Blood River Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Blood River Synopsis
Turbulence rises in the martial world, where the young heroes of the Blood River forge their never-ending legends. As the leader of the world's premier assassin organization, Blood River, lies critically ill, the three contending family heads have each sent their assassins after him, triggering a deadly race against time that will determine the organization's future. Su MuYu, known as "Puppet," the head of the Spider Shadow Guard loyal only to the leader, is thrust into the center of this power struggle. Forced to defend their conflicting ideals, he and his once-close friend now find themselves crossing swords.
Blood River Recap
Episode 1 Recap
The martial world of Beili is a vast and tumultuous place, where the prestigious sects of Xueyue City, Wushuang City, and the Tang Clan strive to maintain order and light. Yet, beneath this veneer of brilliance, lurks Blood River, the most mysterious assassin organization, operating in shadow and indifferent to morality. Blood River's reach extends to assassinating high-ranking officials in the imperial court and wiping out powerful sects in the martial world.
Once a person joins Blood River, their life becomes merely a blade in another's hand. Su Muyu, one of Blood River's leaders and known as Lord Kui, often contemplates the true purpose behind his wielding a sword. His subordinate, Chou the Ox, brings him urgent news. After reviewing the message, Su Muyu calmly burns the paper and dons his mission mask, stepping into the world of assassins.
Meanwhile, Second Master Tang of the Tang Clan is peacefully playing the zither in a pavilion in Liaoluo City when the Patriarch of Blood River appears. The two men, old rivals, have converged to settle a duel they began thirty years prior. Their initial pact stipulated that the Patriarch would lead Blood River, and Second Master Tang would assist the Grand Master in rebuilding the Tang Clan, with a rematch set for three decades later.
Their clash is so intense that it alters the very surroundings, with countless leaves swirling amidst a storm of sword shadows. The Patriarch eventually injures Second Master Tang, but is also left gravely wounded from the exertion. As they stand exhausted, a barrage of crossbow bolts suddenly flies towards them from an unseen ambush. Su Muyu intervenes, deflecting the bolts and saving both of them from the ambush.
The Patriarch remarks that someone intended to kill two birds with one stone by exploiting their duel. He reflects that despite their formidable power, they are ultimately pawns in someone else's game. Realizing that news of his severe injury would immediately trigger the three dominant families of Blood River—Su, Xie, and Mu—to scramble for his position, the Patriarch decides against returning to Blood River.
He instructs Su Muyu to take him to Qiantang City to seek out an old acquaintance, Bai Hehuai, who is the martial senior of the King of Medicine, Xin Baicao. He believes the ambushers were likely agents of these very families. Three days later, in the early spring of the 11th year of Mingde's reign, the three families of Blood River gather.
The Heaven Official declares that whoever first brings back the Dormant Dragon Sword to Soul Reapers' Hall will be named the new Patriarch. This decree promises to plunge Blood River into chaos, with Su Changhe remarking that such an upheaval is necessary for a new leader to emerge. Su Zhe and Su Changhe from the Su family are dispatched to eliminate the physician capable of curing the Patriarch. They arrive at Baihe Medicine Hall.
To their surprise, a young woman named Bai Hehuai answers the door. Recognizing their hostile intent, she claims her master is out on house calls and offers to search for him, attempting to slip away. Su Changhe, having smeared a tracking ointment on her earlier under the guise of an apology, believes he has secured a way to follow her, but Bai Hehuai is already aware of his trick and discards the tainted ointment.
On her journey, Bai Hehuai encounters Su Muyu, who is also looking for the miracle physician of Baihe Medicine Hall. After some probing, Bai Hehuai reveals her identity. Su Muyu, in a hurry, urges her to ride with him to the Patriarch. Upon their arrival, Su Muyu's subordinate, Chou the Ox, mistakes Bai Hehuai for a mere disciple due to her youth. Bai Hehuai corrects him, stating she is the physician herself.
The Patriarch, Mu Mingce, greets her warmly, playfully recalling her as a "dirty kid with snot" from their last encounter, to which she retorts he was a "god of killing" back then. Their banter reveals a long-standing, amicable relationship. Bai Hehuai examines the Patriarch, who is suffering from "Snow Falls on a Plum Blossom," a unique and potent poison created by Second Master Tang, whom the Patriarch admits to having killed.
Bai Hehuai, confident in her ability to cure him, makes a lighthearted demand for payment, telling Su Muyu to rein in his killing aura so she won't accidentally kill the Patriarch with a trembling hand. Later, while Su Muyu roasts a chicken for the famished Bai Hehuai, she astounds him with her deep knowledge of Blood River, explaining its structure, the three families, the Spider Shadow, and the Twelve Zodiacs.
She accurately deduces his identity as Kui, the leader of the Twelve Zodiacs, from his blood-red demon mask. She then reveals that the previous Lord Kui was her father, a sensitive topic Su Muyu reluctantly deflects, citing confidentiality. She also questions the assassins' choice to make their identities so conspicuous, noting the irony. As she speaks, Su Muyu realizes that Su Zhe and Su Changhe are closing in.
He quickly calls Chen the Dragon to prepare for departure, but then, for her safety, instructs Mao the Rabbit to escort Bai Hehuai to Jiuxiao City instead. As they part, Bai Hehuai expresses hope to meet him again, and Su Muyu, for the first time, reveals his true name. Meanwhile, Su Zhe and Su Changhe, who had anticipated Bai Hehuai’s trick, receive a message via homing pigeon, revealing the Patriarch's location at an abandoned post on the outskirts.
Su Zhe notes that the Xie's blade and the Mu's ghost are already impatient, explaining his strategy of following closely behind others, arriving late but never missing anything. At the abandoned post, Xie Qianji and Xie Jinke of the Xie family, known respectively as the Purple Boot Ghost and Blade Yama, confront Su Muyu. Su Muyu, as the Umbrella Ghost, draws a line and forbids them to cross it.
They claim to be concerned for the Patriarch's health and wish to take him back for treatment, but Su Muyu sees through their deception. When they accuse him of sinister motives for refusing them access, Su Muyu declares that the only way their accusation could hold is if he kills them. A fierce battle ensues, showcasing Xie family techniques like the Wind Whirling Blade and Su Muyu's Inch Blade. Su Muyu defeats both of them.
He warns them to inform their family head to cease his schemes, or Spider Shadow will be ruthless. Despite the conflict, Su Muyu spares them, asserting that all Blood River members are family. Soon after, Su Zhe and Su Changhe arrive at the same abandoned post.
Su Zhe attempts to sway Su Muyu, reminding him of his Su family lineage and offering him the unprecedented freedom to leave Blood River and the Su family, a privilege never before granted to a Kui. However, Su Muyu remains steadfast, stating that as Kui, his sole duty is to protect the Patriarch's safety, and no offer or condition can supersede that. Frustrated by Su Muyu's unwavering loyalty, Su Changhe, acting on Master Su's orders, strikes him, knocking off his mask.
Episode 2 Recap
After an intense confrontation, Su Changhe and Su Muyu reached a stalemate and paused their fight to discuss their plans. Su Changhe revealed that his earlier words were merely a ploy for Su Zhe, who was hiding outside the courtyard. He promised Su Muyu that if he obtained the Dormant Dragon Sword, Su Changhe would clear the path for him to control Blood River.
However, Su Muyu, feeling a deep sense of gratitude towards the Patriarch for raising him, could not bring himself to betray him. Their views on the Blood River organization were fundamentally different. Su Muyu saw it as his true home, while Su Changhe regarded it merely as a place for exchanging favors. " Only you truly believe that Blood River is your home," Su Changhe remarked to Su Muyu, adding, "I can never make myself believe so.
To me, this organization is merely a place to trade favors. He gives us shelter, and we kill for him. The talk of family is but hollow words." Seeing that Su Muyu remained unswayed, Su Changhe decided to push him further by exposing Mu Bai, who had been secretly listening. Mu Bai, revealed to have been alerted by Su Changhe himself, declared, "Su Changhe, just you wait!" before leaving.
With the immediate danger averted, Su Changhe prepared to depart, but not before reminding Su Muyu of their pact made four years prior. According to that agreement, Su Muyu was to stay by the Patriarch's side, seize the Dormant Dragon Sword, and become the new leader of Blood River, while Su Changhe would remain in the Su family and inherit the position of its head.
Meanwhile, Bai Hehuai and the Patriarch traveled in a large carriage that moved with surprising speed and stability. When Bai Hehuai commented on its unusual smoothness, the Patriarch explained that the Third Master Ban of the Ban family, who crafted it, had mysteriously died within ten days of its completion. Bai Hehuai jokingly wondered if curing the Patriarch would lead to her own "illness and death," but the Patriarch assured her, "You are a miracle physician."
In another carriage, Su Changhe and Su Zhe reflected on past events, including a conversation about the current Blood River upheaval and the possibility of them having to truly "draw blades" against each other. Their thoughts drifted back fifteen years, to a time when a young Su Changhe, designated as "No. 63," lay gravely injured. He believed it was the end for him, telling a young Su Muyu, known as "No. 17," "I owed you a hand.
Now I'm repaying it with my life. It seems you got the better deal." Su Muyu had appeared, having run off after overhearing a mission, to take Su Changhe home. " A home is where family waits. Your younger brother is still there. So am I," he told a skeptical Su Changhe.
Their bond was evident in their past interactions; Su Muyu once lightheartedly remarked to Su Changhe, "You always turn up in time anyway, so a little mess doesn't matter." Their bond was truly tested during the trial at the Wailing Abyss, where groups of ten trainees faced a deadly challenge: only one survivor per group. Su Muyu (No. 17) and Su Changhe (No. 63) were deliberately placed in the same group by Muqiu, the chief instructor.
Mu Zizhe of the Mu family confronted Muqiu, accusing him of trying to make an enemy of the Su family by defying the unwritten rule of separating strong fighters. Muqiu, however, revealed his cruel intent: "Let them grow close and see each other as brothers. Then set them to slaughter each other." Inside the Wailing Abyss, Su Muyu told Su Changhe to stay close.
Recognizing their superior swordsmanship, the other trainees quickly united, planning to eliminate the two strongest first before fighting amongst themselves. Faced with the "Eightfold Trap Formation," Su Changhe declared he would be the bait. Su Muyu offered to go in his place, but Su Changhe, calling him a "madman," insisted on his plan. As Su Changhe prepared to sacrifice himself, Su Muyu tried to pull him back, crying, "Those who are strong enough have the right to be naive!"
He insisted that Su Changhe’s earlier act as a Lamp Child had already repaid any debt. Su Changhe, however, argued that Blood River's rules dictated only one survivor, and if Su Muyu didn't accept his sacrifice, both would die. Su Muyu, convinced there was another way, declared he would speak to the family heads, believing they wouldn't want to lose such promising talents. Su Changhe dismissed his belief as naive.
In a desperate move, Su Changhe attempted to push himself further into danger, but Su Muyu held on, ultimately choosing his own path. The Patriarch, still recuperating, was plagued by nightmares, visions of the 832 people he had killed, his sword broken in his dreams. Bai Hehuai reassured him that nightmares were normal when weakened by evil qi. The Patriarch, however, confessed his fear that without a working sword, he could not defend himself even in a dream.
He urgently requested Su Muyu's presence, dismissing Mao the Rabbit's concern that Su Muyu might betray him. Meanwhile, Su Changhe, discussing his plans with Su Zhe, stated that the Patriarch must die. He had arranged for Su Muyu to encounter "old acquaintances" to delay him. Bai Hehuai proposed using the Soul-Swap Technique from Medicine King Valley to understand the Patriarch's poison without dying.
The Patriarch, aware of the technique's dangers—that it could reveal thoughts and even control the weak-willed—expressed his concern that his life would be entirely in Bai Hehuai's hands. Bai Hehuai assured him her only intention was to cure the poison, and the Patriarch, despite the risks, agreed to try. Su Changhe, confident in his overall scheme, stated his plan to have the Patriarch die, but first ensure the young physician was eliminated, despite the protection of the Twelve Zodiacs.
He revealed that he had sent a message to Tang Lianyue, a famed Tang Clan disciple and Xuanwu Guardian of Tianqi City, whose Second Master had been killed by the Patriarch. Su Changhe was certain Tang Lianyue would seek vengeance. Soon after, Tang Lianyue arrived. Mao the Rabbit quickly ordered the Patriarch's escort to safety, staying behind to confront the Xuanwu Guardian.
Tang Lianyue, wielding Dragon Beard Needles, stated he sought the Patriarch, not Mao the Rabbit, and had come not as a guardian but as a Tang Clan disciple to settle the score for his Second Master. Mao the Rabbit tried to stall, questioning his source, but Tang Lianyue saw through her delay tactics. He launched an attack, showcasing his masterful hidden weapon skills.
Mao the Rabbit countered with her own techniques, the Fiery Paper Butterflies and Netherworld Spiders, revealing her identity as the Spider Woman of the Mu family. She even used Thunder Orbs from the Lei family, acquired through past flirtations. As Su Muyu continued his pursuit, he was intercepted in a dense forest by Mu Yinzhen of the Mu family.
Mu Yinzhen accused Su Muyu of betraying Blood River and attempting to rebel, stating he was there on his family's orders to rescue the Patriarch. Su Muyu, unimpressed, defeated Mu Yinzhen without resorting to his full Eighteen-Sword Array, deeming him unworthy. Mu Yinzhen died in disbelief, having thought he had blocked the final strike. Su Muyu then calmly told some nearby children, likely caught in the crossfire, to hide, predicting a prolonged conflict.
Back with Tang Lianyue, Mao the Rabbit believed her trickery and bewitching spell had incapacitated him. Tang Lianyue, however, acknowledged the Mu family's skills in trickery and confessed he shouldn't have shown mercy earlier, implying he saw through her act. Mao the Rabbit, seemingly confused by his awareness, challenged him to reveal his famous "three hidden weapons." Tang Lianyue, no longer playing along, declared, "No need to have heard of them. You are about to see them," before unleashing his first signature hidden weapon, the "Cries of 1,000 Birds," completely turning the tables on Mao the Rabbit.
Episode 3 Recap
Tang Lianyue cornered Mao the Rabbit, deploying his "Cries of 1,000 Birds" hidden weapons. Mao the Rabbit playfully asked if he truly intended to kill her, claiming she knew no bewitching spells. Tang Lianyue, however, insisted that her bewitching spells would not work on him a second time and demanded to know the Patriarch's motive, offering to spare her life. Mao the Rabbit continued to tease him, suggesting that if he felt anything, he had truly fallen for her.
She even asked him to use a different, more aesthetically pleasing hidden weapon, like the Blood Rose, so she could die beautifully. Before Tang Lianyue could act, Su Muyu swiftly intervened, deploying the "1000-Spider Array" to trap Tang Lianyue and rescue Mao the Rabbit. Mao the Rabbit, grateful for the rescue, explained how her personal Tracking Spider had alerted her to Su Muyu's presence.
She acknowledged that Tang Lianyue had gone easy on her, otherwise she would have surely died, but insisted this was because he was smitten with her. Su Muyu clarified that Tang Lianyue, the Xuanwu Guardian, was known for disliking killing. Mao the Rabbit, however, dismissed this, maintaining her belief that Tang Lianyue was infatuated. Su Muyu conceded that while many women in the Mu family were skilled in bewitching spells, Mao the Rabbit had not learned them.
He then expressed his concern that Su Changhe knew their every move and had even communicated with Tang Lianyue, indicating a mole within Spider Shadow. He stressed the urgency of reaching the Patriarch. Mao the Rabbit then voiced her own profound doubts, wondering if she herself might be the mole due to her wavering convictions and questioning the true meaning of their existence within Blood River.
She asked Su Muyu if he truly intended to fight Su Changhe, to which Su Muyu reiterated his solemn vow to protect the Patriarch's safety until his dying breath. In a flashback, Su Muyu stood before the three officials of the Soul Reapers' Hall, boldly refusing a mission. The officials were aghast, reminding him that no one, not even the Patriarch, had the right to reject their assignments.
Su Muyu explained his refusal to assassinate Zhang Taicheng, the Governor of Luonan, whom he regarded as an upright official beloved by his people. Zhang Taicheng had heroically saved many lives during a flood and exposed corruption, earning Su Muyu's respect. The officials, enraged, retorted that assassins were not saints and must simply obey. They threatened to brand Su Muyu a traitor and execute him on the spot.
At this critical juncture, Su Changhe, known as the Undertaker and a rising prodigy of the Su family, arrived. He eloquently presented Su Muyu's "Three Refusals" for missions: no massacres, no missions without cause, and no missions against his will. Then, in an audacious move, Su Changhe established his own rule: he would personally accept every mission that Su Muyu refused. Initially dismissing this as insolence, one official allowed Su Changhe to proceed, effectively resolving Su Muyu's predicament.
Later, Su Muyu confronted Su Changhe about his intervention. Su Changhe casually claimed he merely "negotiated" and analyzed the pros and cons for the Soul Reapers' Hall, arguing that killing Su Muyu would not benefit them. Despite Su Muyu's suspicions that a fight had indeed occurred, Su Changhe deflected, asking Su Muyu to simply trust him. Bai Hehuai and the Patriarch arrived in Jiuxiao City, a place legendary for the Sword Poet Deity. Coincidentally, Li Hanyi also reached the city.
As they entered, Bai Hehuai inquired about the Patriarch's life before his current title, asking for his birth name—a question considered taboo within Blood River. The Patriarch revealed he was once known as Mu Mingce, and clarified that he only took up swordsmanship later in his life, as the swords of Blood River were typically instruments of murder. Their journey brought them to the Spider's Nest, a heavily fortified stronghold. However, danger was already present.
An ambush began, and Chou the Ox identified the attackers as members of the Xie family. It appeared the Xie family had allied with the Mu family. During the chaotic assault, the assailants deployed the "Heavenly Web Array." Despite the outer defenses, Xie Fanhua, the young master of the Xie family, also known as the Sickly Ghost, managed to infiltrate the Patriarch's carriage.
Xie Fanhua, citing his terminal illness as reason for his boldness, urged the Patriarch to retire due to his age and recent injuries, proposing Xie Ba as a more suitable leader. The Patriarch, however, firmly refused. Xie Fanhua then attacked, throwing a stick of Soul-Calling Incense. The Patriarch, recognizing it as a Mu family weapon, managed to expel the poison using his inner energy.
However, he declared that he would be unable to use his internal cultivation for the next twenty-four hours. Soon after, Mu Kewen, with white hair, a hunched back, and leaning on a cane, emerged to open the main gates of the Spider's Nest. He welcomed the Patriarch, noting it had been 30 years since their last meeting, and expressed his contentment at seeing him once more.
As they entered, Mu Kewen instructed everyone to "Utter no word," a protocol for traversing the Soundless Array. Inside, Bai Hehuai observed Mu Kewen closely and quickly deduced that his hunchback was not a birth defect but a consequence of poisoning. She boastfully claimed she could have cured him decades ago and offered to treat him now, in exchange for the entire residence. Mu Kewen's fleeting hope for a cure vanished at her exorbitant price.
Once in his private room, the Patriarch finally allowed himself to collapse, his earlier composure having been a mere facade. He explained to Bai Hehuai that he had to maintain an appearance of strength to avoid revealing any weakness, especially to Mu Kewen, whose loyalty he could not be entirely certain of after three decades of separation. He confessed the sheer exhaustion of being the Patriarch.
Meanwhile, Su Muyu and Mao the Rabbit continued their journey by carriage, only to discover that Tang Lianyue was still relentlessly pursuing them. Mao the Rabbit bravely decided to stay behind and intercept Tang Lianyue, urging Su Muyu to press on towards Jiuxiao City to reach the Patriarch. She asserted her trust that Tang Lianyue would not kill her and declared that her choice now rested with Su Muyu.
Before leaving, Su Muyu imbued her with some Life-Protecting zhenqi, instructing her to flee if she found herself overwhelmed. Mao the Rabbit then confronted Tang Lianyue, attempting to charm him by recalling their previous encounter. She challenged his resolve, introducing herself as Mu Yumo, the top beauty of Blood River, but questioning the true depth of his feelings. Despite her taunts and admission of his superior skill with hidden weapons, Tang Lianyue found himself unable to deliver a killing blow.
He reiterated that he spared her only because he disliked killing. Mao the Rabbit, however, felt that he was still concerned about her well-being. She confessed that his hidden weapons were too powerful, and she truly believed she might die this time. Nonetheless, Tang Lianyue eventually chose to heal her wounds. That evening, Bai Hehuai attended to the Patriarch. He suggested she perform the Soul-Transfer Technique to diagnose his poison, but she advised against it.
She explained that his weakened state from the morning's battle, combined with the technique's draining effects on both caster and recipient, would put their lives at grave risk. She urged him to rest, confident in the Spider's Nest's impregnable defenses. Later, as she stepped into the courtyard to enjoy the beautiful moonlight, Bai Hehuai was suddenly ambushed by an assassin employing the Su family's Phantom Step martial art.
Despite the surprise, Bai Hehuai skillfully defended herself and managed to immobilize the assassin using the Su family's Three-needle Thread, a technique rarely mastered even by top assassins. As she attempted to call for help using the wooden bird communication system, the assassin unleashed a desperate counterattack, almost striking a fatal blow before a mysterious figure swiftly intervened to protect her.
Episode 4 Recap
As night fell, a crisis unfolded in the assassin's lair. Just as the miracle physician Bai Hehuai was on the brink of death, Su Muyu appeared like a phantom, deflecting the assassin's attack and knocking off his bamboo hat. The assassin was revealed to be Su Changhe. Su Muyu was perplexed, knowing the lair was heavily guarded and only Spider Shadow members could move freely, suggesting an inside accomplice had aided Su Changhe's infiltration.
Su Changhe offered no explanation and prepared to leave, seeing his assassination attempt was thwarted. Bai Hehuai, unwilling to let him escape after he tried to kill her, attempted to trigger a warning mechanism. Su Muyu, however, did not wish for Su Changhe to be killed and stopped her. Bai Hehuai, furious, pressed Su Muyu on how Su Changhe had infiltrated the supposedly impenetrable Spider's Nest, further solidifying her suspicion of a spy.
Su Muyu assured her he would address the issue. Bai Hehuai then questioned Su Muyu about his knowledge of the Phantom Step and Three-Needle Thread, two formidable martial arts she had used. Su Muyu admitted he only saw the Three-Needle Thread, expressing surprise she knew the Phantom Step, as it was notoriously difficult to master.
She then asked if he had questions for her, to which Su Muyu responded that her profound understanding of Blood River hinted at a deeper story beyond the connection between the Patriarch and the former Medicine King. He stated that for now, he only needed to confirm her commitment to finding a cure for the Patriarch, which she affirmed, promising to do her utmost.
In return, Su Muyu pledged to protect her until the Patriarch was fully recovered, even at the cost of his own life. Bai Hehuai, however, questioned if the words of a Blood River member could be trusted, then inquired about his origins before joining Blood River. Su Muyu revealed he was from No-sword City, a legendary place known for unmatched swordsmanship, which was mysteriously wiped out overnight with no survivors.
Su Muyu promised to share his full story if they both survived the current turmoil. Su Muyu later confronted Chou the Ox, his suspicions having been confirmed. He revealed his knowledge of the Spider's Nest's intricate traps and how all four paths to bypass them converged at a single, heavily guarded point – a point Chou the Ox was responsible for the previous night. Su Muyu revealed that he passed through that very point and found it unmanned.
He declared that Chou the Ox deserved to die for his dereliction of duty. Chou the Ox confessed, explaining his belief that the Patriarch's poison was incurable, and he would only live a few more years even if treated. He argued the Patriarch should abdicate and tried to convince Su Muyu to kill the Patriarch and seize the Dormant Dragon Sword, which would end everything.
Su Muyu, loyal to the Patriarch, firmly rejected Chou's suggestion and banished him, warning him never to reappear. As Chou left, he ominously told Su Muyu that he would never be able to protect everyone. Mu Kewen then appeared, chastising Su Muyu for sparing Chou the Ox, calling it a violation of Blood River's rules. Su Muyu acknowledged Mu Kewen's high rank but questioned the relevance of old rules when the Patriarch himself was being hunted by the three families.
Mu Kewen remarked on Su Muyu's unusual reputation in Soul Reapers' Hall as "Three Refusals" – for refusing to annihilate families, take jobs without knowing the reason, or accept unwanted missions. He noted Su Muyu was the only one who could set such conditions. Mu Kewen also spoke of Su Changhe, calling him the "Undertaker," who accepted all the missions Su Muyu refused, and whose reputation was even more terrifying than Su Muyu's "Umbrella Ghost."
While praising Su Muyu for having such a friend, Mu Kewen cautioned that assassins in Blood River needed no friends, as friendships only lead to hesitation. He called Su Muyu a genius for reconstructing the Eighteen-Sword Array from a mere incomplete manual but deemed him "extremely foolish" for wanting to be a good person while serving as an assassin.
In a flashback to seven years prior at Wailing Abyss, the Patriarch had told a young Su Muyu and Su Changhe that if only one of them survived and left the abyss, they could join the Su family. If both survived, they would break Blood River's rules and both must die. Su Muyu stated he understood. When the Patriarch ordered Su Muyu to kill Su Changhe, Su Muyu refused to obey, declaring that both of them would survive.
The Patriarch, impressed by their loyalty, asked if Blood River should break its rules for them. Su Muyu boldly asserted that they would become the most outstanding assassins in Blood River within three years and change the entire organization. The Patriarch, after hearing Su Muyu's declaration, acknowledged that rules existed to be broken only by those powerful enough to do so.
He agreed to break the rule for Su Muyu and "give him a name" but demanded a demonstration of his power. Su Muyu offered to take a single sword strike from the Patriarch. He requested that if he died, the Patriarch should spare Su Changhe's life. If he survived, he asked for a chance for both of them. The Patriarch granted his request.
After the strike, the Patriarch offered Su Muyu a choice of which of the three families to join. Su Muyu declared that both he and Su Changhe wished to join the Su family, a request the Patriarch granted, welcoming them as family. Su Changhe, initially calling Su Muyu a "fool," was astonished by his success. Back in the present, Mu Kewen concluded that friendships were a hindrance to an assassin.
Meanwhile, the Su family's head, Su Jinhui, expressed his fury to Su Changhe over the lack of progress. He reminded Su Changhe that he had given him full authority to deploy all of the Su family's elite, even having to send Su Zhe himself. Su Changhe explained that he wished to avoid a direct confrontation between the Su family and the Spider Shadow Sect, which would tarnish Su Jinhui's reputation and lead to unnecessary losses.
He claimed he almost recovered the Dormant Dragon Sword effortlessly just moments before and promised to retrieve it within ten days. Su Jinhui erupted in anger, his hand on his sword. Su Changhe diffused the tension, humorously claiming his sword had come out on its own. Su Jinhui, though amused, urged him not to disappoint him. He then questioned Su Changhe about his whereabouts the previous night, knowing he had been scouting the Spider's Nest alone.
Su Jinhui wondered why Su Changhe didn't use the family's elite, speculating if he distrusted them or feared they might uncover his true intentions. Su Changhe deflected, reiterating that he was merely scouting. Su Jinhui conceded that despite Su Changhe's unconventional methods, he was the most capable person in the Su family for this task. He granted him more time to complete the mission flawlessly and then offered him a peeled apple.
Shortly after being driven away by Su Muyu, Chou the Ox was ambushed by Xie family members who mocked him for attempting to escape the Spider's Nest. They demanded the map of the lair's traps, but Chou the Ox defiantly refused. Xie Buxie, an expert from the Xie family, swiftly killed Chou the Ox.
Xie Buxie's companion questioned why he killed Chou instead of extracting information with poison, to which Xie Buxie responded that Chou would never have revealed anything and had already been poisoned by the Mu family's young master's Paper Butterflies, so a quick death was a mercy. Chou, before dying, had marveled at Xie Buxie's unknown Dragonfang Saber, and Xie Buxie explained that the three families had secretly trained experts, each comparable to Su Muyu.
Chou scoffed at the comparison, asserting Su Muyu's sword techniques were vastly superior. As Xie Buxie prepared to leave, Mu Xuewei, codenamed Poisonous Blossom, from the Mu family, appeared, lamenting the lost opportunity to use poison for interrogation. She attempted to attack Xie Buxie, who dodged. Xie Qianji, the foremost expert in traps and arrays among the current generation of the Xie family, then appeared, reminding everyone that they shared a common objective and should not fight amongst themselves.
Mu Qingyang, a fortune-teller from the Mu family, also emerged, offering to read their fortune for the mission. Finally, Mu Bai, also from the Mu family, made his presence known. Mu Bai noted the Xie family's lack of sincerity in sending Xie Fanhua, a "dying person," but Xie Fanhua retorted that his impending death made him fearless. He declared that the six of them would be responsible for breaching the Spider's Nest's defenses the following day.
That night, Bai Hehuai found Su Muyu deep in thought. She asked if he was worried about Mu Yumo, and he confirmed it. When asked if he liked her, Su Muyu clarified that his affection was that of a family member, not a romantic one, which brought a sense of relief to Bai Hehuai. The Patriarch eventually awoke, surprised by how long he had slept.
Bai Hehuai offered to perform the Soul-Swap Technique the next day to find a permanent cure for his "Snow Falls on a Plum Blossom" poison. The Patriarch thanked her but requested a private conversation with Su Muyu. He commended Su Muyu for his arduous journey and for overcoming many difficult opponents, expressing satisfaction that Su Muyu had arrived before his full treatment.
The Patriarch warned that the three families' assaults would not cease, with their next target being the Spider's Nest itself. Su Muyu confirmed he was aware of the Xie and Mu families' alliance and assured him that the Spider Shadow Zodiacs were prepared. When asked who would lead the Su family's actions, Su Muyu regretfully informed him it was Su Changhe, his close companion.
Su Muyu reaffirmed his loyalty as the Kui, promising to fulfill his mission to thwart the three families' rebellion and cure the Patriarch's illness, despite Su Changhe's task to take the Patriarch's life. The Patriarch, calling Su Muyu the most conflicted yet resolute person he had ever met, ominously suggested that Su Changhe's sword might prove sharper than his own. Meanwhile, Tang Lianyue had brought the injured Mu Yumo to an inn in Jiuxiao City.
Upon waking and seeing Tang Lianyue drinking tea, Mu Yumo misinterpreted his actions as romantic interest, and playfully flirted with him, referencing his rapid heartbeat when he carried her previously. Tang Lianyue, uncomfortable with her advances, excused himself, claiming he needed to relieve himself, and quickly left the room. Outside, he encountered Su Changhe, who recognized him. Su Changhe questioned why Tang Lianyue had avoided him earlier but sought him out now.
Tang Lianyue replied that he chose to meet when he desired. Su Changhe asked about Mu Yumo and offered to take her into his custody. He stated that his goal was only the Patriarch, not other Blood River members, but because Mu Yumo was the Patriarch's guard, he would kill her. Mu Yumo reappeared, joking about Tang Lianyue's hasty return, and recognized Su Changhe.
Su Changhe insinuated that Tang Lianyue harbored affection for "Blood River's most beautiful woman" and tested him, asking whose blade was deadlier, his Inch Sword or Tang Lianyue's Fingertip Blade. He then decided it wasn't the right time. Su Changhe directly asked Mu Yumo if she was siding with Su Muyu. Mu Yumo stated she was not siding with anyone and just wanted to sleep.
Su Changhe countered that Su Muyu must be more important to her, as she was stalling Tang Lianyue, "the most dangerous guy in the Tang Clan." Mu Yumo insisted she liked Tang Lianyue, but Su Changhe reminded her of her past desire to marry Su Muyu, calling women fickle.
Su Changhe then advised Tang Lianyue to protect Mu Yumo for a few days if he truly cared, as the situation in Jiuxiao City was volatile, and offered to bring Tang Lianyue the Patriarch's head. Later, Chou the Ox's body was discovered outside the Spider's Nest, a clear act of defiance from the opposing factions.
His comrades confirmed that while he bore a blade injury, he had already been poisoned by the Mu family's young master with a butterfly venom, making the blade strike a merciful end. Though some questioned why Su Muyu had let Chou the Ox go, Su Muyu declared that it no longer mattered. He recognized this as a calculated move by the three families, signaling their intent to eliminate every member of Blood River, even those who sought to remain uninvolved.
With a resolute gaze, Su Muyu vowed that the three families would pay for their actions. He commanded his comrades to guard the Spider's Nest that night, affirming their collective resolve: "We won't stop until we die!"
Episode 5 Recap
As night fell, candles brightly illuminated the room where Bai Hehuai, with a solemn expression, prepared to perform the Soul-Swap Technique to heal the severely injured Patriarch. The Patriarch inquired if she was ready, to which she affirmed. As she began, Bai Hehuai noted the Patriarch's condition was "already this bad." Simultaneously, elite youths from the Mu and Xie families surged towards the lair like a relentless tide.
Inside, the Twelve Zodiacs of Spider Shadow engaged in a brutal battle against the invading youths. During the chaos, a Mu family member, Mu Bai, was confronted about killing Chou the Ox, which he brazenly admitted to, prompting a vow of revenge from a Spider Shadow member. Xie Huxiao of the Xie family was also active, with a Spider Shadow member observing that the Xie family had produced a "killer sharper than us," referring to Buxie.
Buxie, recognizing the Spider Shadow member as the one who first taught him blade techniques, declared he had long awaited this fight. Amidst the fighting, a Mu family member expressed frustration about not knowing Su Muyu's whereabouts, being reminded by another that they were there "on business" and not to dwell on her "dream boy."
A "fake diviner" from the Mu family humorously performed a quick reading, declaring "the blossom side's up, a sign of good luck," which was met with scorn. Su Muyu, like a steadfast god of war, stood guard outside the Patriarch's door. Mu Kewen arrived, his heart stirred by the sight of the Patriarch's poisoned and precarious state. He questioned Su Muyu if the attackers could breach their defenses, to which Su Muyu replied they were well-prepared and had an insider.
Mu Kewen, reflecting on his long disconnection from Blood River headquarters, pondered if he had already sided with the enemy. Su Muyu expressed his unwavering trust in Mu Kewen, believing he would remain loyal to the Patriarch even if he himself betrayed the Spider Shadow. Deeply moved by Su Muyu's loyalty, Mu Kewen declared that such words were "so moving that I should die for it," resolving to fight alongside the Patriarch against the three families.
Within the Patriarch's mind, Bai Hehuai continued her exploration, finding herself in a horrifying purgatory. She saw the tormented souls of those the Patriarch had killed, manifesting as demonic figures. She mused that the Patriarch's inner world was "literal hell." During her deep dive, she unexpectedly witnessed a memory of the Patriarch and Su Zhe on a mission.
The Patriarch, facing death, had promised Su Zhe that if they survived, he would allow him to temporarily leave Blood River to see his wife and daughter. Su Zhe had declared his hatred for his role as Kui and his desire to leave Blood River to live happily with his family.
Bai Hehuai then saw a memory of her own mother poisoning Su Zhe and leaving a distinctive claw mark on his neck, which her mother had described as a permanent reminder. It was at this moment Bai Hehuai realized with a shock that Su Zhe was her long-sought father. However, the Patriarch's self-awareness within the illusion suddenly awakened.
He saw Bai Hehuai, mistaking her for a spy who had betrayed him, especially after she inadvertently used the Phantom Step, a Su family technique. Terrified, Bai Hehuai tried to explain that she was the miracle physician attempting to cure him and was simply seeking a solution.
