Xie Lanshan struggles with insomnia, habitually sinking into his bathtub, holding his breath underwater.

He experiences a vivid and violent hallucination of drowning a woman, repeatedly pushing her head underwater while blood stains the water red.

The dream feels disturbingly real, but Xie wakes up just before drowning himself and steps out of the tub, drenched.

After drying off, he examines his reflection in the mirror, noticing a mix of composure and dissociation in his expression, and questions, "Who are you?"

He briefly reflects on a mystery novel he had been reading, though it failed to keep his interest, except for a memorable quote about love and destruction.

To clear his mind, Xie opens his window to let in the stormy night air and whistles to the stray cats, which he often takes care of, signaling them to leave.

Troubled by the recurring dream of the woman, whose face remains blurry, Xie decides to go for a walk to clear his head.

He visits a nearby theater showing late-night mystery films and sits in a mostly empty theater with only one other person, a man in the front row.

The movie is a detective mystery with horror elements, but Xie quickly loses interest and instead becomes intrigued by the man sitting in the front.

The man explains he enjoys observing people’s reactions to fear and admits he does so for “career purposes,” revealing he is an artist who studies human expressions.

Xie and the man engage in conversation, discussing the movie’s plot and murder mystery, discovering they share similar views on the story.

Both accurately predict plot twists in the movie, and their discussion turns into a friendly competition, as they try to one-up each other in guessing what happens next.

Xie grows more intrigued by the man’s sharp reasoning skills, wondering if the stranger might be more than just a fellow moviegoer.

During a scene involving a romantic subplot, the man reveals he doesn’t like roses, surprising Xie.

Xie’s phone rings, interrupting their conversation. He steps out to take a call from his boss, Tao Jun, reminding him of his work duties the next day.

Before leaving, the man casually reveals he had already seen the movie, shocking Xie and making him suspect the man may have been there specifically to meet him.

When Xie returns, the man is gone, replaced by a young couple kissing in the theater, breaking the previously quiet and eerie atmosphere.

Feeling unsettled but oddly lighthearted, Xie leaves the theater and walks into the night as the rain clears, the moon shining through the stormy clouds.

The weather in May brought short storms, refreshing the earth, as Xie Lanshan, tired from insomnia, decided to take public transport to work instead of driving.

He stopped by his usual spot for fried pancakes, ordering extra chili and cilantro from Uncle Tan, a local vendor, who remarked that he hadn’t seen Xie in a while.

Xie explained he had been suspended for two months due to an incident involving a shooting during a domestic violence case, where he had shot and killed a man who threatened his wife with a knife.

The incident had stirred controversy online, as the wife later claimed her husband didn’t intend to kill her and was ready to put the knife down. This led to an investigation, and although Xie’s actions were deemed lawful, he was still suspended and reprimanded for violating procedure.

Uncle Tan handed Xie his pancake with extra chili, joking that Xie seemed hotheaded lately, and Xie paid for his food without taking the change.

Xie then boarded an old trolley, eating his pancake on the way to the Hanhai Public Security Bureau, where he worked as a criminal investigator.

Upon arrival, the security guard informed him that reporters had come looking for him earlier, but they were sent away.

Xie met with his mentor, Tao Jun, a former border defense captain who had been injured and now worked in the bureau. Tao Jun tossed Xie a cigarette, but Xie refused to smoke it, commenting on its poor quality.

Xie flirted with a new female colleague in the office, pointing out a mistake in her translation, which caused her to make another error. Tao Jun chastised him, surprised Xie could speak French, and questioned him about the higher-ups’ decision regarding his future.

Tao Jun revealed that Xie was being transferred to the traffic police due to the negative attention from the shooting incident, asking if he had any objections.

Xie took the news lightly, joking about old donkeys kicking him while he’s down, which irritated Tao Jun, who scolded him.

Tao Jun had a long history with Xie, having mentored him after Xie’s father, a former colleague and friend, died in the line of duty. Xie’s mother had gone mad from grief, leaving Tao Jun to raise Xie as his own.

Xie’s career had started with him going undercover in a drug-trafficking organization run by the notorious Mu Kun, a drug lord in the Golden Triangle who had committed brutal acts, including the beheading of an American tourist.

Xie successfully infiltrated the organization, becoming Mu Kun’s right-hand man over the course of three years, and his intel was crucial in the final operation that dismantled the organization, though Mu Kun escaped.

Due to his success, Xie received a Rank 2 Personal Meritorious Service Medal and was reassigned to criminal investigations for his safety.

Tao Jun offers Xie Lanshan an alternative to transferring to the traffic department: therapy, suggested by Xie’s old boss from the anti-drug force.

Xie dismisses the suggestion, questioning why he’s being singled out when everyone in the violent crime unit deals with death.

Tao Jun argues that it was not just a death but a life lost at Xie’s gunpoint, referencing the controversy around the shooting incident.

Xie coldly remarks that death can be comforting and almost desirable, quoting Schopenhauer, shocking Tao Jun.

Tao Jun angrily scolds Xie for his dismissive attitude toward human life, slapping him on the back as a reprimand.

Tao Longyue, the current captain of the violent crime unit and Tao Jun’s son, enters the room. He has a prominent scar on his face from an earthquake in their youth.

Tao Longyue once held a grudge against Xie Lanshan, but after Xie risked his life to save him and others during the earthquake, Tao Longyue apologized and let go of his resentment.

Xie had forgotten or dismissed Tao Longyue’s previous bullying, emphasizing his indifference to past grievances.

Over time, Tao Longyue realized Xie was deeply compassionate despite his reserved exterior, but now he notices a change in Xie’s behavior since his return from suspension.

Xie, who was once introverted and detached, has become more flirtatious, charismatic, and playful, as seen in his interactions with a new female colleague.

While Tao Jun lectures Xie, Xie playfully mouths along with Tao’s scolding, making the new girl laugh.

Tao Longyue observes these changes in Xie, noting that his once detached demeanor has shifted toward a more charming, almost dandy personality.

The playful moment is interrupted when Tao Longyue informs Xie that there’s a new homicide case involving six deaths at a luxury residential community.

The homicide and violent crime unit is dispatched to a massacre at a luxury residential community where six people are dead, including a family and their nanny.

Xie Lanshan, Tao Longyue, and the new recruit Ding Li share a car to the crime scene, with Tao teasing Xie about being transferred to the traffic department and breaking rules by bringing him along.

Xie, suffering from insomnia and headaches from his undercover work, is in no mood for jokes, mentioning his recent lack of sleep.

Tao offers Xie a cigarette, which he reluctantly accepts, but he doesn’t enjoy it.

Tao Longyue shares a story about how he helped a former druggie, Zhang Yuchun, avoid jail time for selling legal cigarettes, following Xie’s philosophy of being strict with the law but lenient in practice.

Tao questions Xie about what he did during his two-month suspension, and they discuss how Xie’s transfer and therapy seem like overreactions to the shooting incident.

Tao reveals his father’s concern, based on a former antidrug officer who developed mental illness after undercover work, which led to his eventual suicide.

Tao wonders why Xie wasn’t promoted despite his crucial role in dismantling the drug cartel led by Mu Kun and questions if someone is holding him back.

Ding Li, intrigued by the conversation, excitedly asks Xie about his undercover work with Mu Kun, revealing rumors about Mu Kun’s attractiveness and speculations that Xie caught Mu Kun’s eye.

Tao and Ding Li tease Xie about whether Mu Kun was attracted to him, with Xie playfully responding that it’s classified.

Tao shifts the conversation, mentioning the resurgence of Mu Kun’s drug-trafficking organization in a smaller form and discussing Mu Kun’s reputation for being a cruel madman.

Xie, after a moment of silent contemplation, confirms Tao’s question, admitting that Mu Kun was indeed a madman.

The crime scene is at Jing Jiang Grand Garden, a luxury residential community. Despite the area being under constant surveillance, the security room caught fire the night before, disabling the cameras.

Bystanders gathered outside the house, and forensic teams were already inside conducting their investigation when Xie Lanshan and Tao Longyue arrived.

Inside, six bodies lay in a pool of blood: a middle-aged couple, a young woman, an elderly woman with a leg injury, a nanny, and a seven-year-old child.

The bodies were arranged in a ritualistic manner, with the young woman in the center, naked and curled up like a fetus, and the others encircling her. A strange mark was carved into the central woman's stomach, and her hands were severed at the wrists.

The crime scene eerily resembled scenes from Xie Lanshan’s recurring nightmares, triggering a severe headache.

Xie Lanshan, disturbed, dismissed the crime scene as too "carefully prepared" to hold value and decided to wait for the autopsy report instead.

Tao Longyue was reminded of a past case they worked on during their police academy days, where Xie Lanshan had shed a single tear for a murdered young girl, revealing his deep empathy.

Ding Li, the new recruit, followed Xie around the house, asking questions. Xie praised her for not being squeamish at the crime scene.

Xie explored the young woman, Cong Ying’s, bedroom, finding personal items like her graduation certificate, a wedding fair flyer, and a framed photo of her with a man, indicating she was in a relationship.

Ding Li speculated that the man in the photo could be the culprit, citing similar cases from internet forums.

As Ding Li flirted with Xie and teased him about rumors regarding his undercover work with Mu Kun, Xie warned her, with an eerie tone, to forget what she had heard for her own safety.

Xie quickly lightened the mood by joking with Ding Li, then asked her opinion on the case, indicating his focus on the investigation.

There were no signs of forced entry, suggesting the victims knew the culprit. Ding Li believes that surveillance footage will help solve the case despite the fire in the surveillance room.

Tao Longyue informs Xie Lanshan that the surveillance footage wasn't fully backed up before the fire, leaving uncertainty about recovering the footage.

A security guard saw a well-dressed woman with her face covered in the area recently, but without a clear view of her face, identifying her would be difficult.

Tao reveals that the bureau is getting a forensic sketch artist who had worked with the FBI, sparking Ding Li’s curiosity.

Tao and Xie discuss the victims: Mr. Cong, the successful businessman, his wife Ding Hong, and their daughter Cong Ying, who seems central to solving the case.

The forensic team, led by Dr. Su Mansheng, reveals that all six victims died from stab wounds, with Cong Ying having the most severe injuries, suggesting she was the primary target.

Xie notes that the murders were not impulsive, and the killer must have been physically strong and familiar with the family, as the killings were executed swiftly and without raising alarms.

He also points out that Cong Ying had makeup on, indicating she was expecting someone important the night of the murder.

Xie presents a photo of Cong Ying and her boyfriend, noting that despite their serious relationship, she kept the photo hidden, implying her family didn’t approve of him.

Xie suggests Cong Ying’s boyfriend might be a suspect based on these clues.

Tao Longyue shows interest in Dr. Su, but Xie teasingly reveals that Dr. Su might not be attracted to men, leaving Tao embarrassed.

The team couldn't find Cong Ying's cell phone at the crime scene, so Tao Longyue asked the neighborhood security guard about her boyfriend, who drove a silver BMW.

The security guard confirmed that Cong Ying's boyfriend, identified as the man in the photo, had frequently visited and left the residential community around 3 or 4 A.M., after the murders occurred.

A neighbor reported seeing Cong Ying and her boyfriend arguing around 11:45 P.M. the previous night, identifying the man as Shen Liufei.

The team found a shoeprint from a woman’s heeled leather shoe in the garden after the storm, suggesting someone else had been at the scene post-murder.

Tao Longyue expressed frustration with the unavailability of the new forensic artist, who was delayed in starting work.

Xie Lanshan speculated on the motive behind the arranged corpses, suggesting the killer's actions weren't merely passionate or vengeful, but intentional and calculated.

The team also puzzled over the woman’s presence at the crime scene, considering whether she was an accomplice or had another agenda.

Ding Li mentioned she had seen an image similar to the corpse arrangement, but couldn’t recall where.

Tao Longyue was frustrated when their higher-ups insisted on full dedication to solving the case, as the first seventy-two hours were crucial.

Tao Jun gave Xie Lanshan an ultimatum, requiring him to attend therapy if he wanted to stay involved in the case. Xie resisted and chose to report to the traffic unit instead.

Tao Longyue continued to tease Xie, reminding him of the Hunting Net Operation, which focused on solving cold cases.

Feeling disheartened, Xie spent time in the file room, reviewing cold cases like the ’98 Hushan Park Murder and the ’01 Shunde Residential Massacre, before leaving the bureau alone past midnight.

Xie Lanshan lives in an old, neglected street where crime is common, and public security is lacking. Despite its picturesque surroundings, the area is overlooked by authorities.

On his way home, Xie encounters Uncle Tan, a kind street vendor who sells food. They chat, and Tan reveals he wasn’t out selling the night before due to stomach issues, but he's usually vigilant about making the area safer by providing light for women walking home.

Tan shares that he’s leaving soon to live with his daughter in the south, though he feels conflicted about leaving after living in the area for a decade.

After their conversation, Xie reflects on how reliable Uncle Tan is in the community, even risking his life in the past to stop a thief.

Back at home, Xie considers looking up the rumors about him and Mu Kun online but decides against it. Instead, he fills his bathtub with cold water and submerges himself, a habit he developed to escape his thoughts.

Underwater, he meditates and tries to quiet his mind, pushing away memories of his time as an undercover agent, haunted by violent images, drugs, and corpses.

He recalls a particular incident from his undercover days when he tried to save a boy who was stabbed by a drug boss. Despite his efforts, the boy died, and Xie was nearly exposed as a cop.

After the incident, Xie was brought to meet Mu Kun, the drug lord, who brutally killed a woman in front of Xie to assert his dominance. Mu Kun, despite knowing Xie’s background, took a liking to him and even hinted at knowing about Xie’s father’s death.

Mu Kun had told Xie there was a mole, nicknamed “Apostle,” in the antidrug force who may have caused his father’s death, but Xie never found out the full truth before Mu Kun’s downfall.

As Xie reflects on his past, he clutches the bullet necklace around his neck, reliving the tension and trauma from his undercover days.

Xie remains submerged in the water, feeling the weight of his memories, as he anticipates the coming rain and the arrival of summer.

The weather in the city was abnormally hot despite recent storms, and Tao Longyue and Xie Lanshan waited at a train crossing in Tao’s car. They chatted while observing a young family, sparking Tao to remark on how different their lives might have been if not for Xie’s undercover work.

Tao asked Xie about his love life, to which Xie cryptically mentioned meeting someone interesting, but his mind wandered elsewhere, particularly to memories of his father’s death and the bullet necklace he wore as a memento.

Tao shared new details about the ongoing murder case in Jing Jiang Grand Garden, explaining that Shen Liufei, Cong Ying’s boyfriend, was a prime suspect. The murder likely involved an accomplice, as evidenced by the fire and a woman’s footprint found at the crime scene.

Tao revealed that Cong Ying had bruises on her neck, suggesting the killer had choked her before stabbing her multiple times, which Xie interpreted as the culprit hesitating due to a complicated, love-hate relationship with the victim.

Xie pointed out that choking was an intimate act, often seen in family or sexual assault cases, and theorized that the killer initially hesitated before completing the murder in a fit of rage, indicating a personal connection.

Ding Li called with new findings: Cong Ying’s friends and colleagues didn’t know Shen Liufei, and she had been attending a free art class at the Crane Museum, taught by none other than Shen Liufei himself, confirming his involvement in her life beyond their romantic relationship.

Tao Longyue discovered that Shen Liufei was teaching an art class at the Crane Museum that day, offering a perfect opportunity to investigate further. He and Xie Lanshan rushed to the museum.

On the way, Tao stopped at the bureau to collect an autopsy report, where they encountered Su Mansheng, the forensic doctor. Tao tried to impress her, but Su maintained her professional demeanor. She revealed she was aware of Xie’s playful comment about her being uninterested in men, leaving him slightly embarrassed.

The Crane Museum, located in a historical area with a somber atmosphere, had a reputation for its exclusive art pieces. Despite its eerie setting, it attracted many young artists and collectors.

When Tao and Xie arrived, they found the museum was about to close. Instead of going through the main entrance, Xie climbed the building’s wall and pulled Tao up to enter through a second-floor window.

While inside, Xie explored a restricted area where he discovered an art exhibit with disturbing paintings depicting murder scenes eerily similar to those in his nightmares and the recent Cong family murders.

One painting, part of a series titled The Brink of Light and Dark, depicted the exact layout of the Cong family’s bodies in the mass murder case. The painting was signed by Shen Liufei and dated ten years ago.

Xie realized that a book he had noticed at Cong Ying’s house shared the same title as the painting series, further linking Shen Liufei to the crime.

Just as Xie pondered this discovery, a man approached him. Xie recognized the voice as the one he had heard at the movie theater, but the man did not seem to remember him.

The man introduced himself as Shen Liufei, revealing that he was the person Xie had been looking for, and they exchanged tense pleasantries.

Xie Lanshan became serious when Shen Liufei revealed his identity. They stared each other down, creating a tense atmosphere.

Tao Longyue interrupted, announcing he had found a fruit knife and a pair of burned human hands in the restroom. He soon realized the gravity of the situation as he recognized Shen Liufei as the prime suspect.

Tao, assuming command, verbally summoned Shen Liufei to the police station for questioning regarding the Cong family murders. Shen, however, remained calm and countered with his knowledge of the law, stating the police had no authority without a warrant.

As Shen Liufei tried to leave, Xie Lanshan, affected by the sight of the paintings and feeling dizzy, decided to stop him by force.

The two men engaged in a brief but intense physical confrontation. Shen proved to be physically strong and agile, matching Xie’s skills. Xie managed to rip a button from Shen’s shirt but didn’t overpower him.

During the scuffle, Xie noticed a large, elaborate tattoo on Shen’s body, resembling a mythological bird in shades of red and pink.

After the confrontation, Shen Liufei calmly remarked on Xie’s aggressive approach, while Xie, ignoring Tao Longyue’s protests, insisted on taking Shen in by force, continuing to playfully call Shen his “big cousin.”

Tao Longyue tried to stop Xie Lanshan from further complicating matters, but Xie attacked Shen Liufei again, sparking a physical confrontation between the two men.

Both displayed exceptional combat abilities, with neither able to overpower the other. The fight ended when Xie tricked Shen by kissing him, distracting him long enough to handcuff them together.

Despite the tension, Shen remained calm and unflustered, even making light of the situation. Xie led Shen out of the museum with a sense of triumph while Shen cooperatively followed.

On the way to the police station, Shen made cryptic comments, including a warning that Xie would be crying soon, which turned out to be true.

Upon arriving at the municipal bureau, it was revealed that Shen had a scheduled meeting with the branch chief and prominent criminal defense lawyer Fu Yunxian. This forced the police to release him.

During questioning, Shen revealed that Cong Ying was his student, had attempted suicide, and was involved in various personal struggles, including harassment at work. He denied knowing her boyfriend but mentioned the boyfriend was connected to escape room businesses.

Shen provided an alibi, claiming he was at a movie theater during the murders, which was confirmed by surveillance footage.

Fu Yunxian's involvement and his criticism of the police, especially Xie Lanshan, put pressure on the department to handle the case delicately.

Tao Jun reprimanded Xie for his reckless behavior, reminding him of his responsibilities and his father's legacy. Tao Jun demanded Xie turn in his badge and weapon until he underwent therapy.

Shen Liufei completed his paperwork and exchanged a meaningful glance with Xie before leaving the bureau, suggesting a deeper connection or tension between the two.

Shen Liufei left the Hanhai City Municipal Bureau and got into a black Bentley driven by Fu Yunxian. Shen asked Fu what would happen if he were the real culprit, and Fu casually dismissed the concern, confident in his ability to defend him.

Shen requested to visit the Jing Jiang Grand Garden crime scene, and Fu reluctantly agreed.

Shen and Fu had a long-standing relationship, and Fu had always found Shen's fascination with crime stories unusual for someone of his status.

Upon arrival at the crime scene, Fu warned Shen about his inner darkness, urging him to let it out rather than suppress it. Shen acknowledged this and walked toward the scene alone.

Meanwhile, Xie Lanshan was at home watching a popular crime movie about an undercover cop, but he found it disconnected from his own experiences.

Xie reminisced about his time undercover with Mu Kun, including a tense moment when Mu Kun tested his loyalty by forcing him to pretend to use drugs. Mu Kun had intervened to stop it, suggesting he had a strange fondness for Xie.

Xie recalled how Mu Kun had offered to reveal the identity of the "Apostle," the person responsible for Xie's father’s death, during a standoff before Mu Kun's supposed death in a helicopter explosion.

Xie reflected on his reputation after the mission, with rumors circulating that he had let Mu Kun escape. His boss had defended him, but the seeds of suspicion had already been planted.

After finishing the movie, Xie contemplated the punishment from his superiors and the accusations against him. He found Tao Jun's business card for a mental therapy hospital and decided to finally consider going.

Thanks to Shen Liufei’s testimony, Captain Tao found a new lead: investigating sexual harassment at Cong Ying’s workplace.

The investigation revealed that Cong Ying’s boyfriend, Li Rui, had a clean record. He was a 33-year-old successful entrepreneur, but Captain Tao questioned why Cong Ying’s father disapproved of him as a future son-in-law.

Tao and Ding Li visited Cong Ying’s former employer and learned from her former supervisor, Lang Li, that Cong Ying had been harassed at work. Additionally, the harasser’s wife had stalked and threatened her.

Jin Qian, the wife of the company’s CEO, was a suspicious and overbearing woman who made a scene during the investigation. However, her height and body type didn’t match the suspect they were looking for.

Lang Li revealed more about Cong Ying’s harassment and provided valuable assistance, leaving a good impression on the investigators.

Tao Longyue called Xie Lanshan, who was now without his police badge and heading to therapy. They exchanged banter, and Tao invited Xie to investigate Li Rui with them, but Xie declined.

Xie’s insomnia and headaches had worsened, triggered by the sight of blood, which complicated his job. Despite his reluctance, he agreed to go to therapy, worried that his condition could be exposed.

On the bus, Xie gave up his seat to a woman, mistakenly assuming she was pregnant, but diffused the awkward situation with charm. Tao updated Xie on the investigation, confirming that Shen Liufei had an alibi for the night of the murders and couldn’t be the primary suspect.

However, both Xie and Tao felt something was off about Shen, who remained a mysterious figure with a cold demeanor.

Upon reaching the hospital, Xie bought lilies from a flower shop and made his way to his therapy session, assuming it would be routine.

When Xie entered the therapist’s office, he was shocked to find the therapist was someone from his past. She greeted him with a professional smile and said, “It’s been a while, a-Lan.”

Song Qilian, Xie Lanshan’s former romantic interest, is now his therapist. They had parted ways after she misunderstood his undercover work and thought he had fallen into a life of crime.

Years ago, Song Qilian had caught Xie Lanshan leaving a bar with drugs and women, and confronted him in tears, believing he had turned to drug dealing. She had accused him of becoming someone she couldn’t recognize.

Bound by his undercover mission, Xie couldn’t reveal the truth to her. He cruelly pushed her away, pretending to be a thug and ending their relationship with harsh words and actions.

Back in the present, they are stunned to see each other during the therapy session. Song Qilian now has a son, and they both try to remain professional.

During the hypnosis, Xie recalls the woman from his recurring dream, and for the first time, sees her face clearly. The woman is Cong Ying, one of the murder victims.

Shocked by the realization, Xie abruptly leaves the session, telling Song that he would’ve bought her white flowers had he known it was her, a reference to her favorite flowers.

Outside the hospital, Xie encounters Shen Liufei, who arrives on a black motorcycle and offers him a ride. Despite their earlier tension, Xie accepts, and Shen mentions that Li Rui’s office will close soon, indicating that they are heading toward the next step of the investigation.

Shen insists Xie hold onto him as they speed off, signaling the beginning of their unlikely collaboration.

Shen Liufei drives aggressively through traffic on his motorcycle, with Xie Lanshan holding onto him tightly, shocked at how wild Shen really is.

They arrive at 1977, a creative business center where Li Rui’s escape room company, Qiong Li Design, is located.

Xie Lanshan jokes about using charm on female guards, but Shen Liufei speeds up and jumps the gate on his bike, shocking both Xie and the security guards.

Shen Liufei stays outside while Xie goes inside, and they exchange playful banter, with Xie reluctantly calling Shen “brother” to avoid any complaints about his police conduct.

As they talk, Xie feels a strange familiarity with Shen, as if he’s seen him before, but can’t place it.

After dropping Xie off, Shen Liufei returns to his luxurious apartment and takes off his jacket, revealing a large tattoo covering his scars.

Alone in his apartment, Shen listens to heavy metal music and continues painting a detailed portrait of a man’s face with sharp features and pink lips.

He receives a phone call from overseas, confirming he received vinyl records sent to him, and after a brief conversation, reveals to the caller that he has “found him,” implying he’s located someone important.

Tao Longyue arrives at Li Rui's office during a company tour with business leaders, making it a bad time for interrogation.

Li Rui, appearing visibly grief-stricken, approaches Tao. Despite his personal pain, he maintains his professional demeanor, explaining that he broke up with Cong Ying and is busy with an upcoming charity event and escape room project.

Tao, seeing Li Rui's humble attitude and the book The Brink of Light and Dark on his desk, feels suspicious but lacks evidence to take him in for questioning immediately.

Li Rui promises to visit the bureau in a few days to assist with the investigation.

Meanwhile, Xie Lanshan tricks the receptionist by flashing his badge’s ripped cover to gain access to the building.

Inside, Xie saves a woman from falling, steals another woman's coffee, and flirts, charming the workers while making his way through the office.

Xie encounters Tao and Ding Li, who are leaving, and notices Li Rui and his managers nearby. He tries to question Tracy, the secretary, but she's firm about refusing entry due to the company's busy day.

As Tracy finally agrees to answer one question, Xie accidentally spills hot coffee on Li Rui. When Li Rui tries to conceal his chest, Xie notices scratches on his skin, which appear to be from human nails.

Xie bluffs, claiming the police found male DNA under Cong Ying's nails, in an attempt to pressure Li Rui into revealing the truth.

Li Rui completely breaks down in the interrogation room, claiming innocence and insisting he didn’t kill anyone.

Tao Longyue presses Li Rui to explain his whereabouts the night of the murder. Li Rui recounts an argument with Cong Ying’s father and a subsequent breakup with her.

Li Rui reveals that Cong Ying’s father distrusted him because of his father’s past financial troubles and death in a suspicious car accident.

Tao Longyue suggests that Li Rui, fueled by anger, may have returned to kill Cong Ying’s family, which causes Li Rui to react violently, denying any involvement.

When questioned about the scratches on his chest, Li Rui admits they came from a confrontation with a prostitute after the breakup, not Cong Ying.

Tao Longyue remains skeptical, finding the story dubious. He continues pressing Li Rui, especially about his actions later that night.

Li Rui claims he returned to pick up his car after receiving a message from Cong Ying but insists he didn’t reenter the house.

Despite some corroborating evidence (the text from Cong Ying and a store clerk recalling Li Rui purchasing wine), Tao still suspects Li Rui due to the scratches and his late-night visit to the house.

Tao receives a promising update from the tech team about surveillance footage that might confirm or deny Li Rui’s story.

Meanwhile, Shen Liufei is escorted out of the bureau by Tao Jun after being cleared of suspicion, treating him with high respect.

Ding Li playfully stirs tension between Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan, teasing both about their earlier interactions.

Shen Liufei remains cool and collected despite the teasing, while Xie Lanshan responds with a mixture of flattery and jokes, maintaining his usual playful banter.

Tao Jun orders Xie Lanshan to take care of Shen Liufei for the night as a gesture of thanks for his cooperation, subtly acknowledging Shen’s importance to the investigation.

Xie Lanshan realizes he doesn’t have enough money for a fancy dinner and takes Shen Liufei to Uncle Tan’s street food cart instead.

They sit down to eat, and Shen Liufei drinks the cheap alcohol without complaint, while Xie Lanshan struggles with it, blaming Captain Tao for their past choice of bad liquor.

A middle-school couple buys food from Uncle Tan but comes up short two yuan, which Uncle Tan generously waves off, leading Xie Lanshan to comment on his kindness.

Uncle Tan mentions that he has a daughter but brushes off further inquiries, hinting at a strained relationship.

They discuss the ongoing investigation into the murder case, and Uncle Tan brings up the footprint found at the scene, which makes Shen Liufei suspicious when he notices a subtle change in Uncle Tan’s expression.

Xie Lanshan receives a call from Song Qilian, who reassures him that she provided a positive report to his superiors about his therapy session and expresses her belief in him, despite their complicated past.

Returning to the conversation, Xie Lanshan deflects questions about the investigation, praising Uncle Tan for his past heroic actions in saving Captain Tao’s life.

Shen Liufei questions how Xie Lanshan knew about the scratches on Li Rui’s chest, leading Xie Lanshan to explain that he deduced the culprit might have cut off the victim's hands to hide DNA evidence.

Shen Liufei points out that while Li Rui fits the profile of the killer, his behavior is inconsistent with that of a calculated murderer.

They briefly discuss Shen Liufei’s strange ability to be drawn to “dark and negative emotions,” which intrigues Xie Lanshan.

Shen Liufei brings up Xie Lanshan’s difficult past, acknowledging the hardships and lack of recognition for his work, which leads Xie Lanshan to admit feeling overwhelmed by his struggles.

In a rare moment of vulnerability, Xie Lanshan leans his head on Shen Liufei’s shoulder, calling him "big brother" and falling asleep, finding comfort in the artist’s presence despite their unusual relationship.

Tao Longyue finishes questioning Li Rui and delegates tasks to his team: investigating Li Rui's father's insurance fraud, identifying smudged fingerprints, checking managers’ families from Cong Ying’s workplace, and following up with the tech department about the surveillance footage.

Tao Longyue heads to dinner with Doctor Su at a high-end restaurant, but his date is interrupted by Ding Li, who informs him that the surveillance footage from Jing Jiang Grand Garden has been restored.

The next morning, Xie Lanshan wakes up peacefully for the first time in a while, having slept well, likely due to Shen Liufei taking him home and caring for him.

Xie Lanshan heads to the municipal bureau, where the surveillance footage shows that Li Rui left Jing Jiang Grand Garden after his argument with Cong Ying and did not return.

The footage reveals a new suspect, Zhang Yuchun, a delivery man who was seen entering the Cong family residence and staying for about an hour.

After a storm wiped out most evidence, Zhang Yuchun’s footprints and bike tracks were washed away, but Li Rui is cleared of suspicion as he never re-entered the residence.

Captain Tao orders his team to track down Zhang Yuchun at his delivery company.

Tao Longyue, feeling guilty for previously helping Zhang Yuchun get his job, is furious and determined to capture him.

At the delivery station, it is revealed that Zhang Yuchun had an unreciprocated crush on Cong Ying and regularly volunteered to deliver to her home.

Despite Zhang Yuchun being a frequent visitor, his coworkers never reported his suspicious behavior after the murders, assuming it was all rumors.

A deeper investigation into Zhang Yuchun’s past reveals he had a history of drug use and was suspected of theft by his coworkers.

Finally, the tech department successfully matches Zhang Yuchun’s fingerprints to those found on the murder weapon, confirming his involvement in the crime.

Tao Longyue rushes to Zhang Yuchun’s apartment, only to find the suspect has fled.

Xie Lanshan investigates the apartment, which is messy and disorganized, with fortune-telling and adult books but nothing to suggest Zhang Yuchun had the intellectual capacity to stage the murder scene like the one from The Brink of Light and Dark.

Despite Xie Lanshan’s doubts about Zhang Yuchun fitting the profile of the killer, Tao Longyue is convinced that Zhang Yuchun is the prime suspect due to his unreciprocated feelings for Cong Ying and his criminal history.

Neighbors report seeing Zhang Yuchun return home briefly before disappearing, further suggesting he is trying to evade capture.

Tao Longyue orders a warrant for Zhang Yuchun’s arrest and a reward for any information on his whereabouts.

Xie Lanshan investigates the last restaurant from which Cong Ying ordered food, and the boss recalls the person who placed the order was rude, unlike how Cong Ying was usually described.

Suspicious of several unanswered questions in the case, Xie Lanshan calls Shen Liufei to discuss the case further.

At Shen Liufei’s residence, the two share drinks and talk casually. Shen Liufei offers high-quality wine and oysters, but Xie Lanshan has an allergic reaction to the shellfish.

Shen Liufei administers CPR to save Xie Lanshan, after which Xie discovers a painting of himself in Shen Liufei’s studio.

The two share a flirtatious moment, with Shen Liufei inspecting Xie Lanshan closely and making intimate gestures.

Their moment is interrupted by a phone call from Tao Longyue, who informs Xie Lanshan that Zhang Yuchun has been located.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei rush to the scene where Zhang Yuchun is holding a hostage in an abandoned factory, surrounded by police.

The police are unable to act due to the risk of injuring the hostage, a middle-aged woman who had reported Zhang for the reward money.

Zhang Yuchun is on the brink of madness, threatening to harm the hostage with a steel pole pressed to her neck.

Despite still having his gun confiscated, Xie Lanshan takes another officer’s gun and offers to shoot Zhang, but Shen Liufei steps in, asking to handle the situation.

Zhang Yuchun, deeply mistrusting of others due to a lifetime of discrimination and mistreatment as a former drug addict, believes no one will trust him.

Shen Liufei convinces Zhang Yuchun that he understands him and they are the same, revealing tattoos and scars that shock the suspect.

Shen Liufei speaks about Zhang’s isolation, the discrimination he faced, and his good nature, emphasizing that Zhang did not intend to harm anyone, including the hostage.

Moved by Shen Liufei’s words and feeling understood, Zhang Yuchun releases the hostage and surrenders.

The police take Zhang into custody without violence.

Tao Longyue is taken aback by Shen Liufei’s deeply emotional speech, almost believing it to be true, but Shen Liufei explains it was a negotiation technique.

The tension lifts, and Xie Lanshan, relieved, returns the gun and teases Shen Liufei.

Zhang Yuchun was brought to the interrogation room but remained silent, fearing that anything he said might worsen his situation. He decided to resist with a hunger strike.

Xie Lanshan entered the room with food from Zhang’s hometown, hoping to ease him into talking. He broke the rules by eating in the room and tempting Zhang with a familiar dish, eventually engaging him in conversation.

Despite Tao Longyue’s frustrations with Zhang's silence, the smell of food triggered homesickness in Zhang, prompting him to make a comment about the meal.

Zhang Yuchun then recounted his story: he claimed he was knocked out by a needle to the neck when he entered the Cong residence and woke up near a river, saved by someone who pulled him out of the water.

Tao Longyue doubted his story, given the hard evidence against Zhang (surveillance footage and fingerprints), but Xie Lanshan tried to encourage Zhang to remember more details about his mysterious savior, particularly their appearance or scent.

Zhang vaguely recalled an old man with white hair and the smell of spicy hot pot on his fingers saving him from the river.

Tao Longyue dismissed Zhang’s claims and pushed to close the case, but Xie Lanshan insisted they investigate the river, hoping to find more clues.

The investigation at Fanluo River, where Zhang claimed to be saved, yielded no helpful results. The area was polluted and desolate, adding to their skepticism.

On their way back, Tao Longyue questioned why Uncle Tan, a familiar figure, hadn’t been around lately. He also admitted to sharing details about the investigation with Uncle Tan, despite regulations.

Tao Longyue expressed concerns about Xie Lanshan’s growing closeness to Shen Liufei, pointing out that Shen’s scars and mysterious past were unsettling.

Ignoring Tao’s warnings, Xie Lanshan insisted on visiting Uncle Tan's place to check on him.

Uncle Tan was surprised to see Xie Lanshan and was visibly anxious, though he tried to hide it. His apartment smelled of spices, particularly spicy hot pot, which triggered a memory in Xie Lanshan.

Uncle Tan’s apartment was extremely clean, almost as if he was preparing to leave permanently. Articles about disasters and donations were pinned on the walls, revealing Uncle Tan’s charitable nature despite his meager lifestyle.

Xie Lanshan and Tao Longyue offered to help Uncle Tan move, using a playful excuse to convince him. Uncle Tan hesitated but finally agreed.

Later, Xie Lanshan pondered over Shen Liufei’s mysterious demeanor, remembering the artist’s gentle touch and their growing connection. He decided to visit Shen Liufei and picked him up in his old military-green SUV.

Inside Shen Liufei’s apartment, the two exchanged flirtatious banter, and Xie Lanshan provocatively undressed, playfully inviting Shen to "unwrap" him. They engaged in a playful struggle, with Shen Liufei eventually pinning Xie Lanshan down.

During the exchange, Xie Lanshan traced Shen’s scars, noting their severity and the history behind them. He analyzed each scar, revealing their depth and the possible causes, including surgeries.

Their teasing turned serious when Xie Lanshan shared a theory: the real murderer might have been hiding inside the Cong family house before Zhang Yuchun arrived, throwing off the investigation’s timeline.

Shen Liufei agreed that Zhang Yuchun’s confession was powerless against the hard evidence, and they both realized that finding a witness to verify Zhang’s story would be crucial.

As they prepared to leave, Xie and Shen had a sudden epiphany: the real culprit had likely hidden in the trunk of Li Rui’s car, avoiding the surveillance cameras.

The send-off gathering for Uncle Tan was held under a large locust tree due to the small size of his unit. Uncle Tan prepared a table of spicy Sichuan dishes.

Despite the unusual pairing of Sichuan dishes and Latour red wine, the three men—Xie Lanshan, Shen Liufei, and Uncle Tan—sat together and shared a meal. Uncle Tan, unused to expensive wine, drank too fast and felt awkward.

A cicada fell into a bowl on the table, and Uncle Tan gently set it free, revealing his kind-hearted nature.

Xie Lanshan praised Uncle Tan for being a good person, drawing a contrast between the dark side of society he often saw in his profession and the kindness Uncle Tan embodied.

The conversation shifted to the ongoing murder case. Xie shared that Zhang Yuchun, the suspect, was likely to face a death sentence unless a witness who saved him from the river came forward.

Uncle Tan’s hands trembled at this information, and he seemed visibly shaken as Xie and Shen subtly pushed him to reveal whether he was the person who had saved Zhang Yuchun.

Xie showed Uncle Tan a video of Zhang Yuchun’s tearful interrogation, further unsettling him.

Uncle Tan grew pale and distressed, but Xie and Shen reassured him that if a witness came forward, Zhang Yuchun could be saved from his fate.

After the meal, Xie and Shen took a walk. Xie revealed that the video he had shown Uncle Tan was actually from a drama, not the real interrogation. He believed Uncle Tan didn’t recognize Zhang Yuchun’s face in the dark.

Xie and Shen reflected on human nature, with Shen admitting he had suspected Uncle Tan earlier, noting his unusual interest in the investigation. Shen suggested that everyone had a dark past, but Xie, despite his own doubts, chose to believe in humanity one more time.

Captain Tao Longyue was under immense pressure, facing criticism from both the victim's family and the media regarding the handling of the Cong Ying case.

Cong Ying's uncle accused the police of dragging the case out and protecting the suspect, Zhang Yuchun. A journalist further escalated the situation by publishing a report that linked Captain Tao's personal relationship with Zhang Yuchun, suggesting he was biased and helped the suspect get a job, indirectly leading to the mass homicide.

Tao Longyue was instructed by his superiors to close the case quickly and communicate with Cong Ying's uncle to calm tensions. Li Rui, once a suspect, had now joined forces with the victim’s family.

Despite new evidence clearing Li Rui, Xie Lanshan still harbored suspicions about him and asked to accompany Tao Longyue to visit Li Rui.

On the drive, Tao and Xie discussed the higher-ups, specifically Chief Liu, who was once part of a famed antidrug force with Xie's father. The discussion also touched on Liu's strict and unsupportive attitude toward Xie, including how he had tried to expel Xie after a past incident.

They also revisited Li Rui's tragic childhood, including his father’s suspicious car accident, which had been ruled a suicide. Tao revealed that the brakes on Li Xiangqian’s car had been tampered with, but despite this, it was not investigated as a homicide due to Li Xiangqian’s large debts.

Xie reflected on his own father’s death and how it deeply affected his family, especially his mother, who had developed schizophrenia after the trauma.

When they arrived at Qiong Li Design, Tao entered Li Rui’s office, while Xie remained outside, where the female employees took notice of him. He briefly observed Tracy, Li Rui’s private and work secretary, who was described as proud and demanding, even though she was once a theater student with only minor acting roles.

Tao endured more verbal abuse from Cong Ying’s uncle before leaving the office angrily.

Upon returning to the municipal bureau, Ding Li rushed in with news that Zhang Yuchun’s witness had arrived and was ready to turn himself in, potentially changing the course of the case.

Tan Guangsheng, also known as Uncle Tan, unexpectedly found himself entangled in a mass murder case after saving someone from Fanluo River, but the true story began thirty years ago when his life took a dark turn.

Thirty years ago, Tan was a respected man known as Brother Sheng, who loved helping others. However, his life spiraled downward after leading a strike against a factory boss who refused to pay his workers.

During the strike, Tan was beaten by the same workers he tried to help, leaving him severely injured. His wife left him, and he was forced to flee his hometown due to threats from the factory's boss.

Disillusioned and bitter, Tan turned to crime. One night, after breaking into a house to steal, he encountered a woman from his hometown who showed him kindness. However, due to a misunderstanding, Tan overheard what he thought was the woman planning to report him, and in a moment of panic, he killed her and her daughter.

After realizing that the woman was listening to a radio show, not plotting against him, Tan was overcome with guilt. He fled, but kept a silver box containing the jewelry he stole as a reminder of his crime.

Tan's uneven legs left distinctive footprints, making him paranoid about being caught. He was aware that modern forensic techniques, like footprint analysis, could eventually expose him.

Despite his fear, Tan confessed to his crimes, realizing that the police would soon discover his involvement. He revealed that he had gone to Fanluo River to dispose of the jewelry box and witnessed a red Audi dumping someone into the river—this person turned out to be Zhang Yuchun.

Tan admitted he didn’t report the incident out of fear of being implicated due to his past crimes. However, after meeting with Xie Lanshan, he decided to come forward and confess, knowing he could no longer run from his guilt.

Tan’s confession left Captain Tao and Xie Lanshan shocked, especially since Tan had no connection to Zhang Yuchun and had been hiding from the law for thirty years. His confession brought hope to Zhang Yuchun, who now had a witness to support his claims.

With Tan's testimony, it became clear that Zhang Yuchun had been framed, and the true culprit had been hiding at the Cong residence before Zhang arrived.

Tao ordered his team to investigate anyone connected to Cong Ying who owned a red Audi, but Xie Lanshan suggested a faster solution as Shen Liufei arrived to help with a forensic sketch.

Shen Liufei meticulously worked with Zhang Yuchun to recreate the face of the woman who opened the door for him at the Cong residence on the night of the murders.

After several hours, a clear image of the woman emerged—Tracy, Li Rui's secretary.

Tao Longyue was surprised by the forensic sketch of Tracy, but he was confused because the surveillance footage showed she never entered the Cong family mansion.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei decided to visit Li Rui to question him, believing Tracy had hidden in the trunk of Li Rui's car to sneak into the mansion undetected, committing the murders.

Tracy had disguised herself, knocked out Zhang Yuchun, and used him as a scapegoat by impersonating him on the surveillance cameras.

Xie Lanshan confirmed Tracy drove a red Audi, as discovered through an office employee named Emily, who had given him the information earlier.

Tao Longyue was skeptical that the case could be solved based on speculation and profiling, but Xie Lanshan explained they could confirm Tracy’s involvement through the restaurant owner she called that night.

Despite this, there were still unanswered questions, such as why Tracy destroyed the surveillance footage and whether Li Rui was an accomplice or an unwitting participant.

Shen Liufei referenced Van Dine’s rules for detective stories, explaining that a prominent character like Li Rui couldn't be uninvolved in the crime, suggesting his complicity.

They visited Li Rui’s office, but Tracy had been on sick leave for three days, and Li Rui claimed not to know her whereabouts. Emily provided Tracy's home address, leading them to search for her.

Surprisingly, Shen Liufei invited Li Rui to join them, which he accepted, claiming he also wanted to uncover the truth.

When they found Tracy, she was already dead, having died inside her red Audi. It appeared to be a suicide, with coal fumes filling the car, and the windows sealed with black tape.

However, Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei noticed a small gap in the window, leading them to suspect foul play rather than suicide, referencing a locked-room mystery trope from John Dickson Carr's novel He Wouldn’t Kill Patience.

As they inspected the scene, Li Rui's calm demeanor shifted, and for a brief moment, his eyes revealed a hint of arrogance and madness, suggesting a deeper involvement in the crime than previously assumed.

The homicide team busted into Tracy’s house and discovered Cong Ying’s phone and a digital car door decoder, used to break into vehicles, confirming the theory that Tracy had accessed Li Rui’s car to sneak into the mansion and murder Cong Ying’s family.

They found Tracy’s secret Weibo account, filled with posts expressing her hatred for Cong Ying and her love for Li Rui. The posts dated back a year and outlined her plan to kill Cong Ying out of jealousy.

Tracy had hidden her car in the garage days before the murder, used Cong Ying’s phone to lure Li Rui to return, and moved Zhang Yuchun to the Fanluo River as a scapegoat. If not for Uncle Tan’s involvement, she might have gotten away with it.

Tao Longyue believed the case was solved and explained Tracy’s motive, assuming she committed suicide after realizing her crime would be uncovered.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei were unconvinced, referencing a locked-room mystery by John Dickson Carr to explain how Tracy's “suicide” could have been staged. They recreated the method using a car vacuum to seal the windows, showing that the car could be made to appear sealed from the inside.

Tao Longyue doubted their theory, pointing out the lack of hard evidence needed to convict Li Rui in court. At that moment, Xiao Liang entered with a report stating that the footprints at the crime scene didn’t match Tracy’s shoes, indicating another person had been involved.

Realizing that Tracy was not the only culprit, they began suspecting Li Rui’s involvement, particularly after discovering that Tracy had access to his car keys.

The group headed to Shen Liufei’s place, where they discussed the case further, but the conversation shifted to light flirting between Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei.

Shen Liufei surprised Xie Lanshan by kissing him while taking the rose from his mouth, hinting at deeper feelings between the two.

During their conversation, they revisited the theory that Cong Ying might have been harassed at work. Xie Lanshan suggested a new angle: what if the harassment was committed by a woman, not a man? This revelation could change their understanding of the case.

Xie Lanshan realized he had forgotten about his therapy appointment with Song Qilian when Shen Liufei reminded him.

He checked his phone, noticed missed calls and messages, and responded briefly to Song Qilian, noting it was nearly midnight.

Feeling the effects of the alcohol from the Latour wine, Xie Lanshan accepted Shen Liufei’s offer to stay the night and borrow clothes.

After showering, Xie Lanshan walked out shirtless and wandered the living room, finding the sofa too uncomfortable and deciding to check Shen Liufei's room.

Shen Liufei was painting a portrait of Xie Lanshan when the latter entered the room.

A lighthearted exchange followed, with Xie joking about sleeping arrangements and calling himself a "tripod-man," but Shen coldly suggested he sleep on the sofa.

Xie eventually slept on the uncomfortable sofa but had a peaceful night's sleep for the first time in a long while.

The next morning, in a surprisingly good mood, Xie affectionately called Shen Liufei “big bro Shen” as they left the apartment together.

Shen Liufei briefly sensed someone watching them as they walked to the car, though no one was visibly nearby, only an elderly man on a morning walk.

Upon returning to the municipal bureau, Xie and Shen shared their theory about the footprints found at the crime scene with Captain Tao.

The team began focusing on the possibility that Cong Ying had been sexually harassed by a woman, leading to a new list of female suspects.

Xiao Liang and the team, using police dogs and advanced footprint technology, identified a fourth suspect connected to the case.

The investigation revealed that Cong Ying's stalker, harasser, and the person responsible for setting the surveillance room on fire was her former boss, Lang Li.

Faced with undeniable footprint evidence, Lang Li admitted her crimes but maintained that she didn't kill anyone, claiming she only went to see Cong Ying the night of the murder.

Lang Li confessed that she harbored a desire to kill Cong Ying due to feeling betrayed when Cong Ying returned to her boyfriend, Li Rui, after staying at Lang Li’s place during a rough patch in her relationship.

Lang Li revealed she had lied to Li Rui, telling him that Cong Ying was cheating on him, supported by misleading pictures, causing him to become paranoid about his girlfriend's loyalty.

Li Rui’s jealousy intensified, especially regarding Shen Liufei, an artist Cong Ying admired, leading to the false belief that his girlfriend was unfaithful.

Lang Li admitted to setting the surveillance room on fire and spying on Cong Ying’s house but claimed that by the time she looked through the windows, she had already found the dead bodies and decided to leave.

Ding Li, another officer, revealed that Lang Li had previously invited her to her mansion and had strange behavior, which they now linked to potential drug use.

Xie Lanshan deduced from Lang Li’s demeanor that she was a drug addict, and further investigation suggested that Lang Li was involved with a larger drug operation.

Despite Lang Li’s involvement in harassing Cong Ying, the team agreed she was not directly responsible for the murder but might be connected to a bigger scheme.

The focus shifted back to Li Rui, whose behavior fit the profile of the murderer, though evidence was still needed to tie him to the crime.

The investigation team suspected that Tracy’s death, initially thought to be a suicide, was likely a staged homicide, and they reexamined the surveillance footage for more clues.

Ding Li suggested that Li Rui’s traumatic past, especially his father’s business failure and subsequent suicide, fueled his pride and insecurities, leading to homicidal intent when faced with perceived betrayal.

Shen Liufei provided new information, suggesting that Li Rui's father’s death years ago, initially ruled a suicide, might have been a homicide, adding a deeper motive for Li Rui’s actions and connecting his past to the current murder case.

Xie Lanshan visited Li Rui alone, against protocol, to inform him that he was now restricted from travel as a suspect in the case.

Li Rui remained calm, expressing his willingness to cooperate with the police, though unbothered by the travel restriction.

During their conversation, Xie Lanshan noticed Li Rui’s bookshelf filled with books by John Dickson Carr, known for locked-room mysteries, hinting at Li Rui’s fascination with perfect crimes.

Xie Lanshan confronted Li Rui about purchasing two identical yellow Gucci dresses, the same type worn by Cong Ying before her murder. Li Rui claimed it was due to his insecurity and habit of buying duplicates of luxury items.

Xie Lanshan tried to pressure Li Rui by suggesting that a witness had seen him return to the crime scene to clean up after the murders. He implied that someone, possibly the person who set the surveillance room on fire, had witnessed Li Rui tampering with the evidence.

Li Rui, unfazed, called Xie’s bluff, stating that if there were such a witness, the police would have already arrested him.

Xie Lanshan admitted to bluffing but continued to push, revealing that the woman who set the surveillance room on fire was a drug addict. He suggested that he could offer her leniency in exchange for her testifying against Li Rui.

Li Rui’s confident demeanor faltered slightly, surprised by Xie Lanshan’s unorthodox approach.

Xie Lanshan physically overpowered Li Rui, holding him down and threatening him with the possibility of bending the law to bring justice.

The interaction revealed that both men shared a dark, morally ambiguous side, with Xie Lanshan hinting at his willingness to use unconventional methods to catch criminals.

Before leaving, Xie Lanshan implied that they would meet again soon, leaving Li Rui with a symbolic "gunshot" gesture and a blown kiss, further asserting his confidence in eventually bringing Li Rui to justice.

Li Rui, dressed meticulously, awaited a visitor and was surprised when Shen Liufei knocked on his door, not Xie Lanshan.

Li Rui asked Shen Liufei to turn off his phone to avoid being recorded. Shen complied, showing he carried no other recording devices.

Shen Liufei presented Li Rui with a copy of The Brink of Light and Dark and initiated a discussion about both the current murder case and Li Rui's father’s death, suggesting the car crash was a murder, not an accident.

Shen revealed evidence pointing to Cong Zhiming tampering with Li Rui’s father’s car, causing the fatal crash. This struck a deep emotional chord in Li Rui.

Shen theorized that Li Rui's obsession with mystery novels and perfect crimes stemmed from a desire to avenge his father's murder, linking it to the intricate murder of Cong Ying and her family.

Shen deduced that Li Rui had killed Cong Ying as part of his revenge but pointed out Li Rui’s fatal mistake: he killed the wrong person. While Cong Zhiming deserved vengeance, Cong Ying did not.

Li Rui became emotionally unstable, accusing Cong Ying of betrayal based on false assumptions about her character and relationship with Shen Liufei. Shen presented a confession from Lang Li, proving the rumors about Cong Ying were fabricated.

Li Rui spiraled into madness, recounting the betrayal his family faced and his hatred for Cong Zhiming. He broke down, accusing the entire Cong family of evil.

Shen Liufei remained calm and unmoved by Li Rui’s breakdown.

Li Rui revealed that he had discovered a secret about Shen Liufei and threatened him, stating that he had sabotaged Xie Lanshan’s car brakes. He claimed to have called Xie, telling him that he would kill Shen and that Xie would be powerless to stop him due to the sabotaged brakes.

Xie Lanshan discovered his car's brakes had malfunctioned while speeding downhill at 134 kph, far above the highway limit.

He attempted to slow the car by shifting gears, but the situation worsened as two cars—a sedan and a sports car—blocked his lane.

The driver of the sports car, unaware of Xie Lanshan’s brake issues, teased him by slowing down, even flipping him off, until Xie used his police siren to force both cars aside.

With little control, Xie narrowly avoided a severe collision by squeezing between the two cars, resulting in a damaged tire and sparks flying from his vehicle, which eventually stabilized.

Shen Liufei called him, expressing concern over Xie's situation, but also chiding him for being too careless. Shen reassured Xie that Li Rui had been apprehended and was emotionally broken over accidentally killing the woman he loved, Cong Ying.

Xie, in a playful tone, asked Shen to come pick him up since his car was severely damaged.

As Xie’s car continued downhill, he saw a group of kindergarten children preparing to cross the road, prompting him to make a split-second decision to avoid hitting them.

He veered the car into a cement pole, which caused the vehicle to flip and fall off the bridge.

As the car flipped through the air, Xie, smiling, commented to Shen that he felt like he'd seen him somewhere before. The car crashed to the ground.

In that moment, Xie didn’t feel pain but was engulfed by a bright light. He had a vision of the woman in white from his dreams—Cong Ying—revealing her face for the first time.

Xie Lanshan survived the car crash, though seriously injured, with damage to his lungs and external bleeding. He regained consciousness after four days on a respirator.

Song Qilian, the woman he mistook for someone from his dreams, was the one caring for him in the hospital. She thanked him for saving her son, who had been among the children he protected from the crash.

Overcome with gratitude, Song embraced Xie Lanshan, reminding him of their close bond from ten years ago.

Sui Hong, Xie’s former mentor and vice-captain of the antidrug department, visited him. Sui had personally chosen Xie for the antidrug force, impressed by his physical and mental resilience.

A flashback revealed how Sui first noticed Xie at the police academy. Sui saw potential in Xie’s quiet, determined nature and arranged a fight between Xie and a professional fighter. Xie’s refusal to give up, even when injured, left a strong impression on Sui, who encouraged him to continue his training, telling him, "Your country needs you."

After graduating, Xie Lanshan was assigned an undercover mission by Sui Hong to infiltrate the Golden Triangle and capture the drug lord Mu Kun. He served six months in prison to build a believable cover and entered the world of drug dealing.

During his undercover operation, he discovered Song Qilian’s engagement. Heartbroken, Xie briefly left his mission and returned to witness her wedding to Liu Mingfang, the son of the municipal bureau’s branch chief.

Xie didn’t attend the wedding but left a bloodstained, hand-carved wooden figure of Song Qilian as a gift.

Sui Hong, attending the wedding, noticed Xie’s departure and met him on a rooftop later. Xie, distraught, confided in Sui that he couldn’t continue the mission.

Sui reminded Xie of the lives saved by his work, and as the city lit up for a flower parade, Xie came to realize the importance of his mission, understanding that his personal pain was small compared to the greater good.

Xie recommitted to his mission, telling Sui he was heading back to work. Sui praised Xie, reaffirming him as his best subordinate.

Back in the present, Sui Hong visited Xie Lanshan in the ICU, concerned about his recovery after the car crash. Sui reminisced about their past and reassured Xie of his importance as a cop.

Sui then encountered Song Qilian in the hallway and urged her to support Xie emotionally, highlighting the toll of his six years undercover.

Xie spent the next two weeks recovering in the ICU. Bored and restless, he entertained himself by playing cards with nurses, frequently winning and playfully suggesting rewards like kisses.

Shen Liufei walked into the ICU just as one nurse was reluctantly about to kiss Xie, catching him in a playful moment.

Xie Lanshan, still recovering in the hospital, was visited by Shen Liufei, who wiped lipstick marks from his face.

Xie joked about not being able to repay Shen for covering his medical expenses but offered to "pay him back with his body." Shen teased him, asking if Xie thought he was worth that much.

