Episode 20 recap: Qu Zheng’s Transition to the Red Team

In Episode 20, Million firmly holds the token she seized from the Blue Team, while Yu Chen relentlessly pressures her. Just when the situation becomes critical, Qu Zheng makes an unexpected appearance. He sternly warns Million that if she doesn't relinquish the token, she will face grave danger. Million stubbornly insists that she must obtain the Ling Yao Grass and disregards any suggestions to withdraw from the competition. Seeing that his persuasion has failed, Qu Zheng reveals his guqin, leaving Million astounded; she never anticipated that he would be so resolute.

Qu Zheng uses the sound of his guqin to fend off Yu Chen and others, shocking everyone present. This act signifies Qu Zheng’s betrayal of the Blue Team as he chooses to wear the Red Team’s insignia. While Million is taken aback, Qu Zheng remains calm, stating that since he cannot persuade her to join him, he will instead ally with her.

The two escape their pursuers together, with Qu Zheng blocking the Blue Team's chase for Million along the way. Ultimately, Million successfully hands over the jade pendant to Zi Jing, helping the Red Team secure victory. Both she and Qu Zheng are overjoyed, while in the shadows, Qing Yun appears troubled and deep in thought.

During dinner, Jin Mu Qiu and Su Zhuo Zhuo hope to celebrate with Million, but she hurriedly goes off to find Qu Zheng. Confused about why Qu Zheng is helping her so much, she first hears him joke before he seriously offers to help her recover her lost memories, insisting he has never harmed her. Million feels a mix of emotions upon hearing this.

Meanwhile, Jin Mu Qiu and Su Zhuo Zhuo's gathering is interrupted by the sudden arrival of the Gold Leader and the Valley Master. The Valley Master has a clear purpose: he wants to discuss Jin Mu Qiu’s marriage with Lin Feng. Although Jin Mu Qiu outwardly appears resolute, she struggles internally. She has tried to persuade Lin Feng but to no avail. The Valley Master then hopes Jin Mu Qiu will make another effort, leaving her deep in thought.

At the same time, Qing Yun reiterates his determination to obtain the Ling Yao Grass. Million attempts to explain that she might not be the person he seeks, but Qing Yun remains obstinate. He later attempts to steal the Ling Yao Grass but is caught by Zi Jing and Jing Yuan, facing severe punishment. Jing Yuan proposes that Qing Yun must eliminate Qu Zheng in their duel to earn A Chu’s "rebirth." Aware of his own limitations, Qing Yun reluctantly accepts Jing Yuan's aid.

The announcement for the new Martial Lake competition is released, and Million worries about facing disciples from the Ninefold Ghost Palace. Yu Chen then appears with a so-called witness, accusing Million of possessing a counterfeit jade pendant. Qu Zheng steps forward to defend her, and Jing Yuan arrives to directly intervene in the investigation. Ultimately, the truth is revealed: the Ninefold Ghost Palace disciples admit to being bribed by Yu Chen, exposing the lies and leading to the arrest of those involved.

On their way back, Million and Jin Mu Qiu encounter Qing Yun, who blocks their path. Million expresses her gratitude for his help and reiterates that she is not the person he seeks. As they return, Million notices something unusual about the person delivering water to Qu Zheng. She quietly heads to Qu Zheng's residence to warn him, only to stumble upon him bathing, creating an awkward situation. Qu Zheng doesn't blame her; instead, he appreciates her concern. Million confides in Jin Mu Qiu, who speculates on Qu Zheng's true intentions and advises her to keep a close eye on him, as eyes do not lie.

However, Jin Mu Qiu is also grappling with her own emotional challenges, leaving both women with their thoughts. Meanwhile, Qing Yun secretly trains and significantly increases his strength, but the cost is that he must face Qu Zheng in a life-or-death duel on the competition stage. Just then, Yu Chen's corpse appears on the streets, inciting fury among his disciples, who point fingers at Qu Zheng as the murderer. A new storm is brewing.