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.
