Dance of the Sky Empire Episode 2 Recap
> Dance of the Sky Empire Recap
Li Xuan, still holding a grudge over the incident at the city gate, decided to torment Su Youlian. He tied her to a chair and smeared honey on her face, threatening to strip her if she resisted and boasting that a previous victim had endured the trick for hours. Although he initially walked away, claiming he was curious to see her stung into a "pig's head," his conscience got the better of him.
He returned and threw a thin veil over her face, but in doing so, was stung himself. Li Xuan's face swelled dramatically, making him a public spectacle, with onlookers wondering what had happened to the Nation-protecting Master. Despite the cruel prank, Su Youlian found herself looking at him differently. At the entrance of Moyun Ancient Academy, Su Youlian registered by introducing herself as Su Youlian of the Su family from Qinqi City and received her name card from a mentor.
The academy buzzed with activity, drawing aspiring students from all over. Amidst the crowd, Cui Pianran and Yun Shan engaged in a heated verbal spat, with Cui Pianran asserting her dominance as a returning competitor. Observing Su Youlian standing alone, Cui Yanran kindly approached her, introducing herself and apologizing for her sister's prior behavior. As Su Youlian turned, she caught sight of Ziji, her eyes narrowing with anger.
Despite her young age at the time, she clearly remembered Ziji as the one who sealed the Dragon Emperor and was responsible for her sister Jiu Ling'er's death. Long Wei'er, disguised as a man, also entered the academy, drawing attention for a striking and delicate appearance, while Ziji observed from the stage, aware of Long Wei'er's true purpose to help prevent the Dragon Emperor's reawakening.
A mentor reassured Ziji that Li Xuan, despite his mischievous nature, would certainly appear for such an important enrollment event. The Head Mentor formally announced the rules for the academy's "Great Test," emphasizing Moyun Ancient Academy's crucial role as Tianqi's top institution in fighting the Kunwu clan. The selection process involved one-on-one arena battles, with only the final twenty victors gaining admission as new disciples.
Furthermore, these top twenty would have a unique opportunity: a single chance to challenge the Nation-protecting Master for the highly coveted Moyun number one token. This token, it was explained, granted its holder unrestricted access to any location within the academy. Su Youlian immediately sought clarification, asking if "any place" included the Secret Realm and if obtaining the token would grant her the ability to cultivate the magic arts within.
Upon receiving confirmation, she resolved to secure the number one token, understanding it to be her swiftest path to entering the Secret Realm and ultimately removing the seal on the Dragon Emperor. After successive rounds of intense competition, Su Youlian, the Cui sisters, Yun Shan, Xiao Fengming, and Long Wei'er successfully advanced into the top twenty, securing their places in the academy. Despite her success, Su Youlian appeared preoccupied.
When Nation-protecting Master Li Xuan made a characteristically chaotic entrance, she seized the opportunity. She directly challenged him, explicitly stating her desire for the Moyun number one token. Surprisingly, Li Xuan casually offered it to her. However, before she could take it, an urgent announcement of an academy-wide emergency abruptly halted the examination.
The Head Mentor declared the test concluded for the day, confirming that Li Xuan would retain the number one token, much to the chagrin of the other students. Later, the Mentor began assigning dormitories, outlining the academy's strict daily schedule. He initially intended to assign the large South 1 room to the Cui sisters and Su Youlian, a prospect that delighted Cui Yanran. However, concerned about her true identity being exposed, Su Youlian quickly requested a private room.
When other students jokingly suggested she must snore, grind her teeth, or have smelly feet, a desperate Su Youlian simply agreed with their assessment, and the Mentor granted her request for a single room. Li Xuan was also assigned to live within the academy's dorms. Unable to obtain the Moyun number one token, Su Youlian, following her Master's counsel, decided to investigate the Secret Realm entrance that night to pinpoint the Dragon Emperor's location.
She discovered the entrance was protected by a formidable ward that only the number one token could open. Meanwhile, Li Xuan, knowing Ziji was at the imperial palace, sneaked into Ziji's room. Seeking revenge for Ziji preventing him from leaving Qingtian City, Li Xuan poured laxative into Ziji's tea. Unexpectedly, Ziji returned. In a panic, Li Xuan quickly dove into the wardrobe, only to find Su Youlian already hidden inside. Trapped in the cramped space, they exchanged wide-eyed glances.
As Ziji began searching his room, Li Xuan pressed himself even closer to Su Youlian to avoid detection. Ziji, fully aware of Li Xuan's presence, called him out of the wardrobe. Li Xuan, quick-wittedly trying to cover for Su Youlian, deflected by feigning concern and criticizing the room's "tacky" curtains, a complaint Ziji surprisingly agreed to address. However, Ziji soon refocused, convinced Li Xuan had tampered with his tea.
Li Xuan attempted to offer flimsy excuses, claiming the tea was for his own "indigestion." Displeased by the deception, Ziji proceeded to punish Li Xuan, who could be heard screaming and begging Ziji not to hit his face. As Su Youlian made her escape, she heard Li Xuan's pained cries.
Reflecting on his actions, particularly his attempts to distract Ziji to facilitate her escape, she found herself reconsidering her initial negative impression, thinking that he "doesn't seem to be that annoying after all." The next morning, a sore Li Xuan was recovering from Ziji's disciplinary measures, complaining bitterly and blaming Su Youlian for ruining his prank. His attendant remarked that Li Xuan never managed to get the better of Ziji.
Li Xuan speculated on Su Youlian's reason for being in Ziji's room, while his attendant suggested it might have been resentment over Ziji's perceived favoritism towards Li Xuan during the examination. Shortly thereafter, Cui Pianran approached Li Xuan, offering him a meal her mother had specially prepared. Li Xuan curtly refused, claiming he had already eaten. At that moment, Su Youlian rushed past, accidentally colliding with Cui Pianran and causing the food to spill onto Li Xuan's clothes.
Su Youlian quickly apologized and offered to clean his clothes. As she diligently wiped at the stains, she subtly searched his person, attempting to locate the Moyun number one token. Li Xuan, however, completely misinterpreted her close proximity and attentive gestures, pondering to himself whether she had developed romantic feelings for him.