But the Patriarch, enraged by her perceived betrayal and use of Su family arts, accused her of trying to "pry into my mind's secrets" and attacked her with his sword, warning that "some secrets kill faster the more you know." Stabbed in the illusion, Bai Hehuai was instantly expelled, waking up in the physical world drenched in cold sweat. Seeing the Patriarch about to fully awaken, she knew it was too late to escape unnoticed.
The awakened Patriarch again demanded to know her identity, then attacked her with sword energy, splitting the door. Meanwhile, Su Changhe remained leisurely at an inn. Su Zhe observed him, noting a "messenger dagger" from the "old master," signifying an urgent summons. Su Changhe, however, dismissed it, preferring to nap.
Su Zhe, realizing Su Changhe was orchestrating a larger scheme, remarked on his cleverness, and Su Changhe confirmed that everyone was merely part of his "setup," awaiting his final move to "reap the reward." Outside the Patriarch's chamber, Buxie confronted Su Muyu, stating he had not seen him before and that the Xie family had hidden "a fine blade."
Buxie proudly spoke of his master, Xie Qidao, who called him the strongest bladesman of his generation, but still far from "Su Muyu, the top swordsman." He demanded a fight, seeking to prove himself. Mu Xuewei arrived, pleading with Su Muyu to stop, but Buxie threatened to kill her if she interfered, insisting he wanted to fight Su Muyu's sword, not his umbrella, and challenged him to use his Eighteen-Sword Array.
Su Muyu accepted, telling Buxie to use his blade to witness his sword. Buxie launched his "Still-Arms Technique," a powerful Xie family secret art. Su Muyu cautioned Buxie that clinging too hard to the sword itself could make him its slave, a lesson learned from No-Sword City's walls, and asked why Buxie felt he "must beat" him. Buxie declared that "Winning or losing, that's what gives meaning to me."
Su Muyu then unleashed his own unique technique, "Flying blades scattered, like evening rain," which he named "Muyu." Defeated, Buxie, filled with admiration and a tinge of unwillingness, vowed to create a technique named "Buxie." Su Muyu advised Buxie to find a truly meaningful cause to fight for, beyond just strength, acknowledging Buxie's pure devotion to the blade. Buxie, though not fully comprehending, promised to search for such a reason to eventually defeat Su Muyu.
As Buxie departed, Mu Xuewei approached Su Muyu, offering him medicine for a wound. Su Muyu declined, mentioning his own "miracle physician" and jokingly referring to Mu Xuewei's medicine as "cow-killing poison." Mu Xuewei then taunted Su Muyu about the miracle physician's potential demise, challenging him to break her poison array to save her. Following her escape, Bai Hehuai was confronted by Mu Xuewei, who attacked her with what Bai Hehuai identified as the "Su family's Three-Needle Threading."
Bai Hehuai, surprised by the attack, questioned Mu Xuewei's identity, demanding to know who she truly was. Suddenly, a trap was triggered, and Su Muyu, to protect Bai Hehuai, jumped into the falling pit with her. Mu Xuewei, determined to kill Bai Hehuai, ordered the deadliest poison to be thrown into the pit, revealing that Su Muyu had an antidote in his sword hilt, but the physician "must die today."
In the pit, Bai Hehuai, a miracle physician from Medicine King Valley and granddaughter of the Wen family head, demonstrated her fearlessness towards the poison, scoffing at the idea that she would be scared. After observing Mu Xuewei, she deduced that Mu Xuewei had suffered qi deviation while practicing the Poison-Sand Palm, causing venom to spread throughout her body. Although her life was miraculously saved, the poison remained, making her touch deadly.
Su Muyu, upon hearing this, pleaded with Bai Hehuai to cure Mu Xuewei, describing her as gentle and usually reserved, likely forced by family orders to attack. Bai Hehuai, though initially unwilling to help someone who just tried to kill her, eventually softened under Su Muyu's sincere pleas. She agreed to help Mu Xuewei on the condition that both Mu Xuewei and herself survived this ordeal, were no longer enemies, and that she be paid "enough" for her services.
Su Muyu then ingeniously located the escape mechanism. Having rested, Su Changhe, now awake, knew the time was right to make his move. Elsewhere, the Su family head received news that the Xie and Mu families had breached the Spider's Nest defenses but failed to secure the Dormant Dragon Sword.
Angered that his messenger dagger ordering Su Changhe to act had been rejected, the head nonetheless acknowledged that only Su Changhe could contend with Su Muyu and that controlling both was crucial for the Su family's ambitions. Just then, word arrived that Su Changhe and Su Zhe had already departed from the inn.
In the secret passage, Bai Hehuai inquired about Su Zhe from Su Muyu, revealing what she had learned in the Patriarch's memory about his promise to grant Su Zhe freedom. Su Changhe, orchestrating his next move, instructed Su Zhe to proceed to Sanli Pavilion to kill Bai Hehuai, while he himself headed for the Spider's Nest to seize the Dormant Dragon Sword.
Su Zhe complained about always being the one running errands, but Su Changhe playfully encouraged him not to die, expressing his admiration. Meanwhile, Xie Fanhua, having barely escaped the Spider's Nest, encountered Su Changhe on his way. A tense exchange followed, with Xie Fanhua calling Su Changhe an "Undertaker."
As they prepared to fight, one of Xie Fanhua's companions revealed that he had been observing a flaw in Su Changhe's "Inch Sword" technique and asked Xie Fanhua to create an opening for him, indicating a looming battle.
Episode 6 Recap
Xie Fanhua found himself ambushed from behind by his own kin, a betrayal witnessed by Mu Zizhe, the youngest family head in the history of the Mu family. Seizing the moment, Su Changhe attempted to tempt Mu Zizhe with the position of Patriarch. However, Mu Zizhe was unimpressed and declared his intention to kill Su Changhe, stating he had wanted to do so since their first meeting.
Su Changhe, in turn, challenged Mu Zizhe, warning that Xie Ba would not forgive him for killing Xie Fanhua. Mu Zizhe, fearless, responded that in the chaotic Blood River, no one would let anyone off, and perhaps only one family would remain in the end. He asserted that the sword had been unsheathed, and its luster should not be hidden. Meanwhile, Su Muyu and Bai Hehuai emerged from a secret tunnel.
Bai Hehuai, lowering her guard, revealed to Su Muyu that the person they referred to as Uncle Zhe was, in fact, her father. She explained this was why she had been searching for him, as her mother had only told her he was Kui of the Blood River. Su Muyu expressed disbelief, citing the strict Blood River rule against marrying outsiders, a transgression that had historically led to entire families being wiped out.
Bai Hehuai then clarified she was joking, but pressed Su Muyu about why he wasn't the Patriarch if Kui was a candidate. Su Muyu explained he was a "Nameless," an orphan granted a surname after trials but never truly considered a clan member, and thus ineligible for the Patriarch title. He had been appointed Kui due to special circumstances and had tried to relinquish the position, but the Patriarch refused.
Su Muyu, severely injured from a previous battle, had been suppressing his pain to protect the Patriarch, but his condition was worsening. Bai Hehuai, observing his state, chided him for hiding his injuries from a physician. She identified the poison in him as a "Life-Death Contract," which could only be neutralized by the caster's inner force. Su Muyu insisted he could heal with qi, but Bai Hehuai countered that he was merely suppressing the wound.
He affirmed his vows to protect the Patriarch and Bai Hehuai, stating he would be fine until they were out of harm's way. Bai Hehuai then noticed the secret chamber was filled with popular romances and jokingly called Su Muyu a "logic expert" before urging him to rest for her sake.
A short while later, as they prepared to move, Su Muyu explained the "Resting Breath" technique, a unique Mu family method allowing practitioners to recover strength with minimal sleep, a concept Bai Hehuai, as a physician, found medically unsound, but Su Muyu defended as essential for those "always in a race against time." The Three Officials of Soul Reapers' Hall also received news of the Three Families' mobilization.
They were pleased, revealing this was their elaborate plan to exploit the growing power and disobedience of the Three Families. Their goal was to make the families turn on each other, weakening them and allowing the Three Officials to select a more compliant representative. After reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of the Su, Xie, and Mu families, they decided to grant Mu Zizhe "The Death Coffin" at his request for aid.
One of the Three Officials volunteered to personally intervene, viewing it as a journey to dispel misfortune and absolve sins, though not to grant blessings. As Su Muyu stepped out of the secret tunnel, Mu Bai was waiting with his men. Mu Bai revealed he had tracked them by exploiting the Mu family's knowledge of the Spider's Nest arrays, intending to kill Bai Hehuai to ensure the Patriarch's death.
Su Muyu mocked Mu Bai's confidence, challenging his ability to defeat him. Simultaneously, Su Changhe and Mu Zizhe engaged in a fierce battle. Su Changhe used his signature "Dance of the Butterfly, Nine Drives" and boasted about his Trinity Array, which he had spent years improving, ensuring no opportunity for his opponents. He also revealed his men had ingested "Painless Powder," making them impervious to pain.
Su Changhe then wounded Mu Zizhe with a weak poison, warning him that it would become critical in two hours. With reinforcements arriving for the Su family, Mu Zizhe was forced to retreat to expel the toxin. Su Muyu, caught within Mu Bai's array composed of Cutting Embrace, Falling Autumn, and White-Sleeve Sword, quickly identified its flaws and found a way to break the "Trinity Array."
He revealed his origin from No-Sword City, a place renowned for studying and dispelling all sword arts, a fact that shocked Mu Bai. Just as Su Muyu was about to win, Mu Bai received reinforcements, including Mu Qingyang, who admitted to tricking Xuewei away to prevent her from protecting Su Muyu. At this critical juncture, Su Zhe arrived.
Assessing the new threat, Su Muyu noted the presence of Mu Bai, Mu Qingyang, and five Mu family "ghosts," realizing it was a do-or-die situation to help Bai Hehuai escape. Su Zhe initially appeared to attack Bai Hehuai but paused upon recognizing her "Phantom Step" technique. He questioned her about her mother, Wen Luojin, whose nickname was He, and confirmed Bai Hehuai was his daughter.
Su Muyu, perplexed, inquired about their relationship, to which Su Zhe brusquely told him it was "none of your business" before ordering everyone to "scram." Mu Bai, witnessing the reunion, accused Su Zhe of defying clan rules by marrying an outsider and called Bai Hehuai an "illegitimate child" who deserved death. Su Zhe scoffed at his words, reminding him that the Blood River was already in chaos from their attempt to kill the Patriarch, making talk of rules hypocritical.
He proudly defended his marriage and daughter, stating that Mu Bai's actions were far more deserving of severe punishment. Su Zhe then requested a moment with his daughter, and Su Muyu understood, giving them space. Su Zhe briefly explained that his long absence was meant to protect her and her mother from the dangers of the Blood River.
Returning to the fight, Su Zhe then, with a single powerful move, shattered the Mu family's Ghost Hollow Array, shocking Su Muyu with his immense strength. Su Zhe joked that he had to "show off a little bit" for his daughter, unlike past battles where he wasn't paid. Mu Bai and Mu Qingyang managed to escape. Mu Bai vowed to report Su Zhe's transgression to their family head, intending to use it as a pretext to eradicate the Su family.
Mu Qingyang, feigning agreement, then unexpectedly killed Mu Bai, explaining that his death would provide the necessary "catalyst" to galvanize the Mu family head into full-scale war against the Su family. Su Muyu, Bai Hehuai, and Su Zhe finally reached the Patriarch. Bai Hehuai announced she had found a cure, but it came at the cost of her own life. Su Zhe immediately objected. A family member, Mu Kewen, then asked if someone else could sacrifice their life instead.
Later that night, Su Zhe and Bai Hehuai shared tea and spoke candidly. Su Zhe elaborated on his initial optimism about defying Blood River's rules for love, almost succeeding until his beloved's identity as a Wen family daughter caused even the Patriarch to withdraw support. He shared how he was finally able to be with her on her dying night, as she passed in his arms while a young Bai Hehuai slept peacefully nearby.
Bai Hehuai confronted him with her grandfather's accusations of heartlessness, contrasting them with her mother's affection, which drove her search for him. She reiterated her desire to go south with him after the Patriarch was cured, explaining that beyond compensation, her hope was that Blood River, indebted to them, would not prevent their family reunion.
Meanwhile, Su Muyu reflected on the Spider Shadow's grievances, lamenting how his principles might have led his followers to become "wandering vagabonds" hounded by their own clan. Si the Snake arrived with medicine for Su Muyu's injuries. Su Muyu, feeling a sense of debt toward Si the Snake, the newest member to join Spider Shadow, acknowledged he had unknowingly drawn him into this conflict. Si the Snake, however, reassured him, asking if Blood River members were inherently "crooks."
Su Muyu confirmed they were, citing their mercenary nature, but added a poignant truth: "no one is born a willing crook." Si the Snake then spoke of finding a "first ray of light" in Su Muyu within the "endless night" of Blood River, recalling how Su Muyu had inspired them to be "protective shields" rather than "killing tools."
He declared his loyalty and willingness to die for Su Muyu, not for the Patriarch, believing the other Spider Shadow members shared this sentiment. Finally, all twelve Spider Shadow members appeared, united in their plea for Su Muyu to wield the Dormant Dragon Sword and assume the position of Patriarch.
Episode 7 Recap
The Spider Shadow members knelt before Su Muyu, pleading with him to wield the Dormant Dragon Sword and accept the title of Patriarch. Su Muyu, after a moment, told them to rise and solemnly promised that once the current troubles were resolved, he would lead them all back home with honor and freedom. Meanwhile, Xie Qianji returned to the Xie family, bringing Xie Fanhua’s body.
He reported to Xie Ba, the head of the Xie family, that Xie Fanhua had been killed by the Su family during the attempt to seize the Dormant Dragon Sword. He also noted that Senior Jinke, who was meant to meet Fanhua, was ambushed and left without a trace. Xie Ba mourned Xie Fanhua, recalling his poor health, but his grief quickly turned to fury upon learning of Xie Buxie's disappearance. He declared that in Blood River, "missing" meant desertion.
He ordered men to search for Xie Buxie and demanded Xie Qidao appear in Jiuxiao City to atone for his disciple’s actions, dismissing Xie Qianji’s explanation that Xie Qidao had previously refused to see him. Xie Ba then punished Xie Qianji by ordering him to kneel for three days. At the Mu family, Mu Qingyang brought back Mu Bai’s body. Mu Zizhe, the family head, was saddened but maintained his composure, encouraging his people.
Mu Qingyang revealed that Su Zhe of the Su family was responsible for Mu Bai's death, describing the distinct wounds caused by Su Zhe’s gold ring. Mu Zizhe expressed surprise that the Su family would deploy Su Zhe, whom he believed was aligned with the Patriarch. Mu Qingyang clarified that Su Zhe had initially been sent to kill the Medicine King Valley physician, but unexpectedly turned on the Mu family.
Just then, a Death Coffin arrived, sparking alarm among the Mu family members who warned that it contained a madman and was guarded by the Soul Reapers' Hall. Mu Zizhe calmed them, explaining he had requested the coffin from the Soul Reapers' Hall as a sign of their support for the Mu family. At the Su family, the head, Su Jinhui, commented on Su Changhe's knack for creating widespread chaos.
Su Changhe, still bearing wounds from Mu Zizhe, claimed responsibility for Xie Fanhua's death, suggesting the Xie family secretly welcomed it. However, he was visibly shaken upon learning that Mu Bai was also dead, and even more so when Su Jinhui informed him that Su Zhe was the killer. Su Changhe realized this meant open warfare with the Mu family.
Su Jinhui, seeing the escalating conflict, decided to fully embrace the challenge, aiming to make the Su family the sole dominant power in Blood River. Su Changhe pledged his unwavering loyalty. Later, Su Jinhui learned that Su Zhe had not engaged Su Muyu but had instead returned to the Spider's Nest with Su Muyu and the physician, leaving them to wonder if Su Muyu had managed to win Su Zhe over.
Meanwhile, Xie Qidao's disciple reported that Xie Buxie had returned briefly, leaving behind a representation of his eighth sword move, but stated it wasn't the "true" eighth move and that he needed more years of travel to find the answer before he would return. Xie Qidao was furious, realizing that remaining outside Blood River for over ten days would lead to a kill writ from the Soul Reapers' Hall.
A letter from Xie Ba then arrived, declaring Xie Buxie’s departure a capital offense. However, Xie Ba offered a deal: if Xie Qidao would come to Jiuxiao City and assist the Xie family, they would intercede with the Soul Reapers' Hall for a pardon. Xie Qidao saw through Xie Ba's manipulative scheme. Separately, Tang Lianyue continued to diligently care for the injured Mu Yumo.
Mu Yumo acknowledged his thoughtful care but warned him that her wounds would eventually heal, and she intended to seek out the Patriarch to avenge Second Master Tang. Tang Lianyue countered that she should prioritize settling her debts before seeking revenge. Back at the Spider's Nest, Su Zhe confronted Su Muyu about the Spider Shadow's calls for Su Muyu to become Patriarch. Su Zhe expressed strong disapproval, especially considering Bai Hehuai's affection for Su Muyu.
He worried that if Su Muyu became Patriarch, he would lose his autonomy, and his daughter would ultimately be hurt. Su Muyu dismissed his concerns as a jest. Su Zhe then pressed Su Muyu about Mu Bai's death, knowing he himself hadn’t delivered the killing blow to Mu Bai after he fled.
Su Muyu revealed that Su Changhe was the true mastermind, having secretly allied with Mu Qingyang to kill Mu Bai and frame Su Zhe, thereby escalating the chaos in Blood River. Su Muyu explained that Su Changhe believed the greatest gains emerged from the greatest chaos, and his plan was reaching its climax as he sought the Dormant Dragon Sword.
Su Muyu, however, felt that things were far from as simple as Su Changhe envisioned, hinting at his own underlying strategy. At the Patriarch’s location, his poison was miraculously almost gone. Su Zhe entered, and the Patriarch initially suspected he had been sent by Su Jinhui to assassinate him. Su Zhe, recalling his past loyalty, expressed his sadness at the accusation. He revealed that Bai Hehuai, his daughter, insisted on curing the Patriarch since she had taken payment.
The Patriarch understood that the physician was from the Wen family of Medicine King Valley and realized that his predicament had inadvertently led to Su Zhe's reunion with his daughter. Bai Hehuai confirmed the poison, identified as "Snow Falling Plum Blossom," was largely cleared but cautioned the Patriarch against using his inner force for several days to avoid a relapse.
The Patriarch then deduced that Bai Hehuai had used the Soul-Swap Technique to delve into his memories, both to find her father and to find a cure for his poison. Bai Hehuai confirmed his insight, adding that the only way to cure the poison was a "life for life" exchange, requiring a person with superb inner force to absorb the toxins into themselves via the Zhiyang acupoint.
The Patriarch was deeply saddened to realize that Mu Kewen, whom his subordinate referred to as Uncle Luo, had sacrificed his life for him. He recalled his youthful friendship with Mu Kewen, reflecting on how one became the revered Patriarch and the other a lowly gatekeeper.
Su Muyu saw Mu Kewen off for the last time, and Mu Kewen conveyed a message to Su Muyu, sharing that Su Muyu and Su Changhe reminded him of his own youth with the Patriarch, whose real name was Mu Mingce. Mu Kewen expressed his hope that Su Muyu and Su Changhe would not suffer the same tragic fate as he and Mu Mingce.
After Mu Kewen's sacrifice, he refused to meet the Patriarch again, declaring that all past entanglements between them were now resolved, and that the Spider's Nest should be given to the Medicine King Valley. He felt a profound sense of liberation, no longer bound by his identity as Mu Kewen, a member of Blood River, or the guardian of the Spider's Nest, finding new joy in life.
Su Zhe, realizing the depth of his daughter's sacrifice (even if Mu Kewen ultimately took her place), decided it was time to leave Blood River with her. Acknowledging this as an act of betrayal, he asked the Patriarch to write to the Soul Reapers' Hall, not for mercy, but to officially list him for pursuit, indicating his resolute departure.
The Patriarch rebuked him, reminding him of a previous opportunity he'd been given to leave, a choice that could not be regretted. As tensions rose and the Patriarch prepared to act, Su Muyu and Bai Hehuai intervened. Su Muyu requested to speak with the Patriarch first, hoping to prevent a confrontation where Su Zhe would need to "collect his body."
The Patriarch, seeing Su Muyu's unwavering loyalty, decided to finally address the poison he had secretly administered to Su Muyu years ago, the Life-Death Contract. He had believed Su Muyu's protection stemmed from this binding curse. To his astonishment, Su Muyu revealed he had already cured himself years ago when mastering the Eighteen-Sword Array, which unexpectedly purged the poison.
Su Muyu explained that his continued protection of the Patriarch was born from gratitude for saving him and his brother at Wailing Abyss, and from the oath he took as a Kui, guided by the principles of "loyalty and duty" instilled by his father, Sword God Zhuo Yuluo. He reiterated his father’s teaching that "honor bonds and keep your word" were fundamental, and forgetting either meant losing the right to wield a sword.
Moved by Su Muyu’s profound sense of loyalty and duty, the Patriarch acknowledged his own advanced age and limited remaining years, despite being cured. He then asked Su Muyu whom he believed should inherit the Dormant Dragon Sword as the next leader. Su Muyu specified that some costs were unacceptable, particularly that Su Changhe must not die. With this weighty discussion concluded, Su Muyu ventured alone to the Su family residence.
As he approached Qinghe Street, Su Ze intercepted him, challenging him to a duel to determine the strongest swordsman of their generation in the Su family. Su Muyu stated his purpose was to see Su Jinhui. Su Ze halted him and insisted on fighting, eager to test Su Muyu's sword. Other Su family members watched from the living room, most of them betting on how quickly Su Ze would be defeated.
Episode 8 Recap
Su Ze challenged Su Muyu, declaring his intent to determine the strongest swordsman of the Su generation. Su Muyu observed that while Su Ze used daggers, he looked forward to the moment Su Ze might draw a sword. In a nearby room, Su Changhe and Su Jinhui wagered on the outcome, with Su Changhe confidently predicting Su Muyu would win in just one move.
Su Muyu further evaluated Su Ze's technique, noting that his "Sword Art of Soul Destruction" possessed a sinister aura but lacked true dominance, which, Su Muyu explained, stems from contempt rather than mere ferocity or ruthlessness. As predicted, Su Muyu defeated Su Ze in a single swift move. Following the duel, Su Muyu solemnly presented the Dormant Dragon Sword to Su Jinhui, the head of the Su family.
He conveyed that he, Uncle Zhe, Su Changhe, the Patriarch, and others would henceforth depart from Blood River. Su Jinhui, a shrewd man, knew the Patriarch would not yield the sword so easily and sensed a deeper condition. Su Muyu confirmed that the Patriarch's true condition was to grant freedom of choice to all Blood River members who wished to leave.
Su Jinhui understood this was effectively a move to dismantle Blood River, realizing that accepting the sword under these terms would leave him with a fragmented organization, vulnerable to the other two families. Despite the risks and the covetous eyes of the other families, Su Jinhui, empowered by the prospect of wielding the Dormant Dragon Sword and its immense authority, felt confident he could control Blood River.
Just as Su Jinhui prepared to take the sword, the Death Coffin materialized, and from it emerged Mu Ciling of the Mu family. Mu Ciling, a former disciple of the previous Mu family head, had secretly cultivated the Hell Palm after stealing its manual from the Patriarch, a deed that had led to his confinement in the black coffin after Mu Zizhe exposed him.
His appearance caused a stir, as his Hell Palm, now emanating a red aura, indicated a formidable power, potentially surpassing that of the three family heads. Su Ze, angered by Mu Ciling's disrespect on Su family grounds, attempted to intervene but was effortlessly defeated in one move. Recognizing Mu Ciling's overwhelming strength, Su Jinhui was forced to step forward and engage him in battle.
Su Muyu, aware that Su Jinhui was no match for Mu Ciling alone, considered forming an alliance with Su Changhe. However, Su Changhe was wary, suspecting Su Muyu merely sought to use him to defeat the enemy without intending to uphold their previous agreement. As they deliberated, Su Jinhui and Mu Ciling fiercely exchanged blows. Su Changhe found the fight entertaining and asked Su Muyu if he intended to join.
Su Muyu decided against it, explaining that if he were to assist Su Jinhui, a victory achieved with help would diminish Su Jinhui's authority over the Three Families, even with the Dormant Dragon Sword. A solo victory, however, would at least deter the Mu family from further defiance. The battle between Su Jinhui and Mu Ciling reached its climax, with both unleashing their most potent techniques. It became clear that Su Jinhui was losing.
At this critical juncture, Xie Qidao suddenly appeared. Undeterred, Mu Ciling brazenly seized the Dormant Dragon Sword in front of everyone. Su Jinhui watched helplessly as the sword was taken, recognizing that he had lost his best chance to become the Patriarch. He decided to withdraw the Su family from the conflict. Xie Qidao immediately pursued Mu Ciling to reclaim the Dormant Dragon Sword.
Meanwhile, Bai Hehuai, who had been watching from a teahouse, seized the opportunity and snatched the sword for herself. Realizing she couldn't contend with both Xie Qidao and Mu Ciling, she swiftly deployed a poison array, "Death in Thirty Feet," around herself, keeping them at bay. Although unable to breach the toxic mist, Xie Qidao and Mu Ciling waited patiently for the array to dissipate.
With no one arriving to assist her and her array weakening, Bai Hehuai threw the sword away and escaped. Suddenly, members of the 12 Spider Shadow appeared. Chen the Dragon quickly caught the sword, but just as he attempted to leave, Mu Zizhe emerged, not only challenging for the Dormant Dragon Sword but also fatally striking Chen the Dragon with an Aqua Heartpiercer. Witnessing his brother's death, Su Muyu was filled with rage.
Mu Ciling then captured another Spider Shadow member, Yin the Tiger, and threatened Su Muyu to exchange the sword for his brother's life. To save his comrade, Su Muyu relinquished the sword to Mu Ciling. Mu Ciling then handed the Dormant Dragon Sword to Mu Zizhe, who, now holding the sword, intended to lead his clan back to their sect. However, Xie Qidao and the Xie family arrived, intent on seizing the sword for themselves.
Su Zhe, observing from the shadows, continued to watch the unfolding events. Elsewhere, the Water Official located the Patriarch, who still possessed the "true" Dormant Dragon Sword. The Patriarch understood that regardless of Blood River's transformation, the Water Official sought his life. He expressed a desire to retreat to "Homeland," a legendary sanctuary of Blood River where one could live a peaceful life.
The Water Official dismissed this, insisting that Homeland was merely a lie, and firmly intended to kill the Patriarch. The Patriarch was forced to act, displaying his mastery. Upon witnessing the Patriarch's formidable techniques, the Water Official realized he could not defeat him and departed, acknowledging that the Patriarch's poison, "The Snow Falls on a Plum Blossom," had been neutralized, restoring his full power.
The Patriarch asserted that Blood River was merely a weapon in the hands of a master, not something they controlled, a reality he had spent thirty years trying to change, believing that though he failed, someone else eventually would.
Episode 9 Recap
Su Muyu and Bai Hehuai returned to the Patriarch, where they were surprised to find a Dormant Dragon Sword in his possession. The Patriarch explained that each Blood River Patriarch holds two Dormant Dragon Swords, both forged from the same meteoric iron. He revealed that the sword he held contained Blood River's true secret.
The other sword, which he had given to Su Muyu, was a test for Su Jinhui; if Su Jinhui had proven capable of quelling Blood River's turmoil, the Patriarch would have given him the true blade. Since he failed, that sword was meant to ignite the ambitions of the three family heads, causing them to be consumed by their own desires. Only by removing the old guard could younger, more promising individuals rise and break free from Blood River's control.
Elsewhere, Su Changhe found Su Jinhui, who had anticipated his visit. Su Changhe sought the position of head of the Su family, believing Su Jinhui had lost his edge after his defeat by Mu Ciling and the loss of the Dormant Dragon Sword. Su Jinhui reminded Su Changhe that both he and Su Muyu were "Nameless" and therefore ineligible to inherit such titles.
Su Changhe scoffed at this, stating his true ambition was not the Su family headship but to change Blood River entirely—to achieve something no one in its history had dared to imagine. Unwilling to relinquish his position, Su Jinhui was shocked when Su Changhe defeated him with a single move. Having secured the position, Su Changhe spoke with Uncle Qiu and his followers.
He revealed he had spent six years building an organization called "The Other Shore," whose goal was to lead Blood River from darkness to light. When Uncle Qiu questioned their right to speak of change with hands stained by blood, Su Changhe insisted that he and Su Muyu were still young and retained their youthful courage. He confirmed that Su Jinhui was alive and instructed Uncle Qiu to take him away, promising a brighter future for Blood River.
His followers then urged him to seize the Dormant Dragon Sword from the Mu compound, but Su Changhe dismissed this, astutely deducing that the sword must be problematic, which is why Su Muyu had returned to the Spider's Nest rather than pursue Mu Ciling. He declared that Su Muyu's life was paramount and he would protect him, even at the cost of his own. Meanwhile, Mu Yumo examined a Fingertip Blade she had taken from Tang Lianyue while he slept.
She mused that someone as formidable as him must have known it was missing and that his silence was tacit approval, perhaps even a token of his affection. Just then, Tang Lianyue entered with food. He saw her injuries were healed but continued to dote on her. That night, after she fell asleep, Tang Lianyue left to seek out the Patriarch and avenge his second uncle. At the same time, Su Changhe met with Su Muyu.
A debate arose from their divergent paths: Su Muyu wished for freedom for all, while Su Changhe was driven by ambition to seize control and reform Blood River. Su Changhe offered to bear the burden of killing for Su Muyu, reminding him of their shared words from Wailing Abyss: "If you're strong enough, you earn the right to be naive." Suddenly, the Snowmoon Sword Deity Li Hanyi appeared, sent by her junior brother to observe.
Su Changhe stated his plan to kill the Patriarch and force Su Muyu into the leadership role. However, after hearing Su Muyu's vision to dissolve Blood River, Li Hanyi declared that to be the truly best outcome for the jianghu. Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion from the Spider's Nest. Li Hanyi realized it was Tang Lianyue.
Inside, Tang Lianyue confronted the Patriarch, who revealed that Tang Lianyue's second uncle was his strongest supporter within the Tang Clan and had been eliminated by others who used Blood River's name. Despite this, Tang Lianyue attacked with "Blossom Shower." During the fight, he noticed the Patriarch's exertion had caused a fatal relapse of his poison. Realizing his foe was already dying, Tang Lianyue ceased his attack and departed.
Su Muyu and Su Changhe rushed back to find the Patriarch on the verge of death, a fact the miracle physician confirmed was beyond remedy. The Patriarch summoned them for a final talk. He admitted he once thought Su Muyu's protection was due to a "Life-Death Contract," but now understood it was genuine loyalty, as Su Muyu had already broken the contract.
Reflecting on his own past and a bond with his brother Kewen that mirrored theirs, the Patriarch asked their true intentions. Su Muyu confirmed his goal was to dissolve Blood River so its members could find freedom, while Su Changhe affirmed his ambition to command it. The Patriarch then presented them with the true Dormant Dragon Sword, warning them their true adversaries were far more powerful than they knew.
He revealed that the Soul Reapers' Hall was merely a puppet organization and the ultimate truth of Blood River lay in a secret passage in his room. He then announced his final choice: to burn himself and the entire Spider's Nest to ash. Su Muyu bid him "bliss beyond," and the Patriarch departed. Outside, Su Changhe offered the Dormant Dragon Sword to Su Muyu, knowing he would refuse it.
He reiterated his belief that Blood River's power could be used for great things. At that moment, Mu Ciling and Water Official appeared. Water Official praised Su Changhe's words but stated he was not their chosen one, preferring to remain an observer. Mu Ciling confidently declared the brothers were no match for him. Su Muyu countered, "When we two fight together, we have never lost." With that, they activated the Eighteen-Sword Array.
Episode 10 Recap
As the Water Official and Mu Ciling appeared before Su Muyu and Su Changhe, Mu Ciling immediately challenged them, intent on claiming the Dormant Dragon Sword. Su Muyu and Su Changhe, confident in their combined strength, refused to yield. Su Muyu initiated his powerful Eighteen-Sword Array, sending sword shadows swirling like a tempest. Witnessing this, Mu Ciling, a true martial arts enthusiast, expressed his delight.
He had always regretted not being born in time to challenge Su Shiba, the legendary master of the Eighteen-Sword Array, and now eagerly anticipated experiencing the renowned technique firsthand. Despite Su Muyu's full effort, he found himself slightly outmatched. Su Changhe swiftly joined the fray, even employing the formidable Hell Palm.
Mu Ciling, however, recognized it as a forbidden technique, questioning Su Changhe's audacity but also noting his lack of full mastery, stating that a single higher level of cultivation would have allowed Su Changhe to defeat him. Even with their combined efforts, Su Muyu and Su Changhe struggled against Mu Ciling's profound inner force, barely managing to repel him, though both sustained injuries.
Mu Ciling, impressed by their abilities, acknowledged them by name, Su Muyu and Su Changhe, and vowed they would meet again. After driving Mu Ciling away, Su Muyu cautioned Su Changhe about the Hell Palm, warning of its dangerous backlash. Su Changhe remained resolute, stating that he would continue his path to reach his dream, even at the cost of his life. He anticipated Su Muyu’s eventual departure from the Blood River and promised not to dissuade him.
He pledged to eradicate the Soul Reapers' Hall, ensuring Su Muyu would never again face pursuit. Furthermore, Su Changhe offered freedom to those Su Muyu wished to take with him. He even prepared a substantial sum of money and a mansion in Nan'an City for Su Muyu, hoping they could meet annually in Nan'an when the osmanthus bloomed. However, Su Muyu expressed deep concerns about Su Changhe's leadership if left unchecked.
He reminded Su Changhe of their past missions where Su Changhe's impulsiveness and greed often turned simple tasks into major crises, such as the mission in Luohe City to eliminate Li Huan, which led to a confrontation with thirty-two Six Gates Bureau constables, or their encounter with Saber Kui Wang Ba at Xuehe Manor, where Su Changhe's desire for martial arts manuals trapped them in a mechanism for three days.
Su Muyu feared that without restraint, Su Changhe's ambition would endanger all who followed him, turning him into a madman. Therefore, Su Muyu decided to stay. The original agreement for Su Muyu to become the Patriarch and Su Changhe to manage the Su family was reversed. Su Muyu declared that Su Changhe would assume the Patriarch's position, and he would take charge of the Su family.
Su Changhe, both surprised and overjoyed, embraced the decision, believing they would together usher in a glorious new era for the Blood River, just as they had once supported each other at the Wailing Abyss. He admitted he hadn't expected Su Muyu to stay. Meanwhile, the battle between the Mu and Xie families raged from day into night. Xie Ba lay dying, and Mu Zizhe managed to escape. The remaining members of both families surrendered.
Xie Qidao, with a grim expression, personally ended Xie Ba's life, leaving Xie Ba in disbelief at his demise. Reflecting on the chaos, the former Patriarch observed that the Three Families were now history, and the new Blood River was on its way to reaching the other shore. Soon after, Su Changhe, holding the Dormant Dragon Sword, formally declared himself the new Patriarch of the Blood River, having received the previous Patriarch's endorsement. He was greeted by the assembled members.
Concurrently, it was announced that Su Muyu, the former leader of Spider Shadow, would step down from his Kui title and assume the position of head of the Su family. At the same time, Mu Yumo slowly regained consciousness, searching for Tang Lianyue, only to find him absent, leaving her disappointed. Elsewhere, Yi Bo and First Prince Xiao Yong were engaged in a game of Go when news of the Blood River's leadership change reached them.