They discussed the case of Li Rui, which was essentially closed, with Li Rui having given up his resistance to the investigation.

Tao Longyue later visited, bringing apples and pears, which were considered bad luck in hospitals. He thanked Shen for saving Xie’s life, as Shen had performed CPR when Xie’s breathing stopped after the car crash.

They received news that Lang Li, who had provoked Li Rui into killing Cong Ying's family, was murdered in Laos. She had been released from criminal detention early after Chief Liu ordered her release due to the relatively minor damage caused by her crime.

The Laotian police had caught a mentally disabled person as the murderer, and Tao suggested that Lang Li’s death was karma for her actions in the Cong family murder.

As Tao left, Shen and Xie discovered a photo of Lang Li’s body that Tao had dropped. They noticed a strange tattoo on her abdomen with the letters "MK" that caught their attention.

The tattoo on Lang Li’s corpse triggered Xie Lanshan’s memories of his undercover mission in the Golden Triangle and his encounter with Mu Kun, a powerful drug lord.

Mu Kun made a mistake by trying to expand into the US drug market, which led him into a deadly trap set by his rival, Guan Nuoqin.

During a violent confrontation in the mountains, Mu Kun’s entire escort was killed, leaving only Xie Lanshan and the injured Mu Kun alive.

While fleeing from enemy mercenaries, Xie Lanshan fought off several attackers, killing two, but struggled with the last mercenary until Mu Kun shot him in the head.

Mu Kun was bitten by a cobra, and Xie Lanshan saved his life by sucking out the venom and tending to the wound.

Despite rumors that Xie Lanshan was a cop, Mu Kun chose to trust him, and they continued their escape.

As they rested in the forest, Mu Kun grew weaker from the snake bite and began talking with Xie Lanshan about his appearance and life.

Mu Kun made inappropriate advances towards Xie Lanshan, who rebuffed him but continued to care for him due to his mission.

Mu Kun suggested they become “brothers,” a symbolic gesture of trust, which Xie Lanshan accepted to maintain his cover.

They eventually reached a river, which separated them from Mu Kun’s territory, and Xie Lanshan carried Mu Kun across, reaffirming his commitment to completing the mission despite the risks.

After being released from the hospital, Xie Lanshan was determined to find the woman haunting his dreams, feeling she was someone he knew but couldn't remember.

He sought help from Xiao Liang to create a forensic sketch but was frustrated by the results, eventually considering asking Shen Liufei for help but deciding against it for now, as he didn't fully trust him.

That evening, Xie Lanshan and Tao Longyue visited an underground boxing bar to investigate a group of art thieves who had entered the city. The bar was also hosting popular, violent boxing tournaments.

At the bar, they unexpectedly ran into Ding Li, who was temporarily working there, and Tao scolded her for breaking the rules.

Xie Lanshan noticed several Southeast Asian boxers at the venue, likely from the Golden Triangle, and felt uneasy seeing familiar faces from his time undercover.

The duo also encountered Liu Mingfang, Song Qilian’s ex-husband, and famous art critic Li Guochang. Liu Mingfang tried to belittle them, but Shen Liufei appeared and cleverly outmaneuvered him, earning Li Guochang’s respect.

Shen Liufei invited Xie Lanshan to dance the tango, and despite his lack of experience, Xie picked up the dance quickly under Shen Liufei’s lead.

As they danced, their chemistry became apparent. Xie teased Shen, asking if he was secretly in love with him, alluding to how Shen had been following him around.

Before Shen could respond, the music stopped, and attention shifted to a Thai boxer in the ring who provoked Shen Liufei, hinting that Shen was there to fight in the tournament.

The stadium was fully lit, revealing a cage match setup where Shen Liufei’s fight would take place. His opponent was a renowned Thai boxer.

Shen Liufei began the match with a swift sidekick, but his opponent blocked it and countered, wounding Shen’s cheek with gloves coated in wet-contact cement.

Xie Lanshan noticed the cheating and tried to alert the referee, who ignored him.

Shen Liufei, realizing the cement had dried, turned the tables by crushing his opponent’s hand into the wired net, injuring him and knocking his mouthpiece out.

As Shen regained the advantage, Xie Lanshan excitedly cheered him on, and the audience erupted in support. Eventually, Shen Liufei knocked out his opponent.

During the match, art critic Li Guochang realized who Shen Liufei was, seeming surprised but claiming he didn’t know him before leaving in a hurry.

After Shen’s victory, Tao Longyue and Xie Lanshan chased down a pickpocket who had stolen Tao’s wallet, but during the chase, Xie Lanshan experienced a strange sense of déjà vu and abruptly let the thief go, feeling uneasy.

Returning to the bar, they discovered that Shen Liufei had already won, and Liu Mingfang was angrily berating a waitress over his lost wallet. Xie Lanshan returned the wallet to him, finding a photo of Song Qilian inside, which brought back painful memories.

Liu Mingfang insulted Xie Lanshan, accusing him of causing his comrades’ deaths while undercover, deeply shaking Xie.

Shen Liufei, having finished the fight, rejoined them. Ignoring the crowd, he grabbed Xie Lanshan and pulled him outside for some fresh air. They shared a quiet moment, discussing Shen’s past and growing closer.

Shen Liufei later received a phone call from someone asking about his relationship with Xie, to which he simply responded, "He’s a good cop."

The chapter ends with Xie Lanshan recalling painful memories from his time undercover with Mu Kun’s drug organization, including saving trafficked children, Annie’s sacrifice, and the guilt he carried over his comrades' deaths.

Captain Tao Longyue entered the municipal bureau and found Ding Li acting strangely as she informed him of a visitor who specifically requested to speak with him.

Tao was led to the reporting office, where he was shocked to find Tang Xiaomo, the pickpocket from the bar, sitting casually and greeting him like a friend.

Tang Xiaomo claimed she was there to report a crime: the Ode to the Goddess Luo painting in the Crane Museum was a fake, asserting that a friend of hers painted it.

Tao was skeptical and frustrated, especially since Tang Xiaomo requested to speak to the "handsome" officer from the bar (Xie Lanshan) instead.

Xie Lanshan entered the office, exchanged teasing banter with Tang Xiaomo, and then discussed her report with Captain Tao outside.

Tao wanted to dismiss her claims, but Xie Lanshan thought there might be some truth to her story, especially since Tao’s father had recently summoned Xie to discuss providing security for the upcoming Impressions of China exhibit at the Crane Museum.

The centerpiece of this exhibit was the Ode to the Goddess Luo painting, which Li Guochang had brought back from the U.S., though there was debate over its authenticity.

The painting was estimated to be worth billions, leading Tao to connect the situation to Liu Mingfang, who had been attempting to secure an agent deal with Li Guochang.

Tao explained that Liu Mingfang had been using his father’s name to avoid trouble, but his company was now on the verge of bankruptcy.

Tao Longyue and Xie Lanshan arrived at the Crane Museum, surprised to see Shen Liufei already there. Xie mentioned that they seemed to be on the same wavelength.

They met Zhang Wenli, the museum's executive manager, who confirmed the Ode to the Goddess Luo painting was not yet at the museum, as it was still part of Li Guochang’s personal collection.

Zhang Wenli explained that determining the painting’s authenticity was not within the museum's scope but that it was being eagerly anticipated.

Shen Liufei provided background information about the Ode to the Goddess Luo, explaining it was one of a series of ten paintings, with the one in Li Guochang’s possession considered potentially the final lost piece. He detailed how the painting ended up in the U.S., linking it to the "northeast lot" taken during the Manchu State period.

Shen further explained that a Princeton scholar authenticated the painting, though some experts in China were still skeptical.

Xie Lanshan raised the question of whether the painting had a backstory and whether such a valuable piece would have been overlooked in historical records, particularly by Emperor Qianlong, who was known for art collection.

Shen Liufei acknowledged that even imperial collections had a mix of originals and replicas, citing examples like Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, where scholars later corrected the emperor’s misjudgment.

The conversation turned philosophical as Shen Liufei described how some people’s lives revolved around searching for a special person, contrasting the grand themes of other paintings with the personal nature of love in Ode to the Goddess Luo.

Xie Lanshan asked why Li Guochang reacted so strongly to Shen Liufei’s name, but Shen deflected, suggesting Xie should ask Li Guochang directly.

Tao Longyue and Xie Lanshan toured the Crane Museum, where the exhibition for Ode to the Goddess Luo was being prepared.

The eastern building was closed off, with wax statues being installed to recreate scenes from the Ode to the Goddess Luo painting. The exhibit was highly detailed, with life-sized statues of the goddess.

Zhang Wenli, the museum manager, explained that the wax statues replaced the original plan for live performers due to safety concerns. The exhibit was a core part of the Impressions of China exhibition.

Shen Liufei agreed that live performances would have distracted from the exhibit’s wistful, tragic love theme.

Qin Ke, Li Guochang's secretary, joined the group. He confirmed that despite rumors, the exhibit would continue as planned after Li Guochang and his wife resolved an argument over whether to display the painting.

Qin Ke explained that Li's wife, much younger than him, was hesitant about donating the valuable painting. However, it would still be exhibited and returned to China.

The group discussed why the exhibit wasn’t at the National Museum, with Zhang Wenli explaining the last-minute nature of the event, which made it impossible to host at the National Museum.

Tao Longyue raised concerns about the museum’s outdated security system. Zhang Wenli and Qin Ke reassured him that additional infrared cameras and security measures were in place for the exhibit.

Zhang Wenli highlighted the museum’s layered security, including newly hired guards and patrols with police dogs.

By the end of the tour, there were no major findings regarding a potential case.

As Tao Longyue and Xie Lanshan left, Shen Liufei offered to drive Xie Lanshan home, but he declined, citing his therapist appointment.

Shen Liufei’s demeanor as a refined gentleman in his suit contrasted with his previous appearance at the boxing bar, intriguing Xie Lanshan.

Tao Longyue then offered to drive Xie Lanshan, but he declined, playfully criticizing Tao’s car.

Xie Lanshan arrived at Song Qilian’s office and found her in a confrontation with Liu Mingfang, who was about to hit her.

Xie Lanshan drew his gun and threatened Liu Mingfang, ordering him to let go of Song Qilian.

Liu Mingfang initially resisted, claiming it was a personal matter, but eventually released Song and stormed out in anger after being tripped by Xie.

After Liu Mingfang left, Xie found a small digital timer in the office, suspecting it was part of a shady plan.

Song Qilian commented on Xie’s change in personality, and Xie confided in her about his traumatic undercover experiences, expressing fear that he may have killed an innocent person.

He revealed his recurring nightmares about a mysterious woman and asked if it was possible he had forgotten about killing her due to guilt. Song reassured him, believing he couldn’t have done such a thing.

Despite feeling unsure, Xie realized he couldn’t solve this mystery alone. Song suggested he seek help from someone he trusted, but Xie surprised her by not choosing her.

Xie left Song’s office, more determined to face his fears. He decided to confront the truth and called Shen Liufei, arranging a meeting.

Later, while returning home, Xie encountered Qin Ke, who was staying nearby for work. Qin mentioned Li Guochang’s wife pressuring him to sell the Ode to the Goddess Luo painting, before awkwardly cutting the conversation short.

Shen Liufei picked up Xie Lanshan as planned, and they headed to Ximen Port to take a boat to a small island.

Xie Lanshan took Shen Liufei to visit his mother, Gao Zhuyin, who was in a mental hospital on the island.

When they arrived, Gao Zhuyin, who suffers from severe mental illness, didn’t recognize her son and became hysterical, hitting and rejecting him.

Xie Lanshan endured his mother's outburst, kneeling silently while she struck him, clearly showing the emotional toll this took on him.

Shen Liufei stepped in and consoled Gao Zhuyin, drawing portraits of a young Xie Lanshan based on her memories to calm her down.

Gao Zhuyin finally recognized the boy in the sketches as her son, easing her distress. Shen Liufei then played the piano for her, bringing her joy while Xie Lanshan silently cried.

As a typhoon hit the island, they were unable to leave and spent the evening together, sharing cigarettes and reflecting on Xie Lanshan's past.

Xie Lanshan revealed his guilt over not being around when his mother’s condition worsened, explaining that his undercover mission in the Golden Triangle had kept him away.

As the storm continued, Xie Lanshan playfully climbed a building and picked a small red flower for Shen Liufei, which seemed to touch the latter’s heart.

The two men shared a bed in a hostel, with Xie Lanshan eventually embracing Shen Liufei, who reciprocated, and they fell asleep together, finding comfort in each other’s warmth.

The typhoon reached Hanhai City, causing storms and a blackout at the Crane Museum.

Backup power came on after five minutes, but Old Qi, head of security, was suspicious and called the police.

Security guards, including Xiao Zhou, patrolled the museum, starting with the East Hall. They encountered eerie wax statues, which unsettled Xiao Zhou.

Captain Tao, overseeing security, was informed of the blackout and resumed his patrols around the museum.

Security checked the West Hall, where the valuable Ode to the Goddess Luo painting was stored in a bulletproof display. The only keys were held by Zhang Wenli and Li Guochang.

Evelyn, Li Guochang’s wife, arrived at the museum looking for her missing husband. She argued with the guards, but left after being refused entry.

Liu Mingfang was caught outside by security dogs and brought into the museum, claiming to have been attacked by a dog. He rested in the surveillance room.

The security team noticed strange white spots on the infrared cameras, which they joked might be ghosts.

Liu Mingfang left the surveillance room to use the restroom just before Li Guochang arrived, agitated and demanding to see Zhang Wenli.

Li Guochang rushed to the wax figure area instead of Zhang Wenli’s office, acting strangely as he appeared to talk to no one.

Another blackout occurred, and Old Qi led the guards to investigate. They found Li Guochang dead on the floor, his eyes bulging in shock.

Before Old Qi could alert the police, he was struck from behind and knocked unconscious.

Li Guochang was murdered, and the Ode to the Goddess Luo was stolen the night before the Impressions of China exhibit's opening.

The burglary involved three men dressed as security guards, who stole the painting and three other artifacts, then fled in an SUV.

Forensics revealed Li Guochang was killed via cyanide injection, with a needle mark on his waist.

The team speculated that the burglars may not be the same people who murdered Li Guochang.

Evelyn and Qin Ke, Li Guochang’s wife and assistant, are key suspects, both having motives related to the painting.

Captain Tao suspected Liu Mingfang, another suspect, due to his financial struggles and potential benefit from the painting's sale.

Tao’s team struggled to explain how the culprit committed the murder and escaped unnoticed during two brief blackouts.

Tao was frustrated that Xie Lanshan hadn’t returned to help with the investigation.

Xie Lanshan, now with Shen Liufei, visited an antique market where they encountered Tang Xiaomo. Shen Liufei shared insights, speculating the burglars were amateurs who likely didn't know the painting's true value.

Shen Liufei theorized that the murderer was intelligent and likely had an inferiority complex, carefully committing the crime with detailed planning.

Xie and Shen flirted and bantered while discussing the case, with Xie ultimately confessing his love, though Shen brushed it off.

Shen revealed that his mother had been murdered, a personal tragedy that seemed to affect him deeply.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei visited an antique market, where they saw Tang Xiaomo selling a fake Wu Changshuo painting to a buyer. Shen Liufei pointed out the painting's flaws, but they chose not to intervene since both buyer and seller were engaging willingly.

They gathered information about art forgery and discovered that Tang Xiaomo’s grandfather, Tang Zhaozhong, was a skilled replica artist who had worked at a museum under Zhang Wenli before disappearing six years ago.

Tang Xiaomo revealed that her grandfather went missing after an argument with Zhang Wenli, who was connected to the Crane Museum. Tang suspected that her grandfather had painted the Ode to the Goddess Luo before disappearing.

The Crane Museum fire from years ago was brought up, with Tang Xiaomo suggesting that her grandfather's disappearance and the painting’s theft might be linked.

Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan theorized that Tang Zhaozhong may have been forced to finish the painting after his disappearance, raising the possibility of a more intricate crime.

Tang Xiaomo, who had been investigating her grandfather’s fate, provided a lead on a black-market seller, but revealed that the seller could only be approached in a women-only club.

A plan was discussed to go undercover at the club. Ding Li offered to go, but the suggestion arose that a male officer might have to disguise themselves as a host to enter the club.

Tang Xiaomo and the group debated who would be the best fit to go undercover. Xie Lanshan suggested they ask Doctor Su from the forensic team to pose as a wealthy buyer instead of Ding Li.

Xie Lanshan and Tao Longyue investigated the crime scene at the Crane Museum for a second time, enduring the intense heat as they searched the bushes for clues.

Xie Lanshan discussed the criminal profile of the murderer with Tao, identifying a well-educated, humble man likely working in a service role, like a butler or secretary.

They found a handkerchief with what looked like blood, but it was actually red ink with glue, suggesting someone faked an injury to sneak into the museum.

Xie revealed that Liu Mingfang had been seen with a timed electronic relay switch two days before the murder, raising suspicions about his involvement.

Tao was hesitant to pursue Liu Mingfang further due to his father's powerful position, but Xie insisted on questioning him.

Xie and Tao visited Liu Mingfang’s family during a birthday celebration for his mother, Yang Lin, which was attended by important guests, including Song Qilian.

Despite the tense atmosphere and Liu Yanbo’s request for leniency, Xie coldly insisted on taking Liu Mingfang for questioning that night, citing evidence that implicated him in the crime.

Liu Yanbo, a powerful figure, tried to delay the questioning out of respect for his wife’s health, but Xie remained unyielding and pushed forward with the arrest warrant.

Xie’s actions became more extreme, placing a cigarette in a cake as a countdown for taking Liu Mingfang away, leaving the guests stunned.

After leaving the house, Xie suffered a sudden, sharp headache and hallucinated the vision of the mysterious woman in white who had haunted him before. He mistook Song Qilian for the woman and grabbed her wrist in a moment of distress before collapsing.

Xie Lanshan had a dream about his time in the Golden Triangle, where he shared a tense, intimate moment with Mu Kun inside a sauna.

Mu Kun tasked Xie Lanshan with burning down an opium farm controlled by rival families to create chaos among the factions and consolidate power for Mu Kun.

Mu Kun proposed giving Xie Lanshan control of the red ice drug market in China, emphasizing its addictive properties and potential to target young women.

Xie Lanshan masked his emotions during this discussion, but clenched his fist when Mu Kun described the drug’s harmful effects, especially on young women.

The dream shifted to Mu Kun’s hint that the person responsible for killing Xie Lanshan’s father might be someone close to Mu Kun’s father, a trusted ally.

Xie woke up from the dream, finding himself in a hospital bed with Song Qilian by his side, expressing concern for his well-being.

Song Qilian invited Xie to take her son, Changchang, to a carnival after the case, a plan which Xie readily accepted.

Xie apologized to Song Qilian for his behavior the previous night, and she reassured him, attributing his actions to stress from the case.

Tao Longyue called Xie, informing him that Liu Mingfang admitted to the affair with Evelyn but denied involvement in the murder or theft.

Mansheng successfully infiltrated a meeting with the antique seller, pushing the investigation forward.

Eager to continue working on the case, Xie quickly dressed and left the hospital, leaving Song Qilian to handle his medical report.

Song Qilian spoke with Xie’s doctor, who reassured her that Xie’s medical recovery was going well, but she remained concerned about his severe headaches and recent unconsciousness.

The doctor revealed that Xie had undergone cranial surgery prior to the car crash, a fact that shocked Song Qilian, as Xie had never mentioned it.

Tang Qinglan, aka "Miss T," is introduced as the bold and powerful owner of Club Tequila. She is described as both attractive and unconventional in appearance.

Su Mansheng, disguised as a French-Chinese client looking to buy antiques, successfully connects with Miss T to gather intelligence on the stolen artifacts.

Outside the club, Tao Longyue and his team listen in on the conversation through hidden microphones, praising Su Mansheng’s progress.

Shen Liufei unexpectedly shows up inside the club, helping authenticate an antique, much to the surprise of Xie Lanshan.

Miss T engages in negotiations with Shen Liufei over the authenticity of a calligraphy piece, while flirtatious comments about him fill the air, annoying Xie Lanshan as he listens from the van.

The signal from the listening device briefly cuts out, leading the team to panic, but it turns out to be a false alarm caused by a champagne bottle opening.

Xie Lanshan rushes into the club and is humorously mistaken as a host hired by Tang Xiaomo, who saves him from suspicion.

Miss T expresses romantic interest in Xie Lanshan, but Shen Liufei intervenes, claiming Xie as "his" and kissing him to solidify the point.

After the intense kiss, Miss T leaves, acknowledging the relationship between Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan.

Xie Lanshan asks Shen Liufei to draw a portrait of a mysterious woman who has been haunting his dreams.

Back at Shen Liufei’s place, he quickly sketches the woman from Xie Lanshan’s descriptions. Xie is determined to find her, believing she exists.

The location of the three thieves was discovered, and Tao Longyue’s team rushed to the hideout.

Upon arrival, the house exploded before they could initiate an ambush.

Xie Lanshan rushed into the burning building despite Tao's attempt to stop him, finding three dead thieves inside.

One thief, Xiao Zhou, was still alive but severely injured, begging for help. Xie initially reacted coldly but eventually carried him out.

Xie Lanshan discovered the stolen painting, Ode to the Goddess Luo, unharmed, and retrieved other damaged artifacts.

A Type 54 pistol and burnt cash, including US dollars, were found at the scene, suggesting a violent struggle and accidental explosion.

Xiao Zhou was taken to the hospital, but the thieves' fight among themselves remained a mystery.

The team interrogated the landlord, who had unknowingly rented the house to the thieves.

Tao speculated that the thieves fought over splitting the loot, but Xie Lanshan felt something was missing from the puzzle.

Xie Lanshan consulted Shen Liufei, who confirmed that the calligraphy pieces retrieved were fake high-quality prints.

The authenticity of Ode to the Goddess Luo could not be verified, leaving Tang Xiaomo as the key to determining the truth.

Tang Xiaomo was unreachable throughout the day, skipping school like a delinquent.

Xiao Zhou woke up in the hospital with severe lung damage from smoke inhalation and a second-degree burn on his leg, which might require amputation.

Xiao Zhou explained how he survived; the thieves mistook him for dead after a bullet grazed him, and he passed out from shock.

He admitted the group planned the theft at the Crane Museum for a while but were hired by a mysterious, generous individual who promised to smuggle them out of the country if caught.

Despite suspicions, Xiao Zhou didn’t believe Liu Mingfang committed the murder, as he trailed them in fear during the theft and wouldn’t have had time to kill Li Guochang.

Xiao Zhou recalled seven wax figures in the East Hall instead of six, which alarmed Shen Liufei, as the blueprint only listed six.

The team left after Xiao Zhou confirmed he had no knowledge of antique dealings.

Shen Liufei theorized two scenarios: someone replaced the real painting with a fake and killed the thieves, or the painting was fake the entire time.

A phone call informed them that Evelyn, Li Guochang’s widow, had requested the return of the Ode to the Goddess Luo through an ambassador from the US Embassy.

Tao Jun, angry about the unauthorized handling of the painting, gave them three days to prove the painting’s connection to the murder or return it.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei suspected Qin Ke, Li Guochang’s secretary, who might have rearranged the wax figures and hid behind them during the crime.

The team was also concerned about Tang Xiaomo’s safety, given the danger surrounding the case.

The Crane Museum was closed after two major criminal cases occurred in two months, casting doubt on its future.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei returned to the museum to investigate the East Hall's wax figure area.

They confirmed Xiao Zhou’s claim: there were seven wax figures, not six, suggesting the seventh could be the culprit in disguise.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei studied the figures, each depicting scenes from the Ode to the Goddess Luo.

As they examined the seventh figure, it suddenly moved, revealing Tang Xiaomo in disguise. She had been hiding to investigate the case.

Tang Xiaomo theorized that the murderer had hidden among the wax figures during the first blackout, an idea the team had also considered.

Shen Liufei suspected that Tang Xiaomo's grandfather, Tang Zhaozhong, was forced to create a replica of the Ode to the Goddess Luo for Zhang Wenli, who was involved in a scheme to replace the original artwork and sell it overseas.

They concluded that Zhang Wenli likely helped facilitate the theft of the painting but was not responsible for Li Guochang’s murder, as killing would only bring unnecessary trouble.

Shen Liufei worried Tang Zhaozhong was being held captive and might still be alive, signaling his situation through his paintings.

The trio left the museum without a clear plan to prove the painting’s connection to the murder before the US Embassy's demand to return the artwork to Evelyn, Li Guochang’s widow.

As they left, Xie Lanshan warned Tang Xiaomo to be careful, fearing Zhang Wenli and his accomplices might target her, as she was crucial in proving the painting’s forgery.

A black car suddenly appeared, and a rifle shot was fired at Shen Liufei. Xie Lanshan pushed him to safety, but Tang Xiaomo was shot.

The black car sped off, and security called the police as they rushed to the scene, finding Tang Xiaomo lying in a pool of blood.

The gunshot incident outside the Crane Museum made headlines, drawing significant public attention.

Xie Lanshan felt guilty over Tang Xiaomo's injury, as she was hospitalized in critical condition, while he and Shen Liufei had only minor scratches.

Tao Jun scolded Xie Lanshan for failing to protect a civilian and criticized his actions during the shooting.

Zhang Wenli and Evelyn continued pressuring the police to return the Ode to the Goddess Luo painting, arguing it was unrelated to the ongoing investigation.

Tao Jun refused to release the painting, arguing that the case was not closed and that the safety of Chinese citizens must be prioritized under the law.

Despite facing legal pressure from Evelyn’s lawyer and the US embassy, Tao Jun held firm on keeping the painting for the investigation.

After a tense confrontation, Zhang Wenli tried to console Xie Lanshan, inquiring about Tang Xiaomo’s health, and asked to visit her in the hospital.

While Zhang Wenli maintained his outward composure, Xie Lanshan grew suspicious of his true intentions.

Tang Xiaomo’s injury turned out to be less severe than initially reported, and she was part of a trap set to lure out Zhang Wenli.

Zhang Wenli attempted to kill Tang Xiaomo in her hospital room by injecting air into her IV, but Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan were waiting for him, having anticipated his move.

Caught red-handed, Zhang Wenli tried to downplay his actions, but the police had recorded his attempt with a hidden camera.

Zhang Wenli confessed to selling fake Chinese calligraphy abroad and to starting the fire at the city museum years ago to cover up his activities.

However, he denied any involvement in Li Guochang’s murder, the theft of the painting, or the attack on Tang Xiaomo, claiming the fake paintings were made using modern 3D-printing technology, not by Tang Zhaozhong.

Xie Lanshan miscalculated part of his plan and received scolding and beatings from Tao Jun and Tao Longyue.

Tao Longyue reluctantly praised Xie Lanshan’s reckless methods, admitting that “fighting poison with poison” had worked.

Tao Longyue provided documents about the city museum arson case from seven years ago, revealing it had been planned by Zhang Wenli to cover up his illegal activities, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.

The case details revealed a photo of a young Qin Ke, who matched the suspect profile and now had a motive for the murder.

Xie Lanshan invited Shen Liufei to his place to discuss the case further. Shen Liufei agreed, and they both returned drenched from the rain.

While reflecting on the case, Xie Lanshan realized they still lacked direct proof to accuse Qin Ke of the murder.

Shen Liufei mentioned examining the Ode to the Goddess Luo painting but finding nothing unusual, while Xie Lanshan wondered about Tang Zhaozhong’s whereabouts and if he was still alive.

Xie Lanshan experienced a migraine and allowed Shen Liufei to massage his temples, leading to an intimate moment between them.

They discussed Qin Ke’s careful planning, including his use of cyanide and his skill in committing the murder without leaving direct evidence.

As they relaxed, a neighbor girl brought over a box of poisoned stray kittens, suggesting someone had been testing poison in the area, which led Xie Lanshan to connect this to Qin Ke’s possible use of cyanide on stray cats.

Despite knowing it would be difficult to use this as evidence against Qin Ke, Xie Lanshan lamented the challenges of enforcing justice within the bounds of the law.

The intimate atmosphere continued, with Shen Liufei allowing Xie Lanshan to rest his head on his lap and the two jokingly naming the kittens they had just adopted.

The case conversation shifted when they discussed how Qin Ke might have located Li Guochang during the blackout, theorizing that Li Guochang might have had some kind of glow-in-the-dark marker, which allowed Qin Ke to find and kill him quickly.

Xie Lanshan called Su Mansheng to request another analysis of the surveillance footage, specifically focusing on Li Guochang’s clothing for possible clues.

Qin Ke was caught on surveillance poisoning stray cats around his hotel, confirming his use of cyanide for testing.

The investigation confirmed the poisoned cats had died from cyanide, matching the method used in the murder of Li Guochang.

Tao Longyue confronted Qin Ke in his hotel room, but Qin Ke denied any wrongdoing, claiming the law didn’t forbid poisoning stray cats.

Xie Lanshan found glowing paint on the hotel wall, matching the type used to mark Li Guochang, confirming Qin Ke’s involvement in the murder.

Realizing he had been exposed, Qin Ke jumped out of the window, narrowly surviving the fall, and fled.

Xie Lanshan chased Qin Ke with the help of a crane truck, catching up to him.

Qin Ke, cornered, pulled out a knife and confessed his motives: he sought revenge for his mother, who died in the museum arson, and aimed to expose Zhang Wenli’s crimes.

Qin Ke blamed Li Guochang for canceling the exhibition, which ruined his plan to publicly expose Zhang Wenli.

Qin Ke attempted to kill himself, but before he could, he was hit by a taxi while trying to flee. He was left severely injured and close to death.

After Qin Ke’s capture, Xie Lanshan’s mental state deteriorated further. His reaction to the bloodshed disturbed Tao Longyue, who noticed a chilling change in his friend.

In a parallel story, Song Qilian visited Xie Lanshan’s mother, Gao Zhuyin, in a psychiatric hospital.

During their conversation, Gao Zhuyin revealed her belief that the man currently posing as Xie Lanshan was not her real son, expressing her certainty as a mother.

Li Guochang’s murder was resolved, but the authenticity of the Ode to the Goddess Luo remained uncertain, and Tang Zhaozhong was still missing.

Tang Xiaomo pointed out an ink stain she made on the painting when younger, but it wasn’t sufficient proof of the painting being fake.

To confirm the painting’s authenticity, Shen Liufei personally removed the silk painting from its backing, a delicate and risky task.

Beneath the painting, they discovered a hidden message from Tang Zhaozhong, revealing he was held hostage and needed help.

Tang Xiaomo recognized the handwriting as her grandfather's, confirming the painting was a fake and providing proof that Tang Zhaozhong was still alive.

Tao Longyue located and rescued Tang Zhaozhong based on the drawing. The old man was weak and malnourished but alive.

Tang Zhaozhong confirmed that he had been held captive for years to produce fake artwork and had been moved across various locations.

When questioned, Tang Zhaozhong admitted knowing Qin Ke and confirmed that the young man had sought revenge for his mother’s death in the museum fire, but he didn’t expect him to go so far.

Tang Zhaozhong also revealed he had been tricked by Zhang Wenli into creating fake paintings, leading him to sever ties with Zhang after realizing the truth.

Tang Zhaozhong had no direct involvement with Li Guochang but expressed regret over the loss of innocent life.

With Shen Liufei’s help, Tang Zhaozhong recalled basic details about his kidnappers: a man and a woman, with distinctive features.

Shen Liufei mentioned that Tang Zhaozhong was already being approached by art agents who wanted to capitalize on his story and talents.

Xie Lanshan pondered the remaining loose ends of the case, including Qin Ke’s use of a second phone and the identity of those who kidnapped Tang Zhaozhong, killed the thieves, and shot at them outside the museum.

Shen Liufei suggested that one of these people might be targeting Xie Lanshan personally, leaving him with an unsettling feeling.

Tang Xiaomo's house was messy, resembling a boy's dorm rather than a typical young woman’s space.

Shen Liufei found Tang Zhaozhong's sword and admired its craftsmanship. Tang Xiaomo explained that her grandfather's friend, a sixth-generation bladesmith, forged it.

Shen Liufei inspected Tang Zhaozhong’s art tools and paintings, noticing a replica of Qiu Ying’s work, which was highly valuable.

Shen Liufei found old news articles about Tang Zhaozhong’s failed art exhibition and criticism from Li Guochang, which severely impacted his career.

Shen Liufei grew suspicious of Tang Zhaozhong’s vague recollection of his kidnappers, despite his sharp eye for detail as an artist.

Tang Xiaomo teased Shen Liufei about his feelings for Xie Lanshan, warning him that Xie was having dinner with his ex, Song Qilian.

Xie Lanshan spent a day with Song Qilian and her son Liu Chang, giving them a family-like experience at an amusement park.

During dinner, Xie revealed he was allergic to shellfish, a detail that confused Song Qilian, who remembered him eating seafood during their college days.

Liu Chang asked Xie if his father had killed anyone, and Xie reassured him that his father was innocent.

Song Qilian mentioned a novel she read where the culprit is often the greatest beneficiary of the crime, prompting Xie to rethink the case from that angle.

Xie realized there were inconsistencies between Tang Zhaozhong and Zhang Wenli’s accounts regarding Tang’s captivity and Zhang’s need for 3D printing technology.

Feeling a new sense of urgency, Xie left abruptly, kissed Song Qilian goodbye, and responded to a call from Shen Liufei with excitement, hinting at their deepening connection.

Song Qilian felt uneasy, noticing how much Xie had changed from the man she once knew.

Tao Longyue suspected Tang Qinglan's involvement in the theft and murder, but lacked evidence to issue an arrest warrant.

Captain Tao continued to monitor Miss T and her criminal organization, but the investigation went silent after capturing Xiao Zhou.

Xie Lanshan contacted Tang Qinglan and requested a 3D-printed replica of the Ode to the Goddess Luo.

Tang Qinglan flirted with Xie Lanshan, but he rejected her advances, hinting that he was watching her.

Shen Liufei visited Tang Zhaozhong in the hospital with the fake painting and engaged in a conversation about art, subtly revealing his suspicions.

Tang Zhaozhong defended replicas as legitimate art but became visibly alarmed when Shen Liufei brought up the fake Ode to the Goddess Luo.

Shen Liufei accused Tang Zhaozhong of orchestrating the entire plan: using Qin Ke to expose Zhang Wenli’s illegal dealings while secretly seeking revenge on Li Guochang for ruining his art career.

Shen Liufei claimed that Tang Zhaozhong had been involved in Zhang Wenli’s thefts and hadn’t been kidnapped, suggesting Tang carefully planned everything over six years.

Tang Zhaozhong realized he was caught but asked if they had proof. Shen Liufei admitted they didn’t, but threatened to ruin his reputation by replacing his fake Ode to the Goddess Luo with a 3D-printed version, making it impossible for him to gain recognition as the artist.

Shen Liufei pointed out that Tang Zhaozhong was going blind, making it unlikely he could replicate the painting again.

Tang Zhaozhong, frustrated by the art world’s injustices and his lack of recognition, lashed out emotionally, revealing that he had committed murder to gain fame.

After a coughing fit, Shen Liufei called a doctor, remarking that Tang Zhaozhong could have achieved fame without resorting to crime had he been patient.

Outside the hospital, Shen Liufei met Xie Lanshan, who had devised the scheme to break Tang Zhaozhong.

Shen Liufei revealed that he told Tang Zhaozhong he was going blind, which likely pushed him to turn himself in.

Xie Lanshan tried to lighten the mood, but when he impulsively kissed Shen Liufei, Shen reacted by punching him.

Tao Longyue witnessed the punch and was confused, unaware of the deeper tension between the two.

Tang Zhaozhong’s confession made headlines, turning him into a notorious figure in the art world. Despite the flawless plan, people wondered why he turned himself in.

Tang Qinglan, reading the news, remained calm. She returned home, where a mysterious man was waiting in the dark.

The man was fixated on Xie Lanshan, whom he had seen at a boxing club bar. Tang Qinglan suggested the man undergo plastic surgery for his scars, but he ignored her.

The man mentioned that their criminal activities, including the antique trade, were less important now that the "red ice" business had become more thrilling.

The antique trade market disappeared after the resolution of the Ode to the Goddess Luo case, leaving Tao Jun and Liu Yanbo pleased. They announced that Shen Liufei would stay as a forensic sketch specialist, meaning Xie Lanshan would have to interact with him regularly.

Since Shen Liufei punched Xie Lanshan, he had returned to being cold and aloof, rejecting any attempts at reconciliation.

Xie Lanshan suffered from recurring headaches, but no doctor could find the cause. He met Xiao Qian, who reported that the woman in Xie Lanshan’s dream wasn’t in the homicide database. Xiao Qian suggested checking the missing persons database instead.

Xie Lanshan joined Tao Jun, Tao Longyue, Song Qilian, and her son Liu Chang for lunch, and Song Qilian subtly pushed for Xie to teach her son to swim.

At the pool, Xie Lanshan became the center of attention, even though he was oblivious to Song Qilian’s growing suspicion. She tasked her son with checking if Xie still had a birthmark she remembered from their youth, but Liu Chang reported he didn't have it.

This revelation unsettled Song Qilian, raising doubts about whether the man before her was truly Xie Lanshan. While they had dinner, she mentioned his recent headaches, suggesting they might be a side effect of a past craniotomy.

Shocked, Xie Lanshan had no memory of the surgery. His confusion triggered a desire to smoke, but he refrained for Liu Chang’s sake.

Song Qilian took one of his cigarettes for later analysis, deepening her suspicions that something was seriously off with Xie Lanshan’s identity.

Xiao Qian discovered that the woman in the portrait Xie Lanshan had been searching for was Zhuo Tian, a missing person recorded six years ago. He handed her case file to Shen Liufei, as Xie wasn’t available.

Shen Liufei read the file and noticed Zhuo Tian had vanished after reporting sexual harassment. The case gave him a chilling feeling, though he took it calmly.

After finishing work late, Xie Lanshan returned home, reflecting on his past, the craniotomy he didn’t remember, and his memories of a head injury during his undercover mission.

Shen Liufei visited Xie Lanshan’s apartment, ostensibly to see their shared kittens but also to hand over Zhuo Tian’s file. Their interactions were tense but playful, with Xie using flirtation to mask his emotional turmoil.

Shen Liufei informed Xie that Tang Xiaomo was leaving the city, heartbroken after learning the truth about her grandfather’s involvement in the crimes.

When Shen handed him the missing person file, Xie’s emotions overwhelmed him as the reality of his connection to the case set in. He became visibly shaken, lighting a cigarette and trying to avoid opening the file.

In a moment of vulnerability, Xie Lanshan asked Shen to stay with him for the night, hoping for emotional support as he faced the truth. Shen Liufei hesitated but ultimately left, hardened by his focus on the case.

Xie Lanshan offered Tang Xiaomo a ride to the airport as she left the city, clearly devastated by the recent revelations about her grandfather’s crimes. She expressed her uncertainty about returning but promised to stay in touch.

Tang Xiaomo tearfully reminisced about her childhood with her grandfather, unable to understand how everything had fallen apart. Xie comforted her, reflecting on the unpredictability of life and human nature.

On his way back from the airport, Xie accidentally hit a girl on a bicycle but thankfully didn’t injure her badly. The girl, Zuo Ruoqi, asked him for a ride to a friend’s birthday cruise.

The cruise belonged to Peng Yixuan, the daughter of a wealthy family, who invited Xie onboard when he dropped Zuo off. Peng recognized Xie from a previous encounter at Club Tequila and assumed he was a host, offering to pay him to join the party.

Reluctantly, Xie agreed and boarded the luxury ship. He met the small crew, including Captain Chang Ming and Peng’s tutor, Xiao Gu.

Peng offered Xie her brother’s expensive wardrobe to choose clothes from, and after changing, Xie was transformed, surprising Peng with his handsome and charismatic appearance.

Tao Jing, a high school student, suddenly attacked a classmate during a physical education run, violently biting her ear before collapsing and dying on the field.

Tao Jing’s death was initially thought to be due to epilepsy, but a subsequent autopsy revealed she had died from a methamphetamine overdose.

Tao Jing’s death shocked the community as she was known to be a quiet, hardworking student from a middle-class family. No one suspected her of being involved with drugs.

The news of narcotics infiltrating a high school caused a nationwide uproar, prompting a joint effort between the local Hanhai City police and the elite Blue Fox Commando unit from the provincial antidrug forces.

Elite narcotics agents Chi Jin and Ling Yun from Blue Fox were brought in to assist the investigation. Chi Jin, a tough and experienced officer, had a personal history with Xie Lanshan, holding a grudge against him from a past operation.

Chi Jin immediately began analyzing the case, suggesting that Tao Jing had likely been tricked into taking meth by another high school girl involved in the drug trade. He believed a teenage girl, disguised as an ordinary student, was introducing drugs into the school under the guise of a “beauty cure-all” that promised weight loss and skin improvement.

The investigation focused on finding this “wolf in sheep’s clothing” among the high school girls, suspecting that someone within their social circles was involved in the drug trade.

Tao Jing’s friend confirmed that the mysterious “beauty cure-all” had been circulating among the girls, and Tao Jing had used it to try and improve her stamina for the running test, unknowingly ingesting meth.

The pressure on the violent crime unit and the antidrug task force increased, as they now had to unravel the drug network within the city’s nightlife scene and its connection to high school students.

Xie Lanshan joined a group of six high school girls and their teacher, Xiao Gu, on a cruise. The girls mistook him for a host, and he enjoyed the luxurious amenities on the ship, treating it like a vacation.

At dinner, the girls introduced themselves: Peng Yixuan (daughter of the Starex Group), Zuo Ruoqi (a timid transfer student), Qiu Fei (who was self-deprecatingly called "Fugly"), cousins Yu Xin and Yu Yangzi, and the quiet, sickly Lu Weiwei, who had type 1 diabetes.

The girls feared and revered Peng Yixuan, who was sharp-tongued and often cruel, as evidenced when she humiliated Qiu Fei and suggested Xiao Gu strip as part of a dare in a game they were playing.

The group played a truth-or-dare style game, where they revealed personal experiences and the loser would face a dare. Tensions among the girls, particularly between Peng Yixuan and Lu Weiwei, simmered beneath the surface.

The game took an unexpected turn when Peng Yixuan made a shocking claim, saying she had killed someone. Her tone and expression indicated she was not joking, which stunned everyone, including Xie Lanshan, who realized she was likely telling the truth.

After Peng Yixuan's claim about killing someone, the other girls dismissed it as a joke, but the mood became somber.

They ended the game, and the girls' previously cheerful behavior shifted to a tense atmosphere, making Xie Lanshan suspicious of their secrets.

Yu Yangzi suggested playing board games, and Zuo Ruoqi retrieved a luxurious Go set made of valuable jade pieces.

The conversation shifted to gossip, and Yu Yangzi brought up bizarre rumors, like head-replacement surgery and alien research, which led to philosophical discussions, including Yu Xin mentioning the "Ship of Theseus."

The girls' conversation turned nasty when Yu Xin and Qiu Fei insulted each other, exposing underlying rivalries and tensions within the group.

The tension was interrupted when Lu Weiwei, upset, left for her room, putting an end to the bickering.

Later, while relaxing in a spa, Xie Lanshan reflected on his past, recalling a tender memory with Song Qilian from his police academy days.

His thoughts shifted to Shen Liufei, and he realized his growing feelings for the artist. However, Peng Yixuan interrupted, trying to seduce him.

Xie Lanshan, unfazed, playfully handcuffed her to the spa handrail and left her there, deciding to avoid her advances.

Outside, Xie Lanshan noticed Captain Chang Ming acting nervously after rushing from the engine room.

Meanwhile, Zuo Ruoqi and Qiu Fei were whispering to each other on the deck, adding to the air of mystery surrounding the girls.

Xie Lanshan woke up after a peaceful sleep, enjoying the calmness of the ocean from his VIP room window.

After hearing a scream from the spa, he rushed over to find Peng Yixuan, still handcuffed from the previous night, covered in what appeared to be blood, with a knife nearby.

The sight triggered fragmented memories for Xie Lanshan, recalling a nightmare involving a girl named Zhuo Tian and a name that sounded like "Ye Shen."

Overwhelmed with guilt, Xie Lanshan handed over the key to unlock the cuffs and attempted to check Peng Yixuan's condition, but the girls accused him of murder.

Zuo Ruoqi, fearful, claimed Xie Lanshan had lied about being a cop, further inciting panic among the girls.

Lu Weiwei, in a frenzy, picked up the knife, but Xiao Gu quickly took it from her and protected the girls.

To calm the situation, Xie Lanshan agreed to handcuff himself and was locked in the storage room while Xiao Gu tried to contact Captain Chang Ming.

While confined, Xie Lanshan realized the "blood" on Peng Yixuan was fake, as it tasted like sugar.

Meanwhile, Peng Yixuan revealed that her "death" was a prank to get back at Xie Lanshan for ignoring her advances. Only Zuo Ruoqi and Qiu Fei had known about the plan.

Xiao Gu, horrified by the prank, scolded Peng Yixuan, but the girl dismissed her, ordering her to prepare breakfast.

Bored without internet access on the ship, the girls went to check with Chang Ming.

They found the captain dead, with a knife protruding from his chest.

Old Li, a security guard at the Hanhai City municipal bureau, found a suspicious package outside his office with a note requesting it be delivered to Captain Tao Longyue.

Exhausted from working with the provincial branch and unable to contact Xie Lanshan, Captain Tao reluctantly opened the package.

Inside was a letter from Yao Shuxin, a chemical engineer whose daughter, Yao Yao, had gone missing four years ago.

Yao Shuxin claimed six girls, including Peng Yixuan, were connected to his daughter’s disappearance and had been secretly investigating them for three years.

Yao had placed bombs on a cruise ship carrying these six girls and threatened to kill one girl each day if the police didn't find his daughter in seven days.

If no answer was provided, Yao would detonate the bombs, killing everyone on board.

The letter, written in polite but menacing tones, mentioned that Yao had already sent copies to major media outlets, putting pressure on the police.

Captain Tao, horrified by Yao’s threats, instructed his team to investigate the girls' school connections, particularly since one of the girls had been linked to a recent meth overdose case.

Tao Longyue, usually reliant on Xie Lanshan, decided to call on Shen Liufei for help in this urgent situation.

Tao Longyue’s team quickly identified Qiu Fei as the girl selling meth to Tao Jing after a brief investigation.

All six girls involved had left school without notifying the administration, confirming the trip mentioned in Yao Shuxin’s letter.

Tao Longyue and Shen Liufei visited the Peng family’s mansion, where they met Peng Cheng, the brother of Peng Yixuan.

Peng Cheng seemed unconcerned, thinking his sister was likely playing an elaborate prank, and was dismissive of the kidnapping threat, recalling Yao Shuxin’s previous confrontation with the Peng family over his daughter’s disappearance.

Tao Longyue found Peng Cheng evasive and suspecting he was hiding something. Shen Liufei urged the team to move on to the private ferry committee to gather clues on the ship.

At the ferry committee, they discovered that Xie Lanshan had boarded the cruise ship with the girls, making the situation more dangerous, as he had also disappeared.

Shen Liufei, disturbed by the discovery, realized that Xie Lanshan was now trapped on the ship in the middle of a dangerous case.

Yao Yao, the girl who went missing four years ago, had attended school with some of the girls, though her connection to them was tenuous. Shen Liufei dug into Yao Yao’s case, which involved suspicions of bullying by Peng Yixuan and her friends.

Yao Yao had been an avid Go player and had an online relationship with someone named Fan Xipin, which her father discovered after her disappearance.

Despite the police’s conclusion that Yao Yao ran away due to an internet romance, Yao’s father believed she had been bullied, leading him to confront the Peng family, culminating in the current crisis.

Shen Liufei visited Yao Yao’s former homeroom teacher, Mei Shumin, but the teacher remained adamant that Yao Yao was not bullied, dismissing any suggestion otherwise.

Reflecting on the complexities of the case, Shen Liufei returned to Xie Lanshan’s residence, where he encountered the young girl who helped care for Xie’s cats.

Shen Liufei fed the cats, stayed at Xie’s apartment, and grew increasingly concerned about the unfolding crisis involving the cruise ship and Xie Lanshan’s fate.

Chang Ming’s sudden death left the girls shocked and suspicious, with some accusing Xie Lanshan of being the killer since he was the only outsider on the ship.

Peng Yixuan, dismissive of the danger, locked away the keys to Xie Lanshan’s handcuffs, tossing them into the ocean, intending to turn him over to the cops when they returned to shore.

The bigger problem arose: none of the girls knew how to sail, and the satellite network was down, leaving them stranded without help.

Peng Yixuan remained calm and assured the others that her father would call the cops if they couldn’t reach her, suggesting they wait for rescue.

Tensions began rising as the group stayed together in the main cabin. Dinner was tense, and after eating, the mood darkened further.

Peng Yixuan, bored and irritated by the others’ fear, suggested playing a game. When the lights suddenly went out, the girls panicked.

A creepy, altered voice began playing through a recording, urging the girls to reveal each other’s darkest secrets or face death like Chang Ming.

Under pressure, the girls started confessing dangerous secrets about each other: Zuo Ruoqi revealed that Yu Yangzi had reported Yu Xin’s affair, Yu Yangzi exposed Qiu Fei as a drug dealer, and Qiu Fei accused Peng Yixuan of killing a girl named Yao Yao in middle school.

Peng Yixuan, unfazed, admitted that Yao Yao hadn’t died from her actions but that Lu Weiwei had suggested silencing her.

The lights came back on, and Lu Weiwei collapsed, showing signs of a medical emergency after injecting insulin.

Meanwhile, locked in the storage room, Xie Lanshan overheard the girls’ panic and discovered a hidden package of meth, realizing Chang Ming might have been involved in drug trafficking.

Zuo Ruoqi, feeling guilty for helping Peng Yixuan lock Xie Lanshan up, came to check on him and informed him of Chang Ming’s death.

Xie Lanshan deduced that Lu Weiwei was suffering from hyperglycemia, not low blood sugar, and warned Zuo Ruoqi to stop the others from feeding her sugar water, as it could be fatal.

Xie Lanshan provided instructions for saving Lu Weiwei and urged Zuo Ruoqi to stay safe, suspecting the culprit was among them.

Zuo Ruoqi, realizing the seriousness of the situation, apologized to Xie Lanshan for her part in the prank and believed he was truly a cop, rushing off to help Lu Weiwei.

Despite the municipal bureau’s efforts to suppress the news, independent journalists exposed Yao Shuxin’s letter online.

The next morning, the parents of the missing girls, filled with panic and frustration, gathered at the violent crimes unit, demanding rescue updates from the police.

Tensions ran high as parents, including Yu Yangzi’s mother and Lu Weiwei’s father, lashed out at the police, with some altercations nearly turning violent.

Captain Tao Longyue assured the parents that a cop, Xie Lanshan, was already on the ship, emphasizing his reliability and competence, though he secretly harbored doubts about the situation.

Chi Jin, from the provincial bureau, suggested a more aggressive approach: sending a helicopter to seize the ship and rescue the girls, which clashed with Captain Tao’s more cautious plan.

A confrontation arose between Tao Longyue and Chi Jin, who insisted he had authority from the higher-ups to take over the operation.

Tao Jun confirmed that the vice chief had indeed placed Chi Jin in charge, prompting Chi Jin to move forward with plans to contact the coast guard.

Shen Liufei intervened, stopping Chi Jin and proposing a different approach: investigating whether Yao Shuxin had an accomplice on the ship.

Chi Jin considered the possibility but still leaned toward his plan of seizing the ship, assuming Yao Shuxin wouldn’t blow it up if his accomplice was on board.

Shen Liufei pointed out the emotional behavior of parents like Yao Shuxin, implying that he might be willing to sacrifice even his accomplice in his desperation.

Shen Liufei also noted the suspicious absence of Yao Yao’s mother, raising further questions about the case.

Ultimately, Shen Liufei argued that forcing a confrontation on the ship could result in the deaths of all eight people aboard, recommending instead that the investigation into Yao Yao’s disappearance continue while trusting Xie Lanshan to handle the situation on the ship.

Shen Liufei expressed unwavering faith in Xie Lanshan’s ability to protect the girls, even if it meant risking his own life.

Zuo Ruoqi stayed up all night to watch over Lu Weiwei, as instructed by Xie Lanshan, and ensured that Lu Weiwei didn’t choke on her vomit.

Lu Weiwei’s condition stabilized somewhat after consuming salted tea, though she remained weak and lethargic.

Xiao Gu came to relieve Zuo Ruoqi in the morning, urging her to rest and eat while offering to watch over Lu Weiwei.

Zuo Ruoqi expressed her gratitude to Xiao Gu for helping Lu Weiwei, explaining that Officer Xie had saved her, and pleaded for Xiao Gu to release him.

Yu Yangzi mentioned finding half a blue pill under Xiao Gu’s bed, which made her suspicious, but she didn’t disclose that she had taken and hidden the pill.

Lu Weiwei had a breakdown and confessed to Xiao Gu about the group’s horrific involvement in Yao Yao’s death, revealing that Peng Yixuan had instigated the bullying, leading to Yao Yao’s accidental burning and subsequent death. Lu Weiwei had suggested burying the body to cover it up.

Xiao Gu, horrified and angry, listened to Lu Weiwei’s confession, but Lu Weiwei claimed ignorance of Yao Yao’s burial location.

Xiao Gu, emotionally shaken by the revelation, took food to Xie Lanshan, who had been locked up without food for over a day.

Despite being trapped, Xie Lanshan remained focused on the safety of the girls, expressing gratitude for the trust Zuo Ruoqi had shown in him.

Xiao Gu informed Xie Lanshan that Peng Yixuan had thrown the key to his handcuffs into the ocean, leaving him with no immediate way to escape.

While they spoke, the eerie, childlike singing voice returned, signaling impending danger, and Xie Lanshan urged Xiao Gu to check on the girls immediately.

The group had been trapped on the ship for three days, and the atmosphere grew tense as the girls could no longer trust each other after the recent events.

The creepy recorded voice of a little girl returned, threatening that each of them would be punished for Yao Yao’s death and forcing them to vote for who would be the next to die.

The countdown began, and the situation devolved into a psychological battle. Yu Xin realized it was a prisoner’s dilemma and tried to convince the others to remain silent to avoid danger.

Despite her efforts, Zuo Ruoqi, Yu Yangzi, and Qiu Fei seemed to form an alliance, leaving Yu Xin isolated and panicked.

Yu Xin lashed out verbally, accusing Zuo Ruoqi of suggesting the trip and calling out old grievances with Qiu Fei and Yu Yangzi, particularly about her past sacrifices for them.

Yu Yangzi, harboring resentment against Yu Xin, pushed her cousin and vented her frustrations about their family dynamics and the pressure of living in Yu Xin’s shadow.

Feeling cornered and betrayed, Yu Xin broke down and grabbed a knife, intent on attacking the others. She revealed that Yao Yao had been alive when they left her but that Peng Yixuan insisted on silencing her to protect her family’s reputation.

Peng Yixuan coldly confronted Yu Xin, reminding her that she could have called the police that night but chose not to, making her complicit in Yao Yao’s death.

Xiao Gu arrived in time to stop the situation from escalating further, but she was cut in the process. The other girls fled to their rooms in panic.

Left alone with Xiao Gu, Yu Xin broke down in tears, admitting her involvement in Yao Yao’s bullying and realizing that her silence had made her just as guilty as the others.

Qiu Fei returned to her room after the chaotic events in the main cabin, struggling with her drug addiction triggered by finding a meth bottle under her pillow.

She recalled the night Yao Yao was attacked and how Peng Yixuan manipulated her, reminding her that she could not speak out due to her involvement.

Peng Cheng and Chang Ming helped Peng Yixuan cover up Yao Yao’s assault, with Qiu Fei as a reluctant accomplice.

Six months ago, Chang Ming blackmailed Qiu Fei with her student ID, stained with Yao Yao’s blood, leading her to become addicted to drugs and start selling them at school.

Desperate for more drugs, Qiu Fei searched the ship for red ice, eventually finding a small piece of it taped to the wall. She followed a trail of tape to the deck but slipped due to oil intentionally placed on the handrail.

Xie Lanshan, trapped in the storage room, dislocated his thumb to escape the handcuffs and kicked down the door.

He rushed to the deck and saved Qiu Fei from falling into the sea.

Back inside, the girls gathered again, and Qiu Fei blamed Peng Yixuan for everything, marking a turning point in their relationship as Peng Yixuan’s most loyal follower turned against her.

Xie Lanshan, fed up with their infighting, used a fire extinguisher to stop the girls from arguing and took control of the situation.

As a storm approached, Xie Lanshan realized that something on land was delaying their rescue, leaving them to fend for themselves on the ship amidst mounting danger and secrets.

Tao Longyue received a call from Shen Liufei about a witness report linking Xiao Gu to suspicious behavior before the kidnapping.

Shen Liufei and Tao Longyue went to investigate a supposedly empty house where Yao Shuxin, the father of the missing Yao Yao, was believed to be hiding.

