Dance of the Sky Empire Episode 16 Recap
> Dance of the Sky Empire Recap
Xiao Fengming accompanied Princess Yunshan to a scenic mountain overlook. Princess Yunshan spotted the Lovers' Bridge nearby and, upon hearing the legend that a couple who walks across it together will find eternal happiness, immediately stepped onto the ancient, rickety structure. Despite his fear of heights, Xiao Fengming hesitantly followed, deeply concerned for her safety. When Princess Yunshan nearly lost her footing, Xiao Fengming instantly overcame his fear and rushed forward to embrace her.
Feeling cherished in his arms, Princess Yunshan understood his true feelings and asked him to complete the journey across the bridge with her. Back at the academy, Li Xuan gathered everyone, holding Su Youlian's hand as he publicly announced they were married. Although Su Youlian harbored feelings for Li Xuan, an insistent inner voice from the Sword Spirit urged her to kill him and seize the token.
Torn and heartbroken, Su Youlian was forced to reject Li Xuan, denying their marriage and claiming it was all a pretense. Li Xuan was stunned, knowing she cared for him but utterly bewildered by her refusal. Just then, Princess Yunshan and Xiao Fengming returned, and the assembled students began clamoring for Su Youlian to enter the Soul-enchanting and Truth-telling Formation to prove her words.
Su Youlian hesitated, her gaze finding Yu Fengmu, who gave her a subtle nod of reassurance, as the formation held no power over those of Kunwu descent. Stepping into the formation, Su Youlian admitted under questioning that she had kissed Li Xuan. However, she adamantly denied loving him or wishing to marry him. Li Xuan listened in disbelief, then stepped forward, asking if she had ever felt anything for him.
Struggling to maintain control, Su Youlian falsely claimed she was only moved by his actions. Li Xuan pressed further, but Ziji, who had just arrived, interrupted, stating that Su Youlian had been clear and Li Xuan should not humiliate himself. Overwhelmed, Li Xuan broke down, weeping openly. At that moment, an imperial edict arrived, announcing the betrothal of Li Xuan and Cui Pianran, a marriage deliberately arranged by the Crown Prince.
Despite Su Youlian's rejection, Li Xuan still refused to accept the decree. Later that night, Li Xuan drowned his sorrows in alcohol by the lake, crying out that Su Youlian was a liar. Su Youlian watched him from the shadows, her heart aching. Cui Pianran then approached, and the heavily intoxicated Li Xuan mistook her for Su Youlian, allowing her to lead him away. After they left, Su Youlian emerged from the darkness, full of sorrow.
Yu Fengmu appeared and offered her his cloak, quietly comforting her. He questioned her sincerity in the formation, aware it was ineffective on Kunwu people, but she maintained she had spoken the truth. Later, summoned by her master, the Sword Spirit, Su Youlian confessed she was unable to kill Li Xuan. Deeply disappointed, her master forbade her from calling him "master" until she retrieved the token.
The following morning, Li Xuan returned Cui Pianran's birthdate details, stating he could not marry her because he did not love her. Cui Pianran argued, citing Su Youlian's public rejection and the Emperor's decree, but Li Xuan insisted he would resolve the matter with the Emperor and would not implicate her family, reiterating his absolute refusal. Meanwhile, in the palace, the Emperor ordered the Crown Prince to eradicate the Kunwu clan remnants.
Deeming the mission too perilous, the Crown Prince cunningly suggested that Long Wei'er, the Second Prince, was more suitable, citing his past success against the Qilin. The Emperor, impressed by the Crown Prince's supposed magnanimity, agreed. After the session, Li Shude secretly met with Long Wei'er, noting the Crown Prince's cowardice and framing the mission as a prime opportunity for Long Wei'er to distinguish himself. Long Wei'er acknowledged that at this point, only victory was an option.
