Murong Lian then gave Gu Mang a ring, claiming it would allow him to monitor Gu Mang’s condition.

He later went to the cultivation academy to inform Mo Xi that Gu Mang had been taken for experiments.

Mo Xi finds it suspicious that Murong Lian had used the excuse of conducting his own black magic experiments to stop Zhou He but never actually experimented on Gu Mang when he had the chance.

Mo Xi presents two possible motives for Murong Lian giving the ring: either he truly intended to defy the emperor if Gu Mang was in danger, or the ring had a hidden purpose and was never meant to track Gu Mang’s condition.

Gu Mang admits that he felt something strange when he received the ring, including a headache and rapid heartbeat, leading Mo Xi to suspect the ring might have been enchanted.

Mo Xi finds it odd that Murong Lian sought him out rather than appealing to the emperor, concluding that Murong Lian never wanted the black magic experiments to happen in the first place.

Gu Mang hesitates, appearing as if he wants to reveal a secret about Murong Lian but ultimately remains silent.

Mo Xi reassures Gu Mang that he doesn’t need to explain everything but asks what kind of person Murong Lian is.

Gu Mang responds that he doesn’t know, admitting his memories about Murong Lian are incomplete.

Mo Xi questions if Murong Lian would normally smoke ephemera, to which Gu Mang immediately says no.

Mo Xi suggests Murong Lian’s downfall might be an act to protect himself from imperial scrutiny, but Gu Mang disagrees.

Gu Mang argues that Murong Lian was always competitive, and since nothing significant changed in the power structure before he started smoking ephemera, there must be another reason for his behavior.

Gu Mang theorizes that Murong Lian might have suffered a secret misfortune that led to his apparent self-destruction.

Seeing Murong Lian’s strategic planning in the war tent, Gu Mang realizes that he is still the same ambitious person as before, meaning his behavior must be calculated.

Gu Mang recalls Murong Lian’s bitter remark: “Am I really not your equal?” suggesting he still holds a grudge against Mo Xi.

Before they can discuss further, a commotion erupts outside their tent.

A guard reports that three members of the Scarlet-Plumed Battalion have violated military regulations by spreading rumors before battle.

Mo Xi allows the guards to bring them inside after ensuring Gu Mang puts on his golden mask.

Among the arrested soldiers, one is from the Lin Clan, another from the Zhou Clan, and the third is a distant uncle of Mengze, whom Mo Xi has met before.

The uncle accuses Mo Xi of dishonoring Princess Mengze and then abandoning her, calling him a beast disguised as a gentleman.

The accusation causes different reactions among the audience: Mo Xi’s loyal guard is furious, while the two rumor-spreaders are scared. Gu Mang remains calm and unbothered.

Mo Xi, sitting coolly in the commander’s tent, calmly denies the allegations, stating that Mengze is pure and that nothing untoward happened.

The uncle insists that Mo Xi was with Mengze at noon in his private tent, implying they were intimate.

Both Mo Xi and Gu Mang freeze at this unexpected accusation.

The uncle becomes triumphant, convinced that he has caught Mo Xi in a lie.

Mo Xi unexpectedly admits that he did have someone in his tent at noon, shocking everyone.

The uncle laughs, thinking he has won, but Mo Xi orders his attending official to record his "private tryst" and indict him before the emperor.

Mo Xi then turns the tables, ordering that the three rumor-spreaders also be indicted for spreading falsehoods before battle.

The uncle is enraged, demanding to know why Mo Xi is calling him a liar.

Mo Xi reveals that the person in his tent was not Princess Mengze, shocking everyone, including Gu Mang.

Mo Xi grabs the uncle’s face and accuses him of fabricating rumors for years, trying to push a marriage between him and Mengze for personal gain.

He questions whether such a marriage would benefit Mengze or the uncle himself.

The uncle, panicked, tries a different attack, claiming Mo Xi pursued Mengze first and that their relationship was well known.

Mo Xi is caught off guard, completely unprepared for this claim.

The uncle argues that Mengze would not have sacrificed herself for Mo Xi if he had not led her on.

Mo Xi refuses to speak ill of Mengze to defend himself, leaving him vulnerable to the accusations.