They entered the house and found Yao Shuxin's decayed corpse seated at a desk, revealing he had been dead for some time.

They discovered Yao Shuxin’s notebook detailing the lives of the girls and their families, as well as a homemade bomb he had been working on.

It was revealed that Xiao Gu, Yao Yao’s mother, had taken on a fake identity and was involved in carrying out Yao Shuxin’s revenge plot after his death.

Yao Shuxin died of late-stage liver cancer, and Xiao Gu preserved his body and took over his plan.

They also learned about various dark secrets of the Peng family and their connections to Yao Yao’s disappearance, including Peng Yixuan’s involvement in the bullying and potential murder of Yao Yao.

Shen Liufei and Tao Longyue prepared to confront the Peng family, suspecting that Yao Yao’s body might be buried on school property that Peng Yixuan’s father had donated shortly after Yao Yao disappeared.

Tao Longyue was worried about his friend Xie Lanshan, who was still trapped on the ship with the girls as a typhoon approached.

The chapter ended with Tao Longyue offering to drive Shen Liufei to the Peng residence to continue the investigation before the storm hit.

Xie Lanshan and the girls went to investigate Chang Ming’s death in the captain’s lounge.

Xie Lanshan determined Chang Ming had been choked and then stabbed, but the method of incapacitation was unclear, possibly poison, though it wasn’t evident how it was administered.

Xie Lanshan found wires in Chang Ming’s toolbox, which contradicted Xiao Gu’s earlier claim that there were none on the ship, raising suspicion.

In the main cabin, the girls confronted Peng Yixuan about Yao Yao’s death, and Peng Yixuan admitted to burying Yao Yao alive, showing no remorse.

Peng Yixuan, still calm despite the confrontation, claimed she couldn’t face legal punishment due to her age at the time.

Peng Yixuan revealed that Yao Yao had woken up after the others left, and Peng Yixuan killed her by choking her in front of her parents.

Xie Lanshan slapped Peng Yixuan, calling it justice, but she remained defiant, believing her privileged status would protect her.

The girls turned on Peng Yixuan, refusing to associate with her anymore, but Peng Yixuan left, arrogantly asserting that she was still entitled to protection because she was a minor.

Meanwhile, back on land, Peng Yixuan’s parents, Peng Hongbin and Cheng Ya, returned from abroad after hearing of their daughter’s situation.

Cheng Ya was desperate to save her daughter and tearfully begged Shen Liufei for help.

Shen Liufei explained that the only way to ensure Peng Yixuan’s safety was to find Yao Yao’s body and give her father peace, hinting that the danger on the ship was tied to Yao Yao’s death.

Cheng Ya wavered, clearly knowing more than she admitted, but Peng Hongbin intervened, stating they knew nothing about Yao Yao’s disappearance.

After leaving the Peng residence, Shen Liufei and Tao Longyue overheard a heated argument between Peng Yixuan’s parents, followed by Cheng Ya’s cries.

Xie Lanshan repaired the ship’s satellite connection, suspecting that Xiao Gu had tampered with it. However, he couldn’t figure out how the murder of Chang Ming had occurred.

After investigating Chang Ming’s body, Xie Lanshan concluded that he had been poisoned and then strangled, but he didn’t yet know how the poisoning had been done.

Despite struggling with the repairs, Xie Lanshan eventually restored the satellite connection and reported back to Shen Liufei, who confirmed that Xiao Gu was Yao Yao’s mother.

Xie Lanshan reported that Chang Ming was dead, and there was a stash of crystal meth on the ship, likely tied to Chang Ming’s suspicious behavior.

While speaking to Shen Liufei, Xie Lanshan tried to get him to admit his feelings, but the connection cut off before Shen could respond.

The ship was soon caught in a violent typhoon, and the satellite connection was lost again as the storm hit with massive waves.

Xie Lanshan instructed the girls to put on life jackets, and despite her arrogance, Peng Yixuan was terrified and clung to him for protection.

Xie Lanshan took control of the ship during the storm, steering it out of the typhoon’s direct path, though he was injured in the process.

After surviving the worst of the storm, Yu Yangzi remembered that she had found a half-open antibiotic pill under Xiao Gu’s bed, which revealed how the poisoning was done.

Xie Lanshan realized that Xiao Gu had poisoned Chang Ming by slipping antibiotics into the food, knowing that Chang Ming’s alcoholism would trigger a disulfiram reaction when he drank alcohol, incapacitating him and making him easy to kill.

As he pieced together the murder, Xie Lanshan noticed that Xiao Gu was missing.

Chi Jin and Ling Yun were investigating Tao Jing’s death and tracked down two drug dealers who revealed a supplier tied to the Starex Group, though they couldn’t pinpoint the exact ship carrying the drugs.

Tao Longyue discovered that Chang Ming, the captain of the Starglow, was deeply connected to the Starex Group and had been involved in maritime cargo routes, making him a prime suspect in the red-ice smuggling operation.

The investigation team realized the red-ice drug case was tied to the Starex Group’s cargo operations, and Chang Ming had likely concealed the drugs.

Chi Jin suggested that the drugs could be hidden using the "torpedo" method, attaching a sealed box of drugs to the bottom of the ship to evade security checks.

Despite the stormy conditions, Chi Jin insisted on diving to search for the drugs himself, ignoring Tao Longyue’s suggestion to hire a professional diver.

After a challenging dive, Chi Jin located a suspicious metal box attached to the submarine valve of the ship.

Professional divers retrieved the box, which was filled with red ice worth approximately fifty million yuan, marking the largest drug-smuggling case in Hanhai history.

Chi Jin confirmed that the Starex Group’s shipping operations were central to the drug trade and called for a full investigation of the company.

The storm had calmed, and the girls wanted Xie Lanshan to sail the ship back home, but he confessed he had forgotten how to sail. He assured them that the police would rescue them once the typhoon passed, but their priority now was finding Xiao Gu, who had become the prime suspect.

Xie Lanshan instructed the girls to split up into pairs to search for Xiao Gu, advising them to avoid confrontation and call for help if they found her. Peng Yixuan, however, chose to stay behind with Lu Weiwei and Zuo Ruoqi.

During the search, Xie Lanshan and the girls heard screams and discovered Xiao Gu had hanged herself in the storage room where he had previously been locked. They found her dead, with a confession note in her pocket.

The note revealed Xiao Gu’s motivations: she had poisoned Chang Ming, tampered with Lu Weiwei’s insulin, and tried to lure Qiu Fei into falling into the sea, all in an attempt to uncover the truth about her daughter’s disappearance and punish the girls for their roles in Yao Yao's death.

Despite the confession, Xie Lanshan noticed suspicious details about Xiao Gu’s body, such as fresh scratch marks and signs of struggle, leading him to believe her death wasn’t a straightforward suicide.

The girls, including Yu Xin and Yu Yangzi, expressed some sympathy for Xiao Gu, seeing her as a desperate mother seeking justice, but Peng Yixuan was indifferent and declared the case closed, assuming they were all safe.

Xie Lanshan, however, declared the case was not over, stating that Xiao Gu’s death was suspicious and the real culprit was still among the six girls.

Shen Liufei visited the Peng residence again without Tao Longyue, as the Peng family faced multiple crises: Peng Cheng was implicated in a massive drug case, and Yao Shuxin’s countdown to supposedly blow up the ship loomed.

Peng Hongbin tried to maintain composure, insisting his son would never willingly engage in drug trafficking. However, Shen Liufei showed him incriminating photos of Peng Cheng using drugs, revealing the extent of his involvement.

Shen Liufei offered the Peng family a deal: if they revealed where Yao Yao’s body was buried, he would help save their daughter and potentially reduce Peng Cheng’s sentence by offering the information as a service to the police.

Cheng Ya, desperate to save their daughter, urged her husband to cooperate. After much hesitation, Peng Hongbin admitted Yao Yao was buried under the sports field at St. Noe’s All-Girls School, under a sports arena he had donated.

After receiving this confession, Shen Liufei left the Peng residence, emotional about the tragic truth of Yao Yao’s death.

Just as Shen Liufei left, Peng Cheng arrived, claiming he had been released after giving his witness account. His appearance revealed that Shen Liufei had tricked the Peng family into confessing, using doctored photos to manipulate them.

Shen Liufei quickly called Tao Longyue to arrange for an excavation at the school’s sports field.

At the municipal bureau, Tao Longyue worked with the provincial agents Chi Jin and Ling Yun, who had played a part in the ruse. Ling Yun revealed he could fly a helicopter, offering help with the rescue mission despite an impending typhoon.

The police excavated the sports field overnight, eventually uncovering Yao Yao’s decomposed body buried in a plastic bag.

The case brought no relief to the investigators. Instead, they were left with a sense of grief and frustration as the avengers died, justice was still elusive, and the true culprits remained unpunished.

Xie Lanshan stayed in the storage room after the girls returned to the main cabin, studying Xiao Gu’s body and the scene, suspecting her death had been staged to look like a suicide.

Xiao Gu had struggled violently before her death, which puzzled Xie Lanshan—how could teenage girls overpower an adult woman?

While reflecting on the details of the case, a fire broke out on the ship. Xie Lanshan hurried to help, fearing a potential bomb or explosion, and organized the girls to put out the fire.

Peng Yixuan isolated herself in the master cabin, convinced someone among the girls wanted to kill her. Holding a knife, she was prepared to defend herself and reflected on her twisted family upbringing, including her involvement in Yao Yao’s death.

Zuo Ruoqi came to warn Peng Yixuan about the fire, but Peng Yixuan remained suspicious until she confirmed the danger.

While Xie Lanshan was putting out the fire, Zuo Ruoqi was stabbed and came running for help, with Peng Yixuan chasing her with a bloody knife.

Zuo Ruoqi collapsed into Xie Lanshan’s arms, explaining that Peng Yixuan had attacked her without warning when she tried to pull her out to escape the fire.

Peng Yixuan, still holding the knife, downplayed her actions, claiming self-defense and assuming her minor status would protect her legally.

Xie Lanshan corrected her, reminding her that she had just turned eighteen, making this an attempted homicide charge, not a game.

Rescue efforts were hindered by the raging storm, so helicopters were needed to reach the ship, with Ling Yun offering his assistance due to his connection to Xie Lanshan.

Ling Yun reminded the aerial team captain that Xie Lanshan was once part of the Blue Foxes, expressing his commitment to help save the girls.

The helicopters faced severe turbulence due to the storm, but they managed to reach the sinking ship on the seventh day.

The girls were overjoyed as they were rescued one by one. Lu Weiwei and Zuo Ruoqi were taken first, followed by the rest, with Peng Yixuan and Xie Lanshan being the last to leave.

Before being rescued, Peng Yixuan hinted at a shared darkness between her and Xie Lanshan, suggesting they were both violent and bloodthirsty.

Xie Lanshan dismissed her comments and secured her for the rescue.

After boarding the helicopter, Xie Lanshan reunited with Ling Yun, who saluted him and reassured him they were taking him home.

Back on land, Xie Lanshan was reunited with Shen Liufei at the hospital. Despite his injuries and exhaustion, Shen Liufei showed concern and passion for him.

After the traumatic rescue, Shen Liufei kissed Xie Lanshan, offering comfort and rekindling their connection.

The two shared a private, intimate moment, with Xie Lanshan reflecting on his exhaustion from years of undercover work and expressing his vulnerability.

Despite the emotional tension between them, Shen Liufei comforted Xie Lanshan, and they continued their passionate reunion.

Xie Lanshan's physical exam revealed multiple soft-tissue injuries, a fractured thumb, and a high fever. Tao Jun insisted he rest, fearing Xie would push himself too hard.

Despite being on leave, Xie Lanshan requested the confessions from the girls involved in the kidnapping and reflected on the details of the case, still feeling unsettled.

Yu Yangzi's missing DV camera reappeared, and Xie took the SD card before the rescue, reviewing the footage later.

Shen Liufei suggested that Zuo Ruoqi might have had a connection to Yao Yao, as her middle school was close to the internet café where Yao Yao had arranged to meet her online friend.

Shen Liufei shared his philosophy on justice, emphasizing that even acts of revenge done in the name of justice still break the social contract of humanity.

Xie Lanshan visited Zuo Ruoqi in the hospital, disguising himself as a nurse after hours. They engaged in light conversation, and he gifted her a book titled The Brink of Light and Dark, revealing that Shen Liufei was the artist behind it.

During their chat, Zuo Ruoqi inadvertently revealed her deep knowledge of Go, something she should not have known unless she was more involved in Yao Yao’s disappearance.

Xie Lanshan exposed Zuo Ruoqi as the accomplice to Xiao Gu, but she admitted that Xiao Gu had truly committed suicide, creating a scene to mislead him.

Zuo Ruoqi revealed that Xiao Gu wanted to punish Peng Yixuan by using the legal system to make her suffer, hoping she would face the consequences of her actions once she turned 18.

Zuo Ruoqi expressed uncertainty about what to do next, contemplating turning herself in, but Xie Lanshan reassured her with his own view of justice and handed her the SD card from Yu Yangzi’s camera, implying he would not turn her in.

Before leaving, Xie Lanshan hinted that despite being a cop, he did not always adhere strictly to the law, leaving Zuo Ruoqi in shock and confusion over his true nature.

Both Lu Weiwei and Zuo Ruoqi were recovering in the hospital after escaping critical condition. Xiao Gu’s corpse was examined, but no solid evidence suggested she was murdered. Her killing of Chang Ming was confirmed, while Peng Yixuan faced charges for attempted homicide, with witnesses from the ship able to testify against her.

The kidnapping case and Yao Yao’s mysterious disappearance made national headlines. Though Peng Cheng wasn’t directly implicated in the drug trade, the scandal severely damaged the Starex Group’s reputation. The prosecutor's office decided Peng Yixuan’s age at the time of Yao Yao’s murder could not be used as a prior criminal record, but she would still face charges as an adult.

Sui Hong, captain of the Blue Foxes, arrived in Hanhai City to assist in the investigation of the drug trade case, as the death of Chang Ming had stalled progress.

Chi Jin expressed frustration over not being chosen for undercover missions like Xie Lanshan, believing he was equally qualified. Sui Hong reassured him that Xie had been sent undercover before Chi Jin had completed his training.

Song Qilian visited Sui Hong, revealing a DNA test that proved a connection between Xie Lanshan and Gao Zhuyin. Desperate and emotional, she demanded the truth about Xie Lanshan’s past.

Sui Hong eventually admitted that Xie Lanshan had died during an undercover mission and his face had been severely deformed. To preserve Xie’s identity for an important operation, the authorities used a controversial experimental procedure to transfer memories into the body of a death-row inmate who resembled Xie Lanshan.

The man currently known as Xie Lanshan was originally a serial killer, but his new identity was maintained to prevent the failure of the mission. Sui Hong, devastated, believed Xie would have agreed to this plan, despite its unethical nature.

Song Qilian, horrified by the truth, threatened to expose the situation to higher authorities, but Sui Hong pleaded with her to reconsider, warning that revealing the truth would result in the execution of the current Xie Lanshan.

Song Qilian, overwhelmed by the truth, collapsed in grief, realizing that Xie Lanshan’s discovery of his true identity would be even more traumatic than her own pain. She feared how he would cope with learning he had unknowingly become a different person.

Sui Hong asked Song Qilian to keep the secret about Xie Lanshan's true identity, but she refused. She demanded all the information on the criminal used for the memory transfer. Sui had no choice but to give her the file, while still trying to convince her that the current Xie Lanshan retained the same courageous soul as before.

The file revealed that the man who now had Xie Lanshan’s memories was Ye Shen, a former investment banker turned serial killer. Ye Shen had brutally murdered a family of six, including an eight-year-old boy, in a rural village. The gruesome nature of the crimes horrified Song Qilian.

Ye Shen had also attempted to rape and murder another woman years later, Zhuo Tian, before being caught. He had not denied his crimes, but Zhuo Tian’s body was never found, only traces of her blood and human skin.

Realizing the drastic differences between Xie Lanshan and Ye Shen, Song Qilian connected details she had previously overlooked, such as their different voices and personalities. The most damning evidence was that Xie Lanshan didn’t have dimples, but Ye Shen did, and Ye Shen was openly gay, while Xie Lanshan had never shown interest in men.

When Xie Lanshan came to visit Song Qilian’s house, concerned for her and her son Liu Chang, he was met with confusion and fear. Liu Chang was puzzled by his mother’s sudden hostility towards Xie, but Song Qilian, overwhelmed by her discovery, refused to let him in.

Xie Lanshan, unaware of her internal conflict, was hurt and confused by her cold behavior. He left a white lily at her door, her favorite flower, and reiterated his commitment to always protect her, despite her rejection.

Song Qilian, in her despair, decided to write a letter to the provincial bureau’s director to expose the truth about "Xie Lanshan's" real identity, intending to protect her son from the dangerous man she now saw him as. Xie Lanshan remained oblivious to her plan.

Despite being hurt by Song Qilian’s sudden change in attitude, Xie Lanshan focused on investigating Zhuo Tian, the girl from his dreams.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei grew closer over the past few months. Together, they examined the file on Zhuo Tian, discovering that she had a criminal record for drug use and had been involved with gangs.

They contacted Zhuo Tian’s father, who revealed that she had become involved in drugs and claimed she would quit after a big business deal in Thailand with her boyfriend.

Shen Liufei suggested that Zhuo Tian might have been a drug dealer, which aligned with Xie Lanshan’s job of tracking down evolving narcotics trades. He hinted they could visit Zhuo Tian’s father for more answers, which reassured Xie Lanshan that he was not a monster, just a man grappling with PTSD from his undercover work.

Shen Liufei encouraged Xie Lanshan to forget the trauma from his undercover days and focus on the unresolved red-ice drug case.

Xie Lanshan, feeling lighter and more at ease, playfully suggested Shen Liufei move in with him, especially because it was inconvenient to stay at Shen’s rented place.

While Xie slept peacefully, Shen Liufei secretly burned a file containing fabricated details about Zhuo Tian. He had manipulated the investigation to ease Xie Lanshan’s mind.

In a phone call with someone across the Pacific, Shen Liufei admitted that while he could expose Xie Lanshan's secret to his superiors, he chose not to, deciding to let go of the secret because he saw Xie as a good cop.

Xie Lanshan arrived early for his therapy session with Song Qilian, noticing a heavy envelope on her desk.

The envelope contained not his psychological report, but Ye Shen’s personal files and documents related to the brain transplant procedure. Song Qilian was preparing to send it to the provincial branch.

Despite Xie’s light-hearted attempts to ease the tension, Song Qilian remained emotional and distant, avoiding eye contact. She bid him a painful, final goodbye and asked him to leave.

Instead of leaving, Xie went upstairs to a psychiatric ward, where he had previously promised to bring an old cassette tape of Teresa Teng’s music for an elderly patient with dissociative identity disorder.

After finding a cassette player, Xie played the tape, and danced with the old woman, bringing joy to the patients. The scene was lively, with laughter filling the ward.

Song Qilian arrived to witness this heartwarming moment, but remained silently observing. She listened to a colleague explain Xie’s kindness and dedication to fulfilling the old woman’s request, despite her mental condition.

The joyful atmosphere was interrupted when a violent patient, suffering from schizophrenia, climbed onto the roof, threatening to jump.

Xie quickly followed the medical staff to the roof, learning that the patient believed he was Emperor Wu of Han and that the doctors were plotting against him.

To calm the man, Xie played along with his delusions, kneeling and addressing him as His Imperial Majesty. His act pleased the man long enough for Xie to get close and pull him back to safety.

After the man’s daughter tearfully embraced her father, Xie smiled softly, exhausted but relieved.

Meanwhile, Song Qilian quietly left the scene, her emotions in turmoil. As she returned to her office, she felt the weight of her decision, realizing that the man she once knew was gone, yet it felt like he had never truly left.

When asked if she had any packages to send, she shook her head, deciding not to send the documents and instead placed the envelope in her desk drawer, choosing to keep the secret.

Xie Lanshan helped Shen Liufei move out of his apartment over the weekend, despite Shen's more passive involvement, which included feeding goldfish—a gift from Shen's students.

Xie noticed a photo of a woman and child, which he assumed was Shen's mother, but Shen quickly pocketed it, avoiding further discussion about her.

Their conversation was interrupted when a neighbor, Qiao Hui, arrived asking for help with a romantic gesture. He planned to create a light display spelling out "I love u" on the building by coordinating the lights in various units, including Shen’s.

After agreeing to help, Shen and Xie had an intimate moment, but were interrupted by another visitor: Duan Licheng, a neurosurgeon and an old acquaintance of Shen. Shen dismissed Xie, implying a private conversation with Duan.

Xie left, feeling there were things Shen was hiding from him. He took the goldfish with him, joking about bringing "food for their sons."

As Xie exited the building, a young woman ran into him, accidentally breaking the fish tank. She offered to repay him and exchanged pleasantries, during which Xie gave her Shen's unit number instead of his own.

Xie stayed outside to witness Qiao Hui’s light display at 8 PM. However, the heart in the middle of the display was incomplete because one unit, Shen's, hadn’t turned on its lights as promised.

Tao Jun, a mentor at the Hanhai City municipal bureau, was hospitalized due to a brain tumor. Though his condition wasn't dire, the violent crimes unit visited him, filling his hospital room with concern.

Tao Jun warned Xie Lanshan not to cause trouble while he was out, but Xie avoided discussing Vice Chief Liu and instead inquired about the surgeon handling Tao's surgery.

Duan Licheng, a neurosurgeon who recently returned from the U.S., entered the room with Shen Liufei. The two seemed close, but there was tension between Duan and Xie Lanshan.

After Tao Jun’s hospital visit, Tao Longyue invited the unit to a bar to celebrate, hinting that his proposal to Su Mansheng had succeeded. Coincidentally, Shen Liufei and Duan Licheng were also at the same bar.

During the night, Xie Lanshan couldn’t stop glancing at Shen Liufei, feeling frustrated and suspicious of his relationship with Duan.

After losing a series of dice games, Xie drank heavily, his emotions growing unstable.

Shen Liufei and Duan Licheng had a tense conversation, with Duan hinting that Shen had made the wrong decision. Their closeness aggravated Xie further.

Duan invited Xie to a pool match. Xie played well but was distracted when he saw Duan provocatively bite Shen Liufei’s earlobe.

Enraged, Xie accidentally hit a ball off the table, nearly hitting Duan in the face, causing tension in the bar. Shen scolded Xie, and Duan brushed off the incident, making Xie feel petty.

Overwhelmed by the situation, Xie claimed to have had too much to drink and left the bar abruptly, feeling a splitting headache.

Xie Lanshan wandered the streets to clear his mind, reflecting on how rigid adherence to rules could make people lifeless, like the bare trees lining the street.

After returning home, Xie noticed subtle changes in his apartment, like moved toiletries and the smell of Myanmar Twin Tower cigarettes, which only one person he knew, drug lord Mu Kun, smoked.

Suspecting Mu Kun had broken into his home, Xie cautiously searched his apartment with a knife, prepared for a confrontation.

The door creaked open, but it was Shen Liufei who entered, explaining that he had come to visit their "sons" (referring to the cats). Xie, having been on high alert, calmed down.

Shen noticed Xie was feverish and tried to care for him, but Xie initially rejected his help. Eventually, they shared a brief moment of playfulness before Shen embraced Xie and told him to trust him.

Xie agreed, feeling his lingering frustration dissolve, and they grew physically intimate. Their encounter was marked by a mix of passion and teasing, though Shen remained emotionally controlled.

Unbeknownst to the two men, Mu Kun had been watching them through the window. Seeing Xie Lanshan in an intimate act with another man stirred deep pain and fury within Mu Kun, as he had believed Xie’s previous claim that he was only interested in women.

Tao Longyue called Xie Lanshan early in the morning to inform him that a female corpse had been found near the bar they visited the previous night.

Xie Lanshan rushed out, kissed Shen Liufei goodbye, grabbed breakfast, and headed to the crime scene with Tao Longyue, who was still groggy from the night before.

On the way, Tao Longyue revealed that Song Qilian had given Xie’s therapy report to Vice Chief Liu, which painted Xie as mentally unstable, recommending his transfer to the traffic department.

Xie defended Song Qilian, despite the report seemingly undermining his career.

At the crime scene, they found a half-naked woman’s corpse with a black dog collar and severe mutilation, including a butterfly-shaped piece of skin carved from her stomach.

Xie Lanshan recognized the woman as someone who lived in Shen Liufei’s residential building, which shocked him.

The disturbing nature of the murder scene and the victim’s mutilation triggered something familiar in Xie’s memory, causing a headache and unease.

Despite his discomfort, Xie didn’t openly discuss his strange reaction, claiming only to have a headache.

On the way back, Xie was consumed by the feeling that this case was eerily familiar, though he couldn’t place where he had seen something like it before.

Tao Longyue and Xie Lanshan arrived at the municipal bureau and noticed Song Qilian being pestered by her ex-husband, Liu Mingfang. Xie intervened, but Song asked to speak with Xie alone.

Song Qilian apologized for her report, which recommended transferring Xie to the traffic department due to concerns about his mental stability. Xie reassured her, showing no ill will.

Song Qilian was visibly emotional, torn by her actions but still maintaining her professional stance.

Liu Mingfang, motivated by his son’s news that Song banned Liu Chang from seeing “Uncle Xie,” was trying to reconcile with her, despite their rocky past involving cheating and domestic violence.

Liu Mingfang sought advice from his father, Liu Yanbo, about getting back with Song. During their conversation, Liu Yanbo hinted at concerns about Xie Lanshan’s psychological stability, referencing warnings from Captain Sui of the Blue Foxes, who advised against promoting Xie and suggested monitoring him.

Liu Yanbo revealed rumors suggesting that Xie might have helped the Golden Triangle’s drug lord, Mu Kun, escape, though he didn’t believe them.

The homicide unit identified the murdered woman from the park as Luo Xin, who lived in the same building as Shen Liufei. Her death occurred during the time Qiao Hui was trying to organize his love confession using building lights.

A key discovery was made: the apartment that failed to light up was Luo Xin’s, and a partially erased four-digit number on her palm, recreated as "2103," pointed to Shen Liufei’s apartment.

DNA found under Luo Xin’s fingernails shocked everyone—it matched Xie Lanshan.

Xie Lanshan’s DNA was found at the crime scene because Sui Hong had tampered with the public security database, secretly uploading Ye Shen’s DNA as Xie’s.

Xie Lanshan was interrogated in a harsh, dimly lit room, reminiscent of his time undercover in the Golden Triangle.

Tao Longyue questioned him, asking for an alibi, but Xie’s explanation of encountering the victim briefly and then sheltering from rain couldn’t be corroborated by any witnesses.

The scratches on Xie’s arm, which Tao suggested could have come from the victim’s resistance during a sexual assault, were actually the result of a fight with Duan Licheng.

Xiao Liang applied intense interrogation techniques, shining bright lights in Xie’s eyes, causing him to experience severe headaches and a mental breakdown.

Amidst his breakdown, Xie heard unfamiliar voices, including the name “Ye Shen” and details from a past crime involving Zhuo Tian, raising his confusion and blurring his sense of identity.

Xie grew silent, which increased suspicion, despite Tao’s efforts to defend him. Liu Yanbo, the vice chief, ordered a search warrant and polygraph test to push Xie into confessing.

Shen Liufei requested to speak with Xie for five minutes. During their conversation, Xie asked if Shen had lied about Zhuo Tian’s file. Shen reaffirmed Xie’s identity as a good cop.

Xie, however, expressed doubts and described seeing the bodies of not just the victim but a child, further deepening his confusion and emotional distress.

Xie was taken for a polygraph test, and when asked the simple question of who he was, the polygraph showed significant abnormalities, indicating that Xie’s mental state and identity were in turmoil.

Xie Lanshan had been detained for 48 hours as a suspect in the murder case.

Shen Liufei visited Tao Jun, who was recovering well after surgery, and discussed the case with him.

Tao Jun’s initial reaction to Xie Lanshan’s involvement as a suspect seemed oddly calm and knowing, though he later expressed his belief in Xie’s complicated past.

Shen Liufei declared his belief in Xie’s innocence, despite Tao Jun hinting that his trust might be biased due to personal feelings.

Shen Liufei sought to connect the current case to an old serial killer case from 25 years ago, which shared similar patterns, including the dog collar, sewn-up lips, and skin peeling.

Tao Longyue arrived, revealing that another female victim had been found with identical injuries, likely indicating a serial killer. This discovery could help clear Xie Lanshan’s name.

Shen Liufei researched old cases and found one that matched the current murders, though the original culprit had committed suicide before capture.

Upon returning home, Shen Liufei found Xie Lanshan in a broken state, sitting in a blood-stained bathroom after smashing a mirror and injuring himself.

A violent confrontation occurred between the two, with Xie questioning whether Shen still trusted him, even as he threatened him with broken glass.

Shen Liufei remained calm, eventually de-escalating the situation, after which the two shared a passionate and aggressive encounter.

Shen Liufei treated Xie’s wounds and urged him to care for himself, reminding him that his life no longer solely belonged to him.

Xie Lanshan, emotionally vulnerable, revealed that both his father and now Shen Liufei had shaped his understanding of how a person should live.

Xie Lanshan, despite being ordered to stay away from the case, took matters into his own hands to protect his reputation.

Xie and Shen Liufei decided to visit Zhu Mingwu, Tao Jun’s mentor, to investigate the case before Tao Longyue and his team could.

At the train station, while Shen Liufei went to buy food, a little girl approached Xie Lanshan with a message from Mu Kun, asking if he had found the "Apostle" yet.

Xie Lanshan realized the little girl’s teddy bear was ticking, resembling a bomb. He rushed to place it inside an explosion-proof tank and shielded the girl with his body.

After a tense moment, it was revealed that the teddy bear wasn’t carrying a bomb, just a timer, causing confusion and frustration among bystanders and security.

Reviewing surveillance footage, Xie Lanshan spotted a disguised Mu Kun, who had given the bear to the girl, taunting him with this elaborate prank.

Xie demanded security arrest Mu Kun, but the guards dismissed him, leading Xie to lose his temper and almost assault one of them before Shen Liufei intervened to calm him down.

The incident caused a train delay, leading to public frustration, but Xie Lanshan, feeling on edge, struggled with a growing sense of losing control and questioned his ability to remain a "good cop."

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei finally boarded their train at 8 P.M., with Xie Lanshan mostly silent and lost in thought.

During the trip, Xie Lanshan dreamt about his father, old Xie, and their past basketball games, awakening in tears and reflecting on his father's death.

Xie revealed to Shen Liufei that while undercover in the Golden Triangle, Mu Kun told him that his father was betrayed by a close comrade in the police, referred to as the "Apostle."

Xie Lanshan suspected Liu Yanbo of being the "Apostle" due to his harsh treatment and possible corruption, though Shen Liufei silently suspected Tao Jun.

Upon arrival near midnight, they stayed in a motel before visiting Zhu Mingwu, Tao Jun’s old mentor, the next morning.

Zhu Mingwu shared files on the Cangnan rape-murder case involving Kong Xiangping, a surgeon who killed at least eleven young women, torturing and mutilating his victims.

The case’s only survivor was a young girl known only by the alias "Xiao Man," whose identity had been concealed to protect her from media exposure and trauma.

Zhu Mingwu vividly recalled rescuing Xiao Man, describing her as a beautiful, mixed-ethnicity girl in a red dress.

Before leaving, Shen Liufei asked Zhu Mingwu about Tao Jun's character, and the old man noted that Tao had an unexplainable stubbornness, hinting at potential danger to himself and others.

Another corpse was found with a time of death earlier than the previous two victims, all young women killed similarly: wearing dog collars, mouths slit and sewn shut, and parts of their bodies skinned.

The city was in panic, and the violent crimes unit, including Tao Longyue, faced intense pressure from the serial killings.

On his birthday, Tao Longyue managed to take a break to have dinner with Su Mansheng at her favorite French restaurant.

During dinner, Su Mansheng acted distant, and Tao Longyue sensed she had grown emotionally detached, especially since accepting his proposal.

Su Mansheng asked about Xie Lanshan’s case, learning that he had been cleared due to evidence proving it was a serial killer.

They discussed the killer, with Su Mansheng suggesting the skinning technique indicated the killer could be a doctor or even a chef, someone skilled in handling flesh with precision.

After dinner, they strolled through a mall, where Su Mansheng stared intensely at a red dress on display, making Tao feel something unsettling before she brushed it off.

As they were about to leave, a scream for help rang out from a nearby construction site. Tao rushed to investigate and saw a man in black assaulting a woman in a red dress with a dog collar.

Tao climbed over a fence and tried to save the woman, but the masked man fled. Tao pursued him, engaging in a violent fight.

During the fight, Tao managed to dislocate the suspect’s wrist, but when Su Mansheng screamed, Tao was distracted.

The suspect took advantage of the distraction, pulled out a surgical knife, and stabbed Tao in the abdomen before fleeing.

Tao was left severely injured, frustrated by how close he had been to capturing the killer.

The serial-killer case caused widespread panic among citizens, and rumors circulated online, escalating the urgency for the investigation.

The provincial branch allocated additional resources, including support from the Blue Foxes, to tackle the case and the concurrent red-ice case, both of national importance.

Tang Qinglan, aka Miss T, was keeping a low profile but continued running her businesses, including an all-female nightclub, while also investing in a project linked to Liu Mingfang.

Tang Qinglan and Liu Mingfang met, where she pressed him to do more, specifically to install a hacking app on his father’s phone. Liu Mingfang refused, fearing his father’s keen awareness as a former top drug-enforcement officer.

Tang Qinglan revealed she knew about his father's history with the antidrug unit, specifically the title "Flaming Triangles," implying deep knowledge of his father’s past cases.

Liu Mingfang realized he was trapped in a dangerous situation with Tang Qinglan, unable to back out of their dealings.

Xia Hong, Liu Mingfang’s secretary and occasional lover, interrupted their conversation, displaying jealousy towards Tang Qinglan.

Afterward, Tang Qinglan seduced Liu Mingfang and invited him to the club, where he became heavily intoxicated.

The next morning, Liu Mingfang woke up next to the bloody corpse of Xia Hong, realizing she had been murdered. Tang Qinglan offered him two choices: call the police or help her dispose of the body.

Tang Qinglan manipulated Liu Mingfang, forcing him to cooperate by planting spies in the municipal bureau in exchange for getting rid of the body.

Liu Mingfang was terrified, realizing he was deeply entangled in Tang Qinglan’s web and had no way out.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei visited the provincial hospital to investigate Xiao Man’s case from over 20 years ago.

A nurse who remembered the case explained that Xiao Man had suffered severe physical and mental trauma and was placed in an all-female convent after treatment.

The nurse revealed that the convent was chosen for Xiao Man’s recovery, as the headmaster was a kind figure who believed in healing through faith.

The two men traveled to the convent, which was a peaceful, secluded location, and met the headmaster, who was reluctant to discuss Xiao Man, claiming she had healed and moved on.

Shen Liufei explained that they needed information to solve a new, similar case, but the headmaster was still resistant, insisting on protecting Xiao Man’s peace.

Xie Lanshan pressed further, eventually deducing that Xiao Man had recently visited the convent, which the headmaster reluctantly confirmed, but she still refused to disclose more details.

The headmaster departed, and a young nun offered to show them around but claimed to know nothing about Xiao Man.

Shen Liufei noticed a deaf and mute girl drawing outside and, realizing she might have valuable observational skills, asked to engage with her through drawing.

Xie Lanshan learned basic sign language to communicate with the girl, asking her to draw a portrait of a beautiful woman who had recently visited the headmaster.

The girl drew multiple sketches, and after a long session, she confidently chose the most accurate portrait.

To Xie Lanshan’s shock, the drawing resembled Doctor Su Mansheng.

Before they could fully process this revelation, Shen Liufei received a call from Ding Li, who reported that Tao Longyue had been stabbed by the serial killer during a date with Su Mansheng.

Ding Li informed them that Tao Longyue had saved a girl who survived the attack and could be a key witness to identifying the killer.

The surviving girl from the serial-killer attack likely saw the culprit’s face, and Shen Liufei was needed to create a forensic sketch based on her account.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei rushed back to Hanhai from Cangnan to continue the investigation.

They returned with new information, now strongly suspecting Su Mansheng might be involved in the case due to her possible connection with Xiao Man and the forensic skills needed for the precise skinning of the victims.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei speculated that Xiao Man may have become the killer, with the man who attacked Tao Longyue being her accomplice.

They questioned why the murders had resumed after a 20-year gap and hypothesized that Xiao Man may have been triggered by external factors, turning from victim to killer.

Tao Longyue was recovering from his injury and was frustrated at not catching the culprit. He asked Duan Licheng about the rescued girl, who was physically stable but traumatized.

The girl kept repeating the phrase "red dress," a potential clue.

Reporters swarmed the hospital, demanding information about the case, causing a disturbance. Duan Licheng confronted them, using legal threats to quiet them down and promising a formal update.

Afterward, Duan Licheng and Tao Longyue discussed Shen Liufei. Duan revealed that Shen’s entire family had been murdered when he was fourteen, a tragic event that shaped his life, and explained that Shen was adopted by his art mentor afterward.

The rescued girl, who seemed to be around 14 or 15 years old, was deeply traumatized and only repeated the words "red dress." She feared physical contact and would only trust Tao Longyue and Su Mansheng, who had saved her.

Unable to find her family, Song Qilian suggested the girl stay temporarily with Su Mansheng for recovery, naming her Xiao Qun. Song Qilian also stayed with them, needing a break from her own personal issues.

Tao Longyue was recovering in the hospital when Xie Lanshan visited him. The two joked around, but the conversation quickly turned serious as Xie questioned how Tao Longyue had let the culprit escape during the chase.

Su Mansheng entered the room, and during a tense exchange, Xie Lanshan hinted at suspecting her involvement in the murders, but she remained calm and evasive.

After Su Mansheng left, Xie Lanshan revealed to Tao Longyue the connection between the current murders and the 25-year-old Cangnan Serial Rape-Murder case, in which 11 women were tortured and killed similarly.

Xie Lanshan explained that the original killer had no family, but a surviving victim from that case was a young girl, now revealed to be Su Mansheng.

Tao Longyue was in shock and furious, denying that Su Mansheng’s past mattered to him and becoming violent when Xie Lanshan suggested that she might have helped the current killer escape.

The two friends fought, and Tao Longyue injured himself in the process, venting his frustration at Xie Lanshan while revealing that Shen Liufei had also suffered the trauma of his entire family being murdered.

Xie Lanshan left the hospital, deeply affected by the revelations.

Xie Lanshan initially felt betrayed when Tao Longyue revealed Shen Liufei’s past to him, but after thinking it over, he realized that everyone deserved privacy for their personal pain.

As November temperatures dropped, Xie Lanshan enjoyed the domestic life with Shen Liufei, appreciating the small details like Shen making him breakfast.

Despite lingering thoughts about Shen Liufei's hidden past, Xie Lanshan chose not to press him, focusing instead on showing love and patience, determined to "make him his" completely.

Xie Lanshan was in a good mood as he prepared to visit Tao Longyue in the hospital, feeling optimistic about the day and the case.

At the hospital, Xie Lanshan ran into Qiao Hui, a young doctor who had previously made a romantic confession at Shen Liufei’s place. They exchanged pleasantries, and Qiao Hui mentioned that Tao Longyue’s forensic doctor girlfriend didn’t stay with him the previous night.

During their conversation, Xie noticed Qiao Hui's infatuated gaze following a nurse dressed in a bright red dress, suggesting a possible romantic or obsessive interest.

Xie Lanshan entered Tao Longyue’s hospital room, ready to make amends after their fight, but discovered that Tao was no longer in his bed.

Tao Longyue returned to the crime scene where he had saved the young girl to search for new evidence, still tormented by his suspicions regarding Su Mansheng’s potential involvement with the killer.

Despite his efforts, Tao found no new evidence and reflected on how Su Mansheng’s unexpected scream during the incident had allowed the killer to escape.

Tao Longyue decided to visit the restaurant where he and Su Mansheng had dined the night of the crime, where he noticed the head chef, Le Goff, with a bandaged wrist.

Remembering that he had injured the killer’s wrist during their fight, Tao suspected Le Goff might be the culprit and confronted him in the restaurant’s kitchen, demanding to see the injury.

The confrontation escalated into a physical fight between Tao and Le Goff, with Tao eventually overpowering the chef and discovering that Le Goff's injury was a legitimate burn, not a sprain.

The police were called, and Tao, Le Goff, and even a nearby female reporter, Hao Sijing, were taken to the municipal bureau.

Liu Yanbo angrily reprimanded Tao Longyue and Xie Lanshan for their reckless behavior and for failing to follow proper investigation procedures, threatening Tao with reassignment to the traffic department.

Su Mansheng arrived with Xiao Qun, the girl Tao had rescued, confirming that Le Goff was not the killer.

Under intense pressure from Liu Yanbo, Tao Longyue admitted he was overwhelmed by the case, but before the situation could escalate further, Su Mansheng stepped forward and revealed that she was the missing survivor from the original Cangnan case, Xiao Man.

Su Mansheng entered the questioning room to give her account of the Cangnan Serial Rape-Murder case. Song Qilian accompanied her as a psychologist in case traumatic memories were triggered.

Xie Lanshan conducted the questioning, keeping it professional and objective. Su Mansheng calmly recounted the events, showing no emotional reaction, which Song Qilian later noted as abnormal.

Su Mansheng revealed that the killer, Kong Xiangping, had an obsession with women wearing red dresses and long black hair, whom he collected like dolls, locking them in his basement, torturing, and killing them.

She couldn’t recall exactly how long she was trapped but remembered that all the other girls died. When asked why she survived, she hesitated briefly before stating that she survived by yielding to the killer and serving him.

After the session, Xie Lanshan felt melancholic, and Song Qilian attempted to comfort him, though she struggled to express her thoughts.

As Su Mansheng and Xiao Qun left the municipal bureau, they were confronted by the reporter Hao Sijing, who accused Su Mansheng of possibly being an accomplice in the Cangnan case. Su Mansheng dismissed her accusations and left with Xiao Qun.

Later, Su Mansheng had an emotional breakdown in her car, burying her face in the steering wheel, but it was unclear if she was crying or laughing.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei revisited the clues about the case, focusing on the red dress connection. Shen Liufei hypothesized that the killer might have fixated on the victims after seeing them in red dresses and later committed the murders.

They investigated surveillance footage from the building of the first victim, Luo Xin, and discovered that intern doctor Qiao Hui had visited her two days before the murder.

In the footage, Luo Xin was seen wearing a red dress while talking to Qiao Hui, raising suspicion that he might be the killer. Xie Lanshan recalled Qiao Hui’s obsessive gaze at a nurse, confirming his suspicions.

A young woman was assaulted from behind, losing consciousness after being struck on the head. She woke to find her mouth sewn shut, a dog collar around her neck, and Qiao Hui standing over her, holding a surgical knife.

Qiao Hui tried to calm her, warning her not to scream, as cries would attract the police. He reminisced about his obsession with women in red dresses with long black hair while preparing to skin the woman.

Before Qiao Hui could proceed, barking dogs and the sound of approaching footsteps and motorbikes interrupted him. Realizing he'd been discovered, he fled, leaving the woman behind.

Xie Lanshan had already contacted Puren Hospital, suspecting the young woman from earlier was in danger. Rescue dogs and a team were dispatched to locate her.

As the woman cried for help, Shen Liufei pursued Qiao Hui on a motorbike. Qiao Hui fled toward the lake, eventually jumping into the water to escape.

Despite wanting to chase him, Shen Liufei stopped Xie Lanshan from jumping into the dangerous waters. The police arrived but were unable to recover Qiao Hui’s body, leaving his fate uncertain.

Meanwhile, another victim, Xia Hong, was found dead, matching the pattern of the previous killings. This confirmed that Qiao Hui had struck again.

The police issued a wanted notice for Qiao Hui and warned women to be cautious. Media reports began connecting the case to the Cangnan Serial Killer from decades ago, shifting public attention to Su Mansheng (Xiao Man), questioning her past.

Online rumors about Su Mansheng being an accomplice to the original killer spread, with many questioning how she survived while all other victims perished.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei investigated Qiao Hui's personal life, learning from a woman he had pursued that Qiao Hui displayed signs of a psychological disorder, particularly an Oedipus complex. The woman described Qiao Hui’s unhealthy relationship with an older "family member," possibly his mother.

Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan suspected that Qiao Hui could be Kong Xiangping’s son, which explained his psychotic tendencies. However, it was unclear if the older woman was his birth mother or someone else, potentially linking her to Su Mansheng.

As they discussed the case, Shen Liufei hinted at philosophical motivations for the murders, referencing human desires for happiness, cruelty, and altruism.

The chapter concluded with Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan heading to visit Tao Longyue at the hospital, their banter hinting at the deepening bond between them.

Xie Lanshan questioned Tao Longyue about whether Qiao Hui knew Su Mansheng was a forensic scientist, suspecting they had prior contact. Tao, angry and defensive, denied any knowledge and dismissed Xie's suspicions.

Xie Lanshan explained the inconsistencies in the case, suggesting Qiao Hui might just be a puppet and that someone else, possibly Su Mansheng, was behind the murders.

Tao Longyue refused to listen, resulting in a heated argument where Tao mentioned Shen Liufei's hidden past. Xie, frustrated, stormed out of the room.

After considering Xie's points, Tao left the hospital to visit Su Mansheng. Upon arriving, he saw hateful graffiti on her door, accusing her of being a murderer, likely a result of online harassment.

Tao brought groceries and tried to lighten the mood by cooking for Su and Xiao Qun, despite his lack of cooking skills. The meal lifted the tense atmosphere slightly, but underlying issues remained.

During the evening, Xiao Qun warned Tao that Su Mansheng had been acting strangely, talking to herself in a disturbing way.

Tao, still concerned, confronted Su Mansheng later, asking why she hadn’t revealed that Kong Xiangping had a son and if she knew Qiao Hui. She deflected his questions, insisting she didn’t remember or know.

Despite his suspicions, Tao wanted to help Su and suggested she see a therapist, which led to a tense moment where she lashed out, forcing him to leave.

That night, strange knocking noises echoed from Su's room, disturbing Xiao Qun. The next morning, Xiao Qun discovered Su’s room in disarray and saw letters on her bed.

Su Mansheng, now wearing a necklace Qiao Hui had gifted, took Xiao Qun to therapy with Song Qilian, who offered emotional support. Su opened up slightly, revealing that she saw Xiao Qun as a reflection of her younger self.

In a private session with Song, Su finally admitted she suspected she had dissociative identity disorder. She confessed to finding disturbing evidence like human skin and letters from Qiao Hui in her possession, even though she couldn’t remember how they got there.

Su feared that she was the one who had been controlling Qiao Hui all along and that her alternate personality was responsible for the murders.

Shen Liufei returned to his apartment to clean up and prepare to move in with Xie Lanshan. While looking at old case files, he reflected on the past, feeling conflicted about his relationship with Xie and their shared history.

Song Qilian visited Shen Liufei, seeking his help with a mental health case related to the serial killer case, without revealing the patient’s identity (implied to be Su Mansheng). She asked for his expertise in criminal profiling, hoping to help both the patient and Xie Lanshan solve the case.

Meanwhile, Su Mansheng woke from a trancelike state, disturbed by the sight of three lit candles and a bloodied doll near her bathtub—recreating a scene from her past trauma. She was horrified and on the verge of a breakdown.

Xiao Qun, hearing the commotion, entered the room. In her panicked state, Su Mansheng accused the girl of setting up the disturbing scene. When Xiao Qun pointed at her, saying "you did it," Su Mansheng was shaken.

Su Mansheng began contemplating suicide, feeling overwhelmed by guilt and the pressure of the rumors surrounding her. She picked up a surgical knife, prepared to harm herself, but was interrupted by the arrival of police sirens.

Tao Longyue arrived, dragging Su Mansheng out of the house, informing her that Qiao Hui had struck again nearby, injuring another victim who was now being taken to the hospital.

At the crime scene, Tao Longyue and the team were frustrated that Qiao Hui had escaped once again. Xie Lanshan suggested using a female officer as bait to lure Qiao Hui out, specifically mentioning Ding Li.

Ding Li, terrified, refused to participate. However, Su Mansheng volunteered to be the bait, expressing confidence that she could lure Qiao Hui out.

Su Mansheng decided that the best way to draw out Qiao Hui would be to publicly accept an interview on television with Eastern Eye Witness, the news outlet that had been harassing her. She believed this was the most effective way to attract the killer’s attention and bring him to justice.

Su Mansheng was aware that the setup to capture Qiao Hui and the fake assault were orchestrated by Song Qilian to awaken her sense of justice.

Song Qilian hadn’t broken her promise to Su Mansheng about keeping her suspected dissociative identity disorder private, but she used the situation to spur Su Mansheng into action.

Su Mansheng planned to expose her mental health issues after completing her TV interview and capturing Qiao Hui.

Xie Lanshan was grateful to Song Qilian for helping resolve the tension between him and Tao Longyue, appreciating her contribution to the case.

Song Qilian and Xie Lanshan shared a tender moment, holding hands, which hinted at rekindled closeness between them.

Shen Liufei observed the interaction between Song Qilian and Xie Lanshan from afar, choosing not to intervene. He contemplated his own relationship with Xie while dealing with the stress of the case.

Su Mansheng prepared to appear on the popular television program Eastern Eye Witness, hosted by Xing Ming. Known for its sharp and controversial reporting, the program guaranteed a wide audience, ensuring that Qiao Hui would see her.

Dressed in a red dress with long black hair, Su Mansheng presented herself confidently during the interview. She faced the audience calmly and addressed the vicious rumors against her with powerful words.

She condemned society’s tendency to blame victims of assault and called out those who had emotionally abused her online, equating them to rapists for the psychological harm they caused.

The host allowed her to continue her speech despite concerns from the director, leading to a powerful moment where she declared that she forgave herself and would continue to love and be loved.

The audience applauded, and Tao Longyue, emotional and proud, joined in.

After the show, Su Mansheng thanked the host, Xing Ming, for the opportunity to speak her mind. Xing Ming admired her courage and promised to investigate the spread of online rumors about her, hinting at potential involvement by someone in their program.

The episode quickly became a trending topic online, and Su Mansheng, now waiting for Qiao Hui to take the bait, arranged for Xiao Qun to stay with Song Qilian for safety.

The police were monitoring Su Mansheng’s residence for over a week, waiting for Qiao Hui to act, but saw no sign of him.

Xiao Liang and Ding Li were on duty outside Su Mansheng’s home when Xiao Liang noticed something suspicious about a delivery boy who had entered the building.

Su Mansheng had disconnected all communication devices and requested police listening devices throughout her house to ensure her other personality couldn’t contact Qiao Hui.

When Qiao Hui entered her house in disguise, Su Mansheng lured him into her bedroom, where she had prepared to confront him.

Su Mansheng ambushed Qiao Hui, stabbing him in the shoulder, but he fought back, striking her with a metal rod. The two engaged in a brutal fight.

Su Mansheng used her boxing skills to gain the upper hand, ultimately pinning Qiao Hui and stabbing him fatally in the throat.

After killing Qiao Hui, Su Mansheng felt a sense of relief and faced the aftermath with calmness.

Tao Longyue arrived at the scene after the fight, embracing Su Mansheng despite her injuries.

The next day, Su Mansheng turned herself in, confessing to having dissociative identity disorder and presenting evidence, including letters and a necklace that suggested she had influenced Qiao Hui’s murders.

However, an investigation revealed the letters had been fabricated recently to look older, and drugs were found in Su Mansheng’s water, suggesting she had been drugged and manipulated, leading to her strange behavior and belief she was responsible for Qiao Hui’s actions.

The violent crimes unit realized that the true mastermind behind the murders was not Su Mansheng and concluded that she didn’t have dissociative identity disorder. This led them to suspect that the "mother" behind Qiao Hui’s killings was someone else.

The team initially suspected Xiao Qun, but they struggled to believe that a seemingly innocent teenage girl could be involved in the murders, especially since she was too young to have been part of the Cangnan incident.

Shen Liufei proposed a theory that Xiao Qun could be much older than she appeared and that she might have been involved with Kong Xiangping, the original Cangnan serial killer. He suggested that she could have had a child, and that child was Qiao Hui.

The team deduced that Xiao Qun, possibly harboring Stockholm syndrome, might have had a twisted love for Kong Xiangping and held a deep resentment toward Su Mansheng, leading her to orchestrate the recent murders.

The team realized the danger too late. Xiao Qun was staying with Song Qilian for therapy, and they feared she might harm her.

Meanwhile, at Song Qilian’s house, Xiao Qun revealed her true identity. She attacked Song Qilian and tied up her son, trapping him in a bathtub.

Xiao Qun admitted that she had been pretending to be a traumatized victim to hide her true identity and intentions. Her real voice and demeanor exposed her as much older than she appeared.

Xiao Qun blamed Song Qilian for indirectly killing her son, revealing her deep hatred and her role as the mastermind behind Qiao Hui's killings.

Song Qilian, after being brutally beaten, asked Xiao Qun who her son was. Xiao Qun angrily explained that she had willingly helped Kong Xiangping lure and kill girls because she loved him and later had a son with him.

Xiao Qun revealed she killed Kong Xiangping when he fell in love with another girl, and she vowed revenge by murdering the children of others, including Song Qilian’s son.

Xiao Qun tried to drown Song Qilian’s son in the bathtub as revenge for the death of her own son.

Song Qilian bought time by pretending to agree with Xiao Qun's twisted logic, and as a result, she managed to break free of her restraints and save her son, just as Xie Lanshan arrived.

Xiao Qun attempted to flee but was cornered by Xie Lanshan on the rooftop. She blamed Su Mansheng for her tragic life and claimed Kong Xiangping had loved her, but Xie Lanshan dismissed her delusions and confronted her with the truth that Kong was merely a predator.

Xiao Qun, in a state of madness, charged at Xie Lanshan but was easily disarmed and fell off the rooftop.

Xie Lanshan caught her wrist and hesitated before ultimately deciding not to save her, releasing his grip.

Xiao Qun fell to her death, her body mangled on the ground. Despite her horrific fall, she died with a peaceful smile on her face, signaling her belief in her actions to the very end.

Tao Longyue rushed up the stairs and encountered Xie Lanshan, who calmly explained that the suspect had refused arrest and jumped to her death.

Tao Longyue was suspicious of Xie Lanshan's calmness but refrained from questioning further. Xie Lanshan moved on to check on Song Qilian and her son, Liu Chang.

Liu Chang proudly told Xie Lanshan that he had held his breath underwater for three minutes, while Song Qilian tearfully embraced Xie Lanshan and kissed him passionately. Xie Lanshan did not reciprocate but also did not push her away, which stunned Tao Longyue.

Shen Liufei, who witnessed the kiss, remained expressionless and left the scene, speeding off on his motorbike to clear his mind.

Feeling the need to vent, Shen Liufei visited a boxing bar where he quickly defeated his opponent, a-Xun, but was caught off guard by a-Xun's sneak attack with a knife, resulting in a stab wound to Shen Liufei's hand.

Xie Lanshan, upon learning of the attack, rushed to Shen Liufei's side and treated his injury with police-grade medicine. As they bonded over their mutual care for one another, Xie Lanshan reassured Shen Liufei that, while he would always protect Song Qilian as a sister, Shen Liufei was special to him.

The two shared an intimate moment, with Xie Lanshan performing a sexual act for Shen Liufei for the first time, leading to a deeper emotional connection between them.

After their intimate moment, Shen Liufei finally opened up about his tragic past, recounting how his mother endured years of abuse from his father, who ultimately caused great suffering for their family. He expressed complex feelings, suggesting that his mother's death at the hands of the culprit may have been a release from her suffering.

Xie Lanshan later visited the boxing bar to track down a-Xun, who had gone into hiding. He found a-Xun at a hotpot gathering and confronted him, intending to exact punishment for injuring Shen Liufei.

Before Xie Lanshan could deal with a-Xun, a mysterious luxury car arrived, revealing Mu Kun, a notorious drug lord and Xie Lanshan's old enemy.

Mu Kun taunted Xie Lanshan, revealing his disfigured face from past encounters with the cop, and implied that he had been thinking of ways to kill Xie for years.

However, Mu Kun confessed that he no longer wanted to kill Xie Lanshan, instead threatening to harm Shen Liufei if Xie pursued him.

Mu Kun revealed that someone within the "Flaming Triangle" of the drug enforcement team was secretly working for him but struck Xie Lanshan on the head before disclosing who it was.

As Xie Lanshan lost consciousness, the last words he heard from Mu Kun were, "A-Lan, I’ve missed you. Did you miss me?"

Xie Lanshan recalled his first time going undercover in the Golden Triangle, an area not only rampant with illegal drugs but also a hot spot for human trafficking. He had witnessed extreme poverty and desperation.