Yi Bo expressed surprise that two young men could bring such upheaval to the Blood River. Yet, he concluded that their strength made them valuable potential allies, stating that only powerful rivals could become the necessary partners for achieving true domination. He then ordered a message sent to the Three Officials, signifying his intention to meet with Su Changhe and leverage the new Blood River.
In Nan'an City, Su Muyu and Bai Hehuai had settled into a more peaceful life, with Bai Hehuai practicing medicine and Su Muyu assisting her. Their "patients," however, were predominantly young women feigning illnesses like "lovesickness" during the Grain Rain season, their true intention being to catch a glimpse of Su Muyu. Bai Hehuai, playfully, would charge exorbitant prices for simple remedies like woad root, promising Su Muyu would personally prepare them, further enticing the lovestruck visitors.
Unbeknownst to them, Yi Bo’s agents were monitoring their activities from outside Nan'an. When some spies attempted to infiltrate, their martial arts were mysteriously crippled, serving as a clear warning. A flashback revealed Su Changhe's earlier promise to Su Muyu. Previously, Su Muyu's ordinary paper umbrellas, used with the Eighteen-Sword Array, would break easily, forcing him to laboriously retrieve each sword from the battlefield.
Su Changhe, noticing this inconvenience, humorously dubbed him an unconventional assassin and promised to save money to commission a special umbrella for him. After becoming Patriarch, Su Changhe fulfilled this promise, having the Ban family craft a unique umbrella that not only enhanced the power of the Eighteen-Sword Array but also allowed the swords to be retrieved automatically. Meanwhile, Su Changhe, now wielding the Dormant Dragon Sword, diligently studied its mysteries. He discovered a hidden mechanism concealed within the sword's hilt, hinting at the deeper secrets it held for the Blood River.
Episode 11 Recap
At the Healing Hands clinic, Bai Hehuai was preparing medicine when Su Muyu entered and offered to cook for her. Feeling a touch of embarrassment for all the tasks he had been doing for her lately, she tried to decline, but he insisted. Though she eagerly anticipated his meal, she found his noodle dish unpalatable, remarking on how someone with his mastery of sword arts could be so terrible at cooking.
Bai Hehuai implored Su Muyu to spare her and Miss Wang next door from his cooking. Su Muyu, however, remained steadfast, believing that with enough practice, he would eventually succeed, just as with sword training. Bai Hehuai gently explained that talent in one area does not guarantee success in another, but Su Muyu refused to believe that effort wouldn't lead to mastery.
Resigned, Bai Hehuai led him to the kitchen to demonstrate her own cooking skills, surprising Su Muyu who had not imagined her capable of such a feat. She prepared an Herbal Chicken Stew, a dish taught by her master, which filled the clinic with a delightful aroma.
Su Muyu was impressed, and Bai Hehuai reflected that while making the dish used to bring her sadness, it now filled her with warmth, indicating she had come to terms with her master's passing. As the clinic reopened, Bai Hehuai noticed the patients' attention frequently straying to Su Muyu, which inexplicably soured her mood.
When a scholar, Xie Xuan, approached, she rudely announced that the day's quota of thirty patients was full and tried to send him away by claiming he suffered from a highly contagious illness. Recognizing Xie Xuan as the Scholar-Sword Deity and current dean of Shanqian Academy, Su Muyu quickly greeted him. Upon hearing Xie Xuan's identity, Bai Hehuai's demeanor instantly shifted.
Her eyes gleaming, she eagerly introduced herself as Bai Hehuai, the miracle physician and junior aunt to Xin Baicao of Medicine King Valley. She further elaborated that this connection meant Xueyue City's Third City Lord, Sikong Changfeng, would have to call her grand-master. Awed by her high status, Xie Xuan bowed respectfully.
Xie Xuan explained that he had sensed an unusual guest in Nan'an City and sought to understand Su Muyu's purpose, and was relieved to confirm that it was not to kill. Su Muyu then invited Xie Xuan to stay for a meal, a rare smile gracing his lips. Xie Xuan, noting the unusual sight of Su Muyu smiling, agreed.
To their surprise, Xie Xuan himself cooked, demonstrating his deep understanding of "the way of cooking" which he likened to swordwork, while Su Muyu earnestly observed and learned. Xie Xuan then served a delicious Flower Viewing Cake. Meanwhile, Li Hanyi, the Second City Lord of Xueyue City and Sword Deity Xueyue, arrived in Nan'an City, concerned for the safety of its citizens given Su Muyu’s presence. She approached with an aggressive stance, ready to confront him.
Bai Hehuai, admiring Li Hanyi’s reputation, was thrilled at the prospect of witnessing a fight between two powerful figures. Su Muyu, understanding Li Hanyi’s vigilance towards someone from Blood River, explained that their presence in Nan'an was due to his need for treatment after Bai Hehuai's previous residence in Qiantang City was exposed.
Bai Hehuai intervened, pulling Li Hanyi into their circle and emphasizing their familial connections to Xueyue City by revealing that the First City Lord, Baili Dongjun, was her cousin. She offered Li Hanyi some wine, which Li Hanyi praised as excellent, acknowledging its peach blossom scent left by a friend from Wangchengshan Sect. Bai Hehuai then feigned drunkenness to allow Su Muyu and Li Hanyi to speak privately.
Li Hanyi expressed her disappointment that Su Changhe, not Su Muyu, had become the Patriarch of Blood River, calling it a "very, very bad ending" and contrary to what Su Changhe had promised. Just then, Su Changhe entered, having overheard their conversation. He playfully commented on Li Hanyi’s prejudice against him. Li Hanyi recounted Xie Xuan’s words, describing Su Changhe as not the most evil person but certainly the most annoying, with an unparalleled thick skin.
Su Changhe, feigning indignation, lightly sparred with Li Hanyi. Li Hanyi declared her intent to kill him for his deception, asserting that an organization like Blood River should not exist. Su Changhe defended his vision for a "new Blood River" that would no longer live by killing but would become a sect operating out of the shadows.
Li Hanyi warned that if the new Blood River remained as it was before, she would return to take both Su Changhe’s and Su Muyu's heads. Li Hanyi then left, vowing to find Su Muyu for a fight another time. Xie Xuan observed the dynamic between Su Muyu and Su Changhe, quoting a passage: "Hearing snow outside the window, so near, yet so far," suggesting their relationship's fate hung on a single thought.
After the meal, Su Changhe revealed to Su Muyu that the Dormant Dragon Sword, which the former Blood River family heads had so desperately sought, contained a key hidden within its hilt. This key would unlock a secret held within the Yellow Springs Pawnshop, which he described as the world's most mysterious bank and the repository of Blood River’s accumulated wealth.
He planned to use this immense fortune to fund their new vision for Blood River, transforming it into a righteous sect. Su Muyu agreed to depart that very night, seeing his peaceful life in Nan'an City as a dream that had naturally come to an end. Su Changhe found Bai Hehuai, who had been feigning sleep, and she playfully admitted to being woken by his "reeking" presence. Su Muyu bid her farewell. Though saddened, Bai Hehuai understood his purpose.
She assured him that Nan'an City, her clinic, and all its lovely ladies would await his triumphant return, asking him to make her a proper bowl of noodles when he came back. Su Muyu agreed. Guided by Hongying, a shapeshifting beauty whose disguise skills surpassed even the Mu family's, Su Muyu and Su Changhe arrived at the Yellow Springs Pawnshop.
Su Changhe found it amusing that as the Umbrella Ghost and the Undertaker, they were encountering others putting on "spooks" in front of them. The Yellow Springs reapers, who had been awaiting their arrival, led them to the pawnshop's master. Inside, Shopkeeper Wang, engrossed in his calculations, angrily threw down his abacus and, pretending not to see them, ordered his subordinates to kill the two intruders.
Episode 12 Recap
Shopkeeper Wang, having just ordered his subordinates to kill someone, finally turned his attention to Su Changhe, the Patriarch of Blood River, and Su Muyu, the head of the Su family. He scoffed, believing that their rise to power in Blood River was nothing more than a stroke of luck. Su Muyu calmly stated that their visit had no connection to luck. Shopkeeper Wang laughed heartily, remarking that few dared to speak with such a tone in Yellow Springs Pawnshop.
He acknowledged Su Muyu as a former Kui, a monster among men, and declared them to be on the same path. Su Muyu then directly asked if Wang was the owner of Yellow Springs Pawnshop, which Wang quickly denied, calling himself merely an accountant and warning them not to bring him trouble. Impatient, Su Changhe produced a key and urged Wang to lead them to Blood River's treasures.
Shopkeeper Wang observed that the courtyard had not been entered in a long time before taking them to the vault and inserting the key. Su Muyu wondered if such a seemingly ordinary vault could be easily breached without a key. Shopkeeper Wang, with a proud chuckle, explained that even Blood River's Patriarch would not survive a forced entry without that specific key, claiming their own Spider's Nest was utterly inferior in comparison.
He added that the key's use deactivated all the traps and arrays within. He then handed the key to Su Changhe, emphasizing its immense value. Inside the first vault, they found mountains of gold, enough wealth to incite endless conflict in the martial world. Su Muyu expressed his astonishment at the amount, while Su Changhe, in contrast, downplayed it, although he acknowledged its significant worth.
Shopkeeper Wang led them deeper, to a second vault filled with legendary weapons from renowned clans like the Sword Heart Tomb and the Lu Clan of Shanbei, including an Overlord Armor previously believed to be unique to the Mu family. He explained that these invaluable weapons could not be bought with money and would cause bloodshed if they were to circulate in the martial world.
Su Changhe noted Shopkeeper Wang's palpable pride, asking why he spoke with such relish about their own organization's possessions. Wang simply attributed it to habit and led them to the next vault. He warned them to be cautious, as the next room contained explosives, including potent gunpowder from the Lei Clan, securely stored within walls cast from Liuhe Steel. He stressed that a single accidental detonation would level the entire Yellow Springs Pawnshop.
The following vault housed various mystical poisons and a highly venomous Slumbering Serpent King, whose single drop of blood could fell a Heaven-level martial artist with thirty years of cultivation. Su Muyu correctly surmised that the final room would contain hidden weapons. Shopkeeper Wang concurred, boasting that with these treasures, Blood River could become the strongest, an unstoppable army. Su Muyu then pointed out that they were in a pawnshop, implying a price for such treasures.
Shopkeeper Wang praised his insight, noting that most people would be blinded by greed. When Su Muyu asked about the cost, Wang declared that for Yellow Springs Pawnshop, there was no immediate price; Blood River had already been paying it for years through the missions they undertook, half of which originated from the pawnshop itself. Suddenly, the Three Officials of Soul Reapers' Hall arrived.
The Earth Official immediately attacked Su Changhe with his Hell Palm, criticizing the decision to spare the two young men years ago. Shopkeeper Wang sternly forbade fighting within his premises. The Earth Official then pressed Wang to finish his explanation, revealing that to retrieve the treasures, one needed not only the Patriarch's key but also the Three Officials' token, requiring their explicit consent. Su Changhe realized this was how the Three Officials maintained their authority over the Three Families.
The Earth Official then taunted Su Changhe about attempting to kill them for the token, but Shopkeeper Wang warned that any aggression would trigger the pawnshop's mechanisms, destroying all the treasures. Su Changhe questioned if the Three Officials now recognized him and Su Muyu as Blood River's leaders. Su Muyu boldly declared that they no longer acknowledged Soul Reapers' Hall or the Three Officials, stating that the new Blood River would have no place for them.
The Earth Official dismissed their ambition as naive, revealing that an individual in Tianqi City, whose ancestors founded Blood River centuries ago, could destroy all the treasures with a mere thought. He said that more answers awaited them in Tianqi City. Shopkeeper Wang again intervened, telling the Earth Official to cease his aggression. After the confrontation, Su Muyu acknowledged that their adversaries would come to them.
He and Su Changhe decided to proceed to Tianqi City, seemingly accepting the invitation while subtly defying it. Su Muyu would go alone to gather intelligence, while Su Changhe would return to their base to await this information and formulate a comprehensive plan. Su Muyu remarked that their hard-won life was like a dream, and it might be better to conclude it swiftly. Meanwhile, Su Changhe returned to Yellow Springs Pawnshop, not for treasures, but to claim Hongying, the Ferryman.
He declared her a member of the Mu family. Shopkeeper Wang accused him of trying to steal his people. Su Changhe retorted that the token the Three Officials held was fake, and the real one was with the Shadow Sect, thus he would owe Wang a debt for Hongying until he retrieved the genuine token. Wang agreed to the deal. Su Zhe informed Su Muyu that the Shadow Sect's true enemy was Xiao Ruofeng, the Prince of Langya.
He explained that Xiao Ruofeng's Four Guardians of Tianqi City and the Inner Security Division had usurped the Shadow Sect's power. This led the Shadow Sect to order the Three Officials to orchestrate the death of Tang Er Laoye to lure Tang Lianyue out of Tianqi City, intending for Blood River to eliminate her and remove a powerful rival. Su Muyu realized the political turmoil in Tianqi City was far more complex than he had imagined.
Zhuo Qing met with Yi Bo, the leader of the Shadow Sect. Zhuo Qing commented on Yi Bo's frequent clandestine trips from the imperial mausoleum, which Yi Bo casually dismissed, stating his erratic behavior kept others guessing and thus worried. Zhuo Qing then inquired about a "pledge of loyalty." Yi Bo confidently declared his intention to use Blood River as a tool to eliminate their shared foe, Xiao Ruofeng, the Prince of Langya.
Yi Bo expected Su Muyu, the Umbrella Ghost, to arrive in three days. However, Zhuo Qing sensed a powerful sword qi approaching, realizing that Su Muyu had arrived much earlier. Su Muyu confronted Yi Bo, who questioned his premature arrival. Su Muyu retorted that this journey was Blood River's initiative to find the Shadow Sect, not the other way around, and he chose to meet today.
Yi Bo observed that Su Muyu had changed from the tales, which depicted him as a gentle swordsman; now he was assertive and sought to dominate. Su Muyu clarified that Blood River no longer housed assassins, and as the head of the Su family, he had to be firm. He courteously offered to leave if he was unwelcome.
Yi Bo acknowledged the inconvenience, remarking on the missed opportunity for the Jiantian Feast, but still offered hospitality, instructing Crow to prepare a meal for their discussion. Yi Bo then unveiled the true history of Blood River, revealing its centuries-long subservience to the Shadow Sect. He explained that the Shadow Sect possessed all crucial intelligence on Blood River—including their secret addresses, Spider's Nest locations, true identities, martial arts, weaknesses, and portraits—all stored in Wanjuan Tower.
He warned that if Blood River were to betray them, this information would be released to the martial world, turning every enemy they had ever made into a hunter. Yi Bo asserted that despite the Shadow Sect's apparent decline in Tianqi City, he still held the power to obliterate Blood River at will, mocking their youthful ambition to establish a new organization independently. Su Muyu demanded to know Yi Bo's conditions.
Yi Bo stated his desire for Blood River to assassinate Xiao Ruofeng, the Prince of Langya. Su Muyu countered that such a mission was a personal vendetta for Yi Bo, not a duty for either Blood River or the Shadow Sect, as both organizations traditionally served to protect the imperial family. He then presented his own condition: all records pertaining to Blood River held by the Shadow Sect must be utterly destroyed, severing their ties completely.
Yi Bo, finding Su Muyu's terms unacceptable and believing him to be without the standing to negotiate, ordered Crow to see him out. Su Muyu, however, delivered a final, chilling threat: if the Shadow Sect dared to expose Blood River's secrets to the world, they would make Tianqi City their first stop and systematically erase the Shadow Sect from existence.
Episode 13 Recap
Su Muyu issued a stark warning to Yi Bu, stating that if the Shadow Sect pushed Blood River to a point where it could no longer exist in the jianghu, Blood River would make Tianqi City its first stronghold and would not hesitate to completely eradicate the Shadow Sect from the world. Zhuo Qing expressed surprise at Su Muyu's perceptiveness, noting his sharp mind, courage, and high martial arts skill.
He revealed to Yi Bu that despite using the Breath-Concealing Art to fully hide his aura, Su Muyu still detected his presence upon entering. Zhuo Qing remarked that Su Muyu, though young, already surpassed the previous Su family head in skill. Yi Bu, angered by this assessment, violently shattered a stool nearby with his internal energy.
Zhuo Qing advised Yi Bu that Blood River was proving difficult to control, and if the Shadow Sect couldn't manage them, their Highness would be disappointed, urging Yi Bu to demonstrate greater capability. Su Muyu observed the Wanjuan Tower, noting it was the most heavily guarded place in the residence, and realized he needed a plan to divert the experts before entering. He then met with Su Zhe, who had just arrived.
Su Muyu informed Su Zhe that the Prince of Langya was never a target for Blood River, given his significant status as the first of the Xiao imperial line in three generations, and he would not accept the mission to kill him.
Instead, Su Muyu proposed pretending to negotiate with the Shadow Sect, find a way to cripple them to draw away their forces, and then infiltrate Wanjuan Tower to destroy all records pertaining to Blood River, allowing them to rebuild freely in the jianghu.
Su Zhe suggested an alternative: since Yi Bu seemed afraid and wanted to use them to kill the Prince of Langya, they could turn the tables and use the Prince of Langya's power to eliminate the Shadow Sect.
Su Muyu expressed his weariness, having hoped the previous battle at Jiuxiao City would be the end of their troubles, but Su Zhe calmly reminded him that conflict is inherent wherever people and jianghu exist, especially with a brother who relishes a good fight. Su Zhe added that he had already informed Su Changhe about the situation in Tianqi, and he would arrive once prepared. He suggested they wait, noting the Shadow Sect would be on edge.
Su Zhe then offered to show Su Muyu some "fun spots" in Tianqi, teasing him about his visits to serious places like Thousand-Gold Tower and the academy, before suggesting the Pleasure House district. Meanwhile, Bai Hehuai, who seemed initially confrontational upon seeing Su Changhe, quickly changed her demeanor when he asked if she was looking for Su Muyu, inviting her to join him.
Su Zhe led Su Muyu to the Pleasure House, much to Su Muyu's discomfort, who explicitly stated he wanted to leave this kind of establishment. The Pleasure House owner offered Su Muyu any pleasure without charge, to which Su Muyu reiterated his wish to leave. Su Zhe, however, insisted they stay and enjoy the music. The owner, seeing Su Muyu's umbrella, took it, noting that weapons were not allowed inside.
Inside, Su Muyu, looking reserved, met Tu Wan, who introduced himself. Su Muyu simply gave his name. Tu Wan recognized him as Su Muyu, the "Umbrella Ghost," but Su Muyu clarified that today he was simply Su Muyu, present only to listen to the music being played by Miss Wan'er.
Tu Wan, observing Su Muyu's calm and seemingly friendly demeanor, mused that the rumored terrifying assassin might not be as fearsome as stories claimed, or perhaps he only transformed into a demon when he drew his blade. He decided to listen to the music and find an opportunity to slip away. Separately, the Pleasure House owner complimented Su Zhe on bringing such a handsome and brave young man, whose presence captivated her girls.
Su Zhe explained that Su Muyu was a junior he was testing to see if he was a reliable man for his recently found daughter, who seemed to have taken a liking to him. Su Zhe, who had watched Su Muyu grow up, vouched for his reliability in most aspects but admitted he knew little about his romantic side.
The owner joked about her previous prediction of Su Zhe's demise, to which he responded that he was still alive and now even had a daughter, whose fate he believed Su Muyu could change. The owner, after witnessing Su Muyu's disinterest in anything beyond the music at the Pleasure House, conceded he seemed to have passed the test, but she still judged him as likely to be cold-hearted for life.
Yi Bu, the head of the Shadow Sect, met with the Three Officials. Earth Official reported that their negotiations with Su Muyu had failed, but they had encountered Su Changhe at Yellow Springs Pawnshop and believed he would be a more suitable partner. Earth Official explained that Su Changhe was driven by profit, which was why he became Patriarch, but the one person who could sway him emotionally, Su Muyu, had already arrived in Tianqi.
He proposed capturing Su Muyu to gain leverage over Su Changhe, compelling him to cooperate both emotionally and for profit, and then using Blood River's full strength to assassinate the Prince of Langya. Yi Bu approved the revised plan to capture Su Muyu and imprison him in Shadow Prison that very night, without waiting for his response. He dismissed the need to inform the First Prince, sensing the First Prince's growing disdain for the Shadow Sect.
Yi Bu emphasized that capturing Su Muyu was their chance to prove the Shadow Sect's enduring strength and ability to defend Tianqi City, despite their past decline. While Tu Wan, heavily intoxicated, attempted to convince Su Muyu to join him at a gambling house, the Three Officials launched an ambush. Tu Wan instinctively intervened, blocking a few attacks. Su Muyu explained that the attackers were after him, but his primary weapon had been taken by Su Zhe, leaving him disadvantaged.
Tu Wan, undeterred, offered his short dagger, which Su Muyu accepted, noting the irony of using a dagger like Su Changhe. Meanwhile, Su Zhe, realizing the women accompanying him were assassins sent by Zi, quickly disarmed and dispatched them. Su Zhe declined their advances, stating he was past the age for such "honey traps."
As the fight intensified, Tu Wan, realizing he was a liability, quietly retreated, but not before warning Su Muyu about Earth Official's "Immortal Brush" and its qi-guided attacks. Su Muyu, despite being outnumbered and outmatched by the three formidable opponents, recalled his father's sword manual. Closing his eyes, he comprehended a secret sword art, which he then used to strike Earth Official with a powerful "finger-sword," injuring him.
Earth Official, recognizing the technique, warned that it was self-damaging, to which Su Muyu calmly stated he had nine fingers left, more than enough to defeat three opponents. Just then, Bai Hehuai arrived, initially furious about Su Muyu being at the Pleasure House. However, upon seeing his injury and hearing Tu Wan's explanation that Su Muyu was merely there to listen to music, she softened.
She handed him a bottle of medicine for his injured finger and urged him to concentrate on the fight. Tu Wan noticed Bai Hehuai's unwavering confidence in Su Muyu, as she calmly declared that once Su Muyu wielded his sword, the outcome was predetermined. Soon after, Su Changhe arrived. Despite his presence, Water Official managed to subdue Su Muyu, who had been poisoned with "Drunken Dream Bone," leaving him unable to use his martial arts.
Water Official then presented the captured Su Muyu to Su Changhe, explicitly stating that if he wanted to save Su Muyu, he must comply with the Shadow Sect's demands. Upon learning of Su Changhe's arrival, Yi Bu grew anxious. Zhuo Qing reported to the First Prince about the clash at the Pleasure House, detailing how the Shadow Sect's Three Officials battled Su Muyu, resulting in Earth Official's death by Su Muyu's hand.
He confirmed that Su Muyu had been poisoned with Drunken Dream Bone and captured by the Shadow Sect before Su Changhe's arrival. Zhuo Qing acknowledged the Shadow Sect's unexpected victory but reminded the First Prince that their purpose was merely to serve as a whetstone for Blood River, to be discarded once Blood River became a sharper tool.
He expressed puzzlement over the Three Officials' sudden change in strategy, as their strength was comparable to Blood River's family heads, yet they had previously seemed unwilling to engage in direct conflict. Water Official reported Earth Official's death to Yi Bu, noting the difficulty of capturing Su Muyu alive. Heaven Official remained silent, expressing his grief and resentment over Yi Bu's casual "pity" for their fallen comrade. Water Official then revealed that Su Changhe had entered Tianqi City.
In the Shadow Prison, Water Official visited Su Muyu, who, despite being poisoned with Drunken Dream Bone, could still speak, albeit with difficulty. Water Official explained that the prison was empty because the Shadow Sect's purpose as Tianqi's guardians had diminished with the Prince of Langya's rise to power, who often transferred prisoners.
Su Muyu recognized the poison as "Drunken Dream Bone," and when asked about Water Official's other identity, Water Official revealed his true name: Su Henshui, and stated his desire to live for himself, not as a puppet in a temple or a blade in another's hand. Crow of the Shadow Sect appeared before Su Changhe, who immediately demanded to know Su Muyu's whereabouts.
Su Changhe, filled with fierce loyalty, declared Su Muyu his best friend and vowed to fight the Shadow Sect to the end if any harm came to him, even if it meant losing his position as Patriarch. Crow calmly stated that Su Muyu was currently a guest at their sect, perfectly fine. However, he clarified that Su Muyu's status as a guest, host, or prisoner depended entirely on Su Changhe's "sincerity."
Su Changhe, dismissing this as a disingenuous test, retorted that danger was inherent in their line of work. Impressed, Crow then revealed the Shadow Sect's demand: Su Changhe must assassinate the Prince of Langya. When Su Changhe questioned the impossibility of such a task, Crow taunted him, saying he would present the most difficult target to kill, giving him time to consider his response while subtly threatening him.
Episode 14 Recap
Crow confronted Su Changhe, suggesting that if Blood River kills anyone, he would present the hardest man to kill before Su Changhe. Su Changhe swiftly placed a dagger at Crow's neck, warning him against any sudden movement. He clarified that he wouldn't actually kill Crow, as Su Muyu's life was still in Crow's hands.
Su Changhe then ordered Crow to leave, but not before meticulously instructing him to ensure Su Muyu, as their guest, was well cared for, emphasizing that Su Muyu did not eat spicy food. After Crow departed, a subordinate noted Su Changhe's powerful killing intent. Su Changhe admitted he had struggled to suppress it, expressing his hope that they would treat Su Muyu kindly. Meanwhile, Xiao Ruofeng, the Prince of Langya, sat alone drinking in a tavern.
He reflected on his use of "stealth art," a mystic technique taught by his late master, Mr. Li, pondering if Mr. Li would have disapproved of him using such methods to avoid court matters and drink in solitude. Su Changhe, having tracked him down, appeared and apologized for the intrusion, observing the Prince's unguarded and private state. Su Changhe, introducing himself as the new Patriarch of Blood River, declared his ultimate ambition to kill the world's most formidable target.
Xiao Ruofeng, acknowledging Su Changhe's keen insight into his current state of solitude and his deliberate absence from court affairs, remarked that if Su Changhe were not a killer, he would have genuinely enjoyed sharing a drink with him. The two men then engaged in a fierce duel. During the fight, Su Changhe questioned why Xiao Ruofeng hesitated to draw his sword.
Xiao Ruofeng confessed he had forgotten how to wield it, lamenting that his once-famed Haoque Sword now felt empty, devoid of its former killing intent. Su Changhe dismissed this as a weakness, finding such "benevolence" no threat. The battle was abruptly interrupted by Li Xinyue, Guardian Azure Dragon, who stated that Li Hanyi had instructed her to engage Su Changhe without hesitation upon sight. Li Xinyue gravely wounded Su Changhe with her "Heart Sword Rain," causing him to collapse.
Just as he fell, Su Zhe arrived and intervened, saving Su Changhe. Xiao Ruofeng recognized Su Zhe, recalling an earlier encounter where Su Zhe, then an assassin, had spared his life. Su Zhe, claiming he was no longer with Blood River, requested the same mercy. Although Li Xinyue voiced concerns about potential future troubles, Xiao Ruofeng, honoring their past, instructed her to allow Su Zhe and Su Changhe to leave.
After Su Changhe's rescue, one of his subordinates expressed alarm at his severe injuries, while another, who had feigned death to escape harm, revealed that Su Changhe had borne the full brunt of Li Xinyue's "Heart Sword Rain." Bai Hehuai arrived and, instead of offering comfort, critically assessed Su Changhe's wounds, calling him a "piece of work." Su Changhe, feigning offense, questioned her insults.
Bai Hehuai, seeing through his act, observed that despite the ghastly external injuries, there were no internal wounds, and accused him of staging a performance to further a scheme. Crow also appeared, demanding an explanation for why his faction hadn't been informed of the assassination attempt on the Prince of Langya at Diaolou Cottage, especially since Li Xinyue had arrived before his own operatives, despite signals being sent.
Su Changhe argued that opportunities were fleeting and there was no time for advance notice. He then revealed his bold plan: he would summon all Blood River elites from the Three Families to enter Tianqi and target the Prince of Langya. Bai Hehuai quickly understood Su Changhe's strategy, explaining that bringing such a large force into Tianqi would create an uncontrollable storm, forcing various factions into the open and making it difficult for those with hidden agendas to operate discreetly.
Crow subsequently reported to Sect Leader Yi that Su Changhe's assassination attempt had failed but that he now sought to bring all Blood River elites into Tianqi. Sect Leader Yi, leveraging Su Muyu as a captive, approved Su Changhe's audacious plan, confident that with Su Muyu under his control, Su Changhe would not dare to act recklessly.
Meanwhile, in the Shadow Sect's prison, Su Muyu, under the influence of "Drunken Dream Bone" which induced a strange trance, found himself conversing with another prisoner. Su Muyu explained his own weakened state due to poison, which prevented him from sensing the other's presence. He confided that he was seeking a crucial answer, one he hadn't pursued earlier because he wasn't strong enough to act upon it.
He expressed confidence that a friend would eventually rescue him from the prison, despite its reputation for no one ever leaving alive. Su Muyu's willingness to speak openly was sparked when the other prisoner revealed his surname was Zhuo—the same as Su Muyu's father. As the "stranger" removed his mask, Su Muyu recognized his father, Zhuo. Realizing this was an illusion brought on by the Drunken Dream Bone, Su Muyu still cherished the opportunity to speak with him.
His father, calling him Yue'an, acknowledged the hardships Su Muyu had endured. Su Muyu reaffirmed his vow to uncover the truth behind No-Sword City's demise and restore its honor. His father, however, expressed more peace in knowing that Su Muyu had friends by his side through the years. As the effects of the Drunken Dream Bone intensified, Su Muyu collapsed, and the illusion of his father faded away like smoke.
The narrative then shifted to a flashback, depicting the earlier days of Su Changhe and Su Muyu as unknown wanderers, constantly on missions. One evening, Su Muyu noted the deserted streets, unaware it was Chinese New Year's Eve. Su Changhe informed him of the holiday and, drawn by the aroma of fried tofu, was tempted to steal some.
However, Su Muyu, who had never celebrated Chinese New Year himself, dissuaded him, reminding him that this was a rare good day for ordinary, struggling families, and they should not disrupt their peace. An elderly woman then invited them into her home for dinner, mistaking them for companions of her deceased son, Yuanxu, who had died in war. She prepared fried tofu, her son's favorite dish, using the best ingredients she had, including meat she had saved for him.
Su Changhe was profoundly moved, remarking that it was the best Chinese New Year's Eve dinner he had ever experienced. After the meal, they discreetly left money: Su Changhe left a silver ingot, while Su Muyu, having only five copper coins, left those. Su Changhe playfully called him a "pauper" for his small offering. As they departed the house, they watched fireworks explode across the night sky, both smiling, finding a moment of simple joy. Su Changhe turned to Su Muyu and wished him a Happy Chinese New Year's Eve, a moment that highlighted their bond and a shared longing for a peaceful life.
Episode 15 Recap
Su Muyu, confined in the Shadow Prison, expressed his dissatisfaction with the daily meals of thin porridge and pickles, requesting fried tofu puffs, ideally stuffed with meat, and hot rice. When a guard cited his status as a prisoner to refuse, Water Official arrived, scolding the guard for the poor hospitality. He demonstrated the hardness of the corn buns by striking the guard with one, then ordered the requested food for Su Muyu.
A medic was dispatched to check on Su Muyu and confirmed that he was still affected by the Drunken Dream Bone poison, then left. Water Official informed Su Muyu that Yi Bo had used his life to coerce Su Changhe into assassinating Prince of Langya, and Su Changhe had accepted the task. Su Muyu was not surprised, knowing Su Changhe’s penchant for reckless acts, and believed he must have failed, otherwise Su Muyu would have been released.
Water Official confirmed the assassination attempt failed and Su Changhe was severely wounded. Su Changhe, however, used his injuries as a pretext to convince Yi Bo to allow more of Blood River’s elite killers into Tianqi City. In another part of the city, the Grand Prince discussed the nature of a desperado, defining them as individuals who plunge themselves into the most perilous situations to forge a path to survival.
He noted that Su Changhe, the Patriarch of Blood River, had already committed to the dangerous plan, signaling that "cards on the table" was imminent. Su Changhe told Mu Qingyang that a formidable assassin would be joining them. Moments later, Mu Ciling entered, carrying his distinctive long blade, and silenced Mu Qingyang’s excited exclamation. Su Changhe revealed that Su Muyu had sent a letter to Mu Ciling, promising to cure his Heart-Piercing Poison in exchange for his help.
Mu Ciling confirmed that this was his motivation, expecting the cure after the task was done. Su Changhe instructed Mu Ciling to intercept "troublesome types" and eliminate them if they proved uncoyielding. Mu Qingyang visited Mu Xuewei and Mu Yumo, who immediately asked about Su Muyu's whereabouts. Mu Qingyang was amused by everyone's persistent inquiries, then revealed that Su Muyu was held in the Shadow Sect's dungeon.
Mu Yumo and Mu Xuewei expressed their concern and desire to rescue him, but Mu Qingyang urged them to wait for the opportune moment and maintain their covert status, as their presence in Tianqi City was unknown to outsiders. He also reminded Mu Xuewei to wear her veil to avoid detection and informed her that the Xuanwu Guardian, whom she sought, was not in Tianqi.
Yi Bo convened with Xie Qidao, who had brought all his elites and declared his intent to let them experience the world. Yi Bo then instructed his subordinate to rigorously guard the Shadow Prison with the Eagle Eye team, forbidding even himself from approaching. He intended to gamble on the current emperor’s hidden desire for Prince of Langya’s demise. Luo Tianxiang arrived, delivering the Sect Leader’s decree: in three days, Prince of Langya would be ambushed at Fengxiao Temple.
Yi Bo subsequently summoned three renowned elders to defend the Wanjuan Tower. Meanwhile, Prince of Langya arrived at Fengxiao Temple to meet Master Forget-Joy. He playfully exposed Master Forget-Joy’s pretense of deep meditation, deducing that the master had actually dreamt of Tianxiang Restaurant's All-Vegetable Banquet. Prince of Langya also inquired about Master Forget-Worry and the young boy, remarking on the child’s martial genius, much like his father, Ye Dingzhi, but also acknowledging the inherent danger that comes with such power.
Suddenly, Su Zhe appeared, confronting Prince of Langya and Master Forget-Joy. He stated that he had believed their last encounter would be their final one, attributing his change of heart to "cursed fate." Wielding the Demon-Taming Staff, Su Zhe declared himself the "demon" in Prince of Langya's heart, there to purge it. The Blood River assassins, led by Su Zhe and Xie Qidao, launched their attack on Prince of Langya at Fengxiao Temple.
Ji Ruofeng, Guardian White Tiger, scoffed at their seemingly small numbers. The assassins responded that they never expected to succeed in killing Prince of Langya, as the cost would be too high for Blood River. Su Zhe reiterated that their meeting was due to "cursed fate." Master Forget-Joy mentioned his Prajna Heart Bell was not as good as his senior brother's and his internal energy was depleted.
Ji Ruofeng then expressed concern about bloodshed within the temple and challenged Su Zhe to unleash his legendary "Realm-Rending Sword Art" and "Heaven-Demon Sixteen Dances." Su Zhe warned that few had witnessed the true Demon Dance and lived, adding that even if Prince of Langya survived, the "Demon" would forever be a part of him. Ji Ruofeng quickly called for reinforcements.
Reading Su Muyu's letter, which proposed a grand performance to divert the Shadow Sect and destroy Wanjuan Tower, Su Changhe decided to head to Tianqi City to witness the spectacle. Mu Qingyang informed him that Su Zhe's fight at Fengxiao Temple was creating a massive disturbance, as promised. Su Changhe then issued a heaven-rank killing order, declaring it was time for the "real blade" to emerge.
