The Other Side of Deep Space Episode 14: Giving Me Another One?

The episode opens with Lao Chen and Xiaowang in a tranquil mountain setting, engaged in a game of Go. This peaceful scene is quickly disturbed by Lao Chen's revelation: the wealthy Xinxing chaebol is systematically dismantling ancient relics, and now threatens the Pufa Temple. The sight of the temple in ruins, even in memory, speaks volumes. It shows the relentless march of a certain kind of progress.

Xiaowang presses Lao Chen for details about the 'Feathered Ascension' era, a period of mysterious power and rising immortals. Lao Chen's words paint a picture of a glorious past, now shrouded in enigma. The sepia-toned flashbacks, depicting figures ascending to celestial realms, hint at a magnificent, almost unreachable power. Yet, he also speaks of a 'change' that caused these Sages to 'shed their skins' or perish, suggesting a great loss.

Lao Chen reflects on the 'Redemption Era' now weakening, a somber truth he struggles to accept. He believes a female 'Fang Shi' might hold answers, a theory he shares with Xiaowang. Despite the fading hope, Lao Chen declares his generation will sacrifice for salvation, emphasizing that not to try would be an eternal regret. He then gravely tells Xiaowang to carry on the path of salvation, a heavy burden placed on young shoulders.

Qing Mu arrives, adding a brief moment of levity with teasing banter before Lao Chen sends him off on a new task. Xiaowang mischievously diverts some 'karma' onto Qing Mu, advising him to visit the Zhenjia Research Institute. This act seems to be part of a larger plan for Xiaowang, setting wheels in motion. Lao Chen acknowledges Xiaowang's mysterious nature, offering guidance when he is ready to speak openly.

Xiaowang challenges Lao Chen, offering to show him 'something' if he can prevent the Pufa Temple's relocation. He then unleashes the 'Prajna Fist', a martial art that transforms Lao Chen into a golden Buddha apparition. The sheer power on display is remarkable, a fusion of spiritual might and physical prowess. Xiaowang reveals this is only the first stage, with the full art requiring the temple's preservation. This gives Lao Chen the leverage he needs.

On a rainy rooftop, Xiaowang receives a distressing call from Qin Cheng, who warns him of trouble on Xinxing. Qin Cheng reveals the tragic death of He Qing, a cheerful acquaintance, from cultivating a spirit art after injecting an evolutionary serum. The images of glowing purple fruits and He Qing's fatal choice are deeply unsettling. Xiaowang is clearly concerned, sensing a darker truth behind the advancements on Xinxing.

Xiaowang's smartwatch glows with good news: the Pufa Temple relocation order has been cancelled, an unexpectedly swift victory. He expresses satisfaction, reminding Lao Chen to uphold his end of their implicit bargain. Xiaowang then retreats to his apartment, meditating, awaiting the next step. He anticipates the 'immortal opportunity' Lao Chen promised, signaling a strategic mind at work.

Lao Chen greets Xiaowang at his door with playful complaints about the 'ghost monk' he was left with. He then sees a monstrous, red-eyed figure outside, which startles him greatly. Xiaowang smirks, claiming he knows the right method, sharing it in a whisper. This leads to Lao Chen transforming into a glowing purple figure, using lightning to fend off the 'ghost monk'. The scene is a mix of comedy and genuine spiritual power.

Lao Chen struggles in battle, realizing he misunderstood the monk. Xiaowang clarifies that the Pufa Temple, belonging to the Chan Sect, emphasizes 'seeing one's nature and becoming a Buddha'. Lao Chen finally understands his approach was flawed, rooted in outward struggle rather than inner peace. Accepting this, he tells Xiaowang to inform Qing Mu that he will enter seclusion, entrusting the future to them both.

The narrative shifts dramatically to a futuristic setting, introducing the 'New Art Alliance' and their interstellar battleship. Inside a grand chamber, figures in sleek attire undergo a transformation, receiving 'New Art' power from a fiery dragon-like entity. The leader watches with a confident smile as his followers gain enhanced abilities. This new faction, with its advanced technology and powerful transformations, emerges as a significant, perhaps ominous, force.