During one mission, Mu Kun, a drug lord, visited a poor village. Xie Lanshan gave a red rose to a local girl, symbolizing a spark of hope in the darkness, but the locals, desperate for drugs, dismissed it.

A midlevel boss under Mu Kun mocked Xie for his gesture and later attempted to assault him. Mu Kun entered and shot the man, suspecting him of being a spy for a rival, Guan Nuoqin.

On their way back from the village, Xie saw the same girl holding the rose he had given her, which reignited his faith despite the bleakness of his surroundings.

Xie woke up in a hospital after surviving an encounter with Mu Kun. Tao Longyue was by his side, and Xie realized that Mu Kun had been watching him for some time.

Xie Lanshan grew suspicious of Tao Jun, believing there could be a traitor in their team, but dismissed the thought, thinking it might be part of Mu Kun's plan to sow distrust.

Tao Longyue shared that he was planning to marry Su Mansheng, and Xie joked about being the best man. However, Xie quickly left the hospital to report Mu Kun's return to his superior, Sui Hong.

Xie arrived at the provincial branch, which brought back memories of his past in the Blue Fox Commando, where he had honed his skills. The sight of the office gave him a sense of belonging.

At the provincial office, Xie joined a meeting with Sui Hong and the Blue Fox team. He reported that Mu Kun had resurfaced and connected several recent crimes, including the appearance of red ice and a high school drug case, to Mu Kun's activities.

Sui Hong hinted at wanting Xie to rejoin the Blue Fox Commando, but before Xie could respond, Chi Jin objected to the idea, signaling potential conflict within the team.

Chi Jin confronted Xie Lanshan, accusing him of being suspicious for returning unharmed after encountering Mu Kun.

Chi Jin escalated his accusations, questioning how Xie could have survived six years undercover without any scars, while other officers had suffered serious injuries.

Sui Hong attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Chi Jin pressed on, accusing Xie Lanshan of being a traitor for not pursuing Mu Kun.

Sui Hong slapped Chi Jin for his behavior, leaving the room stunned.

Xie Lanshan, bitter but unwilling to further the conflict, saluted Sui Hong, acknowledging the Blue Fox as his home, and left the room.

After wandering the provincial branch, Xie ended up at the old file room, recalling the past. He unsuccessfully attempted to access it with his old fingerprint.

Chi Jin, still angry, found Xie at the file room and accused him of skulking around. He tried to block Xie’s path and threw a punch.

Xie countered with a more aggressive move, pinning Chi Jin against the wall, showing a much darker and more dangerous side than the benevolent image Chi Jin had of him.

Xie threatened Chi Jin, warning him not to provoke him again, before leaving the building.

Shen Liufei continued to have doubts about the connection between Xia Hong and Qiao Hui, finding no overlap between their social circles or usual areas of activity.

He reviewed surveillance footage from Puren Hospital and confirmed Xia Hong had never visited, reinforcing his suspicions about her murder.

Shen Liufei confided in Duan Licheng, who expressed concern for Shen Liufei’s safety after the recent attack at the bar. Duan believed someone was targeting him.

Duan Licheng reminded Shen Liufei of his quest for justice regarding his family's murder and tried to convince him to return to the U.S., but Shen Liufei refused, even though he harbored a strange feeling that his mother was still alive.

Duan Licheng pushed Shen Liufei to investigate further, accusing him of being distracted by his relationship with Xie Lanshan, whom he believed to be the real killer of Shen Liufei’s family.

Shen Liufei rejected Duan’s claims, but the tension between them was high until Shen Liufei left after receiving a call from Xie Lanshan.

Xie Lanshan, meanwhile, was struggling with the possibility that his body might not entirely be his own, recalling past experiences and recent strange feelings.

The two met at a park by a lake, where Xie Lanshan was lost in deep thought about his identity. Shen Liufei approached and pulled him back from the edge, offering comfort.

They then proceeded to investigate Xia Hong’s case, feeling as though someone was watching them.

Visiting Xia Hong's house, they noticed the absence of the color red, a detail tied to her superstitions.

They followed clues to a chiropractor clinic run by an old blind man, who told them Xia Hong had been a regular customer seeking advice to marry her wealthy boss.

The old man revealed Xia Hong’s superstition about the color red, further complicating the notion that she would have been walking in a red dress, as Qiao Hui’s other victims had.

This led them to consider that Xia Hong’s death might have been a copycat crime, taking advantage of the ongoing serial-killer case to cover up her murder.

Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan speculated that Xia Hong’s boss, Liu Mingfang, might be involved, as he had left out details about his relationship with her when he gave his witness statement to the police.

Despite their personal conflicts with Liu Mingfang, they agreed that he was likely hiding something crucial.

Chi Jin revisited his memories of the first time he met Sui Hong, who saved him from a fire when he was a child, inspiring him to become a cop.

Despite their complicated relationship, Chi Jin cared deeply for Sui Hong and brought him a bottle of special cough syrup to help with the captain's chronic cough.

Chi Jin expressed his suspicions about Xie Lanshan to Sui Hong, suggesting that Mu Kun had let Lanshan go multiple times, raising doubts about his loyalty.

Sui Hong defended Xie Lanshan, stating that Lanshan could never be a traitor, but refused to explain why he trusted him so much, leaving Chi Jin hurt and confused.

Sui Hong, haunted by guilt and regret over his relationship with Xie Lanshan, distanced himself emotionally from Chi Jin, rejecting any possibility of romantic feelings.

Sui Hong received a call from Duan Licheng, who hinted at involvement in the conspiracy and the need for caution.

Liu Yanbo, pressured by the reopening of Xia Hong’s case, questioned his son Liu Mingfang about any involvement. Mingfang lied and hid his guilt, though he felt the walls closing in.

Mingfang, desperate for help, contacted Tang Qinglan, who suggested he sabotage Xie Lanshan by digging up or fabricating dirt on him to get him transferred.

Tang Qinglan revealed her own agenda: she wanted Liu Mingfang to help turn a Blue Fox team member to their side in exchange for her help with Lanshan.

Liu Mingfang, inspired by Tang Qinglan, decided to investigate the report that Song Qilian had written about Xie Lanshan. To do this, he subtly questioned his son, Liu Chang, about the conflict between his mother and Xie Lanshan.

Liu Chang initially resisted but was eventually bribed into revealing that his mother had written a letter about Xie Lanshan to the provincial branch but might not have sent it.

Liu Mingfang went to Song Qilian’s office while she was out and found the yellow envelope containing the report addressed to Peng Huaili, the director of the public security provincial branch. After taking the letter, he left before she returned.

Meanwhile, Chi Jin, frustrated and emotionally drained after returning to Hanhai from a mission and still dealing with tension from his interactions with Xie Lanshan, drank heavily at a bar.

At the bar, Chi Jin was harassed by two women, which escalated into a minor confrontation. Liu Mingfang intervened, helping to defuse the situation.

Liu Mingfang, knowing Chi Jin’s animosity toward Xie Lanshan, subtly began trying to manipulate Chi Jin, offering him drinks and playing on his frustrations with Lanshan.

After the drinking session, Liu Mingfang helped escort a drunk Chi Jin back home, hoping to eventually use him to further his and Tang Qinglan's plans.

Once home, Liu Mingfang examined the contents of the yellow envelope and was shocked by its revelations, which made sense given the recent changes he had observed in Xie Lanshan.

Realizing the power this information gave him, Liu Mingfang sent the incriminating document to Peng Huaili, anticipating the chaos it would unleash.

Two major events occurred in Handong Province just before New Year’s Day: Wen Jue, a popular idol, went missing while filming a reality show near the Myanmar border, and Captain Sui Hong of the Blue Foxes took a sudden long vacation amidst the rising drug crisis.

Wen Jue’s manager, Han Guangming, initially dismissed the disappearance as a PR opportunity but eventually contacted the police after no contact for three days. Investigation revealed Wen Jue had been kidnapped by a drug lord’s subordinate for human trafficking.

The provincial bureau prepared to collaborate with Thai police to rescue Wen Jue.

Meanwhile, rumors spread that Sui Hong was either taking a break due to declining health or had been excused after an argument with Director Peng. Xie Lanshan found it suspicious that Sui Hong, a man who would fight until the end, would take a break during such a crucial time.

Amidst these events, Xie Lanshan was assigned to a community self-defense event at Normal University, likely an attempt by Chief Liu Yanbo to distract him from investigating Xia Hong’s case.

Before attending the event, Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei checked Shen Liufei's old mailbox, where Shen Liufei expressed concern over the lack of recent postcards from Tang Xiaomo, a friend who had been traveling. Her sudden silence and a previous mention of being followed made Shen Liufei uneasy.

After arriving at the university, Xie Lanshan discovered the event had been canceled, though no one had informed him.

Upon contacting the bureau, Xiao Liang told him that the provincial branch had ordered him to suspend all public security work immediately, but provided no explanation.

Feeling unsettled, Xie Lanshan waited alone on a stone bench at the university, sensing that something bad was going to happen. His sixth sense, honed from years of working in public security, was warning him of an impending threat.

As he waited, memories of his pride in becoming a policeman surfaced, particularly the honor of wearing his uniform. He removed his jacket in the chilly winter air, lost in thought, and felt disconnected from the present as the sky above him grew darker, signaling a looming change.

An express package was sent to the Handong Provincial Branch of Public Security, containing files about Ye Shen that led to Director Peng's fury and immediate summoning of Captain Sui Hong.

The files, taken by Liu Mingfang from Song Qilian, exposed the truth about Xie Lanshan’s identity. Director Peng was furious, berating Sui Hong for having allowed a dangerous murderer, Ye Shen, to undergo a brain transplant and become a cop.

Sui Hong did not defend his actions, admitting he had acted alone, without the knowledge of others like Liu Yanbo or Tao Jun. Director Peng, disturbed by the idea of such a highly trained killer going rogue, declared that Ye Shen must be taken back and executed as originally planned.

In a last-ditch effort, Sui Hong kneeled before Director Peng, pleading for one last chance for Xie Lanshan. He emotionally vouched for Xie, asserting that he was a good cop and begged for leniency.

Director Peng agreed to give Xie Lanshan one final chance on the condition that he could prove he was still the cop they knew and not the infamous criminal, Ye Shen.

As a result, Sui Hong took a sudden extended vacation, preparing to travel to Hanhai to handle the situation. He tasked Ling Yun with overseeing operations and warned him to watch over Chi Jin, who might act rashly due to his temper.

Sui Hong’s past, including his personal reluctance to marry due to his dangerous job, is revealed. Chi Jin, who had harbored feelings for Sui Hong since high school, had once vowed to stay by his side.

Sui Hong visited Shen Liufei and revealed that the provincial branch now knew about Xie Lanshan’s past. He explained that Song Qilian had suggested that if Xie Lanshan could prove his loyalty to her and their past relationship, it might convince Director Peng that he was not Ye Shen.

Sui Hong asked Shen Liufei to make a sacrifice for the sake of Xie Lanshan’s survival—returning Xie to Song Qilian, even though it would mean personal heartbreak for Shen Liufei. He pleaded with Shen Liufei to "give Xie Lanshan back to Song Qilian."

Sui Hong visited Shen Liufei, asking him to let Xie Lanshan return to Song Qilian, to protect him from being exposed as Ye Shen.

Shen Liufei firmly rejected the request, expressing frustration over how Xie Lanshan had been manipulated by the police without his consent.

Sui Hong admitted guilt but tried to justify his actions, claiming that if he could have asked Xie Lanshan back then, he would have agreed. Shen Liufei retorted that Xie should now be given the chance to decide for himself.

Shen Liufei vowed to stay by Xie Lanshan’s side until the day he no longer needed him. Before leaving, Sui Hong asked whether Shen Liufei could truly love a man who had murdered his family.

Shen Liufei couldn’t answer this question but reflected on it after Sui Hong’s departure.

Xie Lanshan returned home and found the table set with a meal prepared by Shen Liufei. Despite joking around, he admitted that he had been suspended from work.

Xie Lanshan vented about the hardships of being a cop, recounting traumatic experiences from his undercover days. He laughed and cursed, releasing years of pent-up frustration, before breaking down emotionally.

The night took an intense turn when the two men engaged in a passionate and rough sexual encounter, with Xie Lanshan behaving desperately and Shen Liufei accommodating him despite the discomfort.

After the intimacy, Xie Lanshan broke down, tearfully confessing his desire to be a good cop like his father.

Shen Liufei comforted him with gentler, more tender lovemaking afterward, soothing Xie Lanshan’s emotional turmoil.

As Xie Lanshan fell asleep, Shen Liufei reflected on the unresolved conflict within himself—his love for Xie Lanshan and the painful secret of Ye Shen’s identity that continued to burden them both.

Xie Lanshan's suspension was explained as a managerial adjustment, but rumors speculated it was related to Sui Hong's leave and a possible failure during the Golden Triangle mission. However, most people in the municipal bureau were more focused on rising drug cases than one cop’s personal problems.

Tao Longyue, Xie Lanshan’s childhood friend, was getting married to Su Mansheng, and Xie Lanshan was the best man. Director Peng was unexpectedly invited to the wedding, supposedly to help mend things between him and Xie Lanshan.

Tao Longyue tried to boost Xie Lanshan’s confidence by suggesting he discuss his heroic past cases with Director Peng to clear his name, but Xie Lanshan remained doubtful, knowing there were deeper issues at play with his identity and memories.

During the wedding preparation, Song Qilian asked to speak privately with Xie Lanshan, telling him that he had died while undercover a month before finishing the mission. His brain had been transplanted into the body of a death-row inmate named Ye Shen, a murderer.

Song Qilian revealed that Shen Liufei, who had survived the murder of his family by Ye Shen, was the one who had learned of this operation from Duan Licheng, the specialist involved in the brain transplant.

Song Qilian touched Xie Lanshan tenderly, marveling at how similar he looked to the man she once loved but noticing slight differences in his personality and appearance. She believed that a part of the original Xie Lanshan still existed within him and that he could regain his memories and true self.

She explained that Director Peng was at the wedding to observe if any traces of Ye Shen remained within Xie Lanshan, so she had planned for Su Mansheng to toss the bouquet at her to give the impression that Xie Lanshan would soon start a family.

Song Qilian handed Xie Lanshan a wooden sculpture that had sentimental value, hoping it would trigger his memories. She pleaded with him to "use" her as a way to make amends for their past and help him regain his identity, believing they were meant to be together.

Su Mansheng wore a simple but elegant wedding dress that caught everyone’s attention as she walked toward the crowd. Tao Longyue, the groom, felt warm and proud, though he noticed something off with his best man, Xie Lanshan, who seemed distracted and distant.

Tao Longyue mentioned that Director Peng wanted to meet Shen Liufei, unaware of the turmoil Xie Lanshan was experiencing regarding Shen Liufei and the truth about his own identity.

Shen Liufei had taken Duan Licheng to the airport earlier. Duan Licheng, still fond of Shen Liufei, tried to convince him to return to the States with him but failed. Shen Liufei remained behind to attend Tao Longyue’s wedding.

At the wedding, Tao Longyue was emotional, shedding tears during his vows and even when thanking his father. His heartfelt and slightly humorous display of emotions lightened the mood.

During the dinner, Director Peng approached Xie Lanshan and spoke about how a good man protects those he loves but must uphold the law. The conversation alluded to Xie Lanshan’s undercover work and the consequences of his actions.

Liu Mingfang, in a power play, added raw oysters to the dinner table and pressured Xie Lanshan to eat them. Knowing that shellfish could trigger a severe allergic reaction, Xie Lanshan hesitated. Song Qilian intervened by shifting the attention away from the food and announcing her relationship with Xie Lanshan, claiming they were planning to get married.

This public declaration caught everyone off guard. Song Qilian explained their long history, mentioning how they had rekindled their relationship and were making up for lost time after his return from undercover work.

Director Peng, seeing this as proof that Xie Lanshan hadn’t reverted to being Ye Shen, softened his stance and agreed to officiate their future wedding.

Despite the smiles and the warm reception of Song Qilian’s announcement, Xie Lanshan remained emotionally distant. His thoughts were clouded, and he felt disconnected from the events around him, fixating on a wooden carving he held, a reminder of his past and his unresolved feelings.

Song Qilian pushed for marriage plans, but Xie Lanshan, overwhelmed and struggling with the reality of his situation, abruptly stood up and declared there wouldn’t be a wedding, revealing that it was never meant to be.

Xie Lanshan, finally resolute, smiled and excused himself before leaving the room to chase after Shen Liufei, choosing to follow his true feelings rather than continue with the façade.

Xie Lanshan ran out of the hotel searching for Shen Liufei but couldn’t find him. Shen Liufei had already left and turned off his phone.

Desperate, Xie Lanshan continued searching throughout the night but found no trace of him. Exhausted, he returned home and spent the night in despair, calling out Shen Liufei’s name even in a state of hopelessness.

Two days passed without any contact from Shen Liufei, which caused Xie Lanshan to panic. Using his professional connections, he discovered Shen Liufei had flown to Thailand. Relieved that Shen Liufei hadn’t returned to the US, Xie Lanshan decided to follow him to Thailand, believing it had to do with Tang Xiaomo.

With Tao Longyue recently married and Tao Jun not fully recovered, Xie Lanshan didn’t bother requesting leave and decided to leave for Thailand on his own, since he was already suspended from work.

Meanwhile, the provincial branch was organizing a rescue mission for the missing celebrity Wen Jue, believed to have been kidnapped. The Blue Fox was chosen for the mission due to their international experience.

After Sui Hong’s suspension, Chi Jin took over as temporary commander of the Blue Fox. When ordered by Director Peng to lead the rescue mission, Chi Jin refused, demanding that Sui Hong be reinstated.

After a heated exchange, Director Peng challenged Chi Jin to resolve both the red-ice case and the Wen Jue mission within a month. If successful, he would consider reinstating Sui Hong.

Determined, Chi Jin accepted the challenge and returned home, informing Ling Yun of the situation. Soon after, Chi Jin received a message from Liu Mingfang, who hinted at information about Xie Lanshan’s case, which led to Sui Hong’s suspension.

Despite his unease about Liu Mingfang, Chi Jin met him at a bar. Liu Mingfang introduced Chi Jin to a businessman and two women, but Chi Jin’s attention was drawn to a woman with a tattoo on her belly—MK—the same tattoo associated with drug lord Mu Kun.

Recognizing this as a significant clue, Chi Jin changed his approach, befriending the woman to extract more information. Over the next two days, he spent time with her, hoping to get closer to Mu Kun.

The woman eventually revealed that only insiders were allowed into their circle and presented Chi Jin with a small bag of drugs, offering him a chance to prove himself.

Shen Liufei studied a photo of Tang Xiaomo, capturing a man in the background, and sketched the man’s features. The man appeared handsome and charismatic, possibly using his looks to lure victims.

Shen Liufei believed Tang Xiaomo might have been kidnapped, given Thailand’s high rate of female abductions and its reputation for human trafficking.

Shen Liufei inquired about the man at a coffee shop where Tang Xiaomo took her selfie. The shop owner identified the man as Anuchit, a local chemistry teacher.

Shen Liufei found Anuchit’s address and approached his home, only to discover that the man had been recently murdered. Fearing suspicion, Shen Liufei avoided the police and stayed in a nearby Chinatown hotel, planning to visit the police department the next day for clues.

Shen Liufei reflected on his relationship with Xie Lanshan during his stay at the hotel, feeling conflicted yet deeply tied to him.

Xie Lanshan arrived in Bangkok two days later and contacted his old friend Somsak, a Thai cop, to help locate Tang Xiaomo. Somsak, nearing retirement, asked for Xie Lanshan’s help with a murder case in exchange for his assistance.

Somsak shared details about Anuchit, the murder victim. Anuchit, a well-regarded chemistry teacher, was suspected of being involved in human trafficking. His house contained disturbing photos of young women, likely victims.

Xie Lanshan examined the crime scene photos, noting a peculiar wooden toy abacus with missing pieces that displayed the numbers "679234."

Somsak suggested that human traffickers, such as the notorious Guan Nuoqin, had shifted focus to trafficking people rather than drugs due to changes in the market. Anuchit’s recent large financial transactions hinted at his involvement in this dark trade.

Shen Liufei patiently waited for two days near the police station until he spotted Kang Xin, the man he had seen on the night of Anuchit’s murder.

Shen Liufei tailed Kang Xin from the police station to a bar, where Kang Xin appeared anxious and waited for a call. After receiving it, Kang Xin abruptly left, with Shen Liufei following closely behind.

Kang Xin, aware of being tailed, led Shen Liufei into a narrow alley and attempted to ambush him with a crossbow. Shen Liufei narrowly avoided the attack and engaged in a violent fight with Kang Xin.

After an intense brawl, Shen Liufei overpowered Kang Xin and held him at knifepoint, demanding information about Anuchit and his kidnapped friend.

Kang Xin initially resisted but relented when Shen Liufei threatened to implicate him in the murder. During their conversation, Shen Liufei discovered that Kang Xin had a daughter named Poonaya, who was gravely ill and in need of a heart transplant.

Kang Xin admitted he had intended to kill Anuchit but found him already dead when he arrived at the scene.

Shen Liufei appealed to Kang Xin’s sense of justice by reminding him that his kidnapped friend, Tang Xiaomo, was also someone’s daughter. Touched by this, Kang Xin offered to help Shen Liufei infiltrate a local human-trafficking ring involved in a large upcoming trade, where kidnapped stowaways and tourists might be found.

Somsak used his connections to get Xie Lanshan into the locked crime scene.

Xie Lanshan noticed the furniture had been recently moved and deduced that the victim, Anuchit, had rearranged the layout as a dying message in anticipation of his murder.

Xie Lanshan found a wooden bead under the cabinet, which was missing from the seventh stick of the abacus on the cabinet.

After further investigation, they realized the numbers 679234 weren’t a passcode but a part of a larger message. When combined with the numbers from a stopped clock (1:47 AM), Xie Lanshan deciphered a nine-digit code.

By relating the digits to chemical elements from the periodic table, Xie Lanshan discovered that the code spelled "SIN HOUSE," the name of a nearby pole-dancing club.

Officer Kang Xin, whom Shen Liufei had fought earlier, arrived at the scene with a bruise on his face. He explained that he had been injured while catching a thief.

Somsak introduced Kang Xin and praised him for his past heroic act, but Kang Xin downplayed the incident.

Xie Lanshan felt uneasy about Kang Xin, suspecting he was hiding something.

After leaving the crime scene, Xie Lanshan thought he saw Shen Liufei in a crowd but dismissed it as a mistake.

At the police bureau, Xie Lanshan met Kang Xin’s twin brother, Kang Tai, the branch chief. The twins had a distant relationship, and Kang Tai showed little respect for Kang Xin. Kang Tai expressed skepticism about Chinese police assisting with their investigation.

Xie Lanshan followed Somsak to Sin House, a famous pole-dancing club owned by Chinese-Thai businessman Zhong Zhuohai.

Zhong Zhuohai was a wealthy and influential figure in Thailand, known for his business empire and his longstanding heart condition.

Six large security guards scrutinized everyone entering or leaving Sin House, while inside, dancers entertained the audience on stage.

Xie Lanshan joined the crowd on the dance floor to blend in, hoping to make connections and gather information about Anuchit’s case. His striking appearance and confident dancing made him the center of attention.

Somsak grew frustrated with Xie Lanshan’s behavior, worried that he wasn’t taking the investigation seriously.

After leaving the bar to clear his head, Xie Lanshan noticed a middle-aged Chinese man in underwear being thrown out of a nearby bar by security. The man, Han Guangming, held a sign pleading for the return of the young celebrity Wen Jue, who had been kidnapped.

Han Guangming caused a scene, but when a bodyguard attacked him, Xie Lanshan intervened and stopped the assault.

Han Guangming recognized Xie Lanshan as a cop and begged him to help find Wen Jue, who he feared might be forced into prostitution or worse. Despite his foolishness, Han Guangming was desperate to save his celebrity.

Xie Lanshan advised Han Guangming that he was looking in the wrong place but agreed to help him in exchange for Han Guangming covering their expenses.

Somsak reminded Xie Lanshan that the Blue Fox Commando would be arriving soon to rescue Wen Jue, but Xie Lanshan distanced himself from them, saying they had abandoned him.

Ignoring Somsak’s concerns, Xie Lanshan resolved to find his own path in the investigation, teaming up with Han Guangming to search for his friend.

Shen Liufei infiltrated a slave operation with Kang Xin's help, posing as a right-hand man to one of the supervisors.

He was blindfolded and taken to an unknown location, relying on his senses to remember the route.

The slaves were kept in an abandoned factory and were severely mistreated, beaten with a whip made from dried stingrays. They were forced to work in horrific conditions, with some being sold to fishermen and others sent to isolated islands where they died.

Shen Liufei suspected that Kang Xin was working with Guan Nuoqin, the trafficker, because Guan could provide a matching heart donor for Kang Xin's daughter—from the bodies of these slaves.

Shen Liufei encountered the missing Chinese celebrity, Wen Jue, who mistook him for an old friend, Bai Shuo.

Wen Jue was emotional and scared but managed to ask for sunscreen as his main concern, much to Shen Liufei's disbelief.

Shen Liufei promised to rescue Wen Jue but insisted that Wen Jue must follow his instructions closely.

Despite Wen Jue’s nervous rambling about his friend Bai Shuo, Shen Liufei’s focus remained on the plight of the slaves, determined to rescue all of them, not just Wen Jue.

Shen Liufei infiltrated a slave operation with Kang Xin's help, posing as a right-hand man to one of the supervisors.

He was blindfolded and taken to an unknown location, relying on his senses to remember the route.

The slaves were kept in an abandoned factory and were severely mistreated, beaten with a whip made from dried stingrays. They were forced to work in horrific conditions, with some being sold to fishermen and others sent to isolated islands where they died.

Shen Liufei suspected that Kang Xin was working with Guan Nuoqin, the trafficker, because Guan could provide a matching heart donor for Kang Xin's daughter—from the bodies of these slaves.

Shen Liufei encountered the missing Chinese celebrity, Wen Jue, who mistook him for an old friend, Bai Shuo.

Wen Jue was emotional and scared but managed to ask for sunscreen as his main concern, much to Shen Liufei's disbelief.

Shen Liufei promised to rescue Wen Jue but insisted that Wen Jue must follow his instructions closely.

Despite Wen Jue’s nervous rambling about his friend Bai Shuo, Shen Liufei’s focus remained on the plight of the slaves, determined to rescue all of them, not just Wen Jue.

Han Guangming followed Xie Lanshan to an abandoned storage unit and witnessed a bloodied, tortured man tied to a chair, barely breathing, with his jaw dislocated. The man had been interrogated by Xie Lanshan.

Xie Lanshan, covered in blood, calmly told Han Guangming to clean up the scene while he left, revealing his cold, dissociative demeanor.

Han Guangming realized Xie Lanshan was unhinged but still followed him out of fear and the hope of finding Wen Jue.

The driver Han Guangming hired secretly called the police, leading Chi Jin, Ling Yun, and Somsak to the storage unit where they found the tortured man, Gold Tooth, dead from asphyxiation.

Chi Jin suspected Xie Lanshan was responsible, citing professional wrestling techniques used in the torture, though Ling Yun wasn’t fully convinced Xie Lanshan was the murderer.

Kang Tai, chief of the police bureau, secretly informed drug lord Guan Nuoqin about the death of Gold Tooth and planned to frame the Chinese police for the murder to protect their human-trafficking operation.

Kang Xin confronted his twin brother Kang Tai about his involvement with Guan Nuoqin, urging him to stop harming people, but Kang Tai dismissed him, claiming they were both guilty.

Kang Xin, conflicted and desperate to save his sick daughter Yaya, called a-Liang to demand a heart donor for her, even considering killing someone to get her the transplant.

Yaya overheard her father’s conversation and asked if he was still a hero, leaving Kang Xin heartbroken and guilt-ridden as he realized the impact his moral compromises had on his daughter.

Before his kidnapping, Wen Jue lived a pampered life under his manager Han Guangming's care, but his privileged lifestyle was shattered after being captured by traffickers.

Wen Jue struggled to get food among the slaves, receiving only a cookie from Shen Liufei but still yearning for more comfort, such as milk.

Medics arrived at the slave site to conduct blood tests. During this, a slave attempted to escape but was violently whipped by a guard with a stingray whip, causing a serious neck injury. Shen Liufei treated the wounded slave, triggering a memory of his own near-death experience and the person who saved his life.

That night, Wen Jue curiously asked Shen Liufei about a bracelet he was always looking at, wondering if it came from a girlfriend. Shen Liufei finally realized that the person who had saved him years ago was Xie Lanshan.

Meanwhile, Xie Lanshan, disguised with makeup by Han Guangming, infiltrated a secret club involved in human trafficking. Han Guangming also disguised himself as a woman and acted as Xie Lanshan's partner in this ruse.

The two posed as a couple with "unique interests" and bribed their way into a private room. Inside, they saw victims of human trafficking forced into horrific roles, including a young woman whose back had been disfigured with acid.

Xie Lanshan pretended to be unimpressed with the available "services" and asked for newcomers, which led the waiter to reveal that new victims had been taken to the mansion of Zhong Zhuohai, where they would be used in a ritual sacrifice before the businessman underwent surgery.

Somsak was attacked on his way home by Xie Lanshan, who revealed himself and reassured Somsak that he hadn’t killed Gold Tooth, though the Bangkok police chief Kang Tai framed him as the culprit.

Xie Lanshan asked Somsak for two favors: find out where Zhong Zhuohai would be staying after he landed and report it only to him and the Blue Foxes, avoiding the police, especially Kang Xin; and acquire a gun for Xie Lanshan.

Wen Jue, with Shen Liufei's help, switched identities with a young boy who was slated for an organ donation, as Wen Jue was seen as a potential organ donor. Shen Liufei took Wen Jue’s place while Wen Jue escaped.

Shen Liufei prepared Wen Jue for potential escape, instructing him to seek help from the Chinese embassy or the Blue Foxes instead of local authorities, suspecting corruption within the police force.

Shen Liufei and Wen Jue were transported by armed men in a Jeep to an unknown destination. The men discussed how Shen Liufei’s appearance made him valuable but confirmed that he was a match for a heart transplant.

Wen Jue remained silent and calm, drawing on his acting skills to avoid revealing their true identities while they were driven further away from the factory.

The black Jeep transported Shen Liufei and Wen Jue to a secret mansion in the mountains, where Shen Liufei was dragged inside, while Wen Jue was given a task to return a bag to a-Liang.

Wen Jue realized that Shen Liufei's heart was going to be harvested for a wealthy man's surgery and confirmed Shen Liufei’s identity as his old friend Bai Shuo.

Wen Jue heard a girl’s cry for help and, after knocking out a guard with a ceramic sculpture, found two teenage girls locked in a cage, one of whom was Tang Xiaomo, a fan of his.

Wen Jue, Tang Xiaomo, and the other girl escaped from the mansion after knocking out another guard.

Wen Jue attempted to call for help using a stolen phone but was mistaken for a scammer.

As they tried to escape, they were tracked down by a car, and Tang Xiaomo and Wen Jue feared for their lives.

Two armed individuals emerged from the car, but instead of being enemies, they revealed themselves as Ling Yun from the Blue Fox, bringing relief to the captives.

Zhong Zhuohai, ready for surgery, was lying on a surgical bed while Shen Liufei was scheduled for a blood test.

Shen Liufei broke free from his loose bindings, overpowered the doctor, and used him as a shield against the guards.

He stormed into the main surgery room, incapacitated the surgeons, and took Zhong Zhuohai hostage.

The guards hesitated to attack while Shen Liufei held Zhong Zhuohai at knifepoint and used him as a human shield to escape.

As they made their way out, an assassin nearly killed Shen Liufei, but Xie Lanshan appeared just in time, killing the assassin.

Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan teamed up, standing back-to-back as they fought their way through the mansion, exchanging witty banter during the intense situation.

Zhong Zhuohai's heart condition worsened, prompting Xie Lanshan to demand a car for their escape.

Just as things reached a boiling point, the Blue Fox team, led by Chi Jin, Ling Yun, and Somsak, raided the mansion, saving the day.

Zhong Zhuohai died of a heart attack during the escape, and Xie Lanshan was cleared of the killings with Somsak's help.

At the police station, Wen Jue and Tang Xiaomo, having developed a close bond after their ordeal, were reunited with Han Guangming, who made an emotional scene.

Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan reunited in a hotel room, and after a brief, awkward silence, Shen Liufei affirmed his feelings for Xie Lanshan.

The two shared a passionate and intimate moment, with Shen Liufei asking Xie Lanshan to leave everything behind and start a new life together, though Xie Lanshan hesitated due to his sense of duty as a cop.

After their intimate moment, Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei overhear Tang Xiaomo and Wen Jue's chatter outside their hotel room. Xie Lanshan decides to investigate and notices Han Guangming with them, triggering Shen Liufei’s memory of seeing Han Guangming before at an antique market where he bought a fake painting.

Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan discuss Han Guangming’s suspicious behavior. They speculate that Han may be connected to the recent murders and that his real goal might not have been just rescuing Wen Jue.

Shen Liufei recalls details suggesting that Han Guangming might be Tang Xiaomo’s father. This possibility explains why Han had been following them around instead of directly pursuing Wen Jue and why he had overpaid for a fake painting connected to Tang Xiaomo.

They realize Han Guangming might have killed Gold Tooth and Anuchit to protect his daughter, Tang Xiaomo.

Shen Liufei deduces that Anuchit’s dying message was altered by the killer to lead the police to Sin House, where Tang Xiaomo was held captive.

The two speculate that Han Guangming’s background in chemistry helped him interpret the numbers Anuchit left as a cryptic message.

As they finish piecing together the case, Somsak and Kang Xin, acting on orders from their superior Kang Tai, arrive at the hotel to arrest Xie Lanshan for the murders.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei remain calm and flirtatious despite the tension, with Xie Lanshan declaring he knows who the real murderer is. He proposes a plan to catch the true culprit, signaling that he isn’t ready to surrender yet.

Anuchit’s neighbor identifies the voices heard during the night of the crime but confirms that Xie Lanshan was not the man who visited Anuchit. However, Xie Lanshan is still under suspicion for Gold Tooth’s murder.

Xie Lanshan develops a strange bond with Han Guangming during their time together and decides to investigate Han’s room, suspecting him.

Han Guangming, always carrying his black-and-yellow Hermès waist bag, is nervous about being called to the police station as a witness and possible suspect.

Xie Lanshan subtly interrogates Han Guangming, who denies involvement but grows increasingly anxious.

At the police station, Han Guangming feels uneasy as he observes the investigation and sees a piece of the toy abacus from Anuchit’s case, which he recognizes.

Xie Lanshan informs Han Guangming that the police suspect the culprit kept a piece of evidence from the crime scene, which likely has Anuchit’s fingerprints.

Panicked, Han Guangming checks his waist bag and finds a bead from the abacus that he had taken from the crime scene. Fearing the police will discover it, he attempts to discreetly dispose of it.

Just as Han Guangming is about to flush the bead down the toilet, Xie Lanshan surprises him, causing Han to panic and swallow the bead.

Han Guangming nearly chokes on the bead but manages to swallow it after struggling, claiming it was candy when questioned by Xie Lanshan.

Han Guangming goes to the restroom after his questioning, trying to relieve himself of the bead he swallowed. Xie Lanshan follows him, playfully taunting him and hinting at the bead he swallowed. Han Guangming tries to play it off but grows more nervous.

Han Guangming exits the restroom to find Xie Lanshan and the police waiting. Xie reveals that Han's act of swallowing the bead was caught on camera, and he begins to pressure Han into confessing, revealing that the bead is a piece of critical evidence from Anuchit’s murder scene.

Han Guangming initially tries to bluff his way out, claiming ignorance, but Xie Lanshan presents the evidence: the bead was part of the toy abacus from the crime scene. Han Guangming had swallowed it to hide the evidence, fearing Anuchit's fingerprints were on it.

When the police push for more information, Han Guangming admits that he overheard conversations in Thai and panicked, leading him to swallow the bead. However, Xie reveals that the conversation wasn’t even about the case, proving Han's lie.

Han Guangming finally confesses to killing both Anuchit and Gold Tooth. He had discovered that Anuchit sold his daughter, Tang Xiaomo, to a trafficking ring, and in a fit of rage, he murdered him. Later, he killed Gold Tooth out of anger and despair when he realized how deeply involved they were in trafficking his daughter.

Han Guangming asks the police not to perform a DNA test or reveal his identity to Tang Xiaomo, preferring that she never know the truth about her father.

Han Guangming explains his story: how he abandoned Tang Xiaomo when she was young, only to regret it years later and try to support her financially without revealing himself. He followed her for years, finally tracking her down in Thailand, but his actions spiraled into murder when he tried to rescue her.

Han Guangming is led away by the police, not looking at Tang Xiaomo as he passes her. Overcome with emotion, he begins to cry, but he hides his identity from his daughter to protect her from further pain.

Tang Xiaomo and Wen Jue comment on Han Guangming’s ugly crying, oblivious to his true identity as her father, as the story reaches a tragic conclusion.

The international operation ends with the Blue Fox team completing their mission, but Somsak informs them that despite their success, the traffickers have relocated, and Guan Nuoqin remains at large. Somsak, suspecting corruption in the police force, asks for their help to continue investigating.

Xie Lanshan is reluctant, but after receiving a nod from Shen Liufei and reminded of his father’s ideals, he agrees to stay and assist Somsak. Chi Jin also agrees, surprisingly, to continue helping, despite the lack of jurisdiction and hesitation from Ling Yun.

Meanwhile, Kang Xin's daughter, Yaya, is in critical condition, needing a heart transplant to survive. Shen Liufei visits Kang Xin and suggests an alternative treatment: an artificial human heart transplant, which had successfully extended another patient’s life in the US.

Kang Xin is shocked by the idea but hesitates due to the high cost of the procedure, estimated at $250,000. Shen Liufei offers to cover the costs, not as a gift, but as a loan that Kang Xin can repay later, recognizing that Kang Xin had helped him recover an important memory and a sense of purpose.

Kang Xin initially refuses out of pride but, after seeing Shen Liufei’s sincerity and compassion, rushes after him to accept the offer. In return, he reveals that he has a way to get close to Guan Nuoqin, offering his help in exchange for saving his daughter’s life.

Guan Nuoqin, despite transferring the hostages and slaves to a new location, is unsure of the extent of involvement by the Chinese and Thai police.

Kang Tai contacts Guan Nuoqin for a meeting, and both bring armed men to the meeting at Guan Nuoqin's mansion. Guan Nuoqin is cautious and has snipers and guards stationed around his property.

Guan Nuoqin, dressed casually, greets Kang Tai while planting flowers. Despite his relaxed appearance, he remains sharp and dangerous.

Kang Tai criticizes Guan Nuoqin for continuing human trafficking amidst increased scrutiny from Chinese and Thai authorities, warning him about the Blue Foxes.

Guan Nuoqin reveals his struggles to maintain his drug empire as traditional heroin markets shrink and discusses his plans for developing "red ice," a highly pure form of crystal meth. He regrets the loss of Anuchit, who was to lead the development of red ice.

Suspicion arises during their conversation when Guan Nuoqin notices something off about "Kang Tai," and he realizes that this is actually Kang Xin posing as his brother.

Guan Nuoqin tries to confirm his suspicion by asking Kang Xin to remove his jacket and roll up his sleeves, intending to reveal that he doesn’t have the burn scar that Kang Tai has.

Kang Xin, anticipating this move, reveals a burn scar, tricking Guan Nuoqin into lowering his guard. However, once Guan Nuoqin lowers his weapon, Kang Xin strikes.

A gunfight ensues, and Kang Xin is shot in the chest. Before collapsing, he accuses Guan Nuoqin of betrayal, warning his men.

Guan Nuoqin, caught in the chaos, shoots Kang Xin dead, triggering a violent and chaotic shootout between Guan Nuoqin’s men and the cops who had accompanied Kang Tai/Kang Xin.

Guan Nuoqin died in a gunfight after shooting Kang Xin, and the internal issues within the Thai police were exposed.

Kang Tai was found alive but barely hanging on after being tied up and locked in his own basement by his brother Kang Xin. Evidence of his involvement with organized crime was found, and he faced a full investigation.

Kang Xin faked his brother’s burn injury to impersonate him and fight Guan Nuoqin, knowing it was the only way to deceive the drug lord.

With Guan Nuoqin dead and Kang Tai exposed, the remaining subordinates surrendered. The Chinese Blue Fox team helped rescue over 800 hostages and slaves, shaking the world with the success of the operation.

Yaya, Kang Xin's daughter, finally received a heart transplant from a car accident victim whose heart size matched hers. Despite the good news, Yaya was emotionally devastated by her father's death.

Shen Liufei comforted Yaya in the hospital, assuring her that her father was a hero, causing her to cry and release her pent-up emotions.

Shen Liufei later revealed to Xie Lanshan that Kang Xin had left him a message before his death, saying he had planned to atone for his sins through blood, hoping to use his sacrifice to cover Yaya's surgery costs.

Xie Lanshan reflected on how Kang Xin and Han Guangming reminded him of his own father, recalling painful memories from his childhood after his father's death. He vowed to carry out his father’s unfinished duty and bring justice for his death.

Xie Lanshan visited Han Guangming in jail to ask about his relationship with Liu Yanbo, assuming Liu was corrupt. However, Han Guangming denied any shady dealings with him and defended Liu’s character.

Xie Lanshan realized that Liu Yanbo might not be the "Apostle" who betrayed the police and killed his father, leading him to suspect someone else.

Han Guangming helped him remember the numbers left as Anuchit’s dying message: 4219886. Xie decoded it as "Mo K," revealing Mu Kun's involvement.

Anuchit's dying message exposed Mu Kun’s return to power. With Guan Nuoqin dead, Mu Kun reclaimed control of the Golden Triangle, solidifying his reign with a new drug called red ice.

Mu Kun’s plans were advancing, and he seemed obsessed with Xie Lanshan, promising to come for him while dismissing rumors that Xie Lanshan had changed.

The Thai police discovered a mass grave near the Thailand-Myanmar border, containing the remains of hundreds of women, many of them Chinese. These women were likely kidnapped, sold into prostitution, and killed when trying to escape or due to illness.

The Blue Fox team, including Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei, had just left Thailand. However, they were informed of this discovery by Somsak, prompting Shen Liufei to consider staying behind to investigate, especially since it reminded him of his missing mother.

Shen Liufei decided to stay and investigate, while Xie Lanshan needed to return to China to address the consequences of his interrogation methods and to confront the suspicions he had back home.

Shen Liufei reassured Xie Lanshan about their temporary separation, expressing that every time they parted, it was in pursuit of truth, which strengthened their bond.

Chi Jin and Ling Yun were supposed to leave Thailand with the Blue Fox team but ended up missing their flight. Chi Jin left their ride to the airport abruptly, claiming he had personal business. Ling Yun, suspicious of Chi Jin's actions, secretly followed him.

Ling Yun informed his teammate, Tu Lang, that he suspected there was a traitor on their team and that he was investigating.

Chi Jin drove to a remote, rural area, where he stopped at a solitary house near a tea farm. Ling Yun discreetly followed, growing more suspicious as they ventured farther from the city into the secluded location.

Ling Yun secretly followed Chi Jin to a secluded house in a rural area and observed him meeting with Tang Qinglan, who offered him red ice and a mixture of other drugs.

Ling Yun discovered that Tang Qinglan was a dangerous figure involved in the red ice drug trade, not just a businesswoman.

Chi Jin, suffering from drug withdrawal, was on the verge of taking the drug offered by Tang Qinglan, revealing his addiction.

Ling Yun intervened, attempting to stop Chi Jin and accusing him of willingly falling into addiction, rather than participating in an undercover mission.

Chi Jin, panicking, hit Ling Yun on the head with his gun, knocking him to the ground.

Tang Qinglan pulled a gun on Chi Jin, forcing him to surrender his weapon. A hidden door opened, revealing Mu Kun, the drug lord who had disappeared three years ago.

Mu Kun shot Ling Yun in the limbs, torturing him as he held a deep hatred for the Blue Fox members.

Tang Qinglan convinced Chi Jin that he was now complicit in Ling Yun’s death, pushing him to believe that he could never return to the Blue Fox team.

Mu Kun found Ling Yun’s phone and used Ling Yun’s severed finger to unlock it, discovering a message exchange between Ling Yun and Tu Lang.

Mu Kun used Ling Yun’s phone to send a message to Tu Lang, falsely claiming that Xie Lanshan was the traitor.

After sending the message, Mu Kun destroyed the phone, confident that his plan was moving forward as intended.

Xie Lanshan returned from Thailand only to face intense questioning by the municipal bureau, who suspected him of violent actions and Ling Yun’s disappearance.

The bureau avoided discussing his brain surgery but was deeply concerned by his identity and stability after his operation.

Xie Lanshan endured three nights of questioning and felt alienated by his colleagues, who viewed him with fear and distrust, treating him like a monster.

After leaving the questioning, he encountered Ding Li and Xiao Liang, whose reactions further revealed that the whole bureau had turned against him, believing the rumors about his monstrous transformation.

Xie Lanshan, deeply hurt by the betrayal and isolation, confronted his juniors in a moment of desperation, pleading for them not to view him as a monster.

In a meeting with the Blue Fox team, Captain Sui Hong was asked about Ling Yun’s disappearance. Chi Jin, feeling guilty, shifted blame onto Xie Lanshan, alleging that he had become mentally unstable and violent.

Despite the accusations, Sui Hong defended Xie Lanshan, refusing to believe that he was a traitor, but the rest of the Blue Fox members questioned Xie’s actions in Thailand.

Director Peng interrupted the meeting, demanding the immediate arrest of Xie Lanshan, now referred to as Ye Shen, and ordered the Blue Fox team to bring him in, dead or alive.

The chapter ends with the Blue Fox team under orders to capture or kill Xie Lanshan/Ye Shen, with tensions high about whether he was still their comrade or a dangerous criminal.

Xie Lanshan returned home feeling detached from reality after being intensely questioned by the municipal bureau. He was emotionally drained and isolated, sensing his life was spiraling toward darkness.

He found brief solace in his conversation with Shen Liufei, who expressed concern over Ling Yun's disappearance. Despite being emotionally exhausted, Xie tried to mask his distress by joking with Shen, but Shen refused to hang up, staying on the line to comfort him.

Unable to sleep, Xie eventually fell asleep to the sound of Shen's presence on the phone. The next morning, he skipped work, feeling uneasy about his future and the mounting suspicions around him.

Xie decided to visit Tao Jun, an old mentor and friend of his father, under the pretense of retrieving his father's belongings ahead of the anniversary of his death. Tao Jun, unaware of Xie's brain surgery, welcomed him warmly, unaware of the turmoil Xie was going through.

Tao Jun's aging appearance struck Xie, reminding him of the man’s role in his upbringing. As Tao helped retrieve old police uniforms and items from the past, Xie became more emotionally conflicted, thinking of his father and the legacy he was supposed to uphold.

Xie revealed to Tao Jun that he had crossed paths with Mu Kun again in Thailand and that Mu Kun had revealed the identity of the "Apostle," a key figure in the Flaming Triangle.

Tao Jun’s demeanor immediately shifted, becoming tense and angry at Xie’s continued involvement with Mu Kun, showing that the mention of the "Apostle" struck a nerve with him.

Young Captain Tao Longyue received an arrest order for Xie Lanshan, which included instructions to shoot if Xie resisted arrest. This alarmed officers Xiao Liang and Tao Longyue, as they prepared their guns, reflecting on how surreal it was to be ordered to use deadly force against their colleague.

Meanwhile, Xie Lanshan confronted Tao Jun at the Tao residence, asking if he was the "Apostle." Tao Jun admitted that Xie Lanshan's father, Old Xie, was the Apostle and that Tao Jun had been the one who killed him in the line of duty after Old Xie turned rogue.

Xie Lanshan was devastated by this revelation, initially denying it and accusing Tao Jun of lying. The weight of the truth overwhelmed him, leading to a violent outburst where he held a knife to Tao Jun's throat, demanding he retract his statement.

Tao Longyue and the other officers burst into the room and fired a warning shot. Despite the tension, Tao Longyue eventually shot Xie Lanshan in the shoulder to stop him, injuring him but not killing him.

Bleeding and in shock, Xie Lanshan realized the futility of trying to be a good person. His inner struggle culminated in a profound shift in his mentality. He felt that by abandoning his moral bottom line, he could escape the pain he had been suffering.

In this moment of surrender and transformation, Xie Lanshan declared that he was no longer the man they knew but had become Ye Shen, the persona that emerged after the surgery. He surrendered himself with a calm and eerie grace, fully embracing his new identity.

Shen Liufei, still in Thailand, discovered Zhuo Tian's corpse among the mass graves. DNA confirmed her identity, raising questions about her murder.

Shen Liufei speculated that Ye Shen faked Zhuo Tian's murder and took the blame for an unknown reason, realizing this could be connected to his own family's murder years ago.

After learning of Ling Yun's disappearance, Shen Liufei conducted a secret investigation. A cab driver revealed that Ling Yun had been last seen following Chi Jin.

Shen Liufei, Somsak, and others were led by the cab driver to a wooden house in the mountains where Ling Yun had exited the cab. They found bloodstains inside, indicating something sinister had happened.

While investigating, they heard car engines approaching. Shen Liufei realized they were in danger and ordered everyone to get in the car. Mu Kun, Xie Lanshan's old enemy, was leading the chase.

Shen Liufei drove down treacherous mountain roads, pursued by Mu Kun and his men. A sedan chasing them flipped, while another was slowed by gunfire.

Mu Kun, enraged, fired at the fleeing car, killing the cab driver. Shen Liufei kept driving, narrowly avoiding the pursuing vehicles.

Mu Kun used a rocket launcher in a final attempt to kill Shen Liufei, causing an explosion that shook the mountain. Despite this, Shen Liufei managed to escape through the flames at full speed.

Xie Lanshan, wounded, was sent to a detention cell while higher-ups decided his fate. He shared the detention room with a chatty gangster, Zang Yifeng, who tried to engage him in conversation but was initially ignored.

Xie Lanshan remained distant and silent, lost in thought until Zang Yifeng mentioned having a girlfriend, which triggered a reaction. Xie Lanshan suddenly banged on the cell bars and called for Tao Longyue.

Tao Longyue, passing by, stopped to talk to Xie Lanshan. The atmosphere was tense, and their dynamic had changed. Xie Lanshan coldly addressed him as “Captain Tao,” indicating a formal distance between them.

Xie Lanshan grew anxious when he realized it was already February, and Shen Liufei hadn't returned from Thailand. He suspected something was wrong and questioned Tao Longyue.

Tao Longyue revealed that Somsak, along with two other officers, had been found dead after their car fell off a mountain road, and Mu Kun was suspected of being involved.

Xie Lanshan, shocked and worried, remained silent and unresponsive after hearing the news. Tao Longyue, feeling conflicted, left the detention room after attempting to reconcile with Xie Lanshan, expressing regret and friendship.

After Tao Longyue left, Zang Yifeng asked if Xie Lanshan was a cop. Xie Lanshan, showing a shift in attitude, asked why Zang Yifeng was in detention.

Zang Yifeng revealed he had sold fake red ice (a drug) and was caught. Xie Lanshan warned him that selling fake drugs could result in a severe sentence and offered to help him escape prison if he cooperated.

At 6 P.M., Zang Yifeng called out to Xiao Liang, claiming that Xie Lanshan was bleeding heavily and might die. Xiao Liang rushed in to find Xie Lanshan covered in blood, assuming his artery had been nicked.

Xiao Liang tried to help, but Xie Lanshan attacked him, immobilizing and knocking him unconscious before stealing a hundred yuan from his pocket.

Zang Yifeng begged for help, but Xie Lanshan left him behind, ignoring his plea, showing that he was no longer bound by past morals.

Xie Lanshan escaped the detention center, triggering alarms and a manhunt. Tao Longyue chased after him and threatened to shoot if he didn’t stop, but Xie Lanshan took a young boy hostage to escape.

Tao Longyue hesitated to fire due to the child and lost sight of Xie Lanshan when a bus blocked his view. Xie Lanshan safely placed the boy down in a dark corner and apologized to him before disappearing into the night.

He then headed to Gantangzi, a notorious area in Hanhai City filled with bars, clubs, and illegal activities, where the police turned a blind eye to crime.

Xie Lanshan used the last of his stolen money to check into a cheap hostel, charming the owner for a free meal and medical supplies.

In the privacy of his room, he painfully treated his own gunshot wound, sewing it up himself.

Shen Liufei’s body was not found at the crash site in Thailand, leading Xie Lanshan to believe that either Shen Liufei escaped or was captured by Mu Kun.

Xie Lanshan suspected Mu Kun had already arrived in Hanhai City and was preparing for further action. He resolved to find Mu Kun first before being hunted down.

The provincial branch was alerted of Xie Lanshan’s jailbreak. Director Peng was furious and now fully believed that the real Xie Lanshan had died in the Golden Triangle and that the man they were dealing with was Ye Shen, a dangerous criminal. A grade-B arrest warrant was issued with a bounty of fifty thousand yuan.

Meanwhile, red ice, a powerful drug, began flooding the market and rapidly overtaking Hanhai City.

Tao Longyue was deeply worried. He knew that if Xie Lanshan left the city, the chances of him being killed by armed police would increase dramatically. Even though Tao Longyue wanted to bring his old friend in alive, he realized that others wouldn’t hesitate to kill him.

Song Qilian suggested a plan to lure Xie Lanshan out using his mother, Mrs. Gao, who was in a psychiatric facility. They could create a fake TV segment showing her being transferred to a new hospital, hoping to draw Xie Lanshan’s attention.

In Gantangzi, a shady area known for drugs and prostitution, Xie Lanshan knew he couldn’t hide much longer as police searches intensified. He suspected that the red ice flooding the market was a trap set by Mu Kun to lure him out.

Running into Zang Yifeng, the criminal he had met in the detention center, Xie Lanshan was suspicious at first but realized it was a coincidence. Zang Yifeng agreed to help him track down the local drug dealers in exchange for some money to escape.

Zang Yifeng led Xie Lanshan to a woman who was addicted to red ice and had lost her mind. In a dramatic and violent encounter, the woman tried to bite her own tongue off, but Xie Lanshan stopped her, breaking his finger in the process. Zang Yifeng was shocked by this act of kindness from someone labeled as a dangerous criminal.

After leaving the woman, Zang Yifeng was puzzled by Xie Lanshan’s contradictions: he seemed both heroic and monstrous, a blend of saint and sinner.

Later, while walking past a grocery store, Xie Lanshan saw a news broadcast showing his mother, Mrs. Gao, being transferred from her psychiatric facility. She was distressed and crying for her son, asking, “Where’s my a-Lan?”

This sight deeply moved Xie Lanshan. He resolved to see his mother one last time before possibly disappearing for good.

Zang Yifeng helped secure a safe hiding place for the night, but as Xie Lanshan fell into an exhausted sleep, Zang Yifeng attempted to kill him with a knife, only to be interrupted by the blare of police sirens.

A large police deployment was seen outside, with heavy Land Rovers from the provincial branch, indicating that something major had occurred within the Blue Fox unit, which wasn't aimed at Xie Lanshan but was part of a bigger operation.

Xiao Zhang, an officer at Hanhai City Bureau, noticed his computer had been hacked, displaying a video feed showing Ling Yun, a missing member of the Blue Fox team, tied up and injured.

The bureau contacted the provincial branch, alerting them of the situation. The Blue Fox team, led by Captain Sui Hong, immediately mobilized to investigate.

The hacker, revealed to be Mu Kun, taunted the Blue Fox team in the video, slicing off Ling Yun’s ear while threatening to kill him if Xie Lanshan didn’t come for him. Mu Kun promised to torture Ling Yun until the seventy-two-hour countdown ended, after which he would kill him.

Ling Yun, despite his severe injuries and the torturous conditions, maintained his resolve and refused to give in to Mu Kun.

As the case escalated, involving foreign diplomacy, the Thai police finally provided more evidence, including a witness testimony from a cab driver who had driven Ling Yun and another short-haired man. They also sent over physical evidence, including a bullet necklace belonging to Shen Liufei, which Xie Lanshan had given him.

The evidence was inconclusive in directly identifying the short-haired man, but it was clear that Xie Lanshan, who had long hair now, couldn’t be the man described by the witness. This further indicated that he hadn’t betrayed his team as suspected.

Captain Sui Hong reflected on his past doubts about Xie Lanshan, realizing they had been wrong in distrusting him. He regretted allowing the accusations and suspicions to tarnish Xie Lanshan’s reputation.

Chi Jin, the real traitor, grew increasingly anxious as he tried to deflect suspicion, suggesting that Ling Yun’s claim of a traitor among them was part of Mu Kun’s plan.

The Blue Fox team discussed their next move, with Tao Longyue presenting a plan to lure Xie Lanshan out, hoping to clear his name and save Ling Yun.