Mu Qingyang, having waited a long time for this moment, looked forward to returning home after the fight. He found Tianqi City uninteresting, feeling constantly controlled, and intended to cut those strings today. Observing Mu Qingyang's new peachwood sword, Su Changhe questioned his choice to be a diviner despite his martial prowess. Mu Qingyang found the role liberating, allowing him to dream of ascending as an immortal.
A Shadow Sect subordinate reported to Yi Bo that the ambush at Fengxiao Temple was not going well for Blood River, who were outmatched by Prince of Langya's forces. Recognizing this as a signal for Shadow Sect involvement, Yi Bo ordered more troops, including the Shadow Guards from the Wanjuan Tower, to Fengxiao Temple.
He instructed them to engage directly, disregarding the risk of exposure, asserting that if Prince of Langya died, control of Tianqi's defenses would shift, making exposure irrelevant. Elsewhere, Bai Hehuai reunited with Mu Yumo, who released a tracking spider carrying a single drop of antidote for Su Muyu. Bai Hehuai worried whether the spider would locate him and if one drop was enough to counter the Drunken Dream Bone.
Mu Yumo explained the spider was uniquely bonded to Su Muyu, painstakingly trained over many years, but expressed confidence that Su Muyu, with his ingenuity, would find a way to make even that single drop effective. Water Official, disguised as Yi Bo, attempted to enter the Shadow Prison. However, the astute guard noticed that the imposter failed to mention their standing agreement forbidding even Yi Bo himself from entering. Exposed, Water Official shed his disguise and attacked the guard.
Water Official, now openly betraying the Shadow Sect, confessed to aligning with Su Changhe after the Yellow Springs Pawnshop incident, citing his admiration for Su Changhe's strength and Yi Bo's outdated methods. He revealed that Su Muyu's capture was a calculated move, a trap to ensnare and weaken the Shadow Sect, leaving them vulnerable. The wounded Earth Official appeared, condemning Water Official as a traitor, but Su Changhe arrived and swiftly killed him.
Water Official justified his actions by saying he only chooses the strong. He then ordered Mu Ying to meticulously remember the Earth Official’s face, to which Mu Ying replied he remembered "nine-tenths" of it, before Water Official concluded that the "real Heaven Official" no longer needed to exist. With Water Official's betrayal revealed, Su Muyu ingested the spider carrying the antidote. Channeling his father’s righteous sword energy, he shattered the confines of his prison, the very walls breaking apart. As if a sword fell from the sky, the mist broke, gone for good. He gazed at the world’s endless grief, then looked again, and the moon hung high.
Episode 16 Recap
Water Official and his men attempted to break into the Tianqi City dungeon. Facing the formidable Crow, Water Official's forces were quickly overwhelmed. Crow mocked their underestimation of the Dipper Array, stating that even powerful figures like Baili Dongjun and Ye Dingzhi had been held back by it years ago. Before Crow could finish speaking, Su Muyu, channeling his father Zhuo Yuluo's Spring Rain Sword Aura, burst out of the dungeon, driving back all the guards.
Crow was astonished to see that Su Muyu's Drunken Dream Bone poison had been neutralized, though Water Official's betrayal made it somewhat understandable. Water Official declared his intention to hold off Crow and his men, urging Su Muyu to proceed to more critical tasks outside without worry. Su Muyu thanked them, and Water Official expressed honor in witnessing such changes. Seeing the commotion from the dungeon, Su Changhe realized his partner had successfully broken free.
He announced to his allies that their true objective was not to confront the Shadow Sect but to destroy the Wanjuan Tower. Mu Ciling, expressing his willingness to carve a path, stepped forward. This revelation made Yi Bo understand the full scope of the elaborate scheme, realizing that the entire grand plan was orchestrated to dismantle the Wanjuan Tower.
Meanwhile, Mu Zizhe confronted Yi Bo, regretting that they hadn't eliminated "those two mad youths" years ago, as they had now grown immensely powerful. Mu Zizhe declared his intention to rectify those past mistakes himself. Yi Bo, in turn, lamented how all the blame for the current predicaments was being placed on him. Elsewhere, the Chancellor, Qi Guoshi, awoke from a long slumber and immediately sought out Sir Zhuo Qing at the Imperial Mausoleum, proposing a game of weiqi.
Qi Guoshi explained that he had dreamed of Sir Zhuo Qing and decided to seek him out for a game, making it seem as though the worldly conflicts were irrelevant to them. Sir Zhuo Qing, guarded by the Imperial Guards and the Five Great Eunuchs, remarked on Qi Guoshi's timing. He expressed that if he were not under Mr. Li's tutelage, he would have fought Qi Guoshi to the death that day.
Qi Guoshi retorted that Mr. Li simply enjoyed bullying Sir Zhuo Qing, and playing weiqi with him would be a better choice. Su Muyu encountered Xie Zaiye, an archer from the Shadow Sect, who was impressed by Su Muyu's ability to block his arrows despite his unstable zhenqi. Xie Zaiye launched his ancestral "Seven Stars" technique, boasting that it had killed five warlords.
Su Muyu noticed the escalating power of each arrow, knowing his sword would break if he blocked another. Su Muyu surprised Xie Zaiye by utilizing the Sword of Taiji, the world's slowest sword art. He pointed out that Xie Zaiye's technique was also depleting his stamina. As Xie Zaiye prepared his final, lethal arrow, Su Changhe arrived, shielding Su Muyu from the blow. Xie Biyou, Mu Fusheng, and Su Ziyan, three elders, appeared before Su Muyu and Su Changhe.
When the two Blood River leaders expressed surprise at their surnames, the elders explained that some ancestors of the Blood River Three Families had left for the martial world, while others remained in Tianqi City, and they were descendants of the latter. Su Muyu clarified that he and Su Changhe were Nameless, bearing no lineage of the Three Families.
Hearing this, Su Ziyan concluded that Blood River was now controlled by outsiders and criticized them for going against the Shadow Sect. Su Muyu retorted that the old must give way to the new, and that Blood River and Shadow Sect had long ceased to protect the world, becoming pawns in power struggles.
He declared his intention to not only destroy the Wanjuan Tower but also to sever all ties between Blood River and Shadow Sect, stating he alone was enough for the task. Su Muyu then initiated his signature Eighteen-Sword Array. Meanwhile, Su Zhe and the Prince of Langya ended their staged battle, confirming that all Shadow Sect members had retreated after their "den" was destroyed.
They recognized their fight was a mere act to draw attention, and the true outcome of the conflict lay with the two brothers fighting in Tianqi City. Mu Ciling confronted Mu Zizhe, who wielded the Mu family's Celestial Ninefold Zither. Mu Ciling, recognizing the zither he had long sought, stated that Mu Zizhe had been cast aside by the changing tides of Blood River.
Mu Zizhe, calling Mu Ciling a traitor for siding with the Su family, attacked with Puppet Razor Strings, attempting to force Mu Ciling to use his Hell Palm. Mu Ciling refused, stating the Hell Palm was unnecessary for an eccentric who dared not fight head-on. Mu Zizhe then accused Mu Ciling of single-handedly weakening the Mu family by not adhering to their master's teachings.
Mu Ciling responded that he lived only for himself, returning blows and killing those who sought to kill him, asserting that if others tried to suppress him, he would stand up with his own strength. He then unleashed his Dance of 1,000 Butterflies, defeating Mu Zizhe without using Hell Palm.
As Mu Zizhe lay defeated, he finally understood their master's decades-old question about why they lived, recalling his own answer of living for the Mu family's glory and Mu Ciling's answer of living for himself, believing that a family thrives when its individuals thrive. Mu Zizhe, unwilling to admit he was wrong, ultimately took his own life.
Mu Ciling, saddened by his brother's demise, concluded that their master's words, the Blood River, and even killing, were meaningless; only his own existence held true meaning. Mu Yumo felt that her part in the events was drawing to a close. She instructed Bai Hehuai, her companion, to meet with the others at the inn, while she herself left to attend to personal matters. Bai Hehuai urged her to be careful.
Back at the Wanjuan Tower, after Su Muyu's fierce display, Xie Biyou acknowledged that without their combined strength, Su Muyu would have perished. Su Muyu then told the three elders they were free to leave, stating he no longer wished to be an assassin, nor did the members of Blood River. He promised that with the Shadow Sect's demise, no one would pursue them.
Xie Biyou, impressed, admitted that Yi Bo was not a worthy leader and that with the Prince of Langya's Four Guardians of Tianqi now dominating Tianqi City, the Shadow Sect's influence had waned. The elders agreed that it was time to find a new path and wished Su Muyu success in bringing forth a new Blood River, though Su Muyu mused that while Blood River was already new, its image in people's hearts remained unchanged.
Su Changhe observed Su Muyu's battered state, remarking that if they had fought together, Su Muyu wouldn't have been so hurt. Su Muyu replied that a joint fight would have been to the death, explaining that he spared the elders because some things, unlike the Wanjuan Tower which needed to be destroyed, could not be completely erased. He then told Su Changhe that the opponent reserved for him was arriving, and that he was free to fight without holding back.
Su Changhe agreed, but before Su Muyu left, he made an exasperated comment about feeling like an errand boy while Su Muyu was the true patriarch. Su Muyu then entered the Wanjuan Tower alone, leaving Su Changhe behind to face the newcomer with a resigned expression.
Episode 17 Recap
As Su Muyu stepped into Wanjuan Tower, he glanced back at Su Changhe, who stood outside. Both men were ready to fulfill their missions. As Su Muyu closed the tower doors, Su Changhe was met by an enraged Yi Bu, the leader of the Shadow Sect. Yi Bu was furious that Su Changhe and Su Muyu had managed to infiltrate Wanjuan Tower undetected.
Inside, Su Muyu picked up a scroll, contemplating that even with all the intelligence, they might still be unable to defeat the "number one" martial artist. Xie Zaiye, who was already inside, guided Su Muyu through the vast archives. They found intelligence records for various factions, including Baixiao Hall and Blood River itself, affirming that Wanjuan Tower truly held every secret. Su Muyu learned that Blood River's complete intelligence was stored there, which he presumed was his target.
Xie Zaiye mentioned that some secret chambers required specific keys and admitted the Shadow Sect's own limitations in gathering intelligence. To Xie Zaiye’s surprise, Su Muyu produced a perfectly matched set of keys from his robe, revealing he had prepared well in advance. Upon seeing what was inside a secret chamber, Su Muyu's face paled. He then feigned weakness, claiming he had dropped something and asking Xie Zaiye to wait for him.
Xie Zaiye recalled his grandfather's instructions to shoot an arrow into Su Muyu's back while he was vulnerable, hoping to turn the tide of the battle. But just as the thought crossed his mind, Su Muyu reappeared behind him, confirming that he had never truly trusted Xie Zaiye. Su Muyu then ordered the entire Wanjuan Tower to be burned down. Xie Zaiye realized Su Muyu's display of weakness had been a deliberate deception.
Outside, Yi Bu lay gravely wounded by Su Changhe, his life flashing before his eyes. He recalled a lifetime of dedication to the Shadow Sect, a life not lived for himself, from being forced to assume leadership as a child to losing his disciple and beloved daughter. Su Changhe, observing Yi Bu, questioned if he was reflecting on his life. He demanded to know who in Tianqi City was aware of the connection between Blood River and the Shadow Sect.
Yi Bu defiantly asked if Su Changhe intended to kill them all. Su Changhe affirmed his intent, explaining that if the public learned the notorious assassin guild was controlled by the court, it would cause widespread panic, and he needed to eliminate the few who knew. Despite Su Changhe's threats, Yi Bu remained silent. Su Muyu then arrived, confirming he had found what he sought.
Su Changhe, with a warm smile, asked Su Muyu how to deal with the captive Yi Bu. Though he immediately corrected himself, proclaiming his authority as the Patriarch of Blood River, he suggested torturing Yi Bu. Su Muyu, however, responded with a grim expression, noting that Yi Bu's resolute gaze indicated he would die before revealing anything.
Su Changhe then offered Yi Bu a final chance to speak, but Yi Bu declared that a shadow wishing to step into the sun could only vanish, and cursed them to fail. Disgusted, Su Changhe swiftly ended Yi Bu's life. Su Muyu presented Su Changhe with a record of his own lineage, which Su Muyu had retrieved from Wanjuan Tower.
Su Changhe, without opening it, tossed it into the air and shattered it with his inner force, stating that the past was irrelevant and they should focus on the future. Meanwhile, the First Prince's elaborate scheme to eliminate Blood River through the Shadow Sect had failed, reinforcing his belief that the Shadow Sect was useless.
He reflected that the Emperor's distrust of the Prince of Langya would only deepen with the Shadow Sect's demise, setting the stage for his own grand strategy. Su Muyu and the others reunited briefly before dispersing. Bai Hehuai reported that Mu Ciling requested Su Muyu to cure his poison, after which he would sever all ties with Blood River. Su Muyu agreed to assist.
Su Muyu then told Su Changhe that he had learned about No-Sword City during his time in Wanjuan Tower and needed to visit Homeland to attend to some private matters, assuming Su Changhe would accompany him. In a separate conversation, the Emperor learned from his Great Eunuch about Yi Bu's death and the fire at the Imperial Father-in-Law's Manor.
He mused on the ruthless nature of the event, finding it uncharacteristic of the Prince of Langya, yet acknowledging that the Prince had changed. The Emperor decided to declare it an accidental fire and left it to the Court of Judicial Review. He also inquired if Consort Xuan knew the news, learning that the Seventh Prince had already informed her. The Prince of Langya discussed the Shadow Sect's destruction with his aide, Xiao Ruoban.
She questioned why Blood River would assist them, suggesting it would implicate the Prince. He dismissed her concerns, stating that Yi Bu had brought it upon himself. The Prince commended Su Changhe and Su Muyu as remarkable individuals striving to transform Blood River, breaking free from their past as puppets. He acknowledged the remaining challenge of overcoming prejudice and rumor but offered his assistance to their cause.
As Su Changhe and Su Muyu prepared to part ways, Su Changhe playfully suggested they go listen to music together. Su Muyu mused about returning to Tianqi City one day with a clear conscience. Su Changhe, understanding Su Muyu's aspirations to live an ordinary life, countered with his own dream: to lead Blood River into the light and "become" that light. Su Muyu declared he would be Su Changhe's sword.
Bai Hehuai, who admitted to having no martial arts skills, offered to treat their wounds, humorously adding that if she couldn't, her father, Su Zhe, would collect their bodies. They sealed their pact with a promise. Su Changhe accompanied Su Muyu to Homeland, a secluded village where former Blood River members lived, seeking peace away from conflict. Su Muyu remarked on its ordinary appearance, to which Su Changhe replied that a homeland should naturally be ordinary.
There, Su Muyu was greeted by Xiao Zhaoyan, a childhood friend from No-Sword City, whom he considered like a sister. Xiao Zhaoyan teased Su Muyu for taking so long to visit, and then playfully accused him of matchmaking when he introduced Su Changhe, the new Patriarch of Blood River. Xiao Zhaoyan and Su Changhe exchanged banter about the perceived poverty of Homeland despite Blood River's wealth.
An elder, Su Xiemo, known as the Seven-Sword Star-Chaser and formerly the Soul-Chasing Ghost, approached them. He recognized their names and confirmed they were of the Su family, though he hadn't heard of them before he left home. Su Changhe revealed that he and Su Muyu were from the Nameless, with Su Changhe now the Patriarch and Su Muyu the head of the Su family.
Su Xiemo tested and then accepted Su Changhe's authority by offering him a cup of tea, acknowledging his skill. Su Xiemo shared that he had survived a battle thought to have killed him, but lost his right to be a killer, and was thus settled in Homeland by the former Patriarch to guard it.
Realizing the significance of their visit, Su Xiemo concluded that the former Patriarch must be dead and that major events had transpired for the Nameless to now lead Blood River. He then asked for the purpose of their visit.
Episode 18 Recap
Su Muyu informed Xiemo that Xiao Zhaoyan was his younger sister, stating that he had no other purpose for being there than to visit her, especially since he had arranged for her to be sent to the Homeland years ago. Xiemo, realizing that Su Muyu's visit had no ulterior motive concerning former Blood River members, quickly departed. Su Changhe commented on Xiemo's peculiar reaction, noting his swift exit after learning their identities.
Xiao Zhaoyan explained that the residents of the Homeland, many of whom were retired Blood River members like Xiemo, feared being drawn back into the organization. She noted that while they would treat guests courteously, any attempt to reclaim them would lead to a fierce battle. Su Changhe then lightened the mood, asking about the promised meat and wine. Xiao Zhaoyan mentioned their strong homemade rice wine, which Su Changhe eagerly requested to drink.
Meanwhile, Xie Zaiye met with the First Prince, confirming that his grandfather and the Three Families had agreed to cooperate. The First Prince was delighted, remarking that if the Shadow Sect leader, Yi Bu, had been as wise, he would not have met such a tragic end. He praised Xie Zaiye's discerning choice. Xie Zaiye revealed his long-held desire to live freely in the light, rather than as a hidden shadow, a longing that intensified after observing Su Muyu.
The First Prince then outlined his strategy: he would use his valuable intelligence to aid Blood River, expecting their assistance in return later. He also instructed his aide, Ms. Yumo, to monitor the movements of Tianqi’s Xuanwu Guardian and report his return to Tianqi immediately. Back at the Homeland, Xiao Zhaoyan teased Su Changhe about his supposed inability to hold his liquor, having fallen "drunk" after just one bowl of rice wine.
Su Muyu clarified that Su Changhe had a unique ability to become drunk at will, and that he had chosen to do so that night to allow for a private conversation between Su Muyu and Xiao Zhaoyan. Su Muyu then revealed that he had uncovered secrets in Tianqi City's Wanjuan Tower regarding the eradication of No-Sword City, and that Blood River was involved.
Xiao Zhaoyan was shocked to learn that the place where she grew up was responsible for her family's demise. Su Muyu explained that out of 93 assassins dispatched, only 18 survived, and these survivors were later hunted. He showed Xiao Zhaoyan a list, and she recognized several names as current residents of the Homeland: Su Xiemo, Su Xiaoyan, Xie Shuitao, and Mu Tianze.
Upon seeing the list, Xiao Zhaoyan asked Su Muyu about his intentions, and he instructed her and anyone inside to stay put while he went to ask some questions, reassuring her that he wouldn't harm the village. Su Muyu then confronted Xiemo, who was enjoying a quiet evening.
Xiemo had recognized Su Muyu instantly, noting his resemblance to his father and his equally formidable swordsmanship, embodied by the eighteen swords he carried in his umbrella, enough to deal with the eighteen people present. Xiemo admitted that the former Patriarch initially refused the mission to eradicate No-Sword City due to its far-reaching consequences for Blood River, but Soul Reapers' Hall was insistent. Blood River suffered heavy losses, with only 18 assassins surviving.
These survivors were later systematically hunted down during subsequent missions, leading Xiemo to suspect collusion between Soul Reapers' Hall and the employer to silence them. He further revealed that the employer's true aim was No-Sword City's sword manuals. During a brief clash on the night of the massacre, Blood River's forces mistakenly engaged the employer's infiltrators, whose swordsmanship – the Ninth Heaven Sword Technique – pointed to Wushuang City.
This revelation chilled Su Muyu, as his father had once held the former lord of Wushuang City in high regard. Xiemo then stated that his group felt no guilt, having merely followed orders, and would fight to the death if Su Muyu sought revenge. Su Muyu responded that his vengeance was directed at the true orchestrators, not those who merely wielded the blades.
He acknowledged that for those living in the Homeland, all past sins and glories were meant to be washed away. With a word of thanks, Su Muyu departed. Xiemo's subordinates, seeing Su Muyu leave, wondered why their leader had not ordered his death. Xiemo explained that Su Muyu had proven capable of wielding the Eighteen-Sword Array, making him a formidable opponent.
He then revealed that Su Changhe had been present the entire time, lurking outside, and had already shown killing intent, effectively protecting them from attacking Su Muyu. Xiemo noted that Su Changhe, the current Patriarch of Blood River, had cultivated the Hell Palm, an art believed to bring a tragic end to its practitioners. Su Changhe then appeared, playfully chiding Su Muyu for his presence, despite his own earlier "drunkenness" ploy.
Su Changhe then informed Su Muyu of new plans to travel to Nan'an, reading a letter from Miss Bai. In the letter, Miss Bai invited only Su Muyu to work as an apprentice at her newly opened apothecary, explicitly requesting that Su Changhe not accompany him. Despite this, Su Muyu agreed to go and insisted that Su Changhe join him, then vaguely answered Su Changhe's inquiry about new information from Xiemo.
Elsewhere, Bai Hehuai was discussing marriage with her father, Su Zhe, whom she playfully calls "Goudie." Bai Hehuai expressed her preference for Su Changhe over Su Muyu, describing Su Muyu as too cold and uninteresting, while praising Su Changhe as powerful, high-ranking, entertaining, and unique. Su Zhe, dismayed by her choice, called Su Changhe a cunning brat and threatened to kill him if he dared approach his daughter.
Su Changhe, having overheard their conversation, suddenly appeared and teased Bai Hehuai about her affection for him. Annoyed, Bai Hehuai and Su Zhe then playfully chased after him. Su Changhe then introduced Xiao Zhaoyan to Bai Hehuai, teasingly calling her Su Muyu's "childhood sweetheart" from the Blood River Homeland. Bai Hehuai initially showed a hint of jealousy but relaxed upon learning that Xiao Zhaoyan was Su Muyu's younger sister.
A clumsy greeting from Xiao Zhaoyan then prompted Su Zhe to make a fuss about Bai Hehuai's age, further irritating her. Xiao Zhaoyan informed Bai Hehuai that Su Muyu had gone to meet someone but would arrive shortly. Su Muyu was indeed meeting Master Ji, who had followed him, to inquire about a document from Baixiao Hall he retrieved from Wanjuan Tower.
Master Ji confirmed the document's authenticity and warned Su Muyu that someone was attempting to manipulate him by providing the information. Su Muyu dismissed the concern as a private matter and then went to buy osmanthus cakes for Bai Hehuai. Later, at their newly named "Heyu Apothecary," Bai Hehuai welcomed Su Muyu, revealing their joint ownership and demanding half the rent from him.
She noticed the osmanthus cakes he brought and asked about his earlier meeting, to which he replied it was merely with an old acquaintance. Su Muyu then inquired why he hadn't been invited inside his own apothecary. Bai Hehuai explained that she had only prepared one extra bed for him, as she didn't expect him to bring a "childhood sweetheart" (referring to Xiao Zhaoyan) and thus had to send Su Zhe and others to purchase more supplies.
Bai Hehuai then recalled Su Changhe's extravagant shopping spree, which she hilariously imitated, where he spent a 500-tael silver ingot without bargaining, purchasing a precious green jade basin from a fish seller. Bai Hehuai asked why Xiao Zhaoyan was no longer in the Homeland, which Su Muyu had once declared the safest place. Su Muyu explained that he had discovered some of the Blood River assassins responsible for the No-Sword City massacre were still alive and residing in the Homeland.
Although retired, he felt uneasy leaving Xiao Zhaoyan there, believing she would be safer with Bai Hehuai and Su Zhe in Nan'an. Bai Hehuai surmised that Su Muyu was entrusting Xiao Zhaoyan to her while he dealt with other matters related to No-Sword City. Su Muyu confirmed he would remain in Nan'an to help manage the apothecary. Soon after, Su Changhe arrived with his subordinates, laden with various purchases for the apothecary.
He directed them to put the food in the kitchen and the bedding in the rooms, declaring that the apothecary was now their home, filled with things they liked, and proudly labeling himself a "shameless prodigal young master" who enjoyed watching birds and fish and listening to music, contrasting it with Su Muyu's preference for grinding herbs and being a "good man."
Su Changhe then grandly announced the official opening of the Heyu Apothecary to the curious locals, intending to showcase Bai Hehuai's true medical prowess. A man from the crowd questioned the legitimacy of the new apothecary, given the numerous existing ones and renowned physicians in Nan'an City, asking who its owner was. Bai Hehuai proudly declared, "It's me."
Episode 19 Recap
A commotion arose outside the He-Yu Clinic as a man challenged its authenticity, asking who the master physician was. Bai Hehuai calmly stepped forward, declaring herself the physician. The man, scoffing at her youth, told her to go grind herbs. Undeterred, Bai Hehuai precisely identified his ailments: a faint ache in his Fengmen point every dawn and a throbbing pain in his Baihui point every night. The man, astonished by her accuracy, admitted to doing farm work in his youth.
Bai Hehuai explained that these were internal injuries from the clash of hot and cold after strenuous labor and prescribed a forty-nine-day regimen, promising a full recovery. As the clinic's first official customer, he received a free consultation and medicine. Word quickly spread, and a crowd eager for treatment soon formed. Su Changhe, seizing the opportunity, declared that all consultations for the day would be free, with medicine at half price, quickly drawing many people into the clinic.
Su Zhe, observing, commented that such generosity was "bleeding money," but Su Changhe dismissed it as his strategy. He reminisced about his past as a feared assassin, now reduced to lighting firecrackers for an opening, a sentiment Su Zhe echoed by offering to ceremoniously unveil a red cloth, an idea Su Changhe found "silly."
Later, over a celebratory meal, Bai Hehuai raised a toast to a life of peace, health, friends, and joy as carefree wanderers, which Su Changhe heartily approved of. However, their celebration was interrupted when the "cured" patients returned, demanding money. Su Changhe, who had orchestrated the whole thing by hiring actors, distributed money, acknowledging their "good work" and promising to hire them again.
Bai Hehuai realized then that Su Changhe had a "rotten to the core" nature, just as her father, Su Zhe, had warned. Su Changhe, unbothered, boasted that thanks to his scheme, He-Yu Clinic would soon be renowned throughout Nan'an City, predicting a flood of genuine patients. Su Zhe later spoke with Su Muyu, encouraging him to follow his true path, not as a killer, but as a swordsman with a "questioning heart."
Su Muyu expressed his intention to temporarily adopt a new identity as the young master of No-Sword City to seek an answer, specifically to challenge Wushuang City's claim of being peerless in the Way of the Sword, a title he believed belonged to No-Sword City. Su Zhe understood, acknowledging his desire to "challenge Wushuang City with the sword."
Meanwhile, Song Yanhui, the master of Wushuang City, confided in his disciple, Yushu, that sword practice itself held little meaning, but for him, life without it was meaningless. He recounted his own master's words, that he was born for the sword, yet after decades of training, he remained stagnant while others like Li Hanyi had achieved Sword Deity status.
He then revealed the Peerless Sword Coffer, the most precious treasure of Wushuang City, containing thirteen famed swords, including the Daming Vermilion Bird, ranked second in the Register of Famed Swords. When Yushu questioned why it wasn't first if Wushuang City was "peerless," Song Yanhui explained the first was an Emperor's sword, while Daming Vermilion Bird was the martial world's "peerless" blade.
Song Yanhui attempted to open the coffer but failed, explaining that the coffer had a spirit and would only open for its true master. When Yushu, who had not yet trained in swordsmanship, offered to try, Song Yanhui was hesitant, but Yushu insisted, claiming the coffer might prefer a "blank slate." To Song Yanhui's astonishment, the Peerless Sword Coffer opened for Yushu, revealing the fabled Jade Ruyi sword.
Witnessing this, Liu Yunqi, another figure from Wushuang City, mused that the city could indeed achieve peerlessness. Song Yanhui, recalling how his own master had renamed him "Song Yanhui" after a magnificent sword strike he made in his youth, bestowed upon his disciple the name "Wushuang," declaring that from then on, any mention of "Wushuang" in connection with the Peerless Sword Coffer or Wushuang City would be because of him.
He expressed his belief that Wushuang would accomplish what he could not. Before Su Muyu's departure, Bai Hehuai presented him with a meticulously forged sword named Crane Feather, explaining she had sent people to the Villa of Famed Swords to acquire it. She had spent three months of the clinic's earnings on it, urging him to use it to achieve fame in Wushuang City, thus making a name for her as well.
Su Changhe, joining in, also gifted Su Muyu his "little pet" for protection. Su Zhe, hinting at Su Changhe's own delayed return, prompted him to head back to Blood River. Su Changhe confirmed his departure, lamenting that his Blood River "family" was unreliable compared to the company in Nan'an. Su Muyu continued his journey and arrived at Tianxia House, one of the Four Great Casinos, serving as a gateway to Wushuang City.
He learned that to enter Wushuang City, he needed a Wushuang Token, which could only be won through gambling. The casino master immediately eyed Su Muyu's new sword as a valuable wager, but Su Muyu refused to part with it due to its sentimental value. Instead, he offered a Dragon's Tear Pearl, a rare item known to enhance inner cultivation, which the casino master accepted. Su Muyu then chose a "beast bout," specifically a spider fight.
When presented with two formidable Eight-eyed wolf spiders, Su Muyu proposed a unique wager: his own small spider would fight both of theirs. Despite the casino master's doubts about its chances, Su Muyu insisted. His spider, a legendary White-Ghost Spider, easily defeated both opponents. The casino master, realizing Su Muyu's extraordinary background from his possession of such rare items, attempted to renege on the deal. Su Muyu firmly demanded his Wushuang Token, reminding them to uphold their own rules.
The casino master relented and led him to a hidden room where a masked figure, the true manager, awaited. The masked figure acknowledged Su Muyu's win and his unusual talent, sensing his power when Su Muyu effortlessly shattered a nearby wall with his internal energy. Before Su Muyu left with his Wushuang Token, the casino master advised him to say he was collecting a Soul-Chasing Crossbow from Yuexia Smithy in Wushuang City if questioned at checkpoints.
Meanwhile, Su Changhe was ambushed on the road. He quickly discerned that his trusted subordinates had been poisoned by the traitors. He realized his estranged cousin, Su Luandan, was behind the attack, acknowledging that he had underestimated him. Following the casino master's advice, Su Muyu approached Wushuang City's checkpoints, where guards were laxly feasting on watermelon. He subtly tried to pass, but the guards quickly stopped him.
He presented his Wushuang Token and explained he was there to collect a Soul-Chasing Crossbow. However, a guard claimed he was "out of order" for having passed "three horse-lengths" before showing his token. The guards then demanded three thousand taels for this "offense." Su Muyu argued that the crossbow wasn't worth that much and that a renowned city like Wushuang City shouldn't be resorting to such extortion.
The guard, however, insisted on his payment, citing Su Muyu's veiled face as a reason for suspicion. Su Muyu explained his face was susceptible to red sores in sunlight due to a childhood illness, hence the veil. The guard then lowered the "fine" to three hundred taels, which Su Muyu paid. As he turned to leave, Su Muyu sighed, prompting the guard to ask why.
Su Muyu expressed his deep disappointment in Wushuang City, noting its decline from its former glory as the "No.1 under heaven" to a state where its guards resorted to petty extortion. He challenged their claim to being the top power, pointing out that true martial heroes like the saviour of the realm who surpassed Ye Dingzhi, the Five Sword Deities named after cities, and the No.1 Spear Deity were all outside Wushuang City.
Enraged by this insult, the head disciple, Sitong, confronted Su Muyu. Despite other junior disciples' attempts to stop him, Sitong, wielding his Heavenly Pass Spear, launched an attack. Su Muyu, however, skillfully parried the attack, much to Sitong's surprise.
Episode 20 Recap
As Lu Yuzhai attempted to gauge the masked man's strength, he initially believed he could easily handle the encounter. However, after a few exchanges, Lu Yuzhai realized he was no match for the man in red. His junior disciples watched with growing concern, gripping their weapons but hesitant to intervene. The masked man, Su Muyu, moved swiftly, effortlessly disarming Lu Yuzhai by catching his spear tip with just two fingers.
Su Muyu then wielded the spear, transforming it in his hands into multiple flying projectiles that pursued Lu Yuzhai, who retreated hastily, exerting all his strength to evade the attack. His disciples, mistakenly believing Su Muyu harbored murderous intent, rushed forward to shield Lu Yuzhai. Yet, their efforts were futile due to the vast disparity in their strength, and they were quickly overwhelmed.
Su Muyu, who had no intention of harming Lu Yuzhai, was merely recalling the Surging Dragon Shift technique used by Spear Deity Sikong Changfeng. He demonstrated a few moves, leaving Lu Yuzhai stunned as the spear tips hovered just inches from him. Su Muyu remarked that if Spear Deity Sikong Changfeng had been the one to attack, Lu Yuzhai would have been dead on the first strike.
Lu Yuzhai did not refute this, instead expressing astonishment that this unknown martial artist possessed the Surging Dragon Shift and was no ordinary figure. Su Muyu explained that he was not from any notable clan, only fortunate enough to have fought alongside the Spear Deity to repel the Demon Sect's eastern invasion. Upon hearing this, Lu Yuzhai's eyes filled with admiration, and he respectfully stepped aside, even reprimanding his own disciples for attempting to block the way.
Su Muyu imparted that someone who claims to be "peerless under Heaven" must possess a demeanor worthy of that title. After Su Muyu departed, Lu Yuzhai discovered his weapon had been shattered. Realizing the man's immense power, he immediately sent an urgent message to his superiors to intercept Su Muyu, determined that this matter would not end in failure on his watch.
Meanwhile, Su Changhe, having learned of a betrayal within his ranks and hearing that his enemies planned to gather forces to eliminate him, felt a surge of murderous intent. Su Muyu, anticipating that he would be intercepted, hurried to pass through the checkpoints. His prediction proved correct, as Lu Yuzhai, unwilling to see his master humiliated, had devised this strategy to force a stronger opponent to intervene.
Elsewhere, Jian Shanyue observed his disciples sparring, keenly identifying their weaknesses, much to the admiration of Xiu Ru. A messenger arrived, reporting that Lu Yuzhai requested Lunwu Hall's assistance in stopping a masked swordsman. The other disciples grumbled about Lu Yuzhai always seeking glory but now pushing responsibility onto them. Upon hearing that Lu Yuzhai had failed, they understood they were being sent to clean up a mess.
When the messenger mentioned the masked man had seen Sikong Changfeng and used the Surging Dragon Shift, Jian Shanyue's expression changed, and he turned to leave. Lu Yuzhai's plan worked, as Elder Jian indeed prepared to intervene. Su Changhe, having eliminated his treacherous subordinates, mistakenly believed their actions stemmed from jealousy of Su Muyu, which made Su Luandan realize he had truly incurred Su Changhe's wrath. Su Muyu, meanwhile, found that there was only one remaining checkpoint.
A nearby merchant informed him about the "Four Seekers of the Sword Arts." When these four swordsmen from Lunwu Hall accused Su Muyu of having malicious intent, he explained that they were merely making excuses for Lu Yuzhai being unable to defeat him. After Su Muyu easily defeated them without drawing his sword, the Four Seekers realized their master was using them to refine his own Way of the Sword and resigned themselves to letting higher authorities handle the situation.
Declaring himself Zhuo Yue'an, Young City Lord of No-Sword City, Su Muyu was then confronted by Jian Shanyue. Jian Shanyue recognized the masked man as the "child" he once knew, acknowledging that Su Muyu had become the sword itself. Su Muyu challenged him, wielding his Ancient Azure Sword, but stated that none he had encountered in Wushuang City so far were worthy of him drawing his own sword. Remarking on Su Muyu's pride, reminiscent of his father, Jian Shanyue attacked.
