And the Winner Is Love Episode 18 Recap
> And the Winner Is Love Recap
Lin Changran informed Zhong Xuezhi and Yuwen Muyuan that he had something important to tell them, now that no outsiders were present. Yuwen Muyuan initially suggested that they should let the past go, as they couldn't change their fathers' affairs. However, Lin Changran insisted that Zhong Xuezhi had grown up and should judge for herself, explaining that he decided to reveal the truth so they would understand it directly, rather than hearing incomplete versions from others.
He also aimed to prevent any future doubts about their fathers, as questioning such men would be a great insult. Lin Changran began by asking Zhong Xuezhi about her understanding of her father, Chong Ye. She acknowledged the Jianghu’s rumors that he was driven into mania and killed many martial artists, but believed he had his own hardships because he was a good person.
Lin Changran agreed, confirming that Chong Ye was indeed a decent man, high in martial arts and virtue. He recounted that fifteen years ago at the Hero Assembly, he, Chong Ye, and Yuwen Yupan became sworn brothers after a friendly sparring match. Chong Ye later invited them to the Hall of Flames, where they frequently practiced martial arts and enjoyed each other's company.
Chong Ye then refined their moves into a single technique, the Nine Moves of Lotus God, while Yuwen Yupan integrated their inner power into the Lotus Sutra. The two sutras, when practiced together, were said to grant unparalleled mastery, leading to the creation of the Lotus Wing martial art.
In a flashback, Chong Ye eagerly displayed the newly completed sutras, believing they would make them the greatest in the world, while Yuwen Yupan cautioned against rushing cultivation, stressing that improvement happens step by step. Unfortunately, Chong Ye, being the most skilled, only practiced the Nine Moves of Lotus God, neglecting the Lotus Sutra’s crucial internal cultivation. As a result, he was driven into mania.
Every time the Nine Moves backfired, Chong Ye's personality would change drastically, becoming cruel and uncontrollable. For two years, he feigned illness to avoid the Hero Assembly, and during his fits, he ordered his disciples to lock him up, fearing he would harm innocents. However, his humanity gradually diminished, and he eventually begged his brothers to kill him to end his suffering.
Lin Changran recalled a saying: "Shattered hairpin and broken mirror, flames burn in the human world; end all of your bonding to achieve Lotus Wing." This meant that if one was driven into mania while cultivating the Nine Moves of Lotus God, they had to kill their closest kin to become detached from worldly desires and thus eliminate the evil influence. Seeing Chong Ye’s torment, Yuwen Yupan devised an extreme solution: to sacrifice his own life for Chong Ye’s humanity.
Despite Lin Changran's desperate pleas to stop him, Yuwen Yupan was resolute, believing it was the only way to save their brother from suffering, and possibly to atone for his part in creating the martial art that led Chong Ye to madness. Yuwen Yupan willingly died by Chong Ye's sword. Upon hearing this, Yuwen Muyuan realized his father had willingly sought death to save his dearest friend.
Lin Changran further explained that Chong Ye, devastated by what he believed was his own hand in Yupan's death, regained his sanity but was already notorious. With martial arts sects besieging the Hall of Flames, demanding Chong Ye and the two sutras, Chong Ye knew the sutras were vital to the Hall. To protect them, he ended his own life, seeking redemption for the innocent lives he had taken and for killing his best brother.
Lin Changran expressed his profound guilt for surviving them both. After Lin Changran finished his recounting, Zhong Xuezhi felt a deep sense of remorse and guilt towards Yuwen Muyuan, who affectionately patted her shoulder, urging her to let go of the past. Yuwen Muyuan solemnly affirmed that his promises to his uncle, to Zhong Xuezhi, and to the Hall of Flames remained unwavering, regardless of the previous generation's actions or grievances.
Lin Changran then shifted to another important matter: Shangguan Tou’s severe inner injury. Since returning from Divine Spirit Temple, Shangguan Tou's internal injuries had not healed. Lin Changran revealed that he had once given half of his inner power to Shangguan Tou when he was in distress. In turn, to fulfill a promise, Shangguan Tou had transferred all his inner power to Zhong Xuezhi, leaving himself vulnerable. As a result, even someone as despicable as Man Feiyue could injure him.
Lin Changran urged Zhong Xuezhi to impart the Lotus Sutra to Shangguan Tou, explaining its unparalleled ability to heal inner injuries and restore internal strength. He acknowledged that Zhong Xuezhi was the only one who mastered it, but also reminded her of her duties as the Hall Master and the long-term commitment involved in helping Shangguan Tou.
