The Eternal Fragrance

Orphaned Xiao Bangchui follows her half-baked master, posing as disciples of an immortal sect. While on their way to "exorcise demons" for a wealthy family, they accidentally expose Lei Xiuyuan, a young man on the run from pursuers. That very night, Xiao Bangchui's master vanishes without a word, leaving behind only a letter instructing her to seek out her senior brother at Chufeng Academy.

Hearing that the owner of Yange Tavern is renowned for obtaining past academy exam topics, Xiao Bangchui rushes over to inquire about them, only to learn that the price is exorbitant. Just as she's worrying over the cost, Lei Xiuyuan shows up again. After Master Yan praises him as a man of exceptional beauty, Xiao Bangchui promptly sells Lei Xiuyuan off for a hefty price.

Lei Xiuyuan appears to be helping Xiao Bangchui, but he has motives of his own. Unaware of his true intentions, the two repeatedly stumble into misunderstandings, only to earn a reputation among the academy examiners for their compassion and kindness.

As the disciples are assigned their rooms, Lifei discovers the mask Lei Xiuyuan wore when he attacked her. Left with no choice, Lei Xiuyuan finally reveals the tragic story behind the relentless pursuit that has haunted him.

Jiang Lifei takes Lei Xiuyuan to seek treatment for his injuries. As Elder Zhu recounts the Seafall Catastrophe 500 years ago, strange and unfamiliar visions begin to flash through Lei Xiuyuan's mind.

Ji Tongzhou, who is also in the Futu Tower, suddenly appears and urges the two to leave at once. The Spirit-Releasing Manual slips from Lifei's arms and falls to the ground, unleashing several fiery serpent-shaped word spirits that charge toward her. At the critical moment, Hu Jiaping emerges from the shadows and comes to their aid, allowing the three of them to make a hasty escape.

The black aura surrounding Lei Xiuyuan is cleansed away, and he regains consciousness. To his astonishment, he finds Lifei enveloped in a faint white glow, as though she is shedding her old self and emerging anew. At the same time, a strange fragrance begins to emanate from her.

Ri Yan finally reveals himself. Already wounded, Zong Quan is no match for him and is forced to flee in defeat. Lei Xiuyuan's meridians are shattered, and his spiritual root is completely destroyed. Ri Yan tells Lifei that something in Ganhua Realm of Qingqiu can save Lei Xiuyuan.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, everyone gathers to make mooncakes. Lei Xiuyuan begins to miss Lu Shanhua. Lifei comforts him and promises that once he has recovered, they will go to Xingzheng Hall together to take on Zhen Yun.

Driven to despair, Lei Xiuyuan resolves to die. Discovering that he is still alive, Lifei returns to the academy. Although Lei Xiuyuan sincerely apologizes for deceiving her, Lifei cannot bring herself to forgive him.

Before setting off for the Eastern Sea with Jiao, Mo Yanfan decides to remove the bond created by the Eternal Fragrance Token binding the three of them. But the moment he begins the ritual, the token suddenly flares up, nearly causing a backlash. He warns them that the bond cannot be broken-not while they still have feelings for one another.

Lifei, Ji Tongzhou, Ge Ling, and Chang Yue bid each other a reluctant farewell. With parting imminent, they promise to reunite three years later.

While searching the scrolls in Huanyue Shrine, Lifei discovers that Shefeng Peak is the 17th peak of Wuyue Court. She tricks Chong Yi into revealing its whereabouts. Just as Lifei is about to break through the barrier surrounding Shefeng Peak, the hexagonal prism beneath her feet spirals out of control and sends her plunging. Looking at the Eternal Fragrance Token in his hand, Lei Xiuyuan realizes Lifei is in danger.

A disciple of the immortal sect has been secretly cultivating demonic arts. Guang Wei orders Qin Yangling to gather the disciples immediately, set up a demon-subduing formation, and thoroughly investigate both the inner and outer disciples.

At the Yuelian Pool, Lei Xiuyuan regains consciousness only to be wounded again. Qin Yangling appears and pretends to treat his wounds, intending to launch a surprise attack. Lei Xiuyuan stays alert and evades him. He then asks Qin Yangling to deliver the Lingzhu Fruit to Baicao Peak. Lifei finally wakes up.

After her Top Eight opponent is exposed for secretly cultivating demonic arts, Lifei advances to the semifinals by default. She is set to face Yue Cailing, while Lei Xiuyuan will take on Qin Yangling.

The Linglong Talisman signals that fellow disciples are in danger. As the group takes to the air on their flying swords, black demonic energy suddenly erupts from a crack in the rocks. Lifei flies through the dark mist, only to discover that Lei Xiuyuan and the others have disappeared.

Lifei is ambushed by a demonic spirit, leaving her seemingly drained of all spiritual energy. Lei Xiuyuan protects her and transfers his own spiritual energy to her, but collapses from exhaustion. Facing death, the two finally confess their feelings.

Ji Tongzhou invites Lifei out for a meal. On the way, they come across the Guangsheng Society, capturing a spirit beast. Sympathizing with the abused creature, Lifei uses her magic to rescue it.

As the group flies back on their swords, they return to find Duanming City in chaos. Taking advantage of the turmoil, the once-tamed spirit beasts rebel and break free, scattering across the city. The disciples of the various immortal sects split up to fend off the rampaging spirit beasts of all sizes.

Lifei, Lei Xiuyuan, and Ji Tongzhou cover for one another and successfully clear their names. Shi Chengtian confesses that Luo Cha manipulated him into using Bewitching Spirit Powder to drive the spirit beasts mad, giving them an excuse to kill the beasts and sell them for money.

Miao Qing brings out a child, who turns out to be Ji Tongzhou's nephew, Crown Prince Ji Jingwu. Holding his only remaining family tightly, Ji Tongzhou silently vows to do everything in his power to protect Yue Kingdom for generations to come.

Ji Tongzhou returns to the imperial palace. Lan Ya dreams of becoming the queen, but Ji Tongzhou would rather endure the searing pain of the Xuanhua Sacred Fire burning his heart than let the Heartbond Pill live, choosing to burn it to ashes.