The uncle declares that Mo Xi is a traitorous and shameless man for abandoning Mengze now that she is older and unwell.

Gu Mang starts clapping sarcastically, mocking the uncle's speech.

The uncle dismisses Gu Mang as unworthy of speaking to him, but Gu Mang orders the guards to lock the uncle up in a tent.

The uncle, undeterred, shouts that if Mo Xi truly loves another woman, he should prepare for public outrage.

Before the uncle can finish insulting the unknown woman, Mo Xi grabs him by the throat with overwhelming strength.

The guoshi, while playing his qin, receives a report that Chonghua launched a second attack that morning. The northern turret is lost, and defensive troops have retreated to the northern market.

The commander admits his incompetence in holding the position until the next day.

The guoshi dismisses the commander’s failure and summons "Rainbell," an eye embedded in his qin, which produces a scale of the Xuanwu Armor.

The guoshi gives the scale (a powerful defensive artifact) to the messenger, warning that the commander can die, but the scale must not be lost.

The messenger, terrified, accepts the scale and leaves.

Left alone, the guoshi continues playing the qin. A spirit beast, Jingchen, appears in the form of a glowing white pup.

The guoshi reassures Jingchen that he will soon break the seal placed on it and take it home.

Meanwhile, Mo Xi’s vanguard has secured the north corner of the city while the Liao Kingdom's jade-green defense barrier rises again.

A scout reports to Mo Xi, who immediately recognizes the Xuanwu Armor’s power, suspecting that the Liao Kingdom possesses only a scale.

Mo Xi decides not to pursue further and orders the troops to defend the northern wall while planning the next attack.

The true goal of the battle is revealed: not just to capture the city but to seize a wisp of the Demonblood Beast’s soul, which is sealed in Da’ze Lake.

Mo Xi’s forces are divided: two armies (Murong Lian and Mengze) will attack Da’ze City to distract the Liao army while a ten-man elite scout team searches for the soul.

Gu Mang is assigned to lead this critical mission. Mo Xi gives him a soul-pointing compass and a soul-seeking rope.

Mo Xi emphasizes that the Demonblood Beast’s soul is the true priority, not the city itself.

Gu Mang, dressed in the pristine uniform of the Northern Frontier Army, confidently assures Mo Xi that he won’t fail.

Mo Xi, worried for Gu Mang’s safety, embraces him and makes him promise to send word if he is in danger.

Gu Mang, instead of his usual bravado, gently agrees.

The army resumes its assault on Da’ze City, with Murong Lian engaging the Liao army and Mo Xi attacking from the north.

Under the cover of battle, the ten scouts—including Gu Mang—sneak into the city, each taking different routes toward Da’ze Lake.

As night falls, the mission to retrieve the Demonblood Beast’s soul begins.

Gu Mang stands on the roof of the governor’s mansion, overlooking the battle between Chonghua and Liao cultivators outside the city walls.

He holds a compass pointing to the center of the mansion, indicating the location of the Demonblood Beast’s soul remnant.

Using black magic techniques instinctively, he puts the few guards present to sleep and enters the courtyard, finding their spiritual energy weak.

The lack of strong guards makes him suspicious, as the soul fragment should be heavily protected.

He hears a man inside singing melancholically while playing a qin, creating an eerie contrast with the battle outside.

The scene feels strangely familiar to Gu Mang, though he has no time to dwell on it.

He uses black magic to control the sleeping Liao cultivators and orders them to break open the hall’s doors.

Inside, he finds the governor’s family hanging dead, and a man in white and gold playing a guqin made of human skin, embedded with nine whirling eyes.

He recognizes this scene from Li Qingqian’s memory illusion and realizes the man before him is the guoshi of the Liao Kingdom.

The guoshi, wearing a golden mask, greets him and mocks his return to Chonghua, commenting on his ruined mind and body.

He taunts Gu Mang about how Chonghua still does not trust him, forcing him to wear a mask to serve.

Ignoring the provocation, Gu Mang spots a glowing silver pup beside the guqin, identifying it as the Demonblood Beast’s soul remnant.

He orders his controlled cultivators into formation and enhances them with demon talismans, boosting their power.

As they attack, the guoshi remains composed, countering their strikes while continuing to play his qin.

