In this propulsive sequel to The Heavenly Sword, Sai'er is beset with gritty challenges as she forges her path forward as the White Lotus Sect leader. When the Green Dragon threatens to kill Putai villagers to punish Sai'er for wounding Zhu Di, Sai'er is forced to fight the demon in an undersea combat, aided by Nezha. Then, a Sect member named Swallow reveals himself as an enemy spy and asks for absolution. Sai'er decides that he can be entrusted with counter-espionage work. Having found refuge with Putai refugees in the Yidu County high mountains, she puts Binhong in charge of taking over the district yamen. She then sends Swallow to Yingtian to eliminate Zhu Di's chief henchmen. At the same time though, Zhu Di has not let up on hounding Binhong and Yinho. During deadly feuds with the enemy camp, Sect members and her celestial friends Caihe and Nezha prove their devotion. But in hours of darkness, the dream of starting a new life with Sanbao is her solace. At a critical juncture, Binhong discloses a secret that promises to dash her dream. When the final face-off with Zhu Di is at hand, she feels pressured to focus on doing her duty.