Episode 21 recap: Qi Xiao Xuan transformed into a puppet.
Cheng Ji Nian brought people to capture Hu Zi, claiming that Hu Zi was suspected of plotting against and harming the people. Without giving Hu Zi a chance to explain or defend himself, Cheng Ji Nian ordered his men to take Hu Zi away. Wang Yu Qian accompanied Zhao Xin Tong, holding a token, intending to visit Hu Zi in prison. However, they were denied entry, with the guards suggesting that Zhao Xin Tong and Hu Zi had a close relationship and feared the existence of some undisclosed secret. They also expressed concerns that Zhao Xin Tong, as a commander, might engage in inappropriate actions, and they were worried about the potential damage to the reputation of the nation's demon-binding master. Upon hearing that his reputation was at stake, Zhao Xin Tong became angry, as he believed he was merely visiting a friend and had no ulterior motives. He attempted to force his way inside but was forcefully stopped by the guards.
Zhao Xin Tong wanted to take action, but Wang Yu Qian pulled him away, telling him that they shouldn't stage a jailbreak and certainly not make such a mistake at this time. Zhao Xin Tong felt that Wang Yu Qian was being somewhat timid and cowardly, as they had even infiltrated Yan Luo Hall before and yet now seemed afraid.
Wang Yu Qian explained to Zhao Xin Tong that their intention was to trap their opponents and to involve Zhao Xin Tong in their plans. Zhao Xin Tong now felt that he couldn't afford to consider so many things; Hu Zi was already imprisoned, and the most important thing now was to rescue him.
Zhao Xin Tong sensed that Wang Yu Qian's words implied that Hu Zi's capture might have been part of their strategy, and if they entered now and disrupted their plans, it would all be in vain. Zhao Xin Tong was deeply concerned about Hu Zi, but Wang Yu Qian believed that Hu Zi was not in immediate danger and that they needed to think of another way to rescue him.
Cheng Shu and the elders discussed how to handle Hu Zi. The elders believed that the matter needed to be made public to provide an explanation to the people. They believed that in order to win the support of the people and benefit them, there had to be a reasonable resolution regarding Hu Zi, and they saw killing Hu Zi as a way to solve the problem without fear.
Cheng Ji Nian arrived, and the elders held high expectations for him. They also discussed using torture on Hu Zi, although Cheng Ji Nian felt somewhat reluctant. Inside the cell, Hu Zi was in a daze, but he knew he couldn't remain in that state and had to gather his strength to save his mother.
Suddenly, someone grabbed Hu Zi by the neck, attempting to kill him. Hu Zi underwent a transformation, but Zhao Xin Tong arrived in time to stop him. Hu Zi eventually regained consciousness and informed Zhao Xin Tong that someone was trying to kill him. Hu Zi realized that he had made a mistake.
Zhao Xin Tong learned that the elders intended to kill Hu Zi.
The elders also learned about the news. Zhao Xin Tong took Hu Zi to confront the elders, but they all denied their involvement and randomly found a demon-binding master to serve as a scapegoat. Zhao Xin Tong felt that he didn't want to be a commander anymore, but Hu Zi quickly admitted that he was a demon but hadn't harmed anyone. At this point, everyone vouched for Hu Zi, leaving the elders with no choice but to clear Hu Zi's name. However, they planned to use a softer approach to threaten him behind the scenes.
Wang Yu Qian was informed that he had to return to his country, but he wanted to stay for a few more days. Hu Zi was afraid that he might hurt someone someday and felt saddened by the absence of Qi Xiao Xuan. However, when he recalled that Yan asked him to go to the Underworld Sea to find him, Hu Zi was surprised to see that the puppet was Qi Xiao Xuan. Qi Xiao Xuan told Hu Zi that he had been there for three days, and Hu Zi wanted him to stay.
Hu Zi told Wang Yu Qian and Zhao Xin Tong that the puppet was Xiao Xuan. Qi Xiao Xuan believed that Yan was his brother and asked them not to give up on Yan. Everyone comforted Qi Xiao Xuan, but Qi Yan Ran sneaked back and was chased by the officials.
Listening to the savior's words, Qi Yan Ran realized that it was the Eyebrow Sect who injured the Qi family. Qi Yan Ran resented her grandmother for not witnessing everything she had done but also regretted her actions. It turned out that Mo Gu Zi was Qi Yan Ran's savior. While fleeing, Mo Gu Zi saw Mrs. Qi (the old lady) and saved her, using her exceptional skills to restore her appearance. Mrs. Qi was grateful to Mo Gu Zi and learned that her appearance might remain like that. She was worried that she wouldn't be able to handle the overall situation upon her return and feared that the Council of Elders might cause trouble. Mo Gu Zi had found a suitable identity for Mrs. Qi and she asked Mo Gu Zi not to reveal her true identity and to arrange a meeting between her and Zhao Xin Tong.
Wang Yu Qian was very worried about Qi Xiao Xuan and tried every medical skill he knew to save him. Hu Zi also helped Qi Xiao Xuan and encouraged him to regain his spirits.
Comments(Episode 21)