Despite the painting being returned to the palace, it now contains a hidden layer of luminous painting that depicts the grim suffering of the city’s refugees. The Empress recognizes Xue Han’s message and heads to the Basjoo woods to confront him but finds herself ambushed instead. While Yuan An brings the Empress to safety, Lan Zhi and Mu Le fight Xue Han, fatally wounding him. Just as Xue Han draws his last breath, the Infanta finds him and retrieves his Divine Bead from his empty eye socket. (Source: Viu)