The guoshi reminisces about their past, reminding Gu Mang of the battles he won for Liao and the lives he took.

Gu Mang does not respond, instead preparing his dagger, Yongye, and focusing his spiritual energy.

Realizing the guoshi is stalling for time due to exhaustion from playing the nine-eyed qin for two days straight, Gu Mang launches a relentless assault.

The guoshi acknowledges his skill and, just as Gu Mang is about to strike a critical blow, calls out: “Hoarfrost, come!”

Another eye on the nine-eyed qin opens, signaling something ominous about to happen.

Gu Mang fled over rooftops, struggling to control the black magic in his body while being pursued by the guoshi and black magic soldiers of the Liao Kingdom.

He aimed to bring the Demonblood Beast to Chonghua’s camp but realized he wouldn’t reach Mo Xi’s position in time, so he made for the city gates instead.

The guoshi’s voice, magically amplified, taunted Gu Mang about being a ‘dog’ of Chonghua. Gu Mang angrily refuted this, insisting he fought for himself.

As he neared the city gates, the guoshi caught up using the Snowdrift technique, overtaking him in midair.

Seeing ignition talismans on the city walls, Gu Mang deliberately altered his trajectory to reach them.

The guoshi realized too late what Gu Mang planned—he ignited the talismans, causing a massive explosion that separated them with fire and debris.

Though thrown from the rooftops by the blast, Gu Mang forced himself to keep moving, pushing through his injuries.

He finally broke through the Liao Kingdom’s defense and reached Chonghua’s chaotic battlefield, where both armies clashed in a blood-soaked war.

The demonic energy within him threatened to overwhelm his mind as he searched frantically for Mo Xi’s banner.

Before he could reach Mo Xi, the guoshi pursued him again. With no other choice, Gu Mang shouted for Murong Lian.

Murong Lian, watching the battlefield from his golden-winged snow pegasus, was caught off guard by Gu Mang’s call.

Gu Mang ran toward Murong Lian’s barrier, yelling for him to take the qiankun pouch to Mo Xi.

The guoshi landed and attacked, forcing Gu Mang into a rapid exchange of blows while he tried to reach Murong Lian.

Murong Lian hesitated, suspicious of Gu Mang due to his use of Liao Kingdom’s black magic.

The guoshi taunted Gu Mang, saying he had no place in the Nine Provinces except for Liao.

Gu Mang managed to protect the qiankun pouch but was struck hard by a spell, coughing up blood as he collapsed outside Murong Lian’s barrier.

Desperate, Gu Mang whispered a phrase referencing "Auntie Ni," a personal connection that shocked Murong Lian and revealed his identity.

As Murong Lian reeled in disbelief, the guoshi struck again, dealing Gu Mang another severe wound.

Despite being on the verge of collapse, Gu Mang successfully tossed the blood-soaked qiankun pouch past the barrier before another spell hit him.

Murong Lian repaired the barrier, unable to help Gu Mang as he lay bleeding on the ground.

Gu Mang, barely able to speak, ordered Murong Lian to take the pouch to Xihe-jun (Mo Xi), insisting that Murong Lian was no match for the guoshi’s magic.

Murong Lian hesitated, conflicted, but ultimately directed an attendant to retrieve the pouch.

The pouch was soaked in Gu Mang’s blood, pulsing with a dark energy, making Murong Lian's heart pound in uncertainty.

Gu Mang, still struggling, shouted at Murong Lian to leave before it was too late, warning that if he fell, Murong Lian would be next.

Murong Lian leaves Gu Mang behind, fighting the guoshi, and rushes toward Mo Xi in the north of the city with the brocade pouch.

His escape is difficult, as Liao Kingdom cultivators block his path. These are elite, suicidal black magic cultivators.

Murong Lian loses most of his guards by the time he reaches the apricot forest outside the city.

A Liao cultivator leader, a woman with a braided whip, taunts him, calling him weak.

Murong Lian provokes her with vulgar remarks, angering her and making her reckless in her attacks.

He dodges her strikes and speeds up, reaching open terrain. His pegasus takes flight toward the Northern Frontier Army.

Now visible, Murong Lian is targeted by multiple spells that barely miss him.

Just before reaching the army, the Liao cultivator's whip catches his pegasus, throwing him into the mud.

