In Episode 11, Cao Yan Bing and Xia Ling walk through a beautifully arranged stone formation and enter the tranquil Mingjing Village. Xia Ling gazes up at the towering Bodhi tree at the village entrance, marveling that it’s even more impressive than the spirit locust tree at Cao Yan Bing's home. For once, Cao Yan Bing sets aside her usual playful demeanor and earnestly warns Xia Ling to be extra cautious while they’re out, particularly reminding her to keep Li Xuan Yuan alert.
Xia Ling lightly taps her head and softly calls out, prompting Li Xuan Yuan to respond immediately, showcasing their strong connection.
As they step into Mingjing Village, they notice a group of adults anxiously surrounding a little girl named Dog Er, pleading with her not to go outside because Master Nan is still in seclusion. However, when the villagers catch sight of Cao Yan Bing and Xia Ling, they mistakenly believe they are demons and flee in terror, leaving only Dog Er standing her ground, unafraid.
Curious, Cao Yan Bing asks Dog Er why she isn’t scared and teasingly claims they are indeed demons. Dog Er, with innocent sincerity, questions Cao Yan Bing about her friend Shui Er, a sick girl of the same age. Dog Er insists that even if demons have taken Shui Er, she will go find her.
After hearing this, Xia Ling decides that Cao Yan Bing should take Dog Er to find Shui Er while she stays behind to clear up the misunderstanding with the villagers.
In the bustling marketplace, everyone is panicking around the unconscious Shui Er, who keeps muttering "Master Bai." Cao Yan Bing and Dog Er quickly locate Shui Er and bring her back to Mingjing Village.
Once Shui Er regains consciousness, she tells Xia Ling about the dangers outside, describing the frightening people and mentioning Master Men and Master Nan, explaining that their world is plagued by demons that prey on humans, especially children. She reveals that her illness came from an accident outside. It turns out that Master Men is Bei Luo Shi Men, who is currently out exterminating demons, while Master Nan is in seclusion under the Bodhi tree and won’t emerge until tomorrow.
Xia Ling is filled with confusion, unable to comprehend why people inside the village and outside view each other as demons. Who is telling the truth? Cao Yan Bing suggests that perhaps neither side is lying; they just have different perspectives, leading to differing interpretations of the same situation.
Dog Er feels particularly close to Xia Ling, saying she feels like she’s seen her somewhere before.
Taking the opportunity, Cao Yan Bing introduces Bei Luo Shi Men to Xia Ling, describing him as the Soul General of Yulin Street, a terrifyingly powerful figure known for his mercilessness towards outsiders. In Yulin Street, outsiders revere him as the Gate General and even consider him the God of War. Xia Ling jokes that the God of War, much like the door gods, protects the home, amusing Cao Yan Bing.
Just as they discuss the heroic deeds of the Gate General, a commanding figure appears before them—it is indeed Bei Luo Shi Men himself. His presence adds a tangible reality to their discussion about demons and guardians.
Comments(Episode 11)