To protect Empress Xia Tian, General Xia Hou sets a trap for Princess Li, whose entourage is attacked on their way to the capital. Qing Chen is overpowered by someone in the Demon sect, so Ning Que helps kill the attacker, while Sang Sang protects the princess and her son. Qing Shan, State Preceptor, and General Xia perceive Ning Que as an unknown variable in the struggle for power

As they head to the capital, Ning Que finds out from Qing Chen that eleven of his seventeen acupuncture points are blocked, rendering him unable to cultivate. Despite, he asks Qing Chen to teach him the cultivation levels for his own knowledge. He keeps getting recurring dreams that haunt him about the sky becoming dark. The official for the department of transport is murdered.

Ning Que and Sang Sang visit Zeng Manor upon entering the capital. After 15 years, Ning Que reunites with his sworn brother, Zhuo Er. They both have sworn revenge upon General Xia, who killed both of their families when they were young. At the time, they also found Sang Sang as a baby, among the dead. Princess Li meets with her father, Emperor Li

Ning Que and Sang Sang set up a shop so they can sell Ning Que’s handwriting, but the landlord thinks they won’t be able to stay open for long. After a day of exploring, they see a dead Zhuo Er and look for clues as to the cause of his death. Their sleuthing leads them to Zhang Yi Qi, the transport bureau official, who was previously the Imperial Censor that framed General Lin and causing his death. Prince Long Qing continues his search for the son of Hades.

As Ning Que seeks out Zhang Yi Qi for revenge, Xiao Shu, leader of the Dragon gang catches him in action. Everyone goes after Xiao Shu who has significant control of revenue in the capital. Xiao Shu invites Ning Que to help him and though Ning Que agrees to help in exchange for some money, that is not the main reason he decides to assist him.

Reinforcements come to help Ning Que and Xiao Shu at the last minute. Unbeknownst to Grand Prince Li Pei Yan, Xiao Shu has a strong backer in the Imperial Court helping him. Battling together has forged a brotherly bond between Ning Que and Xiao Shu. Prince Long Qing sees the eternal night looming.

In recognition for helping Xiao Shu, Ning Que is promoted by General Xu as a secret imperial guard, called into action whenever asked of him. Xiao Shu decides to step down as the leader of the Dragon gang, upsetting the Emperor. Prince Long Qing escapes punishment from Luo Kedi, while Prince Chong Ming and He Ming Chi of Xiling Academy collude to take down the Emperor.

The examination begins for Tang Academy and Ning Que is off to a rolling start. The Emperor doesn’t attend so the target is shifted to another Imperial person. During the assassination attempt, Ning Que springs into action. He encounters Jun Mo and pleads with him to take him as his student disciple. He is then tasked by General Xu to figure out who is behind the assassination attempt.

Due to the failed assassination attempt, Prince Chong Ming looks for a way out. Prince Long Qing is framed for the murder of Priest Xuan Yi, his teacher. As they attempt to arrest him, Ye Hong Yu from the Monastery of Knowledge and Obeisance, rescues him. Ning Que is miraculously admitted into Tang Academy.