1391-1392 The CP notices SL is 5th ranked and the Emperor is bitter, thinking she lied to marry NL, changing his stance from getting on her good side to forcing her back to the Su Manor. The Emperor argues that NL can’t marry a girl with unknown origins, but SL rejects since she wouldn’t be allowed leave the Su Manor alive, but won’t give up NL. NL tells the emperor to drop it, showing off his aura as a 10th ranked.
1393 NL’s aura forces the indignant Empress and CP on their kneels towards SL, but the Emperor resists due to his dignity. NL continues until they’re pushed to the limit, smiling when the Emperor falls to the ground.
1394 The Emperor picks himself up and tells NL to do what he wants, admitting he can’t compare to SL in NL’s heart since he failed to protect him as a child. NL tells him to save 2 of the 10 slots Dong Ling has for them in the Martial Arts Tournament, despite the lowest contender being at least 6th ranked.
1395-1396 The Emperor reprimands the CP for ticking off NL, since even he can’t shield him, while the Empress is bitter at being at the mercy of her rival’s son. The Emperor tells SFA that NL is 10th ranked and determined to protect SL, though SL is only 5th ranked. SFA is jealous at NL’s talent but mentions that RY is one of the four referees for the tournament, and the Emperor recalls SL is his disciple and can match NL’s background, dismissing SFA. SFA remarks RY is only interested in her blood, but she had gotten the RBBG after. SL and NL head back to the Southern Mountains when they’re ambushed by the 10th ranked Lǐ Qiū Rán (李秋然), second on the Dragon List. Since NL is injured, SL heads out to meet him.
1397-1398 LQR demands for SL to leave with him, while SL remarks that she’s taking his place in the Tournament. SL disappears as LQR laughs, and DST in MFA’s body appears instead. Sensing the aura, LQR becomes serious and quickly charges towards DST with his sword, but to DST it’s as though he’s running in slow motion, and catches the sword with his fingers. LQR panics and attempts to retrieve his sword, while DST weaves his white beard into LQR’s body, killing him. DST states his position as the Mo Family’s ancestor, allowing those lurking nearby to hear and spread the rumours.
1399 The rumours deter others from attacking SL, while WYP rejoices that MFA has recovered before remembering WYP’s fallen state. SL notices DST is injured, having not fully integrated with MFA, and has him cultivate with the SGT as they head back to the Southern Mountains.
1400-1401 SZ makes another trip to the Southern Mountains, thinking how SL could easily save Su Jingyu and Madam Su but is helping others train instead. He yells and bangs on the door, but can’t even see SL. ZiY rages since SZ is damaging SL’s reputation, but SL is indifferent, stating this is LYY’s work since the Jade Lake doesn’t have anyone participating in the Tournament. ZiY corrects SL – while Li Ao Tian is dead and Li Ao Qiong is only 4th ranked, LiYY has an illegitimate son that his wife had chased away, and was recently invited back to the Jade Lake. LYY was furious but is now a waste that can’t cultivate so they ignored her.
1402 During the Tournament Lǐ Ào Chén (李傲尘) will take the opportunity to remove SL. LAC is stronger than BY, but SL jokes about sending DST, wondering if he’ll follow LAQ and LAT’s fate. This year Dong Ling is the host for the Dragon Ranking Tournament, while the Emperor stresses since RY hasn’t appeared.
1403-1404 RY returns in time, and laughs when the recovered SL greets him. NL tries to block SL when RY calls for her, but she pushes him aside since RY is rarely in a good mood, angering NL. SL recounts recent events, reassuring RY since MFA is her bodyguard. However, all the other ancestors have now returned. RY tells her not to be concerned since she can’t defeat them anyway, and SL wonders how RY will resolve it. RY praises SL over the 3rd princess while NL looks on with jealousy at the warm atmosphere. SL agrees to leave with NL before he erupts, when RY hands her a brocade box telling her to return with him.