Surrounded by enemies, Murong Lian continues to taunt them despite his poor state.

Two of his guards arrive and cast a barrier to protect him, telling him to run.

Murong Lian tries to escape but coughs up blood due to his illness.

The barrier collapses, and the Liao cultivators close in.

Before they can attack, a massive wall of spiritual flames descends, blocking them.

Mo Xi appears above the flames, holding his scepter, with fire forming into a giant whale behind him.

He declares that the Liao forces will go no further.

The Northern Frontier Army charges in, completely reversing the battle.

Murong Lian, trembling from his illness, presents the brocade pouch containing the Demonblood Beast’s soul.

Mo Xi asks where "he" is, referring to Gu Mang.

Before Murong Lian can answer, a voice echoes from above, demanding the brocade pouch in exchange for a hostage.

The guoshi appears in white and gold robes, bloodied but calm, holding an unconscious Chonghua attendant.

Murong Lian realizes Gu Mang is in the guoshi’s hands.

Mo Xi’s face goes pale as he sees Gu Mang, who had exhausted his demonic energy to buy time.

The guoshi smirks and warns Mo Xi: "I will teach you the meaning of regret."

Murong Lian tries to convince Mo Xi not to hand over the qiankun pouch, warning him that Gu Mang would hate him for it once he wakes up.

Mo Xi, torn between duty and personal feelings, decides to keep the pouch, stating that if he doesn’t, he’ll loathe himself.

He attacks Murong Lian with spiritual flames, forcing him to drop the pouch, which Mo Xi swiftly catches.

Murong Lian is shocked and enraged, realizing Mo Xi chose his personal bond over national duty, which is a severe mistake for a commander.

Mo Xi approaches the guoshi, who is holding Gu Mang hostage and demands the pouch in exchange for Gu Mang’s life.

The guoshi mocks Mo Xi, warning him that he doesn’t understand the consequences of making an irreversible mistake.

The soldiers watching the exchange realize Mo Xi is considering trading something crucial for Gu Mang, questioning whether their sacrifices were in vain.

Mo Xi pretends to hand over the pouch but suddenly invokes the lotus sword array hidden within Gu Mang’s body.

The array, which they had placed on each other when they were in love, erupts and catches the guoshi off guard, wounding him.

Taking advantage of the moment, Mo Xi breaks through the guoshi’s barrier, rescues Gu Mang, and retreats back to the Chonghua army.

The Chonghua soldiers, who had doubted Mo Xi’s loyalty, now realize he had a plan all along and feel ashamed for questioning him.

Some soldiers shout insults at the guoshi for taking a hostage and calling Mo Xi cruel.

Murong Mengze orders her healers to tend to Murong Lian and his guards, while she personally checks on Gu Mang.

Mo Xi entrusts Gu Mang to Mengze for treatment, relieved but still worried about his condition.

The guoshi, despite his injuries, begins to taunt the army, implying Mo Xi is not as virtuous as they believe.

He reveals that Mo Xi had been hiding a masked traitor as his personal attendant and even placed a blood-contract sigil on him.

The revelation causes an uproar among the soldiers, especially those who fought against Gu Mang in the past.

The guoshi challenges them to remove the mask and see for themselves if the guard is Gu Mang.

Before the army can react further, the guoshi and his elite Liao cultivators retreat, leaving behind chaos and doubt.

The three armies of Chonghua are stunned; Murong Lian’s Winged Cavalry is merely surprised, while Mo Xi’s Northern Frontier Army reels from shock.

The Scarlet-Plumed Battalion, made up of noble-born cultivators with personal grudges against Gu Mang, reacts with the most outrage.

One of the healers, who hates Gu Mang, attempts to remove his mask but is stopped by a weak yet protective jade-blue light.

The one who stopped him is none other than Murong Mengze.

Mo Xi visits Gu Mang, who is unconscious, and expresses his concern.

He acknowledges Gu Mang’s achievements and sacrifices but worries about his well-being.

Mo Xi reassures Gu Mang that he will handle everything and protect him.

Mo Xi leaves when called away for an urgent military matter.

Gu Mang, who was awake the whole time, opens his eyes after Mo Xi departs.