Su Muyu countered with the "Sleeves of Spring Breeze" technique, stunning Jian Shanyue. Su Muyu then asked if this was how his father had defeated him in the past. Jian Shanyue acknowledged the move but observed that while his father's execution was graceful, Su Muyu's felt constrained. As the duel intensified, Jian Shanyue unleashed his formidable "Sword Energy: Resounding Thunder" move. Despite the powerful display, Su Muyu ultimately defeated Jian Shanyue without drawing his own sword.
Seeing this, Song Yanhui, the City Lord of Wushuang City, intervened, stopping the battle and allowing Jian Shanyue to retreat. Song Yanhui, recognizing Zhuo Yue'an's identity, invited him for tea. However, Zhuo Yue'an clarified that he was there to uphold his father's legacy. Liu Yunqi, the former City Lord, then stepped forward, taking up his Ashen Dragon Fang and declaring that as City Lord, Song Yanhui should not be exposed to such danger.
Su Muyu saw this as an opportune moment to vindicate his father. Song Yanhui, initially concerned for his master, was reassured when Liu Yunqi stated that this duel was a personal matter to settle old grievances, its outcome bearing no relation to the current Wushuang City. As the new duel was about to begin, Jian Shanyue noted with concern that Su Muyu's fighting style had changed, and he was now using a "killing sword."
Episode 21 Recap
Liu Yunqi, facing Su Muyu, noted the intense killing intent in every move and every sword stroke. He immediately realized that Su Muyu's activities over the years must have been tied to assassination, evident in the pervasive scent of blood on him, a stark contrast to a true swordsman. He accused Su Muyu of being shameless, using a technique akin to a mind-deranging art to provoke his killing urge.
Su Muyu, in turn, felt Liu Yunqi was using his own sword intent to rebuke his father and claim his father was not from a renowned sect, which intensified his desire to kill the old man.
During the fight, Su Muyu recalled his father's words on the Way of the Sword: it must be comprehended by the wielder, with three realms starting from seeing mountains as mountains and ending with seeing them as such again, but the crucial point is to find a justifiable reason to draw one's blade. Liu Yunqi calculated that the stronger Su Muyu's killing intent was now, the more severe the eventual backlash would be.
Su Muyu, discerning Liu Yunqi's ploy to provoke him into using deadly techniques publicly, chose not to fall for it. He resolved to win honorably, using the sword intent his father taught him, to vindicate his father. Meanwhile, Song Yanhui noticed the sword in his own coffer stirring. Before he could react, Liu Yunqi was defeated and fell to the ground. Seeing Su Muyu about to deliver a killing blow, Song Yanhui quickly intervened, though without using his full strength.
Su Muyu knew that if Song Yanhui had struck him then, with his own killing intent already aroused, he would have surely lost. Song Yanhui confirmed he would never take advantage of another's weakness, only asking Su Muyu to spare his master's life. Su Muyu acknowledged Song Yanhui's integrity, but then remembered Liu Yunqi's past atrocity: the slaughter of everyone in No-Sword City, not even sparing children.
Song Yanhui conceded that his master's actions were unforgivable, but as a disciple, he could not bear to watch his master die before his eyes and sought Su Muyu's understanding. He also informed Su Muyu that Liu Yunqi's meridians were severed, and he would only live for a few more days, sustained solely by a thread of internal energy.
Su Muyu understood that for a swordsman, the sword-heart is paramount, and he had already shattered Liu Yunqi's sword-heart, effectively killing him, as he would never be able to wield a sword again. Song Yanhui then explained that many elders had entrusted Wushuang City to him. He proposed a duel with Su Muyu in four days. Su Muyu, using the alias Zhuo Yue'an, accepted, agreeing to fight at the Sword Abode behind Wushuang City.
He declared that if Song Yanhui lost, he would sever the plaque bearing the name "Peerless Under Heaven," restoring No-Sword City's name to the martial world. Hearing that Su Muyu (under his alias Zhuo Yue'an) had defeated Liu Yunqi and agreed to a duel with Song Yanhui, Su Changhe scoffed, calling it foolish for Su Muyu to wait for someone as insignificant as Song Yanhui.
However, he also mused that if this duel helped Su Muyu overcome his inner demons, it would be for the best. Su Muyu saw a vision of his father, who conveyed that he didn't want him to live in hatred and should forge his own path, free from past grievances, much like a new sunrise after the moon sets.
Meanwhile, the Grand Prince schemed to use Su Muyu's challenge to plunge Wushuang City into chaos and seize control of its resources, which he considered a "fat prize" they had coveted for years. He believed the city, ruled by a "madman only craving victory" and a "fool shackled by trifles," was ripe for change, and Zhuo Yue'an's rise provided the perfect opportunity for someone in the court to profit.
The Prince of Langya, aware of a deeper conspiracy, noted that Su Muyu had already informed him of the plot to exploit him. He decided to turn the tables by exacerbating the chaos in Wushuang City, hoping to lure out the true mastermind. His agents confirmed that the senior disciple of the Sihuai City Lord was easily manipulable, and another master had emerged willing to aid them. They also traced Su Changhe's movements, believing he was heading towards Sihuai City.
The Prince of Langya declared that a contest of the Way of the Sword should not lack a living Sword Deity and sent invitations to various Sword Deities to gather at Wushuang City, signaling the true game was about to begin. Baixiao Hall also spread news of Su Muyu's victory over Liu Yunqi and his impending duel with Song Yanhui.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuzhen of Wangchengshan Sect became excited, guessing that another specific Sword Deity would surely attend such a sword-related spectacle, as she was so passionate about swords. Despite his master's initial reluctance to let him leave the mountain, Zhao Yuzhen's master eventually granted him unspoken permission to go, telling him to decide for himself. Elsewhere, Mu Yumo, known as the Spider Woman of the Dark River, intercepted a Baixiao Hall agent.
She stated her intention to get information about Tang Lianyue, acknowledging Baixiao Hall's swift intelligence but also its reluctance to sell certain information due to suspected ties with the Inner Security Division. She threatened the agent, asserting she would find a way to extract the information if it wasn't willingly provided, administering a poison and promising the antidote later.
Back in Wushuang City, Liu Yunqi, on his deathbed, expressed regret to Song Yanhui for confining him to the city and burdening him with its honor and shame, preventing him from being a roaming knight-errant. He acknowledged Song Yanhui was born for the sword and could change everything but lamented the pressure he placed on him, which might have hindered the purity of his sword-heart.
He warned Song Yanhui against the duel, but Song Yanhui revealed his resolve to use the Wither-Bloom Sword Art, a technique that would cost him his life but ensure he would not lose. He viewed this sacrifice as his duty as City Lord to uphold Wushuang City's honor.
Liu Yunqi suggested letting young Wushuang (Song Yanhui's own disciple), who could activate the Peerless Sword Coffer, take his place, but Song Yanhui refused, wanting Wushuang to choose his own path, not walk his master's old road. He believed the city's future belonged to the younger generation. Liu Yunqi accepted his decision, expressing regret for his own lifetime of mistakes and hoping his disciples would not repeat them. He then passed away.
After Liu Yunqi's funeral, Song Yanhui found his disciples, Lu Yuzhai and Haoyue, plotting to secretly kill Su Muyu to aid him. Song Yanhui reprimanded them, ordering them to behave and not harbor such misguided thoughts. When Haoyue attempted to act, Song Yanhui swiftly intercepted him with a single move. Meanwhile, in Sihuai City, various sects and experts were flocking to obtain Wushuang Tokens.
An agent reported that the influx of powerful individuals was creating immense chaos, with many simply bypassing the need for tokens as Wushuang City could not stop them all, foreshadowing an even greater upheaval.
Episode 22 Recap
Song Yanhui, the Lord of Wushuang City, sternly warned Lu Yuzhai and the head of Tianxia House, who was also present, that if they continued their underhanded dealings within Wushuang City's borders, he would not be able to protect them. As Haoyue made to confront Song Yanhui, Lu Yuzhai quickly pulled him back, admonishing him not to disrespect their master.
Song Yanhui stated that he was fully aware of the secret transactions the head of Tianxia House had made with his "foolish disciple," Lu Yuzhai. He hadn't intervened because he considered the matter too trivial to cause a commotion. Song Yanhui then lectured Lu Yuzhai, telling him he knew he was useless in martial arts and, though he could contribute to the city in other ways, he should not waste his limited intelligence on greed.
Lu Yuzhai recalled how Song Yanhui had saved his life during a flood that wiped out his village, and how Song Yanhui took him in despite his lack of martial talent. Song Yanhui reminded Lu Yuzhai that his life was saved, and he must repay that debt by serving Wushuang City. He then instructed Lu Yuzhai to care for their junior brother, Zhai Wushuang, and to faithfully assist and swear loyalty to him when he eventually became the City Lord.
Lu Yuzhai was momentarily stunned, perceiving Song Yanhui's words as a final testament. He agreed to wholeheartedly assist his junior brother, but secretly, he yearned for a more powerful patron and resented the idea of serving the young Zhai Wushuang, whom he considered useless. He also harbored contempt for Haoyue, viewing him as equally worthless.
Haoyue, however, spoke with authority to the head of Tianxia House, asserting that people like them must rely on the strong and act from the shadows, warning that Tianxia House would have no need for those who failed to grasp this principle. Separately, Haoyue privately fumed at Song Yanhui, declaring that he wouldn't consider him a backer and would instead wait for the day Song Yanhui and Wushuang City fell together.
Song Yanhui then announced that the city gates would be opened to welcome heroes from all lands to witness the upcoming sword duel. He instructed that all visitors be registered and warned that swords showed no mercy, so life or death would be their own responsibility. Lu Yuzhai found this unprecedented for Wushuang City and inappropriate. Song Yanhui firmly stated that many wished for Wushuang City's downfall, but he would not let that happen.
Meanwhile, Zhai Wushuang found Song Yanhui's behavior peculiar, especially when his master bought him candied haw. Song Yanhui reflected that despite being only thirty, he felt more like the older generation compared to people like Baili Dongjun, lacking their pride and drive. He admitted to Zhai Wushuang that he had been too harsh on him and wanted him to enjoy himself.
He encouraged Zhai Wushuang to train hard in swordsmanship after he was gone, but also to travel and see the world, a regret Song Yanhui held for himself. Zhai Wushuang, sensing his master's somber tone, tearfully begged him not to die and to buy him more candied haw. Song Yanhui affectionately promised to do so, adding that Lu Yuzhai would also buy him treats. Elsewhere, Su Zhe and Bai Hehuai were out enjoying the city.
Bai Hehuai, finding everything uninteresting, even the osmanthus cakes, perked up when she overheard talk of the challenge to Wushuang City, thinking of Su Muyu. Her interest was piqued at the mention of Zhuo Yue'an challenging Wushuang City, and she expressed a desire to go there.
Su Zhe attempted to dissuade her by claiming Wushuang City was far, but a nearby waiter quickly corrected him, revealing it was only a half-month journey by carriage or seven days by riding hard and changing horses, with an option of a ship to Luoyang, a mere hundred li from Wushuang City. Concurrently, agents from Baixiao Hall, having no new leads on Tang Lianyue, sought information about him.
They informed their superior that Blood River's Spider Woman, Mu Yumo, was actively hiring agents to find Tang Lianyue, who had gone missing after entering the Tang Clan. Their agents in Shuzhong had been largely exposed. They decided to give Mu Yumo the top-secret information about the Xuanwu Guardian free of charge, hoping to observe her actions and gain new intelligence.
However, when Mu Yumo actually received the "top secret" information, she discovered it contained no new leads on Tang Lianyue, infuriating her to the point of angrily dismissing the Baixiao Hall agent. Zhuo Yue'an was present at a gambling den (Tianxia House), observing people placing bets on the upcoming duel between himself and Song Yanhui. From an upper floor, Haoyue watched him.
The gambling den owner explained that fewer people were betting on Song Yanhui because the former City Lord, Liu Yunqi, had been defeated by Zhuo Yue'an, and Song Yanhui's reputation wasn't significantly higher. Furthermore, the public favored the narrative of an unknown swordsman from a forgotten sect rising to challenge Wushuang City's elites, envisioning a perfect ending where Zhuo Yue'an triumphed over Song Yanhui.
Though uninterested in the other bets, Zhuo Yue'an, finding the crowd too eager for drama, decided to place a wager of three liang of silver—on himself. The crowd reacted with surprise, finding his confidence arrogant. Haoyue, observing the scene, realized Zhuo Yue'an had been aware of his presence and had recognized him.
As night fell, Su Muyu was at a food stall and noted that Sihuai City, known as a "city that never sleeps" due to the first City Lord's historical autonomy under Emperor Tianwu, was more lively than ever. Soon, cries of murder erupted. A man warned Su Muyu that hundreds of Sword Bearers from Wushuang City were indiscriminately killing people while searching for Zhuo Yue'an.
Elsewhere in the city, Zhuo Yue'an realized this was a tactic to tarnish Song Yanhui's name, deducing that traitors within Wushuang City were manipulating the situation to seize the City Lord's position. Su Changhe arrived to meet him, claiming he was merely there to "watch the commotion," which surprised Zhuo Yue'an and highlighted the hidden complexities. Meanwhile, Bai Hehuai and Su Zhe entered Sihuai City.
Bai Hehuai immediately detected a strange, faint floral scent in the air, recognizing it as Blossom Ash poison. She explained that its mild toxicity caused ordinary people to faint and martial artists to lose their inner force, becoming as helpless as cripples. She deduced that the poison, which would take years to prepare for an entire city, had been deployed only recently, indicating a long-planned coup targeting Sihuai City to exert control over Wushuang City.
Bai Hehuai quickly instructed Su Zhe to find a way to contact Su Muyu and advised a passing carriage driver to take a pill she offered and leave the city or hide. Amidst the chaos, Xie Xuan arrived in Sihuai City. Sensing the Blossom Ash poison, he calmly lit a candle and began consulting a book, seeking an antidote before the flame burned out. He dismissed the poison as a "petty trick."
Back in Wushuang City, Song Yanhui confronted Lu Yuzhai, who had received carrier pigeons. Lu Yuzhai confirmed that Sihuai City was sealed and denied involvement in the poisoning, which Song Yanhui already believed, knowing Lu Yuzhai wasn't that audacious.
Lu Yuzhai reported two urgent messages: one about someone using Wushuang City's name to hunt Zhuo Yue'an, clearly to smear Song Yanhui and the city, and another about a strange poison in Sihuai City that caused ordinary people to faint and martial artists to lose their inner force. Song Yanhui identified the poison as Blossom Ash. He requested Jian Shanyue, but Lu Yuzhai informed him of Jian Shanyue's retirement.
Song Yanhui then revealed that the true head of Lunwu Hall was Jian Wudi, who had been in seclusion in Sihuai City for years, implying Lunwu Hall's involvement. Realizing he needed to act, Song Yanhui decided to go to Sihuai City himself. He then turned his attention to Lu Yuzhai, confronting him about his connections to Tianxia House, realizing they had ulterior motives despite Lu Yuzhai's perceived loyalty. Lu Yuzhai, feeling a pang of guilt, vowed to confront Lord Haoyue.
Song Yanhui, despite Lu Yuzhai's ambition and flaws, told him that he didn't cast him out because he wasn't a monster, while reflecting that Wushuang City, though not as lofty or isolated as some, still held the enduring spirit of its ancestors, even if it was no longer peerless. Elsewhere, Su Muyu discussed the events with Su Changhe, wondering if they were spontaneous or meticulously planned.
Su Muyu revealed that the papers he found in Wanjuan Tower were swapped, but their contents were genuine, suggesting he was being used. However, he declared that he would still follow his path and make those who attempted to exploit him pay a price. Su Changhe agreed, suggesting they use this opportunity to uncover the hidden mastermind. Just then, Bai Hehuai arrived, warning Su Changhe that prolonged exposure to the spreading poison would render them vulnerable.
She released her powerful Five Poisons, a supreme strain only cultivated by direct heirs of the Wen clan, which she described as even more potent than those of the Five Poisons Sect or Wen Hujiu's renowned centipedes. She then used them to set up a defensive formation.
Episode 23 Recap
Su Zhe remarked on the power of the Five-Poison Array, and Bai Hehuai clarified that while usually for trapping enemies, it was now being ingeniously used to counteract poison with poison, a secret technique of her Wen family. Su Muyu admired her cleverness in using it to isolate the floral toxin that had spread across the city. Su Changhe, however, felt the sudden widespread poisoning indicated a master was behind it.
Bai Hehuai concurred, stating only three individuals in the world could create such a pervasive poison. She quickly ruled out her uncle, Wen Hujiu, due to his laziness and alliance with Xueyue City, and Tang Linghuang of the Tang Clan, who only crafted instantly lethal poisons. This left only Luo Yandie, the Poison Enchantress, known for her twisted preference for floral-scented toxins that allow victims to die peacefully in a gentle stupor.
Bai Hehuai noted that the Blossom Ash only suppressed power without killing, suggesting a backup plan was in play, and many skilled fighters, even sword deities, had infiltrated the city. Meanwhile, Night Crow reported to Ji Ruofeng that Lu Yuzhai refused to cooperate in harming his master, Song Yanhui, and would alert him to incoming threats. Believing Liu Yunqi was dead and Jian Shanyue had retired, leaving Song Yanhui isolated, Ji Ruofeng concluded that Wushuang City needed a new lord.
He proposed Jian Wudi, chief of Lunwu Hall, for the position. Jian Wudi, though obsessed with the sword, reiterated his lack of interest in the City Lord title, seeking only to duel the strongest sword deities. Ji Ruofeng promised him the Peerless Sword Coffer and a worthy opponent, Zhuo Yue'an, before offering him a cup of tea. Night Crow watched Jian Wudi drink with a subtle, meaningful smile.
As Jian Wudi made his way, Lord Haoyue, accompanying him, was surprised when Jian Wudi paused at Luoyang Tavern, sensing a formidable sword energy within. Inside, Yan Zhantian, the Furious Sword Deity, wielded his blade, Breaker of Armies. He was trapped by the floral poison but boasted he would break free in four hours and kill everyone. Jian Wudi, intrigued, contemplated giving Yan Zhantian the antidote to fight him at full strength.
Lord Haoyue panicked, reminding Jian Wudi that such an action would ruin their plans. Jian Wudi reluctantly relented and continued on, vowing to fight Yan Zhantian another day. Lord Haoyue muttered about Jian Wudi’s dangerous obsession, before heading off to find Zhuo Yue'an. Lord Haoyue’s attempt to escape was thwarted by Li Hanyi, whose freezing sword energy he immediately recognized.
She confronted him, accusing him of being allied with the poisoner, and aggressively forced him to hand over his supply of the antidote. Elsewhere, Dian Ye, the Flying Tiger General and First Prince Xiao Yong's uncle, arrived at the scene. He called out for Su Changhe and Su Muyu, the current leaders of Dark River, surprising them. Su Changhe deduced that Xiao Yong was using Su Muyu's duel as a pretext to eliminate political rivals and seize Dark River's treasures.
Su Muyu, aware of the manipulation, declared that those who exploit a sword would be killed by it. Su Changhe stepped forward to face Dian Ye, but Su Zhe intervened, offering to fight the general himself to spare Dark River any direct conflict. From a distance, the Prince of Langya and his allies watched, seeing the unfolding chaos as an opportunity to draw more sword deities to Wushuang City, with the ultimate outcome hinging on Su Muyu's choices.
Jian Wudi then directly challenged Su Muyu. Su Changhe, observing the fierce exchange, worried that Su Muyu was outmatched, but Bai Hehuai remained confident. Xie Xuan, sensing the pure and remarkable sword intent of Su Muyu’s blade, also noted the gathering storm. The two swordsmen fought intensely, seemingly evenly matched, with Jian Wudi acknowledging Su Muyu as a formidable opponent, whose sword intent reminded him of his own father, Zhuo Yuluo, the Lord of No-Sword City.
He marveled at the complex range of emotions – anger, defiance, forbearance, compromise, even gentleness – woven into Su Muyu’s technique, wondering at the life experiences that forged such a sword. After a powerful exchange, Jian Wudi declared Su Muyu’s sword, "Rain Surge," a fine blade, but claimed he had gained new insight and would surely win the next phase.
Su Changhe worried that Su Muyu, despite using his strongest strike, had failed to kill Jian Wudi, who still seemed to hold back. As Jian Wudi prepared for a final, deadly strike, Su Muyu warned him that he was on the verge of going demonic, explaining that pushing purity to an absolute extreme leads to corruption. Jian Wudi, however, embraced the demonic path, believing it would make his sword stronger and that a sword, unlike people, would never betray him.
Su Muyu cautioned Jian Wudi that such a path would lead to his death within a year due to a sword intent backlash and reminisced about his own father, who balanced sword mastery with family and duty. Seeing Jian Wudi fully succumb, Song Yanhui arrived and proposed that he and Su Muyu unite against him.
Xie Xuan, sensing the powerful shift, also stepped forward to assist, advising them that a demonic body, though seemingly powerful, had a weak point that could be exploited. Ultimately, Su Muyu, with Song Yanhui’s assistance, delivered the final blow, killing Jian Wudi. Dian Ye, seeing his ally defeated, retreated as Su Changhe warned him to abandon his schemes against Dark River.
Later, Li Hanyi, at Xie Xuan's suggestion, powdered the remaining antidote and, using her Floral Sword Art, dispersed it throughout the city, clearing the floral poison. Xie Xuan then realized that Ji Ruofeng had deliberately orchestrated their presence in Wushuang City for his own hidden agenda.
As the city dwellers recovered from the toxin, Li Hanyi expressed a desire to witness Su Muyu's true sword, recalling his past assertion that his "sword" was a killing tool, not merely a sword, and that its true form would only be seen under his new identity. Su Muyu, having avenged his father and restored his clan’s name without destroying Wushuang City or becoming "another Liu Yunqi," felt his task was complete.
Song Yanhui expressed a wish to spar with Su Muyu again in the future, stating that Wushuang City would one day have an even finer "sword" to meet him. As everyone believed the conflict was resolved, Jian Wudi suddenly reanimated. Bai Hehuai recognized this as the ancient "drugged puppet art" from Xichu, a forbidden technique she knew was passed to her Medicine King Valley but later stolen by her rogue martial niece, Night Crow.
Su Changhe, using "Thirteen Glances Back" to momentarily incapacitate the reanimated Jian Wudi, instructed Su Muyu to strike his heart. Together, they finally destroyed the drugged puppet. However, in the chaotic struggle, Bai Hehuai was poisoned by Jian Wudi's toxic blood, a condition she knew was not easily cured by a simple pill.
Episode 24 Recap
Bai Hehuai felt the poisonous blood that had infected Jian Wudi now coursing through her own veins, a dangerous inflammation. She quickly asked Su Muyu to retrieve a jade vial from her waist and take a pill. Su Muyu, who had believed the poison was neutralized, was informed by Bai Hehuai that the drugged-puppet poison was far from ordinary and not easily cured.
Recognizing the severity, Bai Hehuai instructed Su Zhe to immediately send a message back to Nan'an, telling Zhaoyan to release a specific carrier pigeon. She explained that only Xin Baicao, her grand-nephew, could save her, and the pigeon would fly directly to him in Medicine King Valley. Su Muyu immediately took Bai Hehuai into his arms, resolving to rush to Nan'an.
Before losing consciousness, Bai Hehuai made a solemn request to Su Muyu: if Xin Baicao did not arrive in time and she began to transform into a drugged puppet, he was to kill her with his sword before she became unrecognizable. Su Changhe, however, firmly interjected, declaring that Su Muyu could not and would not hear such a request, confident that Xin Baicao would come.
Bai Hehuai, fearing the worst, insisted and commanded Su Zhe not to intervene if Su Muyu had to fulfill her plea. Meanwhile, Li Hanyi directly confronted the First Prince, Xiao Yong. She found his composed demeanor, as he sat seemingly in control of everything, deeply irritating. She expressed her disdain for the people of Tianqi City and their rigid rules, stating that neither Tianqi, the imperial family, nor even the emperor were worth anything in her eyes.
Xiao Yong, enraged, attempted to strike her but was easily knocked down. Li Hanyi then quickly disarmed his guards. Seeing his efforts futile, Xiao Yong tried to de-escalate, suggesting that the matter had no connection to Xueyue City and that Li Hanyi should not interfere. However, Li Hanyi retorted that if she encountered an issue, she was involved. Chancellor Xie arrived, hoping to mediate. He reminded Xiao Yong that seizing Wushuang City would not be beneficial for him.
When Xiao Yong boasted about the Flying Tiger General and his army ready to flatten Sihuai City, Chancellor Xie countered that with him and City Lord Li defending, no army could pass their position. Li Hanyi then corrected him, proudly asserting that her three-chi sword alone was enough to hold any number of troops at bay. Recognizing his defeat, Xiao Yong reluctantly stated he would remember the day's events.
After Li Hanyi and Chancellor Xie left the confrontation, Li Hanyi jokingly suggested she should have simply killed Xiao Yong, but Chancellor Xie reminded her of the complications it would cause for her mother. Li Hanyi dismissed his concern, claiming she could have done it quietly, as Xiao Yong seemed like a villain who deserved it. Chancellor Xie teased her about her fierce nature, comparing her to one of the "four great fiends."
He then asked if she had truly intended to kill Xiao Yong, to which she replied she only meant to scare him, as she wasn't foolish enough to bring trouble upon herself. With the sword challenge canceled, Li Hanyi decided to return to Xueyue City. Chancellor Xie tried to persuade her to explore other places, leading to playful banter about their respective seniorities and a friendly challenge involving wine and a duel.
As they continued their journey, they caught sight of Su Muyu's carriage speeding past. Observing the urgency, Chancellor Xie deduced that Su Muyu and Su Changhe, whom he recognized, must be in significant trouble to not even pause to acknowledge two sword deities. Back at the He-Yu Clinic in Nan'an City, Su Changhe explained to Zhaoyan that Bai Hehuai had been poisoned and needed Xin Baicao. Zhaoyan confirmed she had released the carrier pigeon as instructed.
Soon after, Xin Baicao arrived at the clinic. After some confusion about who "Yu" in He-Yu Clinic was, Su Muyu introduced himself as the "Yu" who, along with Bai Hehuai, had established the clinic with the help of Su Zhe. Su Changhe then revealed his identity as the Patriarch of Blood River, and Bai Hehuai introduced Su Zhe as her long-lost father.
Xin Baicao, after humorously feigning a quick departure, confirmed Bai Hehuai was suffering from Night Crow's drugged-puppet poison, noting Night Crow's advanced mastery of the craft. He explained that while the Heart-Reviving Pill and acupuncture had killed the poisonous worms, residual toxins remained. If not removed, these would cause Bai Hehuai to become an uncontrollable drugged puppet after death. To fully cleanse the poison, Xin Baicao outlined a procedure involving thirteen silver needles and a medicinal bath.
He explained that Bai Hehuai would need to be minimally clothed to facilitate the flow of "zhenqi" during the process, and someone with strong internal energy would need to assist. Su Muyu volunteered, but Su Changhe comically offered his own assistance, much to Bai Hehuai's fury. Su Zhe, as Bai Hehuai's father, was asked to choose, and his decision favored Su Muyu.
While Bai Hehuai's detoxification proceeded, Su Changhe pondered aloud to Su Zhe if settling down in Nan'an City might be a good idea, as it seemed to offer a simpler life. Su Zhe, however, reminded him of his responsibility as the Patriarch of Blood River. He explained that not everyone in Blood River, many of whom had never experienced power, shared their desire for a peaceful existence.
Their ambition meant that simply disbanding the group would lead to their demise on other battlefields. Su Changhe admitted he had overlooked that aspect, acknowledging his unique burden as the Patriarch. As Xin Baicao administered the final needle, a painful process Bai Hehuai endured with Su Muyu's assistance, Bai Hehuai finally declared she was tired and drifted into a deep sleep, completely cured.
Afterward, as everyone felt hungry, the group enthusiastically suggested going to Fushou Restaurant for a grand feast, openly stating their preference over Su Muyu's infamous cooking. Su Muyu, though dejected, agreed to treat everyone to a feast of thirteen fine dishes and Luobai liquor. At the restaurant, Xin Baicao continued to tease Su Muyu about his culinary skills, prompting Bai Hehuai to offer him an osmanthus cake Su Muyu had prepared with matcha powder.
Xin Baicao tasted it, made a face, and unceremoniously spat it out, drawing laughter from the others and leading him to remark on how even his "mischievous" senior, Bai Hehuai, had "fallen so low." Seeing Su Muyu disheartened by the criticism, Bai Hehuai encouraged him to start with simple dishes, drawing a parallel to a legendary swordsman who mastered his art through simple, repetitive practice.
She envisioned a future where he could become a renowned chef, perhaps running a "Blood River Palace" restaurant. Later, Su Changhe excused himself, claiming he needed to buy pastries from Jinyue Pastry because Fushou Restaurant's were only average. Outside, he met with a subordinate who reported on the movements of Blood River traitors after they left Wushuang City. Some had gone to Tianqi City with the First Prince, a logical destination for him.
Others, however, had gone to Shuzhong, a region where only the Tang Clan held significant sway. The subordinate further mentioned that Tang Lianyue had vanished after returning to the Tang Clan, and even Baixiao Hall had no recent information on their internal affairs. Su Changhe deduced that the First Prince must have an informant within the Tang Clan, making the situation increasingly complex and intriguing. He then instructed his subordinates to join him at Jinyue Pastry for some osmanthus cake.
Meanwhile, Mu Xuewei was caught by Night Crow, who teased her about constantly thinking of Su Muyu, noticing her flushed ears. Mu Xuewei admitted her affection for Su Muyu, describing him as a cold yet warm moon within Blood River, distinct from everyone else. She confessed that she had once believed herself to be his best match, and her initial desire to kill Bai Hehuai in Jiuxiao City was not solely for their mission but also out of personal feelings.
However, upon seeing Su Muyu in Tianqi City after meeting Bai Hehuai, Mu Xuewei realized he had changed, becoming more "lively." Watching them from a distance, she felt a quiet happiness for them. Night Crow teasingly concluded that Mu Xuewei was simply lamenting her unrequited love, to which Mu Xuewei jokingly responded with a swat.
Episode 25 Recap
Mu Xuewei looked downcast and spoke of her desire for Su Muyu's eternal happiness. Mu Qingyang teased her, suggesting she was moping after giving up on unrequited love, prompting Mu Xuewei to twist his ear in playful annoyance. Meanwhile, Su Changhe informed Su Muyu and Su Zhe that a faction of Blood River defectors had gone to Wushuang City, while another group joined the Tang Clan. Su Muyu was surprised by the Tang Clan's involvement.
Su Zhe noted the difficulty of the situation, as the Tang Clan excels in poisons, and if Night Crow was among them, things would become complicated. He reasoned that the Tang Clan's entanglement implied a plot against Tang Lianyue, whom the Prince of Langya valued highly. Su Muyu then proposed establishing a new sect in Nan'an City, a suggestion Su Changhe warmly supported, declaring he would personally eliminate anyone who dared to object.
Soon after, a representative from Lingxiao Sect arrived, asserting that Blood River could not openly establish itself in Nan'an City, a place dominated by prominent sects. Su Muyu tried to purchase land but found all local factions united against them, intent on driving them out. One day, Su Muyu saw some sect members assaulting a person. Ge Xiu, thinking Su Muyu was meddling, verbally challenged him, but recognized Su Muyu after being addressed by his real name.
Ge Xiu, who had previously encountered Su Muyu at Heishui Stronghold, expressed gratitude for his life being spared. He offered to help Blood River acquire land in Nan'an City, promising to deliver the deed by the next morning. Elsewhere, Mu Xuewei and Mu Qingyang were practicing martial arts. Mu Qingyang feigned injury to elicit concern from Mu Xuewei, who found his antics unfunny. Su Muyu then assigned them their next task.
Later, a messenger reported that Ge Xiu had been arrested, accused of murdering the Prefect's son. Su Muyu, realizing Ge Xiu was framed due to their prior interaction, went to the Prefect's residence. There, he encountered Lingxiao Sect and Daffodil House, who demanded Blood River and Changsheng Sect leave Nan'an City in exchange for Ge Xiu's release.
Su Muyu dismissed their demands, stating they lacked the authority to negotiate with him, and was soon confronted by the Lingxiao Sect Master himself. Su Muyu, accompanied by Bai Hehuai, arrived at the Prefect's residence, offering to investigate the young master's death. The Prefect, convinced Ge Xiu was the killer because Ge Xiu's dagger was found in the body, allowed Bai Hehuai to examine the corpse.
Bai Hehuai revealed that the young master had not died from the dagger, but from the Soul-Draining Pill, a potent poison that leaves the heart beating post-mortem, while corpse-worms consume the brain. The dagger was merely planted after death. She cautioned the Prefect's men about the dangerous corpse-worms when opening the skull, noting her own disinterest in such "disgusting things." She then challenged the Prefect to identify which Nan'an City sect specialized in such poisons, hinting at the true culprits.
After clearing Ge Xiu's name, Su Muyu apologized to him for indirectly causing his trouble. He explained that Blood River, without a powerful ally, would face constant obstacles in its quest to "walk in the sunlight," and might even endanger its supporters. He concluded that they needed to seek a stronger alliance to secure their future. He then discussed with Su Changhe and Su Zhe the possibility of allying with the Tang Clan.
Su Muyu argued that the Tang Clan, skilled in hidden weapons and poisons, had faced similar societal rejection when founded, making them a suitable ally. He also pointed out Night Crow's presence there, suggesting a deeper conspiracy possibly targeting the Prince of Langya. By helping the Tang Clan resolve this issue, they could secure an alliance and establish a connection with the influential Prince of Langya.
Su Zhe expressed concern about Blood River becoming reliant on the imperial court again, but Su Muyu stressed the Prince of Langya represented Beili's "brightest side." That night, Su Changhe and Su Muyu strolled through Nan'an City. Su Changhe reminisced about their younger days, noting how this was their first time enjoying a relaxed walk, eating osmanthus cakes they once couldn't afford.
Su Muyu affirmed his resolve to lead Blood River into the light, even as Su Changhe playfully reminded him they were under the moon, not the sun. Su Muyu prepared to return to Blood River with Mu Qingyang and Mu Xuewei to organize their journey. The next morning, Su Muyu went out early to buy groceries, planning to cook.
Xin Baicao, preparing to leave after Bai Hehuai's recovery, hastened his departure upon hearing Su Muyu was cooking, knowing his food was notoriously bad. Bai Hehuai, also wary of Su Muyu's culinary skills, snatched the basket of eggplants from him, insisting she would cook instead. Su Changhe gathered Mu Yumo, Mu Xuewei, and Mu Qingyang, emphasizing the importance of establishing ties with the Prince of Langya for Blood River to truly thrive.
He tasked them with traveling to the Tang Clan to investigate the situation, with Mu Xuewei and Mu Qingyang accompanying Mu Yumo. Knowing Su Muyu would soon depart for a dangerous mission, Bai Hehuai gave him a Jade Serpent, explaining its unique venom could temporarily counteract other poisons, giving him enough time to return to her for a full detox. She instructed him to feed it spiders, which Mu Yumo could easily provide.
They discussed Blood River's long journey, acknowledging that the "Other Shore" of true freedom and acceptance seemed ever elusive, comparing it to Su Muyu's own intermittent peaceful life in Nan'an before being drawn back to Blood River's affairs. Bai Hehuai expressed her hope for his safe return. Meanwhile, Xin Baicao located Night Crow in her poisonous domain.
Xin Baicao confronted Night Crow, accusing her of continuing to practice the taboo drugged puppet craft, even refining living people, despite promising to stop years ago. As the current Medicine King, Xin Baicao declared his intention to purge his house, but Night Crow, feeling unvalued by her senior, defiantly attacked him with a refined "drugged puppet."
