Ning Que and Sang Sang visit Zeng Manor upon entering the capital. After 15 years, Ning Que reunites with his sworn brother, Zhuo Er. They both have sworn revenge upon General Xia, who killed both of their families when they were young. At the time, they also found Sang Sang as a baby, among the dead. Princess Li meets with her father, Emperor Li

Yan Se rushes to the two-story building exam, hoping he can get to Ning Que before the winner of the exam is decided. Meanwhile, State Preceptor Qing Shan informs the Emperor that Ning Que is the calligrapher he’s been searching for. Up in the mountain, Ning Que and Long Qing battle internal demons to find their way to the mountaintop.

General Xia Hou and Wei Guang Ming both target Ning Que, and he suddenly goes missing. Sang Sang and Yan Se search for him while he's held captive. General Xia Hou learns that Ning Que was behind the murders of Su Qin, Chen Zi Xian, and Zhang Yi Qi. Worried Ning Que survived the Lin Manor massacre, he doubles down on ensuring he is killed so the truth can remain hidden.

Wei Guang Ming keeps hounding Sang Sang to be his student and she informs him that she will get Ning Que’s advice before deciding. Mo Shan Shan and her group are attacked by Tang soldiers masquerading as bandits. Though she uses a talisman to ask for help from General Luo, Qu Ni convinces him not to interfere. Ning Que comes face to face with General Xia Hou’s right hand man, who took part in the Lin Manor massacre

Chen Pi Pi likes Xiao Tang, but because she is a saintess of the Demon Sect, he knows it could never be possible between them. The Shrine leader implies that Hong Yu has been corrupted by Ning Que, prompting her older brother, Ye Qing, to go after him. Hong Yu arrives at Ning Que’s doorstep, asking him for accommodations. Xia Hou has arrived at the capital and is eagerly awaiting his battle with Ning Que.

Grand Prince Li admits his crimes to the Emperor and asks to lose his royal status as punishment. General Xia Hou admits he killed the people of Lin Manor but righteously proclaims that his misdeeds in the past should not overshadow all of his achievements as a General over the years. Ning Que challenges General Xia Hou to a battle of life and death, but the Emperor tries to prevent this by decreeing General Xia Hou is guilty. All are shocked when Ning Que reveals his true identity and doesn't back down from his challenge.