Hidden behind the nearby thickets, Su Nian suddenly burst into laughter, rolling on the ground as his laughter echoed through the quiet woods. Still chuckling, he walked toward the riverbank.
The truth was....Su Nian had known all along. He had already discovered that Ming Heng and Duie were one and the same.
It was the river spirit who had told Duie everything.....at Su Nian's request.
Su Nian had figured it out the moment he saw Ming Heng visiting the temple every day.....where both Su Nian and Duie's spirits once resided. Ming Heng would always pause at Su Nian's altar, softly speaking, gently pleading.
Duie remembered everything from his past life.
And now, all he wanted... was to see Su Nian again.
His heart wandered like a ship lost at sea, endlessly searching for the shore....that was Su Nian.
Then, one day, inside the temple, Su Nian overheard someone quietly saying his name.
To his surprise, it was Ming Heng, whispering:
"I'll brew lotus tea for you every day… Just come back to me, Su Nian."
And in that moment, it became clear.....Ming Heng was Duie.
But Su Nian... mischievous as ever, wanted to tease him a little longer.
---
A few weeks later, the Yanlong Clan and the Mailen Clan joined forces to perform the grand Peach Blossom Binding Ceremony, a sacred ritual that welcomed the blooming season of peach blossoms.
Wang Gung himself took part in the ceremony, which was known for its ancient power and deep reverence.
This ritual could only be performed by those possessing a spiritual beast, specifically the Sacred Deer, known to aid in binding the blooming season with its divine essence.
For 111 days, sacred chants were recited without pause
Each word weaving a divine shield around every budding blossom, enhancing their sanctity and prolonging their bloom until autumn.
Yet, something strange stirred in their hearts.
Su Nian and Duie both felt as if they'd seen Wang Gung before.
Curious, they began quietly following him.
And then, one day at the Su Tao Jue Temple, they saw it
Wang Gung summoned Zixion, revealing his true identity.
In that moment, both Su Nian and Duie immediately recognized him:
He was their Emperor.
It was Mo Yan.
Without delay, they rushed to him, all truths finally spoken.
From that day forward, the three of them began their journey
To search for Yu Sui.
[Flashback Ends]