He has been pretending to be asleep every time Mo Xi visits, unsure of how to face him.

Gu Mang is suffering from memory loss due to the uncontrolled black magic within him.

He fears Mo Xi discovering his deteriorating state and chooses to stay silent.

At night, he repeatedly reads a booklet of his memories to try and retain them.

His memories are slipping away more each day, and half of the booklet now feels unfamiliar.

He clutches the pages tightly, desperate to hold onto his identity.

On the seventh day after the battle, the army prepares to leave Da’ze City.

Gu Mang’s condition continues to worsen; Mengze gives him strong medicines to suppress his malevolent qi.

That night, Wangshu-jun (Murong Lian) unexpectedly requests to see Gu Mang.

Mengze warns Gu Mang to wear his mask to maintain the pretense of his hidden identity.

Murong Lian enters the tent, ignoring Mengze and directly addressing Gu Mang.

He reveals that Gu Mang already admitted his identity when asking him for help.

Murong Lian demands that Gu Mang follow him despite Mengze’s protests.

Gu Mang complies, and Murong Lian leads him to a secluded riverbank.

Murong Lian, still injured from the battle, appears anxious and agitated.

He paces before bluntly asking Gu Mang how many memories he has recovered.

Gu Mang admits that he has lost most of them, retaining less than a fifth.

Murong Lian, frustrated, asks if Gu Mang remembers "Auntie Ni."

Gu Mang begins to shake his head, but Murong Lian angrily interrupts, insisting he remembered her just days ago.

A group of assassins launched a sudden attack, targeting Murong Lian while leaving Gu Mang unharmed.

Murong Lian was hit by multiple spiritual-energy arrows, creating bloody wounds all over his body.

He swayed, fell to his knees, vomited blood, and struggled to remain conscious.

Despite his past negative experiences with Murong Lian, Gu Mang was shaken and instinctively tried to stop the bleeding.

Murong Lian, weak and dying, asked Gu Mang if he truly had forgotten everything about him.

He tried to say more but kept coughing up blood, his body growing weaker.

Before losing consciousness, Murong Lian gathered energy and tapped Gu Mang’s chest, urging him to run.

Gu Mang hesitated as soldiers arrived from the Northern Frontier Army, seeing him with the wounded Murong Lian.

The soldiers assumed Gu Mang was the assassin and attacked him, knocking him down and capturing him.

As he lost consciousness, Gu Mang fixated on Murong Lian’s final, unfinished words.

In his unconscious state, a light emanated from where Murong Lian had tapped him, forming a luminous white butterfly.

Gu Mang followed the butterfly into a dreamscape filled with fragmented memories.

He encountered distorted visions of his past, including his mother, Madam Zhao, chastising him for not living up to expectations.

He saw an image of Mo Xi excelling at archery while Murong Lian stood in the background, feeling like a failure.

Murong Lian’s own voice echoed in the dreamscape, repeating insults and insecurities about never being able to surpass Mo Xi.

As Gu Mang walked on, the darkness lifted, and he saw a young Murong Lian standing in the light, recognizing him.

The dreamscape shifted again, transporting Gu Mang into another memory, where a servant presented young Murong Lian with a box of sweets.

Gu Mang follows Murong Lian, confused because he remembers Murong Lian never treating him kindly.

He is sure Murong Lian never gave him pastries as an apology when they were children.

They arrive at Auntie Lin’s house, where a peach tree is in full bloom.

Murong Lian prepares himself and knocks on the door but stops when he hears voices inside.

Madam Zhao (Murong Lian’s mother) is scolding Auntie Lin for not informing her about a child’s severe injuries.

Auntie Lin apologizes and tries to explain, but Madam Zhao dismisses her, accusing her of holding a grudge.

Madam Zhao demands the child, insisting she is the head of Wangshu Manor and that the boy is a son of the Wangshu line.

Gu Mang is shocked upon hearing this, unable to process what it means.

The door opens, and Murong Lian, frozen in place, comes face-to-face with his mother.

Madam Zhao, visibly shaken, demands to know why Murong Lian is there.

She quickly takes Gu Mang in her arms and pulls Murong Lian away.

Auntie Lin pleads for Gu Mang to return after he is treated, but Madam Zhao silences her and shuts the door.

