Qin Zheng dangles Yizhi off the rooftop by his neck, but Yizhi reveals he holds a detonator to a bomb on his ship, forcing a tense standoff. Zetian intervenes, urging Qin Zheng that they need Yizhi alive for information. Yizhi explains that the so-called gods are humans called Melians, citizens of an advanced interstellar republic operating a trade station above their planet, which is called Orichaea. The Melians officially practice non-interference with "primitive" civilizations but routinely violate their own principles, including using Shimin as leverage against Zetian.

Yizhi offers to guide them to weaponized armored transport ships built with spirit metal, which Qin Zheng could pilot. Qin Zheng kisses Zetian deliberately in front of Yizhi, and Zetian forces herself to appear unaffected to protect Yizhi from his jealousy. Qin Zheng painfully siphons Yizhi's qì, and Zetian also takes some, more gently. Yizhi confides that he saw Shimin once but couldn't bear it, and that bringing him back would mean abandoning the chance to destroy the station. He also reveals tribute girls are forced to work at an entertainment center.

Inside Yizhi's ship, they meet Helan, a nonbinary Melian whose mother was a Huaxia tribute. Helan belongs to the Society of the Friends of the Primitives, aligned with the Unity Party, which hopes that an attack on the station under the rival Prosperity Party's watch will sway the upcoming election. Helan offers to help them reach the hangar containing armored transports, though they must pass through locked junctions. Helan also gives Zetian a stem-cell healing spray.

Yizhi reveals the "bomb" was actually lip gloss, infuriating Qin Zheng. They prepare to fly across the station. Qin Zheng has them stop at the melted Yellow Dragon and coats the ship in molten spirit metal for protection, then perches on top with his sword. As they prepare to depart, Zetian senses Shimin's spirit signature suddenly moving.