The Journey of Chongzi Episode 2 Recap
> The Journey of Chongzi Recap
The white tiger lunged forward, causing the other aspiring disciples to scatter in fear. Only Chongzi stood her ground, her body radiating a potent evil breath that ultimately repelled the beast, allowing everyone to escape danger. The immortal elders, observing this through a mirror, were deeply shaken. Councilor Sage Min Yunzhong noted that such a strong evil breath had only been seen in one other person throughout history: the Demon King Ni Lun.
Sage Tianji Yu Du ordered an immediate investigation into her background. Yu Du soon reported that Chongzi was from Weiyang County, Cangzhou, her parents having died when she was very young, leaving her to beg on the streets. Her background appeared untainted by any dark affiliations. Despite this, Min Yunzhong was adamant, stating they couldn't risk accepting her due to the evil breath.
Yu Du expressed regret, acknowledging her potential, but Min Yunzhong dismissed it, declaring that Nanhua Mountain never lacked good disciples. After successfully passing several trials, the group finally reached the immortal sect entrance. Mu Yu, the chief disciple of Nanhua and Councilor Sage Min Yunzhong's most favored student, was waiting. He greeted them warmly, explaining the rules for entering the prestigious Liuhe Hall, where they would meet Sage Tianji and the Councilor Sage.
He instructed them to remain quiet and only speak when prompted. Chongzi, observing his elegant demeanor, found herself drawn to him. She boldly asked if he would accept apprentices, and Mu Yu confirmed that he would choose one after the two sages had made their selections. The other disciples murmured about the honor of being his apprentice. Inside the vast and solemn Liuhe Hall, Sage Tianji Yu Du announced that the elders were aware of their performance during the trials.
He called forward Qin Ke, praised his integrity for not possessing a special token, and formally accepted him as the 365th generation disciple of the Nanhua Sword Clan, residing on Yuchen Peak. Yu Du sternly instructed Qin Ke to uphold the sect's rules, respect his seniors, act with integrity, and always prioritize Nanhua, threatening severe punishment for any transgression. Qin Ke bowed, accepting the teachings. Next, Councilor Sage Min Yunzhong addressed Sima Miaoyuan, confirming her identity as the Ninth Princess.
She humbly explained her father's advice to be respectful in the immortal realm. Despite the hardships of cultivation, Miaoyuan affirmed her resolve. Recognizing her noble status, Min Yunzhong accepted her as his disciple, emphasizing Nanhua's duty to protect all beings and eradicate demons. Yu Du then advised the remaining candidates that even with varied aptitudes, diligent practice would allow them to succeed. He sent them outside the hall to await selection by other senior disciples.
As Chongzi turned to leave with the other candidates, Councilor Sage Min Yunzhong abruptly halted her. He declared that Nanhua could not accept her as an apprentice and instructed Mu Yu to escort her down the mountain. Chongzi, bewildered, questioned why she was being dismissed despite her strong performance, reminding them of Yu Du's earlier words about diligence. Min Yunzhong coldly stated that if she cultivated, she would become a disaster in the future.
Chongzi vehemently denied any harmful intentions, accusing the sages of being unfair and biased, calling them "jerk sages" and "blind sages." Enraged by her defiance, Min Yunzhong prepared to strike her down. Just as the blow was about to land, Luo Yinfan, known as Sage Chonghua, appeared, intercepting Min Yunzhong's attack and shielding Chongzi. He declared his intention to take her as his disciple, acknowledging her loose tongue but asking for leniency, given she would be his future student.
Min Yunzhong, stunned, demanded clarification. Luo Yinfan firmly pointed to Chongzi. When Chongzi, still calling him "Mr. Benefactor," was prompted to call him "Master," she did so. Luo Yinfan expressed his admiration for her brave, forthright, and ingenious nature, noting that despite her evil breath, he had observed no harmful intentions on their journey up the mountain. He criticized unfounded speculation, reminding them of the Immortal World's principle of doing no evil.
Sage Tianji Yu Du supported Luo Yinfan, acknowledging the rising threat from the Demon World and suggesting that with Luo Yinfan's protection, Chongzi could safely remain. Min Yunzhong then proposed taking Chongzi himself for direct tutelage, but Chongzi promptly rejected him, declaring that she only recognized Luo Yinfan as her master and would not accept anyone else, even if they knelt and begged. Min Yunzhong lamented her unruly nature, predicting future disobedience.
