The Ghost King Returns (鬼王現身, Guǐ Wáng Xiànshēn) is the first episode of the second season of the donghua based on the novel, Heaven Official's Blessing, written by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. It first aired on the 18th of October 2023.
Summary[]
The episode begins with Xie Lian waking up in Puqi Shrine. After drinking some water from the nearby river, he reflects on his time with San Lang whilst contemplating the ring that was given to him.
This is interrupted by Ling Wen's voice contacting him through the Communication Array. The Civil God sports dark circles underneath her eyes. After greeting each other, she explains to Xie Lian that there is an urgent matter relating to the events of Banyue Pass that requires him to return to the Heavenly Capital. He is advised by Ling Wen to directly go to the Hall of Shen Wu.
Upon arriving, it seems that the other Heavenly Officials are giving Xie Lian a wide berth and clearly avoiding him. As seen when Xie Lian stops or begins to walk backwards, the other Heavenly Officials are clearly afraid to get close to him. They continue to gossip amongst each other about his appearance, largely unhappy that he is there.
Xie Lian's decision to address the crowd of Heavenly Officials behind him, causes them all to scatter and run. He turns in surprise when an attendant shouts "Your Highness." However, the attendant runs past him, completely ignoring him as he addresses another Prince, Lang Qianqiu, for forgetting his waist badge. Xie Lian sighs sheepishly but seems happy watching the pair.
Lang Qianqiu looks up and realises that Xie Lian is there. He gives the latter a friendly wave, calling out to him, however he is quickly ushered away by his attendant. The onlooking Heavenly Officials loudly gossip around Xie Lian about how embarrassing the entire interaction was, stating that it must have been embarrassing to assume the attendant was talking about him and how could Xie Lian compare himself to Prince Taihua.
Xie Lian continues walking towards the steps of the Hall of Shen Wu, listening to the comparisons drawn between himself and Lang Qianqiu as well as the comparisons between their respective kingdoms: Xianle and Yong'an.
As Xie Lian is about to take his first step onto the stairway to the meeting hall, a voice calls out to him. He turns, unbelieving of who it could be and it is Ling Wen. She greets him politely and offers to walk with him together as everyone else had already arrived.
The pair discuss the fate of Pei Xiu, who will be trialled for his misdeeds in Banyue. Ling Wen speculates that Pei Xiu will most likely be exiled from Heaven to which Xie Lian is relieved that the punishment isn't too harsh. Ling Wen further tells him that there is a chance Pei Xiu may regain his position and status after exile, however due to his believers scattering there is a chance this may not happen.
Xie Lian then inquires about the boy with the face plague that he encountered from Mount Yu Jun. Unfortunately the Palace of Ling Wen has not had time to look into the request at that moment, Ling Wen reassures him that she will keep looking into the matter.
Upon arriving at the Hall of Shen Wu, all the relevant Heavenly Officials are stationed and watching. Jun Wu upon his throne oversees the entire hall, with Ling Wen standing on his left side. The Heavenly Emperor addresses Xie Lian's arrival. Ling Wen quietly informs the Emperor that there are still a few Heavenly Officials patrolling the mortal realm that have yet to return to which he responds that it is not a problem and to inform them of the details afterwards.
Jun Wu then addresses Xie Lian, saying that he does not need to explain why he has been summoned here. To which Xie Lian responds that he thought the matter of Banyue Pass had been settled. This is interupted by a voice behind Xie Lian.
General Ming Guang, walks confidently towards Xie Lian before stopping beside him, sarcastically thanking him for his valiant efforts in protecting his household members. Xie Lian quickly thanks him, sheepishly thanking him in the process.
Pei Ming seems to ignore this before lifting his hand, summoning a blue light. The body of Pei Xiu's clone floats down from the ceiling, hovering between the two gods, much to the shock and dismay of the rest of the Heavenly Officials.
Pei Xiu walks up behind Xie Lian, golden chains bind his feet and hands together. Pei Ming tries to sway the court session by explaining that it seems Xie Lian might have interfered and teamed up with a mysterious force as normally Pei Xiu's clone, A-Zhao would have been able to withstand a ghost up to 'Wrath' level. With the evidence Pei Ming has gathered, he covertly attempts to accuse Xie Lian of colluding with Crimson Rain Sought Flower, as he is the only ghost that fits the description.
Shi Qingxuan calls out and interrupts Pei Ming, pointing out that so far everyone has only heard Pei Xiu's side of the story, noting that Pei Xiu is already found guilty for his crimes.
Pei Ming then calls for General Nan Yang and General Xuan Zhen to confirm his accusations. Both generals walk up and inspect the body before agreeing that the wounds were caused by E-Ming, Hua Cheng's demonic scimitar. This leads to Pei Ming addressing before everyone that this complicates the matter.
Shi Qingxuan again, stands up for Xie Lian, asking if Pei Ming is attempting to disuade the court by making it seem as if Xie Lian and Hua Cheng colluded together to frame Pei Xiu of the crime. Xie Lian interjects that if he is not to be believed, then they should believe Lord Wind Master who also heard Pei Xiu's confession. It is noted however that Xie Lian does not realise that the person helping him out is Lord Wind Master, as Xie Lian has only seen Shi Qingxuan in their female form and currently they are in their male form in court.
The two continue to argue their points back and forth until Pei Xiu interrupts them saying that he did it. Pei Ming quickly tries to cover this up by accusing Banyue of giving him hallucinogens to confuse him. However Pei Xiu continues, accepting the consequences of his misdeeds. This leads to everyone becoming shocked. In anger, Pei Ming makes a move to kick Pei Xiu, however the kick never lands as Jun Wu interrupts.
Jun Wu then declares that Pei Xiu is to be sentenced to exile in the next few days and that the involvement of Hua Cheng is to be discussed in a separate case. To maintain his face, Pei Ming urges that Jun Wu look through the case thoroughly. The court is then dismissed. All except for Xie Lian who has to stay.
Everyone leaves as Jun Wu and Ling Wen discusses the details of the meeting. Mu Qing and Feng Xin share a look with Xie Lian. Xie Lian then sees Pei Ming at the entrance with Shi Qingxuan. The former urging him to not cause anymore trouble for his older brother to which Shi Qingxuan rebuts that he should stop using his older brother to pressure him. Shi Qingxuan leaves, with Pei Ming following in suit but not before throwing a glare back at Xie Lian.
Lang Qianqiu who has fallen asleep during the meeting is awoken by Xie Lian. He slept through the whole meeting and didn't hear a word. He thanks Xie Lian for waking him up before leaving.
After the door closes, Jun Wu addresses Xie Lian and discusses the affairs of the mortal realm. The former stops Xie Lian from kneeling and apologising to him, as Xie Lian had already admitted that he was in the wrong. They go back and forth on this point before Jun Wu motions for Xie Lian to follow him. He discusses Xie Lian's first actions after his ascension, notably that he did not report back to the Palace of Shen Wu. If this were anyone else, the Palace of Ling Wen would be able to hold them accountable, showing that there is some friendliness between Jun Wu and Xie Lian.
Characters[]
In order of appearance: