Hongryeon is brought in red restraints before Cheondojeong, the court of the underworld. Princess Bari presides with the messengers Gangrim, Woljik, and Iljik, announcing that this is Hongryeon’s 139,998th and final trial.

The living claim that Hongryeon followed her twin sister Janghwa in death after Janghwa became pregnant and miscarried. Hongryeon rejects the story and instead confesses that she murdered their father, Bae Mu-ryong, and mutilated their half-brother Jangsoe because Janghwa had died unjustly.

Bari summons the father’s spirit, but his testimony reveals that he cares more about restoring his son’s body than recovering Hongryeon. When Hongryeon mocks Bari as the daughter once abandoned by King Ogu, Bari explains that she also desired revenge but ultimately chose to guide lost souls rather than remain bound to resentment.

As Bari reads Janghwa’s final letter, Hongryeon’s memories begin to return. Their stepmother, Lady Heo, abused the sisters. Janghwa repeatedly protected Hongryeon and became the principal target herself. Before Janghwa’s marriage, Jangsoe stole the norigae left by their mother. Janghwa was gravely injured in the struggle and left unattended until she died.

Hongryeon blames herself for failing to save her sister. Bari challenges her confession: a 16-year-old girl could not have committed the murder and mutilation she describes, and the timing of her story is impossible. As Hongryeon’s soul begins to fracture, Gangrim tells her that she is begging for guilt because she once begged in vain for love.

Bari completes Janghwa’s message: she knew how deeply Hongryeon loved her and loved her just as deeply. The truth finally returns. Hongryeon took her own life soon after Janghwa’s death; she never killed her father or harmed Jangsoe.

The thousands of trials were not attempts to condemn her but repeated efforts to restore her shattered memories. Bari performs a ssitgimgut cleansing ritual, helping Hongryeon forgive herself. Freed from her red restraints, Hongryeon thanks Bari and peacefully crosses the Samdocheon.