Dance of the Phoenix Episode 17 Recap
> Dance of the Phoenix Recap
The formal enrollment day at Junwu Academy began with an opening ceremony where fifty cultivators were read the academy's precepts and given their uniforms. Feng Wu and Mu Yao, both successfully admitted after their tie, found themselves at the center of attention as Feng Wu reminded Mu Yao of their wager. Mu Yao hesitated, but Feng Wu pressed her to fulfill her promise, which was for Mu Yao to call her "Baba."
Zuo Qingluan intervened, suggesting Feng Wu drop the matter as it was just a joke and accusing Feng Wu of being aggressive. Jun Linyuan, however, sided with Feng Wu, stating that agreements should be honored and questioning if Zuo Qingluan and Mu Yao would have shown similar leniency if Feng Wu had lost. Yu Mingye then openly criticized Zuo Qingluan for her attempts to manipulate the situation, reminding Mu Yao that a loss is a loss.
Left with no choice, Mu Yao reluctantly called Feng Wu "Baba" twice. Feng Wu, though aware that others didn't understand the term, found it immensely satisfying. Feng Wu's primary goal at the academy was the Water Sky Vase, not cultivation, so she dozed off during her first morning class. When the class ended, Jun Linyuan appeared and playfully chided her for sleeping.
He then led her to a private spot and presented her with the Water Sky Vase, as he had promised. Although Feng Wu didn't fully explain why she needed the vase, Jun Linyuan sternly warned her against sleeping in class again, reminding her of the academy's strict rules and his inability to intercede if she were expelled. Feng Wu, in good spirits, promised to be back before the midday class.
She immediately sought a secluded place to enter her spiritual ring and consult with Colored Phoenix. The Water Sky Vase was shattered, revealing a Star Shard. Inscribed on the shard were the words "Junwu Academy," indicating that the next fragment was hidden within the academy itself. The Star Shard's appearance caused a star representing Mu Jiuzhou's soul to flicker, catching the attention of the Demon Lord of Darknight Court.
Concerned that someone was helping Mu Jiuzhou awaken, the Demon Lord instructed Yu Mingye to thoroughly investigate Junwu Academy and guard against any such possibility. Yu Mingye subsequently ventured to the Library Pavilion, the academy's most tranquil spot, where he found Wu Youdao guarding it. He found Wu Youdao's deep cultivation and presence there highly suspicious. Unable to approach Wu Youdao directly, Yu Mingye decided to find an alternative method of investigation.
Meanwhile, during the lunch break, Zhao Ge, eager to show affection, brought homemade steamed buns with vegetable filling to Xuan Yi. Feng Xun, however, was blunt after tasting one, declaring it "too salty, enough to kill a salt seller." Embarrassed, Zhao Ge quickly collected the buns before Xuan Yi could even take a bite and rushed away, leaving Xuan Yi to glare at Feng Xun. Later, Feng Wu comforted Zhao Ge.
Inspired by Feng Wu’s determined spirit after her punishment, Zhao Ge resolved to improve her cooking to win over Xuan Yi. She compared Xuan Yi's reserved nature to Jun Linyuan's subtle care for Feng Wu. Jun Linyuan, who had been observing the scene, then approached Feng Wu, bringing her favorite osmanthus cakes. He delicately wiped a crumb from her face, showing his concern.
Feng Wu confided in him about her decision to diligently cultivate at Junwu Academy, hoping to become strong enough to fight alongside him. Jun Linyuan expressed his belief in her. The afternoon class brought more trouble. Master Zhao's ferule went missing and was found among Feng Wu's belongings. Mu Yao's reaction made it clear she was behind the prank.
Already holding a poor impression of Feng Wu due to her morning nap, Master Zhao severely reprimanded her for stealing and lying. Defiant, Feng Wu retaliated by intentionally smashing Mu Yao's desk, causing it to collapse and injure Mu Yao's foot. Enraged, Master Zhao ordered Feng Wu outside to melt a massive ice block with her spiritual power and boil tea water before she could return to class. The task was arduous, leaving Feng Wu's arms aching all afternoon.
However, instead of deterring her, the incident solidified her resolve. She vowed that if Mu Yao dared to cause trouble again, she would teach her a lesson, asserting her belief that oppression would be met with resistance. Unbeknownst to Feng Wu, Jun Linyuan was under immense pressure. Holy Queen Gao persistently brought up his marriage with the Holy Sovereign, attempting to interfere.
This time, the Holy Sovereign allowed Holy Queen Gao to choose the spiritual consort, a decision Jun Linyuan openly opposed. His protest, however, was perceived as defiance by the Holy Sovereign, and Holy Queen Gao subtly undermined him by feigning humility, making him seem disobedient. Enraged, the Holy Sovereign ordered Jun Linyuan to kneel for an hour on the Sky-reaching Terrace, a perilous platform where Mu Jiuzhou once endured heavenly tribulation, constantly struck by lightning. Jun Linyuan accepted the harsh punishment without complaint, determined to protect his commitment to Feng Wu.