Episode 26 Recap
Xin Baicao was confronted by Night Crow, who remarked on his years of martial arts practice. Xin Baicao asserted that a physician's duty to save lives necessitated self-protection. Night Crow dismissed his views as naive and had his subordinates knock Xin Baicao unconscious, expressing satisfaction that his senior brother had fallen into his hands. Night Crow ordered Xin Baicao to be taken to the Tang Clan.
Meanwhile, Su Zhe found his daughter, Bai Hehuai, in a sorrowful state, knowing she missed Su Muyu. He comforted her, pointing out Su Muyu's good qualities compared to Su Changhe, and advised her to be more open-minded, assuring her that things were not as bad as they seemed. He explained that Blood River members, though they might consider others friends, must maintain distance to protect them from the inherent dangers of their existence.
Later, Bai Hehuai discovered Xin Baicao's Death-Chasing Serpent, a creature kept by Medicine King Valley disciples to summon help when in dire danger. This immediately made her worry that Xin Baicao, despite his cautious nature, had encountered peril. Mu Xuewei and Mu Qingyang arrived in Jin City. Mu Qingyang considered visiting Mount Wangcheng, but Mu Xuewei noted the presence of Tang Clan members, implying their trip would be cut short. Masked assassins then attacked them.
Mu Xuewei quickly deployed poison, impressing Night Crow, who was observing from a distance. He recognized her refined poisoning technique and ordered his subordinates to capture her. Mu Xuewei soon realized her poisons had no effect on the attackers, discovering they were "drugged puppets" — mindless, fearless, and immune to all poisons, as described in the Patriarch's letter. Despite their resistance, both Mu Xuewei and Mu Qingyang were overpowered and captured.
Night Crow found Mu Xuewei to be a "perfect poisonous person" and wanted her for himself. Su Changhe and Su Muyu also arrived in Jin City, observing locals playing Mahjong and chatting. Su Changhe dismissed it as idle bragging, but Su Muyu saw it as an exchange of information, where people utilized each other's value.
They encountered Manager Mu, who was visibly terrified upon learning Su Changhe was the Blood River Patriarch and hearing Su Muyu use the term "gua wazi," which the manager had misleadingly taught Su Muyu was a warm greeting. Su Muyu realized he had been tricked and that the term was an insult, recalling an earlier duel where he had used it.
Su Muyu then informed Su Changhe that Mu Xuewei and Mu Qingyang had entered Jin City and that Mu Qingyang was now the Mu family head, deducing from the manager's ignorance that they were missing. Su Muyu felt the situation was dire. Mu Yumo infiltrated Tang Fort, quickly encountering Tang Lian. She bound him, introduced herself as his future "master's wife," and used a fingertip blade identical to his master's as proof of her claim.
Tang Lian, though initially skeptical of his master having a romantic interest, was convinced by the token. He revealed that his master, Tang Lianyue, had been in seclusion in Lianyue Pavilion for a long time, guarded by his martial uncles Tang Fulu and Tang Tianlu, which he found suspicious given their seniority. Mu Yumo went to investigate, while Tang Lian created a diversion to distract the guards, allowing her to proceed unseen. She discovered Tang Lianyue frozen solid.
Tang Lian was furious at his master's condition and urged Mu Yumo to escape and find help, while he was captured by Tang Fulu and Tang Tianlu. The uncles decided to imprison Tang Lian to extract information about the hidden weapons vault, as ordered by their superior. Mu Yumo escaped and reported her findings to Su Changhe and Su Muyu. She described Tang Lianyue's frozen state, and Su Muyu recognized it as the effect of a rare "Frostmoon Cocoon."
He explained it could temporarily freeze even powerful martial artists and surmised that his captors were replenishing it to maintain control, suggesting they sought something from him. Mu Yumo also suspected that Mu Qingyang and Mu Xuewei might be trapped within the Tang Clan. Recognizing the grave danger, Su Changhe agreed they needed a comprehensive plan before re-entering the Tang Clan to rescue them.
The Baixiao Hall leader, learning that his envoys to Jin City had gone missing and hearing reports of major events brewing, decided to intervene despite his organization's usual non-involvement in martial affairs. His concern stemmed from Tang Lianyue, his close friend, who had not reported back to Tianqi City. He suspected that changes in the Tang Clan signified larger shifts in the martial world.
With Su Changhe and Su Muyu already in Jin City, he planned to send another capable individual to the Tang Clan. Meanwhile, Mu Qingyang, injured and pursued by Tang Clan members, released a Soul-Calling Paper Butterfly, a unique signal only Mu family heads could summon to mark their near-death state and guide allies. Just as he was about to be captured, Lei Yunhe appeared on a crane and rescued him.
Lei Yunhe explained his family, the Lei Clan, had a long-standing feud with the Tang Clan, which was his sole reason for intervention. Mu Qingyang promised to cause significant trouble for the Tang Clan in return, a prospect Lei Yunhe seemed to relish before flying off to attend to other matters. Following the Soul-Calling Paper Butterfly, Su Muyu tracked its path to locate Mu Qingyang. However, before he could find him, Tang Tianlu, an elder of the Tang Clan, appeared and immediately engaged him in a hostile confrontation.
Episode 27 Recap
Su Muyu confronted Elder Tang Tianlu, warning that he would grant them three moves to reconsider, after which their disagreement would be settled by life and death. The Tang Clan members, confident in their strength, retorted that they were prepared to fight regardless. As Su Muyu engaged the Tang Clan, Mu Qingyang, previously cornered and despairing, spotted Su Muyu and called out. Su Muyu swiftly intervened, forcing back the Tang Clan members and rescuing Mu Qingyang.
Mu Qingyang quickly reported that Mu Xuewei had been captured by Tang Clan members. Su Muyu deduced that the Tang Clan must value the unique poison within Mu Xuewei, meaning her life was not in immediate danger. He then warned the Tang Clan to ensure Mu Xuewei's safety.
Later, while discussing the incident with Su Changhe and others, Mu Qingyang elaborated that Night Crow, the physician known for refining drugged puppets, was the one who took Mu Xuewei, confirming her presence in Jin City. Su Muyu reiterated that given Night Crow's methods, Mu Xuewei would likely suffer torment, and they were surely being held within the Tang Clan. Su Changhe decided that their original plans must be postponed to prioritize investigating the Tang Clan and rescuing Mu Xuewei.
Inside the Tang Clan, Madam Tang Lingzun was furious that her subordinates had allowed Su Muyu and Mu Qingyang to escape in Jin City, deeming them incompetent. She declared that Blood River's sudden appearance had disrupted their plans, and they must be brought under control to prevent further interference. When a subordinate questioned whether they needed to concede to Night Crow, who held Mu Xuewei, Tang Lingzun asserted the Tang Clan's authority.
She ordered that Night Crow must complete her intentions with Mu Xuewei within three days, after which Mu Xuewei was to be handed over unharmed. Upon hearing a warning about Su Changhe's cunning nature, Tang Lingzun revealed her own ambition, stating that she was not afraid of profit-driven schemers like Su Changhe, as she too sought power and intended to claim the Tang Clan's leadership.
Meanwhile, Night Crow stood before her Senior, Xin Baicao, proudly showcasing Mu Xuewei, whom she identified as the rare "poisonous person" their master had once described. Night Crow intended to combine Mu Xuewei's unique constitution with her own drugged puppet craft, believing it would create a terrifying new entity.
She boasted about her superiority in the dark arts compared to Xin Baicao, demonstrating two drugged puppets, once Vajra Mortal-Stage masters, now impervious to harm and laced with potent toxins from a "Poisonous Blossom," capable of felling anyone below the Free and Unfettered stage within moments. Xin Baicao, deeply concerned, urged Night Crow to cease her work, reminding her that the dead should remain at rest.
However, Night Crow dismissed his plea, insisting her current work was not about her deceased husband, but about a far more fascinating discovery: an art that could make the living invulnerable and revive the dead. She believed her drugged puppet craft was infinitely more engaging than weapons or even love, and rejected Xin Baicao's accusation of madness.
Night Crow proposed a deal: if Xin Baicao helped her transform Mu Xuewei from a poisonous person back into a normal one, she would share her advanced methods for creating drugged puppets from living people. She taunted Xin Baicao, suggesting that by learning her techniques, he might eventually find a way to stop her.
Mu Xuewei, overhearing, declared her desire to be normal but warned that if Night Crow used her for vile purposes, she would use her remaining strength and poison to die alongside her. Night Crow brushed aside the warning, stating Mu Xuewei had no say in the matter, and reiterated her offer to Xin Baicao, emphasizing that his assistance would simply save the girl's life. First Prince Xiao Yong met with Grand Master Tang in the Tianqi Library.
Despite the strict prohibition against open flames in the library, Xiao Yong had it lit, claiming that his presence brought light to any place he stood. Grand Master Tang, finding Xiao Yong's confident demeanor unconvincing, questioned his true intentions for inviting him. Xiao Yong proposed an alliance with the Tang Clan, tempting Grand Master Tang with the promise of destroying Lei Fortress.
Grand Master Tang, however, cited the Tang Clan's existing alliance with Xueyue City and the difficulties of crossing Baili Dongjun. Ultimately, Grand Master Tang expressed profound disappointment in Xiao Yong, rejecting the alliance. He praised the integrity and wisdom of the Prince of Langya, Xiao Ruofeng, highlighting his contrasting qualities to Xiao Yong's ambition.
Enraged by the rejection, Xiao Yong declared Grand Master Tang too old to make correct choices, threatening that the Tang Clan's power was about to shift, and Grand Master Tang would die there that night. Grand Master Tang dismissed Xiao Yong's threats, mockingly calling his trap foolish. A Xiang, Grand Master Tang's aide, agreed that Xiao Yong's plan was foolish and would incur a heavy price.
One of Xiao Yong's men then warned that an entire army surrounded the location, making it impossible for Grand Master Tang to escape the wrath of Tianqi unless he could kill everyone present. Grand Master Tang remained defiant, choosing death over submission. Just as the confrontation reached its peak, the Furious Sword Deity Yan Zhantian unexpectedly intervened, saving Grand Master Tang from Xiao Yong's forces.
When questioned about his presence and a mysterious "disciple" by Xiao Yong's men, Yan Zhantian responded cryptically and swiftly departed with Grand Master Tang. After being rescued by Yan Zhantian, Grand Master Tang was brought to meet the Second Prince, Xiao Chong, who was blind since childhood. Xiao Chong humbly apologized for the impromptu meeting, explaining the suddenness of the night's events and the need for Yan Zhantian, his master, to arrange it.
Grand Master Tang, observing Xiao Chong, found his humility and easy manner to be somewhat feigned. Yan Zhantian interjected, stating that while Xiao Chong learned his swordplay, he had unfortunately inherited Registrar Jin Yu's temperament, which hindered his martial progress. Xiao Chong admitted his lack of talent in swordplay, but Grand Master Tang recognized an intriguing quality in him, distinct from the Prince of Langya. Meanwhile, at Dengjin Tower, Su Changhe and Su Muyu arrived to meet Tang Lingzun.
Su Changhe wryly noted the irony of being hosted by the Tang Clan for a banquet, only days after their disciples had tried to kill Blood River members. Tang Lingzun acknowledged that in their world, enemies and friends could quickly become interchangeable, citing Blood River's past aid during the Demonic Sect's eastern invasion. Su Changhe questioned whether relationships based solely on profit could truly be called friendship.
Tang Lingzun complimented Su Muyu on his handsome appearance, remarking on how well he looked after years. Su Changhe then directly asked Tang Lingzun if she was married, to which she replied she was not. He then probed Tang Lingzun, asking how she had known of his presence in Jin City. Tang Lingzun replied that everyone knew the Patriarch of Blood River and the Su family head were inseparable.
Su Changhe then pointedly demanded the return of their captured family member, Mu Xuewei, asserting Blood River's unwavering care for its own. Tang Lingzun then presented Mu Xuewei, who now appeared to be an "ordinary lady," having been stripped of her unique poison. Su Changhe, visibly angered, protected Mu Xuewei, declaring that no one was permitted to lay a hand on his family in his presence.
Tang Lingzun expressed surprise at Su Changhe's apparent loyalty and sense of justice, noting that it contradicted her intelligence reports which depicted him as a ruthless, profit-driven "Undertaker." Su Changhe playfully countered, asserting that Blood River members wore masks, and beneath his, he was genuinely a loyal and stand-up man. The conversation continued with banter, where Tang Lingzun admitted Su Changhe wasn't as good-looking as Su Muyu and declared herself the most "poisonous" person in the Tang Clan's Inner Hall.
As negotiations were about to continue, Mu Xuewei awoke and moved to stand behind Su Changhe. Tang Lingzun, noticing Su Muyu's absence, questioned Su Changhe's authority to make decisions independently. Su Changhe confidently asserted that his intentions and Su Muyu's were always aligned, and his decisions represented both their stances. Tang Lingzun, inherently suspicious, found this explanation peculiar, especially when Su Changhe dismissed her questions about Su Muyu's departure by suggesting he had simply gone to find lighter dishes. When Tang Lingzun questioned where such dishes could be found in Jin City, Su Changhe playfully retorted, "Perhaps the Tang Clan?"
Episode 28 Recap
Tang Lingzun, looking at Su Changhe, sensed something was amiss. Su Changhe nonchalantly replied that Su Muyu likely found the food in Jin City unappetizing and might have gone to the Tang Clan in search of lighter fare. Realizing this was a diversion and Su Muyu's true target was the Tang Clan, Tang Lingzun declared the negotiation was off, accusing the Blood River of breaking their agreement first.
Su Changhe scoffed, stating that the Blood River hadn't taken the negotiation seriously to begin with. He then added that with Mu Xuewei's return, the negotiation was no longer necessary. Tang Lingzun was taken aback by the Patriarch of Blood River's cunning. Su Changhe openly stated his goal was to transform the Blood River, implying that the Tang Clan, in its current state, had become an obstacle, much like another dark river itself.
Meanwhile, Tang Lian, seeing Tang Tianlu approach the dungeon, bravely volunteered to create a diversion, reminding everyone that Mu Yumo was his Madam. While Tang Lian successfully lured away the guards, Mu Yumo and Su Muyu quickly entered a room where they found Tang Lianyue completely frozen by a Frostmoon Cocoon. Su Muyu tried to thaw him using an Embermark Spider, but it proved useless against the powerful ice, with an elder mocking their futile attempts.
Elsewhere, as Tang Lingzun engaged Su Changhe in a fierce battle, Su Muyu was struck by a hidden weapon laced with a potent toxin while fighting off assailants. Mu Yumo swiftly silenced the talkative attacker. Just then, Bai Hehuai arrived, much to Su Muyu's relief. After checking his pulse, Bai Hehuai confirmed the toxin was the same as the one found in Mu Xuewei, suggesting Night Crow had extracted it to create new poisons.
She gave Su Muyu a pill to suppress the difficult-to-treat poison and promised to fully cure him once they were safe. Su Muyu then asked Bai Hehuai if she could help Tang Lianyue. Recognizing the Frostmoon Cocoon, Bai Hehuai had an idea. She summoned her Phoenix Flame Serpent, "Ember," to slowly melt the ice.
She noted that while Ember was a powerful fire-attribute snake, it would take at least four hours for Tang Lianyue to return to normal, though he still wouldn't regain consciousness immediately. Suddenly, another elder attacked, scoffing that they wouldn't have time to save Tang Lianyue. However, at that critical moment, Tang Lianyue surprisingly awakened and retaliated, throwing off the elder's attack. Su Muyu and Mu Yumo expressed their surprise and relief.
Tang Lianyue confronted the elder, understanding that he was kept alive because only he, his Senior Brother, and Grand Master Tang knew the location of the Tang Clan's Wanbao Tower, which housed all their heaven-rank hidden weapons crucial for the clan's standing. The elder admitted that Tang Linghuang and Tang Lian were still their captives, threatening to kill them if Tang Lianyue resisted. Mu Yumo denounced the elder as a hypocrite who used righteousness to blackmail others.
The elder then revealed that Mu Qingyang had already found Tang Lianyue's young disciple. He offered Tang Lianyue and Tang Linghuang's safe release in exchange for the Wanbao Tower's location, adding that Grand Master Tang would not return to the clan but would be unharmed. Mu Yumo urged Tang Lianyue not to fall for the elder's deceit.
Tang Lianyue, however, remembered his Senior Brother's advice: to always charge forward without concern for others, because his Senior Brother would never need his worry. Night Crow actively sought out the strongest member of the Tang Clan, perceiving him as a "good vessel" she could control to seize power.
She admitted to being a mere passerby initially tasked with a deal to help a faction within the Tang Clan gain power, in exchange for safety, a secret area, and experimental herbs. However, she now preferred to ally with the strongest. Mu Qingyang, fighting against these assailants, sustained severe injuries and was poisoned, facing imminent death. Fortunately, Li Hanyi, the second city lord of Xueyue City, passed by.
She saved Mu Qingyang, who, in his weakened state, muttered that he wouldn't die and that battling Elder Tang Tianlu was too exhausting, urging someone not to shake him and to let him rest. Li Hanyi, recognizing his Froststeel sword and realizing he was from the Tang Clan, noted his Tang Clan hidden weapon wounds.
She mentioned that her master, the Xuanwu Guardian (Tang Lianyue), was also frozen by the Tang Clan's internal strife and observed that her mother's concerns about chaos in the Tang Clan were indeed true. At this moment, Su Changhe received a signal from Su Muyu, confirming their success. He remarked that the outcome was not what his opponent expected.
Tang Lianyue, now free and in control, addressed the kneeling Tang Clan members, declaring that Tang Fulu was dead and Tang Lingzun would also face consequences. He offered clemency to those who merely followed orders, on the condition that they would only serve their own interests or the Tang Clan from then on, and never again become tools for the faithless.
Upon their assent, he ordered them to reveal the whereabouts of the vice sect leader, who was imprisoned in the Heaven Cell of the Execution Hall, and then commanded them to take him there, along with all the other captives. Mu Yumo offered to return Tang Lianyue's Fingertip Blade, which she had been holding for some time, but he refused, stating that he had spares and that particular blade now belonged to her.
After dealing with the Tang Clan elders, Li Hanyi confronted Su Muyu and Mu Yumo, asking if they were involved in the Tang Clan's upheaval. Su Muyu, in turn, asked Li Hanyi why she was there. Li Hanyi stated that her mother had sent her. Su Muyu then deduced that she was there to rescue the Xuanwu Guardian, recognizing Xueyue City's role in maintaining martial world order.
Li Hanyi confirmed that the Xuanwu Guardian (Tang Lianyue) had been rescued and was heading toward the Execution Hall, suggesting Su Muyu seek him out there. When Su Muyu asked if he could trust her, Li Hanyi replied that it didn't matter, as the Blood River's objectives had been achieved. Soon after, Li Hanyi departed. Su Muyu decided they should leave too, certain that with the Xueyue Sword Deity's arrival, there would be no more chaos in the Tang Clan.
He instructed that they simply wait for Tang Lianyue to find them. Later, as Bai Hehuai and others played chess, Tang Xuan arrived to convey gratitude on behalf of the Tang Clan. Su Muyu inquired about Tang Lianyue, and Tang Xuan reported that Vice Master Tang Linghuang had been taken away before Lianyue could reach the Heaven Cell of the Execution Hall.
Tang Lianyue and Li Hanyi had immediately pursued the abductors, and before leaving, Tang Lianyue had sent Tang Xuan to thank the Blood River. When Tang Xuan offered to negotiate in the leaders' absence, Su Changhe questioned his status. Su Muyu then bluntly dismissed Tang Xuan as unimportant and ordered him to leave, sending a message back to Tang Lianyue: if he ever wished to meet them again, he must personally come to the Blood River.
Meanwhile, Su Changhe observed the Azure Dragon Guardian, noting that the world still regarded the Blood River with hostility. The Azure Dragon Guardian, in turn, acknowledged Blood River's involvement in the Tang Clan uprising, noting they had sided with Tang Lianyue and helped rescue him, which was an act of kindness to their side.
He then revealed that Li Hanyi had found Tang Lianyue, but by then, Tang Linghuang had been abducted by a group of mysterious figures and taken north. Tang Lianyue, still suffering from the Frostmoon Cocoon's lingering poison, was forced to halt his pursuit and lost Tang Linghuang's trail. The Azure Dragon Guardian's scouts also confirmed a group of mysterious individuals had entered Tianqi City but evaded surveillance.
He, along with Tang Lianyue, suspected these individuals took Tang Linghuang to Tianqi City. Li Hanyi, unwilling to get involved in Tianqi's affairs, returned to Xueyue City, while Tang Lianyue and the Azure Dragon Guardian continued their investigation. They now believed they could help the Blood River locate these mysterious figures.
Although Su Changhe's initial instinct was to aggressively confront those who had taken Tang Linghuang, Su Muyu convinced him that this presented a unique opportunity to forge an alliance with Prince of Langya. Grudgingly, Su Changhe agreed to humbly seek an audience with the Prince, even though he personally disdained such a notion.
He then humorously complained that Su Muyu had advised him that it was the Blood River as a whole that needed to befriend Prince of Langya, not just Su Changhe, and that Su Muyu had told him to "shut up." Despite his pride, Su Changhe reluctantly conceded, informing the Azure Dragon Guardian that the Patriarch of the Blood River sought an audience with Prince of Langya to discuss matters in person.
When asked about Su Muyu's whereabouts, Su Changhe stated that Su Muyu was already asleep because he had to wake up early for a house viewing. Indeed, Su Muyu and Bai Hehuai were in Tianqi City looking to rent a place to open an apothecary. The shopkeeper, seeing them together, repeatedly mistook them for a married couple, despite Su Muyu's corrections that they were merely business partners. Bai Hehuai, however, seemed secretly pleased by the assumption.
They inspected a quiet residence, and Bai Hehuai boasted of her medical skills, claiming to be among the top five physicians in the world. When asked about the monthly rent, the shopkeeper insisted on a yearly lease, but after Su Muyu and Bai Hehuai feigned disinterest in staying long-term due to the climate and food, the shopkeeper reluctantly offered a half-year lease for 200 silver taels. Su Muyu protested the high price for such a "lousy place."
Just then, Tu Wan arrived, scolding the shopkeeper for trying to swindle his friends. Tu Wan immediately offered Su Muyu and Bai Hehuai a luxurious mansion in Qile Pleasure House, complete with servants, or a quieter mountain villa on the outskirts. Su Muyu declined, explaining that a smaller, more accessible place was better for an apothecary so patients wouldn't be intimidated.
Tu Wan agreed, then, upon learning the shopkeeper was from "Home of Love" and wanted to befriend him, coerced the shopkeeper into renting the house to Su Muyu and Bai Hehuai for a mere one silver tael. Tu Wan arranged for renovations to be completed in three days for the apothecary's opening. Tu Wan then questioned Su Muyu's sudden return to Tianqi, to which Su Muyu replied he sought to gain favor with Prince of Langya.
Tu Wan immediately jumped to conclusions, asking if they planned a rebellion, a venture he eagerly wished to join. Su Muyu denied any such intention, clarifying they weren't there for rebellion. Tu Wan then shared the latest rumors circulating in Tianqi City: that the Dragonseal Scroll, which Prince of Langya tore years ago, actually contained his name as the heir.
Tu Wan speculated that someone was deliberately spreading these rumors, as the original incident, where Prince of Langya secured the throne for Emperor Mingde after taking the scroll from the late emperor, had always been controversial. The second copy of the scroll and its messenger eunuch had mysteriously vanished, fueling suspicions.
Tu Wan posited that people change, and while Prince of Langya might have supported the Emperor in the past, his current immense military prestige and the fervent desire of his loyal army to crown him emperor could lead him to seek the throne himself. Bai Hehuai playfully accused Tu Wan of talking nonsense, to which he replied it was merely a joke.
Su Muyu, connecting this information with his recent encounters in Sihuai City and the Tang Clan, concluded that the mysterious adversaries they faced likely intended to target Prince of Langya. Tu Wan, in parting, offered his continued help to Su Muyu in Tianqi, stating they were true friends who had hit it off at first sight, a feeling he cherished in the "pretentious" city of Tianqi. He even joked that their initial bond was formed in a pleasure house where they both remained untempted among drunkards.
Episode 29 Recap
Tu Wan jovially recalled meeting Su Muyu at the Pleasure House, where they were the only two to remain composed amidst a room full of revelers. Bai Hehuai, gritting her teeth and forcing a smile, immediately questioned how they met, then quickly pulled Su Muyu away, excusing themselves. Tu Wan, oblivious, simply bade them farewell. Later, Bai Hehuai confessed to Su Muyu her dislike for Tianqi City, finding it too vast and lacking the warmth of a home.
She even remarked on the oversized osmanthus cakes. She longed to return to Nan'an. She also questioned why Su Muyu chose to operate a medical clinic openly instead of keeping a low profile. Su Muyu explained that Blood River's presence in Tianqi should not be hidden, and they would conduct their affairs openly and fearlessly. Bai Hehuai agreed.
Suddenly, Bai Hehuai sensed Night Crow's proximity using a snake given to her by Xin Baicao, which was linked to Night Crow's own snake. She decided to investigate. Mu Yumo arrived and insisted on accompanying Su Muyu, reassuring Bai Hehuai of their safety. Mu Yumo revealed that she had been following Tang Lianyue, who was in distress and needed the Su clan's assistance.
They found Tang Lianyue confronting Night Crow, demanding the release of his senior, Tang Linghuang, from the puppet poison. Night Crow remained defiant. Su Muyu and Mu Yumo joined Tang Lianyue. Su Muyu expressed his disdain for Night Crow's disregard for human life and declared that Bai Hehuai, the miracle physician, had ordered him to eliminate her as a traitor to the Medicine King Valley. Night Crow found this amusing and unleashed Tang Linghuang, now a Gold-Body Puppet.
Tang Lianyue explained that Tang Linghuang was the Tang clan's deputy master and pledged his lifelong gratitude if Su Muyu could help save him. During the intense battle, Mu Yumo inquired why Su Muyu wasn't employing the Eighteen-Sword Array. Su Muyu clarified that Tang Lianyue wished to rescue his senior, not kill him, and the array was a lethal technique. Mu Yumo then deployed the Thousand-Spider Array to ensnare Night Crow.
Tang Linghuang, empowered as a puppet, demonstrated enhanced martial prowess, even using a poisonous palm technique he had never learned, a poison that had been transferred from Xuewei. Night Crow, satisfied with testing the Gold-Body Puppet's might, retreated with Tang Linghuang. Tang Lianyue was distressed. Su Muyu explained that Tang Linghuang, though unconscious, was still alive and his martial skills had vastly improved.
Su Muyu observed that Tang Linghuang, who was once Tang Lianyue's equal, had now fought off two opponents while gaining the upper hand. Tang Lianyue desperately asked how to break the puppet poison. Su Muyu admitted he only knew one way to end a drugged puppet: by piercing and destroying its heart. Su Muyu advised Tang Lianyue to be patient, as his senior's life was currently in Night Crow's control, and predicted they would meet again.
Su Muyu and Mu Yumo then departed. Back at their lodging, Bai Hehuai, restless with worry, couldn't sleep. Su Changhe lightened the mood by performing a trick with a dagger and a candle, which impressed and amused Bai Hehuai. Su Muyu returned, looking weary, and Su Changhe playfully asked about the master he had encountered.
Su Muyu informed them that Tang Linghuang, the future grand master of the Tang clan, had been transformed into a perfect Gold-Body Puppet by Night Crow, a revelation that shocked Su Changhe. Su Muyu also confirmed that Li Xinyue had arranged a meeting with Prince of Langya. Su Muyu expressed confidence that Prince of Langya, being a discerning leader, would cooperate with their vision of a "new Blood River," unlike the biased populace.
He asserted that if Prince of Langya held similar prejudices, they would have chosen the wrong ally. Su Changhe acknowledged the implication of Blood River making a significant move into Tianqi. Later, Tang Lianyue reported to Prince of Langya about his senior, Tang Linghuang, being made into a drugged puppet by Night Crow in Tianqi and his unsuccessful attempt to rescue him with Su Muyu.
Another advisor confirmed that the Blood River Patriarch and three family heads had entered Tianqi openly and sought an alliance with Prince of Langya. Prince of Langya, recalling his long history with Blood River since the late emperor's reign, was wary of their intentions. The advisor cautioned against meeting Blood River due to the rumors circulating in Tianqi. However, Tang Lianyue vouched for Blood River's good intentions. Prince of Langya agreed to meet them in three days at Fengxue Tower.
When Su Muyu relayed this to Bai Hehuai, she questioned why a clandestine meeting would be held in such a public venue. Su Muyu suggested it was a display of Prince of Langya's confidence and power. Bai Hehuai decided to attend, joking that she would go for the steamed fish. Su Muyu agreed, stating they would reside in Tianqi for a while, and the clinic's opening would establish their presence before the gathering.
The clinic was named "He-Yu Clinic, Tianqi Branch," and Su Muyu politely declined Su Changhe's offer to help with its preparations. Meanwhile, Night Crow met the First Prince. The First Prince requested to see the "perfect Gold-Body Puppet." Night Crow presented Tang Linghuang, who demonstrated his formidable power by effortlessly attacking a guard. The First Prince was impressed by the puppet's agility and strength, remarking that it was no ordinary Heaven-level master.
He challenged Night Crow to elevate the puppet's power to the Spirit-Roam level, citing Prince of Langya's four Free-Heaven level guardians. Night Crow pledged to meet this expectation. Later, Zhuo Qing, the First Prince's master, revealed to him that the puppet was indeed Tang Linghuang, whose strength had reached the cusp of the Grand-Free threshold, though still a step below Zhuo Qing's own. The First Prince then inquired if Zhuo Qing and Night Crow combined could eliminate Prince of Langya.
Zhuo Qing reminded him that their true objective was not merely to kill Prince of Langya, but to sow distrust between the Emperor and Prince of Langya, and by extension, the Sixth Prince Xiao Chuhe, Prince of Langya's close ally. Only then would the Dragonseal Scroll, which named the heir to the throne, bear the First Prince's name. The First Prince conceded his impatience.
Zhuo Qing then informed him that he had arranged for the First Prince to meet Su Changhe, the Blood River Patriarch, at Qiushui Cottage for a drink that night, referring to Su Changhe as a "distinguished guest." The First Prince was surprised but intrigued by the prospect. Su Changhe stood overlooking the bustling market, reflecting on the mortal world and feeling a newfound "everyday warmth" from his time with Su Muyu and Bai Hehuai.
He pondered the appeal of an ordinary life, free from the conflicts of the jianghu and the intrigues of the court. Su Muyu countered that a stable life was a luxury for many, and their mission was to empower Blood River's disciples to choose their own destinies, not merely be instruments or shadows. He asked Su Changhe what he would choose given the option. Su Changhe, unwavering, declared that he would carve out a new path even without choice.
Su Changhe then voiced his doubts about Prince of Langya's reliability, observing that the Emperor and other princes were wary of him, and the Prince himself seemed overly cautious. Dismissing his thoughts, knowing Su Muyu would disagree, Su Changhe told Su Muyu to proceed with purchasing herbs with Bai Hehuai while he went to experience the world. That night, Su Changhe met Zhuo Qing and the First Prince at Qiushui Cottage. Zhuo Qing introduced the rare "Autumn Waters" wine.
Su Changhe, however, stated he didn't drink, describing himself as a "ferryman to the Other Shore" who needed a "boat." Su Changhe openly acknowledged the First Prince's address to Zhuo Qing as "Master," expressing his surprise as he believed Zhuo Qing's only disciples were the Five Great Eunuchs. Zhuo Qing recounted his past: how as a frail child, he was bullied until he met Consort Shu, the First Prince's mother's aunt.
Consort Shu, a kind and generous woman, encouraged him to learn martial arts, providing him with family manuals, including a partial one titled "The Humble Heart," from which he developed his unique skills over many years. Consort Shu, being childless and witnessing her clan's decline, had entrusted Zhuo Qing to look after the First Prince. However, Zhuo Qing was soon assigned to guard the imperial mausoleum, limiting his time to teach the First Prince.
Su Changhe commented on Zhuo Qing's loyalty, identifying him as someone "loyal and true," just like himself. Zhuo Qing found Su Changhe fascinating and recalled their previous encounter, predicting they would become either friends or adversaries. Su Changhe asked if they would become friends. Zhuo Qing responded that it depended on the kind of friend Su Changhe sought. Su Changhe reiterated his identity as a "ferryman to the Other Shore" who needed a "boat."
Su Changhe then inadvertently mentioned Mister Li, causing Zhuo Qing's expression to harden. Zhuo Qing then outlined the political landscape for the First Prince, explaining that despite his noble lineage, only a few princes genuinely vied for the throne. He listed the Second Prince Xiao Chong, blinded by poison years ago, and the Seventh Prince Xiao Yu, spoiled and whose supporting Shadow Sect had been eliminated by Blood River.
Zhuo Qing concluded that the only true contender remaining for the First Prince was the Sixth Prince Xiao Chuhe, who was backed by Prince of Langya, Xiao Ruofeng. Zhuo Qing emphasized that Prince of Langya was their primary opponent, and not just theirs, but almost the entire city of Tianqi viewed him as a rival due to his brilliance and excessive pride. Zhuo Qing noted that even the Emperor must be troubled by this.
Indeed, the Emperor had been plagued by recurring nightmares for half a month. He dreamt of lying on his sickbed, only for an armored figure wielding a long sword to draw back his bed curtains and plunge the weapon into his chest. Though he could only discern the glint of the sword, the Emperor implicitly recognized the figure as his brother, Prince of Langya.
When questioned by an attendant, he denied seeing the assassin's face, merely stating that the face was always blurred, only the sword's gleam remained distinct. Back at the He-Yu Clinic, Su Changhe found Su Muyu diligently writing names for the clinic on paper seals. Su Changhe teased him about being underutilized, but Su Muyu explained Bai Hehuai's vision for a distinctive clinic, even suggesting a slogan like "timely care, cure on time" for the Nan'an branch to ensure repeat customers.
Su Changhe chuckled, playfully amending the slogan to "patients with illness still return." Su Changhe then proposed bringing out the treasures from the Yellow Springs Pawnshop, suggesting they had been hidden for too long. Su Muyu vehemently disagreed, explaining that the pawnshop's contents were invaluable assets for Blood River, whether for alliances or self-preservation. However, releasing them would attract the attention of powerful factions like Baixiao Hall, leading to investigations that could expose Blood River's entire past.
He warned that revealing such treasures to Prince of Langya, the First Prince, or even the Emperor would make Blood River a target. Su Muyu insisted they must not touch the pawnshop's hoard until the political climate became clear. Su Changhe reluctantly agreed and returned to writing the seals.
Episode 30 Recap
The new branch of He-Yu Clinic in Tianqi City officially opened, but no customers came. Bai Hehuai lamented the lack of attention, especially after gaining such a reputation in Nan'an City, only to move a thousand miles away. Su Muyu's sister, Xiao Zhaoyan, enthusiastically declared her ambition to become the King of Medicine, vowing to establish clinics across the Four Greatest Cities and even change Medicine King Valley's creed, much to Bai Hehuai's exasperation.
When asked about his own aspirations, Su Muyu calmly stated he would be the boss if his sister became the King of Medicine. Tu Wan, a friend of Su Muyu, arrived with gifts to celebrate the opening. Bai Hehuai, observing Tu Wan's pale complexion and light steps, offered to take his pulse. She accurately pointed out his frequent cold limbs, night sweats, and restless nights.
