To escape the villainous scheming of Xue Yang, A-Qing is determined to flee, and take her companion Xiao Xingchen along with her. But Xiao Xingchen cannot shake his sense of responsibility-he resolves to stay behind and confront Xue Yang alone. That's when Xue Yang reveals the truth behind their Night Hunts, and all the horrible things he's tricked Xiao Xingchen into doing for so many years. Battle is joined between old friends and fated rivals!

Back in the present, Wei Wuxian watches their tragic history unfold, and is left with a single thought. To set things right, he must kill Xue Yang.