Tian Guan Ci Fu

Xie Lian investigates missing brides in Yu Jun Mountain and reunites with Hua Cheng

A bride is attacked in Yu Jun Mountain, prompting Xie Lian’s third ascension and investigation into the disappearances. He consults Ling Wen, enters the Spiritual Communication Array, and reunites with former servants Mu Qing and Feng Xin. Arriving at a tea house, Xie Lian is joined by Nan Feng and Fu Yao. They observe villagers transporting a doll bride, and Xie Lian intervenes when Xiao Ying is assaulted. Seeking shelter in Feng Xin’s temple, the group discusses local legends and Mu Qing’s past. They devise a plan to disguise Xie Lian as a bride to lure the Ghost Bridegroom. During the escort, wolves and Base Slaves attack, and Xie Lian orders his companions to flee. As he waits, Hua Cheng offers his hand through the sedan curtain. The episode concludes with a flashback sequence showing their shared history, ending with the two walking together under an umbrella in the present.

Xie Lian and companions ascend Mount Yujun disguised as a bridal party to lure the Bridegroom ghost.

Xie Lian, San Lang, and Fu Yao pretend to be a bride and villagers while traveling up Mount Yujun. Their goal is to attract the Bridegroom ghost. As corpses begin to rise during the journey, the situation becomes dangerous. Xie Lian asks the group to leave him behind to serve as bait. This sacrifice is intended to draw the ghost out while the others remain safe. The group proceeds with the plan to confront the supernatural threat lurking on the mountain.

Xie Lian Investigates Bridegroom Ghost Theory After Dead Brides Awaken

Following the resurrection of the deceased brides, Xie Lian reaches out to Ling Wen to discuss his suspicions regarding the bridegroom ghost. Subsequently, Pei Xiu and other heaven officials arrive at the scene. They proceed to arrest Xuan Ji, with the intention of sealing her beneath a mountain to resolve the situation.

Xie Lian learns of Hua Cheng's past while settling in Puji Village and meets a mysterious stranger.

At Xiao Ying's grave, Xie Lian witnesses Lang Ying's Human Face Disease and orders Fu Yao and Nan Feng to alert Ling Wen. Xie Lian consults Ling Wen in the Spiritual Communication Array, where Feng Xin and Pei Su discuss Xuan Ji's volatile behavior. The Heavenly Officials reveal that Hua Cheng defeated thirty-three Martial and Civil Gods, leading to their demotion. After the officials depart to investigate ghost activities, Xie Lian thanks Feng Xin and Mu Qing for their deputies, surprising them. Ling Wen confirms his debt is cleared, prompting Xie Lian to establish a temple in Puji Village. He lives modestly, collecting scraps, until villagers inquire about the unknown deity. While riding an ox cart home, he reads scrolls and converses with a young man about deities. Xie Lian asks about Hua Cheng, triggering a flashback of Ling Wen's warning before the episode concludes with the stranger's smile.

Xie Lian Invites San Lang to Stay and Discovers a Crown Prince Painting

Following the acquisition of additional details regarding the Crimson Rain Sought Flower and the subsequent escape from the Ghost Festival, Xie Lian extends an invitation for San Lang to reside within the temple. The following morning, Xie Lian discovers a painting depicting the Crown Prince positioned above the altar. This sequence of events occurs after the pair has navigated the dangers associated with the festival and gained new insights into the mysterious figure known as the Crimson Rain Sought Flower, leading to a quiet moment of reflection and discovery within the temple setting.

Xie Lian Investigates Missing Merchants in Banyue Pass with Fu Yao and Nan Feng

Merchants disappear within Banyue Pass, prompting Xie Lian to launch an investigation alongside Fu Yao and Nan Feng. The companions remain deeply weary and harbor strong suspicions regarding San Lang. Their ongoing disputes are abruptly halted when a sudden sand storm strikes, separating Xie Lian from the group. This unexpected weather event interrupts their bickering and removes Xie Lian from their immediate vicinity, forcing the remaining individuals to confront the sudden change in circumstances while the mystery of the missing merchants continues to unfold in the pass.

Group seeks Banyue herb after scorpion-tailed snake attack leaves Xie Lian injured

The group survives a sandstorm and enters a cave with merchants and Banyue artifacts, including a tablet about an opposing army lieutenant. A scorpion-tailed snake attacks, nearly killing a merchant and injuring Xie Lian. To find an antidote, the group and the merchant's guide travel to Banyue. Upon arrival, they spot two women running from the previous episode and hide, but are quickly discovered.

The group splits to find Banyue Fern while General Ke Mo demands a sacrifice at the Sinner's Pit

San Lang, Xie Lian, and Zhao separate from the main party to locate the Banyue Fern, which is necessary to cure the poison from Xie Lian's bite. Meanwhile, General Ke Mo guides the remaining individuals to the Sinner's Pit. Upon arrival, he insists that a sacrifice be offered. The narrative focuses on these parallel efforts to address the immediate medical crisis and the ominous ritualistic demands made by the military leader in this ancient location.

Xie Lian Falls Into Pit With Kemo and Encounters San Lang

Xie Lian leaps into the pit, bringing Kemo along. He is captured by San Lang, who appears to be different. With all the pit soldiers dead, Kemo recalls the story of the downfall of his kingdom at the hands of the Imperial Preceptor.

Imperial Preceptor and Xie Lian reunite after two centuries apart

The Imperial Preceptor joins the group, leading to an unexpected reunion with Xie Lian, whom she has not seen in over 200 years. During this encounter, Ban Yue offers an apology for her past treason. However, she firmly denies the accusation that she utilized scorpion snakes to attack people. This meeting highlights the complex history between the two characters, revealing unresolved tensions and conflicting accounts regarding the violent incidents that occurred centuries ago.

Pei Xiu Revealed as Culprit Behind Ban Yue's Betrayal and Massacre

Pei Xiu is identified as the mastermind behind the recent tragedy. As Ban Yue's childhood friend, he manipulated her into betraying her kingdom, which directly led to the ensuing massacre. Meanwhile, Xie Lian comes to the realization that San Lang is actually Hua Cheng. This revelation connects the past betrayal to the current events, exposing Pei Xiu's role in the violence. The episode focuses on these critical discoveries regarding the true identities and motivations of the characters involved in the conflict.

Let All Taboos Be Shattered