Shen Liufei woke up in a rural location with Duan Licheng by his side, who had rescued him from the hospital in Thailand. Shen Liufei’s memories were fuzzy, and he believed he had just undergone his brain transplant surgery, forgetting everything that had happened in Hanhai with Xie Lanshan.

Duan Licheng, seeing Shen Liufei's memory loss, decided to keep him hidden away in this peaceful place, intending to protect him from further danger.

Shen Liufei reflected on disturbing childhood memories, including witnessing his mother being abused by his father and a mysterious figure who had secretly helped him escape his father’s punishment. He believed his mother was unhappily married and constantly abused.

Meanwhile, Xie Lanshan disguised himself and infiltrated the hospital where his mother, Gao Zhuyin, was being kept. After knocking out Song Qilian, he approached his mother, who initially showed affection but then began screaming for help, mistaking him for an imposter.

The Blue Fox team, who had been waiting outside, stormed into the room, forcing Xie Lanshan to escape by jumping out of the window. He mocked the police chasing him before continuing his flight.

On the streets, Tao Longyue confronted Xie Lanshan with a gun, pleading with him to return, admitting they had been wrong about him and asking for his help to rescue Ling Yun, who had been kidnapped by Mu Kun. Tao explained that Mu Kun had hacked the municipal bureau and was livestreaming Ling Yun’s torture, threatening to kill him in three days if Xie Lanshan didn’t show up.

Xie Lanshan coldly rejected Tao Longyue’s plea, distancing himself from his former identity as a cop and mocking the idea that he owed anything to the Blue Fox.

Tao Longyue attempted to show Xie Lanshan a bullet necklace he had found, which belonged to Shen Liufei, suggesting something had happened to him. Xie Lanshan momentarily showed concern.

Feigning interest in Tao's explanation, Xie Lanshan tricked him into letting his guard down, then knocked him aside just as a truck barreled down the street. Tao narrowly avoided being crushed, only to realize Xie Lanshan had disappeared again, taking the necklace and Tao’s gun with him.

Xie Lanshan escaped from the police, but Ling Yun still needed to be rescued, with only a day and a half left before Mu Kun’s deadline.

The video of Ling Yun’s torture continued, but Mu Kun had not reappeared or sent anyone to further harm him, leaving Ling Yun barely alive.

The Blue Fox team deduced that Ling Yun was likely being held near a port based on repeated ferry whistles heard in the background of the video.

The investigation gained momentum when a convenience store receipt was noticed in the video, giving the team clues to track the location of the storage unit where Ling Yun was being held.

Captain Sui Hong began to suspect Chi Jin of betraying the team but didn’t outright confront him. Instead, he dismissed Chi Jin from the rescue mission, hinting at the captain’s deep suspicion.

Chi Jin, feeling immense guilt, continued to be trapped in a web of betrayal. He was in contact with Mu Kun’s associate, Tang Qinglan, and was torn between helping the team and aiding the drug lord.

Meanwhile, Xie Lanshan, using a VPN, accessed the municipal bureau’s network and saw the live stream of Ling Yun’s torture. Despite trying to distance himself, he felt compelled to help.

Xie Lanshan rewatched the video and discovered something strange: a man with wet trousers entered the unit in the morning, but the weather at the port had been dry. He realized Mu Kun had set up a fake location to lure the Blue Fox into a trap.

The Blue Fox team, unaware of the trap, located a storage unit they believed Ling Yun was in. Tu Lang led a rescue mission, taking out snipers and entering the unit, only to find a mannequin in place of Ling Yun.

As they realized they had been deceived, Sui Hong received a call from Xie Lanshan warning them to retreat, but it was too late.

The storage unit the Blue Fox entered was rigged with explosives hidden inside paint cans. Mu Kun appeared on the live stream, mocking Sui Hong with the words, “I win.”

Before the team could escape, the explosives detonated, killing all the Blue Fox members who participated in the rescue mission.

Xie Lanshan woke up early and saw news reports confirming that all Blue Fox members involved in the explosion had died. He felt a deep chill and disgust.

Zang Yifeng, still half-asleep, noticed Xie Lanshan packing his things and leaving. Despite Zang's offer to join him, Xie Lanshan refused, intending to find Mu Kun and his partner, Shen Liufei.

Zang Yifeng reminded him of the antibiotics he left on the stove and expressed sympathy for the Blue Fox members, questioning if they deserved their fate for betraying Xie Lanshan.

After getting intel from a drug-addicted woman named a-Xia, Xie Lanshan headed to a border city near Myanmar, where Mu Kun was likely hiding. He entered a seedy bar, using his knowledge as an undercover officer to gather more intel on Mu Kun's location.

Xie Lanshan found Ling Yun in a moldy wooden hut, tied up and covered in injuries from brutal torture. However, as he approached to rescue him, Ling Yun attacked Xie Lanshan by headbutting him.

After being knocked down, Xie Lanshan realized too late that the person posing as Ling Yun was actually Mu Kun, who had inflicted the wounds on himself to lure Xie Lanshan into a trap.

Before Xie Lanshan could react, one of Mu Kun’s subordinates knocked him out from behind, revealing that Mu Kun had been orchestrating this confrontation all along.

Duan Licheng took Shen Liufei to a remote mansion for rehabilitation, where Shen Liufei focused on recovering. The mansion had no internet, isolating them from the outside world.

Shen Liufei experienced confusion, mistakenly thinking his injuries were from Bai Shuo's car accident. He also felt like something was missing from his wrist.

Shen Liufei reviewed files about crimes against women, including the case of Zhuo Tian, Ye Shen's second victim. He discovered that Zhuo Tian had a boyfriend named Zang Yifeng.

Shen Liufei grew suspicious when he noticed that future months were ripped out of a calendar. His memories became clouded with strange flashes, including an image of Ye Shen smiling lovingly at him, which conflicted with his hatred for the man.

While assisting a girl on a bicycle, Shen Liufei asked her the date and realized he had lost track of time, deepening his confusion.

Memories of Ye Shen resurfaced, including one where Ye Shen wrapped a necklace around his wrist and professed his love. These memories triggered an emotional reaction in Shen Liufei.

Shen Liufei left the mansion before Duan Licheng returned, drawn by his connection to Ye Shen, despite his ongoing confusion and attempts to avoid his past. Duan Licheng bitterly acknowledged that Shen Liufei and Ye Shen were inescapably bound by fate.

Xie Lanshan slept for three days while Mu Kun watched over him, caring for him as if he were precious. Mu Kun ordered his men to treat Xie Lanshan's injuries, but his care was laced with possessiveness and anger.

Xie Lanshan’s injuries were treated, including an infected shoulder wound and a broken pinkie. Mu Kun was disturbed by the thought of others harming Xie Lanshan, but his twisted devotion led him to feel he owned Xie Lanshan now.

Mu Kun sat by Xie Lanshan's bed, infatuated with him, brushing his hand over Xie Lanshan's face and kissing his eyelids while he slept.

When Xie Lanshan finally woke up, he was dazed and tried to move but found himself paralyzed by sedatives that Mu Kun had ordered to keep him still. Xie Lanshan demanded to know what Mu Kun wanted, but Mu Kun deflected the question, focusing instead on his obsession with Xie Lanshan.

Mu Kun questioned why Xie Lanshan remained loyal to his former comrades when they had abandoned him and let him be branded a criminal.

Mu Kun begged Xie Lanshan to return to the Golden Triangle with him, offering to make him his "queen" and promising a life of power and luxury, though his vision was perverse and twisted.

Xie Lanshan laughed mockingly at Mu Kun’s proposition and told him that the only thing he wanted was for Mu Kun to die.

Mu Kun, obsessed with Xie Lanshan, disregarded the rejection and began to strip, ready to force himself on him. Despite being drugged, Xie Lanshan bit Mu Kun’s lip, drawing blood, but this only seemed to excite Mu Kun further.

As Mu Kun attempted to assault Xie Lanshan, he stopped when he noticed something was missing—a birthmark on Xie Lanshan's tailbone. This discovery led him to realize that the rumors were true: the man before him was not the same Xie Lanshan he once knew. His real Xie Lanshan was already dead.

Mu Kun was devastated upon realizing that Xie Lanshan was not his beloved a-Lan. In disbelief and anguish, he collapsed to the floor, crying out in despair.

Xie Lanshan, still weak, observed Mu Kun’s genuine grief. Despite the drug lord's cruelty, Mu Kun was overwhelmed by the loss of the real Xie Lanshan.

Mu Kun, obsessed with his lost love, repeatedly asked where a-Lan was buried, but Xie Lanshan couldn’t answer.

Consumed by madness, Mu Kun decided that Xie Lanshan’s body should be preserved in formalin, as he couldn’t bear to bury him nor let him live. His subordinates began filling a glass container with water, preparing to drown Xie Lanshan.

While Mu Kun dealt with business issues related to a betrayal by Chi Jin, his men returned to the room, assuming Xie Lanshan had already drowned.

Xie Lanshan, however, was only pretending to be dead. He seized the opportunity, killed his captor by forcing formaldehyde down his throat, and escaped the container.

Xie Lanshan, now fully armed, killed every person left in the house, including a servant who begged for her life. He found no sign of Shen Liufei or Ling Yun and eventually fled the area.

After hours of walking through rural areas, Xie Lanshan reached a populated town, where the romantic atmosphere of Valentine’s Day contrasted starkly with his bloodstained, disheveled appearance.

While wandering through the festive streets, Xie Lanshan noticed a blind girl knocked down by a passing couple. He helped her up and retrieved her walking stick, assisting her despite his isolation from the world.

The girl, optimistic despite her blindness, shared her desire to experience love and receive flowers from a handsome man. In response, Xie Lanshan traded his bullet necklace for a withering rose and gave it to her.

The girl, unaware of Xie Lanshan's dark past, thanked him and called him a good person, unaware of his inner turmoil.

The girl's aunt, seeing Xie Lanshan's disheveled state, panicked and reported him to the police.

Tao Longyue and the remaining Blue Fox members were at the local police station when the aunt reported Xie Lanshan. Despite the aunt’s accusations, the blind girl confidently defended Xie Lanshan, insisting that he was a good person.

Chi Jin, overcome with guilt after half of his Blue Fox teammates died in the storage unit explosion, contemplated suicide but ultimately decided to live and seek revenge.

Determined to take down Mu Kun, Chi Jin intercepted a truckload of red ice that Mu Kun intended to trade with a Brazilian arms merchant, Mariano.

Furious at Chi Jin's betrayal, Mu Kun vowed to kill him but had to deal with the consequences of the stolen goods.

Chi Jin forced Mu Kun to send Ling Yun to St. Gor Hospital in exchange for the red ice. Ling Yun was severely injured but survived.

Chi Jin contacted Mariano, offering the stolen red ice in exchange for money to escape. He also set up a trap to pit Mu Kun and Mariano against each other.

Chi Jin's ambush plan failed. Mu Kun, cautious, sent lackeys instead of showing up himself. Chi Jin killed one of them, revealing his location.

A firefight ensued, and Chi Jin was gravely wounded, taking a bullet to the leg.

Mu Kun appeared, interrogated Chi Jin, and began torturing him. However, Chi Jin had planned to sacrifice himself from the start.

With his dying breath, Chi Jin pulled a grenade, sacrificing his life in an attempt to kill Mu Kun and repay his guilt.

As he died, Chi Jin found peace in a final vision of his captain, Sui Hong, leading him into a world of light, symbolizing his redemption and loyalty to his fallen comrades.

Chi Jin sacrificed himself in an explosion, but Mu Kun survived and escaped. Police believed Mu Kun was injured and fled to the Golden Triangle.

Tao Longyue, feeling conflicted and emotionally drained, returned to the municipal bureau and expressed his inability to continue his job if it meant arresting Xie Lanshan. He openly declared his refusal to pursue Xie Lanshan any further.

Tao Longyue delivered an emotional plea, revealing how much Xie Lanshan had done for the country, emphasizing that his soul was still the same, even after all he had suffered.

Director Peng finally relented and agreed to put the pursuit of Xie Lanshan on hold, acknowledging that he had been through enough.

Sui Hong confirmed to Tao Longyue that the mission had likely been sabotaged by a spy within the special task force. The spy was still unidentified, and the team needed to investigate further.

Tao Longyue and Sui Hong discussed the fact that Mu Kun was desperate to recover the ton of red ice that Chi Jin had intercepted. Sui Hong suggested a plan to lure Mu Kun out using fake red ice.

Sui Hong and Tao Longyue recruited Zang Yifeng, who had experience making fake red ice, to help with the plan. Although Zang Yifeng was reluctant at first, revealing his personal pain and hatred for drugs, Sui Hong tried to convince him to assist in taking down Mu Kun.

Zang Yifeng was resistant, refusing to help at first, but as the conversation continued, he remained skeptical of the police's intentions and insisted he wanted nothing to do with it.

Just as tensions escalated, the door opened, and Shen Liufei unexpectedly appeared, shocking everyone in the room, especially Tao Longyue, who thought he had been dead.

Shen Liufei recognized Zang Yifeng, but Zang Yifeng didn’t recognize him. Shen Liufei scanned the room, focusing on Zang Yifeng. Tao Longyue was overjoyed by Shen Liufei’s return, thinking this meant Xie Lanshan wouldn’t have to wander anymore, but Shen Liufei remained distant.

Zang Yifeng left the municipal bureau, not wanting to cooperate with the case, but soon realized he was being followed. After a tense moment, he discovered his pursuer was Shen Liufei, who easily overpowered him in a physical confrontation.

Shen Liufei questioned Zang Yifeng about his plans, and Zang Yifeng reluctantly revealed he was looking for Xie Lanshan. Shen Liufei, however, referred to him as Ye Shen and exposed that he knew Zang Yifeng had already identified Xie Lanshan as Ye Shen.

Zang Yifeng angrily accused Ye Shen of murdering his girlfriend, Zhuo Tian. He recounted Zhuo Tian’s fascination with Ye Shen, who preached about saving women trapped in drugs and violence, and described how Ye Shen was caught by the police while holding a piece of Zhuo Tian’s skin.

Shen Liufei suggested that Zhuo Tian’s body had been found near the Thailand-Myanmar border, in a mass grave of prostitutes. He hinted that Zhuo Tian may have been involved in drugs and that Ye Shen might have intended to save her rather than kill her.

Zang Yifeng was shocked but admitted that he and Zhuo Tian had discussed moving to the Golden Triangle to escape China’s strict drug laws.

Shen Liufei revealed that he was the survivor of the massacre Ye Shen had confessed to and that his mother, the young woman involved, was still alive somewhere. This revelation shocked Zang Yifeng to his core.

Shen Liufei convinced Zang Yifeng to lead him to Xie Lanshan, believing this would prove the truth. Zang Yifeng revealed that Xie Lanshan had been in contact with an old friend, a-Xia, who could help them find him.

Xie Lanshan sat alone in a desolate room, exhausted, feverish, and in pain, grappling with the weight of his internal struggle. He was haunted by the blind girl's comment that he was a good person.

As the room grew dark, Xie Lanshan experienced a vivid hallucination of his past self in a police uniform, representing the good, heroic part of his identity.

In a conversation with this vision of himself, Xie Lanshan confessed his pain, loneliness, and the burden of trying to be a good person. The vision reassured him that life’s hardships were part of their shared fate, and they both chose this path of honor.

This interaction reignited Xie Lanshan’s resolve to hold onto his identity as a good person, despite the agony.

Shen Liufei, guided by Zang Yifeng, frantically searched for Xie Lanshan and eventually found him in the dark. Xie Lanshan emerged to meet them.

Zang Yifeng confronted Xie Lanshan, revealing his anger over his girlfriend Zhuo Tian’s death, believing Xie Lanshan (or Ye Shen) was responsible. Xie Lanshan didn’t resist, acknowledging Zang Yifeng’s rage and allowing himself to be beaten as a form of repentance.

Despite the brutal beating, Xie Lanshan kept kneeling, trying to atone for the pain caused by Zhuo Tian’s death, though he didn’t retaliate.

Shen Liufei, witnessing the beating, had his memories and emotions of Xie Lanshan return, understanding that the man before him was still the person he had once cared for.

Eventually, Xie Lanshan caught Zang Yifeng’s punch, ending the beating, and lightheartedly asked him to spare his face. He reassured Zang Yifeng that he would repay him after finishing his mission.

Xie Lanshan walked over to Shen Liufei, leaned on him for support, and expressed his deep desire to be a good person. Shen Liufei embraced him, offering comfort and understanding as Xie Lanshan found a moment of peace.

Xie Lanshan returned to the Golden Triangle during a light rain, witnessing the opium fields' transformation after the governments cracked down on drug production. Despite these efforts, the Golden Triangle remained a major drug trade hub, and Xie Lanshan prepared to hunt down Mu Kun.

Xie tracked down one of Mu Kun’s subordinates, handing him a USB drive with a video message intended for Mu Kun. In the video, Xie taunted Mu Kun by claiming that Chi Jin's stolen red ice was in his possession and demanded one billion in diamonds for its return, further emphasizing that Xie was still loyal to the Blue Fox.

Mu Kun, severely injured from Chi Jin's grenade attack, watched the video while enduring pain during a bandage change. Xie, in the video, demonstrated his control over the red ice and offered a trade, suggesting a meeting in a neutral zone near the Laos border, where both sides would be safe from law enforcement.

Despite being tempted by Xie's offer, Mu Kun was torn between his feelings of grief and rage. Xie's demeanor fluctuated between the cold professionalism of an officer and the playful arrogance of a criminal, further confusing Mu Kun.

Xie maintained control of the negotiation, reminding Mu Kun of their past together, when Xie had once saved his life. However, Xie was determined to see the trade through, even though Mu Kun’s obsession with him had turned dangerous.

Mu Kun’s partner, Tang Qinglan, warned him that Xie’s proposal was likely a trap, given the involvement of Captain Sui Hong of the Blue Fox. However, Mu Kun, driven by his desire to possess Xie Lanshan, dismissed the warning and grew violent, cutting Tang Qinglan's face when she questioned him.

Mu Kun's subordinates reported that Captain Sui Hong was in Myanmar, visiting a remote temple. Mu Kun deduced that Xie Lanshan’s real body may have been buried there, adding another layer of complexity to his obsession with Xie Lanshan.

Xie Lanshan suggested several meeting locations in the military zone, and Mu Kun chose a small bar for their encounter. Blue Fox members surrounded the area, but Mu Kun used a young girl, Naga, as a shield to prevent any direct attacks.

Xie Lanshan arrived earlier and sat calmly at the bar, exuding an aura of purity and composure, while Mu Kun arrived on time, carrying Naga. He used her as a hostage, ensuring the Blue Fox couldn’t snipe him.

Mu Kun searched Xie Lanshan for weapons, finding a listening device and a grenade identical to the one Chi Jin had used. He questioned why Xie Lanshan remained loyal to those who wronged him, but Xie Lanshan calmly stated that he just wanted Mu Kun dead.

Mu Kun revealed that his cars were filled with explosives, capable of blowing up the entire area. He taunted the Blue Fox team outside, warning that any attack would result in massive casualties.

Mu Kun ranted about historical conflicts like the Cuban Missile Crisis, comparing them to his situation. He expressed his obsession with Xie Lanshan, even as he destroyed the listening device and demanded Xie remove a GPS tracker from under his skin.

Mu Kun tied Xie Lanshan’s hands behind his back and forced him to enter an underground tunnel connected to the bar. They entered a waiting car, with Mu Kun driving them to a new location. Xie Lanshan remained defiant, though Mu Kun knocked him unconscious when he became flirtatious.

During the drive, Xie Lanshan dreamt of Shen Liufei, recalling how his lover had warned him not to trade his life for Mu Kun’s. The dream highlighted their deep connection and Xie’s renewed resolve to be a good man.

Xie Lanshan had hidden a small knife in his cuff and began cutting the rope binding his hands while pretending to remain unconscious. The car eventually stopped, and Mu Kun, filled with a mixture of love and hatred, watched Xie closely. After briefly shedding tears, Mu Kun slapped Xie awake and announced that they had arrived at their destination.

Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei's plan unfolded as expected, bringing them to a small temple on the mountaintop where Xie Lanshan’s ashes were buried.

Mu Kun had his men guarding the temple, fully armed, and they had already dug up Xie Lanshan’s urn. The guards, some disguised as monks, were forced to chant mantras under Mu Kun's orders.

As Xie Lanshan arrived with Mu Kun, he realized his backup plan had been foiled. The gun he had hidden near his urn had already been discovered and removed by Mu Kun’s men.

Mu Kun pointed a gun at Xie Lanshan and threatened to kill him before the monks. As the monks chanted, Xie Lanshan tried to buy time, but Mu Kun was determined to execute him.

A young Sami monk, who appeared to be around 13 or 14 years old, intervened, quoting old Chinese sayings about sin and karma. He offered to carry Xie Lanshan’s urn after his death to help his soul find peace.

Mu Kun, emotionally unstable, ordered the Sami to bring the urn closer. However, when the Sami approached, he suddenly threw the urn to the ground in front of Xie Lanshan, shattering it and revealing the hidden gun inside.

In the chaos, Mu Kun, enraged by the broken urn, fired at the Sami, fatally wounding the young monk. Xie Lanshan grabbed the gun and shot Mu Kun in the head. Simultaneously, Mu Kun fired back, hitting Xie Lanshan in the chest.

The Blue Fox members, disguised as monks, attacked the remaining drug dealers. Despite their injuries, they bravely fought and overpowered Mu Kun’s men.

The young Sami, mortally wounded, revealed that she was the younger sister of a woman Xie Lanshan had saved from a brothel in Myanmar. She had hidden the gun in the urn after learning Xie Lanshan’s identity.

With her dying breath, the girl expressed her gratitude to Xie Lanshan, calling him a kind person.

As the battle ended, a helicopter arrived, signaling the arrival of reinforcements. The ashes from the shattered urn were caught by the wind, floating far away.

Xie Lanshan, severely injured and unable to move, watched as the ashes soared into the sky, representing a part of himself returning home to the land he had fought to protect. He felt at peace, knowing his duty was fulfilled and that he was finally home.

Hanhai City Municipal Bureau welcomed 20 new officers, with delayed pledges due to the province's focus on anti-drug operations.

The situation in the Golden Triangle stabilized after Mu Kun’s death, and the municipal bureau remembered to hold the orientation for new recruits.

The event was held in the martyr's hall, with many senior officers attending, including Director Peng and Tao Jun. However, Xie Lanshan was noticeably absent.

Tao Jun was angry when he found out that Xie Lanshan had not shown up despite being promoted to vice captain of the homicide and violent crime unit.

Xie Lanshan pretended to be too injured to attend, faking a poor phone signal and eventually turning off his phone to avoid Tao Jun’s scolding.

Meanwhile, Xie Lanshan was on a bus to Guitang with Shen Liufei, heading south rather than attending the orientation.

During the bus ride, Shen Liufei teased Xie Lanshan by taking his beer and then kissing him to share the drink. Their public display of affection on the bus caught the attention of a middle-aged man, who gave them a disapproving look, but Xie Lanshan didn’t care.

The reason for their trip to Guitang was to search for Shen Liufei’s mother. Due to the surgery's aftereffects, near-death experiences triggered deep memories in Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan.

While waiting for seven days by Xie Lanshan’s bedside, Shen Liufei learned two important things when Xie Lanshan woke up: first, that he loved him, and second, that Shen Liufei’s mother was still alive, with Xie Lanshan recalling where she was.

Two decades later, Shen Liufei reunites with his mother, who now runs a small shop selling handmade crafts in Guitang. She no longer recognizes him due to his changed appearance, and he pretends to be a tourist while buying items from her.

His mother, now remarried, has a younger daughter, Shen Liufei's half-sister, who is lively and curious. The daughter talks to Shen Liufei about art and life and even notices his relationship with Xie Lanshan.

Shen Liufei learns about his mother’s happier life but decides not to reveal his identity to her. He finds peace in knowing that she is living well and feels relieved after years of searching for her.

Shen Liufei reflects on his mother's tragic past, involving abuse from her husband and a violent incident where she killed her family, except for Shen Liufei and his younger brother. Xie Lanshan suggests that his brother's death was likely an accident rather than a result of their mother’s actions.

The reunion brings closure for Shen Liufei, though he chooses not to reconnect with his mother, feeling that knowing she’s safe is enough.

Shen Liufei and Xie Lanshan spend a passionate night together, reflecting on their intertwined fates and love for each other. They share intimate moments and humor about having children while enjoying their peaceful time together.

The next morning, Xie Lanshan is called back to work by Tao Longyue due to a new murder case. He and Shen Liufei rush back to Hanhai, where they begin investigating the death of a man whose body was found buried in a park.

Xie Lanshan examines the body and recognizes the victim as Zheng Chenlong, Shen Liufei’s uncle, who had raped women and was a serial abuser. Zheng was thought to have died years earlier after a violent encounter with Ye Shen, but his body was found in this new case.

As they investigate the crime, Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei reflect on their pasts, both of which are connected to the victim and the events from twenty years ago.

Despite the complexity of the case, Xie Lanshan is confident that they can solve it within three days.

As they work together, Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei share a moment of mutual understanding, deepening their bond and reaffirming their desire for one another amidst the chaos of their intertwined lives.

Sui Hong, reflecting on his past with Chi Jin, embarks on a journey to a small village in Hannan Province following an address he found in a package Chi Jin sent before his death.

The story delves into the relationship between Sui Hong and Chi Jin, starting from when Sui rescued a young Chi Jin from a fire. Over the years, they developed a close bond, with Chi Jin staying with Sui and aspiring to become a special forces officer like him.

As Chi Jin grew older, his feelings for Sui Hong evolved into romantic love, but Sui remained distant, treating him like a subordinate and friend, rather than a romantic partner.

Chi Jin once made a dramatic confession, asking Sui to wait for him until he could prove himself worthy. Despite Chi Jin’s growing feelings, Sui Hong brushed them aside, focusing on his duties and the safety of his team.

Sui Hong’s internal struggle is shown through flashbacks of their relationship, revealing Chi Jin’s jealousy over Sui’s attention to Xie Lanshan and his own efforts to compete for Sui’s love. Chi Jin's obsession ultimately caused him emotional turmoil.

Chi Jin’s deep unrequited love culminated in a moment of intimacy between him and Sui Hong during a team retreat, but their connection remained unresolved as Sui Hong couldn't reciprocate the feelings fully, given his position and lingering doubts.

Chi Jin died tragically, and Sui Hong was left haunted by his feelings of guilt and regret. At Chi Jin's funeral, Sui Hong learned that Chi Jin had fabricated a story about having a fiancée to avoid burdening him further.

In the present, Sui Hong follows the address left by Chi Jin to a village known for its loquat trees and cough syrup production. The villagers praise Chi Jin for helping them modernize their business and market their products online, speaking highly of him.

While investigating Chi Jin's old truck, Sui Hong discovers the long-lost stash of red ice that both Mu Kun and the Blue Fox had been searching for. He reports it to the authorities, completing one of Chi Jin's final tasks.

As he prepares to leave the village, the loquat trees suddenly bloom all at once, filling the mountains with white flowers. In this moment, Sui Hong feels Chi Jin’s presence and imagines the boy embracing him one last time, finally finding a sense of closure amidst the blossoming loquat flowers.

The chapter ends with a symbolic connection between Chi Jin’s love for Sui and the loquat flowers, representing the "eternal flame" that can light and warm Sui's life even in his absence.

After the loss of many Blue Fox members due to Chi Jin’s betrayal and the final confrontation with Mu Kun, the team faces a severe manpower shortage, leading to new recruitment efforts.

Xie Lanshan visits Ling Yun in the hospital. Ling Yun, who lost his leg and thumb during the mission, is undergoing intense rehabilitation despite his permanent disability.

Ling Yun refuses help as he struggles to stand, determined to rely on himself. His physical recovery is progressing, but his emotional scars run deep.

Despite their camaraderie, both men acknowledge that they are no longer part of Blue Fox.

Ling Yun jokes about his thumb being replaced with his toe and remains optimistic, talking about playing games and trying to keep his spirits up despite his situation.

They discuss their paths in life, with Xie Lanshan mentioning his promotion to vice-captain of the homicide unit and reflecting on his inability to return to Blue Fox, feeling it’s time to move on.

Ling Yun shares his backstory, revealing that he initially wanted to be a flight attendant but switched to helicopter piloting. He eventually joined the police academy due to his fascination with uniforms and fatefully ended up in Blue Fox.

They reminisce about Chi Jin’s betrayal and death, with Ling Yun feeling numb toward him despite the injury Chi Jin caused. Chi Jin's name is essentially erased from the Blue Fox’s history due to his actions.

Ling Yun discusses the job offered to him by the provincial bureau, but he has refused it, feeling that he doesn’t deserve charity.

As they hear the symbolic song “Bloodstained Glory,” Ling Yun becomes emotional and wishes he had died in the line of duty instead of being left with his disability.

Xie Lanshan quietly leaves but hears Ling Yun’s parting words. Ling Yun admits he also feels conflicted, saying that he, too, has mixed feelings about his life choices, echoing Xie Lanshan's sentiment of “half and half” when it comes to regret.

Xie Lanshan followed Shen Liufei’s advice and brought his mother, Gao Zhuyin, home from the hospital. However, while Gao Zhuyin adored Shen Liufei and the five cats, she refused to acknowledge Xie Lanshan as her son.

When Shen Liufei traveled to the U.S., Xie Lanshan avoided home by working overtime, but still left flowers for his mother, which she discarded.

One night, while Xie Lanshan stayed at Tao Longyue's, Gao Zhuyin ran away from home due to her fragile mental state.

The next day, the police received a call about a supermarket assault involving a man holding a girl hostage with a knife. Fearing it was his mother, Xie Lanshan rushed to the scene.

It wasn't his mother but a middle-aged man from Chuanhui, frustrated over forced house demolitions. Gao Zhuyin, showing courage, tried to calm the man by saying her son was a police officer and could help him.

The man became agitated when he saw police and almost harmed the hostage. Xie Lanshan diffused the situation by negotiating and offering to take the girl's place. However, just as the man was about to let the girl go, Gao Zhuyin suddenly screamed that Xie Lanshan wasn’t her son.

The man panicked and attacked. Xie Lanshan protected the girl and was injured in the process. He subdued the man but sustained a deep cut to his arm.

Later, Gao Zhuyin prepared dinner for Xie Lanshan, cooking his childhood favorite dishes, unaware of his shellfish allergy. He ate them anyway, moved by the gesture.

Xie Lanshan developed an allergic reaction and a fever, but played with the cats to distract himself until Shen Liufei returned home early and took care of him.

Shen Liufei scolded Xie Lanshan for eating food he was allergic to, but Xie explained that it was the first time his mother had cooked for him in years.

The next morning, Gao Zhuyin prepared breakfast and announced her decision to move out, still unable to accept Xie Lanshan as her son.

Despite this, she made a small gesture of reconciliation by serving him congee and telling him to visit when he wasn’t busy.

The chapter ends with Gao Zhuyin complaining about the noise from Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei’s intimate night, humorously embarrassing both men at the breakfast table.

Xie Lanshan was twenty-three and had become a familiar face in a southern Myanmar prison due to his involvement in violent altercations. His longest stay was six months after smashing a gang member’s skull with a wine bottle.

In prison, Xie Lanshan sharpened a plastic comb into a makeshift knife for self-defense. He was informed by a corrections officer that he was acquitted.

Following his release, Xie Lanshan went to an underground boxing club near a southern town, guided by an address provided by a fellow inmate named a-Jie.

A-Jie and Xie Lanshan had formed a friendship in prison after Xie saved a-Jie from being raped by another inmate, but this action made Xie a target for the other inmates.

Before a-Jie was released, he told Xie Lanshan about the underground boxing club and asked him to visit after getting out.

Secretly, Xie Lanshan was on an undercover mission as part of the Blue Foxes, the antidrug special forces in Hanhai City Province. His mission was to infiltrate Mu Kun's drug-dealing organization.

Mu Kun was a notorious drug lord operating at the China-Myanmar border, known for his brutality and the protection of his operations by a former special ops officer called the "Apostle," who betrayed his comrades and killed undercover agents.

Xie Lanshan had been chosen for this dangerous mission by his captain, Sui Hong, because he couldn’t stand by and watch suffering.

After accepting the mission, his captain regretted the decision, but higher-ups refused to remove Xie Lanshan from the operation.

Xie asked his captain why he was no longer his choice, and the captain repeated the same answer: "Because you can't sit back and watch suffering before your eyes."

Xie Lanshan arrived at an underground boxing club, witnessing a slim boy being brutally beaten by a much larger man inside a cage. Despite being bloodied and bruised, the boy fought desperately to survive the fifteen-minute fight, though the match seemed entirely one-sided.

The boy had colorful, red and yellow hair, reminiscent of a golden pheasant, and a tattoo on his body that read "Mama loves me" in Chinese.

A-Jie, an acquaintance of Xie Lanshan from prison, was in the VIP section of the club. He had resumed his drug-dealing business since being released and was covered in flashy accessories.

After fifteen minutes, the boy, now severely injured, tried to escape, but his opponent pursued him outside the cage. The boy grabbed onto Xie Lanshan’s pants and begged for help. Xie Lanshan instinctively intervened, stopping the larger man.

Just before a fight broke out between Xie Lanshan and the bigger man, someone shouted that the cops were coming. The crowd quickly dispersed.

A-Jie revealed that he had called the cops to create a distraction, helping both him and Xie Lanshan escape. The injured boy followed them, desperate because he had nowhere else to go.

The boy, who spoke Mandarin with a slight accent, explained that he was not from Jiangsu but from northern China. He had been on the run for a while and clung to the hope of finding safety with Xie Lanshan.

Despite A-Jie’s suggestion to send the boy away, Xie Lanshan allowed him to follow them home. The boy was filthy and reeked of a strange smell, indicating that he hadn't bathed in a long time.

In the bathroom, Xie Lanshan gave the boy a rough laundry brush to clean himself. The boy, embarrassed, asked if Xie could help him bathe due to a possible broken bone.

Despite his initial sternness, Xie Lanshan relented and scrubbed the boy's back. The boy introduced himself as “Bai” but was harshly cut off by Xie Lanshan, who didn’t want to form any attachments.

The boy then began to cry, explaining that he missed home, and Xie Lanshan admitted he did too.

After the bath, the boy ate a can of expired meat and explained that his strange hairstyle made him feel like the sun, symbolizing warmth and light in his otherwise cold and wet life.

The boy shared a tragic backstory: his mother had worked as a prostitute and blamed him for her downfall. He had run away to escape her abusive behavior and eventually became involved with gangs, leading him to the Golden Triangle.

Despite his hardships, the boy had naïve ideals and believed he could find a happy ending like in American highway movies, which made A-Jie fall asleep laughing.

The boy told Xie Lanshan that he believed he was a good person and, enviously, assumed that Xie’s mother must also be a good person.

Xie Lanshan remembered the last words he said to his mother: “You’re not my mom,” after his father, Xie Jiaqing, died and his mother went mad.

With no relatives willing to take him in, young Xie Lanshan ended up in an orphanage until Tao Jun’s wife, Yang Rui, offered to be his guardian. Tao Jun was too busy with work, leaving Xie Lanshan mostly in Yang Rui’s care.

Xie Lanshan was quiet and withdrawn in his new home, refusing to eat with the Tao family during holidays. Yang Rui tried to reach out to him by bringing him breakfast every day and buying him new clothes for school.

Despite Yang Rui’s efforts, Xie Lanshan kept his distance. When Yang Rui tried to comfort him, Xie Lanshan coldly rejected her, insisting she wasn’t his mother. He was still grieving and angry over his father's death and his mother’s fate in a psych ward.

During an argument, Xie Lanshan lashed out, saying he had no family, and Tao Longyue, Tao Jun’s son, angrily told him to leave the house.

That night, a furious Xie Lanshan stormed out into the rain. Yang Rui followed him, but while searching for him, she was robbed and stabbed to death when she fought back. Tao Longyue was devastated, and Xie Lanshan, despite not being scolded, felt deep guilt.

Xie Lanshan didn’t cry at Yang Rui’s funeral but was haunted by her death and unable to turn away from human suffering for the rest of his life.

Xie Lanshan shared this traumatic story for the first time, not with Sui Hong, but with the young boy he met in Myanmar.

After hearing the story, the boy reached out to hold Xie Lanshan’s hand, and the two shared a moment of silent connection. The touch reminded Xie Lanshan of the warmth and care he once felt from Yang Rui, bringing him to shed a single tear.

Xie Lanshan's sleep was interrupted by a-Jie’s angry outburst when they discovered the boy they helped, who went by Bai Shuo or Bai Ming, had stolen their wallets and left a note promising to pay them back.

Xie Lanshan began working with a-Jie in the Golden Triangle’s drug trade, trying to get closer to the infamous boss, Mu Kun.

A-Jie brought in a fugitive, a-Kun, who had stolen from Mu Kun’s organization. Despite being reluctant, Xie Lanshan agreed to help a-Kun escape the southern rainforest after a-Jie promised to pay for their food and shelter.

A-Jie betrayed a-Kun by alerting local gangsters to their location. Xie Lanshan, however, stuck to his word and refused to hand over a-Kun, despite the danger. They barely escaped after being attacked by gang members.

A-Kun couldn’t understand why Xie Lanshan risked his life to help him, but Xie Lanshan simply stated it was because he promised to bring him home.

After successfully delivering a-Kun to safety, Xie Lanshan returned to the bars to continue working toward his mission. There, he encountered Bai Shuo (or Bai Ming) again, who was protecting a young girl from a drug boss.

To protect the boy, Xie Lanshan smashed a bottle over Bai’s head, making it appear as though he was on the boss’s side. However, after leaving the bar, the drug boss attacked Bai Shuo, stabbing him in the throat with a broken bottle.

Despite Bai Shuo’s critical injury, Xie Lanshan tried to save him, but the boss and a-Jie insisted that he was already dead. Xie Lanshan was dragged away, his attempt to help futile.

Xie Lanshan was then brought to meet the feared drug lord, Mu Kun, who shockingly turned out to be the same a-Kun he had recently saved.

Mu Kun, now in power after surviving his family’s assassination attempts, welcomed Xie Lanshan warmly, saying he was the only one he trusted. Mu Kun killed a woman in front of Xie Lanshan to demonstrate his dominance, signifying the beginning of a dangerous alliance between the two.

Xie Lanshan followed a girl into an alley and quickly realized it was a trap set by his enemies, as his position as Mu Kun's most trusted man made him a target for others' envy.

A heavy shovel fell onto his head, cracking his skull open and causing blood to stream down his face. Despite his injuries, he fought off two attackers before collapsing from the overwhelming pain and blood loss.

He was surrounded by gang members armed with shovels and metal rods, who repeatedly attacked him until he was unable to move.

Lying in the alley, Xie Lanshan stared up at the attackers as one prepared to strike his face with a metal rod. In a moment of hallucination, he saw the face of a woman who resembled both his birth mother and Yang Rui, and he felt a bittersweet longing for them.

Tears mixed with the blood on his face as Xie Lanshan briefly felt relief at the thought of death ending his difficult mission, but he also regretted that he couldn’t complete his mission for his captain, Sui Hong.

As the rod descended towards him for the final blow, Xie Lanshan accepted his fate and closed his eyes, feeling as though the world was letting out a final sigh as his life came to an end.

The chapter opens with a dark, damp cave illuminated by weak fluorescence from plants. The scene is eerie, with tangled vines resembling snakes and a black insect being consumed by a bulging vine-like creature.

Mucus drops from the cave ceiling onto moss, which squirmingly absorbs it. In a corner of the cave, a snow-white mycelium grows and spreads, forming into a human figure—An Zhe.

An Zhe, now in human form but still composed of mycelium, observes the skeletal remains of a recently deceased human, overgrown with vines and mushrooms. Fluorescent mushrooms glow from the skeleton's eye sockets.

An Zhe examines the deceased's backpack, finding clothing, food, water, and a blue electronic chip with an ID number: 3261170514.

Flashback: Three days ago, the dying human told An Zhe that the ID chip was essential to return to the human base, but he acknowledged he couldn’t return due to his fatal injuries. The man, An Ze, had bone splinters piercing his chest and festering wounds covered in blackish-green liquid.

An Ze reflects on his meaningless life, abandoned by humans due to his lack of value. He accepts his fate, content to die in the wilderness rather than return to the human base.

An Zhe has absorbed An Ze’s genes, learning human language and concepts like "value" and "death." Despite his efforts to stanch An Ze's wounds with his hyphae, An Zhe inadvertently absorbs his blood.

An Ze speculates that after his death, An Zhe may gain more knowledge by consuming his body, which An Zhe does not explicitly deny.

An Ze, realizing that An Zhe wants to go to the human base to find his lost spore (his seed), warns him that he will die if he tries. Only humans can enter the base, and the Judges will detect non-humans like him.

An Ze’s final words are that An Zhe is just a tiny little mushroom with no means of defense or attack. Shortly after, An Ze dies, leaving only a skeleton.

An Zhe regrets telling An Ze about his desire to go to the human base, feeling that An Ze wasted his last moments worrying about him instead of enjoying life’s final moments.

An Zhe finds a bullet shell where he lost his spore, which he believes is his only link to possibly retrieving it. He stores the bullet in the animal skin backpack left by An Ze.

An Zhe puts on An Ze’s clothes—bloody and old—and leaves the cave. The cave walls are filled with vines that retreat as he passes.

Outside the cave, he sees a landscape dominated by mushrooms of various colors and shapes, with an aurora glowing in the sky. He sits down under a mushroom and examines a map from An Ze’s backpack.

The map marks their location as the "Abyss," a six-star danger zone filled with numerous monsters, both plant and animal, along with remnants of human cities. An Zhe’s goal is the Northern Base, marked with a red star on the map.

An Zhe navigates using Polaris, walking through the mushroom-filled landscape under the green aurora. As he travels, he observes grotesque scenes of creatures devouring each other and mutations, all of which he has grown used to.

A large monster with four eyes, a mix of scales, feathers, and fur, sniffs An Zhe but ultimately leaves him alone. An Zhe realizes that his mushroom form is non-threatening to the creatures in this world, allowing him to pass unnoticed.

The chapter ends with An Zhe acknowledging that he is, indeed, a tiny little mushroom, as An Ze had said.

An Zhe walks for a long time, covering a minimal distance on the map. He crosses from the "Abyss" into "Flatland 2," a less dangerous area but still home to arthropod-class monsters and rodent-class animals.

The landscape changes from uneven terrain and towering trees to flat, open land filled with low shrubbery, but An Zhe feels uneasy due to the dry air, which is unsuited for mushrooms.

He finds a shallow depression with short grasses, where he sits down and sleeps in a human posture for the first time. His sleep is disturbed by a dark and fearful dream that reminds him of the moment he lost his spore.

Waking suddenly, An Zhe realizes that a giant arthropod monster with blood-red compound eyes is in front of him. It attacks, but An Zhe narrowly avoids the strike by rolling to the side.

The monster's sharp forelimb stabs the ground where An Zhe had been lying. He grabs his backpack and runs toward nearby shrubbery, but the monster follows him, and he stumbles.

The monster's shadow envelops him, and it swings its forelimb toward him. An Zhe's arm disappears, allowing the monster to cut nothing. Hyphae regrow inside his sleeve to form a new human arm.

An Zhe rolls into the shrubbery but realizes the monster can still see him. His body begins to transform into hyphae to escape more easily.

Just as the monster prepares to attack again, a white light strikes it, causing an explosion of red and white. The monster is severed in two and crashes to the ground near An Zhe.

Nearby, a group of humans who fired the shot approaches. They discuss harvesting the carcass and preparing to return to the Northern Base.

An Zhe raises his head to see three humans, armed and wearing dark gray clothes. They aim their guns at him. The leader asks if he is human, and An Zhe hesitates before claiming he is, giving the ID number 3261170514.

The leader questions him further about his teammates, but An Zhe says they were separated. The men demand that An Zhe remove his clothes to check for wounds or signs of genetic contamination.

An Zhe reluctantly complies, unbuttoning his shirt. The third man, Hosen, examines him with a leering gaze, making An Zhe uncomfortable. Hosen suggests stripping him completely, but the leader warns him against reverting to old habits.

An Zhe is taken to the back by the leader, who checks him for additional wounds and asks how long he’s been separated from his group. An Zhe answers one day, and the leader acknowledges his luck in avoiding many monsters but notes that there are still dangerous bugs.

An Zhe asks if they are returning to the Northern Base and requests to go with them. The leader says it's not up to him and asks the others for their opinion.

Hosen agrees to take An Zhe along, while the last man, a dark-skinned individual, looks at An Zhe with a dour gaze.

The dark-skinned man, Anthony, agrees to take An Zhe along after confirming he doesn't mutate within four hours in Flatland 2, a low-pollution area.

Vance introduces himself, along with Hosen and Anthony. They all agree to take An Zhe back to the Northern Base, having recently lost a teammate.

An Zhe helps them dismantle the arthropod monster's legs with a dagger given by Vance. Hosen harasses him during the process but is called off by Vance.

An Zhe notices small, dark liquid droplets on the monster's armor, suspecting they might be human blood, but doesn't mention it immediately.

After dismantling the monster, Vance invites An Zhe to ride back to the base with them. The car is cramped and dark, with compartments for resting.

Hosen assaults An Zhe while they rest, trying to overpower him. An Zhe grabs his dagger, and just as the situation escalates, Anthony, now mutated into a monstrous creature, attacks.

An Zhe escapes the vehicle by turning into his hyphae form, dragging Hosen out with him. Anthony kills Hosen while An Zhe flees.

Vance rescues An Zhe with the armored car, speeding away while Anthony devours Hosen's corpse, ultimately abandoning the chase.

Vance acknowledges that Anthony had likely been infected earlier from a mutated mosquito bite, and that many infected hide their contamination to avoid being abandoned by their teams.

Vance reveals that Hosen had killed several people in the past, implying that his death was not unjust.

Vance shares his past, telling An Zhe about his younger brother, who was killed by a Judge at the Northern Base without justification. He expresses resentment towards the Judges, especially the Arbiter, who kills without explanation.

An Zhe realizes that he is a xenogenic—mutated but still appearing human. He feels anxious about the base's Trial process, which identifies and executes xenogenics.

Vance explains that the Judges operate under the Arbiter's Code, enforcing strict checks at the base's gates. Any suspected xenogenics are shot on sight.

After three days of travel, An Zhe and Vance reach the Northern Base, a fortified city with high steel walls and heavy surveillance.

As they approach the gate, Vance suddenly speeds up, pulling An Zhe towards the line for entry. An Zhe notices a soldier with icy green eyes in a silver-trimmed uniform standing by the wall.

Vance is shot in the head by this soldier, collapsing dead in front of An Zhe. The soldier slowly turns the gun towards An Zhe.

An Zhe witnesses Vance’s death at the hands of the Arbiter, Lu Feng, at the gate of the Northern Base. The onlookers remain indifferent to the killing.

Realizing Lu Feng is the Arbiter, An Zhe prepares for his own trial, expecting to be shot. However, instead of killing him, Lu Feng handcuffs An Zhe and orders him to follow.

They enter the base through a gate lined with armed soldiers and heavy weapons, passing through a large room where other trials are being conducted. Lu Feng takes An Zhe to a genetic examination room.

Lu Feng requests a genetic examination for An Zhe. The doctor, amused by Lu Feng's rare request, draws blood from An Zhe and runs a full-body scan. An Zhe nervously waits for the results, contemplating his own identity as a mushroom, unsure whether he is classified as plant or animal.

The doctor returns with the results, confirming that An Zhe’s genetic test shows no abnormalities. Lu Feng seems unsatisfied but accepts the report. An Zhe is freed from the handcuffs.

While leaving, Lu Feng cryptically tells An Zhe that he initially felt he wasn’t human but couldn’t prove it with the genetic examination.

As they walk through the base, they encounter a man suspected of being infected, escorted by a Judge and soldiers. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, Lu Feng shoots the man dead on the spot, demonstrating his ruthless nature.

An Zhe sees Vance's body being prepared for incineration and is handed his ID card as next of kin. He discovers a small puncture wound on Vance’s finger, realizing that Vance, not Anthony, was pricked by the ant armor and infected.

Grieving for Vance, An Zhe is led to the outer city’s District 6, using the ID card to access An Ze’s apartment. Inside, he finds a small, familiar room filled with personal belongings, including a mirror that reflects his own face, resembling An Ze's.

An Zhe reflects on his past with An Ze and remembers the time An Ze gave him the name "An Zhe," meaning “snap,” after a raindrop once broke his stem.

After some contemplation, An Zhe tests his own toxicity by cutting off a small piece of his hyphae and tasting it. The taste is sweet, but soon after, the world begins to sway, implying that he may indeed be poisonous.

An Zhe wakes up after fainting from consuming a piece of his own hyphae, realizing that it caused lethargy, indicating his potential toxicity. He feels cold and hungry, so he heads to the communal hall to get food.

At the hall, An Zhe buys mashed potatoes and soup but realizes he has very little currency left on his card, leading him to think about finding a job.

On his way back, An Zhe encounters Josh, An Ze's childhood friend. Josh is shocked and confused, initially mistaking An Zhe for An Ze and then suspecting him of being a xenogenic when An Zhe doesn't act like his old self.

An Zhe brushes off Josh’s concerns, telling him that he doesn’t remember much due to poisoning, which Josh accepts after some hesitation. Josh then leaves, promising to return.

An Zhe reflects on Josh's role in An Ze's death. Josh had pressured An Ze into joining a mercenary team, and when they were attacked near the Abyss, Josh abandoned An Ze in order to save himself.

An Zhe feels sadness for An Ze, realizing that Josh's bond with An Ze was fragile, and he resolves to one day return to the Abyss to reunite with An Ze's remains.

An Zhe searches for a job and heads to the black market, following advice to seek employment on the third underground floor. He navigates through a maze of shady and unsavory places, realizing that the work offered there might involve questionable or dangerous activities.

A woman named Doussay stops An Zhe and offers to take him to Mr. Shaw, who runs a workshop on the third floor. Doussay suggests that Mr. Shaw might employ An Zhe as his new apprentice.

Mr. Shaw tests An Zhe's steadiness with his hands, impressed by how steady and controlled they are. He agrees to take An Zhe on as an apprentice for a few days to see if he’s useful.

An Zhe learns that Mr. Shaw specializes in crafting lifelike human replicas, often for mercenaries who lose comrades in the wilderness. These replicas are incredibly realistic but lifeless.

Doussay and Mr. Shaw discuss a job offer involving creating a replica of the Arbiter, Lu Feng, for a client obsessed with him. Although it’s a risky job, Mr. Shaw agrees to it, as long as the price is right.

An Zhe continues working for Mr. Shaw, practicing implanting eyebrows on a mannequin and honing his craft. Mr. Shaw uses his old apprentice for heavier work as his eyesight has deteriorated.

Mr. Shaw finishes a lifelike mannequin for Hubbard, who arrives to collect it. Hubbard shows deep emotional attachment to the mannequin, which represents someone he lost. Hubbard takes the mannequin away after a brief exchange with Mr. Shaw.

An Zhe shows Hubbard the brass bullet shell he has, and Hubbard identifies it as a military-issued item, adding that it can't be found in supply depots or the black market.

Mr. Shaw jokes about the bullet and suggests inappropriate ways for An Zhe to gain information from the military. An Zhe ignores his remarks and ponders how he might stay in the human base for an extended period while searching for his spore.

While walking around the black market, An Zhe encounters Lu Feng, the Arbiter, and his group of young Judges on patrol. Lu Feng starts taking notes on An Zhe’s behavior, marking him as potentially abnormal due to signs of fear and avoidance.

Lu Feng’s judgment of An Zhe ultimately concludes that An Zhe’s only abnormality is his fear of the Arbiter, leading to no further action against him.

An Zhe encounters Doussay, who pulls him along as they run when a xenogenic is discovered on the train. Chaos erupts in the public square as the City Defense Agency soldiers arrive to secure the area.

Lu Feng marks a xenogenic with a magnesium light bullet and later fires an incendiary shell, incinerating the infected individual. Doussay remarks that she was sitting near the infected person but wasn't harmed. However, after the xenogenic's death, Doussay begins to show signs of infection herself.

Lu Feng executes Doussay with a single gunshot when it becomes clear that she has been infected. Before her death, Doussay expresses a mix of fear, despair, and possibly even admiration for the Arbiter.

After Doussay’s death, Lu Feng wipes blood from An Zhe’s face, and they briefly share a moment of silence before Lu Feng departs, leaving An Zhe to reflect on the Arbiter’s cold but efficient methods.

An Zhe discovers a bullet shell on the ground near where Doussay was killed, identical to the one he carries from the wilderness. This makes him suspect that his spore might be connected to the Trial Court, raising concerns about the difficulty of retrieving it without revealing his true identity.

Mr. Shaw receives an order to create a mannequin of Lu Feng, and An Zhe practices implanting eyebrows on the mannequin, closely observing Lu Feng’s features from photos delivered by Hubbard.

An Zhe feels a visceral fear of Lu Feng, believing that if he were ever exposed as non-human, Lu Feng would be the one to end his life.

An Zhe moves into the third underground floor of the black market to avoid Josh’s clinginess, living in a corner of Mr. Shaw’s shop among mannequin parts. He uses the phrase "I have someone" to fend off mercenaries interested in him, a tactic suggested by Mr. Shaw.

Mr. Shaw begins focusing on crafting the Lu Feng mannequin with meticulous detail, aiming to complete the order by the agreed-upon date, while An Zhe quietly observes and continues his work.

Mr. Shaw scolds An Zhe for moving the Lu Feng mannequin aside, noting that An Zhe is afraid of it due to its resemblance to the real Colonel.

An Zhe and Mr. Shaw complete the Lu Feng mannequin, ensuring every detail is perfect. The mannequin is dressed in a near-identical black uniform and fitted with green eyes resembling Lu Feng's.

Mr. Shaw tries to contact Jensen, the youth who sells cell phones and delivers the Arbiter's data, to deliver the mannequin. However, Jensen doesn't answer, and Mr. Shaw suspects something is wrong.

Mr. Shaw and An Zhe decide to deliver the mannequin themselves to Unit 4, Room 312 in District 6's Building 13. Upon arrival, a woman informs them that Doussay, the client, was killed by the Arbiter.

Mr. Shaw laments the loss of a large payment and expresses confusion over Doussay's feelings for Lu Feng, speculating that despite her lifestyle, she harbored genuine emotions for him.

An Zhe agrees to temporarily hide the mannequin in his old apartment in District 6, as Mr. Shaw fears keeping it in the shop might draw the Trial Court's attention.

As An Zhe struggles to drag the heavy suitcase containing the mannequin to his apartment, he is suddenly embraced by Josh, who professes his love and tries to rekindle their past relationship.

A gunshot from Lu Feng interrupts the encounter, and Lu Feng offers An Zhe his communicator number, suggesting that next time Josh harasses him, An Zhe can call for his arrest.

Lu Feng helps An Zhe carry the suitcase to his fifth-floor apartment despite An Zhe's protests. Once inside, Lu Feng lingers in the apartment, acting suspiciously.

An Zhe grows anxious, knowing the mannequin is in the suitcase, but Lu Feng doesn’t inquire about its contents. Instead, Lu Feng asks for water.

An Zhe fetches water and, upon returning, realizes there are two Lu Fengs in the room: the real one and the mannequin. The real Lu Feng handcuffs An Zhe for "indecency," arresting him for possessing a contraband mannequin of the Arbiter.

An Zhe is taken to a prison run by the City Defense Agency, where he encounters Mr. Shaw and Jensen, who were also arrested for illegally stealing the Arbiter's information.

The prisoners discuss their crimes and the severity of punishment under the Arbiter’s strict rule. They reflect on how minor infractions can result in heavy consequences, including execution.

A prisoner named Poet, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for incitement and spreading fear, recounts the history of Earth, detailing the geomagnetic field's collapse in 2030, leading to the Desert Era, and the subsequent mutation of creatures during the Era of Calamity.

Poet explains that the remaining human bases, including their base, were established to protect humanity from mutant creatures. He notes that only two bases, including their own, remain operational.

Suddenly, the prison is violently shaken by unknown underground vibrations. Something massive seems to be breaking through from beneath the ground, causing chaos in the prison.

Jensen panics as the ground beneath him shakes. Poet speculates about the underground creatures causing the disturbance but is unsure of their identity.

Black-clothed soldiers rush to evacuate the prisoners as an alarm sounds. Soldiers open the cell doors, but as Jensen’s door is unlocked, a massive black worm breaks through the floor and kills him gruesomely.

The worm also kills a nearby soldier, and the sound of more worms and cracking bones fills the corridor. An Zhe uses his hyphae to retrieve the keys, unlocks his cell, and frees Poet.