Tu Wan, initially dismissing it as a result of practicing Frost Qi, grew concerned when Bai Hehuai further described his symptoms. Xiao Zhaoyan translated Bai Hehuai's medical terms, confirming Tu Wan suffered from kidney deficiency—both yin and yang deficiency. Tu Wan was shocked, questioning how simply listening to music daily could cause such an ailment. Su Changhe, the Patriarch of Blood River, then entered. Tu Wan recognized him immediately, excusing himself due to urgent matters at Thousand-Gold Tower.
After Tu Wan left, Bai Hehuai jokingly called Su Changhe a "wicked thing." Su Changhe, in turn, playfully brandished his Hell Palm. Su Muyu intervened, reminding him that his Hell Palm was almost at the ninth level and could genuinely scare people.
They discussed their martial prowess, with Su Muyu admitting that while he might win a normal duel with a ninety percent chance, Su Changhe would win a life-or-death battle with a hundred percent certainty because he fought without mercy. Su Changhe mentioned he needed to go into seclusion to break through to the ninth level, anticipating the many experts in Tianqi City. He then revealed his "grand gift" for the clinic.
Mu Qingyang, head of the Mu family, and Mu Xuewei then arrived. Su Changhe noted Mu Xuewei's talent in formations, which he heard was comparable to her poison skills, even though she was cured of her deadly poison. Mu Qingyang clarified that he was skilled in formations, and while Xuewei's poisons were gone, she remained the Mu family's foremost poison expert.
He proposed that her knowledge of poisons combined with his formations would be a perfect gift for Bai Hehuai, as they could set up defenses for the clinic. Su Changhe emphasized the need for preparations since they were no longer hiding their identities in Tianqi City, acknowledging the city’s inherent dangers.
Meanwhile, the Prince of Langya (Xiao Ruofeng) pondered his past as a carefree wanderer versus his current responsibilities in court, lamenting how the turmoil had replaced his dreams of the martial world. He anticipated the arrival of Situ Xue, whom he had invited to Tianqi City. He confided that despite facing Nanjue's army, he was afraid to face her. A flashback revealed their first encounter: Xiao Ruofeng, a young wanderer, met Situ Xue.
She found him attractive and, feeling hot, spontaneously jumped into a lake. She later playfully proposed marriage, intending for him to become her live-in husband, and claimed his family heirloom sword, Autumn Thunder, as part of his dowry. Their romance took a turn when Situ Xue introduced Xiao Ruofeng to her father, who recognized his sword as the Haoque Sword and realized he was a prince of the Xiao imperial line.
Situ Xue, a wanderer who despised the court, immediately broke off their relationship, refusing to accept the Haoque Sword. Despite Xiao Ruofeng’s persistent attempts to win her back, their paths diverged after she gave him a one-year ultimatum to choose between the court and the martial world. Back in the present, Situ Xue confronted the Prince of Langya, criticizing his poetry and observing that while he tried to appear as he once was, she genuinely remained the same.
She reminded him of her master's teaching about having only one choice in life. He acknowledged his impending death and made a desperate plea: if he were to die, he asked her to take their son, Ling Chen, away from Tianqi City. Situ Xue reluctantly agreed, but with a condition: she would only take Ling Chen if he died, and she would raise him as a carefree wanderer, not an avenger.
The Prince of Langya accepted this, expressing relief that Ling Chen would have such a life. Later, at a meeting in Fengxue Tower, Su Changhe, Su Muyu, Mu Qingyang, and Bai Hehuai awaited the Prince of Langya alongside his guardians, Azure Dragon and Tang Lian Yue. The Prince of Langya was late, explaining his delay was due to "a matter of the heart," which Su Muyu deemed worth waiting for.
Bai Hehuai, however, noticed his weariness and offered him a prescription, which he politely declined. Su Muyu began to explain Blood River's intentions. After Su Changhe became patriarch, Blood River reorganized, destroyed the Soul Reapers' Hall, and broke free from Shadow Sect's control, becoming a purely martial sect. However, their dark past made it difficult to gain acceptance.
Their initial plan to cooperate with the Tang Clan, using their influence, was ruined by Tang Lingzun's revolt and Tang Linghuang becoming a puppet. Su Muyu explained their choice of the Prince of Langya, as his "brilliance" as the foremost warrior and court figure would "light their path forward." They sought to use his reputation to earn legitimacy for Blood River.
In exchange, Blood River offered to rescue Tang Linghuang, cure his puppet poison, eliminate Night Crow, and dismantle the royal faction supporting her, thereby assisting the Prince of Langya in stabilizing the court. Meanwhile, the First Prince and General Dian were also making their own arrangements. Xu Liuyun, The Blade Ghost of Nanjue, arrived, having been invited by the First Prince to witness the Heaven-Splitting Blade Technique.
The First Prince revealed his intention to claim Prince of Langya's treasures and the Heaven-Splitting Blade Technique for himself once his plan was complete. He sought to make the Emperor suspicious of the Prince of Langya to secure his own claim to the throne. He viewed the Prince of Langya as a threat, acknowledging his brilliance but also the Emperor's fear of him, a fear reinforced by a nightmare the Emperor had of being stabbed by the Prince of Langya.
Episode 31 Recap
Su Muyu proposed that they would help the Prince of Langya eliminate his enemies. Su Changhe pressed on, inquiring if the Prince was truly sincere in this alliance. After some thought, the Prince, Xiao Ruofeng, explained that Tang Linghuang, Tang Lianyue's Senior, was a close friend whose life was of utmost importance to him.
He stated that if Su Muyu and his group could rescue Tang Linghuang and cure him of the drugged-puppet poison, it would be a tremendous act of kindness. The Prince then added that it would be his honor, Xiao Ruofeng's, if Su Changhe wished to use his influence to bring Blood River into the light. He then asserted his belief that they could usher in a new era for the jianghu.
After the meeting, Su Changhe and his companions emerged, pleased with the outcome. Mu Qingyang remarked that it was a good start, not an end, to Blood River's acceptance by the world. He shared his first wish: to retire as head of the Mu family and pass it to Yumo, as he had fulfilled his duty of bringing the Mu family into the light.
His second wish was to visit the Profound Sword Deity at Wangchengshan to eat a peach grown by the sword deity himself. Bai Hehuai teased him, suggesting he might as well stay there and cultivate. Mu Qingyang admitted he had considered it but couldn't, as cultivation required cutting off love, which he was unwilling to do. He then revealed his third wish: to confess his long-standing feelings for Mu Xuewei. Bai Hehuai reacted with pleasant surprise and happiness for him.
Su Changhe then chastised Mu Qingyang for his romantic aspirations. Mu Qingyang, however, was struck by how cold Su Changhe’s fingers were, initially wondering if he practiced a Frost Palm technique. This led to the discovery that Su Changhe's coldness was a result of the Qi he absorbed during his exchange with the Prince of Langya.
Su Muyu explained that while Su Changhe's Hell Palm could normally absorb and redirect an opponent’s Qi, the Prince’s Qi was tainted with a potent frost poison that had begun to run rampant within Su Changhe’s body. Bai Hehuai revealed that the Prince himself was suffering from this frost poison, which had invaded his body, and he didn't have long to live. She confirmed his condition was critical, offering only a slim chance of recovery.
Su Muyu speculated that the dying Prince of Langya sought their help to eliminate rebellious elements in Tianqi City, thereby clearing the path for his elder brother to ascend the throne. Mu Qingyang found this selflessness puzzling, stating that if he were dying, he would not concern himself with the world's affairs. Su Changhe announced he would enter seclusion to address the frost poison.
He explained it had nearly crippled him because his Hell Palm's ninth level was incomplete, but he was confident that once he achieved the ninth level, he could dispel any poison. Su Muyu agreed to manage external matters, cautioning against rushing to rescue Tang Linghuang, as the Prince of Langya’s dire condition gave them leverage. Meanwhile, Su Changli introduced himself to the First Prince's faction as Su Changhe's younger brother, tasked with relaying messages.
He conveyed Blood River’s message: they had no interest in the imperial court; they simply wanted their organization to gain legitimate recognition, proclaiming, "You be emperor of Tianqi City, and we'll be king of the jianghu." Tu Wan brought Bai Hehuai to the Li Residence to treat General Li Xian's son.
Li Xian, initially skeptical of Bai Hehuai’s youth, was soon convinced when she accurately diagnosed his son's condition – "nine short, one long" breaths, with bloody phlegm on the long one, signifying impending death – without even entering the room. Allowed inside, Bai Hehuai examined the patient and confirmed he was alive but afflicted with a difficult poison. She took a sample of his blood and declared she needed time to refine a cure.
When Li Xian observed his son collapsing after Bai Hehuai’s initial treatment, a reaction not seen with previous physicians, he grew suspicious and attempted to detain her. Tu Wan vehemently refused to let her be held captive, declaring Li Xian would have to kill him first. Just as Li Xian's men moved to apprehend them, Su Muyu arrived, neutralizing the guards with his sword Qi and ensuring Bai Hehuai and Tu Wan's safe departure.
Concurrently, Xu Liuyun was informed that a physician from Blood River's clinic had entered Li Xian's residence and ordered his men to prevent her from leaving, setting a trap. After leaving the Li Residence, Bai Hehuai expressed her concern to Su Muyu that the unique puppet poison affecting Li Xian’s son indicated Night Crow might be secretly spreading it throughout Tianqi City, possibly to create an army of drugged puppets.
She had taken a blood sample to begin work on an antidote. As they journeyed back, the famed Blade Ghost of Nanjue, Xu Liuyun, ambushed them. Xu Liuyun revealed he had been sent to kill Bai Hehuai. Su Muyu instructed Bai Hehuai to find a way to escape during their fight, acknowledging Xu Liuyun’s formidable reputation.
During their fierce battle, Su Muyu chose to fight using his Spring-Rain Swordwork, intent on shedding his old "Umbrella Ghost" identity and its signature Eighteen-Sword Array. He critiqued Xu Liuyun’s reliance on multiple blades, stating it masked an inability to master any single one. Bai Hehuai attempted to assist by laying a poison array, but Xu Liuyun's disciple appeared and gravely injured her. Su Muyu quickly gave Bai Hehuai a life-saving green vial and laid her down safely.
Furious, Su Muyu faced Xu Liuyun, who, determined to complete his mission, trapped Su Muyu in his "Blade-Ruin Array" and turned his attention back to the defenseless Bai Hehuai. Seeing her in peril, Su Muyu forcefully broke free from the array using his internal energy, injuring himself in the process. Unfazed, Xu Liuyun brandished a simple, old blade—his first, bought decades ago—and declared it would claim Su Muyu's head. Su Muyu, weakened and spitting blood, struggled to stand, ready for the final confrontation.
Episode 32 Recap
Xu Liuyun gloated over Su Muyu's severe internal injuries, claiming Su Muyu would die within 15 minutes if he continued to use his internal energy. Just then, Tu Wan arrived. Su Muyu addressed him as "Second Master Tu," but Tu Wan insisted they were friends and asked to be called by his given name. Tu Wan offered to buy Su Muyu 15 minutes to recover, bravely holding off Xu Liuyun.
Before the time was up, Su Muyu, having recovered slightly, intervened. He declared his identity as "Su Muyu of Blood River" and swiftly wounded the surprised Xu Liuyun, who then conceded. Reflecting on his newfound courage, Tu Wan realized he was willing to sacrifice himself for his friends. Su Muyu thanked Tu Wan, vowing to remember his kindness, and left with Bai Hehuai for treatment, entrusting the area to Tu Wan.
A spy reported to Turbid Clarity that Xu Liuyun, the Blade Ghost of Nanjue, had been hired by General Dian to assassinate the miracle physician of Medicine King Valley but was instead killed by Umbrella Ghost. The miracle physician was Xu Liuyun's true target. Meanwhile, Night Crow showcased a "perfect" Gold-Body Puppet, lamenting that she couldn't replicate another one like him, but hinted at other "good prospects" in Tianqi City and declared it a good night for killing.
Turbid Clarity then informed Prince Xiao Yong that General Dian was panicking and would mobilize more hidden forces after Xu Liuyun's failure. Prince Xiao Yong expressed confidence in his uncle. Turbid Clarity questioned whether Xiao Yong's confidence stemmed from family ties or General Dian's competence, remarking that kinship could be a convenient tool for those who want things done without dirtying their own hands.
He implied that if General Dian failed, they might have to rely on Su Changhe, whom he described as a "double-edged sword." Mu Qingyang and Mu Xuewei were playing chess. Mu Xuewei worried about Bai Hehuai, but Mu Qingyang tried to reassure her, saying Su Muyu would protect them. He then offered to perform a divination, which Mu Xuewei dismissed as merely flipping a coin.
Mu Xuewei also teased Mu Qingyang for not panicking about Su Muyu, reminding him of his past anxiety. Mu Qingyang deflected, claiming Su Muyu was strong enough and suggested worrying about the deputy commander instead. Mu Xuewei then asked if Mu Qingyang would worry about her if she were in danger, which made him flustered. He asserted his status as family head but she scoffed at him, leading him to playfully threaten her with his Poison-Sand Palm.
After performing his divination, Mu Qingyang discovered a bad omen. Mu Yumo discovered that Bai Hehuai's bleeding had been stopped, likely due to Su Muyu administering the Unyielding Gold. She instructed Mu Qingyang to use gentle yet strong internal energy to strike Bai Hehuai's Baihui acupoint to expel the blade qi. Su Muyu, despite his injuries, insisted on going to confront their enemies.
Mu Yumo tried to dissuade him, but Su Muyu explained that the enemies would relentlessly pursue Bai Hehuai if they knew she had discovered the secret of the drugged puppets. He planned to create a diversion by pretending Bai Hehuai was dead and seeking revenge, thus luring them away. Mu Xuewei and Mu Yumo agreed to stay and protect Bai Hehuai.
They had already set up the Myriad Fantasy Array outside, trapping anyone who entered by showing them their inner demons. Mu Xuewei then added a second layer, a poison array, around the courtyard, while Mu Qingyang instructed Mu Xuewei to go inside and assist in Bai Hehuai's healing as he and Mu Yumo stood guard. Outside, their enemies arrived.
An ally of Night Crow, Xie Zaiye, easily dispelled the Myriad Fantasy Array, encountering his inner demon, who was Su Muyu, a representation of the straightforward and carefree spirit he envied. However, they were stopped by the poison array. Night Crow then instructed Tang Linghuang, now a Gold-Body Puppet, to absorb the poisonous miasma.
Mu Yumo and Mu Qingyang realized that Tang Linghuang, the deputy sect leader of Tang Clan and Tang Lianyue's senior brother, had been turned into a Gold-Body Puppet and possessed Mu Xuewei's poison arts, making him a formidable Heaven-level master. Su Muyu stormed into General Dian's residence, demanding an explanation for Bai Hehuai's "death" at the hands of the general's hired assassin. General Dian defiantly refused to explain, warning Su Muyu of the severe consequences of attacking a general.
Despite his severe injuries, Su Muyu declared his intention to be reckless, infuriated by General Dian's transformation from a valiant warrior to a schemer. News quickly spread to Night Crow's forces that Su Muyu, wounded and enraged, was massacring the general's residence, confirming their belief that Bai Hehuai was dead and prompting them to return. Meanwhile, at the clinic, Mu Xuewei and Mu Yumo confirmed Bai Hehuai was safe, noting Su Muyu's diversion was effective.
At the general's residence, Xie Zaiye arrived and, impressed by Su Muyu's power, confronted General Dian, lamenting his fall from a noble warrior to a political manipulator. Xie Zaiye then faced Su Muyu, acknowledging Su Muyu's strength and lamenting his own differing path. Su Muyu countered that his and Su Changhe's strength allowed them to let "weeds" grow only to destroy them later.
Su Muyu and Xie Zaiye, who hadn't fought in a long time, prepared to clash, both acknowledging each other's improved internal strength. Despite his efforts, Su Muyu, already severely injured, was no match for Xie Zaiye. As he tried to amplify his killing intent, Tang Linghuang, now a Gold-Body Puppet brought by Night Crow, attacked and wounded him. Night Crow observed Su Muyu's qi leaking but his sword aura and killing intent strengthening, realizing he was going demonic.
She deduced that Bai Hehuai, whom she referred to as her "martial aunt," was profoundly important to him. Night Crow gloated that Su Muyu, weakened by Tang Linghuang's attack and internal poison, would die within minutes, but decided to finish him off due to his dangerous potential as the one who overthrew Blood River and Shadow Sect. Just as Su Muyu faced certain death, his Master, Su Yunxiu, suddenly appeared.
She wryly commented on Su Muyu's pathetic state and questioned where Su Changhe was, imagining his reaction. Su Yunxiu then confronted Night Crow, revealing her identity as the "ghost physician" and a traitor of Medicine King Valley, admonishing her for turning Tang Linghuang into a drugged puppet and warning her about the Tang Clan's wrath. She then effortlessly repelled Night Crow and her forces using her "Hell Palm" technique, forcing them to retreat.
Night Crow's subordinate asked if they should pursue, but Night Crow stopped him, saying Su Yunxiu would kill them all. Su Yunxiu then escaped with Su Muyu. As Su Yunxiu carried a severely weakened Su Muyu away, they encountered Mu Qingyang, who had followed. Mu Qingyang, initially wary, soon recognized Su Yunxiu as the legendary sword deity and owner of the library, whom he deeply admired and believed to be dead.
Su Yunxiu explained she had merely left Blood River, and since they couldn't find her, they falsely reported her death. She added that she had taught both Su Muyu and Su Changhe, implying her resilience. Mu Qingyang was astonished by her unchanging appearance. Su Muyu, now awake, confirmed Bai Hehuai was safe.
Su Yunxiu playfully chided him for not showing joy at her return, but Su Muyu revealed that he and Su Changhe had already suspected she had either escaped or adopted a new identity within Blood River. Su Yunxiu praised his deduction but then questioned his uncharacteristic recklessness. Mu Qingyang explained their elaborate ruse: Su Muyu feigned extreme rage and a desire for revenge over Bai Hehuai's "death" to draw their enemies away, buying time for Bai Hehuai's healing.
Su Yunxiu, however, saw through his pretense, stating that his rage was genuine but his rationalization was insufficient. She then directly asked if he "fancied" Bai Hehuai, to which Su Muyu unequivocally replied, "Indeed. I fancy her." Su Yunxiu was delighted, celebrating that someone had finally made Su Muyu express love, seeing his current "pathetic" state as his "most handsome" due to this emotional awakening.
Likening him to a melting iceberg transforming into a vast ocean, she then announced her departure, having only been passing through Tianqi City. She acknowledged Su Muyu's inner strength and trump card, reminding him and Su Changhe that building a new Blood River required flawless execution. Mu Qingyang then left with Su Muyu. In his secluded retreat, Su Changhe struggled to break through the ninth level of his cultivation, feeling agitated about an unknown issue.
A subordinate reported a message from Flying Tiger General's Residence inquiring about his return. Su Changhe, irritated by their impatience, said he would act when the time was right. The subordinate then detailed the events of the previous night: Bai Hehuai was severely wounded after discovering the general's secrets, prompting Su Muyu, despite his own injuries, to launch a furious attack on the residence to create a diversion. Su Muyu nearly annihilated them before reinforcements drove him back.
Both Su Muyu and Bai Hehuai were now severely wounded and hiding. Su Changhe was enraged, accusing Dian Ye and his men of losing their minds and violating their agreement not to harm Blood River members. His subordinate then questioned the necessity of cooperating with such people, suggesting that timely intervention could have prevented Su Muyu's severe injuries, which angered Su Changhe, who sternly asked if he was being questioned.
Episode 33 Recap
Mu Ciling questioned Su Changhe, asking why they had to cooperate with their allies. He suggested that if they had intervened earlier, Su Muyu might not have been so severely wounded. Su Changhe, angered by this challenge, asked if Mu Ciling was questioning his authority. Mu Ciling quickly backed down, stating that his elder brother's decisions surely had their reasons.
Su Changhe then instructed his subordinate to inform Dian Ye that their cooperation was strictly limited to opposing the Prince of Langya. He warned them not to act rashly, as when he emerged from seclusion, everything would be decided. Meanwhile, a deputy general presented an urgent report to the Prince of Langya, detailing how General Lei had been ambushed while attacking Nanxu City.
After breaking through with a small squad, General Lei was now fleeing to Mount Luolei, where they had some troops stationed. However, Nanjue's forces were determined to encircle the mountain, and all available reinforcements were tied down elsewhere. The Nanjue army appeared to be going all out, willing to pay any price to eliminate their commander. The Prince of Langya, despite being unwell, ordered his deputy to rescue General Lei.
He reflected that the more one gains, the more one stands to lose, and expressed his determination to achieve his goals in his limited time. He mentioned that Ji Ruofeng and Chuhe had gone to the Miao Territory to find Dragonfire Herb and Cinnabar Spiders, which he believed would suppress the frost poison in his body. A person named Xinyue warned him that someone seemed to be deliberately moving his people away.
The Prince of Langya acknowledged the warning, stating that when the inevitable happens, one must "cast everything aside." Tang Lianyue then reported to the Prince of Langya that a major event had occurred in Tianqi City the previous night. Su Muyu had fought and killed Xu Liuyun, Nanjue's Blade Ghost. However, the young miracle physician Bai Hehuai, who was with Su Muyu, seemed to have suffered a misfortune.
Following this, Su Muyu had stormed the Flying Tiger General's residence, even involving the Jinwu Guards, and He-Yu Clinic was now deserted. Mu Qingyang, from the Mu family, arrived and confirmed that Bai Hehuai was alive, but not entirely well. He explained that Blood River's Patriarch was in seclusion, one family head was gravely injured, and another was far away.
Mu Qingyang, who admitted he wasn't much of a fighter, requested the Guardians' assistance, noting that only the Xuanwu Guardian (Tang Lianyue) was present. Su Muyu eventually awoke at Ms. Wan'er's residence. Mu Yumo informed him that He-Yu Clinic was no longer safe and that Mr. Tu had brought them to Ms. Wan'er's place, known as the quietest spot in Tianqi City. Su Muyu immediately asked about the miracle physician.
Mu Yumo reassured him that Zhaoyan said Bai Hehuai was out of danger but needed time to wake up. Su Muyu suggested discreetly sending Bai Hehuai out of Tianqi to Blood River where Uncle Zhe and Uncle Qidao were present. However, Mu Yumo argued that Bai Hehuai was too weak for such a long journey. She added that she had already sent word to Blood River, and Uncle Zhe and Uncle Qidao would dispatch strong reinforcements to Tianqi.
At Blood River, a friend complained to Su Zhe about the new tasks assigned by Su Muyu, which involved farming and managing harvests, wondering when Blood River's "broadswords" had turned into "sickles." He also mentioned Su Muyu's new strict policy of testing disciples upon their return from Tianqi, with failure leading to expulsion from the Three Families. Just then, news arrived from Tianqi City about the grave situation that had endangered his daughter.
Without hesitation, Su Zhe declared his intention to "flatten Tianqi." Tang Lianyue and Mu Yumo had a tense conversation. Mu Yumo confronted Tang Lianyue about his feelings for her, asking if he would propose marriage at Blood River if his senior was rescued. Tang Lianyue hesitated, citing the disapproval of the Tang Clan grand master and the Prince of Langya. Mu Yumo, hurt by his reluctance, questioned if liking a woman from Blood River was shameful in his eyes.
Though disappointed, she felt a glimmer of hope, acknowledging that he admitted to having feelings for her. She declared that they were now partners in their mission to rescue his senior and avenge Su Muyu and the miracle physician, and then she left. Tu Wan had been investigating General Li Xian's son, Li Zhengqi, and found something suspicious. He noted that Li Zhengqi, despite his father's bravery, had poor martial talent and had not achieved much by his twenties.
However, ten days ago, Li Zhengqi had surprisingly excelled in the Jinwu Guards' preliminary selection for the Golden Throne Contest, directly qualifying for the main event. Soon after, he fell ill. Tu Wan suspected Li Zhengqi had used a method to boost his power, possibly the "drugged puppet art," and was likely tricked, as such methods have severe backlashes.
Tu Wan discovered that Li Zhengqi had frequently visited Doom Abyss in the Ghost Market, a well-known black market in Tianqi City. He learned that the Ghost Market would be open that day. Su Muyu asked him to notify Mu Xuewei and the others. At the Ghost Market, Mu Qingyang expressed his curiosity about the infamous "place of monsters and ghosts," wondering how it compared to Blood River. Tang Lianyue, Mu Yumo, and Mu Qingyang arrived.
They heard rumors about Li Zhengqi going mad. A vendor at the market was selling pills, claiming they could transform a person's body to win the Golden Throne Contest and even the martial exam. He explained that Li Zhengqi's madness was due to him impatiently taking three pills at once before the prelims, and warned others not to be so foolish, while still providing five pills to each buyer. Elsewhere, Xie Xuan was summoned by Sikong Changfeng.
Li Hanyi found Xie Xuan to be verbose. They decided to make a bet: to see who could pluck more flowers from the abundant rhododendrons on Mount Cang using only sword energy within the time it took for one stick of incense to burn. The loser would go to Tianqi to assist the Prince of Langya. Bai Hehuai finally regained consciousness, surprised to be alive. Zhaoyan, her disciple, reminded her to rest due to her severe injuries.
Bai Hehuai, in good spirits, playfully questioned who the true miracle physician was. Zhaoyan explained that Su Muyu had suffered severe internal injuries after storming the general's manor to protect them, and was now recovering. Bai Hehuai examined Su Muyu's pulse and realized his condition was more complex than just internal injuries. She confronted Su Muyu, telling him he was on the verge of demonic deviation, which she suspected he risked to save her.
Su Muyu confirmed his commitment to his promise made in Jiuxiao City to keep her safe. Bai Hehuai warned him about the dangers of demonic deviation, recalling Jian Wudi's fate. Su Muyu assured her he had it under control and asked her not to tell Mu Yumo and the others to avoid worrying them further. Bai Hehuai agreed but cautioned him against acting recklessly. The Prince of Langya received a message from Su Muyu via a Mu family messenger butterfly.
Concluding that Su Muyu was trustworthy, he decided it was time to meet with the people from Blood River again. Back at the Ghost Market, Tang Lianyue, Mu Yumo, and Mu Qingyang were confronted by guards who recognized Tang Lianyue as the Xuanwu Guardian. As they tried to secure the pills from the vendor, their path was blocked. Tang Lianyue was reluctant to harm the guards. He confidently declared that his Tang Clan's hidden weapons were faster than arrows.
However, Night Crow then appeared with Tang Linghuang. Tang Lianyue was stunned, recognizing Tang Linghuang as his senior, which made him hesitate to act and left him constrained by Night Crow. Night Crow stated that Tang Linghuang was there to take Tang Lianyue's life.
Episode 34 Recap
Tang Lianyue confronted Tang Linghuang, attempting to stop his former senior from causing further harm. However, Mu Yumo urgently warned Tang Lianyue not to touch Tang Linghuang, but her words came too late. Recognizing the danger, Mu Qingyang and Mu Xuewei quickly pulled Mu Yumo away, urging a retreat as their opponents were too formidable.
Night Crow appeared, mockingly telling Tang Lianyue that having been struck by Tang Linghuang's Poison Palm, even as the Xuanwu Guardian, he would be unable to continue fighting. She advised retreat and to plan their next move later. Night Crow then spoke to her own subordinate, praising Tang Lianyue's extraordinary intelligence. She revealed that Tang Lianyue had seen through their disguise and understood their true target was the Prince of Langya.
Had Tang Lianyue used his signature hidden weapons and killed someone, the evidence would have implicated the Prince of Langya. Night Crow then instructed her own men to let everyone else leave the area, promising to notify them of a new meeting spot. Meanwhile, Su Muyu met with the Prince of Langya, who assured him their meeting was private and untraced.
Su Muyu lauded the Prince's renowned martial arts and intellect, recalling his past reputation as the "Elegant Gentleman" with unparalleled wisdom and cunning. He noted that the Prince had only fully trusted him after Su Muyu risked his life in a previous duel. The Prince confessed that in Tianqi, he had to tread carefully, like "walking on thin ice," and could not afford mistakes.
Su Muyu observed that the Prince seemed to be in his weakest position yet, with many of his trusted allies gone or unavailable due to various circumstances, from the war in Nanjue to Sikong Changfeng's return to the martial world, leaving only Tang Lianyue by his side. Su Muyu deduced that while some events were coincidental, others were intentionally orchestrated by the Prince to appear weak and lure his enemies into making a move.
The Prince confirmed this, stating he needed his enemies to strike first. He admitted that even when they did, he would still be vulnerable, unable to protect himself, thus requiring Su Muyu's assistance. Su Muyu then realized that Blood River's arrival in Tianqi was merely the final piece in the Prince of Langya's elaborate scheme. The Prince, however, claimed he didn't plan that far ahead, merely "following the flow," but reaffirmed his commitment to a prior promise.
Separately, the First Prince, Xiao Yong, discussed his plans with his uncle. He explained that all the officials struck by the puppet poison held military power, giving him leverage to control them. Xiao Yong's uncle warned him that once he made this choice, there would be no turning back. Xiao Yong replied that he never looked back because all he saw was unbearable, a sentiment stemming from his difficult childhood. A flashback showed a young Xiao Yong with his mother.
His mother, despite being neglected by the Emperor, busied herself with embroidery, making gifts for the Emperor, Xiao Yong's uncle, and grandfather, hoping to gain the Emperor's favor. Her maid, Diancui, urged Xiao Yong to plead with the Emperor on his mother's behalf, as the Emperor spent all his time with another consort, Consort Xuan. Xiao Yong's mother quickly silenced Diancui, telling Xiao Yong to focus on his studies and make her proud.
News then arrived that Xiao Yong's maternal grandfather, Lord Dian, was in trouble due to issues with the Ministry of Revenue's accounts, enraging the Emperor. Later, Xiao Yong's mother lamented that the Emperor merely forced her father to retire, dismissing it as the mercy shown to "a lone stray dog." Xiao Yong's uncle assured him that he was joining the military to forge a new path for their family and become Xiao Yong's new support.
In the present, Xiao Yong reflected that his uncle was the only relative he could truly trust and rely on. Haoyue reported that the Xuanwu Guardian and members of Blood River had gone to Doom Abyss. Xiao Yong was furious, stating Su Changhe had already agreed to an alliance, yet Blood River was still obstructing their plans.
He ordered Haoyue to find Su Changhe, declaring that if Su Changhe continued his retreat, their alliance would be broken, and every Blood River member in Tianqi City would be eradicated. Another subordinate offered to go, citing his connection to Blood River through family roots. Xiao Yong agreed, adding that if necessary, they should locate and eliminate Su Muyu and his men without notifying Su Changhe.
At the Prince of Langya's residence, a subordinate informed Su Muyu that they had uncovered the secret of the drugged puppets but were forced to retreat due to the overwhelming strength of their opponents. Mu Yumo and Tang Lianyue had returned to report to the Prince. Su Muyu suggested leaving Tianqi City, but Mu Xuewei questioned if he intended to give up. Su Muyu explained that he didn't want Blood River to become a pawn in political power struggles.
He proposed that the others leave with Bai Hehuai while he waited for news from Su Changhe, after which they would all return to Blood River together. Mu Xuewei, however, saw through his intentions, recognizing his pattern of sending others to safety while he dealt with the aftermath alone. Bai Hehuai affirmed that she could not leave because the chaos in Tianqi, caused by the drugged puppets, originated from an outcast of the Medicine King Valley.
As the most senior living member, she felt a responsibility to stay. Mu Xuewei countered that with the Patriarch, Su Changhe, in reclusive retreat and Su Muyu gravely injured, their current strength offered little help in the ongoing conflict. Just then, Su Zhe appeared, asking who had wounded Bai Hehuai. Bai Hehuai informed him that Su Muyu had already avenged her, to which Su Zhe gave a nod of approval.
Su Muyu then requested Su Zhe to take Bai Hehuai and leave Tianqi, intending for him and Su Changhe to resolve the city's issues. Su Zhe flatly rejected this, pointing out Su Muyu's severely weakened state. He warned that if Su Muyu didn't rest and recuperate under his daughter's care for several months, he would suffer permanent internal damage, similar to his own past injuries that made him vulnerable to powerful foes.
Su Zhe reiterated that he didn't want Su Muyu to end up riddled with holes like him, especially since he intended to entrust his daughter to him in the future. Su Muyu insisted on having his own plans, but Su Zhe angrily dismissed this, saying Su Muyu's plans always led to risking his life, which would inevitably leave his daughter a widow. Despite his frustration, Su Zhe acknowledged Su Muyu's unwavering nature and decided to help.
Su Muyu protested, aware that Su Zhe's secret art, the Divine-Demon Nirvana Art, though modified to prevent death, would cause severe backlash when transferring internal energy. Su Zhe assured him he wouldn't die, as he needed to live to care for his daughter. He then forced Su Muyu to accept his "zhenqi", explaining that otherwise, he himself would die from exhaustion.
During the transfer, Su Zhe painted a picture of a peaceful life for Su Muyu outside the martial world: returning to Nan'an City, becoming a humble medical apprentice for his daughter, helping her sell, crush, and brew herbs, and making her famously terrible noodles, which she would complain about but still eat, leading him to buy her osmanthus cakes the next morning.
Su Muyu humorously wondered if he would make terrible noodles his entire life but admitted the life sounded appealing. However, he then asked about the fate of the Blood River disciples, fearing they would perish unnoticed if abandoned. Su Zhe acknowledged Su Muyu's sense of responsibility, reminiscing about his own past as the former Kui of Blood River's main family, destined to be the Patriarch.
He admitted that he once yearned for fame and to be the world's number one martial artist, but then he found love. After that, he only desired to travel the world with his beloved, finding the entire Blood River organization and the pursuit of ultimate power insignificant compared to gazing at the stars with her. Outside, Bai Hehuai, watching from a distance, recognized the technique Su Zhe was using and understood the immense sacrifice he was making for Su Muyu.
The Prince of Langya teased Mu Yumo about her affection for Tang Lianyue. In a surprising turn, she declared she no longer liked him, finding him not bold enough. She then playfully flirted with the Prince, stating she now preferred a brave hero like him, which left him flustered. The Prince then praised Tang Lianyue as a deeply reliable man who would only commit to a woman when he was absolutely certain he could give her a lifetime of happiness.
However, his reflective tone concerned Mu Yumo, who noted he sounded as if he were settling his final affairs. The Prince conceded that perhaps he was. Shifting back to business, he ordered them to find and protect all the poisoned sons of high officials before the upcoming Grand Assembly, fearing a greater crisis was being orchestrated by the First Prince.
At the imperial court, Li Hanyi reported on the recent unrest in Tianqi, including an assassin attack at the Flying Tiger General's Residence. She observed that the martial artists involved seemed to be acquaintances of the Prince of Langya. In response, the Emperor ordered Dian Ye to conduct a citywide manhunt for the assassins, granting him command of the Flying Tiger Army's elite troops.
Later, Li Hanyi met with the Prince of Langya, commenting on his reflective mood and comparing him to Sikong Changfeng. When she asked if he regretted his past decisions, the Prince responded with a metaphor: if a swordsman challenged a master, knowing failure meant never wielding a sword again, would he regret it? Li Hanyi answered no, and the Prince affirmed that was his answer too.
He likened life to a "Peach Blossom Coin used for divination," with only one side facing up. He chose a serene life and its duties over the freedom of the martial world, just as she sought peerless swordsmanship, and one must accept the consequences of their choice. Elsewhere, Su Changhe emerged from his reclusive training, having perfected his Hell Palm technique to the ninth level. He boasted that the vast world now felt like it fit within his palm.
