For five hundred years, I have been bound in this forbidden land, and yet here you are, dear Independent Cultivator, shedding tears for what reason?

Summary

Nian Zhao Xi confronts He Meng Yun about items given to her by Gu Xiu, suspecting they were passed to Jiang Xun. He Meng Yun defends Jiang Xun, explaining that the items were mostly discarded and that some were related to puppetry. Nian Zhao Xi questions the implications of the gifts, leading to a discussion about Jiang Xun's mysterious background and the rumors surrounding Gu Xiu's intentions. He Meng Yun mentions that some believe Gu Xiu's gifts were tampered with, causing misfortune, while Jiang Xun's gifts are said to counteract this. Nian Zhao Xi becomes angry at the insinuation that Gu Xiu, who had been kind to He Meng Yun, could have malicious intent. As Nian Zhao Xi expresses her frustration, He Meng Yun breaks down in tears, feeling guilty for doubting Gu Xiu. Ultimately, Nian Zhao Xi leaves, but He Meng Yun, now displaying newfound clarity, asserts that efforts are futile in the face of fate, hinting at a grim outlook for their situation.

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