An Zhe and Poet run through the corridor as two giant black segmented worms with tooth-filled mouths chase them.

As they escape, An Zhe bumps into a figure who turns out to be Lu Feng. Lu Feng gives orders to prepare uranium shells and helps An Zhe evade the worms by pushing him to the ground as explosions go off.

Lu Feng, An Zhe, Poet, and Mr. Shaw make it outside safely, where they meet Colonel Howard, the director of the City Defense Agency. Howard criticizes Lu Feng for stepping out of his authority by entering the building during the chaos.

Howard warns Lu Feng about the risk of infection from the worms, but Lu Feng insists on taking An Zhe away for observation. He dismisses Howard’s concerns about the Trial Court’s involvement.

Lu Feng takes An Zhe to his office, where he bandages An Zhe’s injury. As they converse, Lu Feng makes light of An Zhe’s situation, mocking him, but also helps him tie the bandage when An Zhe struggles.

An Zhe observes the chaos outside as the City Defense Agency uses uranium shells to combat the worms. He notices a massive ultrasonic disperser, which is used to prevent airborne monster invasions.

Lu Feng contacts the Trial Court and discusses the situation at the City Defense Agency, confirming that worm-class creatures are involved and that more research teams will be sent.

An Zhe, left alone for a while, looks around Lu Feng’s office and finds his work notebook, which contains detailed records of past missions. He discovers that Lu Feng had encountered his spore in the Abyss and handed it over to the Lighthouse research center.

Lu Feng catches An Zhe’s curiosity but allows him to stay the night in his personal nap room. An Zhe is conflicted but stays in the room, pondering the dangerous but oddly secure feeling he has in Lu Feng’s presence.

In the middle of the night, Lu Feng wakes An Zhe, warning him to evacuate as the building shakes from another attack. He helps An Zhe out of bed and even tosses him a coat to keep warm.

They evacuate the building together, and Lu Feng carries An Zhe on his back down the stairs and outside, where they meet Howard again.

Howard reports that the situation has worsened, with worms emerging beneath all four buildings. Lu Feng insists that the worms are targeting the disperser in the atrium, but Howard disagrees, citing the Lighthouse’s report.

As they argue, Lu Feng proves his expertise from his experience in the Abyss, convincing Howard that the disperser is the real target.

Howard tries to contact the Dispersion Center, but after multiple attempts, they discover that the Dispersion Center is unreachable, raising the stakes of the crisis.

Lu Feng leaves the City Defense Agency and heads toward the Dispersion Center, followed by Howard and the City Defense Agency's armored vehicles.

A Lighthouse researcher speculates that the ultrasonic disperser may be attracting underground worms, triggering a premeditated attack.

The city's alarm sounds, urging citizens to find shelter, while the broadcast warns of potential insect, bird, and worm-class monster invasions.

An Zhe, Mr. Shaw, and Poet are locked in a room, with no guards watching them since they pose no immediate threat. They discuss the current situation and possible infections from insects.

Poet explains the risks of insect infections during the breeding season, describing how human bodies could become breeding grounds for insect eggs, leading to a potential outbreak.

Poet and Mr. Shaw discuss the history of the Arbiter's Code and the events leading up to its enactment, including the Southeastern Base's fall and the "Judgment Day" period when xenogenics infiltrated the base’s water supply.

Mr. Shaw recounts the gruesome event of a soft-bodied aquatic xenogenic dissolving into the base's water supply, leading to a city-wide infection scare. This event triggered the urgent creation of the Arbiter's Code.

The early Arbiters were Lighthouse scientists responsible for eliminating xenogenics, but due to psychological stress and madness, the military eventually took over the Trials.

Mr. Shaw mentions that Lu Feng became the Arbiter at a very young age and has lasted seven years in the position despite the mental strain that usually drives Arbiters mad within a few years.

Poet and Mr. Shaw suggest that Lu Feng’s growing number of kills might indicate he's close to madness. They also imply that Lu Feng’s interaction with An Zhe could be a sign of his impending breakdown.

An insect strikes the window, signaling that the disperser may be failing and that danger is imminent.

A woman screams downstairs, likely having seen the insects.

A large beetle sticks to the window, attempting to get inside, but the room remains sealed.

Mr. Shaw and Poet grow increasingly anxious as bugs swarm outside, pelting the window.

They discover a damaged vent in the room and attempt to block it. An Zhe gets pricked by something while sealing the vent but uses his hyphae to heal himself, hiding his mushroom nature.

The bug swarm intensifies, and the group hopes the glass and room hold up.

Mr. Shaw urges An Zhe to call Lu Feng for help.

Meanwhile, Lu Feng drives towards the Dispersion Center but abruptly turns the car around upon seeing worms and bugs covering the ultrasonic disperser.

An emergency communication from multiple districts reports a full-scale bug outbreak, and the outer city is exposed to extreme danger due to the disperser malfunction.

Lu Feng takes charge, issuing orders for evacuation and assisting infected areas, prioritizing District 8.

A researcher suggests retreating to the Main City, which has a safer defense system, claiming that trying to save the Outer City is futile.

Lu Feng receives a call from An Zhe, who informs him about bugs crashing into the windows near the City Defense Agency.

Despite the researcher’s objections, Lu Feng decides to abandon retreat to the Main City and drives towards An Zhe, instructing him to wait there.

Lu Feng arrives to rescue An Zhe, Poet, and Mr. Shaw, using an ultrasonic jammer to clear a safe path.

They are packed into a car, which becomes overcapacity, but Mr. Shaw jokes that he isn't a person, so it's fine.

Lu Feng communicates with Howard and others, receiving emergency requests from various districts under bug attack, and eventually confirms that District 6's disperser is still functioning.

He decides to redirect everyone to shelter in District 6 and requests permission for a citywide trial, estimating a 60% mortality rate over five days, which is approved.

Lu Feng drops off An Zhe, Poet, and Mr. Shaw with the City Defense Agency, while he goes to prepare for Judgment Day.

An Zhe, while anxious about being bitten by a bug earlier, falls asleep in the evacuation vehicle.

The scene shifts to District 6, where a massive line of evacuees forms for the Trial, with infected individuals being shot, causing fear and unrest.

The Trial system includes visual checks by soldiers, judgment by Judges, and final decisions by Lu Feng. Many people are killed during the process.

An Zhe passes through the Trials, but Lu Feng's cold demeanor during the executions unsettles him.

Demonstrators within the city walls protest against Lu Feng's killings, demanding transparency and accountability for the Trials.

Lu Feng continues executing people despite the protests, leading to a standoff between the City Defense Agency guards and Lu Feng when Howard suggests they take a step back.

The situation escalates until a Lighthouse doctor arrives, offering a genetic test for Howard to confirm if he's infected. The test confirms Howard is infected, justifying Lu Feng’s actions.

Lu Feng silently walks away, and An Zhe chases after him to return his coat and notebook. When An Zhe struggles to keep up, Lu Feng coldly tells him not to whine.

An Zhe returns Lu Feng's notebook and coat. Despite Lu Feng saying An Zhe didn't need to wait for him, An Zhe asks if Lu Feng is okay, which Lu Feng dismisses flatly.

They walk through the tense crowd of protesters who give An Zhe hateful and suspicious looks for associating with the Arbiter.

Lu Feng escorts An Zhe back, stopping by Building 56 where Vance, the man who brought An Zhe to the base, used to live. An Zhe reflects on Vance's decisions and leaves his ID card as a memento.

Lu Feng mentions that he now believes An Zhe is human. They continue walking as Lu Feng makes work-related calls, organizing rescue efforts and preparing for the continuation of Judgment Day.

Back at An Zhe’s room, Lu Feng declines to stay for long, but when An Zhe offers him a place to stay because Lu Feng has nowhere else to go, Lu Feng accepts.

They share a tense, awkward moment in the communal bathroom, where Josh runs into them but remains silent out of fear of Lu Feng.

Back in the room, Lu Feng makes brief work notes about the events, while An Zhe prepares for bed. Lu Feng suggests that An Zhe might be better suited to taking care of children as part of the City Defense recruitment.

Before going to sleep, An Zhe asks Lu Feng about xenogenics retaining human thoughts. Lu Feng dismisses the idea, saying humans are weak and will eventually be overcome by xenogenics.

An Zhe tries to counter, asking what Lu Feng would do if infected. Lu Feng coldly replies that he would commit suicide, then orders An Zhe to sleep.

The next morning, An Zhe finds that Lu Feng has left early, leaving a note on the back of a protest leaflet, simply saying: "I've left. Call if anything comes up."

An Zhe reflects on how Lu Feng's concise note matches his personality and prepares to go to the City Affairs Office, hopeful about getting closer to his goal of retrieving his spore.

The City Affairs Office broadcasts updates about safety in District 6, urging residents to remain indoors and for qualified individuals to apply for new roles at the City Affairs Office.

An Zhe makes his way to the City Affairs Office, encountering a tense and deserted district, with occasional armored vehicles speeding by.

He lines up for recruitment, finding himself behind Colin, a young man who recognizes him but avoids interaction due to An Zhe's association with Lu Feng.

An Zhe overhears that those recruited are being transferred to the Main City for safety due to the failure of the Dispersion Center and worsening weather conditions.

Both An Zhe and Colin are rushed onto a train headed for the Main City as heavy rain begins to fall, which disrupts the function of the ultrasonic dispersers.

Colin panics, realizing that the rain has rendered the dispersers ineffective, and expresses his fear that the bugs will invade the city.

Insects begin attacking the train, and An Zhe watches as a ground traffic controller is killed by the swarm.

The train leaves District 6, and An Zhe witnesses the devastation caused by the insects. Fighter planes from the Main City arrive, but their purpose is not rescue.

Lu Feng coldly explains that human genes must not fall into the hands of the xenogenics, and he prepares for drastic measures.

As they leave the Outer City behind, a bright white light flashes in the distance, signaling a nuclear explosion.

Lu Feng covers An Zhe’s eyes just before a massive mushroom cloud rises from District 6, destroying everything in its path.

After the train leaves the Outer City behind, An Zhe observes the destruction and thick clouds, while fighter planes fly overhead, returning to base.

Lu Feng receives reports of the casualties from the Trial Court, with twenty-one evacuated, nine dead, and four exterminated due to infection. Data from the City Defense Agency is still unknown.

Colin regains consciousness but is visibly shaken and silently sits, polishing his glasses, seemingly changed by the events.

An Zhe asks Lu Feng what happens next, and Lu Feng replies that An Zhe might be teaching children how to read, while Lu Feng's next mission is to recover the Dispersion Center.

During a genetic examination after arrival at the Main City, An Zhe encounters the friendly doctor again, who helps him change his bandage and discusses the scientific principles behind the Trial Court’s decisions.

Colin, still haunted by the death of his mother, presses the doctor about the Trial Court's methods, but the doctor explains that xenogenics are detected instantly at the DNA level and that Lu Feng's judgment has been 100% accurate, based on intuition and years of training.

The doctor explains that human sciences have failed to explain many phenomena, especially in the face of xenogenics, leading to the understanding that much of human knowledge is now unreliable.

An Zhe and Colin receive their new ID cards and are assigned housing in the Main City's military residential area, as civilian housing is at capacity.

An Zhe reaches his new apartment on the top floor of a high-rise, a spacious suite with modern amenities.

He watches a news broadcast detailing the situation: the Outer City has fallen, but the Main City remains secure. The monsters’ attack was likely due to the breeding season of insect-type xenogenics, who sought human genes for reproduction.

The broadcast reassures that the Main City is highly secure and the base is entering a period of population expansion, with advancements in reproduction technology and an increase in newborns at the Garden of Eden.

The next morning, An Zhe is instructed to report to the Garden of Eden, where he will be working. The Garden of Eden is responsible for food production and child-rearing in the base.

An Zhe reflects on his upcoming role of taking care of human younglings, wondering if it will help him gain experience in caring for his own spore.

An Zhe and Colin are led by Lin Zuo through the Garden of Eden, where they will be assigned to care for six-year-old children.

The Garden of Eden houses four thousand children per floor, all nearly six years old, who will stay in the Main City for education since the Outer City has fallen.

An Zhe and Colin receive books on teaching and are assigned observation tasks during class to monitor the children's behavior.

The children show curiosity towards An Zhe, asking him questions, and he interacts with them warmly.

Lin Zuo teaches the children a poem: "Do not go gentle into that good night," which symbolizes resisting destruction.

After class, An Zhe is responsible for taking the children to dinner and helping them watch the news.

During the news, the children express fear of the Arbiter (Lu Feng), mentioning his role in executing people and venturing into the Abyss.

An Zhe reassures them and confirms he has met Lu Feng, describing him as both "handsome" and comparing his eyes to the aurora.

An Zhe adjusts to his peaceful life in the Main City over the next month, growing closer to the children but feeling distant from his goal of retrieving his spore from the Lighthouse.

Meanwhile, news reports highlight progress made by Lu Feng and the military in recovering and cleaning the Dispersion Center.

One evening, while walking home from work, An Zhe notices a frightened girl in a white dress running toward a busy street. He tries to warn her, but she keeps running.

Lu Feng suddenly appears and stops the girl, easily lifting her up despite her struggling.

An Zhe realizes that Lu Feng has a caring side, noting his effort to calm the girl, and he sincerely tells Lu Feng, "You're a good person."

Lu Feng responds with a subtle smile, but his reaction seems tinged with disbelief or irony, as he reports to his communicator that the target (the girl) has been captured, leaving An Zhe confused about the situation.

An Zhe witnesses a Garden of Eden worker take the runaway girl from Lu Feng after Lu Feng stops her, and the worker thanks Lu Feng.

Lu Feng questions An Zhe's earlier comment about him being a "good person," which causes An Zhe to feel a bit betrayed, like his feelings were deceived.

Lu Feng asks An Zhe to lead him back to their residential area, claiming he hasn't been to the Main City in years and doesn't remember the way.

An Zhe agrees to guide him and discovers that they live in the same building, just across the hall from each other.

An Zhe becomes suspicious when he realizes Lu Feng had been in the Main City previously, but Lu Feng explains that his apartment had been tidied by the military when he returned earlier.

Lu Feng’s ID card doesn’t work because it wasn’t upgraded with the new system, so An Zhe invites him to his apartment temporarily while waiting for a new card.

An Zhe cooks dinner, and Lu Feng, surprisingly, helps fix a leaking kitchen faucet, impressing An Zhe with his unexpected skill.

During dinner, An Zhe tries to ask Lu Feng questions about his work and the Lighthouse, hoping for information about his spore, but Lu Feng avoids answering, telling him not to ask questions he shouldn’t.

After dinner, Lu Feng returns to his apartment, only to find a mannequin—his mannequin—sitting inside. The mannequin was mistakenly believed by soldiers to be an important military tool during the Outer City evacuation, so they moved it to his apartment.

Lu Feng calmly packs the mannequin into a suitcase and pushes it towards An Zhe, telling him to take it back, leaving An Zhe bewildered.

An Zhe questions if he committed a crime of indecency, but Lu Feng dismisses it, explaining the crime depends on the victim's wishes, which implies he jokingly considers himself the victim.

An Zhe hides the mannequin in a corner of his room, hoping not to see it again.

That night, An Zhe hears strange sounds, similar to wind, coming from a hole in his wall. He discovers a pitch-black pipe-like hole under his bed, which seems to be the source of the unsettling noise.

The next day is the younglings' graduation exam. An Zhe patrols the room and notices many children struggling, while some excel, especially a cold youngling named Si Nan who fills his exam sheet with dark scribbles.

Si Nan performs excellently on the exam, earning a perfect score, but Lin Zuo decides not to place him in Class A due to his emotional issues and resentment towards the base.

The rest of the younglings are sent to military training grounds. An Zhe and Colin accompany them and become responsible for watching the children's progress.

Colin expresses his disdain for the Main City, calling it a beehive that exploits children for the benefit of the elite while abandoning those deemed less valuable to the Outer City.

Colin criticizes An Zhe for lacking emotions, accusing him of siding with the Main City because he survived.

A fight breaks out between Si Nan and another boy. The other boy mocks Si Nan for sleep-talking and calling out the name of a friend, Lily, who had been taken away.

Si Nan reveals that Lily, his friend, was taken and locked up in the Garden of Eden.

Lu Feng arrives at the training ground for a meeting. An Zhe explains the situation with the children fighting, and Lu Feng suggests beating them to stop their behavior.

Lu Feng notices something wrong with Si Nan and examines him. He declares that there's an issue with Si Nan and instructs An Zhe to contact the Lighthouse for further investigation.

Lu Feng reviews the infection report of Si Nan, showing signs of arthropod mutation. The doctor speculates that the infection in the Main City is unusual.

Si Nan is isolated in a lab, and An Zhe tries to communicate with him. Si Nan remains mostly silent, staring at An Zhe with an eerie, inhuman gaze.

Lin Zuo confirms that Si Nan was always under surveillance except for brief moments, but no signs of infection were found in others.

The doctor informs that Si Nan's infection likely occurred 15-20 hours earlier, meaning it happened in the Garden of Eden.

Lu Feng orders martial law and starts screening the children for infection. The doctor mentions that Si Nan is a strange case, with signs of emotional and psychological detachment.

Si Nan cryptically tells Lu Feng and An Zhe that "all of you will die." Lu Feng remains calm, but it's clear that Si Nan is transforming into a xenogenic.

An Zhe notices a strange vent system in the lab and asks about it. The doctor explains the complex ventilation system in the Main City and how it filters out contaminants.

The doctor shares his concerns about increasing infection rates and wonders if it’s only a matter of time before everyone mutates. Lu Feng dismisses these doubts, telling the doctor he’s "wavering."

Lu Feng and An Zhe return to the residential building, and Lu Feng offers to treat An Zhe to dinner. They cook together, but An Zhe makes too much soup.

Lu Feng humorously insists that An Zhe must finish the excess soup. An Zhe invites Lu Feng’s subordinate, Seraing, to take a portion, which leads to an awkward but friendly exchange.

Lu Feng gives An Zhe noise-canceling earplugs to help him sleep through the loud wind, showing some care for his comfort.

An Zhe contemplates his next step in finding his spore. He realizes that the city's ventilation system connects all the buildings, giving him a potential path to explore the Lighthouse secretly.

An Zhe transforms back into his mushroom form and begins exploring the ventilation pipes through a hidden vent in his room.

An Zhe, in his mushroom form, begins to explore the ventilation system, using a hypha to mark his path. The system is a complex maze of pipes, and he navigates carefully, noting rust and signs of wear in the structure.

An Zhe reaches a vent that leads into Lu Feng's room, overhearing a conversation between Lu Feng and a woman from the Garden of Eden. She asks Lu Feng to donate sperm for genetic purposes, which he refuses. She also delivers a message from his mother, and Lu Feng briefly shows concern for her health.

After the conversation, An Zhe continues his exploration, following the wind through the pipes, navigating sharp turbines and other obstacles. He methodically tracks his path, aware of the danger of losing his way.

An Zhe eventually reaches a massive cylindrical space with a turbine at the top and a red laser defense system. The room is cold and illuminated by dim red light.

In this room, An Zhe finds three small boxes on a metal platform, each containing the ashes of engineers who worked on the ventilation system. Each box has an epitaph inscribed on it, detailing the story of the base's construction, the collapse of humanity's infrastructure, and the ongoing efforts to protect the remaining population from infection and mutation.

The epitaphs trace the history of the Northern Base's construction, the deterioration of Earth's geomagnetic field, the emergence of biological mutations, and the subsequent militarization of the base to protect against the new dangers.

As An Zhe finishes reading, a powerful wind blows into the room, breaking the hypha he had been using to mark his path. The broken hypha is carried away by the wind, leaving him disoriented and unable to identify which of the six identical pipes he originally came from.

An Zhe is left stranded, uncertain of how to retrace his steps and return to his starting point.

An Zhe finds himself in a dimly lit cylindrical space with six identical black ventilation pipes, all leading in different directions. He realizes he has lost the hypha that was marking his path, leaving him disoriented and unsure of which pipe to follow.

Faced with two choices—either return to his human identity or fully embrace his life as a mushroom—An Zhe contemplates his future. He ultimately decides to try to find his way back.

An Zhe enters one of the six pipes, unsure if it's the right one. He transforms back into his hyphae form and follows the direction of the wind, hoping to find a way into a human’s room.

After traveling through the pipes for a long time, An Zhe finally arrives at a vent located in the ceiling of a large room. Looking down, he sees a transparent container with a liquid inside, and floating within it is a small, flesh-colored object connected to a tube.

An Zhe realizes he is looking at a human embryo, and he further notices that the entire room is filled with these containers, each holding an embryo. He recognizes the location as the Garden of Eden, where human younglings are grown.

As he reflects on the situation, An Zhe becomes angry, thinking about how Lu Feng had once dug out his own spore. He realizes that even with surveillance like in the Garden of Eden, it would not have stopped Lu Feng from harming his spore. He becomes frustrated with Lu Feng once again.

An Zhe feels trapped and troubled, as he knows how heavily guarded the Garden of Eden is, making his escape even more difficult.

An Zhe hears a monotonous beeping sound mixed with a rhythmic heartbeat-like sound filling the room. Footsteps approach, and he overhears two humans discussing the status of embryos in the Garden of Eden. Some embryos need to be destroyed due to abnormal growth.

An Zhe realizes he is in the embryo area of the Garden of Eden. He feels discomfort due to strange waves affecting his body but regains his sense of direction. He navigates the ventilation system to find an escape.

After wandering through various rooms, he finally finds a vent leading to a corridor, avoiding the cameras. He comes across a balcony and encounters a young girl in a white dress about to jump off the railing. He stops her and recognizes her as the girl Lu Feng had encountered two days prior.

The girl talks about wanting to fly instead of jump and mentions that she isn’t part of the classes below the twentieth floor, claiming only those above the twentieth floor are "real girls." She explains the “Rose Manifesto,” a commitment made by women with high fertility scores to devote their lives to continuing the human race.

The girl reveals her name is Lily and asks An Zhe to deliver a message to a boy named Si Nan on the sixth floor, telling him she can't play with him anymore due to being injected with a tracking agent. In return, she offers to help An Zhe find clothes and guide him out.

An Zhe agrees but hesitates because Si Nan is no longer in the Garden of Eden. Lily finds clothes for him, and they navigate a secret passage to the lower floors, parting ways.

As An Zhe exits the secret staircase on the sixth floor and walks through the Garden of Eden, he runs into Lu Feng and Seraing. Lu Feng, suspicious and unimpressed, asks why An Zhe is there instead of at the training base. An Zhe awkwardly explains he went the wrong way.

Seraing gently reminds him that he should be at the training base, and Lu Feng offers to drive him there.

After arriving at the training base just in time, An Zhe realizes he forgot his ID card. Lu Feng swipes his own card for him, remarking disdainfully, "So stupid."

An Zhe reluctantly agrees to accompany Lu Feng to the Lighthouse after Lu Feng requests that he take the afternoon off.

While waiting for the afternoon, An Zhe helps with the children’s training and overhears Colin and a young language teacher discussing their pasts and experiences in the Outer City. Colin reflects on how the base strips people of their individuality, while the teacher remains more optimistic.

An Zhe attempts to comfort a group of younglings who are struggling with their training, and the conversation turns to uniforms, with An Zhe mentioning that higher-ranking officers, like Colonels, have better-looking ones.

Lu Feng overhears this conversation and seems amused by An Zhe’s comments.

Later, in Lu Feng's car, An Zhe falls asleep on the way to the Lighthouse. He is woken by Lu Feng holding him steady as they arrive at their destination.

At the Lighthouse, they pass soldiers carrying bodies from a failed experiment, reinforcing the danger of the xenogenic research being conducted.

Dr. Ji calls for An Zhe's assistance in communicating with Si Nan, who has fully transformed into a large bee-like xenogenic. Si Nan's human consciousness appears to be fighting against the xenogenic instincts, but communication is difficult.

An Zhe tries to communicate with Si Nan, mentioning Lily's name, which causes brief but noticeable changes in Si Nan's behavior and EEG readings.

Dr. Ji brings Lily to the Lighthouse, hoping she can help Si Nan regain his human consciousness. Despite her best efforts, Si Nan remains stuck between his human memories and xenogenic instincts.

Lily expresses a desire to leave the Garden of Eden and seeks a reward for her help, but Dr. Ji is unable to grant her request.

Over the following days, An Zhe assists Lily in attempting to communicate with Si Nan, but Si Nan’s progress remains inconsistent.

After spending the day at the Lighthouse, An Zhe returns to his apartment building with Lu Feng but realizes he can't enter his own room due to losing his ID card the previous night.

Lu Feng, aware of An Zhe’s predicament, suggests he stay elsewhere for the next few days, leaving An Zhe to consider his options. Feeling dejected, An Zhe decides to go find Seraing instead of asking Lu Feng for help.

An Zhe presses the elevator button to leave, intending to ask Seraing for a place to stay, though he knows he isn't close with him.

Lu Feng, recognizing that An Zhe has no friends at the base, tells him to come back, teasing him before offering to let him stay in his room for the night.

They eat dinner together, and while the food isn't remarkable, An Zhe notes that Lu Feng ordered mushroom soup.

After bathing and wrapping himself in a towel, An Zhe sits in Lu Feng's bed, lacking pajamas. He notices a bouquet of red roses at the head of the bed.

Lu Feng tells him that the roses were a gift from his mother, Madam Lu, who has a passion for plants but couldn't get any in the base until Lu Feng brought her seeds from the wilderness when he was 16.

Lu Feng explains that his mother planted the roses, but the base does not cultivate them, reinforcing her role as a significant scientist.

An Zhe asks about the strained relationship between Lu Feng and his mother. Lu Feng explains that his mother had hoped he would work at the United Front Center, but he chose the Trial Court, a path she could not accept because of his role in executing people.

An Zhe understands that Lu Feng's position requires emotional detachment and control, likening it to self-imposed exile. Lu Feng confirms that he has killed many, which contributed to the distance between him and his mother.

An Zhe falls asleep while Lu Feng handles his work, particularly focusing on a mysterious silver case containing an aquamarine syringe. He contemplates his duty and the possibility of using the syringe on An Zhe.

While An Zhe sleeps peacefully, trusting Lu Feng, the Colonel reflects on their first meeting, when An Zhe's innocent and grieving eyes had caused Lu Feng to waver for the first time. This moment highlights the beginning of Lu Feng's emotional conflict regarding An Zhe.

An Zhe has a dream filled with anxiety and fear, and unconsciously grabs onto Lu Feng's sleeve for comfort while asleep.

Lu Feng administers an injection to An Zhe using a syringe from a refrigerated box, but it doesn't cause harm besides a small pinprick of blood.

An Zhe wakes up in the morning wrapped in a towel and finds himself leaning against Lu Feng. To his surprise, Lu Feng covers him up instead of getting mad and informs him that it’s 8:30 a.m.

They spend the day at the Lighthouse. Si Nan begins to show improvements, his brain waves stabilizing for longer periods, and he tries to communicate with Lily by tapping on the glass.

Lily confides in An Zhe about her desire to fly and reveals that she knows Lu Feng is Madam Lu's son. She also speculates that Lu Feng may be the child of Madam Lu and a lover from outside the Garden of Eden.

An Zhe grows suspicious after overhearing a conversation between Dr. Ji and Lu Feng about a mysterious project that involves something getting close to Lu Feng in a laboratory.

When Lu Feng stays behind at the Lighthouse for duty, An Zhe returns to Lu Feng’s quarters, promising to bring him food later.

While cooking mushroom soup, An Zhe sees a news report on TV that shows his spore floating in a cylindrical tank at a research lab. The spore has started to grow in size and has shown activity in the last two days, likely because it senses An Zhe nearby.

An Zhe recognizes the spore as his own, and it appears to be moving toward him. However, the spore also reacts to Lu Feng, stretching its hyphae towards his hand when Lu Feng touches the tank.

An Zhe is confused and frustrated that his spore would respond to Lu Feng in this way.

An Zhe helplessly watches as his spore reaches out its hyphae to touch Lu Feng through the glass, reacting emotionally to Lu Feng’s presence.

The news reports that the spore has shown unprecedented resistance to infection and mutation, leading researchers to believe it may be the key to overcoming mutations.

An Zhe plans to reclaim his spore by infiltrating the laboratory when no one is there, then fleeing the base with it.

An Zhe brings mushroom soup to the Lighthouse. Dr. Ji praises him but is distracted by research on Si Nan, noticing his rapid growth despite no sustenance intake.

Dr. Ji speculates about the source of energy for xenogenics and observes Si Nan’s tapping on the glass, suspecting that Si Nan is trying to send a coded message to Lily.

Decoding the tapping, they realize Si Nan’s message is “Go back,” possibly indicating that the Garden of Eden is safer than the outside world.

Lu Feng is with An Zhe’s spore, and the spore reacts strongly to his presence, moving toward him. Lu Feng seems to enjoy teasing the spore by moving his hand away as it follows.

An Zhe is frustrated and angry that Lu Feng is interacting with his spore. He urges Lu Feng to return to eat.

As they walk across a corridor bridge with the aurora overhead, a sudden burst of light from the aurora blinds them, and Lu Feng quickly protects An Zhe from danger by pulling him to the ground.

After the blinding flash, the aurora disappears completely, leaving a clear view of a resplendent Milky Way across the night sky. The human city’s lights flicker wildly in response to the disturbance, and chaos erupts within the laboratories.

Lu Feng demands to know what happened to the magnetic field as the lights continue to flicker.

Emergency protocols are triggered throughout the Main City after the magnetic field disappears, activating emergency power, communication channels, and defenses.

Lu Feng pulls An Zhe away from potential cosmic radiation as thick steel curtains drop over the windows.

The announcements call key departments to action, and Lu Feng and An Zhe head to the communication center where the disappearance of the West Pole magnetic field is confirmed.

The Northern Base attempts to contact the Underground City Base but initially receives only static, signaling a major issue. Eventually, they receive a long-wave communication revealing that the Underground City Base has suffered a united xenogenic invasion, leading to heavy losses and requesting urgent support.

The Northern Base leadership faces a critical decision: whether to send reinforcements to the Underground City Base despite the dangers and limited resources.

Lu Feng volunteers to go, recognized as the best candidate due to his experience in dealing with monsters from the Abyss. He prepares to join the rescue mission.

Seraing takes charge of the Trial Court's duties, and An Zhe quietly reflects on Lu Feng’s decision to go on this dangerous mission.

An Zhe briefly visits the laboratory where his spore is kept but doesn’t act. He returns to the main hall to observe preparations for the mission.

Fighter planes, including the advanced PL1109 model, are prepped for launch. The massive planes take off amid a sandstorm, heading towards the Underground City Base.

An Zhe says goodbye to Lu Feng, who tells him to make mushroom soup again when he returns. However, Lu Feng acknowledges he may not come back.

Lu Feng departs without looking back, boarding the fighter plane. An Zhe watches the plane disappear into the night sky, its sonic boom marking its acceleration.

After Lu Feng’s departure, Seraing reflects on the nature of being an Arbiter, suggesting that it requires mercy and dedication to the greater good of humankind.

Seraing reassures An Zhe that when the aurora lights up again, it will signal Lu Feng’s return, offering a small glimmer of hope.

An Zhe sees a wall with pictures of past Arbiters and notes that a blank frame is reserved for Lu Feng, adding to his growing unease about Lu Feng's dangerous mission.

A strange blank space on the wall suggests that the first Arbiter had his photo and name removed for questioning the system and betraying the base.

An Zhe rests in a break room as chaos unfolds around the base, with people preparing for shelter in light of the geomagnetic field's disappearance.

The doctor calls An Zhe and discusses Si Nan's strange behavior, suggesting that different species may have predicted the magnetic field's failure.

The doctor suddenly stops responding, alarming An Zhe. When An Zhe follows Seraing, he discovers that the doctor’s assistant has been infected and shot by Seraing.

The doctor suspects a new form of infection that requires no direct contact with xenogenics, raising concerns that infection can spread simply by proximity to monsters.

Seraing and his team begin investigating infection spread in the Lighthouse, taking precautions to prevent further contamination, while the doctor struggles with the realization that the infection may be related to undetectable radiation from the monsters.

The base enters a deeper state of emergency, with food, water, and energy supplies dwindling. Survivors face growing despair, while An Zhe maintains his calm.

An Zhe continues his mission to recover his spore and finally finds it in a laboratory. He struggles with the control panel, accidentally causing harm to the spore before successfully draining the tank and retrieving it.

Reunited with his spore, An Zhe feels whole again, recognizing that the spore can move independently and is strongly drawn to him.

As he contemplates leaving the base and returning to the Abyss, An Zhe decides to wait for the aurora and the news of Lu Feng's return before leaving. The connection between him, his spore, and Lu Feng makes him hesitate.

An Zhe closes the window that would have allowed him to escape and decides to stay for now, despite the growing danger and his fear that his theft of the spore will eventually be discovered.

Reflecting on his connection to Lu Feng and holding onto Lu Feng's badge, An Zhe remains conflicted, tethered to the base by the hope that Lu Feng will return safely.

An Zhe experiences difficulty breathing due to the diminished oxygen levels in the base, a result of the solar winds stripping away the atmosphere.

He returns to the Trial Court where the doctor warns him that transfers to the Garden of Eden, the base's final refuge, will begin soon. Only a select few will be allowed to go, chosen based on their importance to humanity.

The doctor informs An Zhe that resources are critically low, with the Garden of Eden being prioritized for oxygen and supplies as it houses essential resources, including food, water, and children.

Emergency personnel arrive to escort the doctor and his assistant (An Zhe) to the Garden of Eden. The officer initially questions An Zhe’s identity but makes an exception after the doctor uses Lu Feng’s name to convince him.

During the transfer, An Zhe overhears disputes between researchers who are upset about leaving assistants and equipment behind, as only a fraction of the staff can be relocated to the Garden of Eden.

In the Garden of Eden, An Zhe has his first proper meal in days—potato soup—and witnesses a researcher named Dr. Chen Qing breaking down in tears over the sacrifice of others left behind in the Lighthouse, while she struggles with the moral dilemma of being one of the few saved.

Seraing confronts the doctor about a missing sample from Laboratory D1344, and it is revealed that the sample's disappearance was connected to an operation performed using Lu Feng's ID card. Seraing becomes suspicious of An Zhe.

Realizing that Seraing is searching for him, An Zhe flees to an emergency exit corridor, recalling a previous escape route to the twenty-second floor.

In the dark staircase, An Zhe encounters Lily, who is hiding and expresses her concern for Si Nan. They hide together, but the Garden of Eden staff, including Madam Lu, discover them with bright flashlights.

Madam Lu gently scolds Lily for running around but directs her gaze at An Zhe, indicating that she knows something about his situation.

Lily apologizes to Madam Lu, saying she was worried about Si Nan. Madam Lu takes Lily’s hand and speaks with her while An Zhe watches.

Madam Lu allows Lily to invite An Zhe as a guest, surprising him, and they head to the Garden of Eden’s twenty-second floor.

An Zhe observes the peaceful atmosphere on the twenty-second floor, with women dressed in white dresses, smiling and greeting each other.

During dinner, news breaks about An Zhe’s status as a suspect, and his photo appears on the screen. However, Madam Lu reassures An Zhe that she won’t help him escape but won’t hand him over either.

Madam Lu shares a story about her mother, who initiated a protest against the Rose Manifesto but was killed by soldiers for her rebellion. She expresses the pain and powerlessness of women in the Garden of Eden.

She reflects on the base’s structure, comparing it to a collective organism with different parts representing different functions, and admits she feels no hatred toward the base despite the pain it caused.

Madam Lu muses about human survival, questioning if humans are any different from monsters and doubting the value of human culture and technology.

She believes humanity is on the verge of destruction and speaks cryptically about Lily wanting to fly like Si Nan, revealing that returning to the Garden of Eden was not for safety but something far darker.

An Zhe begins to understand the abnormal nature of the Garden of Eden’s residents and the mutation they are undergoing.

Madam Lu undergoes a transformation into a monstrous queen bee, while Lily also transforms into a smaller bee. The women in the Garden of Eden, including Madam Lu, have mutated into xenogenics.

The transformation is complete as Madam Lu shatters the glass dome of the Garden of Eden and flies out into the night sky. However, she hesitates and returns, now fully controlled by her monstrous instincts.

The queen bee, controlled by her xenogenic instincts, exerts a powerful wave of contactless infection over the humans in the Garden of Eden, including An Zhe, causing violent pain and a flood of chaotic memories.

An Zhe realizes that the queen bee is using contactless infection to spread the mutation among the people.

Madam Lu recalls her past, including the heavy responsibilities women bore in the Garden of Eden and her own love story with a soldier, Lieutenant General Gao Tang. She reflects on her connection to the Rose Manifesto and how it impacted her choices.

Madam Lu remembers her final conversation with her lover before he died, and how Lu Feng, her son, became involved with the Trial Court, despite her desire for him to work at the United Front Center.

After learning her lover was judged as infected by the Trial Court, Madam Lu distanced herself from Lu Feng and grew sorrowful, realizing she was losing her children as well.

After the bombing of the Outer City, Madam Lu comforted Lily and tried to explain the human base's actions, while internally feeling disconnected from humanity and its sacrifices.

An Zhe wakes up after the wave caused by Madam Lu's transformation and finds himself next to the rose bed. He sees that the dome has been shattered, the queen bee is gone, and the Garden of Eden’s women have all turned into bees and flown away.

An Zhe recalls memories of a bee that had stung Madam Lu long ago. The bee’s consciousness gradually infected her over time, leading to her eventual transformation into a queen bee.

The military arrives, surrounding An Zhe with guns. As they take him away, he observes the devastation in the Garden of Eden, realizing that all the women, staff, and embryos have been infected and are being culled.

The senior colonel blames An Zhe for the infection, believing that the Lighthouse’s experiments with xenogenics led to the disaster. He threatens to kill An Zhe but is stopped by the doctor, who insists that An Zhe is crucial to the base's survival.

The doctor interrogates An Zhe about what happened with Madam Lu and why she mutated. An Zhe explains that Madam Lu’s transformation was driven by her long-standing infection from a bee sting.

The doctor reflects on the history of the Fusion Faction, a group of scientists who believed in using infection to evolve humanity, but whose experiments led to disasters like the Outer City’s infection.

An Zhe is revealed to have been observed by the Trial Court through a one-way mirror during the interrogation. Seraing, a Judge, believes An Zhe is still human despite the events.

The doctor theorizes that Madam Lu wanted to escape her human form and sought freedom, but after transforming into the queen bee, she became controlled by her instincts, resulting in the infection and death of all the Garden of Eden’s inhabitants.

The doctor expresses his despair at the state of the world, lamenting that the era of the geomagnetic field’s disappearance has destroyed humanity’s hope, technology, and morality.

The doctor asks An Zhe two critical questions: why he wasn’t infected by Madam Lu and why he took the inert sample from Laboratory D1344. An Zhe remains silent, indicating that there is something he cannot reveal.

An Zhe had not slept for 20 hours and endured severe torture, including electrocution, under the senior colonel's orders.

During the interrogation, An Zhe heard that the magnetic field frequency had risen again, indicating the Underground City Base was safe and Lu Feng might return.

An emergency message prohibited contact with Lu Feng due to the events involving Madam Lu and An Zhe.

In a moment of clarity, An Zhe decided to reveal that he was a xenogenic, claiming responsibility for the infection of the Garden of Eden and the destruction of the inert sample.

An Zhe used his hyphae to incapacitate the doctor and fabricated a story to Seraing, asking him to lie to Lu Feng and the military, making it appear as though An Zhe had been killed.

After disappearing into the ventilation system, An Zhe escaped the base, navigating the city through hidden routes.

He reached the Outer City, gathered supplies, and used his hyphae to climb the city wall. There, he encountered black bees from the Garden of Eden.

An Zhe latched onto a black bee and flew away from the human base, looking back as the aurora faded and the sun rose.

He saw Lu Feng’s PL1109 fighter plane returning safely with its fleet.

As he flew further away, An Zhe recalled his first encounter with Lu Feng and silently wished for him to remain unchanged as the Colonel.

An Zhe smiled through stinging eyes, bidding a quiet farewell to Lu Feng and the human base, hoping the Colonel would remain invincible.

The PL1109 plane carrying Lu Feng and Hubbard experiences engine trouble and nearly crashes during the return to the base.

After a rough emergency landing, Lu Feng is greeted by United Front Center officers, who update him on the catastrophe that took place in the base.

The base has only 8,700 survivors after the mass infection in the Garden of Eden, and the United Front suspects two individuals connected to Lu Feng.

Lu Feng reaffirms his loyalty to the base and is assigned a new mission to track the swarm of infected bees.

Meanwhile, An Zhe, who is hiding on the back of a black bee, escapes the base and eventually forces the bee to land in a dry desert.

While resting, An Zhe witnesses another fighter plane crash nearby and investigates, finding Lu Feng inside the wrecked plane.

Although Lu Feng initially appears dead, An Zhe confirms he is alive but unconscious. An Zhe attempts to pull Lu Feng out, but Lu Feng regains consciousness and pulls them both to safety just before the plane explodes.

After narrowly escaping death, Lu Feng thanks An Zhe. However, their confrontation escalates as Lu Feng coldly demands the location of the stolen sample.

An Zhe confesses he "ate" the sample and refuses to give it up, even as Lu Feng presses a gun to his temple, threatening to kill him.

Amidst the intense standoff, Lu Feng’s communication with the base cuts off due to solar winds, leaving them isolated in the desert.

An emotionally overwhelmed An Zhe tearfully admits that he hates Lu Feng but still refuses to hand over the sample.

The tension suddenly breaks as Lu Feng drops his gun and pulls An Zhe into a tight embrace, silently holding him as the chaotic moment dissipates.

An Zhe is emotionally overwhelmed and cries uncontrollably while being held by Lu Feng, feeling his heart break for the first time.

After calming down, An Zhe and Lu Feng realize they are alone in the wilderness. Lu Feng decides to retrieve the black box from the crashed plane to investigate the engine failures.

An Zhe mentions seeing multiple planes crash, but Lu Feng suggests that the cause can only be analyzed back at the base.

An Zhe struggles with his injured leg, and Lu Feng carries him on his back. During this moment, An Zhe notices Lu Feng has a pendant similar to his own bullet shell pendant and learns it belonged to Lu Feng’s father.

Lu Feng and An Zhe grow closer through shared moments of vulnerability and reflection on the day's events. Despite the hardships, Lu Feng seems to be protective of An Zhe.

As night falls, An Zhe grows cold, and Lu Feng prepares to gather firewood to start a fire. Together, they search the desert for dry branches, but their progress is interrupted by a strange noise.

They hide behind a shrub as a massive, grotesque monster appears—a creature with many legs and eyes that consumes metal and other materials.

The monster approaches the wreckage of the plane and eats parts of it, as well as consuming the unconscious black bee that An Zhe had used for transport.

After devouring the black bee, the monster adapts the bee's wings and releases a sound, turning its attention toward the hiding An Zhe and Lu Feng, with all of its eyes focused on them.

An Zhe realizes the strange creature that appeared detects things by sound, not sight, and moves towards them.

Lu Feng climbs a rock with incredible speed and shoots the monster, hitting one of its eyes, causing black-red blood to spray out.

The monster repeatedly rams the rock, but Lu Feng remains calm and eventually kills it after it weakens from blood loss.

An Zhe observes that the monster absorbed the genes of other creatures it consumed, growing their organs. Lu Feng speculates there may be more monsters, and they head toward nearby ruins for safety.

An Zhe struggles to walk due to his injury, so Lu Feng carries him. As they travel, An Zhe recites verses, including one from Psalm 23, trying to make the journey more bearable.

Lu Feng explains the difference between hybrid-class and polymorphic-class monsters, describing how hybrid-class monsters consume genes but need time to stabilize them, and polymorphic-class monsters can freely change, although such mutations can be deadly.

They encounter a massive insect-like hybrid-class monster consuming a lizard. An Zhe finds its wings beautiful, and Lu Feng jokingly warns him not to eat things recklessly.

As they share their remaining food and water, An Zhe feels at ease despite their precarious situation, wondering if he and Lu Feng could have been friends in another life.

They come across human remains and realize a pitfall trap has been recently dug, indicating the presence of other humans in the wilderness.

A boy named Xi Bei emerges from hiding, leading them to a hidden underground mine where he and his sick grandfather live. Xi Bei explains they survived the calamity but lost contact with other people long ago.

An Zhe finds a pamphlet in the mine featuring a poem written by An Ze, evoking memories of his past companions.

Xi Bei expresses hope and gratitude for their arrival, believing the base will provide them with safety and a future.

An Zhe reflects on the resilience of humans, feeling conflicted about his earlier thoughts of turning into a xenogenic alongside Lu Feng. Despite the bleak reality, he acknowledges the enduring spirit of humanity.

Xi Bei explains that several of his uncles went out searching for supplies but never returned. Only he and his sick grandfather are left.

Xi Bei asks Lu Feng if the base can cure his grandfather, and Lu Feng says they can try to determine the illness’s cause, but he makes no guarantees.

Xi Bei shares that his grandfather was an engineer who taught him to read and believed that the auroras in the sky indicated the presence of other human organizations.

Lu Feng recognizes that Xi Bei’s grandfather worked at a magnetite mine connected to the Highland Research Institute, which studied the magnetic poles.

Communications with the base remain down, so Xi Bei gives them a tour of the mine. He explains their water collection system, which gathers condensed droplets from the mine's walls.

An Zhe and Lu Feng help gather water, with An Zhe struggling to carry the increasingly heavy water bucket. Lu Feng eventually suggests using a mine cart to carry the water—and places An Zhe in the cart as well.

The cart ride through the mine is peaceful and reminiscent of a fairy tale to An Zhe. He feels relaxed, though he remains baffled by the Colonel's mysterious happiness.

For lunch, Xi Bei serves mushroom soup, which makes An Zhe uncomfortable given his identity as a mushroom. He remembers Lu Feng’s earlier desire to drink mushroom soup before leaving the base, viewing this meal as a way for Lu Feng to make up for that regret.

Xi Bei explains that their food supply includes mushrooms, dried meat, and a packet of salt. They used to trap small monsters for food, avoiding ones that looked too strange to prevent infection.

Lu Feng explains to Xi Bei that due to the recent magnetic field accidents, secondary mutations have caused smaller monsters to aggregate into larger, more dangerous hybrid-class monsters.

Xi Bei confirms that some people in the caves have mutated before, often leading to the infected individuals being released outside to prevent further contamination.

Later that night, Lu Feng and An Zhe settle into the same small room to sleep. An Zhe plays with pieces of magnetite, trying to force the same poles to touch but fails. Lu Feng explains the concept of mutual repulsion and magnetic fields.

As they lie together in bed, Lu Feng notices the bruises on An Zhe’s body from the electrocution. An Zhe assures him that it no longer hurts, showing a peaceful and relaxed demeanor despite everything.

An Zhe curls up in bed, while Lu Feng watches him with a mixture of confusion and tenderness. An Zhe is not afraid of him, even though Lu Feng could easily harm him.

When Lu Feng briefly presses the cold muzzle of a gun to An Zhe’s cheek, An Zhe simply pushes it away and turns his back on Lu Feng, showing trust rather than fear.

In the dark, Lu Feng, seemingly driven by some subconscious emotion, hugs An Zhe from behind. An Zhe asks if Lu Feng is afraid of being infected by him, but Lu Feng does not answer.

They fall asleep together, silently acknowledging the unusual bond between them, each silently trusting the other despite the absurdity of their relationship.

An Zhe has a dream about his life as a mushroom, remembering the cycle of growth and decay.

Upon waking, he notices the spore inside him has grown to the size of his fist and feels that it is close to maturity.

An Zhe hides the spore when Lu Feng enters the room. They continue with their daily routine, helping Xi Bei around the mine and playing board games with small stones.

Xi Bei comments on Lu Feng and An Zhe’s close relationship, lamenting that he has no one to fall in love with because no one else lives in the mine.

After seven days, their food supply runs low, so they decide to head to the city ruins to gather more supplies. Xi Bei's grandfather insists on coming along, despite his frail condition.

The group travels across a wasteland with Grandfather on Xi Bei's back. Along the way, they find the wreckage of a plane, confirming that engine breakdowns were responsible for several recent crashes, though the cause remains unknown.

Lu Feng retrieves the black box from the wreckage but is puzzled by the strange circumstances surrounding the breakdowns.

They approach the city ruins, an abandoned and eerie place filled with decaying buildings and overgrown vines. Xi Bei leads them toward a stronghold where his uncles once stayed.

Suddenly, as they near a public square, Lu Feng urgently tells them to run after spotting a large, white spherical monster. They retreat to a residential building, finding shelter on the eighth floor.

The group watches in horror as the enormous hybrid monster approaches. It is an indescribable, translucent creature with wriggling limbs and organs visible beneath its membrane, moving eerily towards their hiding place. Everyone holds their breath in fear as it draws closer.

The group watches a giant, white, spherical monster approach their location, making soft rustling noises as it moves across the sand-covered road.

Lu Feng tries to distract the monster by breaking windows in nearby buildings with his gun, but it still continues toward them.

He then detaches his silencer and fires several loud gunshots to attract attention. His gamble works as a massive eagle-like monster swoops down and attacks the white monster, ripping it apart in a fierce battle.

After the eagle leaves, the white monster is destroyed, but Xi Bei’s grandfather starts speaking about "the time of arrival" of something unimaginable, right before he dies peacefully.

Xi Bei mourns his grandfather, recalling how he always said he wasn’t afraid of death and that he had fulfilled his mission of protecting everyone in the mine.

An Zhe reflects on the abandoned city full of skeletons, realizing how many lives were lost during the Calamity Age due to the failure to rescue small cities like this one.

Xi Bei discovers a bizarre comb fused from two ordinary wooden combs, sparking fear and confusion. Lu Feng finds other fused objects, like a tweezer and eyebrow trimming knife stuck together in a way that defies normal logic.

Lu Feng suspects that this strange fusion might be what caused the plane engine breakdowns. An Zhe realizes that contamination might not be limited to living organisms but could involve all matter, as inanimate objects are also fusing and changing.

Xi Bei begins to panic, realizing that everything in the world, including himself, could contaminate each other. He distances himself from the others in fear.

Lu Feng takes apart the communicator to check if it has been affected by the same contamination. They find some signs of material fusion, but they manage to separate the parts in time.

Lu Feng successfully repairs the communicator, and it starts working again. However, An Zhe becomes increasingly weak due to the spore maturing inside him and collapses just as the communicator emits a signal. His last thought before passing out is hoping that the spore won’t fall out yet.

An Zhe experiences intense pain as his spore begins to detach, maturing inside him. He desperately tries to hold onto it, fearing its departure in such a dangerous world. The hyphae connecting him to the spore snap one by one, but three strands remain, preventing it from leaving.

When he wakes up, he finds himself in Lu Feng's arms. He overhears a conversation on the communicator with a doctor from the base, who warns that the world is undergoing a mass extinction—at the microscopic level, the very fabric of reality is changing, and no amount of technology can stop it. The magnetic fields only temporarily delay the distortion.

The doctor expresses his hopelessness, suggesting that they either die trying to return the sample (An Zhe) to the base or live the remainder of their lives in peace, as the world is beyond saving. Lu Feng stays resolute and intends to return to the base, despite the doctor's pessimism.

After the call, Lu Feng asks An Zhe what happened with the spore. An Zhe, fearing the consequences, refuses to explain, which causes tension between them. Their dynamic as Arbiter and xenogenic reemerges, and they both realize their conflict is inevitable.

Lu Feng reveals that his original mission was to capture An Zhe, leading An Zhe to question their bond. Lu Feng also admits to having killed Madam Lu, the queen bee, revealing the deep hatred she had for him due to his actions, which destroyed what little happiness she had in life.

An Zhe confesses that he doesn’t hate Lu Feng, despite everything. Lu Feng, visibly shaken, asks why An Zhe can forgive him, but An Zhe struggles to explain.

Lu Feng tries to push An Zhe away emotionally, insisting that all their interactions were predestined by his mission. He even shows An Zhe a tracking agent he had intended to use to capture him, deepening An Zhe's hurt and confusion.

Despite Lu Feng's coldness, An Zhe insists that their meeting was not just a result of the mission but a coincidence—a miracle. He tearfully embraces Lu Feng, expressing the heartache he feels from their circumstances and the pain caused by their forced proximity.

Lu Feng, overcome by conflicting emotions, forcefully kisses An Zhe, despite An Zhe's attempts to resist. The chapter ends with this moment of tension and intimacy, blurring the lines between their roles as hunter and prey.

Lu Feng kisses An Zhe fiercely, causing An Zhe to resist. However, as they struggle, An Zhe suddenly experiences a vision from Lu Feng's memories, revealing that Lu Feng is deeply afraid of losing him.

As An Zhe experiences both the kiss and the vision, he begins to understand the conflicting emotions Lu Feng feels—fear and care mixed with violence.

After the kiss, An Zhe and Lu Feng have an intimate conversation. An Zhe reveals that he became human because of his connection to An Ze, confessing that he is not truly a xenogenic but a mushroom infected by a human.

Lu Feng acknowledges An Zhe's strength, despite his gentle and fragile appearance, even as An Zhe jokes darkly about growing on Lu Feng's body if he were to die.

Despite the intensity of their situation, Lu Feng comforts An Zhe, and they share a more tender kiss, during which An Zhe puts Lu Feng to sleep by secretly using his hyphae.

Once Lu Feng is asleep, An Zhe realizes that his spore has fully matured and painfully detaches from him, leaving him feeling empty and lost.

The spore instinctively crawls onto Lu Feng, seeking shelter in his pocket. An Zhe writes a note for Lu Feng, instructing him on how to care for the spore and thanking him for taking care of him before quietly leaving.

An Zhe destroys the tracking agent Lu Feng had intended to use to capture him and takes Lu Feng’s badge before heading to the rooftop, where he contemplates his impending death.

An Zhe reflects on the transient nature of his existence as a mushroom, knowing that his mission of raising the spore is complete and that he is close to the end of his life.

As morning comes, An Zhe watches the military vehicles arrive and sees Lu Feng, Xi Bei, and the doctor depart. He understands that their destinies are separate, and he must return to the Abyss to die where his journey began.

The chapter concludes with An Zhe accepting that everything is over, both for him and for the world on the brink of extinction.

Lu Feng is in an armored vehicle heading back to the base. He discusses with the doctor the ongoing distortion affecting reality. The magnetic field is temporarily protecting them, but they predict that it will fail within three months.

The doctor expresses a dark honor in witnessing humanity's extinction and notes that Lu Feng is surprisingly calm.

The doctor brings up An Zhe, assuming Lu Feng had failed to capture him. However, Lu Feng reveals that he still has An Zhe's spore, which affectionately wraps around his fingers. The doctor is shocked but quickly inquires if An Zhe is dead.

Lu Feng explains that An Zhe left, hinting that he let him go despite his mission. The doctor is surprised and questions if An Zhe can survive on his own.

Lu Feng, silent, touches the spore and doesn't answer directly, reflecting on his past few days with An Zhe as the most memorable of his life.

Meanwhile, An Zhe, after watching the motorcade leave, patiently waits on a rooftop. He climbs onto a giant eagle and uses it to traverse the land, traveling southward toward the Abyss.

An Zhe encounters various monsters on his journey, using Lu Feng’s gun to protect himself when necessary. He continues his journey despite his weakening body, struggling to survive in the dangerous and cold environment.

Eventually, he reaches the Abyss but finds it unrecognizable. The landscape has changed, and he can no longer find the familiar cave he is searching for.

As his body deteriorates, An Zhe becomes more desperate. He feels the despair of never finding his original home and begins to lose hope. At one point, he almost succumbs to a voice urging him to jump into a lake and end his suffering.

An Zhe recalls a memory of someone reciting the poem "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night," which renews his resolve. He clutches Lu Feng’s badge for strength and shakes off the suicidal thoughts.

While wandering, he notices strange gray rocks marked with arrows and begins following them deeper into the Abyss, hoping they will lead him somewhere.

After following these markings for days, An Zhe encounters a man who throws a rock at him to get his attention. The man introduces himself as Tang Lan and is amused when An Zhe recognizes him. However, when An Zhe mentions Hubbard, Tang Lan's demeanor shifts from casual to serious.

Tang Lan confirms that he cannot return to the base and discusses his infection with An Zhe, revealing that he had merged with a monster but retained his human consciousness.

Tang Lan describes how some infected individuals retain their human consciousness and now live in the Abyss, helping other lucky survivors who haven’t turned fully into monsters.

A massive monster attacks, but Tang Lan uses his wings to fly them to safety, taking An Zhe to a hidden place in the highlands—a research institute called the Highland Research Institute.

The Highland Research Institute is led by an elderly scientist named Pauli Jones, who introduces himself and welcomes An Zhe as a new member of their community.

The institute is inhabited by various xenogenics, some resembling humans and others monstrous, but they retain their wills and live together peacefully.

