The rising threat of the Dongyin powers prompts Commander Lin Qin to seek out the reclusive Phoenix Lord, Li Xiao, and invites her to come out of hiding to confront the threat. However, Li Xiao refuses, choosing to protect her niece, Li Lingling. After marrying into the Wu family, Li Lingling hides the truth of her domestic abuse. When she is hospitalized due to the abuse, the Wu family turns the situation around, blaming her for her temper, and Lin Qin, misunderstanding, agrees to the Wu family's compensation demands. Later, Li Xiao uncovers the truth and reappears as the Phoenix Lord to confront the Wu family, ultimately exposing their cruelty. When Li Lingling is kidnapped by the Dongyin forces, Li Xiao courageously faces them alone, disrupting their plans. In the end, Li Xiao forces the Dongyin powers to hand over the defense map, but is met with Kawaguchi's reneging on the agreement and an ambush.