Dance of the Sky Empire Episode 24 Recap
> Dance of the Sky Empire Recap
Long Wei'er recounted to Li Xuan how her uncle, to protect her, gathered various poisons to create a decoction that temporarily transformed her into a male. She described the immense pain she endured annually on her birthday, like being gnawed by countless ants, and swore that one day she would make her father, the Tianqi Emperor, suffer a thousand times more.
She recalled that the inherently suspicious Emperor even performed a blood test in front of all his officials to confirm her identity before allowing her back into the palace. Li Xuan acknowledged that she no longer needed to hide her true self from him. Although he initially hesitated to share a water pouch, she assured him that she still saw him as a brother, prompting him to relax and share the water.
Nearby, Zheng Bainian observed their interaction, silently understanding the complexities of their bond. The Tianqi Emperor declared martial law, ordering the execution of any Kunwu clan members found within the city. The Crown Prince advised his father to execute everyone connected to Li Xuan and Long Wei'er and seal Moyun Academy. The Emperor sternly rebuked him, reminding him that Lord Zi, the only one capable of sealing the Dragon Emperor, resided at the academy.
Disgruntled by his father's public dismissal, the Crown Prince confided in Xiao Fengming, who subtly incited him to usurp the throne. Xiao Fengming proposed a discreet plan, assuring the Crown Prince that if the Emperor willingly signed an abdication edict, no harm would come to him. Despite his reservations about hurting his father, the Crown Prince began to entertain the idea. Meanwhile, Su Youlian and Yu Fengmu arrived in the capital of the State of Sha.
Yu Fengmu introduced Su Youlian to his parents, the King and Queen, as the Saintess of the Kunwu clan. While surprised, they were not overtly hostile. The Queen then introduced Yuxiu, Lord Tang's eldest daughter, as their chosen consort for Yu Fengmu. However, Yu Fengmu refused, announcing that he intended to marry Su Youlian. Later, he led Su Youlian to a second Saintess Stone, a sacred artifact of the Sha royal family.
He revealed that for her to use the stone to awaken the Dragon Emperor, Su Youlian must marry him, and they must consummate their union. Acknowledging her feelings for Li Xuan, Yu Fengmu clarified he would not compel her, urging her to consider her decision carefully. In the Sha palace, as preparations for the wedding began, Su Youlian found no joy in the red wedding attire, her mind consumed by thoughts of Li Xuan.
Her master appeared and, understanding her turmoil, explained that the ten-year deadline to awaken the Dragon Emperor was fast approaching. Marrying Prince Mu was the Kunwu clan's only remaining hope. With no other options, a heartbroken Su Youlian reluctantly agreed to the unavoidable marriage. Instigated by Xiao Fengming, the Crown Prince's coup began. He confronted the Tianqi Emperor, demanding he write an abdication edict.
The Emperor initially refused but complied after the Crown Prince threatened to let the throne pass to Long Wei'er. After the edict was signed, Xiao Fengming betrayed his promise and attempted to murder the former Emperor. The new Emperor, shocked by this ruthlessness, tried to intervene. Just then, Yunshan rushed in to save the Emperor, pleading for Xiao Fengming to regain control. As the demon spirit within him hesitated, Yunshan's pouch fell to the ground.
The sight of it was enough to jolt Xiao Fengming, allowing him to fight free of the demon's influence, but Yunshan was gravely wounded. As he held her, he confessed his deep love, and Yunshan, finding peace in his words, died in his arms. In the aftermath, the newly crowned Emperor watched over the unconscious Xiao Fengming, wary of his immense power. A minister advised the Emperor to eliminate Xiao Fengming while he was weak.
The Emperor, armed with a dagger, approached the bed. Just as he prepared to act, Xiao Fengming awoke, remarking that the Emperor's dagger seemed ready to be plunged into his heart. Flustered, the Emperor claimed to be merely admiring the blade, but Xiao Fengming's chilling reply—that the assessment of him being "heartless and cruel" was fitting and that the Emperor was "digging his own grave"—left no doubt as to who held the true power.
Li Xuan and Long Wei'er arrived in the capital of Sha to find the city celebrating. Li Xuan learned from a local that Prince Mu was to wed a beautiful saintess from the Tianqi Empire. The local explained that the Prince's love for her was so profound that he overcame his parents' initial objections and announced his intention to marry her. Upon hearing "Saintess," Li Xuan was distraught, realizing it must be Su Youlian.
Later, at their inn, Long Wei'er confirmed that Su Youlian and Yu Fengmu were indeed to be married and that the Sha Saintess Stone would be presented as a betrothal gift, creating an opportunity for them to seize it during the ceremony.