She drags Murong Lian and Gu Mang to her quarters, dismisses the servants, and throws Gu Mang onto the bed.

She interrogates Murong Lian, asking how much he overheard.

Murong Lian, terrified and emotional, bursts into tears and asks if he is not her real son.

Madam Zhao angrily reassures him, calling Gu Mang an "ugly, stinking brat" and affirming Murong Lian is her son.

Murong Lian, still shaken, recalls her words about Gu Mang being part of their family and questions her.

Madam Zhao, unable to evade, decides to tell Murong Lian the truth.

She warns him never to speak of what he has heard and places a magical sigil on his palm to prevent him from revealing the secret.

Murong Lian cries out in pain, and Madam Zhao warns that breaking the secrecy will cause worse suffering.

She tells Murong Lian that his father never loved her and had been in love with a woman from Lin’an.

His father was forced to marry Madam Zhao due to his status.

She struggles to explain the full truth in a way Murong Lian can understand.

Gu Mang, still in his dreamscape, listens to the conversation, recalling Mo Xi had previously told him about this past.

Gu Mang experiences a flood of memories, causing him intense pain and disorientation.

He recalls a nursery rhyme sung by a woman with a Lin’an accent, bringing back childhood memories.

He remembers being comforted by a woman he called Auntie Lin, who sang to him while he slept.

In the memory, young Gu Mang wishes Auntie Lin were his mother. She reacts with a pained expression but does not correct him.

Auntie Lin was actually Miss Chu, and Gu Mang realizes she changed her last name and hid her identity.

The memory of Murong Lian’s words—"you should at least remember"—resurfaces, making Gu Mang question what he forgot.

He recalls that he had written in his book multiple times: "You owe your life to Wangshu Manor. Do nothing to harm Wangshu-jun."

Before losing his memories, Gu Mang knew the truth about his origins.

More memories resurface: Auntie Lin’s dying words reveal that Madam Zhao, often misunderstood, was actually kind and saved both Gu Mang and Auntie Lin’s lives.

Auntie Lin asks Gu Mang not to resent Madam Zhao and her son, explaining that they, too, lived difficult lives.

Young Gu Mang grieves Auntie Lin’s death, not fully understanding her final words at the time.

As he grows up, Gu Mang treats Madam Zhao and her son with gratitude due to Auntie Lin’s request.

He starts investigating his origins, learning bits of information from gossip and pamphlets.

While cleaning Wangshu Manor’s library, he finds letters exchanged between Murong Xuan and Miss Chu, confirming his suspicions: he is Murong Xuan’s son and Murong Lian’s half-brother.

By then, both Auntie Lin and Madam Zhao are already dead.

Gu Mang never tries to claim his noble status, choosing instead to stay among his friends and help the downtrodden.

However, one winter, he secretly tries on Murong Xuan’s merit ribbon, experiencing a brief moment of longing.

Murong Lian storms in, furiously demanding he take it off, calling him an unworthy slave.

Unbeknownst to Gu Mang, Murong Lian has always known the truth and saw him as a threat.

Murong Lian’s resentment stems from his insecurity, fearing Gu Mang might claim his rightful place in Wangshu Manor.

While Gu Mang silently endured and protected, Murong Lian saw him as an enemy to be eliminated.

Gu Mang wakes up from his vision, gasping, surrounded by darkness.

A black-clad man with a bloodstained scimitar enters Gu Mang’s treatment room.

Gu Mang, sitting on the bed, emotionlessly asks why the man wanted to kill Murong Lian.

The black-clad man admits he attacked Murong Lian but insists he was following orders.

He reveals that Murong Lian knows too many secrets and suggests it was a justified attempt on his life.

Gu Mang questions why someone is trying to kill him.

The man denies coming to kill Gu Mang, despite holding a weapon dripping with blood.

He cryptically states that killing Gu Mang would be ideal but is too difficult.

Gu Mang mocks him, pointing out how easily he entered the palace.

The intruder dismisses Gu Mang’s ignorance and refuses to explain further.

Instead, he claims to have a secret to reveal.

Gu Mang braces himself, suspecting the secret is meant to mentally break him.

The black-clad man utters four words: “The Vow of Calamity.”

