Dance of the Sky Empire Episode 13 Recap
> Dance of the Sky Empire Recap
Su Youlian emerged from the Elder of the Book of Heaven's room with red, tearful eyes. Li Xuan immediately noticed her distress, but when he asked what was wrong, she only expressed an urgent desire to leave the Secret Realm. Li Xuan was reluctant, enjoying their idyllic life as a couple and the freedom from their dull academic routines. He also pointed out how lonely the Elder would be if they left so soon.
Su Youlian insisted they had to return, reminding him that many people—his father, their schoolmates, and friends—must be worried about them. Seeing her unwavering resolve, Li Xuan reluctantly agreed. They wandered the Secret Realm for a long time trying to find an exit, but to no avail. Su Youlian then attempted to forcibly break through the ward at the edge of the realm, injuring herself in the process.
Li Xuan rushed to her side and tried to help, but they were both repelled by the barrier's powerful counter-force. The Elder of the Book of Heaven arrived, mocking their overconfidence and explaining that the "bloody icebound ward" was not a game. He revealed that for thousands of years, the Secret Realm had only allowed entry, not exit, and they could die hundreds of times without ever escaping.
After their failed attempt, Li Xuan brought Su Youlian back to their room to heal her with his spiritual power. She still wanted to try breaking out, but Li Xuan stopped her, deciding instead to confront the Elder. Li Xuan found the Elder and tried to butter him up, offering to cook all his favorite dishes. The Elder eventually admitted there might be a way out, but only if Li Xuan exchanged his "most valuable thing."
Fearing the Elder wanted Su Youlian, Li Xuan immediately refused. The Elder clarified he desired Li Xuan's self-healing ability. Though it was crucial for his survival, Li Xuan unhesitatingly agreed to the exchange to secure Su Youlian's freedom. The Elder then revealed the key was the glass ball from their wedding day. However, he dropped a bombshell: the ball could only take one person out.
This meant one would have to stay trapped forever, leaving Li Xuan devastated by the realization they were destined to be separated. The next day, Li Xuan put on a brave face, cheerfully telling Su Youlian they could finally leave, having resolved to send her out alone without revealing his sacrifice. Full of joy, Su Youlian went to bid farewell to the Elder, who understood Li Xuan's plan but chose not to expose him, instead praising his deep affection.
At the Secret Realm's edge, Li Xuan explained that the glass ball could be awakened by the blood of two people who truly loved each other. As they dripped their blood onto it, the ball began to glow. Li Xuan handed the activated ball to Su Youlian, then pulled her into a tight embrace. He joked that he was just taking the chance to hug his "wife" before they got out and she might not acknowledge him.
After she playfully chided him, Li Xuan gently pushed her through the shimmering ward. Separated by the barrier, he forced a smile and urged her to live a good life. Su Youlian cried out, begging him to follow and insisting she wouldn't have left otherwise. Fighting back his own tears, Li Xuan used his spiritual power to propel her further away, ensuring her safe passage. Su Youlian's falling tears became a cherished memory in his heart.
Meanwhile, outside the Secret Realm, Yu Fengmu awoke, his first thought being Su Youlian. Princess Yunshan urged him to take care of his health, reminding him that he had been weak since childhood and survived only thanks to the Saintess Stone. At that moment, a guard informed them that Su Youlian had returned. Back inside the realm, Li Xuan sat alone, drinking heavily and haunted by memories of Su Youlian.
The dog, Wangcai, led him to the Elder's room to consult the Book of Heaven, which recorded everything in the world. In the book, Li Xuan saw Su Youlian's pale face and also discovered a mysterious formation he believed was a way out. Upon hearing Li Xuan's intention to challenge the Tianxiu Formation, the Elder vehemently forbade it, stating that anyone who attempted it would surely die. He even threatened to kill Li Xuan himself to prevent the suicidal attempt.
Li Xuan, however, was resolute, declaring he would rather die trying to reach Su Youlian than live an eternal, lonely life without her. Despite his harsh words, the Elder cared for Li Xuan and refused to disclose the formation's location. Undeterred, Li Xuan, now without his self-healing ability, searched for the formation near the ward, returning bruised and injured daily. Witnessing his self-destructive persistence, the Elder reluctantly gave in.
He led Li Xuan to the formation's entrance, surprisingly located in the kitchen. Li Xuan immediately stepped into the pitch-black formation, where he encountered a young meditating monk. The monk attacked, quickly overwhelming him. From the entrance, the Elder shouted instructions, telling Li Xuan to escape through the Gate of Life in the north if he couldn't win. In the short time it took the Elder to eat a slice of watermelon, Li Xuan emerged, covered in fresh injuries.
Now without his self-healing ability, he was forced to remain in the Secret Realm to recover. He later questioned Wangcai about the powerful monk's identity, but the dog just kept eating its watermelon. Outside, Su Youlian lay unconscious and frail. As others fretted over her, they noted Li Xuan had not returned. Eventually, Su Youlian awakened, and they explained that she and Li Xuan had been missing for "one day and one night." Su Youlian, however, corrected them, stating that they had actually spent "three months" inside the Secret Realm.