Luo Yinfan, however, found her spirit appealing, stating, "It fits me." He proclaimed her his only apprentice. Yu Du interjected, pointing out that Min Yunzhong had already accepted Sima Miaoyuan and that it would be more appropriate for Luo Yinfan to take Chongzi. Min Yunzhong reluctantly deferred to Sage Tianji's arrangement. Luo Yinfan then asked Chongzi for her name. She explained that her parents died before giving her one, and people simply called her "Chongzi" because her surname was Chong.
Luo Yinfan, referencing Chonghua Palace and Zizhu Peak, decided to name her "Chong Zi," a more elegant name derived from his abode, signifying their destiny. Chong Zi was delighted. Luo Yinfan then introduced himself as Luo Yinfan, also known as Chonghua, and laid out the rules for her: she must abide by the rules, care for all living beings, and never act against these principles. Chong Zi promised to obey and accept any punishment.
Luo Yinfan then told her to rise and follow him back to Zizhu Peak. Luo Yinfan led Chong Zi by the hand to his residence on Zizhu Peak. He pointed out his living quarters and then showed her to her own room. As she marveled at the clean and beautiful surroundings, he used a spell to replace her tattered clothes with soft, white robes, remarking that she now looked like an immortal lady.
Chong Zi, though delighted, soon admitted she was hungry. Luo Yinfan presented her with a book on the Nanhua Sect's breathing method, explaining that immortal disciples need not eat, and this method would quell her hunger. However, Chong Zi confessed she couldn't read. Luo Yinfan, sighing, created an illustrated book to teach her, urging her to study diligently.
Soon after, Sage Tianji Yu Du visited, concerned about Chong Zi's inborn evil breath and the possibility of her becoming another Demon King Ni Lun. Luo Yinfan reassured him, asserting his affection for Chong Zi's brave and forthright nature, and stressing her innocence despite her inherited evil breath. He revealed his intention not to teach her any offensive spells, only basic self-defense, to avoid accidentally stimulating her evil breath and harming innocents.
His plan was to keep her as a simple apprentice for chores. Yu Du, while acknowledging the disadvantage of lacking spells in Nanhua, entrusted Chong Zi's safety to Luo Yinfan, noting it was her destiny. However, Chong Zi's hunger quickly led to mischief. She fished out Luo Yinfan's cherished four-hundred-year-old koi from the pond to grill and, lacking proper firewood, incinerated his ancient scrolls for fuel. The smell of smoke soon drew Luo Yinfan and Yu Du to the scene.
Chong Zi, realizing her blunder, knelt and profusely apologized, promising to be Luo Yinfan's companion in place of the koi. Luo Yinfan, though exasperated, extracted a promise from her: she must adhere to Zizhu Peak's first rule, never to kill or harbor harmful intentions, and she eagerly agreed. Luo Yinfan then personally instructed her in the breathing method, though Chong Zi was often distracted by his presence.
He indulged her childish antics, such as playing with grass and fish, and drawing turtles in her calligraphy practice books, rather than her master's name. Despite his gentle chiding, he found her charming. Three years passed. Chong Zi, growing restless and feeling confined to Zizhu Peak, repeatedly pleaded with Luo Yinfan to allow her to visit the Mortal World and explore Nanhua. She reminisced about old friends and delicious pastries from Panhai Town.
Luo Yinfan, however, steadfastly refused, telling her the answer was "no" countless times. Feeling that she was living in confinement, Chong Zi, unseen by Luo Yinfan, secretly ventured down the mountain. She encountered Sage Tianji Yu Du, who was leading other disciples to pay respects at the Patriarch's Hall. Feigning obedience, Chong Zi claimed her master had sent her to familiarize herself with Nanhua and exchange cultivation insights with her senior peers.
Yu Du, believing her, instructed Sima Miaoyuan to show Chong Zi around, noting that they had arrived at Nanhua together. Sima Miaoyuan, now a respected senior disciple, merely tolerated Chong Zi, allowing her junior apprentices to scorn Chong Zi for her ignorance and questioning Luo Yinfan's mentorship. When Chong Zi admitted she had never visited the Patriarch's Hall, Miaoyuan's juniors openly mocked her, telling her to learn the rules before seeking their guidance.
Disgusted, Chong Zi declared she didn't need their help and wandered off alone, finding Nanhua Mountain rather uninteresting. While exploring, she stumbled upon Qin Ke practicing his swordsmanship, an impressive display that captivated her. She approached him, and after a brief, somewhat antagonistic exchange where he called her "Ugly girl," they recognized each other from their chaotic first meeting.
