Su Wan wakes with a splitting headache in a forest littered with the aftermath of a fierce battle. She finds herself in the body of a villainous supporting character from a cultivation novel she had read the night before. The original Su Wan was the youngest personal disciple of a Qingyun Sect elder, spoiled and arrogant, and hopelessly in love with the sect leader's chief disciple, Ling Chen. Her jealousy drove her to bully Luo Qingyuan, the novel's heroine, which ultimately provoked Xie Yanci, the story's ultimate villain. Xie Yanci, an illegitimate son of a Demon Realm saintess and a cultivator, was despised by both the Immortal and Demon Realms. Luo Qingyuan had been the only light in his dark life, and because the original Su Wan repeatedly harmed her, Xie Yanci had vowed to kill the villainess. In the original plot, Su Wan's schemes would fail, leading to her death and Xie Yanci's eventual fall into demonic corruption, which would destroy the world. Su Wan realizes she must survive and rewrite the tragic ending.
Su Wan decides to change her behavior completely. She stops pursuing Ling Chen and instead tries to build a friendly relationship with Luo Qingyuan. She also resolves to stop Xie Yanci from falling into darkness. During her recovery, she cultivates diligently, improving her strength. When she encounters Luo Qingyuan, she apologizes sincerely for her past behavior, which surprises the heroine and begins to ease their tension. However, Xie Yanci remains suspicious of her sudden transformation, believing it to be another scheme. He continues to watch her closely, waiting for any sign of malicious intent.
One night, Su Wan gets lost while trying to find the dining hall and stumbles upon Xie Yanci in a bamboo forest. She discovers that he is injured and struggling to suppress his demonic aura. When he realizes she has seen him, he attempts to kill her to protect his secret. Su Wan pleads for her life, claiming she has left notes that would expose him if she dies. Although she is lying, Xie Yanci decides to spare her but forces her to swallow a poison called Half-Month Devourer. This poison requires an antidote every fifteen days, giving him control over her life. He warns her that any betrayal will result in a painful death.
Su Wan returns to her room, shaken but alive. She realizes that her life is now in Xie Yanci's hands, but she also sees an opportunity to get closer to him. She decides to help him with his injuries and suppress his demonic energy. The next day, she offers him healing herbs and ointment. Xie Yanci is skeptical but accepts the gift. Their interactions become more frequent, and Su Wan tries to show him kindness and concern. She also defends Luo Qingyuan from gossiping disciples, further improving her reputation.
The Qingyun Sect prepares for an expedition to the Floating Splendor Secret Realm. Su Wan manages to join the group, hoping to prevent the events that lead to Xie Yanci's downfall. During the journey, they investigate a series of disappearances in Pear Blossom Village. Su Wan tries to talk to Xie Yanci about his feelings for Luo Qingyuan, but he becomes angry and warns her to stay out of his affairs. Despite his hostility, Su Wan continues to support him, even when he is in pain.
One night, Su Wan suffers from the effects of the poison because she forgot to take her antidote. She seeks out Xie Yanci, who gives her the antidote without hesitation. He also provides her with extra pills for future emergencies. This act of kindness surprises both of them, and Su Wan begins to believe that she is making progress in changing Xie Yanci's fate. However, she remains unaware that the extra pills are actually poison, not an antidote. Xie Yanci's true intentions remain hidden, and the tension between them continues to grow as they navigate the dangers of the cultivation world.