Zhong Xuezhi, concerned about Shangguan Tou's severe condition, immediately decided to go to Moon Valley to help him, entrusting the Hall of Flames to Yuwen Muyuan, who told her to be safe. Feng She, overhearing, commented on Yuwen Muyuan’s great selflessness. Upon arriving at Moon Valley, Zhong Xuezhi found Shangguan Tou bathing in the Moon Spring, a specialized herbal bath area. Shangguan Tou, surprised, quickly stood up, causing Zhong Xuezhi to blush and flee, embarrassed.
Pharmacist Yin Ci explained that while the herbal bath and his treatments with acupuncture and herbs could maintain Shangguan Tou's daily functions, recovering his full inner power was exceedingly difficult due to his weakened state, made worse by transferring his power to Zhong Xuezhi and taking a hit for her. Shangguan Tou, however, downplayed his injury to Zhong Xuezhi, claiming the Pharmacist was merely overreacting. Zhong Xuezhi, determined to help, insisted on imparting the Lotus Sutra.
Pharmacist Yin Ci confirmed that effective cultivation would require both of them to practice together to achieve heart-to-heart connection, but worried about the inconvenience it would cause a young woman like Zhong Xuezhi. Zhong Xuezhi dismissed these concerns, stating her sole purpose was Shangguan Tou's recovery, regardless of gossip. She also requested Pharmacist Yin Ci to prepare strengthening medicines to support Shangguan Tou during this intense cultivation.
After Zhong Xuezhi left to rest, Shangguan Tou confided in Pharmacist Yin Ci, asking him to conceal the true severity of his injuries from Zhong Xuezhi, wishing for Moon Valley to be a carefree place for her. The next day, Zhong Xuezhi began teaching Shangguan Tou the Lotus Sutra. She reminded him of the strict requirements, emphasizing the need to eliminate all distracting thoughts, otherwise, vital energy would backfire and harm internal organs.
She reflected on how Shangguan Tou’s selfless act of giving her his inner power had enabled her to achieve Lotus Wing. As days turned into nights of diligent practice, Zhong Xuezhi noticed Shangguan Tou’s pallor, despite his reassurances that he was fine. She also toiled, balancing daytime cultivation with him and nighttime consultations with Pharmacist Yin Ci to refine his medicinal prescriptions.
Shangguan Tou, moved by her dedication, asked her to stay longer, promising to take her to see the beautiful flower sea on the back mountain. Zhong Xuezhi then brought up the painful memory of his past callous words before the Weapon Ranking Convention, where he denied any romantic feelings for her.
Shangguan Tou apologized, explaining that his difficult past and identity had prevented him from fully opening his heart, but he had changed and was now willing to learn how to love. Zhong Xuezhi, with teary eyes, admitted her fear that he would eventually leave her due to the bad reputation associated with her father.
Shangguan Tou countered that he, too, had endured much slander, being called a "playboy" in the martial world, and assured her that he understood her burdens and would never abandon her. Playfully, they agreed to "partner up" to "eliminate harm" from the martial world. Zhong Xuezhi then challenged him to work harder, vowing to become a "demoness" whom he would have to protect. He accepted this "honor."
Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Flames, Feng She tried to play matchmaker for Che Qu and Zhu Sha. Che Qu was fixing a weapon when he accidentally cut his hand, prompting Zhu Sha to rush to his aid. Feng She teasingly commented on Che Qu's affection for Zhu Sha. Zhu Sha, while acknowledging Che Qu's skills as a craftsman and his honesty, playfully complained about his dull, "wooden" personality.
Feng She seized the opportunity, swindling money from Che Qu to buy gifts for Zhu Sha, promising to make her happy. Despite the daily cultivation of Lotus Sutra, Shangguan Tou continued to suffer severe spasms and extreme agony every midnight, remaining sleepless for many nights. He had tried to keep it a secret, claiming it was normal for initial cultivation, but Pharmacist Yin Ci, knowing Shangguan Tou’s tendency to conceal pain until the last minute, was gravely concerned.
He revealed Shangguan Tou's worsening condition to Zhong Xuezhi. Pharmacist Yin Ci explained that since Shangguan Tou was the first person to use Lotus Sutra to heal severe inner injuries, unexpected side effects were possible. He noted Shangguan Tou’s excessively strong vital energy and weak internal breath, warning that continued blind cultivation could be detrimental. The Pharmacist proposed a new treatment method: using water to balance the vital energy and medicine to enhance the speed and efficacy of the transfer. Later, Zhong Xuezhi found Shangguan Tou at the Pavilion of Breeze, and after confirming her presence and his readiness, they prepared to begin this new, more intensive treatment.
