The Black Dragon flies into a magical fog that confounds the mind, affecting Xingyin. The dragon delivers her to the Celestial Army and destroys the magic-suppressing bracelets before departing. Soldiers find Xingyin and accuse her of being a traitor. Shuxiao joins them; she is unswervingly loyal and defends her. During this exchange, Xingyin understands the value of freedom: “With sudden clarity, I realized how precious such a feeling was. How easily it might be taken away. And how much their captivity had cost my mother and the dragons” (431).

Liwei arrives, and they embrace. Xingyin reports her discoveries in and her escape from the Demon Realm, revealing the false border, which is close to the Celestial camp. Liwei is furious at Wenzhi’s actions. Xingyin urges them to retreat because of the fog. The troops prepare to leave, but the Demon forces arrive before they can depart.

Wenzhi leads the charge. Celestials, overtaken by the fog, fall into chaos. Liwei sends Shuxiao and Xingyin to clear the fog.

Wenzhi passes by and approaches Liwei. Xingyin abandons her spell to chase him. Wenzhi and Liwei fight. Xingyin interrupts them, protecting Liwei. Liwei attacks Wenzhi, knocking him off his cloud.