Tang Lan and Pauli explain that the research institute is connected to the Fusion Faction, which believes in merging human and monster genes to create a new species capable of surviving in the harsh new world.

Tang Lan describes the Fusion Faction’s history, explaining that their experiments were banned after a catastrophic failure, but they continue their work in secret at the institute.

Pauli Jones shares his belief that the world’s ongoing changes are linked to a massive, unknown force that is affecting the very laws of physics, leading to the distortions and the breakdown of the world.

An Zhe begins living at the research institute and helps Pauli in his lab. Pauli is trying to find the source of the world’s changes using an advanced machine called the Simpson cage, which manipulates magnetic fields and tracks fluctuations in the environment.

Pauli believes that there is a vast force behind the distortions, but they have yet to discover what it is or how to stop it. Despite their efforts, they are only scratching the surface of the world’s mysteries.

An Zhe struggles with his deteriorating body but is treated with kindness by the xenogenics at the institute. He reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the uncertainty of the future.

Pauli expresses a deep loneliness and the realization that humanity’s knowledge of the world was far more limited than they once believed, which has led to their current predicament.

Tang Lan confirms that he cannot return to the base and discusses his infection with An Zhe, revealing that he had merged with a monster but retained his human consciousness.

Tang Lan describes how some infected individuals retain their human consciousness and now live in the Abyss, helping other lucky survivors who haven’t turned fully into monsters.

A massive monster attacks, but Tang Lan uses his wings to fly them to safety, taking An Zhe to a hidden place in the highlands—a research institute called the Highland Research Institute.

The Highland Research Institute is led by an elderly scientist named Pauli Jones, who introduces himself and welcomes An Zhe as a new member of their community.

The institute is inhabited by various xenogenics, some resembling humans and others monstrous, but they retain their wills and live together peacefully.

Tang Lan and Pauli explain that the research institute is connected to the Fusion Faction, which believes in merging human and monster genes to create a new species capable of surviving in the harsh new world.

Tang Lan describes the Fusion Faction’s history, explaining that their experiments were banned after a catastrophic failure, but they continue their work in secret at the institute.

Pauli Jones shares his belief that the world’s ongoing changes are linked to a massive, unknown force that is affecting the very laws of physics, leading to the distortions and the breakdown of the world.

An Zhe begins living at the research institute and helps Pauli in his lab. Pauli is trying to find the source of the world’s changes using an advanced machine called the Simpson cage, which manipulates magnetic fields and tracks fluctuations in the environment.

Pauli believes that there is a vast force behind the distortions, but they have yet to discover what it is or how to stop it. Despite their efforts, they are only scratching the surface of the world’s mysteries.

An Zhe struggles with his deteriorating body but is treated with kindness by the xenogenics at the institute. He reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the uncertainty of the future.

Pauli expresses a deep loneliness and the realization that humanity’s knowledge of the world was far more limited than they once believed, which has led to their current predicament.

The Northern Base sends a succinct warning to the Highland Research Institute, indicating that the monsters’ behavior is changing. Pauli acknowledges that the base has noticed the changes too.

Tang Lan returns from an expedition, providing updates on the Abyss. The monsters have reached an equilibrium after months of fighting, and there are signs of increasing intelligence among them. Tang Lan speculates that they are communicating and sensing each other’s genetic makeup.

Tang Lan shares that he feels his consciousness being affected by the wave present in the air and within monsters. He fears losing his human consciousness but is comforted by Pauli, who promises to protect everyone at the research institute.

Pauli asks the members of the institute to head north to the human base if the institute falls, hoping humanity’s kindness will prevail, even though the Arbiter is known for killing xenogenics.

The Simpson cage at the institute continues to analyze waves but fails to provide any meaningful results. The complex patterns and lines seem chaotic, like a symphony without a score, and Rum muses that understanding the waves might be akin to deciphering a musical score.

An Zhe, now weaker, communicates with Dr. Ji at the Northern Base. They exchange polite messages, with Dr. Ji asking if the research institute has encountered new xenogenics. An Zhe replies negatively and sends well-wishes.

Pauli shares a story with An Zhe about electrons and the possibility that all matter in the universe could be the result of a few particles oscillating through time and space. He uses this to explain the insignificance of individual existences.

An Zhe becomes gravely ill and begins coughing up blood. He tells Pauli there is no need to help him, revealing that he is not sick but simply reaching the end of his natural lifespan as a mushroom.

An Zhe admits to Pauli that he is not a human infected by a monster but a monster that ate human genes and took on a human form.

Pauli is not shocked by An Zhe’s revelation and accepts him for who he is. He holds An Zhe tightly, sharing a sorrowful moment.

Pauli notices the silver badge in An Zhe’s hand, identifying it as the Arbiter’s badge. To An Zhe’s shock, Pauli reveals his own identical silver badge and admits that he was once an Arbiter but is now a defector.

Pauli recites the Pledge of the Trial Court, revealing he was once an Arbiter and the founder of the Trial Court, having led the Fusion Faction before it evolved into the Trial Court.

An Zhe learns that Pauli established the Trial Court after a Fusion Faction experiment went awry, leading to a disaster that contaminated the Outer City’s water supply with a xenogenic leech.

To contain the infection, the Fusion Faction created the Trial Court, and Pauli became its first Arbiter, enforcing a system of executions to maintain the purity of human genes.

Pauli admits the Trial rules were flawed, only identifying xenogenics with 80% accuracy, leading to mistaken executions. For safety, they erred on the side of killing more than necessary.

Pauli eventually left the base, unable to bear the emotional toll of killing both xenogenics and humans. He defected and continued the Fusion Faction’s research at the Highland Research Institute, where he later became infected but miraculously retained his consciousness.

An Zhe and Pauli discuss the burden of being an Arbiter, with Pauli explaining that all Arbiters either lose their humanity or go mad from the emotional toll.

An Zhe begins to understand Lu Feng’s isolation and suffering as the Arbiter, realizing that his apparent coldness stems from protecting humanity while minimizing mistaken kills.

An Zhe admits he wants to see Lu Feng again, despite having left him, but feels conflicted because he’s a xenogenic and believes their relationship can’t be sustained unless humankind falls.

Pauli gently suggests that Lu Feng may love An Zhe too, though An Zhe struggles to accept this, torn between his feelings and his belief that they can't be together due to their roles and nature.

As snow begins to fall, An Zhe reflects on his short life, feeling a sense of tranquility and accepting the fleeting beauty of life, much like the ephemeral snowflakes.

The chapter ends with the aurora lighting up the Abyss, followed by the sudden sound of glass shattering in the laboratory.

The chapter begins with the sound of glass shattering in the lab, startling Pauli, Rum, and An Zhe.

Rum informs Pauli that the screen briefly cleared, showing a distinct pattern.

Pauli checks the equipment and finds a fleeting image on the Simpson cage's screen—a strange scatter of white dots forming a crater-like shape.

Tang Lan arrives and reveals he felt a sharp amplification of the wave while sleeping, linking the event to the anomaly on the screen.

Pauli speculates that the wave is a contest between the earth's artificial magnetic field and an unknown cosmic wave, causing interference.

Pauli suggests they could analyze the wave by briefly shutting down the earth’s artificial magnetic poles, exposing the Simpson cage to the wave’s full effect.

Tang Lan offers to request the base to temporarily disable the magnetic field, but Pauli refuses, unwilling to risk the base’s safety in the harsh winter.

Pauli considers using the research institute’s independent magnetic poles to simulate the wave, but the complex procedure makes him hesitant.

Tang Lan, torn, contemplates sending the request to the base anyway, but in the end, he hesitates and abandons the idea.

As the group grapples with their moral dilemma, the unknown wave rapidly strengthens, overriding the magnetic field and causing further distortion.

The aurora flashes violently in the sky, signaling the impending collapse of the earth's magnetic protection.

Monsters in the Abyss begin to stir, taking flight as the magnetic field weakens, signaling the start of a new catastrophe.

Pauli, resigned to the imminent disaster, reflects on humankind’s futile pursuit of truth, comparing it to reaching for the moon's reflection in water—something beautiful but ultimately unattainable.

Despite the hopelessness, Pauli admits he would still pursue the truth if given another chance.

The chapter ends with Tang Lan preparing for defense, signaling the onset of a final confrontation against the monsters.

Lu Feng is standing in the laboratory, playing with a communicator, and Dr. Ji approaches him, noticing the spore hiding in Lu Feng's shirt.

Dr. Ji teases Lu Feng about the spore and mentions the base’s new plan to use hyphae extract to protect their equipment from distortion.

Lu Feng discusses the risks of using the extract, expressing concern that it might cause everything to turn into fungi instead of offering protection.

Lu Feng reveals that he had already injected himself with xenogenic extract to test if he had been infected by An Zhe's spore, which would prove the efficacy of the extract.

Dr. Ji becomes furious with Lu Feng for taking such a risk but is interrupted when a communication comes through about distortions occurring in the base.

Dr. Ji leaves for an emergency meeting, leaving Lu Feng in the laboratory.

Outside, the base is attacked by monsters, and chaos ensues as the military struggles to defend the base.

As Dr. Ji rushes back to the laboratory with soldiers, he finds the door open and sees a member of the anti-Trial movement with a sniper rifle aimed at Lu Feng.

Dr. Ji shouts, but the gunman fires, and Lu Feng falls to the ground, dead.

Dr. Ji is devastated, and despite the soldiers apprehending the shooter, he confirms that Colonel Lu is dead.

Meanwhile, Hubbard, another officer, and Lu Feng are traveling together in a cabin. They reminisce about their shared experiences in the Underground City Base and discuss their willingness to fight together again.

Hubbard gives Lu Feng a new gun after learning that Lu Feng gave his previous gun away, possibly as a symbol of his connection to someone important.

Hubbard reflects on a friendship he had for thirty-three years and expresses regret that he and his friend could not die together.

The PL1109 and the fighter fleet take off, preparing to engage in aerial combat against the waves of monsters attacking the base.

The military base is overwhelmed by the monster outbreak caused by distortion. The monsters inside the base, including massive creatures like a grotesque octopus, wreak havoc.

Uranium bombs are dropped to stop the monsters, but the Twin Towers collapse in the process.

The Magnetic Field Center becomes the last stronghold of the base. Most of the base has been destroyed or occupied by monsters.

The Magnetic Field Center sends a final message, ordering the fighter fleet to withdraw for survival.

Lu Feng is asked to decide where to withdraw. He suggests three safe locations, but personally decides to go to the Abyss to aid the Highland Research Institute.

Several fighter planes follow Lu Feng toward the Abyss.

At the Highland Research Institute, Pauli contemplates the nature of distortion and realizes that the fundamental laws of physics, governed by frequency vibrations, are changing.

Pauli explains that the universe’s fundamental frequencies are shifting, leading to the chaos of distortion. He believes that everything is about to return to disorder.

An Zhe grows weaker, coughing up blood as the monsters attack the research institute.

Pauli realizes that by luring monsters into the Simpson cage, their frequencies can be captured and analyzed, potentially unlocking a way to manipulate these frequencies to resist distortion.

An Zhe, despite being a xenogenic, stays with the humans. He locks the laboratory door behind him, choosing to sacrifice himself to help the others.

Outside, a fierce battle rages as the research institute’s defenses fall.

The Northern Base’s fighter fleet arrives, dropping bombs to protect the research institute.

An Zhe and Lu Feng lock eyes in an unexpected, emotional reunion as Lu Feng descends from the fighter plane.

An Zhe smiles at Lu Feng for the first time, and Lu Feng reciprocates with tenderness.

An Zhe steps into the Simpson cage, his body disintegrating into glittering dust, symbolizing the end of his life.

In the laboratory, Pauli sees the frequencies of the monsters stabilize on the screen. He urgently transmits instructions to the Northern and Underground City Bases, requesting them to adjust their artificial magnetic poles to specific frequencies.

The Highland Research Institute’s towers emit powerful waves as the artificial magnetic poles adjust, creating a moment of calm and silence amidst the chaos.

Hubbard sees Lu Feng's emotional turmoil as Lu Feng prepares to attack.

The monsters' attack on the research institute slows down as some turn back toward the Abyss while others are wiped out by the Simpson cage and human counterattacks.

PL1109's micro nuclear bombs and heavy weapons help stop the monsters, leading to an eerie calm after two hours of fighting.

The PL1109 lands, and Pauli Jones is approached by military officers to discuss what happened earlier. Pauli explains the stable frequency, thanking the Northern Base for their aid.

Silence follows when Pauli asks about the state of the base, until Dr. Ji's voice comes through, revealing that only 342 survivors remain in the Northern Base and that they are still fighting for their lives in the Magnetic Field Center.

Pauli reassures Dr. Ji about the stable frequency, but Dr. Ji urges them to prepare for the magnetic field's possible failure.

A voice from the Underground City Base suddenly comes through, confirming that they are safe due to their geographic advantage. They announce that a fleet of transport planes carrying supplies and paratroopers is on its way to assist the Northern Base.

Dr. Ji, encouraged by the news, vows to hold out for 30 minutes until the assistance arrives.

Information from the communication channels updates everyone on the breakout and the aid from the Underground City Base.

In the Highland Research Institute, people wait tensely for news, grieving their losses while hoping for survival.

Pauli Jones leaves the laboratory and encounters Lu Feng, who stares vacantly, still grieving.

Pauli hands Lu Feng a note from An Zhe that reveals An Zhe was the inert sample from the Northern Base and apologizes if his frequency does not help.

Lu Feng takes An Zhe's backpack, finding personal items and a black pistol inside, before asking Pauli where An Zhe is.

Pauli explains that the Simpson cage disintegrates anything that enters it, and that An Zhe's frequency has spread to the entire world.

Lu Feng, in his despair, holds Pauli at gunpoint but then lets the pistol fall, apologizing and expressing his grief for An Zhe.

Pauli offers comfort to Lu Feng, even suggesting he vent his emotions through violence if necessary.

As the sun sets, news comes through the communication channels that the monsters are retreating and the Northern Base has survived, thanks to the Underground City Base's intervention.

Amidst the grief and relief, a tiny spore floats from Lu Feng's shoulder to Pauli, revealing that An Zhe, the little mushroom, lives on through the inert spore.

Three years have passed since the final battle, during which the East Pole and West Pole emitted the "bell toll," a stable frequency that ended the age of distortion. Monsters ceased attacking human bases, and the infection of substances stopped.

The Highland Research Institute and Pauli Jones were immortalized in history for discovering the "bell toll," which allowed humanity to survive, although in a diminished state.

Human civilization has drastically changed. Cities have disintegrated, and survivors now live in small settlements around the East and West Poles and the Highland Research Institute. Fewer than 5,000 humans remain worldwide, living alongside monsters who no longer seek to infect them but still pose a danger.

Pauli reflects on humanity's evolution and how humans now coexist with monsters, sometimes incorporating monster genes into their own biology while retaining human consciousness. This fusion has changed the nature of humanity, possibly marking an "ascension" rather than a fall.

The struggle for survival continues, with issues of fertility and reproduction still unresolved. Pauli is nearing the end of his life and grapples with his past actions, waiting for divine judgment.

Lu Feng, who has stayed at the research institute for the past three years, expresses that his only suffering now is the loss of An Zhe, a quiet and gentle person who brought warmth into his life. Pauli suggests that An Zhe's nature was one of innate goodness and that his suffering was not caused by the world but rather something he experienced naturally.

In the laboratory, a crystal coffin holds a cocoon formed from An Zhe's snow-white hyphae. Over time, the spore has regrown into a human-like shape, indicating that An Zhe may be experiencing a form of rebirth.

Lu Feng expresses that he hopes An Zhe forgets everything and lives free of the suffering that the human base and he had caused him. However, Pauli questions whether Lu Feng truly knows how An Zhe perceived the world.

As the cocoon grows into a new human form, the laboratory staff becomes excited. An Zhe has woken up.

Pauli asks Lu Feng why he won't go see An Zhe. After reflecting on his emotions, Lu Feng admits that An Zhe is the one who judges him. This moment of self-awareness signifies the depth of Lu Feng's feelings for An Zhe.

As Lu Feng stands outside in the sunlight, lost in thought, a clear, soft voice calls his name: "Lu Feng?" signaling that An Zhe has awakened.

An Zhe experiences recurring dreams where his consciousness seems split between the Highland Research Institute and an unknown place free from pain. He senses he's close to Lu Feng, but this is likely a hallucination brought on by his deteriorating health.

In these dreams, An Zhe reflects on his life and memories while feeling connected to Lu Feng. Despite being in a coma-like state for three years after jumping into the Simpson cage, An Zhe eventually wakes up, surprised to find that he is alive and physically intact.

The age of genetic disorder has ended thanks to the stable frequency transmitted globally from An Zhe's Simpson cage jump. The world is now stabilized, and the threat of genetic mutations has diminished. Though monsters and polymorphic mutations still exist, the dominant consciousness of individuals remains unchanged.

An Zhe and Lu Feng reunite after his rebirth. An Zhe is emotional, but their reunion brings comfort and joy. They discuss how An Zhe’s frequency stabilized the world and how chance has played a role in their survival.

An Zhe expresses his wish to find An Ze, his "brother" whose remains are still in the cave where everything began. Lu Feng agrees to help him search, surprising An Zhe since Lu Feng had always prioritized humanity’s interests.

They travel back to the Abyss together. As they journey, An Zhe questions Lu Feng’s feelings and is confused about why Lu Feng loves him. Lu Feng reassures An Zhe that his feelings are genuine.

An Zhe becomes upset when he thinks Lu Feng has not properly taken care of his spore, which had shrunk in size. An Zhe values his spore as something more important than his own life, seeing it as a part of himself, though not in typical human terms of parent and child.

Lu Feng teases An Zhe, reminding him that the spore had floated to his side willingly, even in the Lighthouse, despite An Zhe's accusations of neglect. He affectionately challenges An Zhe to "give birth to another one," hinting at a deeper connection between them.

An Zhe is upset with Lu Feng for his past actions concerning his spore. Though Lu Feng tries to reassure him, An Zhe is stubborn, asserting that he won’t let Lu Feng take anything more from him.

An Zhe reflects on his previous fear of dying and how his body had deteriorated when he was hiding his true form. He remembers how terrified he was of facing death, but that fear is now replaced by a sense of wholeness.

Lu Feng explains that An Zhe's spore was not merely separate from him but was a part of him, similar to how some organisms can shed parts of themselves and regenerate. He suggests that the spore grew into An Zhe, making it a continuation of his life. This concept calms An Zhe, who realizes that his spore had not been lost.

An Zhe expresses regret for doubting Lu Feng's intentions, believing that he had wronged him. Lu Feng assures him that it is okay because An Zhe is alive, which is all that matters.

They recall how the spore had floated toward Lu Feng instead of An Zhe at the Lighthouse, suggesting that even in its unconscious state, An Zhe wanted to be near Lu Feng. An Zhe reflects on their complex relationship and how much they have endured together.

Today marks four years since they first met in the Abyss. Their time together has been short in comparison to others, but they have shared experiences that no one else could understand.

Lu Feng thanks An Zhe for waiting for him on Judgment Day, a moment that was pivotal in their connection. An Zhe also expresses gratitude for Lu Feng's mercy throughout their journey.

As their bond deepens, Lu Feng playfully teases An Zhe about intimate matters, showing a more relaxed and affectionate side. They laugh together, sharing a lighthearted moment despite the serious nature of their past.

An Zhe brings up how other people had shown interest in him romantically, but he didn’t care for them. Lu Feng asserts that he is different from them in every way.

They prepare to go search for An Ze together, as they have promised. As they stand side by side, the depth of their relationship is solidified, though Lu Feng leaves An Zhe wondering how exactly he is different from everyone else, maintaining an air of mystery.

In 2103, Madam Lu gives her daughter a golden rose badge, symbolizing the weight of their fight for humankind's survival. She teaches her daughter that salvation for individuals can only come through saving all of humankind, even if it takes hundreds of years.

In 2105, Madam Lu knocks her daughter unconscious when military officers come to arrest her. Her daughter struggles to stay awake, clutching the golden badge, but eventually loses consciousness after hearing a gunshot and seeing blood seep under the door.

After her mother’s death, the daughter, along with other girls, is taken to a place where they are held for months during a period of chaos following Madam Lu’s assassination. She suspects her mother may have allowed herself to be killed to further the cause of women's rights.

The daughter eventually enters a place called the Garden of Eden, led by another older woman. She is given the title of Madam Lu, taking up her mother’s legacy in a fight for humanity's future.

In the present, An Zhe and Lu Feng come across a dying green monster in the Abyss. An Zhe attempts to comfort it with his hyphae, but it soon dies. They take shelter in what seems to be an abandoned church, reflecting on the past and the future.

An Zhe recalls how he often tried to help dying creatures in the Abyss, even before he had human consciousness. Lu Feng reflects on his own past, including a promise he made to his mother, Madam Lu, and to Jibran to protect the base.

The monster dissolves into tiny green lights after its death, illuminating the derelict church. The lights resemble a swarm of fireflies, casting an ethereal glow on the faded paintings of religious figures, silently observing the mortal world.

The scene ends with the stream of lights dissipating, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of destiny in the world.

Summer arrives in the Abyss, and An Zhe and Lu Feng are at the Highland Research Institute, surrounded by greenery and vines. An Zhe notices a new bud on a vine and shows it to Lu Feng, who responds by kissing his forehead.

Dr. Ji, who lost his right arm and part of his leg in the battle to defend the Northern Base, is now at the Highland Research Institute after undergoing limb regeneration using new frequencies. He teases Lu Feng and An Zhe about their relationship.

Dr. Ji attempts to convince Lu Feng to try an experimental extract that grants night vision, but Lu Feng refuses. He also rejects another extract that would give him wings because he finds such modifications unattractive.

An Zhe, meanwhile, has developed a habit of fusing with various living and non-living things. However, he had a negative experience when he fused with a potato, causing him to pass out for three hours. Despite this, he decides to try fusing with a vine, which causes him to feel strange and weak.

An Zhe explains to Lu Feng that the vine is causing his discomfort. Lu Feng holds him as An Zhe experiences a sensation similar to waiting for pollination, just like the vine's white flowers waiting for birds and butterflies.

An Zhe reflects on how his body feels out of control, but being close to Lu Feng provides comfort. Lu Feng reminds him not to eat things recklessly, gently scolding him for his actions as he carries him back to their quarters.

Tang Lan and Hubbard reflect on the concept of heroism at the Garden of Eden. Tang Lan seems unsure of wanting to be a hero, while Hubbard dismisses it.

Tang Lan becomes ill and is unable to join the military. He is sent to the Outer City, where he trains to recover from the damage the illness caused to his body.

In the Outer City, Tang Lan survives various hardships, including fights with mercenaries, slowly regaining his strength.

One night, Tang Lan finds Hubbard, who has been disciplined and sent to the Outer City. The two of them bond again despite the circumstances, with Hubbard now living among the regular inhabitants of the Outer City.

Years later, Tang Lan and Hubbard are both seasoned mercenaries. During a drinking session, Tang Lan asks Hubbard why he sacrificed his military future to live in the Outer City. Hubbard vaguely alludes to personal reasons, hinting at his own form of heroism.

Tang Lan recalls an encounter with a large monster during a mission, where he made a personal sacrifice by leading it away from his team, resulting in his transformation into a xenogenic. He cannot return to the base but hopes his team survived.

Hubbard, now a frontline commander, spots a xenogenic with massive black wings in the sky during a battle at the Highland Research Institute. He rushes toward the fallen figure, recognizing Tang Lan.

Tang Lan saves Hubbard from falling off a cliff during the battle, catching him with his injured, bloody wings. As they fall together, they exchange smiles and acknowledge each other’s heroism.

The epilogue ends with the two men falling toward an uncertain future, united in their shared sacrifice and bravery as they face whatever comes next.

An Zhe and Lu Feng are traveling together into the Abyss. An Zhe is reflecting on what he initially imagined about Lu Feng's uncomfortable conditions in the armored vehicles and how his perceptions were wrong, as Lu Feng's vehicle had been modified for comfort.

An Zhe humorously recalls a conversation with Lu Feng about bumping his head and Lu Feng's stubbornness about his intelligence and mood always being stable, even when sleep-deprived.

Lu Feng explains that after an Arbiter went mad inside his vehicle, the supply depot upgraded the living conditions for future Arbiters to prevent such incidents.

An Zhe spends time cleaning and organizing the vehicle, trying to keep everything spotless, thinking that Lu Feng has a slight obsession with cleanliness. However, he later realizes that Lu Feng doesn’t mind the level of tidiness.

Lu Feng acknowledges An Zhe’s efforts and tells him that he doesn't need everything to be perfect—whatever An Zhe is comfortable with is fine.

An Zhe feels disconnected from Lu Feng at times, finding it hard to fully understand him due to the complexity of human emotions and relationships.

Lu Feng surprises An Zhe with a glass bottle full of fireflies, which he caught for him. An Zhe realizes that, while it's impossible to fully understand another person, the joy lies in the effort of trying to understand each other.

During their journey, An Zhe begins turning into a mushroom again. Lu Feng teasingly asks when An Zhe will produce a baby spore, which frustrates An Zhe as he doesn’t know the answer.

An Zhe discovers he can shrink to a very small size and becomes small enough for Lu Feng to carry him in his chest pocket.

On their fourth trip into the Abyss, An Zhe sustains a small wound caused by Lu Feng during the night, and Lu Feng tends to the injury. Despite the pain, An Zhe complains about Lu Feng being mean, expressing some pent-up frustrations.

They continue playfully bantering and teasing each other, with Lu Feng gently teasing An Zhe about his perceived clumsiness and childish behavior.

An Zhe reflects on the night of Judgment Day, imagining what could have happened if they had gotten close at that moment, with their connection deepening even in those early uncertain days.

The chapter ends with a quiet moment of intimacy between An Zhe and Lu Feng, where past emotions resurface as they kiss, reflecting on how far they have come since that uncertain beginning.

News arrives that a human history museum will be established beneath the ruins of the Main City. The museum asks for memoirs from everyone, but Lu Feng does not have one, nor does he keep a diary. His work notebook, which could have served as one, has been lost.

Despite having no written record of his own, Lu Feng is often mentioned in historical accounts, as though he remains a silent figure behind every major event in humankind's history.

The narrator (An Zhe) reflects on how people in the future might perceive Lu Feng—whether they will love, hate, or doubt his existence. He wonders what he can do to make Lu Feng seem more real to future generations.

An Zhe reflects on Lu Feng's capacity to love others, including his mother, friends, and subordinates, but notes that Lu Feng has never hated anyone. Lu Feng feels a deep loneliness, particularly on Judgment Day and when his mannequin was shot by the opposition faction. An Zhe questions what made Lu Feng feel lost—whether it was a lack of understanding from others or something deeper within himself or humanity as a whole.

An Zhe ponders their relationship, wondering why he and Lu Feng are always together despite being such different beings. He asks Pauli about it, and Pauli suggests that An Zhe and Lu Feng are actually the two most similar people in the world, something An Zhe doesn't yet fully understand.

Pauli believes that when An Zhe is older and can reflect on the past, he will understand their connection better. An Zhe imagines that in the future, they will still be traveling the world together.

An Zhe concludes his thoughts, noting that he needs to prepare a New Year's gift for Lu Feng.

The Colonel reflects that An Zhe criticized his diary for being slapdash, but he finds An Zhe's diary similarly dishonest.

The Colonel notes that despite An Zhe claiming not to know certain things, he actually understands them all.

The Colonel views An Zhe's behavior as childish.

Lu Feng receives an emergency mission from the Northern Base due to a large-scale monster invasion and heads toward the PL1109 fighter plane.

An Zhe reflects that Lu Feng would likely never have returned to the Northern Base if it weren’t for this mission.

An Zhe walks behind Lu Feng, observing him. Lu Feng turns around, smiles at An Zhe, and asks him what he’s thinking about.

An Zhe comments that Lu Feng looks handsome, prompting Lu Feng to smile again, which is rare for him.

Lu Feng mentions recalling their earlier time at the base during the Underground City incident, specifically remembering that An Zhe seemed concerned for him.

As they discuss this, Lu Feng reveals that he had something he wanted to ask An Zhe before leaving during that incident.

After some hesitation, Lu Feng humorously asks if he looks good with his gun, catching An Zhe off guard with the lighthearted question.

In 2020, the Earth's geomagnetic field weakened rapidly, initiating Plan A (simulated geomagnetic field) in Asia and Plan B (underground city construction) in North America.

In 2030, the geomagnetic field vanished, causing climate dysfunction and the onset of the "Desert Age."

In 2040, Plan B was successful, and the underground city opened for inhabitants.

In 2043, Plan A succeeded, creating a weak magnetic field over the Earth.

In 2045, global species began to mutate, triggering the "Calamity Age" and a subsequent war. Northern, Southeastern, and Virginia Bases were constructed.

In 2050, after major human losses in the war, the "Fusion Faction" emerged.

In 2053, widespread genetic mutations led to a collapse in birth rates.

In 2061, a rodent mutant surge caused the fall of the Southeastern Base.

In 2066, the "Rose Manifesto" was passed by women in the four bases, establishing a fertility scoring system for artificial insemination.

In 2067, "Judgment Day" occurred at the Northern Base, leading to the introduction of the Arbiter's Code and the indiscriminate killing of the contaminated.

In 2070, the Fusion Faction defected, and the Highland Research Institute was founded.

In 2073, the Virginia Base fell.

In 2115, the "Rose Incident" saw women revolt against the Northern Base’s control over fertility. The rebellion was suppressed, and women with high fertility scores were confined to the "Garden of Eden."

In 2135, communication between bases deteriorated, leaving only emergency channels active between the Northern Base and the Underground City Base.

In 2150, the Northern Base's population began to recover, marking the start of the "Recovery Age."

In 2154, genetic examination technology advanced.

The story begins.

In the 25th year of the Yuantai era of Great Zhou, the Tatars invade Northern border, prompting the Beiyan Cavalry to join forces with garrisons from the Ning and Tong Prefectures.

The combined forces achieve a significant victory at the Wuding River, pushing the Tatars back by 700 li and reclaiming the West Autumn Gate.

In August, the Tatars' Dark Pearl troops send a memorial pleading to surrender, expressing their willingness to become vassals of Great Zhou and agreeing to pay annual tribute and send the Khan's son to the Imperial College.

In September, the imperial court orders Marquis Fu Shen, the commander of the Beiyan Cavalry, to escort the Tatar diplomatic corps to the capital for an audience with the emperor.

On the 9th of September, while passing through Blue Sand Pass, the diplomatic corps encounters a landslide. The young Tatar prince's carriage is crushed by falling boulders, leading to chaos.

During the landslide, Fu Shen narrowly avoids an assassination attempt, dodging an arrow aimed at him by an unknown assailant.

The landslide results in the death of the youngest Tatar prince and over half of the diplomatic envoy. Fu Shen's legs are severely crushed, and he is sent back to Northern border for treatment.

The news of the attack and Fu Shen's injury shocks the capital. The Yuantai Emperor orders an investigation and bestows honors upon Fu Shen, including the title "General Who Guards the State."

Rumors circulate in the capital about the future of the Beiyan military power. Fu Shen sends a letter asking for permission to resign and recuperate, which the emperor rejects, allowing him to return to the capital.

As Fu Shen departs from Yanzhou, anticipation grows in the capital to see what has become of the famous Marquis of Jingning.

The group of riders, led by a young nobleman, travels south from Yanzhou, passing through Guangyang District and Baitan, nearing the capital as they arrive in Miyun.

The young nobleman, pale and frail, orders a stop at a roadside tea shack to rest and refresh after traveling through the night. His companions, dressed in teal military robes, exude an imposing presence despite not openly displaying their identities.

The young nobleman is supported off the carriage and sits down to rest, his weak body contrasted by a cold and commanding demeanor. His appearance draws the attention of other travelers, who are curious about his identity.

Despite his sickly appearance, the nobleman engages in conversation with the merchants, who speculate that he might be from a wealthy and influential family in Yanzhou.

The merchants discuss General Fu, the Marquis of Jingning, praising his military achievements and the peace he has brought to the region. The nobleman listens intently, showing interest in the conversation about Fu Shen.

The merchants recount the history of the Fu family's military legacy, detailing how Fu Shen, despite his youth, took command of the Beiyan Cavalry after the deaths of his father and uncle. He successfully defended Northern border from the Eastern Tatars and the Zhe people.

Fu Shen's rise to prominence and the subsequent hesitation of the Yuantai Emperor to grant him the title of Duke of Ying are discussed, highlighting the emperor's fear of the Fu family's growing influence.

The conversation turns to rumors about Fu Shen's personal life, including speculation about his potential marriage and preferences, which the young nobleman listens to with amusement.

The young nobleman, who is revealed to be Fu Shen himself, takes a pill to manage his condition before continuing the journey. He instructs his companion, Xiao Xun, to prepare for their arrival in the capital, where they expect to encounter greater scrutiny.

Fu Shen reflects on his situation, acknowledging the tension between maintaining his facade of health and the reality of his injuries, as they approach the capital's military barracks.

The group arrives at the capital camp garrison, located 100 li outside the capital. Zhong He, the Ruifeng Barracks commander, greets them, particularly focusing on Fu Shen, who is revealed to be severely injured.

Fu Shen, covered in bandages and looking extremely weak, greets Zhong He. Zhong He is shocked by Fu Shen's condition, realizing the severity of his injuries. Despite Fu Shen's attempts to reassure him, Zhong He is deeply saddened and worried.

Zhong He, who had known Fu Shen since he was a child, reflects on the changes and hardships Fu Shen has endured. Fu Shen remains formal and distant, avoiding familiar terms like "noble uncle" and instead focusing on the present situation.

The group continues towards the capital, with Fu Shen instructing Xiao Xun to take the soldiers out to enjoy themselves after dropping him off. Fu Shen jokes about Xiao Xun staying close to him and teases him about becoming his "dutiful and filial son" if he can't find a wife.

Fu Shen arrives at his mansion, which is quiet and somewhat neglected. The servants, who fear him, avoid interacting with him directly. Xiao Xun assists Fu Shen to his room, and Fu Shen, exhausted from the day's events, quickly falls asleep.

An hour after Fu Shen falls asleep, there is a sudden knock at the door. Yan Xiaohan, the Feilong Guard Imperial Investigator, arrives with a group of men, claiming to be sent by the emperor to check on Fu Shen's condition.

The old servant, recognizing Yan Xiaohan and aware of his history with Fu Shen, is apprehensive and tries to stall. Yan Xiaohan, known for his arrogance and power, insists on seeing Fu Shen, despite the servant's protests.

Yan Xiaohan enters the mansion, noticing the desolate state of the residence. He remarks on the lack of care, understanding that Fu Shen has been absent for long periods. As the old servant tries to prepare tea, a noise from the inner chamber catches Yan Xiaohan's attention, prompting him to rush in.

Fu Shen experiences a restless sleep filled with nightmares and the sensation of sleep paralysis. Struggling to move, he eventually falls out of bed, hitting his abdomen and head.

As he falls, the door to his room is kicked open, and someone rushes in to pick him up. This person, dressed in dark blue brocade, is revealed to be Yan Xiaohan, who places Fu Shen back on the bed and checks his temperature.

Despite the concern shown by Yan Xiaohan, Fu Shen coldly questions his presence. Yan Xiaohan, trying to remain calm, insists on checking Fu Shen’s condition and orders the servant to bring hot water.

Yan Xiaohan reveals that the emperor sent him to check on Fu Shen's health. Fu Shen reluctantly agrees to be examined by Shen Yice, the military doctor who accompanies Yan Xiaohan.

Yan Xiaohan assists Fu Shen in sitting up and holds him close, an intimate gesture that seems out of place for their supposedly antagonistic relationship. Shen Yice examines Fu Shen's injuries, noting the severity and long recovery time required.

After the examination, Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan discuss the situation. Fu Shen expresses resignation about his injuries and the state of his life, while Yan Xiaohan tries to convince him to consider retiring from his military role.

The conversation reveals the stark differences in their worldviews. Fu Shen is deeply committed to his duty and the protection of the country, while Yan Xiaohan, more pragmatic and cynical, questions the value of such sacrifices.

Despite their differences, the conversation between Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan is more open and honest than their public personas would suggest. The chapter hints at a deeper, complex relationship between the two, marked by mutual understanding and concealed by their outward antagonism.

In the Duke of Ying Manor, Madam Qin arrives to check on her son, Fu Ya, who is pretending to study but is actually idling. The atmosphere changes immediately with her arrival, as the servants become more serious.

Madam Qin expresses concern about Fu Ya's lack of discipline, but their conversation quickly shifts to discuss Fu Shen, the Marquis of Jingning. Fu Ya dismissively refers to Fu Shen's injuries and return to the capital, showing little respect or concern for his elder brother.

Madam Qin scolds Fu Ya for his careless talk and warns him to be cautious, reminding him that Fu Shen still holds significant influence and power, even if he lives separately from the Duke's residence.

The conversation hints at the complex dynamics within the family, with Fu Ya feeling envious and resentful of Fu Shen, and Madam Qin scheming to secure her son’s future as the Duke of Ying. She advises Fu Ya to be patient and strategic, assuring him that the title and family business will eventually be his.

Outside the room, the servants gossip about the family's internal tensions, noting the strained relationship between Fu Shen and his stepmother, Madam Qin, as well as Fu Ya's inferiority to his elder brother.

The chapter also touches on the broader political implications of Fu Shen's situation. In the East Palace, the Crown Princess, Lady Cen, discusses the delicate position of Madam Qin and the potential threat posed by Fu Shen's continued influence, despite his injuries.

Lady Cen reflects on Fu Shen's reputation and the respect he commands among the people and the court, noting that even the crown prince must be cautious around him. She also recalls Fu Shen's past actions, particularly his refusal to arrange a marriage for his sister that would have aligned with the Crown Prince's interests.

The chapter concludes with Lady Cen expressing a mixture of admiration and regret regarding Fu Shen, while also dismissing Madam Qin’s attempts to manipulate the situation, viewing them as ultimately futile. The intricate web of power, loyalty, and familial tensions is laid bare, setting the stage for further developments in the story.

As the end of the year approaches, rumors begin to circulate among the high officials and nobility about the Marquis of Jingning, Fu Shen, being a "cutsleeve," a term referring to male same-sex relationships. This rumor spreads rapidly and gains traction, becoming a topic of gossip among the nobility.

Although such relationships were not entirely uncommon in Great Zhou, the involvement of a military leader like Fu Shen adds a political dimension to the rumors, potentially threatening his position and influence.

The narrative reflects on historical precedents, such as the romantic preferences of Suzong of the previous Yue Dynasty, who set a precedent for allowing high-ranking officials to have male concubines or even male spouses. This practice continued into the current dynasty, used as a tool to control powerful ministers.

The rumor about Fu Shen comes at a critical time, with many suspecting it to be a calculated move to undermine his authority and give the emperor an excuse to take back his military power.

Fu Shen, unaware of the rumors, continues his quiet life in retirement. His subordinates, accustomed to various gossip about him, do not take the rumor seriously. However, Yan Xiaohan, upon hearing the rumor from the Feilong Guard, immediately senses trouble and potential danger for Fu Shen.

Yan Xiaohan's concerns are heightened by the ongoing investigation into the ambush on the Eastern Tatar diplomatic envoy, which he suspects is linked to the same forces targeting Fu Shen. Despite their past disagreements, Yan Xiaohan feels compelled to warn Fu Shen and begins investigating the source of the rumors.

The rumor about Fu Shen being a cutsleeve is traced back to a high general, Wei Xuzhou, who heard it from a complex network of familial connections. Yan Xiaohan realizes the seriousness of the situation and instructs Wei Xuzhou to inform Fu Shen and advise him to prepare for the potential fallout.

Meanwhile, Yan Xiaohan is summoned by the emperor. Before leaving, he instructs Wei Xuzhou to deliver a message to Fu Shen, urging caution and patience in dealing with the situation.

Yan Xiaohan arrives at Yangxin Hall, where he finds both the emperor and the crown prince present. The emperor appears to be in a good mood, which slightly reassures Yan Xiaohan, though he remains uneasy about the underlying developments.

The chapter ends with a sense of foreboding, as Yan Xiaohan feels that something ominous is about to unfold, particularly with the crown prince's cryptic smile as he leaves the hall.

While Yan Xiaohan endures his responsibilities in the palace, the Estate of the Marquis of Jingning is in turmoil. A few days prior, Fu Shen's sister, Fu Ling, the Prince of Qi's wife, had sent gifts and a message indicating her intention to visit. However, Fu Shen, not wanting to cause suspicion or draw attention, declined her visit.

When Fu Ling's message was relayed in the presence of her husband, the Prince of Qi, Sun Yunduan, he commented on Fu Shen's blunt nature. Despite being worried about her brother's injury, Fu Ling found comfort in his familiar, straightforward manner of speaking.

The Prince of Qi, trying to divert the topic, suggested waiting a few days before visiting Fu Shen to allow him time to settle in. Fu Ling agreed, expressing her gratitude for the Prince's understanding.

On a gloomy, cold day, Fu Shen was in pain due to his injury when he received word that Fu Ling had arrived at his Manor. Though reluctant, he prepared to meet her and instructed his servants to maintain a low profile to avoid any offense.

Upon seeing her brother in a wheelchair, Fu Ling was overcome with emotion and began to cry, throwing herself into Fu Shen's arms. Despite the physical discomfort, Fu Shen comforted her, acknowledging her tears and trying to lighten the mood with gentle teasing.

Fu Ling expressed concern for Fu Shen's injury, asking if there was any hope for recovery. Fu Shen replied that the Emperor had already sent doctors, implying that there was little else that could be done.

Fu Ling asked if any other family members had visited him, to which Fu Shen responded with a bitter laugh, indicating his estrangement from the rest of the family, particularly from Madam Qin.

Changing the topic, Fu Shen inquired about Fu Ling's life in the Prince of Qi's Estate. Fu Ling reassured him that she was doing well and then revealed that she was pregnant, a piece of news that shocked and delighted Fu Shen.

Concerned for her well-being, Fu Shen hurriedly sent Fu Ling back to her home, giving her instructions to take care of herself and assuring her of his support.

After seeing her off, Fu Shen instructed his servants to prepare gifts for Fu Ling and the Prince of Qi, including nourishing herbs and a Gold-Star Longwei inkstone.

While retrieving the inkstone from his study, Fu Shen discovered an unfamiliar wooden box on his desk. Inside was a broken black arrow, the same one that had narrowly missed him during the ambush. This discovery left him in shock, as the arrow was a significant clue tied to the attack.

Fu Shen discovers a broken black arrow in a hidden compartment within a wooden box in his study. The arrow triggers intense memories of a battlefield, causing physical and emotional distress.

Despite the shock, Fu Shen manages to regain control and finds a hidden note in the compartment. He orders his servant Xiao Xun to gather everyone who had access to the study in the past three days.

As servants are questioned, a boy servant reveals that a young outsider named Wang Gou'er had accompanied him into the study, leading to suspicions of an external threat.

Fu Shen orders the dismissal of all the servants in his Manor, deciding to replace them with Beiyan soldiers to prevent further breaches of security.

Shortly after, General Wei Xuzhou arrives with a message from Yan Xiaohan, warning Fu Shen about rumors circulating in the capital suggesting that Fu Shen has a "fondness for men." Wei advises Fu Shen to remain calm and not act rashly.

The message leaves Fu Shen in shock and suspicion, unsure if Yan Xiaohan predicted or orchestrated these events.

Fu Shen is interrupted by news of an imperial edict arriving at his home. He prepares to receive the edict, realizing the seriousness of the situation.

In the Yangxin Hall, Yan Xiaohan is summoned by the Emperor, who confides in him about his fears and doubts regarding the control over the Great Zhou's lands.

The Emperor reminds Yan Xiaohan of his role as the Imperial Investigator and tasks him with a long-term mission to secure the Emperor's peace of mind.

The Emperor reveals his intention to sanction a marriage between Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen, a surprising move that leaves Yan Xiaohan stunned.

Yan Xiaohan's heart skips a beat upon hearing the Emperor’s decree, stunned at the unexpected turn of events. The Emperor plans to marry Yan Xiaohan to Fu Shen, a decision that leaves Yan Xiaohan bewildered and alarmed.

The Emperor explains his reasoning, stating that the Fu family's deep-rooted influence in northern border has become a hidden threat. The marriage is intended to sever the connection between the Fu family and the Beiyan Cavalry, thus diminishing their power.

Yan Xiaohan recalls the bitter feud he and Fu Shen had in the morning court, making the Emperor’s decision even more baffling. He quickly realizes that this marriage is a strategic move to control Fu Shen and the Beiyan Cavalry.

The Crown Prince had suggested the marriage, exploiting the rumors of Fu Shen's alleged preference for men. This plan would strip Fu Shen of his military command and prevent the Fu family from wielding too much influence.

The Emperor considers replacing Fu Shen with Yang Sijing, but finds the idea laughable due to Yang Sijing's lack of experience and capability. The Emperor instead proposes Yan Xiaohan as the new commander of the Beiyan Cavalry.

Yan Xiaohan is taken aback by the proposal, feeling unqualified for the position. The Emperor, however, insists, reminding Yan Xiaohan of his promise to find him a suitable marriage. The Emperor emphasizes that Fu Shen is a loyal official, but his loyalty lies with the nation, not the Emperor himself.

The Emperor reveals his deep-seated concerns about Fu Shen’s independent nature and the potential threat he poses. Yan Xiaohan understands that the Emperor is more concerned with controlling Fu Shen than with the actual marriage.

Faced with the Emperor's ultimatum—marry Fu Shen or eliminate him—Yan Xiaohan realizes he has no choice but to comply. The Emperor has already sent the imperial edict to Fu Shen’s estate, leaving Yan Xiaohan with no room to refuse.

Yan Xiaohan's mind races with conflicting thoughts. Despite the absurdity of the situation, he wonders how Fu Shen will react to the decree and whether he will accept it or rebel against it.

Meanwhile, Fu Shen, having received the edict, kneels outside the palace gate in the pouring rain, refusing to rise until he is granted an audience with the Emperor. Yan Xiaohan, sent to deliver the Emperor’s message, finds Fu Shen and urges him to return home, knowing that his request will not be granted.

The tension between the two men escalates, with Yan Xiaohan’s anger boiling over as he questions Fu Shen’s loyalty and his refusal to accept the Emperor’s will. Fu Shen remains defiant, declaring that he will not let his personal matters tarnish the reputation of the Beiyan Cavalry.

The chapter ends with Fu Shen collapsing from exhaustion and the cold rain, falling into Yan Xiaohan's arms as the latter struggles with the weight of the situation and his own emotions.

Fu Shen is barely conscious and can only vaguely perceive the warmth and familiarity of the person carrying him.

As Yan Xiaohan carries Fu Shen into a carriage, Fu Shen suddenly grabs his collar, causing them to fall into a compromising position. This unexpected action snaps Fu Shen back to consciousness.

Yan Xiaohan, concerned about Fu Shen's condition after kneeling in the rain for so long, decides to take him to his own Manor to be treated by Shen Yice.

Fu Shen, feverish and weak, barely responds and drifts in and out of consciousness as they travel to the Yan Manor. Yan Xiaohan stays close, watching over him.

Once they arrive, Yan Xiaohan personally undresses Fu Shen and places him in a hot bath to alleviate his chills. He notices the extensive scars on Fu Shen's body, which speak to his years of service and the toll it has taken on him.

Yan Xiaohan remains by Fu Shen's side, taking care of him with uncharacteristic attentiveness. He ensures Fu Shen is warm and comfortable, wrapping him in a blanket after the bath.

Shen Yice arrives to check on Fu Shen. Despite his surprise at the situation, he examines Fu Shen and concludes that his condition is serious. The fever, combined with old injuries and the recent exposure to rain, has weakened Fu Shen significantly.

Shen Yice warns Yan Xiaohan that Fu Shen's injuries may never fully heal and that his condition requires careful, ongoing treatment.

Yan Xiaohan reflects on the gravity of Fu Shen's situation and the difficult life he has led as a commander, risking his life repeatedly for the nation.

Yan Xiaohan then instructs Shen Yice to take over Fu Shen's treatment, stating that it is now his responsibility to ensure Fu Shen's recovery. Shen Yice is shocked by this but agrees to help.

Before leaving, Yan Xiaohan reveals to Shen Yice that the Emperor has issued an imperial edict ordering his marriage to Fu Shen. Shen Yice is stunned by the news and reacts with disbelief, questioning the Emperor's sanity.

Fu Shen experiences a high fever from dusk until midnight. After a long while, he finally awakens, finding himself in an unfamiliar, dimly-lit room. The furnishings are not immediately recognizable, and a single lantern on a table casts a soft, hazy glow that barely illuminates the space.

As he takes in his surroundings, Fu Shen notices Yan Xiaohan sleeping on a low bench across the bed. Yan Xiaohan is curled up, his back facing Fu Shen. The details of the previous day's events are murky and fragmented in Fu Shen’s mind, overshadowed by the lingering effects of his fever and exhaustion.

Feeling uncomfortable and stiff, Fu Shen tries to shift his position to alleviate the ache in his back. This movement inadvertently wakes Yan Xiaohan, who immediately responds by sitting up and reaching out to assist Fu Shen.

Yan Xiaohan, still groggy from sleep, offers help in a soft, concerned tone, asking if Fu Shen needs water or if he needs to use the bathroom. He checks Fu Shen’s temperature by gently pressing his forehead against Fu Shen’s, noting with relief that the fever appears to have subsided.

Fu Shen is caught off guard by Yan Xiaohan’s unexpected kindness. Initially, he struggles to process the situation and hesitates to respond. After a moment, he pulls back, insisting that he doesn’t need anything and simply wants to sit up for a while.

As Yan Xiaohan fully awakens, the atmosphere between them becomes noticeably awkward. Yan Xiaohan helps Fu Shen sit up against the headboard, then retreats to the bench, creating a respectful distance between them to avoid any further discomfort.

Both Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan, now more alert, reflect on the awkwardness of their engagement. They are both aware of the strong political implications behind their situation, yet it remains a source of tension and unease, affecting their interactions and adding to the discomfort between them.

The room becomes eerily still and cool. Yan Xiaohan focuses intently, noticing Fu Shen turning his head away to yawn, revealing his fatigue.

Yan Xiaohan remembers that Fu Shen is still sick. He anticipates that if Shen Yice knew about their late-night scheming, he would be reprimanded the next day.

Yan Xiaohan helps Fu Shen lie down and pulls the curtains closed. Fu Shen, exhausted, murmurs, “You've gone to a lot of trouble. Thank you” before settling in.

Yan Xiaohan sits on the low bench by the bedside, not showing signs of fatigue. He reflects on the political implications of Fu Shen’s actions and the Emperor's desperate measures, such as contacting Khatun and bringing the Prince of Ying’s descendant to the Central Plains, which suggest signs of a brewing rebellion.

Yan Xiaohan realizes that Fu Shen is gambling with his life, and the broken legs and forced marriage were relatively fortunate outcomes. He ponders the dangerous tasks Fu Shen undertakes and why he seems to willingly take on such risks.

Fu Shen, seemingly reading Yan Xiaohan’s thoughts, comments on the necessity of certain actions in the world. This surprises Yan Xiaohan, who is jolted from his contemplation.

Fu Shen mocks Yan Xiaohan for his intense focus, noting that his gaze could “bring a dead man back to life.” Fu Shen sees the pity in Yan Xiaohan’s expression and feels a softening of his own heart, leading him to tease Yan Xiaohan further.

Fu Shen explains that finding the Prince of Ying’s descendant was a significant wish of his uncle and the Prince of Su. He asserts that he would undertake it regardless of the cost and has no regrets.

Yan Xiaohan questions whether Fu Shen’s grave injuries and efforts were not regrettable, signaling concern over the personal cost of Fu Shen’s endeavors.

Fu Shen mumbles something about "Baotao," but doesn’t finish his thought when interrupted.

A servant announces that General Xiao Xun of the Beiyan is waiting outside. Yan Xiaohan instructs the servant to invite him in and tells Fu Shen he will be coming over.

Fu Shen attempts to leave in his wheelchair but is stopped by Yan Xiaohan. Yan Xiaohan carefully covers Fu Shen with a cloak and pushes the wheelchair out, ensuring Fu Shen is comfortable and that the wheelchair can navigate the doorsill easily.

Fu Shen feels a mix of embarrassment and warmth from Yan Xiaohan’s attentive care. Their relationship, which was once merely professional and distant, has become more intimate due to their current situation, leading to mutual psychological reservations.

Fu Shen reflects on his own inadequacy and the surprising extent of Yan Xiaohan’s care, comparing it to receiving an unexpected fortune. He feels unprepared for such kindness and is re-evaluating his understanding of friendship and support.

In the main hall, General Xiao Xun is taken aback upon seeing Fu Shen being pushed in by Yan Xiaohan. His reaction indicates surprise or shock at the sight of Fu Shen's condition and the level of care he is receiving.

After seeing Xiao Xun off, Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen return to the bedroom. Fu Shen demands clarification about Yan Xiaohan's earlier comments.

Yan Xiaohan, narrowing his eyes, suggests that Fu Shen should be worried about the possibility of Yan Xiaohan putting him under house arrest.

Fu Shen, frustrated, insists that Yan Xiaohan be serious. He presses Yan Xiaohan for clarity on which side he ultimately supports.

Yan Xiaohan, previously tender and mocking, now adopts a guarded demeanor. He explains that, just as there are loyal subjects, there are those who are disloyal. He dismisses Fu Shen's concern as naive.

Yan Xiaohan elaborates that while he and Fu Shen belong to the same Dynasty, their roles differ. Fu Shen is responsible for maintaining the country’s peace, whereas Yan Xiaohan serves as an official motivated by personal gain rather than fame or public service.

Yan Xiaohan reveals that he aligns himself with whichever side is most advantageous to him. He describes himself as a pawn in the political game, capable of shifting alliances based on personal benefit.

He admits to being a third player in the political landscape, one who can either advance the interests of one party or disrupt the game entirely. Yan Xiaohan concludes that his position is to be an unarmed, defenseless pawn if it suits his needs, signaling his discontent with his current role.

Fu Shen acknowledges the difficulty in getting Yan Xiaohan to openly admit his true stance, accepting the reality of Yan Xiaohan’s self-serving nature.

When Fu Shen wakes up in the morning, Yan Xiaohan has already left the Manor. The servants, sensing the tension from the previous night’s argument, are unusually silent, afraid of provoking Fu Shen’s temper.

Despite the dispute, Fu Shen reflects on his past dreams and events, realizing that their argument wasn’t as significant as he initially thought. He acknowledges that everyone has their own ambitions and accepts that Yan Xiaohan, known for his complex nature, isn't as entirely cold as he sometimes appears.

The Marquis of Jingning's Manor experiences a high volume of visitors due to the recent public scandal involving Fu Shen's kneeling at the palace gates, the imperial censure, and the Duke of Ying's illness. There is widespread speculation about the outcome of these events. Xiao Xun, who struggles with conveying Fu Shen's situation clearly, vaguely reports that the Marquis is recuperating at Lord Yan's Manor. This ambiguity fuels rumors that a marriage between Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen is being prepared.

In contrast, the Yan Manor remains quiet. Yan Xiaohan is occupied with court matters and has blocked any attempts to get details about Fu Shen’s condition. The notoriety of the Feilong Guard limits social interactions with the manor.

Fu Shen enjoys the comforts of the Yan Manor, finding it significantly better than his own neglected Marquis Manor. He appreciates the pleasant maidservants, regular meals, and a variety of snacks, despite the bitterness of the medicinal soup prepared by Shen Yice.

In the evening, Yan Xiaohan returns from his duties and hears Fu Shen sighing in his room. This indicates that Fu Shen is reflecting or dealing with his own thoughts about the current situation.

A maid brings freshly-made medicine to Fu Shen. Yan Xiaohan delivers it with a firm command to drink.

Fu Shen looks dejectedly at the steaming medicinal soup, silently cursing his bad luck. Yan Xiaohan, frustrated by Fu Shen's reaction, makes a sarcastic remark about Fu Shen's condition, implying that if he weren’t injured, he wouldn't be in this situation.

Fu Shen, irritated, demands Yan Xiaohan leave him alone, snapping that he can handle the medicine on his own. Yan Xiaohan is taken aback by Fu Shen's resistance, as he perceives Fu Shen as someone who is usually self-disciplined and not prone to rebellion.

Attempting to persuade Fu Shen, Yan Xiaohan lowers his voice and assures him that the bowl contains only a small amount and can be finished quickly. Fu Shen turns his head away, refusing to drink.

Yan Xiaohan, noticing Fu Shen's reluctance, tastes the medicine himself and finds it bitter but not unbearable. He wonders why Fu Shen is so averse to it and speculates that the smell might be making him sick.

Seeing Fu Shen’s distressed reaction, Yan Xiaohan sets the bowl aside and begins to gently knead the acupoints on Fu Shen’s wrists, trying to comfort him. He asks if there is an underlying issue causing Fu Shen's strong aversion to the medicine.

Fu Shen, gripping Yan Xiaohan’s hands gently, reveals that he has a painful childhood memory associated with medicine. He explains that he was often ill as a child and had to take medicine frequently. His mother passed away early, and his wet nurse would force-feed him the medicine by pinching his nose when he resisted.

The eighteenth year of Yuantai, early autumn. Youlan Villa, now owned by the Fu family, is a famous location within Huanren County's Mount Baoyan.

Fu Shen is coerced by a group of wealthy young men into hosting a hunting trip at the villa. Despite his reluctance, he prepares the estate with the help of his servants. His mood is worsened by Madam Qin’s complaints.

Fu Shen’s second uncle, Fu Tingxin, returns from northern border, bringing relief and allowing Fu Shen to entertain his guests with confidence. Fu Tingxin has a close relationship with Fu Shen, having raised and taught him from a young age.

Fu Shen and Fu Tingxin discuss the political situation, particularly the imprisonment of Vice-President Jin Yunfeng for conspiracy. Fu Tingxin hints at deeper court intrigues, and they share a candid conversation about their perspectives on the matter.

Fu Shen and his group of wealthy young men head into the forest on Mount Baoyan for a hunt. The mountain is known for its dense forests and is a popular spot for such activities. The group is eager and excited, prepared for a day of hunting.

As they hunt, Fu Shen and Yi Siming spot a shadow moving in the underbrush. They ready their bows, but Fu Shen quickly calls for a ceasefire when the outline becomes clearer.

The shadow turns out to be a slender, frail woman clutching a bundle. She claims to be lost, having wandered into the area by mistake, fearing the hunting party were bandits.

Yi Siming and Fu Shen suspect her story and question her further. Fu Shen uses his longbow to lift the cloth bundle she is holding, revealing that it contains a baby.

The woman, terrified and tearful, reveals herself to be Caiyue, a servant girl from Vice-President Jin Yunfeng’s household. The child she carries is the last remaining blood of the Jin family, and she has been fleeing from court officials who are hunting them.

The group faces a moral dilemma. Despite the risks of harboring a fugitive, Fu Shen decides to help Caiyue and the child. He orders his servants to take her back to the villa, disguise her as a maid, and keep her hidden.

Yi Siming expresses concern about the potential danger they are putting themselves in, but Fu Shen reassures him, stating that if anything happens, he will take full responsibility.

Just as Fu Shen finishes giving his orders, the sound of hoofbeats approaches. The group realizes that the Feilong Guard, an imperial law enforcement unit, is closing in on them.

Fu Shen recognizes the uniforms of the Feilong Guard, and the group is suddenly on high alert as they prepare for what might be a dangerous encounter.

The Feilong Guard arrived suddenly, forcing Fu Shen and the others to quickly gather their composure. They were relieved that the woman they had helped had left earlier, avoiding a direct encounter with the guards.

The narrow mountain road forced the Feilong Guard to stop. Fu Shen, determined to stall them, didn’t instruct his group to clear the way. A member of the Feilong Guard, riding a white horse, politely asked if they had seen any suspicious persons on the mountain.

The group of young men, unimpressed, mocked the seriousness of the situation. The Feilong Guard member responded calmly, explaining that he was simply following orders.

Recognizing the situation was escalating, Fu Shen stepped in to diffuse the tension, claiming they hadn’t seen anyone suspicious.

The leader of the Feilong Guard, Yan Xiaohan, recognized Fu Shen and greeted him warmly. Fu Shen, after a moment of recollection, realized Yan Xiaohan was the same guard who had thrown a flower at him on the streets previously.

Yan Xiaohan then subtly warned the group that the fugitive they were pursuing was involved in a major conspiracy, and anyone aiding her would be treated as a co-conspirator. He mentioned the presence of guard checkpoints and bounties for her capture, adding pressure on the group.

Suspicion grew within Fu Shen as he wondered if Yan Xiaohan already suspected them of harboring the fugitive.

The tense silence was broken by a derogatory comment from Xie Qianfan, who insulted Yan Xiaohan, calling him "eunuch's bastard." Yan Xiaohan, though angered, responded softly, addressing Xie Qianfan directly and recalling details about his family.

Yan Xiaohan’s mention of Xie Qianfan’s older brother, whom their father favored, deeply humiliated Xie Qianfan, who then aimed his hunting bow at Yan Xiaohan in a fit of rage.

Yan Xiaohan, anticipating the attack, quickly deflected the arrow and moved to strike Xie Qianfan. Fu Shen and Yi Siming intervened, with Fu Shen using his recurve bow to block Yan Xiaohan’s strike.

The force of Yan Xiaohan’s attack was immense, causing Fu Shen’s bow to break. Despite this, Fu Shen continued to engage with Yan Xiaohan, using the bowstring to redirect Yan Xiaohan’s blade.

The confrontation escalated into a full-blown battle, with both sides preparing to fight. Fu Shen called out for a sword, which Yi Siming threw to him. Fu Shen skillfully turned the tide, forcing Yan Xiaohan to retreat slightly.

Despite his skill, Fu Shen struggled to keep up with Yan Xiaohan’s relentless attacks. Yan Xiaohan eventually disarmed Fu Shen, his sword poised to strike Fu Shen down but hesitating at the last moment.

Seizing the opportunity, Fu Shen lunged at Yan Xiaohan, placing a knife against his throat, reversing the situation. He demanded that the Feilong Guard release Xie Qianfan and leave the mountain.

Yan Xiaohan, recognizing Fu Shen’s resolve, signaled his men to comply, disarming himself as well. Xie Qianfan, visibly shaken, retreated behind Yi Siming, only to be called out by Fu Shen to apologize to Yan Xiaohan.

Xie Qianfan, enraged and humiliated, refused to apologize, causing a tense standoff. Fu Shen, growing impatient, threatened to let Yan Xiaohan go, forcing Xie Qianfan to face him again.

In a sudden and unexpected moment, Xie Qianfan broke down, crying and accusing everyone of being biased towards Yan Xiaohan. This outburst caught everyone off guard.

Fu Shen, with a sigh, acknowledged Xie Qianfan’s immaturity and apologized to Yan Xiaohan on his behalf, admitting fault for taking Yan Xiaohan hostage.

Before the situation could fully resolve, a group of wild boars suddenly charged out of the forest, causing chaos among the Feilong Guard and the young men. Fu Shen quickly ordered everyone to climb the trees to escape.

The wild boars, unusually aggressive, attacked both groups, forcing them to defend themselves. As the chaos ensued, Fu Shen noticed Yan Xiaohan in danger, surrounded by boars. Without hesitation, he leaped to his aid, but both ended up rolling on the ground, with Yan Xiaohan getting injured.

Despite being injured, Yan Xiaohan pushed Fu Shen away to protect him from an incoming boar, only for Yan Xiaohan himself to get caught and dragged by the boar.

Fu Shen, desperate to save Yan Xiaohan, chased after him, eventually grabbing onto him as he was about to fall off a cliff. However, as Fu Shen tried to pull him up, he was attacked from behind by another boar, causing both of them to fall off the cliff together.

Fu Shen awoke in pain, disoriented by the sound of flowing water and the cold, damp surroundings. He tried to move but felt too weak, managing only to vomit before being assisted by Yan Xiaohan, who gave him water to rinse his mouth.

Despite the dire situation, Fu Shen tried to lighten the mood by joking about their survival, but Yan Xiaohan remained serious, apologizing for dragging him into danger.

Fu Shen, startled by Yan Xiaohan's sudden change in demeanor from fierce to gentle, tried to dismiss the apology and reassured him that he was fine.

Yan Xiaohan explained that they had fallen into a deep pond at the base of the cliff, which saved them from certain death. While Fu Shen had been knocked unconscious, Yan Xiaohan managed to pull him out of the water and find a nearby cave for shelter.

While Fu Shen was unconscious, Yan Xiaohan had treated his wounds and started a fire using dry wood and kindling he found in Fu Shen's belongings. However, the weather turned for the worse, with rain beginning to fall outside.

Fu Shen discovered a deep wound on his back, hastily bandaged by Yan Xiaohan. Despite his injury, he noticed that Yan Xiaohan was only wearing a drenched robe, with a bloodstain on his lower back.

Fu Shen, concerned for Yan Xiaohan’s wellbeing, insisted that Yan Xiaohan take better care of himself by staying warm and close to the fire, but Yan Xiaohan brushed off the concern, focusing instead on keeping Fu Shen comfortable.

Fu Shen suggested that Yan Xiaohan should leave him behind and escape once the rain stopped, but Yan Xiaohan refused, expressing his desire to stay and keep Fu Shen company.

Yan Xiaohan’s unexpected kindness and protectiveness confused Fu Shen, who awkwardly questioned why Yan Xiaohan, who didn’t seem to like him before, would suddenly care so much.

Yan Xiaohan clarified that despite his earlier behavior, he did not dislike Fu Shen. He suggested that Fu Shen drop the formalities and call him "an older brother,” revealing that he was only two years older than Fu Shen and had not yet come of age.

Fu Shen was surprised to learn that Yan Xiaohan was only eighteen, given his mature demeanor and high-ranking position in the Feilong Guard. Yan Xiaohan explained that his adoptive father’s influence had helped him advance quickly.

Yan Xiaohan reassured Fu Shen that he had no intention of abandoning him, stating that Fu Shen had saved him twice and he would not leave him behind.

The conversation grew more personal, with Fu Shen urging Yan Xiaohan to warm up by the fire. Yan Xiaohan, however, distanced himself, expressing that their social statuses were vastly different and that Fu Shen didn’t need to trouble himself with concern for someone like him.

Fu Shen, frustrated, insisted that he didn’t look down on Yan Xiaohan and that in their current situation, such distinctions didn’t matter. He urged Yan Xiaohan to stop treating him differently.

Eventually, Yan Xiaohan relented and sat beside Fu Shen by the fire. Fu Shen leaned against him, making a playful remark about taking advantage of Yan Xiaohan, who chuckled and covered them both with robes for warmth.

As the night wore on, Fu Shen developed a low fever, shivering from the cold. Yan Xiaohan noticed this and moved Fu Shen onto his lap, wrapping him in robes and using his body heat to keep him warm.

Fu Shen, now huddled against Yan Xiaohan, complained about being cold and hungry, playfully blaming Yan Xiaohan for their predicament. Yan Xiaohan accepted the blame, comforting Fu Shen despite their dire situation.

Fu Shen, curious about Yan Xiaohan’s background, asked why he always mentioned his adoptive father and what had happened to his real father. Yan Xiaohan, after a long pause, quietly revealed that he didn’t have a father.

Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan spent the night in the cave, facing the dangers of the uninhabited mountain, including the heavy rain, poisonous insects, wild beasts, and potential rockslides. Despite the peril, Fu Shen's most vivid memory was the comforting embrace that lulled him to sleep.

The rain stopped early the next morning. As they left the cave and followed the valley path, Fu Shen, feeling weak from hunger, was tempted by the sight of mushrooms in the forest. Yan Xiaohan had to keep him focused, reminding him that the mushrooms might be poisonous.

Despite Yan Xiaohan’s efforts to keep Fu Shen on track, Fu Shen, now feeling a bit spoiled from Yan Xiaohan's care the previous night, playfully insisted he was too hungry to move. Yan Xiaohan, understanding Fu Shen's need for attention, offered to carry him on his back.

Initially hesitant, Fu Shen eventually agreed and wrapped his arms around Yan Xiaohan's neck as Yan carried him forward. As they continued, Fu Shen felt comforted by the warmth and familiarity of Yan Xiaohan's embrace.

Yan Xiaohan, despite feeling the pain from his own injuries, focused entirely on Fu Shen's comfort and safety. As Fu Shen relaxed into the ride, he reflected on the kindness Yan Xiaohan was showing him, despite their brief acquaintance.

Fu Shen, feeling a bit guilty, told Yan Xiaohan that he didn't need to be so accommodating in return for the favors. Yan Xiaohan, however, insisted that making Fu Shen happy wasn't an accommodation but something he wanted to do, likening it to “profound fatherly love.”

They continued their journey through the valley, with Fu Shen eventually getting down to walk on his own. Along the way, they paused to rest, and Fu Shen, curious about the orchids growing nearby, wanted to pick one. Yan Xiaohan gently discouraged him, explaining that the orchids would wither if picked, so it was better to admire them from a distance.

Fu Shen, touched by Yan Xiaohan's gentle nature and consideration for the flowers, felt a growing bond with him. Yan Xiaohan, too, began to see Fu Shen as more than just a traveling companion, appreciating his maturity and understanding.

The conversation shifted to more serious matters as Yan Xiaohan warned Fu Shen about the dangers of getting involved in court politics, especially in matters concerning Jin Yunfeng, whom Fu Shen was trying to protect. Yan Xiaohan emphasized the risks to Fu Shen and his family, urging him to be cautious.

Fu Shen, however, was resolute in his belief that Jin Yunfeng was wrongfully accused and felt compelled to help, despite Yan Xiaohan's warnings. This led to a tense exchange between the two, with Fu Shen expressing his frustrations with the corruption in the court.

The argument grew heated, and Yan Xiaohan, in a moment of anger, covered Fu Shen’s mouth to prevent him from saying anything that could get him into serious trouble. Fu Shen, in turn, struggled and eventually complained that Yan Xiaohan was pressing on his wound.

The tension eased when Fu Shen, realizing he had been somewhat reckless, apologized sincerely to Yan Xiaohan. Yan Xiaohan, despite his initial coldness, forgave him and even teased him about the apology, prompting Fu Shen to address him as "gege" (an older brother), which softened Yan Xiaohan’s heart.

The chapter ends with Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen, now closer than before, continuing their journey together, with Yan Xiaohan subtly acknowledging the bond that was forming between them.

Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan finally emerged from the ravine at dusk, where they met up with the Feilong Guard's search party. Yan Xiaohan helped Fu Shen onto his horse, and they rode together as the Guard escorted Fu Shen back to Youlan Villa.

At the gate of the Villa, Yan Xiaohan dismounted and handed Fu Shen over to Yi Siming, offering instructions on how to care for his wound before departing. Yan Xiaohan declined to stay, citing official business, and left after wishing Fu Shen well.

After Yan Xiaohan’s departure, Yi Siming teased Fu Shen for gazing longingly after Yan Xiaohan, but Fu Shen shot back, pointing out that Yan Xiaohan had saved his life while Yi Siming had been relaxing. The two then headed inside, where a doctor awaited to tend to Fu Shen's injuries.

The hunting trip was abandoned after the ordeal, and the group decided to stay the night at the Villa before returning to the capital. Yi Siming arranged for the woman and child to be relocated. Fu Shen remained at the Villa for a few more days until his wound scabbed over before returning to the capital.

Before leaving the mountain, Fu Shen revisited the slope where he had seen the orchids but found himself unable to pick one. Reflecting on the events, he felt a sense of nostalgia and melancholy as he returned to the Duke of Ying's Estate.

Upon his return, Fu Shen was scolded by his uncle, Fu Tingxin, for his reckless behavior, but he quickly recovered and resumed his usual activities. However, the political situation in the capital was worsening, with the Emperor intensifying his investigation into the rebellion, causing widespread anxiety.

Fu Shen, worried about the implications of his actions, kept his involvement in saving the Jin family's descendant a secret from his uncle, fearing it would cause trouble for Fu Tingxin.

One day, Fu Shen received an invitation from Yan Xiaohan to meet at Vivid Harmony, a well-known restaurant in the capital. Excited, Fu Shen quickly prepared himself and went to the meeting.

At the restaurant, Yan Xiaohan expressed his gratitude to Fu Shen for saving his life, offering a private meal as a token of appreciation. The two conversed freely, discussing various topics over a light and nourishing meal that lasted for several hours.

Before they parted, Yan Xiaohan warned Fu Shen to be cautious, as the investigation into the Jin case was expanding. Fu Shen, grateful for the warning, acknowledged the danger but was determined to continue helping the Jin family's descendant.

Yan Xiaohan left first, and after waiting a while, Fu Shen also departed. As he left the restaurant, a carriage sent by Yan Xiaohan arrived to take him back to the Estate. Inside the carriage, Fu Shen found two boxes—one containing a beautifully crafted bow of red sandalwood named 'Setting Sun over a Pool,' replacing the one Yan Xiaohan had broken, and the other filled with dried mushrooms and nuts.

Touched by Yan Xiaohan’s thoughtful gifts, Fu Shen returned to the Estate, instructing the servants to distribute some of the food to the household. He considered Yan Xiaohan a true friend, regardless of their different statuses.

The next day, Fu Shen visited Yi Siming to check on the safety of the servant girl Caiyue and the Jin family's descendant. They found the two living comfortably in a secluded courtyard, well-cared for by an elderly couple. Caiyue, grateful for their help, expressed her eternal gratitude.

As they were leaving, Fu Shen realized he had lost a jade pendant given to him by his second uncle. Determined to find it, he decided to return to the courtyard alone while Yi Siming continued on his way.

Fu Shen retraced his steps back to the county town to retrieve his lost jade pendant, only to find the town eerily quiet and deserted. As he approached the small home where Caiyue was staying, he encountered Yan Xiaohan unexpectedly, surrounded by a group of Feilong Guards.

Fu Shen realized that Yan Xiaohan had betrayed him. Yan had used their previous meeting to warn Fu Shen about strict investigations, then had him tailed to uncover the location of the Jin family descendant. Yan Xiaohan explained that it was the most effective way to capture the fugitive, but Fu Shen felt deeply betrayed and mocked Yan for his cunning.

Yan Xiaohan presented Fu Shen with the jade pendant he had come back to find, but the gesture did nothing to mend the rift between them. The trust between them was shattered, and Fu Shen left, declaring that their relationship was irreparably broken, symbolized by him smashing the jade pendant on the ground.

As Fu Shen left the town, he felt a mix of anger and sorrow. Despite trying to remain composed, the emotional pain was overwhelming. He questioned whether he should seek revenge or simply move on, but ultimately, he decided to let go.

Returning to the Duke of Ying's Estate, Fu Shen ordered the bow Yan Xiaohan had given him to be stored away in his courtyard. Although he wanted to distance himself from anything associated with Yan, he couldn't bear the thought of the bow being mistreated.

Exhausted, Fu Shen fell asleep and dreamt of Yan Xiaohan hanging from a cliff, unable to ask for help. In the dream, Fu Shen was torn between saving him and letting him fall, reflecting his real-life feelings of betrayal.

Fu Shen awoke to find his uncle, Fu Tingxin, standing by his bed in mourning clothes. Fu Tingxin revealed that Mr. Jin, unable to endure the torture in prison, had taken his own life, leaving behind a final message: "My conscience is clear." This news added to the weight of the betrayal and the political turmoil, further deepening Fu Shen's grief.

The total extermination of the Jin family and their associates, including Han Yuan and the Prince of An, shocked society. The Jin family, including men, women, and children, were entirely wiped out, leaving no survivors. However, two members who could have escaped were ultimately captured by the Feilong Guard.

Seven years later, Fu Shen unexpectedly encountered Caiyue, who had survived along with the infant, thanks to Yan Xiaohan's secret intervention. This revelation was as shocking to Fu Shen as the imperial marriage sanction he received a month prior.

Over the years, Fu Shen had changed significantly. Life's trials had polished away his youthful impulsiveness, and he had learned to understand and accept that every person has their own ambitions. He even reconciled with Yan Xiaohan, requesting that past grievances be put behind them.

Fu Shen realized that, in hindsight, Yan Xiaohan had saved his reputation by not involving him directly in the capture of the Jin family's descendants. Despite their past estrangement, Fu Shen came to appreciate Yan's actions, though it took time for him to let go of the anger he once felt.

Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan reconnected during a polo match at the palace, where Yan saved Fu Shen from a dangerous situation. Though they were estranged again after this, Fu Shen began to see that Yan's actions were motivated by more than just self-interest.

Before Fu Shen left for battle in northern border, Yan Xiaohan invited him for a farewell dinner, expressing his hope for Fu Shen's safe return. Despite their strained relationship, there was a mutual understanding and respect between them.

Fu Shen fought through many hardships in the north and survived. When he returned to the capital, he and Yan Xiaohan, now the Imperial Investigator of the Feilong Guard, continued to clash in court, known as archenemies.

The discovery that Caiyue and the infant had survived due to Yan Xiaohan's secret intervention left Fu Shen conflicted. He realized that Yan had risked his position and reputation to save them, all because of his feelings for Fu Shen.

Fu Shen was overwhelmed with emotions, both angered by Yan's actions and touched by his sacrifice. He recognized that Yan Xiaohan would never reveal the truth himself, choosing instead to bear the burden of being misunderstood.

The chapter ends with Fu Shen reflecting on Yan Xiaohan's actions, questioning whether he truly wanted Fu Shen to hate him for life, while his heart was torn between gratitude and lingering resentment.

The capital city at night, with Yan Xiaohan deeply engrossed in his work, surrounded by documents. Despite the cold congee on his tray, he continues working until he finishes and then sneezes, which his steward attributes to someone thinking of him.

The steward jokes about the Marquis of Jingning, implying that Fu Shen might be thinking of Yan Xiaohan. Yan Xiaohan, in a good mood, humorously dismisses the steward’s concerns and instructs him to send gifts, including thick furs and silks, to the Marquis, who is at the border.

Yan Xiaohan has been preoccupied with personal and official matters, particularly since Fu Shen's departure. He’s been investigating the truth behind Fu Shen's assassination attempt and the origins of the cut-sleeve rumor that affected Fu Shen’s reputation.

The investigation into Fu Shen's assassination revealed little, with officials unwilling to delve deeply, likely due to the Emperor's apprehensions. Yan Xiaohan found that the assassination was likely linked to secret dealings involving the Beiyan Army and border merchants.

Yan Xiaohan discovered that the rumor originated from Fu Shen's stepmother, Madam Qin, who sought to undermine Fu Shen's position so that her own son could inherit the title of Duke of Ying. Yan Xiaohan is enraged by this and plans to exact revenge on Madam Qin's son, Fu Ya.

Yan Xiaohan plans to ruin Fu Ya’s prospects slowly, ensuring that Madam Qin’s attempts to secure the title for her son would backfire. He’s also satisfied that the Crown Prince’s consort, Fu Ting, who is also Madam Qin’s daughter, has already faced consequences for her own misdeeds.

Fu Shen returns to the border and is warmly welcomed by his troops. Despite his injury, the troops celebrate his upcoming marriage with Yan Xiaohan, which annoys Fu Shen.

The Beiyan Army doctor, Du Leng, examines Fu Shen’s leg injury and informs him that his recovery is progressing well. However, complete recovery is impossible, and Fu Shen may only regain 60-70% mobility.

Fu Shen's close friend, Yu Qiaoting, visits and expresses concern about the political situation in the capital and Fu Shen's forced marriage. He hints that Fu Shen should consider the future and the implications for the Beiyan Army, given the Emperor’s actions.

Fu Shen, now resigned to his fate, lightly mentions his upcoming marriage and the impossibility of resisting the imperial edict. Yu Qiaoting hints at the need to plan for the future, especially considering the Emperor’s intentions.

Fu Shen and Yu Qiaoting discuss the precarious political situation, with Yu Qiaoting suggesting possible candidates for the throne, including the Prince of Qi, due to his esteemed reputation and connection to Fu Shen’s family. Fu Shen dismisses the idea, warning that family often meet bad ends and expressing skepticism about the Prince of Qi's future behavior.

Fu Shen admits to considering the Prince of Ying but dismisses the idea due to his questionable life experience. He reflects on the problematic nature of the Beiyan Cavalry’s existence, wondering if the issue lies with the army itself rather than the emperor.

Yu Qiaoting is startled by Fu Shen’s remarks, fearing he might be considering rebellion. Fu Shen reassures him that he has no such plans, despite his critical views on the current state of affairs. The two conclude that rebellion is not an option, and their concerns remain unresolved.

As New Year's Eve approaches, the atmosphere in Yanzhou City is festive, and the city’s residents send gifts to the estate where Fu Shen is staying. Fu Shen learns that someone from the capital has brought gifts, which turns out to be a servant from Yan Xiaohan’s estate.

The servant presents gifts sent by Yan Xiaohan, which include fresh food and other items from the capital. Fu Shen tries to maintain his composure, but his companions, Yu Qiaoting and Xiao Xun, tease him about the gifts, especially the pair of wild geese, which have symbolic significance.

Among the gifts, Fu Shen discovers a pair of hand-stitched fur knee braces, realizing that Yan Xiaohan’s true intentions were hidden within these seemingly simple gifts. Fu Shen reflects on Yan Xiaohan’s thoughtful but understated gestures, recognizing the deeper meaning behind them.

On January 15th, Yan Xiaohan receives a return gift from Yanzhou City, which includes some deerskins and a morning calm flower jade pendant. Yan Xiaohan is initially bewildered by the pendant, wondering if it signifies a desire for reconciliation or a severance of ties.

Yan Xiaohan reflects on the past, recalling how he had carefully kept the broken jade pendant from seven years ago, a reminder of his regret and unspoken apology to Fu Shen. He places the new and old pendants side by side, feeling a mix of emotions but comforted by the thought that Fu Shen will return.

The Marquis of Jingning's Manor is bustling with wedding preparations on the twelfth of February, during the Flower Festival. However, the atmosphere becomes tense as the official from the Ministry of Rites discovers that the Marquis is still missing. Panic ensues as the official fears the consequences of the Marquis not showing up for the wedding.

A servant from the Yan Manor informs the official that Yan Xiaohan has left the city to welcome the Marquis, adding to the uncertainty. As the lucky hour approaches, everyone is on edge, unsure if the wedding will proceed.

Meanwhile, Yan Xiaohan waits anxiously at a resting pavilion outside the capital. Despite his fears and memories of past betrayals, he trusts Fu Shen and hopes that he will arrive as promised. Just as doubts begin to overwhelm him, a rider appears, signaling that Fu Shen is on his way.

Fu Shen arrives in a dramatic fashion, riding a powerful horse and dressed in deep red robes. His appearance is striking, almost as if he is coming to kidnap the groom rather than attend his own wedding. The sight of him overwhelms Yan Xiaohan with emotion, realizing how much he has missed the younger, vibrant version of Fu Shen.

As Fu Shen approaches, he throws a red silk to Yan Xiaohan, who catches it and is pulled forward, symbolically bringing them together. Fu Shen playfully asks why Yan Xiaohan appears to be crying, but Yan Xiaohan brushes it off, attributing it to the wind.

The two make their way to the Golden Terrace, a significant location where Fu Shen's military career and family history are deeply rooted. The ceremony begins with a solemn atmosphere as they worship the heaven and earth, the ancestors, and finally each other as husband and wife.

In the Golden Terrace’s Qilin Hall, they kneel before the portraits of Fu Shen’s grandfather, father, and uncle. Fu Shen recounts the history and significance of the location, reflecting on his military career and expressing his regrets. He makes a heartfelt wish that after his death, Yan Xiaohan will personally carry his portrait to the Golden Terrace, a wish that signifies their deep bond.

Yan Xiaohan, moved by Fu Shen's words, agrees to the wish, symbolizing their commitment to each other. The two complete the third rite of worship, sealing their union as a couple.

As twilight sets in, Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen complete the final ceremonial rites on the Golden Terrace, bowing to the portraits of Fu Shen's ancestors before leaving. Despite the somber mood, Yan Xiaohan tries to lift Fu Shen's spirits by joking about returning to the Marquis Manor to pay respects to the Emperor, knowing that the Ministry of Rites officials are likely in a panic due to their absence.

The Beiyan Cavalry, who attended the ceremony, join in the light-hearted banter, adding to the cheerful atmosphere as the group rides back to the capital. As they approach the city, the citizens, aware of the wedding, gather in anticipation. When the couple finally appears, riding side by side in red, the crowd erupts in cheers, showering them with flowers and well-wishes.

Fu Shen is visibly moved by the overwhelming support and admiration from the people. He halts at Chunhe Bridge, where the streets are illuminated by countless lanterns, creating a magnificent display. He bows deeply to the crowd, expressing his humility and gratitude, feeling both proud and unworthy of their admiration.

As Fu Shen reflects on his family's legacy and his own contributions, he is struck by a sense of responsibility and shame, realizing that the people's faith in him is what keeps him going. Yan Xiaohan, sensing Fu Shen's emotional turmoil, reassures him with a comforting hand on his shoulder, urging him to continue.

The wedding procession eventually reaches the Marquis of Jingning's Manor, where they are greeted by an official from the Ministry of Rites, who is relieved yet slightly shocked to see Fu Shen on horseback, only to realize he was pushing himself through the ceremony. Despite the official’s irritation, he congratulates them and directs them to pay their respects to the Duke of Ying and Madam Qin.

Inside the wedding hall, Madam Qin, adorned in her finest, pretends to scold Fu Shen for being late, all while reveling in his perceived fall from grace. She subtly insults him, then shifts her attention to Yan Xiaohan, attempting to ally with him against Fu Shen.

Yan Xiaohan, however, turns the tables on Madam Qin by questioning the absence of Fu Shen's parents' memorial tablets in the wedding hall. He confronts Madam Qin for presuming to sit at the head of the table and orders her to be removed from the hall, which the Feilong Guards promptly do.

Fu Ya, Fu Shen's younger half-brother, attempts to defend Madam Qin, but Yan Xiaohan swiftly subdues him with a kick, accusing him of trying to harm Fu Shen when Fu Ya throws a broken porcelain bowl at Yan Xiaohan, which Fu Shen catches. Yan Xiaohan orders a light punishment for Fu Ya, leaving him humiliated.

The wedding continues despite the drama, with Yan Xiaohan receiving praise from Fu Shen for handling the situation, albeit in a teasing manner. The events of the day, however, leave a lasting impression on those present, solidifying Yan Xiaohan’s reputation as a formidable and loyal husband.

After the banquet, Yan Xiaohan suggests that Fu Shen stay at his estate, but Fu Shen declines, revealing his plans to move to a countryside manor to recuperate. Yan Xiaohan is visibly disappointed but accepts Fu Shen's decision, only convincing him to stay for one night.

Yan Xiaohan takes Fu Shen to his estate, revealing that he has made modifications to accommodate Fu Shen's wheelchair, including ramps and a specially designed bathing pool. Fu Shen is deeply touched by the thoughtful changes, realizing that Yan Xiaohan has gone to great lengths to make him comfortable, even though their marriage is largely formal.

The two share a tender moment, with Yan Xiaohan hinting at his deep affection for Fu Shen, who is both moved and hesitant to fully embrace their relationship. They retire for the night in separate rooms, maintaining the delicate balance between them.

The next morning, Yu Qiaoting arrives with urgent news, presenting Fu Shen with a bloodstained box containing Eastern Pearls, a possible threat or warning. Despite the ominous gift, Fu Shen remains calm and dismisses it as an attempt to unsettle him, instructing Yu Qiaoting to handle it discreetly.

Meanwhile, Yan Xiaohan is informed of a headless corpse found in Zuoning County, identified as General Mu Boxiu of the Jinwu Guard. Yan Xiaohan orders a thorough investigation, suspecting foul play.

As Yan Xiaohan prepares to leave for the palace, he and Fu Shen share a brief, affectionate farewell, with Yan Xiaohan expressing his concern for Fu Shen’s safety. Despite the heavy responsibilities and looming threats, the couple’s bond seems to grow stronger as they navigate their new life together.

Later, at a secluded chateau at the outskirts of the capital, Fu Shen and his men uncover a hidden prison where the former General Mu Boxiu is being held, revealing the depth of the intrigue and the dangerous path they must now tread.

Mu Boxiu is terrified as he faces Fu Shen, who coldly taunts him, making it clear that Mu Boxiu is trapped and has no escape. Despite Mu Boxiu's attempts to appear tough, he is deeply unsettled by Fu Shen's demeanor.

Fu Shen, showing no mercy, reminds Mu Boxiu that he is considered dead, with his corpse already reported. He reveals that the Feilong Guard's Imperial Investigator is under his control, further intimidating Mu Boxiu.

Fu Shen demands information from Mu Boxiu, who initially refuses to talk. In response, Fu Shen shoots Mu Boxiu in the shoulder with a crossbow. When Mu Boxiu remains silent, Fu Shen shoots him again, pinning him to the wall.

Under extreme pain and pressure, Mu Boxiu finally agrees to talk. He confesses that the ambush at Qingsha Gap was orchestrated by him on orders from higher-ups, and that he was the one who fired the arrow that nearly killed Fu Shen.

Fu Shen presents an arrow to Mu Boxiu, who identifies it as the one he used. The arrow, marked with the imprint of the Military Arms office and the Baotao Guard's symbol, reveals that the ambush was orchestrated by the Imperial Guard.

Mu Boxiu explains that the ambush at Qingsha Gap was part of a plan to eliminate Fu Shen, ordered by someone high up in the Imperial Court. He details the involvement of the Baotao Guard and how they obtained gunpowder through illegal means.

Mu Boxiu reveals that the mastermind behind the ambush was Yi Siming, the Head General of the Left Jinwu Guard. Fu Shen had already suspected this, as Yi Siming was once a close friend who had since betrayed him.

Fu Shen reflects on how his friendship with Yi Siming has deteriorated. The realization of Yi Siming's betrayal brings a mix of resignation and sadness, as he acknowledges how people change over time.

After the confession, Fu Shen orders that Mu Boxiu's wounds be treated, ensuring he stays alive for further questioning. Despite the revelations, Fu Shen feels overwhelmed and chooses to rest, leaving the interrogation behind.

Yan Xiaohan unexpectedly returns to the manor, claiming that he won't let official matters interfere with their honeymoon. Fu Shen is surprised but pleased by his return, even as Yan Xiaohan's presence complicates his thoughts.

Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen discuss the ongoing investigation, with Yan Xiaohan admitting that the Emperor has ordered the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review to handle it, sidelining the Feilong Guard.

Fu Shen warns Yan Xiaohan about the dangers posed by the Jinwu Guard, revealing that the Emperor may be using them as a weapon. This warning highlights the precarious position of the Feilong Guard.

Despite the heavy topics, Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan share intimate moments, with Yan Xiaohan caring for Fu Shen and trying to lighten the mood. Their bond deepens, though Fu Shen remains cautious about fully trusting Yan Xiaohan.

The chapter ends with Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan sharing a tender embrace and a kiss, indicating a growing closeness between them, even as they navigate the dangerous political landscape surrounding them.

The chapter opens with an intimate scene between Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan. Despite Fu Shen's usual stern demeanor, he shows a softer side as they share a tender moment. Yan Xiaohan, struggling with his desire, gently kisses Fu Shen, but Fu Shen's instinctive reaction is to choke him lightly, revealing his discomfort with vulnerability.

Later that night, a storm begins. Yan Xiaohan wakes up and, noticing Fu Shen's discomfort from his leg injuries, offers to find a foot-warmer. Fu Shen, however, pulls him back into bed, and they end up cuddling to share warmth. Despite the pain, Fu Shen is comforted by Yan Xiaohan's presence, and they both fall asleep.

The next morning, Fu Shen wakes up late due to the lingering pain from his injuries. He finds that Yan Xiaohan had already gotten up early and fetched a foot-warmer for him. Reflecting on the previous night's events, Fu Shen feels embarrassed by his earlier vulnerability but is also touched by Yan Xiaohan's care.

Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen spend their days leisurely at the manor, enjoying each other's company. Despite the rumors circulating about Fu Shen's retirement from political life, he seems content, and Yan Xiaohan enjoys their domestic life together.

Shen Yice arrives at the manor to deliver news about the death of another Jinwu Guard. He finds the couple casually pickling duck eggs together in the courtyard, a scene that contrasts sharply with their powerful political roles. Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen exchange playful banter, and Shen Yice is amused by the sight.

Shen Yice informs Yan Xiaohan of the Emperor's order to return to the capital to investigate the Jinwu Guard's death. Yan Xiaohan, realizing that the situation is serious, prepares to leave. The couple shares a brief, knowing glance, indicating that Fu Shen is not involved in the incident.

After Shen Yice leaves, Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen retreat to their room to discuss the situation privately. Shen Yice, left outside, hears a suspicious sound from the bedroom, hinting at another intimate moment between the couple.

Yan Xiaohan encounters Yi Siming, the Head General of the Jinwu Guard, outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Yi Siming, who had been struggling due to recent failures within the Jinwu Guard, appears pale and venomous, signaling his declining favor with the Emperor.

Yan Xiaohan greets Yi Siming, but Yi Siming coldly ignores him, walking away without a word. This exchange highlights the growing tension and jealousy between them.

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Yan Xiaohan meets with the Yuantai Emperor, who is visibly aged and burdened by the recent troubles. The Emperor expresses his trust in Yan Xiaohan to resolve the situation with the Jinwu Guard, indicating his preference for the more experienced and reliable Flying Dragon Guard.

The Emperor subtly hints at a past wrong done to Yan Xiaohan, possibly referring to the forced marriage with Fu Shen, but Yan Xiaohan responds humbly, unsure of the exact incident being referenced.

When asked about Fu Shen, Yan Xiaohan reports that Fu Shen has moved to a villa outside the city, where he has been recuperating and engaging in simple activities like growing vegetables and pickling duck eggs.

The Emperor is surprised and amused by the idea of Fu Shen, a noble and military man, pickling duck eggs. Yan Xiaohan humorously notes that Fu Shen’s strength led him to crush two eggs before they could even be pickled.

The Emperor reflects on Fu Shen’s situation, feeling a rare moment of guilt and nostalgia for the once-promising general. He decides to invite Fu Shen to a banquet for the Vast Longevity Festival, showing a small gesture of compassion.

After leaving the Emperor’s presence, Yan Xiaohan cannot help but smile at the irony of the situation, knowing that the Emperor’s guilt is fleeting and superficial.

Yan Xiaohan returns to the Flying Dragon Armory, where he is greeted with relief by his subordinates. They jokingly suggest that he had been "captured by a monster" during his absence, leading to a light-hearted punishment where they are made to climb onto the wall as a form of discipline.

Tang Guo, a young member of the Guard, naively believes the rumors and is also made to climb the wall, learning a lesson about not blindly trusting gossip.

The chapter ends with Yan Xiaohan reflecting on the Emperor’s shallow remorse and the absurdity of the situation, while his subordinates deal with their humorous punishment.

Yan Xiaohan examines the corpse of the dead Jinwu Guard, who appears unusually thin and frail. The cause of death is identified as "Acute Yang Dissipation" during sexual intercourse.

Wei Xuzhou reveals that the deceased is Yang Hexuan, the son of Yang Xu, the prefectural governor of Tang, and a relative of the Crown Prince, making this a sensitive case.

Yan Xiaohan acknowledges the case but remains detached, expressing no urgency in investigating it thoroughly due to his disdain for the Yang family.

Yan Xiaohan instructs Wei Xuzhou and Jiang Shu to accompany him to the Cuijin Pavilion, where the death occurred, and warns Wei Xuzhou to keep their visit discreet.

Yan Xiaohan inspects the Cuijin Pavilion, discovering various aphrodisiacs and incense ashes, which he orders to be tested for poison.

Qin Zhen, a prostitute at the Pavilion, explains that Yang Hexuan frequently used aphrodisiacs due to his diminishing vitality, which had become more potent recently.

The group then proceeds to Baiying House, another establishment Yang Hexuan visited before his death. Upon arrival, they are greeted by a young woman who mistakes their visit for a social call.

Fu Shen unexpectedly appears at the brothel, catching Yan Xiaohan off guard. Fu Shen's demeanor suggests he suspects Yan Xiaohan of illicit activities.

Yan Xiaohan, flustered, tries to explain his presence at the brothel, but Fu Shen playfully mocks him, pretending to misunderstand his intentions.

The situation escalates as Wei Xuzhou intervenes, revealing that they are on official business for the Feilong Guard.

The chapter concludes with Yan Xiaohan insisting on speaking privately with Fu Shen, who had intended to leave after teasing him.

Yan Xiaohan pulls Fu Shen into a secluded alley, where they share a passionate and playful moment, with Fu Shen teasing Yan Xiaohan about being caught at a brothel.

Yan Xiaohan explains that he wasn't visiting the brothel for pleasure but was investigating a case. Fu Shen, slightly skeptical, continues to tease him.

Fu Shen reveals that he was in the area to pick up some folding fans he had ordered, and their meeting was purely coincidental.

Yan Xiaohan informs Fu Shen that the Jinwu Guard who died at the Cuijin Pavilion had also visited Baiying House earlier that night. He was investigating there to find a missing item.

Fu Shen mentions that there have been several suspicious deaths in the brothel district recently, all attributed to "death by sex," and Yan Xiaohan agrees to look into it further.

Yan Xiaohan takes his leave to continue the investigation, and Fu Shen gifts him a folding fan with a romantic inscription, which Yan Xiaohan cherishes.

Later that evening, Yan Xiaohan returns home to find Fu Shen reading. They share a quiet moment, and Yan Xiaohan confesses his deep feelings for Fu Shen, revealing that his affection dates back seven years.

Fu Shen, though initially surprised, accepts Yan Xiaohan's feelings and teasingly demands to know why Yan Xiaohan likes him so much.

The atmosphere lightens as Yan Xiaohan jokingly lists all the things he likes about Fu Shen, leading to a tender and intimate moment between them.

Yan Xiaohan then explains that the missing item he was searching for was a boot padding containing debt slips, money, and a paper bundle with a mysterious powder. He suspects the powder might be linked to the recent deaths and has sent it for analysis.

The conversation turns playful again as they discuss the nature of the investigation, with Yan Xiaohan insisting that such private matters should be discussed only in bed, adding a humorous and romantic twist to the situation.

The chapter ends with a lighthearted breakfast scene the next morning, where Xiao Xun innocently inquires about a noise from their room the previous night, leading to more teasing between the couple.

The Feilong Guard's courtyard is filled with an atmosphere of solemnity as Yan Xiaohan arrives. He finds the guards looking exhausted and jokingly asks if they had been out thieving the night before.

Wei Xuzhou, barely able to speak, informs Yan Xiaohan that they barely survived the night due to the effects of the drug they had been testing.

Shen Yice, pale and exhausted, explains the effects of the drug. When tested on prisoners, it caused them to feel euphoric, numb, and intensely intoxicated, making them crave the sensation repeatedly. He reveals that the drug is highly addictive and leaves no trace after use, making it difficult to detect.

Yan Xiaohan recalls the debt slips found in Yang Hexuan's boot padding and suspects that the borrowed money was used to buy the drug.

Jiang Shu reports that the drugs Yan Xiaohan found at the brothel were all common aphrodisiacs, none of which could cause death.

Yan Xiaohan assigns various tasks to his men, including investigating recent deaths in brothels and researching Yang Hexuan's recent activities and connections.

Yan Xiaohan, armed with the Emperor's authority, visits the Yang Manor (Yang Hexuan's family). He learns that Yang Hexuan had shown signs of addiction, but his family dismissed it as his usual reckless behavior.

The investigation reveals that while many individuals in the capital had died under similar circumstances, there is no clear connection between them, and the drug's source remains elusive.

The investigation is put on hold as the Vast Longevity Festival approaches. The Emperor receives congratulations from officials, and Fu Shen, present in his wheelchair, is praised by the Emperor.

Fu Shen spots Imperial Censor Gu Shanlu in the crowd and strikes up a conversation, thanking him for his efforts in the Eastern Tartar's envoy case. Gu Shanlu shares his concerns about his teacher, Ceng Guang, who is imprisoned due to a political case.

As they approach Qichun Hall, Yan Xiaohan, leading the Imperial Guards, picks up Fu Shen and carries him up the steps, causing a stir among the officials. Yan Xiaohan's intense demeanor prompts whispers among the onlookers, wondering if he's upset with Fu Shen.

When asked about his conversation with Gu Shanlu, Fu Shen teasingly tells Yan Xiaohan that he mentioned overturning an “old jar of vinegar,” implying Yan Xiaohan's jealousy.

Fu Shen teases Yan Xiaohan about seeing a "pufferfish" at the steps of the hall, referencing Yan Xiaohan’s stern demeanor. Yan Xiaohan is momentarily taken aback but dismisses the idea of such toxins being present at an imperial banquet.

As they arrive at the hall, Yan Xiaohan pinches Fu Shen playfully, causing Fu Shen to remark on Yan Xiaohan’s cold expression, which he warns might spoil his good looks. The banter continues as Yan Xiaohan tries to maintain his composure in the public setting.

The banquet begins with the Emperor, Empress, and officials in attendance. The Emperor drinks the first cup of imperial wine, and foreign Ambassadors offer their congratulations. The Emperor's sons and brothers present gifts to celebrate his longevity.

Fu Shen observes Empress Yang closely, noting her pallid complexion and red eyes, hinting that she might have been crying recently. Despite the festivities, she appears visibly shaken.

When Fu Shen takes a sip of his wine, he discovers that it has been replaced with vinegar, a petty prank by Yan Xiaohan, who witnesses the entire process and turns away to hide his amusement.

The banquet proceeds with various performances, including a Daoist monk, Priest Chunyang, who offers the Emperor a Gold Pill. Fu Shen grows suspicious and asks the Marquis of Guanting about the monk. The Marquis explains that the priest had been recommended by the Emperor's brother-in-law and had successfully treated the Emperor's headache in the past.

Sensing something amiss, Fu Shen suddenly shouts a warning as the Emperor reaches for the Gold Pill. He flicks two dates at the tray, knocking it from the Emperor's hand, revealing hidden steel needles laced with poison.

Yan Xiaohan quickly subdues Priest Chunyang, and the Emperor, shaken, demands an explanation. Fu Shen explains the attempted assassination and urges caution with the tray, which contained a mechanism designed to release the poisoned needles when the Gold Pill was lifted.

After the incident, the Emperor confronts Yang Xu, who had recommended the priest, expressing his fury. Yang Xu and Empress Yang both kneel in apology.

As Empress Yang rises, she suddenly collapses, showing signs of a miscarriage. The imperial doctor confirms that she is two months pregnant, but the fetus is in danger.

The Emperor, overwhelmed by the events, collapses as well, sending the entire hall into chaos.

The Vast Longevity Feast began with the celebration of the Emperor’s long life but ended in chaos as the Emperor fainted and the Empress suffered a miscarriage.

Yan Xiaohan, eager to return to his duties, accompanied Fu Shen to the Dongsheng Gate, exchanging a few affectionate words before parting ways.

Fu Shen, still preoccupied with the events, returned to the Yan Manor and isolated himself in his room, ordering not to be disturbed. Despite his bad mood, he eventually agreed to eat when reminded that Yan Xiaohan would be upset if he didn’t.

The Emperor, after regaining consciousness, dealt with Yang Xu and the Empress, resulting in a final decision that the Empress would be given a cup of poisoned wine, leading to her death.

Meanwhile, the Feilong Guard’s investigation into Priest Chunyang’s assassination attempt made little progress. Despite torture, the priest remained silent, and the source of the poison and motive for the assassination remained unclear.

Yan Xiaohan returned home late at night, finding Fu Shen awake and in a somber mood. Fu Shen revealed that he had orchestrated the Empress’s miscarriage using a drug that reacted with wine, causing her to lose the child.

Yan Xiaohan was initially alarmed by Fu Shen’s admission but calmed down when he realized the context. Fu Shen explained that he had learned of the Empress’s affair through a young eunuch and had decided to act against her.

The chapter ends with Fu Shen reflecting on the complexity of his emotions, realizing that despite his hatred for the Emperor and the Empress, he subconsciously saved the Emperor’s life during the assassination attempt. This inner conflict left him feeling like the biggest fool in the entire situation.

Fu Shen confirms to Yan Xiaohan that the ambush at Qingsha Gap and the Eastern Tartar diplomatic mission assassination were orchestrated by the Emperor through the Jinwu Guard. He reflects on how the Emperor, once a wise ruler, has become paranoid and suspicious with age, but Fu Shen cannot bring himself to fully rebel against him because of the Emperor's past support for the Fu family and Beiyan.

Yan Xiaohan consoles Fu Shen, telling him that he doesn’t need to force himself to be selfless or uphold the Emperor’s honor. He encourages Fu Shen to be true to his feelings, whether that means seeking revenge or letting things go, and reassures him that he’s not alone in his struggles.

The conversation deepens the bond between the two as Yan Xiaohan comforts Fu Shen, recognizing the burden he carries. Yan Xiaohan reminisces about watching Fu Shen grow into a nobleman burdened with responsibility and suffering, expressing his desire to protect him from further pain.

The next morning, Fu Shen awakens feeling more at ease after Yan Xiaohan’s support. The events of the previous day seem distant, and he appreciates the patience and understanding Yan Xiaohan has shown him.

An imperial eunuch arrives with a decree from the Emperor, offering rewards to Fu Shen for saving the Emperor’s life. However, Fu Shen requests that the Emperor forgive Yan Xiaohan for any blame related to the assassination attempt, citing their shared responsibility as husband and wife. The eunuch is stunned by Fu Shen’s request, feeling unsettled by the revelation of their relationship.

After lunch, Fu Shen decides to visit the Qingxu Temple, where the assassin Priest Chunyang had been based. The temple, once prosperous, is now desolate. Fu Shen meets General Wei Xuzhou, who subtly acknowledges the close relationship between Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan, indicating that Fu Shen is now considered “one of their own.”

Qingxu Temple, though not large in scale, is meticulously designed with a serene atmosphere. The temple’s layout is typical of Daoist structures, with the main hall dedicated to enshrining the statues of the Three Divine Teachers. Surrounding this central area are additional halls, a lecture platform, and drum towers, all nestled within lush greenery that adds to the temple’s tranquil ambiance.

Fu Shen and Du Leng enter the temple, exploring its grounds under the guise of ordinary worshipers. However, Fu Shen's mind is occupied with deeper concerns. He recalls a box of bloodied Eastern Pearls delivered by Yu Qiaoting the day after his marriage to Yan Xiaohan. This gift, coupled with recent events, has made Fu Shen suspicious of the Zhe clan's involvement in the assassination attempt at the Vast Longevity Feast.

As they continue through the temple, Fu Shen notices something peculiar about the scripture library they come across. The building, tucked away in a remote corner of the temple grounds, seems to have an unusual layout. Upon closer inspection, Fu Shen realizes that the second floor appears larger than the first, suggesting the presence of a hidden room. Intrigued and suspicious, Fu Shen instructs Du Leng to fetch General Wei Xuzhou and to bring wet firewood, hinting at a plan to smoke out anyone hiding within.

Meanwhile, at the North Prison, Yan Xiaohan is dealing with the interrogation of Priest Chunyang, who has remained silent under torture. Shen Yice interrupts with urgent news: all the men who died from sexual exhaustion, including Yang Hexuan, had visited Qingxu Temple before their deaths. Shen Yice explains that the temple may have been secretly selling addictive drugs under the guise of religious offerings, taking advantage of its reputation as a sacred site.

Alarmed, Yan Xiaohan immediately heads to Qingxu Temple, fearing for Fu Shen's safety. As he approaches, he sees thick smoke rising from the scripture library. Rushing inside, he finds Fu Shen, who has already taken control of the situation. A figure attempts to escape the smoke-filled room, but Fu Shen swiftly throws a blade, pinning the person to a column and preventing their escape.

In the aftermath, as the smoke clears and the temple grounds return to silence, Fu Shen calmly takes Yan Xiaohan’s hand, offering reassurance. He explains that the escapee was the "fish that slipped the net," and that he has successfully apprehended them. Fu Shen’s actions reveal both his resourcefulness and his deepening bond with Yan Xiaohan, as they work together to uncover the dark secrets hidden within Qingxu Temple.

Yan Xiaohan is furious after discovering that someone was still inside the scripture library when it was set on fire. He scolds both Wei Xuzhou and Fu Shen for their carelessness, emphasizing the danger involved. He reprimands Wei Xuzhou for not thoroughly inspecting the area and Fu Shen for putting himself at risk, considering his status and mobility limitations.

Fu Shen tries to calm Yan Xiaohan down, admitting his mistake and promising to be more careful in the future. Yan Xiaohan, though still angry, relents and decides to focus on the situation at hand.

Yan Xiaohan takes control of Fu Shen's wheelchair and brings him over to the captured figure who had been hiding in the library. The figure is revealed to be Yi Siming, an old acquaintance of Fu Shen. Yi Siming, who once rode alongside Fu Shen during their younger days, is now a gaunt and desperate man, caught in the act of treachery.

Yi Siming tries to justify his presence in the library, claiming that he had no knowledge of the assassination plot involving Priest Chunyang. However, Fu Shen, with his sharp observation, deduces that Yi Siming had been hiding in a secret room within the library, likely searching for something important.

The Feilong Guard uncovers a small box in the hidden room, which contains intricate smoking paraphernalia. Yan Xiaohan explains that the drug responsible for death by sexual exhaustion, previously linked to the Jinwu Guard case, is likely what Yi Siming had been using. This drug is highly addictive and causes severe physical and mental deterioration.

Fu Shen is momentarily sympathetic, considering that the drug might have been the reason for Yi Siming's downfall. However, Yan Xiaohan sternly reminds him that Yi Siming's betrayal and greed, not the drug, led him to this point. He urges Fu Shen not to forget the pain and betrayal caused by Yi Siming, emphasizing that mercy is undeserved in this case.

The chapter concludes with Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan facing the harsh reality of betrayal and the consequences of Yi Siming's choices, solidifying their resolve to confront the challenges ahead without letting emotions cloud their judgment.

Yi Siming, heir to the Duke of Chen, once held a high position in the Jinwu Guard. He had a promising future, but his ambitions led him to plot against the Feilong Guard, and his association with Daoist Chunyang marked the beginning of his downfall.

Yi Siming confesses everything under interrogation. Daoist Chunyang, a disguised Daoist from Qingxu Temple, lured people into taking a deadly drug called "white dew powder." This led to the deaths of a Jinwu Guard member and several commoners. The Feilong Guard uncovered smoking paraphernalia and remnants of the drug in the secret room of the temple’s scripture library.

Despite his grievous state, Chunyang requests to see Fu Shen. Yan Xiaohan, though hesitant, allows Fu Shen to enter the cell.

Chunyang reveals that he was behind many of the events that had haunted Fu Shen, including the broken arrow and the ambush at Qingsha Gap. Chunyang's actions were part of a larger plan to expose the truth and seek revenge, driven by a deep-seated resentment against the Yang family, particularly for the death of Fu Shen’s uncle, General Fu Tingxin.

Chunyang had orchestrated these events to lead Fu Shen to the truth. He harbored a deep hatred for the Yang family, and his actions were a calculated attempt to expose their betrayal and take revenge for the deaths of many soldiers, including Fu Shen’s uncle.

Upon learning the full extent of Chunyang’s actions and the connections to his own family, Fu Shen is overwhelmed with anger and despair. He forces Chunyang to reveal more, but Chunyang resists, only hinting at a deeper connection between their families.

Chunyang is revealed to be a former soldier of the Beiyan Army, someone who had served alongside Fu Shen’s father and uncle. Realizing that Chunyang’s identity could drag the entire Beiyan Army into turmoil, Fu Shen decides to end his life. Chunyang accepts his fate, asking Fu Shen to kill him.

After killing Chunyang, Fu Shen fabricates a story that Chunyang killed himself to avoid punishment for his crimes, including the assassination attempt on the Emperor and the production of white dew powder. He leaves the cell, shrouded in a sense of gloom and determination, carrying the burden of his family's past and the truth he uncovered.

Chunyang’s last words to Fu Shen were a plea to end his life, reflecting the tragic and complex web of loyalty, betrayal, and vengeance that had consumed them both.

Fu Shen leaves the interrogation, and Yan Xiaohan, though wanting to follow, stays behind to manage the aftermath of Daoist Chunyang's death. He ensures the scene is controlled, orders his subordinates to keep silent, and begins wrapping up the case to prevent any leaks about Chunyang's final words.

The stakes of this case are high: if it were revealed that Yang Xu delayed sending aid to cause Fu Tingxin's death, it could destabilize the court, especially as the Crown Prince's position was already weakened by recent events. Yan Xiaohan focuses on fabricating a convincing story to close the case.

Yan Xiaohan meticulously documents the case, detailing Chunyang's actions, the deaths caused by white dew powder, and the conspiracy involving Yang Xu. He fabricates Chunyang's confession, linking the Empress's death and the assassination attempt to Yang Xu's desperation. The Emperor, though ill, responds harshly, ordering Yang Xu's execution.

Yan Xiaohan returns home, worried about Fu Shen's state of mind. Upon learning Fu Shen has been secluded in his room, Yan Xiaohan fears the worst but is relieved when Fu Shen calmly invites him in and speaks rationally about the day's events.

Fu Shen dismisses Chunyang's claims as unreliable, noting that while some of what Chunyang said may be true, it was likely embellished or manipulated. Fu Shen reveals his suspicion that Chunyang was not acting alone, hinting at a larger conspiracy.