Gu Mang is immediately shaken, instincts screaming danger.

The man taunts him, asking why Mo Xi was given command of his soldiers.

He claims it was because of the Vow and begins revealing its truth.

After Gu Mang stabbed Mo Xi, Mo Xi knelt outside the throne room for three days, begging for his soldiers' lives.

The court mocked Mo Xi for his unwavering loyalty to Gu Mang.

Nobles blamed Mo Xi for failing to see Gu Mang’s betrayal and accused him of causing many deaths.

Mo Xi suffered not only the nation’s scorn but also the pain of betrayal.

The man highlights that while Gu Mang endured hell, Mo Xi lived through an equally torturous fate.

Unlike Gu Mang, Mo Xi was kept in the dark, manipulated by those around him.

Gu Mang shrinks back in horror, overwhelmed with guilt.

The black-clad man reminds him that Gu Mang deliberately kept Mo Xi ignorant to prevent him from interfering.

He accuses Gu Mang of crushing Mo Xi’s faith and dignity while arrogantly assuming Mo Xi would move on.

Gu Mang, breaking down, denies the accusations, clutching his head in despair.

The man cruelly insists Gu Mang’s lies allowed the emperor to manipulate them both.

The Vow of Calamity was used twice—once to force Gu Mang into espionage, then to bind Mo Xi’s loyalty.

The man reveals Mo Xi swore a life-binding oath never to betray the emperor or Chonghua.

Gu Mang realizes Mo Xi never told him about this, shielding him from the truth.

Mo Xi had reassured Gu Mang, promising a future together, without ever mentioning his own suffering.

Gu Mang envisions Mo Xi’s face, recalling how he had protected him without revealing his own wounds.

The black-clad man mocks him, stating that Mo Xi’s sacrifice was meaningless.

Just as Gu Mang reaches his breaking point, the man steps closer, his eyes full of malice.

The emperor and Mo Xi arrive at Gu Mang’s chamber, where a massive surge of demonic qi is erupting from within.

The guards are unable to enter due to the overwhelming dark energy, and the assassin has already escaped.

The emperor and Mo Xi survey the scene, noting the violent manifestation of a blue-eyed wolf in the demonic flames.

Mo Xi demands to know Gu Mang’s condition, but the guards are too afraid to approach.

Ignoring all warnings, Mo Xi rushes into the room alone, braving the waves of dark flames.

Inside, he finds Gu Mang curled up on the bed, his face buried in his hands, with a shattered jade scroll beside him.

When Mo Xi approaches, Gu Mang violently throws him back with a surge of demonic qi.

Gu Mang lifts his head, revealing black magic sigils covering his face and glowing blue eyes, showing he is mutating.

In a rage-filled and delirious state, Gu Mang accuses Mo Xi (or an unseen figure from his past) of breaking his promises.

He grabs Mo Xi by the throat, screaming that he never asked to be exonerated for his past crimes.

Gu Mang rants about losing everything—his army, his reputation, his memories—and blames the emperor's schemes.

Mo Xi struggles against Gu Mang’s grasp, but Gu Mang only sees the emperor from eight years ago instead of his shidi.

Gu Mang furiously demands why Mo Xi failed to fulfill his promises, calling his tactics disgusting.

He slams Mo Xi against the wall, his madness overtaking his rationality.

In his turmoil, Gu Mang mutters about losing his comrades—Lu Zhanxing and Murong Lian—blaming himself for their fates.

He collapses into despair, breaking into tears, overwhelmed by the truths the assassin revealed.

He agonizes over making everyone—including Mo Xi—a pawn in his grand scheme.

Gu Mang cries out, asking why Mo Xi was forced to take the Vow.

Mo Xi realizes that the shattered jade scroll must have contained information that shattered Gu Mang’s mind.

Gu Mang sobs uncontrollably, tormented by guilt, believing himself responsible for Mo Xi’s suffering.

As he presses Mo Xi down, the demonic qi tears through Mo Xi’s body, causing immense pain.

Despite the agony, Mo Xi gently cups Gu Mang’s face, touching the lotus sigil on his neck.

Though unable to speak due to the suffocating dark energy, Mo Xi silently conveys his promise to always be with Gu Mang.

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