The Kiss
In the episode 18 of Alchemy of Souls, Park Jin contemplates the real reason Mu-Deok has decided to sacrifice herself. Now, as we know from the end of the last episode, Mu-Deok’s big reveal is that she’s actually Bu-Yeon. This could tip the scales in favour of Songrim. With tears falling from her eyes, Mu-Deok dies but the ice stone moves forward and hovers in front of her, bringing him back.
As the storm clouds gather, Jin-Mu urges the queen to do something to stop this, while Ho-Gyeong drops to her knees in shock. So-I realizes that her cover could be blown if Mu-Deok is brought back so she steps up and smashes the ice stone. In doing so, the stone disappears and the storm moves away from the palace.
At the courtyard, there is more drama when it is revealed that there is some sort of barrier around Jeongjinjak. So-I is still alive too, having seemingly collapsed inside. Interestingly, these people are inside the barrier but the various leaders and ministers are outside, still squabbling over who could be responsible. ..
Meanwhile, Mu-Deok deliberates over whether to switch souls with her enemies once she gets control of the ice stone. There’s a pretty hilarious montage here with Jin-Mu and the King both giggling (as if Mu-Deok has switched with them), before we get to the crux of the issue here.
This barrier is as a result of the ice stone, as Mu-Deok tells Jang-Uk that they’re actually inside the ice stone. As the pair talk, they wonder what the future may hold for them both, along with whether they’ll be able to take control of the ice stone or not.
Yeom tries to reassure the Unanimous Assembly that the barrier will remain up until the Words of the Heart book is released, but some attendees are anxious about what will happen once it’s revealed that Master Seo’s words are true. Jin-Mu takes advantage of this time to try and gain favor with those in charge. ..
Meanwhile, Ji-Ho (after feasting on that poor lady last episode) is on the hunt and he sets his sights on So-I. When Park Jin finds out, he realizes that he’s taking advantage of the chaos and could well be inside Jeongjinjak. ..
When So-I approaches Jin-Mu, he saves her own skin, pointing out that she’s with him. When a mage shows to check on her, he’s unfortunately killed by Ji-Ho who decides to spare her – but only if she brings more mages. More mages including Yul, whom he has a big grudge against.
The barrier is impenetrable, and no spells or weapons can break through it. ..
Mu-Deok has a big decision to make about her power. If she soul shifts, it will also take the energy for those she’s shifting to and subsequently kill them. ..
Mu-Deok continues to struggle with his conflicting feelings throughout the entire conversation, with some really nice dialogue - especially after speaking to Yul. While deliberating this, So-I approaches and asks Mu-Deok for help, wanting a new blanket. ..
So-I is shocked when Ji-Ho arrives at her office, and instead of the eager victim she was expecting, she finds Yul waiting for her. Yul tells her that he was sent by Ji-Ho to take care of her, and So-I is left confused and frustrated.
Meanwhile, Jang-Uk and the Crown Prince discuss the ice stone and what they’d do with it. Of course, the Prince is pretty open about his greed but for Jang-Uk, he’s dead-set on sticking by whatever Master Seo says in his scripture. After realizing that stones appear to be passing through the barrier, Jang-Uk has the idea to pass a note through asking for help.
Inside Jeongjinjak, chaos reigns when Ji-Ho attacks. Yul and the rest of the mages fight him off but because of the barrier and the lack of magic able to be used, it’s futile and Ji-Ho comes out on top. Not only that but he drains several of the mages in the process. ..
Jang-Uk steps up and tries to save the day, deciding to lure Ji-Ho into the secret room. In doing so, this also means that he’d likely sacrifice himself as a result. Mu-Deok refuses to let this happen and she rushes up to grab her sword. ..
The secret room is a dark and dank place, filled with the smell of blood and death. Ji-Ho stands menacingly in the entrance, holding a bloody sword. Mu-Deok uses her powers to blast him back, effortlessly. Unsheathing her sword, she blasts him out.
Jang-Uk is still alive, and she’s quick to point out that the fate of everyone is in her hands. Dropping the sword to her side, she asks for another promise from Jang-Uk. He doesn’t even need to say anything, as he steps up and kisses her. She kisses him back, hands gripping her sword and the crook of his back as the episode comes to a close.
The Episode Review
It’s been a long time coming but Alchemy of Souls pulls off one heck of a spicy kiss at the end there! Mu-Deok and Jang-Uk have had some great chemistry through this series and seeing them together here, right at the end, solidifies where we’re going romance wise.
It seems that the Crown Prince and Seo Yul are not the only ones who have something to say about Mu-Deok. Of course, it also destroys the possibility of Mu-Deok being with the Crown Prince or Seo Yul, who both speak their piece here and ultimately come up short.
The payoff for waiting is seeing Mu-Deok unsheathe her sword and take out Ji-Ho, who was the antagonist of the previous episode. This barrier, which kept everyone inside Jeongjinjak, provides a solid reason for the characters to slow down and develop their relationships. ..
In the flashback, Jang Gang and Jin-Mu are seen discussing how the mage promised not to use alchemy of souls again. It is amusing to see that he changed his mind and made it his life’s purpose. ..
The show has been a decent watch and this episode really works well to ratchet up the stakes for many of the players. Moving into the final week, it would appear we’re on course for a cliffhanger ending, especially with the second season already confirmed. Everything here is left wide open for what may happen next and moving into the final week, it looks like we’re on course for a very dramatic end! ..
