Dance of the Phoenix Episode 9 Recap
> Dance of the Phoenix Recap
At Feng Wu's suggestion, Jun Linyuan carried out the collection of birthday blessings from the people. He sent these blessings to the Holy Sovereign in the Capital via carrier pigeon, along with a Millennia-Old Ice Jade Pillow from Penglai. The Holy Sovereign was overjoyed, happily reading the numerous messages that praised him for bringing peace and predicted he would become an immortal, even comparing him to the great Liu Bei.
Her Majesty the Queen explained that these were voluntary blessings from the people of Border City, showing their admiration for the Crown Prince. With such a heartfelt gift and the valuable jade pillow, the Holy Sovereign dismissed the matter of the missing Celestial Fruit, declaring that the pillow was a perfect complement to his cultivation and would ensure his longevity. Jun Linyuan, grateful for Feng Wu's help, later presented her with a wooden comb he had purchased from the market.
He tried to pass it off as something he "picked up casually" and merely a "token of gratitude" for her recent hard work. Feng Wu, however, teased him, asking if he wanted her to think of him every time she used it. He quickly denied it. Feng Wu, aware of his Loveless Insect Venom, understood that his words often belied his true feelings and did not mind his gruff demeanor.
Since the Celestial Fruit issue had been resolved, their interactions had become noticeably more harmonious and less confrontational. However, not everyone was pleased with their growing closeness. Feng Yiran and Feng Liu watched as Jun Linyuan and Feng Wu spent more time together, fearing Feng Wu might eventually return to the Capital. To prevent this, Feng Yiran threatened Feng Wu with harm to her mother, forcing her into a blind date with Bi Youfu, the foolish son of Lord Bi.
Feng Xun and Xuan Yi, learning of the situation from Qiu Ling, decided to follow, with Feng Xun expressing his frustration at Feng Yiran's continuous schemes. The local people in Border City, unaware of Feng Wu's true identity but grateful for her frequent medical assistance, held her in high regard, making Lord Bi quite satisfied with her as a potential daughter-in-law. Bi Youfu, known for his gluttony and lustful nature, had long coveted Feng Wu's beauty.
Before Feng Wu could even express her feelings, Lord Bi and Bi Youfu were already discussing betrothal gifts. Fortunately, Jun Linyuan, having been alerted by Qiu Ling, arrived at the tea house just in time to stop Feng Yiran's outrageous plan. He publicly declared Feng Wu as his fiancée, stating, "My intended Spiritual Princess almost got abducted. Am I invisible to you?"
Lord Bi was stunned to learn that the "Miss Wu" before him was none other than Feng Wu, the former genius from the Capital and the Crown Prince's betrothed. Realizing the gravity of his mistake, Lord Bi profusely apologized and angrily chastised Feng Yiran for concealing Feng Wu's identity, accusing him of attempting to humiliate their family.
Jun Linyuan then firmly took Feng Wu's hand and led her away from the tea house, ignoring her request to release her hand in public. Feng Liu, infuriated by the failure of their scheme, once again confronted Feng Wu, accusing her of causing their brother to be scolded. Feng Wu, no longer a pushover and now wielding her Phoenix Sword, responded with a fierce gaze and threatened Feng Liu with her blade.
Feng Liu, though still verbally abusive and accusing Feng Wu of relying on Jun Linyuan's favor, dared not provoke her further, uncertain of Feng Wu's true power. Feng Wu declared that her sole focus was on awakening her master, and romantic attachments were not her priority, emphasizing that the position of Junwu Spiritual Princess, coveted by many, was not necessarily what she desired. She also dismissively referred to Jun Linyuan as "not Tang Monk's flesh."
Unbeknownst to Feng Wu, Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi were passing by and overheard her words. Feng Liu, noticing Jun Linyuan's presence, deliberately pressed Feng Wu, asking if she truly disliked him. Feng Wu, without thinking, readily confirmed her dislike, which caused Jun Linyuan's expression to darken considerably. Feng Xun, however, was secretly delighted, harboring his own affection for Feng Wu since childhood and now seeing a potential opportunity.
He even asked Jun Linyuan if he now had a chance, still curious about the "Tang Monk's flesh" comment. Feng Xun's momentary hope was soon dashed. Later, as he and Qiu Ling were talking, he mused about Feng Wu. Qiu Ling, who observed Feng Wu closely, explained that while Feng Wu might not realize it, her eyes were solely for Jun Linyuan whenever they were together.
She described how Feng Wu's eyes would light up, and her face would be filled with a radiant smile in his presence, signs that clearly indicated love. This realization crushed Feng Xun's spirits. He lamented his unrequited love to Xuan Yi, wondering why Feng Wu only liked Jun Linyuan and why he was always "jilted." To drown his sorrows, he began drinking heavily, dragging a stoic Xuan Yi and a now-moody Jun Linyuan into his drunken spree.
Xuan Yi, in his own drunken state, tried to cheer Feng Xun up by lecturing him about reading more books, while Feng Xun continued to lament that no one was as good as Feng Wu—no one could cure the sick, be as interesting, or make Phoenix Tea as well. He then expressed his loyalty to Jun Linyuan, stating he "couldn't steal Boss Jun's fiancée" because that was not what a good friend does.
As the three men grew increasingly drunk, Feng Xun tearfully implored Jun Linyuan to propose to Feng Wu like a real man, stressing all he had done for him. Jun Linyuan, completely inebriated, surprisingly agreed and staggered towards Feng Wu's room, cheered on by Feng Xun and Xuan Yi. Simultaneously, Feng Yiran and Feng Liu had orchestrated another sinister plot.
They had tricked Feng Wu into drinking a drugged tea and then allowed Bi Youfu to enter her room, intending to force a marriage and make the situation irreversible. Jun Linyuan, still under the influence of alcohol, arrived at Feng Wu's room to find Bi Youfu harassing her. His intoxication somewhat cleared by the shocking scene, Jun Linyuan roared at Bi Youfu to "get lost!" He then severely beat Bi Youfu, who, battered and bruised, hastily fled.
Feng Wu was still deeply shaken by the ordeal. When Jun Linyuan reached out to her, she instinctively flipped him onto the bed in self-defense. After realizing it was Jun Linyuan and that he meant no harm, she slowly relaxed her guard. Exhausted and emotionally drained, Feng Wu inadvertently fell asleep on Jun Linyuan, who, due to the alcohol, soon drifted into a deep slumber himself. The following morning, Jun Linyuan woke first.
Seeing Feng Wu beside him, he was momentarily startled, fearing he might have done something inappropriate while drunk. However, being a man of integrity, he did not flee. Instead, he gently tapped Feng Wu's forehead to wake her. Feng Wu awoke, looking confused. Jun Linyuan, with a serious expression, vowed to marry her as soon as possible, promising to ensure all traditional courtesies and rites would be observed.
