The Journey of Chongzi Episode 21 Recap
> The Journey of Chongzi Recap
Despite her firm stance before Qin Ke, Chong Zi was unsure of Luo Yinfan's true feelings, fearing she might only be a substitute for her senior. As Luo Yinfan watched her cautious demeanor, he swore that Chong Zi was his only disciple and the most important person to him, just as he had said before, emphasizing their meeting was no accident. Chong Zi was moved and said she believed him.
Yan Zhenzhu arrived and comforted Chong Zi, noting her resemblance to her senior but assuring her that Luo Yinfan knew the difference. Chong Zi expressed her discomfort with attending the upcoming banquet due to the sages' dislike and potential gossip. Luo Yinfan, overhearing, stepped in and assured her that he would accompany her, stating no one would dare speak ill of her. The Tianshan Sect hosted a grand banquet attended by various Sages and disciples.
Zhuo Yao, witnessing his sister Yunji's unspoken affection for Luo Yinfan, approached Min Yunzhong for help. Min Yunzhong orchestrated a seating arrangement that placed Luo Yinfan next to Yunji. During the feast, Lord Lan proposed a toast to Luo Yinfan, acknowledging his efforts in repairing the passage, and suggested Luo Yinfan should also toast Yunji for her superb medical skills in his recovery.
Zhuo Yao then suggested they finalize the union between Luo Yinfan and Yunji, a proposal that garnered agreement from many Sages. Yunji gracefully declined, stating that both she and Luo Yinfan were focused on their mission to eradicate demons and protect the common people, and had not considered matters of love. Chong Zi, observing the discussions, felt a surge of unease. Her discomfort deepened when Lord Lan proposed a match for her with Yue Qiao, the chief disciple of Tianshan.
Qin Ke immediately rose to argue for respecting Chong Zi's personal choice. Before Chong Zi could respond, Zhuo Hao burst in, loudly proclaiming Chong Zi as his fiancée and asserting that if she were to marry, it would not be to the Tianshan Sect. Min Yunzhong was furious, accusing Zhuo Hao of a long-standing affair with his grandniece, Min Suqiu, and dismissing his claim of an engagement with Chong Zi as absurd.
Qin Ke attempted to stop Zhuo Hao from further disrupting the event. As the situation descended into chaos, Chong Zi clarified that she had no such relationship with Zhuo Hao and promptly left the hall. Zhuo Hao pursued her to a plum tree, grabbing her wrist. Despite her magical resistance, she couldn't break free. He taunted her, questioning her place as the first Chong Zi's "substitute."
Chong Zi retorted by reminding him of his continued entanglement with other women after her senior's death, accusing him of hypocrisy. Zhuo Hao was momentarily speechless, his eyes reddening as he released her. He spoke of his genuine feelings for her, expressing hurt that she had "betrayed" him. Seeing his familiar, sorrowful gaze in the falling snow, Chong Zi felt pity and apologized. Zhuo Hao, regaining his composure, bid her a hasty farewell.
That night, as the banquet continued, Chong Zi wandered alone through the plum forest. Deep within, she discovered a snow-covered dark stone slab etched with eight characters: "Master, Shuixian, lifetimes of love." Lost in thought, she returned to the palace entrance and remained there until the banquet concluded. The next day, Zhuo Hao was nowhere to be found.
Zhiji, the daughter of the King of the East, caused a scene at Qinghua Palace, crying that Zhuo Hao had been unfaithful and demanding accountability. Zhuo Yao, as Zhuo Hao's father, was embarrassed by the scandal. Min Suqiu intervened, calmly and elegantly diffusing the situation by reminding Zhiji of the established alliance between Qinghua and Nanhua, ensuring the planned marriage between her and Zhuo Hao would proceed. As the seven-day immortal gathering concluded, various sects prepared to depart.
Yue Qiao, captivated by Chong Zi's beauty and status, tried to persuade her to extend her stay at Tianshan, but she declined. Min Yunzhong suggested Luo Yinfan and Yunji handle an ongoing ice demon disturbance in Tuzhou. Luo Yinfan, however, decided to depart with Chong Zi first, leaving Yunji to conceal her disappointment and agree to meet them in Tuzhou later. On their journey, Luo Yinfan and Chong Zi passed a dilapidated Moon Elder Temple.
Chong Zi drew a highly auspicious fortune stick, joyfully tying a ribbon and wishing to remain with her Master forever. Upon reaching Tuzhou, they encountered Hai Sheng leading his disciples in resisting heart demons. Recognizing Hai Sheng's ability to create his own unique spiritual techniques, Luo Yinfan and Chong Zi encouraged him to establish his own sect, bestowing upon it the name "Fusheng," signifying a commitment to supporting the common people.
Meanwhile, Sima Miaoyuan attempted to give Qin Ke a sachet but discovered him secretly treasuring a medicine bag from Chong Zi. Overwhelmed with jealousy, she confronted him, revealing her animosity towards Chong Zi. Qin Ke, annoyed, declared his intention to enter seclusion and asked not to be disturbed. Yunji and Ting Xue arrived in Tuzhou and engaged the ice demons. During the battle, ice spikes rained down.
While Luo Yinfan was occupied with his spellcasting, an ice demon launched a surprise attack. Chong Zi instinctively shielded Yunji, taking the brunt of the icy assault. Severely injured and susceptible to the cold, Chong Zi couldn't immediately return to Chonghua Palace. Luo Yinfan carried her to Yunji's medical clinic for treatment. Along the way, they witnessed the local populace afflicted by a Heart Poison, which amplified their deepest desires—love, hate, anger, and obsession—causing them to act irrationally. Chong Zi also began to be affected by the poison, expressing her fear of being married off and separated from Luo Yinfan.
