Synopsis of Southward Journey
The "Waves of the Southern Sea," foretold in an ancient prophecy, are coming, and heaven and earth are on the brink of ruin. Yun Yi, a young man of mysterious origins who carries the bloodline of an ancient water god, is ordered to travel south, seek the source of the calamity, and protect all living beings.
During his journey south, Yun Yi is poisoned in a plague-ridden land and saved by Yue Yao, a gentle woman who travels the world practicing medicine. The two journey together, and feelings begin to blossom between them. However, Yun Yi soon discovers that the great villain behind the chaos, who intends to use the calamity to carve out a kingdom and claim the throne, is none other than the Prince of Zhennan, who rules the southern frontier, and Yue Yao's own father.
Caught between the greater good and the woman he loves, Yun Yi falls into an abyss of anguish. Though Yue Yao understands what is right and turns against her family, she cannot sever the bonds of blood. In the midst of their agonizing struggle, the two make a solemn vow for their "final journey": once Yun Yi has quelled the calamity, he will repay her with his life. But fate cruelly shatters even this tragic, beautiful promise. To take revenge on Yun Yi, the Prince of Zhennan's ally, Xuan Ji, leader of the Black Lotus Cult, plots to abduct Yue Yao and defile her.
At last, deep within the demon's lair, Yun Yi finds the woman he loves, who has endured unspeakable humiliation for his sake and given birth to a demon child. To protect the innocent baby, Yue Yao begs Yun Yi to "raise him well," then resolutely takes her own life in her beloved's arms. Devastated by the loss of his love, Yun Yi becomes a god in his grief and fury. He unites the Five Elements, destroys the Black Lotus Cult leader and the Prince of Zhennan in turn, and finally quells the calamity in the Immortal Realm of the South Pole.
After accomplishing his mission, Yun Yi sends the baby far away, severing the cycle of fate. He remains in the south, guarding the peace won through love and sacrifice. He becomes a legend, forever protecting in his heart a love that remains true until death.
