Dance of the Phoenix Episode 22 Recap
> Dance of the Phoenix Recap
Having consumed the Deadly Vessel-rupturing Pill, Wu Youdao became immensely powerful, his spirit energy tripled at the cost of his life. Spiritual Elder Fang, Feng Xun, Xuan Yi, and a wounded Zuo Qungluan attempted to contain him with an energy barrier. Feng Xun noted that Wu Youdao had lost his senses and urged Xuan Yi to quickly set the barrier, while Spiritual Elder Fang desperately tried to appeal to Wu Youdao's former self, begging him to stop harming innocent people.
Concurrently, Yu Mingye was prevented from intervening by a Darknight Court member, who conveyed Lord Demon's strict order to stay out of the conflict. Despite their efforts, Wu Youdao's overwhelming power shattered the barrier, severely injuring everyone present. Jun Linyuan and Feng Wu, who had escaped the underground chamber through a hidden passage, emerged in the back mountain of Junwu Academy.
They discovered a secluded residence, which Feng Wu deduced was Yunniang's, who had faked her death in the Library fire years ago to live in hiding. Jun Linyuan recalled that Wu Youdao had mentioned Yunniang's body was never found, confirming Feng Wu's suspicion. They found a letter addressed to Wu Youdao from Yunniang, and Feng Wu insisted on delivering it to him, believing it was crucial.
Arriving back at the Library, Feng Wu saw Yu Mingye struggling after being restrained by Wu Youdao. Feng Wu called out to Wu Youdao, trying to calm him by invoking Yunniang's name and presenting the letter. Jun Linyuan warned her against approaching the rampaging Wu Youdao and suggested she use her spirit energy to deliver the letter from a safe distance.
The letter expressed Yunniang’s deep longing for Wu Youdao, her reclusive life to avoid painful memories, and her hope that he would abandon his old grievances and return to his original aspirations. As Feng Wu also conveyed that Yunniang had been waiting for him, Wu Youdao saw a vision of Yunniang bidding him farewell and finally regained his sanity. Tearfully lamenting that he had realized the truth too late, he accepted his impending death from the pill.
Before his last breath, he whispered the location of the second Star Shard to Feng Wu. Feng Wu, heartbroken, desperately tried to save him with her medicine, but Jun Linyuan confirmed it was futile. Old Man Ba arrived moments too late, offering solace that Wu Youdao would now be reunited with Dean Ning and Yunniang. Later, Feng Wu confided in Jun Linyuan, revealing she was not the original Feng Wu and felt a pull back to her own world.
Jun Linyuan, unfazed, admitted he had long sensed she was different, initially attributing it to her injuries but eventually understanding the truth. He reassured her that he loved the current Feng Wu—the one who challenged him and faced dangers by his side—and promised to face all her fears with her. He confirmed his unwavering affection by playfully offering her a cake, prompting her to tease him, asking if he had already known she would accept.
Old Man Ba administered a golden medicinal pill to Holy Sovereign, explaining it would restore his primordial Qi and ensure his full recovery. Holy Queen Gao suggested Old Man Ba stay and teach, but he declined, stating his intention to return to Border City after visiting his "young friend," whom he revealed was Feng Wu. He praised her medical abilities, and Holy Sovereign, recalling Feng Wu's impressive sword dance with Jun Linyuan, was impressed by her talent.
He expressed interest in arranging their marriage, though the Queen advised deferring the discussion. Later, at the joint burial site for Dean Ning, Wu Youdao, and a symbolic tomb for Yunniang—a resting place Spiritual Elder Fang had successfully petitioned for—Old Man Ba joined Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan. There, they discussed the conspiracy against Holy Sovereign. Feng Wu pointed out the illogicality of Wu Youdao using a slow-acting poison, suggesting a larger plot, with which Jun Linyuan agreed.
Before departing, Old Man Ba cautioned Feng Wu about the dangers of the capital. Elsewhere, Zuo Qungluan, having failed to sow discord between Feng Wu and Zhao Ge, grew more determined to eliminate her. Holy Queen Gao reminded Zuo Qungluan that Feng Wu, now aware of her stolen Phoenix Blood, would inevitably seek revenge and urged her to seek greater strength.
Zuo Qungluan accepted an invitation to meet Lord Demon, who, despite her disdain for dark arts, offered her a path to power, warning that it might blur her understanding of good and evil. Simultaneously, Feng Wu, following Wu Youdao's instructions, located the second Star Shard and Mu Jiuzhou's manuscript in the Library. A spiritual entity within the Star Shard assured her the manuscript would enhance her cultivation.
However, Feng Wu realized she still needed one more Star Shard and her Phoenix Blood. She also learned from Huang Li that someone had impersonated her during Dean Ning's murder, responding to her name to frame her, signaling that a greater crisis was rapidly approaching.
