Dance of the Sky Empire Episode 15 Recap
> Dance of the Sky Empire Recap
Picking up from the aftermath of his beating, an injured Xiao Fengming was being dotingly cared for by Princess Yunshan. She insisted he wait in the courtyard while she fetched something, warning him not to leave. Proudly, Yunshan, a princess who had never cooked even for her own parents, returned with a homemade chicken soup she had prepared herself. Xiao Fengming was visibly apprehensive about tasting her creation, but out of politeness, he drank it.
Seeing his pained expression, Yunshan tasted the soup herself, only to discover it was incredibly bitter from her accidental addition of bitter apricot kernels instead of ginger slices. Embarrassed, she attempted to discard it, but Xiao Fengming stopped her, insisting he could still drink it. Their interaction drew mocking comments from passing students, whom Yunshan fiercely drove away. However, Bian Lingcheng boldly approached, teasing Xiao Fengming about Yunshan's obvious affection for him.
Despite Xiao Fengming's repeated insistence that their relationship was innocent, Bian Lingcheng remained unconvinced, openly wondering why a princess like Yunshan would be interested in a "nerd." Later, in the dining hall, Bian Lingcheng and other students gossiped about Su Youlian and Li Xuan's close bond following their return from the Secret Realm, a rumor Su Youlian quickly denied. Cui Pianran then arrived, pointedly announcing that her and Li Xuan's Eight Characters had been matched, and their engagement was imminent.
Su Youlian was visibly distraught by the news and quietly left the hall. Yu Fengmu, noticing her distress, followed and offered comfort, even proposing to confront Li Xuan for clarity. However, Su Youlian gently refused, stating she had no right to interfere with Li Xuan's marital affairs. Soon after, Yunshan and Xiao Fengming entered the dining hall. Upon hearing Cui Pianran's announcement, Yunshan openly scoffed at her, which enraged Cui Pianran.
In retaliation, Cui Pianran publicly accused Yunshan of indecent behavior with Xiao Fengming. Yunshan, furious, tried to retaliate, but Xiao Fengming restrained her. Determined to clear Yunshan’s name, Xiao Fengming gathered the students and activated the Soul-enchanting and Truth-telling Formation, a powerful array that compels those within it to speak only the truth. He stepped into the formation to defend Yunshan’s reputation. After other students tested the formation, Cui Pianran boldly asked if he had an improper relationship with Yunshan.
Under the formation's influence, Xiao Fengming denied any impropriety, explaining his protective actions in the spiritual ball game as merely a teammate's duty. However, when Bian Lingcheng directly asked if he liked Yunshan, Xiao Fengming immediately admitted his affection, much to Yunshan's delighted embarrassment. Bian Lingcheng then defended Xiao Fengming's admission, stating that it was natural for a gentleman to admire a virtuous lady and rebuking Cui Pianran for twisting the truth.
Soon after, two Mentors arrived, commending Xiao Fengming’s diligent study of formations. They then lifted the formation and issued a strict warning to all students against spreading rumors, threatening expulsion for any further incidents. After the Mentors departed, Xiao Fengming, free from the formation's influence, was mortified, believing his public confession had ruined both his and Yunshan's reputations. Yunshan, however, found his distress amusing.
Meanwhile, Bian Lingcheng informed Li Xuan about the widespread rumors regarding his impending marriage to Cui Pianran and Su Youlian's subsequent distress. Determined to clarify the situation, Li Xuan devised a plan to sneak out of his heavily guarded mansion. With the help of his companions creating a diversion, he managed to reach the Academy and visit Su Youlian at the girls' dormitory late at night.
Su Youlian confronted him about the marriage rumors, but Li Xuan vehemently denied them, asserting that it was solely his father's idea. He passionately reminded her of their deep bond, emphasizing that in his heart, they had already married. Li Xuan promised that he would never marry Cui Pianran and declared his intention to publicly announce their true relationship to nullify his father's and the Cui family's plans. Before leaving, he gently kissed her forehead.
Immediately after Li Xuan departed, the Sword Spirit summoned Su Youlian to a secret realm, scolding her for her growing affection for Li Xuan and reminding her of her sacred mission to save the Dragon Emperor and the Kunwu Clan. The Sword Spirit then commanded Su Youlian to demand the "number one token" from Li Xuan as a betrothal gift when he publicly announces their relationship, and immediately thereafter, to kill him.
The next day, Yunshan, frustrated by Xiao Fengming's continued avoidance since his public confession, confronted him. Despite his attempts to dismiss his words as an effect of the formation, Yunshan saw through his pretense and insisted he accompany her on a tour of Qingtian City. He reluctantly agreed. As they explored, Yunshan playfully interacted with vendors, tasting sugar-coated haws and admiring a golden hairpin.
Finding the pin too expensive, she skillfully haggled for a much cheaper gilt hairpin and then instructed a stunned Xiao Fengming to purchase it for her. Later, standing atop the highest point in Qingtian City overlooking the entire landscape, she playfully asked him if he would jump to save her should she accidentally fall.
