Dance of the Sky Empire Episode 17 Recap
> Dance of the Sky Empire Recap
Li Xuan was visibly annoyed when Bian Lingcheng continued to provoke him. Bian Lingcheng confessed that he deliberately spread news in Justice Hall about Li Xuan and Cui Pianran having spent a night together, expecting a reaction from Su Youlian. To his surprise, Su Youlian showed no response; instead, she appeared quite intimate with Yu Fengmu.
Bian Lingcheng suggested that Su Youlian had no feelings for Li Xuan and advised him to give up, further reminding him that his marriage to Cui Pianran was an imperial decree. Li Xuan, however, adamantly stated that he was drunk and nothing happened with Cui Pianran, refusing to marry her and claiming he had a way to deal with the imperial decree. He declared his intention to make an amazing contribution to resolve the matter.
Following this, Li Xuan approached Long Wei'er, offering to join her expedition against the Kunwu clan. Long Wei'er expressed surprise, given Li Xuan's past tendency to protect the Kunwu clan and his skepticism about their alleged mistreatment of the human clan. Li Xuan explained that as the Nation-protecting Master, defeating the Kunwu clan and protecting the human clan was his responsibility.
Long Wei'er, suspecting an ulterior motive possibly related to an imperial order, agreed to his request but demanded strict secrecy about the expedition's purpose from other students. She specifically mentioned Cui Pianran's deep affection for Li Xuan, implying that news of his willingness to fight the Kunwu clan rather than marry her would devastate Cui Pianran. Li Xuan dismissed this, stating he did not like Cui Pianran and marrying her would only harm her.
Long Wei'er, in a private conversation with her aide, acknowledged Li Xuan's stubborn nature but saw his participation as an advantage, as he now owed her a favor. She confirmed that plans concerning Su Youlian would proceed as scheduled. The next morning, Long Wei'er gathered the students of Moyun Ancient Academy and the Red Character Army for the expedition.
She explained that she brought the students along so they wouldn't miss the chance to earn merits, although Li Xuan openly questioned her true intentions. Long Wei'er then directly confronted Li Xuan about his suspicions regarding Su Youlian's identity. Li Xuan firmly responded that he already knew the truth and would not allow anyone to harm Su Youlian. Seeing Su Youlian and Yu Fengmu interacting closely, Li Xuan's expression turned grim, mistakenly believing Su Youlian harbored feelings for Yu Fengmu.
He then ordered the army to depart. The expedition commenced, and the Red Character Army launched a surprise night attack on the Kunwu clan. The clan was comprised mostly of the elderly, weak, and sick. Su Youlian watched in horror as her people were slaughtered.
Overcome with grief, she attempted to rush forward, but Yu Fengmu forcibly restrained her, reminding her that she was the last hope of her clan and could not jeopardize herself, emphasizing that saving a few now would not save the rest. Amidst the unexpected assault, You An bravely fought to protect his clan members, managing to injure Long Wei'er before being wounded and trapped himself. With Long Wei'er's injury, the army's focus shifted to tending to her.
Su Youlian saw an opportunity to rescue the Kunwu clan members, but Yu Fengmu cautioned her. He pointed out that Long Wei'er's armor, made of ferrophosphorus, should have been impenetrable to a mere spear, suggesting that her injury was suspicious. Despite his warning, Su Youlian was resolute in her decision to save them. Yu Fengmu, to assist her, provided her with Soul-enchanting Grass, urging her to prioritize her safety.
Su Youlian used the Soul-enchanting Grass to incapacitate the guards and entered the area where You An was held, finding him secured by chains. Just as she was about to act, Long Wei'er and her soldiers began to approach. You An, realizing the peril, urged Su Youlian to escape, but she insisted on saving him, determined they would fight their way out together. To protect Su Youlian and secure her escape, You An bravely sacrificed himself.
As Su Youlian attempted to sever his chains, he deliberately impaled himself on her sword, proclaiming that he had killed her parents years ago, thereby allowing her to avenge her family's deaths. Distraught by You An's sacrifice, Su Youlian had to feign agreement with his dying words when questioned by Long Wei'er.
Li Xuan quickly defended Su Youlian, arguing that given the heavy security, a Kunwu clan member would not be so foolish as to attempt a rescue in such a direct manner. With Li Xuan's swift intervention, Su Youlian avoided immediate suspicion. However, her heart was heavy with pain, questioning why the Kunwu clan was relentlessly persecuted for simply desiring a peaceful existence like the Clan of Human Being.
Upon returning to the city, Su Youlian witnessed the pitiful sight of the surviving Kunwu clan members being escorted as captives by Long Wei'er's forces. She firmly resolved to obtain Li Xuan's token. Meanwhile, Li Xuan presented himself before the Emperor, downplaying his minor injuries from the battle and humbly deflecting credit for the victory to his "brother," the Crown Prince, suggesting the Emperor reward the Crown Prince instead. The Emperor expressed his immense pleasure at their mutual modesty.
Elsewhere, Consort Xie visited Long Wei'er, reminding her that it was her birthday and urging her to leave the palace soon after breakfast to protect her identity. Long Wei'er, accepting her mother's words, quietly vowed to repay the hardships she had suffered over the years. That night, Su Youlian infiltrated Li Xuan's room to steal his token.
As she held it, a voice urged her to kill Li Xuan, reminding her that he was the Nation-protecting Master and their sworn enemy, and to cast aside any pity. Su Youlian drew her short sword, but upon seeing Li Xuan's peaceful sleeping face and hearing him murmur her name, she found herself unable to strike the fatal blow. As she exited the room, she encountered Feng Changqing.
A struggle ensued, and Su Youlian, realizing Feng Changqing's superior skill, found herself unable to escape until Yu Fengmu arrived and swiftly rescued her. Using the token, Su Youlian gained entry into the Secret Realm. She immediately sensed the powerful aura of the Dragon Emperor, confirming his presence. She believed he was locked within. Yu Fengmu and an accomplice discussed Su Youlian's actions.
The accomplice believed that Tianqi would soon descend into chaos, finally granting their State of Sha a much-needed reprieve from oppression. Yu Fengmu, however, appeared grim, expressing apprehension that the situation was far more complicated than it seemed. Within the Secret Realm, Su Youlian encountered a powerful formation. She attempted to breach it and draw a sword she believed would help her save the Dragon Emperor, but despite all her efforts, the sword remained firmly in place.
She realized it was the exclusive sword of the Nation-protecting Master, and only he could wield it. Unsuccessful in her mission, Su Youlian was forced to retreat. Just then, Lord Zi unexpectedly returned. Yu Fengmu quickly intervened, rescuing Su Youlian to prevent her identity from being exposed. Su Youlian expressed concern that Li Xuan would notice his stolen token and become more vigilant, but Yu Fengmu took the token from her, assuring her that he would handle the matter.
The following morning, Li Xuan awoke and immediately searched for his token. Feng Changqing reported that a man and a woman had entered the room the previous night. He described the man as highly skilled, but stated that the woman strongly resembled Su Youlian, though he could not be entirely certain. Li Xuan was initially reluctant to believe Su Youlian could be involved. Later, Li Xuan confronted Su Youlian, demanding the token.
He accused her not merely of stealing it, but of conspiring with Yu Fengmu, questioning their close relationship and reminding her that she was still his wife. Su Youlian dismissed their marriage as a mere pretense, stating he should not bother her further. Li Xuan then retorted, questioning if the kiss they shared beneath the lake was also just a play.
