A Magic Steeped in Poison

Ning brews her tea and gives it to Kang. When she places the medicine ball beneath her tongue, she feels the magic unravel between them rapidly. They both return to the liminal space revealed by the Shift. Although Ning can sense his regret, she ignores it. He begins the third duel. Ning’s magic fights against Wenyi’s sabotage, and Kang unleashes all his power, defeating the Crane warrior. Ning spits out the medicine ball, breaking the connection between them, and sags with exhaustion. Around her, the court officials clap, recognizing what she has accomplished.

Then the Esteemed Qian objects, accusing Ning of cheating because she has encountered Kang before. Zhen smoothly states that she is aware they have met before, but this fact is mere coincidence. However, Qian explains that previous encounters can strengthen the bonds between shennong-shi and client, which gave Ning an unfair advantage over the other competitors. He adds that he has also discovered that she is not a true shennong-tu but is instead the daughter of a disgraced physician.

Ning is disqualified, leaving Shao the winner of the competition. Stunned, Ning backs away from the court. Though Zhen promised to help Shu, Ning no longer has the leverage to make sure that the princess keeps that promise.