He was immediately confronted by Xiao Yong's men. Su Changhe’s subordinate clarified that Su Changhe had sustained an internal injury from a previous clash with the Prince of Langya, necessitating his retreat. One of Xiao Yong's men, an elder named Zhuo Qing, acknowledged Su Changhe's mastery. Su Changhe recognized him from the Shadow Sect and noted his new allegiance to the First Prince.
Zhuo Qing defended their choice, stating that with the First Prince's ascension, Blood River could replace the Inner Security Division and operate in the open. He then revealed that the version of the Hell Palm possessed by other factions was incomplete to prevent its practitioners from suffering a powerful backlash, whereas Blood River's original version was far more powerful but also more dangerous.
Su Changhe, however, was furious about what had happened during his retreat: Blood River members almost died, the head of the Su family was gravely injured, and He-Yu Clinic was nearly razed. He accused Xiao Yong and his faction of "messing around." Xiao Yong retorted that it was Blood River's interference that caused these problems. Simmering with rage, Su Changhe challenged Zhuo Qing, asking if he could stop him from killing the First Prince with a single palm strike.
Zhuo Qing gravely responded that while in the past he could, the current Su Changhe had a "50% chance" of succeeding. Su Changhe declared his desire to "give it a try."
Episode 35 Recap
Zhuo Qing warned Su Changhe that while he had a fifty percent chance of killing Xiao Yong, it would also cost him his own life, a price Zhuo Qing deemed not worth paying. Su Changhe agreed, stating that staying alive was more important, much to Xiao Yong's relief. Su Changhe then expressed his anger, questioning why the Blood River clinic, which he had explicitly told his people to keep open without incident during his seclusion, had attracted such deadly trouble.
He accused them of wrecking their plans. Zhuo Qing claimed it was merely a misunderstanding caused by sudden events, then probed if Su Changhe and Su Muyu had chosen different allies. Su Changhe openly admitted that Su Muyu was unaware of his decision, as Su Muyu remained loyal to the Prince of Langya, a path Su Changhe did not support.
His ambition was to become the undisputed No.1 in the jianghu, a goal he felt the Prince of Langya could not help him achieve, unlike Xiao Yong who had the power to make Blood River the "emperor of the jianghu" by overthrowing the Prince. Xiao Yong, noting Su Changhe's ambition, presented a truth-testing snake, a deadly serpent that would bite if someone told a lie while touching it.
When Xiao Yong asked if Su Changhe would kill Su Muyu should he obstruct their plans, the snake turned red and lunged. Su Changhe crushed its head, warning everyone present not to ask such a provocative question or harm Su Muyu. Xiao Yong accepted his response, stating that their shared enemy was enough, and promised to reveal his plans. As Su Changhe departed, he feigned drunkenness.
His brother, Mu Ciling, noted his changed demeanor, finding him harder to read since his seclusion, and wondered if they should inform Su Muyu. Su Changhe dismissed his brother’s concerns, assuring him he was in control and that his brother could always rely on him. He explicitly told him not to tell Su Muyu about his return, knowing Su Muyu would not agree with his choices, as Su Changhe had his own plan for Tianqi City.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yong was informed that Su Muyu's hideout had been located. He also learned that his general-uncle had been granted imperial authority to hunt down and execute assassins from the General's Residence. Despite his subordinate's apprehension about acting so soon after meeting with Su Changhe, Xiao Yong dismissed their concerns, claiming he, as the First Prince, could not control his general-uncle.
He ordered the hideout's location to be given to his uncle, allowing him to act as he saw fit. At a separate location, Su Zhe completed transferring all his power to Su Muyu, who was "reborn from the ashes" to become more powerful, though Su Zhe himself was severely weakened. Shortly after, the clinic came under attack by numerous assailants, including the Jinwu Guard and other masters.
Mu Qingyang took charge, ordering Su Muyu, Su Zhe, and the physician to evacuate while he stayed behind with Mu Xuewei to hold off the enemies. He asserted his authority in the absence of the Patriarch and Master Su, explaining that if they all fled together, they would quickly be caught. He intended to use a mist formation to make the attackers believe everyone was still inside, assuring everyone he had a way to escape.
Mu Xuewei refused to leave, proclaiming that her poisons combined with Mu Qingyang's formations were peerless. Mu Qingyang corrected her, saying it was "his" pairing with her that was peerless. Facing overwhelming odds, Mu Xuewei suggested Mu Qingyang leave, as her martial arts would only hinder him.
Mu Qingyang, however, proposed they toss a coin: peach blossom for escape and a wedding at the Falling Stars Pavilion before Mu Yumo, or the sword for dying together and meeting in the next life. Mu Xuewei scoffed at his talk of marriage in such a dire situation, but Mu Qingyang insisted. He tossed the coin, and it landed on its side, signifying "turning ill luck to good."
An enemy's voice declared Mu Qingyang a "sacrificed piece," but Mu Qingyang vehemently denied it, vowing to carve a bloody path for Mu Xuewei. The fight intensified, and the air filled with the "Three Thousand Realms" toxin, which turned to mist when exposed to fire, prompting warnings for everyone to cover their faces. Mu Xuewei, seeing Mu Qingyang severely wounded, desperately pleaded with him not to die, promising to marry him if he lived.
In his last moments, trying to make her smile, he confessed his love for her, a love he had held for many years, before collapsing amidst the fire. At the Prince of Langya's residence, Li Hanyi informed him of the previous night's fire in the south-side alley. She also reported that Tang Lianyue and the Spider Woman had left Tianqi, possibly as a diversion.
Li Hanyi warned that someone was spreading "puppet poison" in Tianqi, but stressed that the true threat was the Dragonseal Scroll. She speculated that if the scroll appeared and named the Prince, yet he refused the throne, it could lead to widespread chaos. She highlighted the precarious situation: the Langya army in the south was struggling, the Emperor was gravely ill, Tianqi's main guardians had been relocated, and his own health was compromised.
With the Imperial Assembly drawing many powerful figures to the capital, she doubted he could contain the chaos. The Prince acknowledged that the Dragonseal Scroll was indeed the most pressing issue, but having searched for it for years without success, he would wait for his enemies to make their move. He planned to intercept and destroy the scroll before it could be revealed at the Imperial Assembly, confidently asserting that he, Xiao Ruofeng, could always maintain order in Tianqi.
Meanwhile, Bai Hehuai and others had found refuge back at the He-Yu Clinic, which they deemed the safest place. They worried about Mu Qingyang's fate, but a subordinate reassured them he possessed many lifesaving abilities. Commander Jia Feng of the Inner Security Division arrived with his troops, stating he was there under the Prince of Langya's orders to protect them. He had already sealed off three nearby alleys, preventing the Jinwu Guard or the Court of Judicial Review from entering.
Bai Hehuai, acting as the Miracle Physician, asked Jia Feng to apprehend the son of Li Xian, the Deputy Commander of the Jinwu Guard, to which Jia Feng readily agreed. Later, Su Muyu awoke to the devastating news that Mu Qingyang and Mu Xuewei had stayed behind in the courtyard and "didn't make it back" from the fire. However, no bodies had been found due to the Jinwu Guard's strict blockade, sparking a slim hope that they might have escaped.
Elsewhere, Tang Lianyue and Mu Yumo located Haoyue, but they were ambushed during the interrogation. Mu Yumo was bitten by a tracking spider, realizing it was the same type from Doom Abyss, and the Spider Woman also appeared at the scene. In the attack, Haoyue was struck by a fatal "snake venom," bidding a poetic farewell before succumbing to the poison.
Tang Lianyue then ordered the Inner Security Division to seal off Fengxi Manor, ensuring that those with special identities caught in the attack could not return to Tianqi City. Xiao Yong received reports of the attack on Fengxi Manor, its sealing by Tang Lianyue, and Lord Haoyue's death by snake venom. He showed no remorse, dismissing them as mere "pieces" whose fate did not concern him.
He instructed his subordinate to let others deal with the "hot potato" and experience panic. Later, in a conversation with his general-uncle, Xiao Yong noted the impending Imperial Assembly would gather all their allies in Tianqi. He believed that with a certain "powerful item," it would be the perfect opportunity to eliminate all their enemies.
He interpreted his father's decision not to detain him after their chess game as tacit approval, believing his father was waiting for a decisive battle between him and the Prince of Langya, which would benefit the Emperor regardless of the outcome. Xiao Yong reflected on his father's "suspicious by nature, loving yet ruthless" character, praising him as a "born to rule" emperor.
He then recounted the day his mother died, the cold palace, and the fake mourning, vowing from that day to prepare to "cut off all injustice," reclaim what was rightfully his, and "stand alone at the pinnacle!" Back at the clinic, Su Muyu was given Mu Qingyang's copper coin, a poignant reminder of his presumed death.
Still grieving the lack of bodies, he instructed the Inner Security Division to inform the Prince of Langya that while he would assist him, Blood River had a blood debt to settle in Tianqi and would not leave until it was avenged, asking the Prince not to interfere if their plans diverged. Mu Yumo returned, shaken by the destruction of the courtyard and the Inner Security Division's presence.
Su Muyu explained the ambush, how he and Su Zhe were too weak to fight after Su Zhe's healing, and how Mu Qingyang and Mu Xuewei stayed to cover their escape, but "didn't make it back." Mu Yumo lamented how they once took comrades' deaths for granted, but now everything felt different, questioning how many more would die on their path. Su Muyu then asked about Su Changhe, learning he had already left seclusion.
Mu Yumo realized Su Changhe had not returned immediately, wondering where he went and if he had ever acted independently without informing Su Muyu. She recalled only one such instance: when Su Changhe tried to kill the former patriarch for the Dormant Dragon Sword, and wondered if Su Changhe "has other plans."
Episode 36 Recap
Su Changhe received news of Mu Qingyang and Mu Xuewei's deaths with an unperturbed expression. Changli noted that they wouldn't have died if Blood River had been there, questioning if Su Changhe still viewed them as mere assassins. Su Changhe, the Patriarch of Blood River, affirmed that they had not yet found true freedom and remained under the control of others.
He knew First Prince Xiao Yong's intricate plan: to exploit generals and marquises whose family members had been turned into drugged puppets, compelling them to ignite a riot in Tianqi City on the eve of the Imperial Assembly. Simultaneously, Xiao Yong intended to reveal the Dragonseal Scroll, framing Prince of Langya for both the scroll's appearance and the chaos.
He would then intervene to quell the rebellion, kill Prince of Langya, seize his influence, and clear his own path to the throne. Su Changhe mused that months ago, such a plan would have been laughable, but now, with Lei Mengsha defeated, the Emperor's trust in Prince of Langya waning, and his key guardians having departed, Prince of Langya appeared vulnerable. Changli asked if Su Changhe was simply choosing the more advantageous side.
Su Changhe admitted being profit-driven was his greatest strength, yet he wondered if Prince of Langya, who had always commanded such awe, was truly so weak, or if Blood River was unwittingly being used as a pawn. He suspected Prince of Langya was merely feigning weakness. He then instructed Changli to tour Tianqi City while he remained alone, as they would soon depart. Later, on a Tianqi rooftop, Su Changhe encountered Xueyue Sword Deity Li Hanyi.
He greeted her, remarking on the city's beauty at night. Li Hanyi warned him not to move, or her sword would draw blood. They acknowledged they were both in Tianqi for the same person: Prince of Langya. Li Hanyi observed Su Changhe's growing prowess and suggested they might spar another time. In the meantime, Su Muyu received word from the Inner Security Division that the Dragonseal Scroll had indeed surfaced.
Meanwhile, Bai Hehuai delved into Li Zhengqi's mind to treat him. She witnessed his childhood trauma, where his father repeatedly beat him, demanding perfection under the guise of high expectations and calling him "useless." Li Zhengqi, even in his dream, vowed to win the Golden Throne Contest and become a deputy general. Bai Hehuai realized the father was merciless, a stark contrast to how she had perceived him when he protected his son before.
She concluded she wasn't there to uncover his past. Later, while discussing Su Zhe's recovery with a concerned Su Muyu, Su Zhe, having transferred some of his powers to Su Muyu, felt superb after his daughter's acupuncture. He recounted how she promised to manage the long-term backlash from his Divine-Demon Nirvana Art and mentioned their martial nephew could also help.
Su Zhe spoke of his daughter wanting to return to Medicine King Valley after the Tianqi events, describing a simple life with huts, cattle, sheep, a vegetable patch, and a valley rich with mystical herbs. She believed that with their combined skills, even the envoys of Hell would have to wait decades for their lives. Su Muyu confirmed Su Zhe would fully recover.
Su Zhe then asked if Su Muyu would join them in Medicine King Valley, to which Su Muyu's silence implied he would not. Bai Hehuai then realized that the image of Su Muyu she saw in Li Zhengqi's dream was not his inner demon but her own, as Li Zhengqi had never met Su Muyu.
Prince of Langya appeared unconcerned, even as a servant informed him that beggars were singing rhymes about him ascending the throne during tomorrow's Imperial Assembly, and the city walls were covered with similar messages. He sarcastically agreed that it sounded appropriate, mentioning the Mandate of Heaven, generals' allegiance, and the Imperial Star moving eastward. He dismissed the numerous confidential letters from his generals, ordering them to be burned without a trace.
Prince of Langya expressed regret over implicating Su Muyu and his companions but insisted that both he and Su Muyu must successfully complete their respective tasks. He then prepared to enter the palace, donning his fur cloak. Bai Hehuai's apprentice relayed Su Muyu's message that Blood River would compensate Ms. Wan'er with a grand manor, using funds from the Yellow Springs Pawnshop, for the damage caused to her home.
The apprentice inquired if the current batch of medicine was the final step to curing the puppet poison, to which Bai Hehuai confirmed. When asked about two distinct pots of medicine, one thick and one clear, Bai Hehuai explained one was for the drugged puppets, and the other had a different purpose. Mu Yumo confronted Su Muyu as he prepared for a perilous solo mission.
She observed that he, though outwardly gentle, was unyielding once his mind was set, and seemed profoundly changed. Su Muyu explained that with Su Changhe still missing, he was the sole Blood River member acting that night. He intended to "slay the specter, banish the shadow, and shatter the light," after which they would leave Tianqi, and a new Blood River would emerge.
Mu Yumo expressed her worry about the extreme danger and warned him to be careful, promising to wait for his return. Elsewhere, Xiao Yong gazed out a window at the moon, envisioning Prince of Langya's impending disgrace, which would mark his own rise to prominence.
He elaborated on his scheme to frame Prince of Langya for rebellion, kidnapping officials' sons, poisoning them, and creating an unstoppable army of drugged puppets, while he, Xiao Yong, would be seen as the righteous savior. He then dismissed a servant. Three patriarchs (Xie, Mu, and Su) discussed the death of Lord Haoyue, who had been silenced by snake venom after failing a mission. The Su patriarch expressed doubts about First Prince Xiao Yong's suitability as a leader.
The Mu patriarch, however, asserted that Xiao Yong, as the legitimate imperial heir, was a "manifestation of light." He argued that they were too deeply committed to turn back. The Xuanwu Guardian of the Inner Security Division was in a difficult situation, as the drugged people under their watch were transforming into monsters, threatening to implicate the division. Mu Yumo arrived with an antidote prepared by Bai Hehuai.
The suffering drugged people desperately consumed it, but instead of relief, they convulsed violently and collapsed. The Xuanwu Guardian questioned the antidote's efficacy. Night Crow, accompanied by Tang Linghuang, appeared and clarified that the Medicine King Valley antidote was not flawed. She explained that while Mu Yumo had detoxified the individuals, she had failed to address the "caster's poison" by either curing or eradicating the "poison master"—Tang Linghuang himself—which was essential for a complete cure.
Night Crow, possessing this knowledge that Mu Yumo lacked, declared her intention to kill Tang Lianyue, mockingly noting that Tang Linghuang, now a puppet, no longer recognized his own senior brother. Tang Lianyue angrily silenced Night Crow. When Mu Yumo asked why he wasn't using his most powerful hidden weapons, Tang Lianyue explained that doing so would destroy Tang Linghuang's body. Taking matters into her own hands, Mu Yumo unleashed her "100-Spider Array."
Each spider had consumed the antidote, and she hoped that as they bit Tang Linghuang, the antidote would infuse his bloodstream and neutralize the puppet poison. Night Crow scoffed at the idea of spiders killing a "Gold-Body Puppet." Tang Linghuang cried out in pain, a sign that the antidote was working. Tang Lianyue rushed to absorb the remaining toxins from his senior brother.
Mu Yumo warned him against it, explaining that Tang Linghuang's body was now a potent cocktail of various poisons. Tang Lianyue, undeterred, asserted that as a member of the Tang Clan, such poisons were no threat to him. Tang Linghuang, having regained a sliver of consciousness, recognized Tang Lianyue. He pleaded for his own death, stating his internal organs were irrevocably damaged, and asked Tang Lianyue to avenge him.
Night Crow tried to prevent his death, but Tang Linghuang, with his dying breath, warned Tang Lianyue not to prioritize his life if it was used to blackmail him, urging him to charge forward instead. He then unleashed his remaining power in a massive explosion to clear the poison mist for Tang Lianyue and Mu Yumo, sacrificing himself. In the ensuing chaos, Mu Yumo was injured while shielding Tang Lianyue from Night Crow's attack.
Tang Linghuang, with his last words, implored Tang Lianyue to cherish Mu Yumo. Night Crow lamented the destruction of such a "perfect drugged puppet" and unleashed three other powerful drugged puppets, once masters nearing the Free-Heaven level, to deal with Tang Lianyue and Mu Yumo. Despite her injury, Mu Yumo tearfully asked Tang Lianyue one last time if he would marry her. He affirmed that he would.
She then requested a grand wedding at their Falling Stars Pavilion, noting no one had ever married there before, and teasingly mentioned her embarrassment for always pursuing him in front of Su Muyu and others. Tang Lianyue agreed to all her wishes, promising to "ride the red phoenix" to take her as his bride. Mu Yumo sweetly dismissed the idea of a real phoenix.
Tang Lianyue then countered Night Crow's forces by combining his "Cries of 1,000 Birds" and "Skywrath Thunder" techniques, creating a powerful "Phoenix Descent," proving that a phoenix indeed exists. He then carried Mu Yumo away. Finally, Prince of Langya (Ruofeng) entered the palace to meet his Imperial Brother. The Emperor spoke of the recent commotion in Tianqi. Prince of Langya directly asked if his brother believed the rumors of his impending rebellion.
The Emperor then inquired about the Dragonseal Scroll, noting its continued absence after many years. Prince of Langya assured him that the scroll would appear tonight and that he would retrieve it for the Emperor, ensuring the Imperial Assembly would proceed safely. The Emperor expressed his relief, affirming his eternal trust in Prince of Langya, though he reminded him that not everyone in the world adhered to such absolute principles.
The Emperor then offered Prince of Langya tea and snacks prepared by Jin Xuan. Prince of Langya consumed them, acknowledging their quality. As he prepared to leave, a profound chill enveloped him, forming thick ice on his body. He understood that his brother, despite his words, had secretly poisoned him, and his own days were now numbered.
Episode 37 Recap
The Prince of Langya sat in his sedan, coughing uncontrollably. He noticed severe frost covering his arm, which even his internal energy couldn't melt. Li Hanyi came to him, asking why his frost poison had flared up so badly. She deduced he had consumed something he shouldn't have, specifically mentioning Skywater Cold Tea and Ice-Month Trio. Though common for others, these items were dangerous for him, and she questioned why he insisted on having them.
The Prince of Langya reflected on his childhood, recalling how his older brother, the current Emperor, protected him when they were young, despite their mother being out of favor. He remembered a time when his younger brother, Ruofeng, was freezing, and the Household Bureau, looking down on them, refused to provide enough charcoal.
To expose their mistreatment, the young Prince deliberately went out into the cold without a cloak, declaring that even out of favor, they were still princes, and he wanted everyone to witness their abuse. This experience fostered a deep gratitude towards his brother, explaining why he had supported him for so many years. Li Hanyi asserted that the poisoning was clearly the First Prince Xiao Yong's doing, implicating him in tampering with the pastries.
She believed the Emperor knew of Xiao Yong's actions but tacitly allowed them. The Prince of Langya, however, felt the truth of who was behind it wasn't important. A flashback showed the Emperor telling his eunuch Jin Xuan to remove such items and instruct Xiao Yong not to send them again, indicating his awareness without directly confronting his son. Outside the sedan, Li Hanyi confronted three masked figures, identifying them as former great eunuchs and juniors of Zhuo Qing.
She questioned why they, having retired to the imperial tomb, were meddling in Tianqi City's affairs, especially when their veiled faces couldn't hide their unique techniques. The eunuchs dismissed her, claiming that history is written by the victors and doubting if she, despite being the Xueyue Sword Deity, could defeat all three of them. Li Hanyi, undeterred, declared that when she draws her sword, she never weighs the odds.
Su Muyu encountered the elders of the three great families—Mu Fusheng, Su Ziyan, and Xie Piyou—who were blocking his path. They recalled their last meeting at Wanjuan Tower and explained that after choosing to remain in Tianqi, they sought a new patron, ultimately siding with the First Prince Xiao Yong. They suggested Su Muyu also reconsider his allegiance, implying the Prince of Langya would fall tonight.
Su Muyu, however, scorned their "choice" to become servants, asserting that Blood River belongs only to itself. He declared that their lives would end tonight as payment for their decision. Zhuo Qing appeared, remarking on Su Muyu's lack of surprise and deducing Su Muyu was there for him. Su Muyu confirmed he was there to seize the Dragonseal Scroll, which the Prince of Langya believed Zhuo Qing possessed, calling it his "deal" with the Prince.
Zhuo Qing found it laughable that a Blood River assassin would help a "great hero" secure a succession edict. Su Muyu retorted that he was acting to ensure that when Blood River takes similar righteous actions in the future, it will no longer seem ridiculous. He then declared that even without the scroll, Zhuo Qing's life must end tonight, initiating his Eighteen-Sword Array.
Zhuo Qing, despite acknowledging Su Muyu's skill, boasted that he was still the strongest in Tianqi, with only State Preceptor Qi Tianchen as his equal, who was absent. Observing the severely wounded Su Muyu, Zhuo Qing questioned if the fight, based on his father's teaching of needing to defeat a stronger opponent for the battle to have meaning, was truly worthwhile. Su Muyu affirmed that even if it cost him his life, it held meaning.
Meanwhile, Su Zhe and Bai Hehuai, on their way to rescue Su Muyu, were intercepted. Su Zhe, despite his frail health, urged Bai Hehuai to go find Su Muyu, promising he would hold off their attackers and would not die. Bai Hehuai expressed concern, but he insisted they must both throw caution to the wind, affirming it was a promise. In his battle, Su Muyu declared that he and Zhuo Qing could never be friends.
When Zhuo Qing questioned how an assassin living in darkness could maintain pride, Su Muyu countered, saying, "We dwell in darkness, but our hearts face the light. You stand in the light, yet sink into your own shadow."
Zhuo Qing attempted to sow discord by claiming Su Changhe had abandoned Su Muyu to attack the Prince of Langya, but Su Muyu responded by asking if Zhuo Qing believed in absolute trust, asserting that the bond between him and Su Changhe was precisely that. Just as Su Muyu was faltering, Su Changhe emerged from the shadows, striking Zhuo Qing with a powerful palm.
Zhuo Qing realized Su Changhe's true intention was "one evil devouring another," aiming to absorb his martial arts. Su Changhe revealed his true identity as Blood River's Patriarch, his goal to "bury" Zhuo Qing. He explained that he had hidden his true motives for a long time, meticulously planning to wound Zhuo Qing, who was the top fighter in Tianqi and a step away from the Spirit-Roam level.
Su Changhe disclosed that his Hell Palm, Zhuo Qing's Humble Heart Technique, and Ye Dingzhi's Void-Thought Art all originated from the same manual, allowing their inner forces to interlink. He planned to absorb Zhuo Qing's Humble Heart power to become invincible. Zhuo Qing discovered that Su Changhe's palm carried the venom of the Slumbering Serpent King from the Yellow Springs Pawnshop, which severely wounded him.
Su Changhe admitted he had been planning this moment for over two decades, revealing his origin from Sacred Fire Village in the Miao Territory. He recounted how Zhuo Qing, in pursuit of their sacred Fire-Dragon Lingzhi, had slaughtered his entire village, making Zhuo Qing his sworn enemy. After Su Changhe delivered a powerful strike, Su Muyu rushed to tend to his injuries. Zhuo Qing, realizing his dire situation, ordered his remaining eunuchs to eliminate Su Muyu and the others.
He then began to siphon the inner force from the three elders, intending to use their decades of cultivation to regain his near-Spirit-Roam level. Su Changhe, seeing this, declared his own ability to absorb inner force and attacked Zhuo Qing, attempting to draw out his power.
Zhuo Qing, with profound internal energy from years of practicing the Humble Heart Technique and absorbing countless others' powers, mocked Su Changhe for trying to drain his strength, knowing that such an attempt would cause Su Changhe to "burst." This was Zhuo Qing's trap, aiming for Su Changhe to be overwhelmed by his immense power. Su Changhe began to falter under the strain.
Seeing this, Su Muyu, in desperation, chose to wield a demonic sword art, prepared to sacrifice his life to kill Zhuo Qing. He questioned why Blood River was repeatedly denied a chance to escape its dark existence, stating that if his death could purify Blood River, he would embrace it. Su Changhe urged him to stop, warning that the Seven-Slaughter Six-Annihilation Sword, a terrifying technique of mass annihilation, would cost him his life.
But Su Muyu was resolute, understanding the consequence yet determined to try, shouting "Fall!" as he unleashed his attack. Su Changhe, severely injured, was shocked to find Zhuo Qing still standing after taking the blow, exclaiming about the eunuch's immense power. At this critical moment, Bai Hehuai arrived, delivering Su Muyu his sword, the "Crane Feather." With his sword in hand, Su Muyu declared his resolve to create a future for his family.
Zhuo Qing warned that he was on the verge of succumbing to demonic influence and would not escape death even if he won, but Su Muyu retorted that while Zhuo Qing might be unmatched, he had people supporting him. Unleashing a devastating final blow, Su Muyu succeeded in severely wounding Zhuo Qing, but in doing so, he completely succumbed to the demonic state. Su Changhe recognized the extreme danger Su Muyu was in.
Bai Hehuai, ignoring the peril, rushed forward, desperately trying to awaken him. Fortunately, Su Muyu's inherent purity allowed him to recover from the demonic state with the help of Iceheart Water. Believing the ordeal was over, Bai Hehuai looked forward to returning to Nan'an with Su Muyu, praising him as one of the finest men. However, her condition suddenly worsened. She realized she had fallen into a trap set by her martial niece, Night Crow.
Her previous efforts to refine an antidote with her own essence blood had caused the puppet poison that should have been purged to flare up again. Despairing, Bai Hehuai pleaded with Su Muyu to kill her rather than let her become a monstrous puppet. Su Muyu refused, determined to find a way. Su Zhe arrived, suggesting they use inner force to expel the poison, but Su Changhe confirmed that inner force was useless against this toxin.
Su Muyu, recalling that Tu Wan had mentioned a miracle physician in Tianqi City, resolved to take Bai Hehuai there. However, upon reaching their destination, he collapsed, unconscious. Elsewhere, the severely wounded Night Crow reflected on Tang Lianyue's unexpected strength. She admitted she had underestimated him, revealing that he had forced her to fake her death and sacrifice her bodyguard puppet to escape. Despite her injuries, she felt victorious, anticipating that her martial aunt, Bai Hehuai, would now be suffering the backlash from the many antidotes she had refined.
Episode 38 (Ending) Recap
Li Hanyi, wielding the Floral Sword Art, fought fiercely against her attackers. Despite his severe cold poison, the Prince of Langya sensed his wife's arrival and used his remaining inner energy to strike at the ambushing archers, reprimanding them for their cowardly methods instead of developing their skills on the battlefield. Li Hanyi then administered medicine to him. She admitted she came to his rescue, despite his previous claims that her involvement in Tianqi affairs was unnecessary.
She revealed she had been in Tianqi during the Tai'an Palace infiltration years ago, having placed spies to signal her in times of danger, ready to storm the palace for him regardless of the royal family's power. She declared that if she had to draw her sword, he would have to leave with her. The Prince of Langya, accepting his fate, replied that as night descends, the wind drifts away in parting.
Awakening, Mu Yumo was met by a servant who confirmed her recovery before ushering in Tang Lianyue. Mu Yumo observed Tang Lianyue's anxiety, noting he wasn't so concerned the last time she was gravely injured by his hand. Though he remained silent, she now understood his actions and gaze revealed his love for her, confirming his true feelings. Tang Lianyue emphatically declared he would not allow her to die.
Mu Yumo then proposed a promise: once they complete their respective missions and shed their identities as the Xuanwu Guardian and a Blood River assassin, they would be free to love and go wherever they wished. Tang Lianyue agreed, vowing to find her after helping the Prince of Langya fulfill his goals. Mu Yumo urged him to leave, reminding him that both the Prince of Langya and Tianqi City needed him.
Before departing, Tang Lianyue presented her with a carved rabbit, admitting he made it because he broke her mask during their first encounter. He expressed his desire for her to live freely in the sunlight, no longer hiding her identity. Mu Yumo praised his craftsmanship and again pressed him to go. Meanwhile, Tang Lianyue and his forces intercepted Flying Tiger General Dian Ye as he attempted to leave with his troops.
Tang Lianyue informed Dian Ye that the Inner Security Division had secured Fengxi Manor, rescued the kidnapped noblemen, and ensured their families would not act further. He declared it was time for Dian Ye to pay the price for his actions, despite Dian Ye's scornful defiance. Su Changhe, vexed by the recent outcomes, spoke with Tang Lianyue, who delivered a report.
He learned that Great Eunuch Zhuo Qing was gravely wounded but his body was taken by his disciple, Jin Xuan, leaving his survival uncertain. Regarding First Prince Xiao Yong, Tang Lianyue reported that Flying Tiger General Dian Ye had taken all blame for the Tianqi uprising. Xiao Yong, in turn, confessed to partial responsibility, offering to be confined to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, relinquish his princely title, and forever abstain from political disputes.
Emperor Tai'an approved Xiao Yong's request, despite the Prince of Langya’s memorial and submitted evidence, and his subsequent refusal to meet with the Prince. The Dragonseal Scroll also remained missing, having been retrieved by an unknown party. Su Changhe expressed his deep dissatisfaction with these answers.
Later, he spoke with Mu Yumo, who asserted her new role as head of the Mu family and her commitment to putting personal feelings aside for her responsibilities, stating that since Tang Lianyue had made a promise, she saw no need for impatience. Later, Tang Lianyue warned the Prince of Langya that if Su Muyu did not recover, Su Changhe would personally kill both Xiao Yong and the Prince.
The Prince of Langya, coughing blood and suffering from his cold poison, acknowledged the warning, musing that his life might end before Su Changhe could strike. Upon awakening, Su Muyu immediately inquired about Bai Hehuai, reciting a sorrowful verse. Su Changhe sadly informed him that Bai Hehuai had passed away peacefully, without suffering.
He explained that her father, Su Zhe, not wanting his daughter to endure any more pain, had used Su Muyu's Inch Sword to swiftly end her life while Su Muyu was unconscious. Su Changhe added that Su Zhe would return Bai Hehuai's body to Medicine King Valley, where a pot of wine would be prepared for Su Muyu every Qingming Festival and on her death anniversary, awaiting his visit.
Su Muyu then questioned Su Changhe about Night Crow, learning she was likely incinerated by the Phoenix Descent technique. He then learned of the verdict regarding Xiao Yong, who was pardoned and confined to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. Su Changhe and Su Muyu confronted First Prince Xiao Yong at his sedan. Su Changhe declared they were there to pay final respects to the individual Xiao Yong had wronged, implying Bai Hehuai.
When challenged by a guard and Xiao Yong, Su Changhe angrily accused Xiao Yong of taking Bai Hehuai's life, despite Li Hanyi having saved Xiao Yong's son. Xiao Yong protested that he had confessed and been pardoned by imperial decree, claiming his fate now rested "in the hands of Heaven." Su Muyu stepped forward, asserting, "I am Heaven itself."
Xiao Yong attempted to dissuade them, arguing that Blood River had already "won," and the Prince of Langya would fulfill their agreement for Blood River to walk in the light, questioning the need for further aggression. Su Changhe countered, asking if a prince could kill with impunity and evade punishment by merely abandoning his title.
Xiao Yong warned them of the severe consequences of killing a prince in the street, stating Blood River would become Beili's most wanted criminals, forever dwelling in shadows. Su Changhe recalled Mu Yumo's past question about the normalization of death among Blood River companions, stating that everything had changed. He declared his choice was to avenge Bai Hehuai, Qingyang, Xuewei, and all others manipulated by those in power.
He asserted that his choice held profound meaning, and from that moment, Tianqi City would remember Blood River's name, as they would no longer be manipulated as pawns, having demonstrated the price of such actions. Su Muyu then entered the sedan and swiftly killed Xiao Yong. Unbeknownst to Su Changhe and Su Muyu, Bai Hehuai was alive in a nearby sedan, having been saved by Su Muyu's master. Su Muyu's master sensed Su Muyu's presence after Xiao Yong's death.
She informed Su Zhe that his daughter, whose name is revealed to be Su Yunxiu, was safe, having saved her under the condition that she could take Bai Hehuai, the miracle physician, with her. She explained her need for Bai Hehuai to be on standby as she cultivated a new martial art, and sternly warned Su Zhe not to reveal this to Su Muyu, or Bai Hehuai would never return.
Su Muyu's master then reflected on Su Muyu's future, finding it intriguing that he, having almost reached the light, had now fallen back into endless darkness. Before leaving Tianqi, Su Changhe and Su Muyu visited the Prince of Langya to bid farewell. The Prince expressed his disappointment that they chose to kill Xiao Yong, deeming it an irreversible solution.
Su Changhe acknowledged that both he and Su Muyu were often considered "lunatics," and explained that Blood River sought to stand in the light, not be pawns in power struggles. He reasoned that while Xiao Yong's confinement under Chancellor Qi Tianchen might have prevented him from rising again, his death would complicate many things. Su Muyu interjected, asserting that Blood River now possessed its own justice, and by that justice, Xiao Yong deserved to die.
He warned that if anyone dared to use them as pawns again, Blood River would become the chess players. Su Muyu declared that he and Su Changhe would return to Blood River and forge their own path, believing they would reach their "Other Shore" despite the journey's difficulties. The Prince of Langya hoped they would not meet as enemies again, to which Su Changhe remarked that becoming friends would also be difficult.
Meanwhile, the Chancellor learned of Xiao Yong's assassination on his way to confinement. His subordinate identified one of the attackers as someone the Chancellor had previously repelled with a talisman. The Chancellor reflected that he might have been too narrow-minded before and that the head of the Su family was a person worth meeting.
As Su Changhe and Su Muyu fled, Su Changhe questioned if Su Muyu regretted his actions, noting that their long struggle seemed to have returned to square one after that one sword stroke. Su Muyu dismissed this, explaining that the Prince of Langya, nearing death, wished to secure the future for his loved ones, but their paths were fundamentally different from Blood River's.
He concluded that the great chaos in Tianqi had only just begun, but it no longer concerned them for now. Su Muyu expressed his belief that even in the deepest darkness, light could be found, and that eventually, the clouds would clear, revealing the moon. The two continued their relentless journey, with no clear destination or possibility of return. Eight years would pass before Blood River once again emerged in the martial world, and twelve years before Su Muyu and Bai Hehuai would be reunited.
