Dance of the Sky Empire Episode 4 Recap
> Dance of the Sky Empire Recap
While attending a lecture, Su Youlian was lost in memories of her childhood in the Kunwu Clan, a time of innocence shattered when Lord Zi led the Human Clan into their territory. She witnessed the brutal massacre of her people and saw the Dragon Emperor trapped by Lord Zi's deceit. Her own sister, Jiu Ling'er, sacrificed herself in that battle, transforming into an ice cocoon to protect the Dragon Emperor.
Despite their cruelty, the Human Clan twisted the narrative, slandering the Kunwu as savages. After the battle, the Sword Spirit from the Dragon Emperor's Siji Yujian sword saved Su Youlian, revealing that she was the last Saintess of the Kunwu. The Sword Spirit entrusted her with a holy stone and began her training, preparing her for the ten-year deadline when she could use the stone to break the ice cocoon and resurrect the Dragon Emperor.
In the classroom, Mentor Xuanming extolled the virtues of the Human Clan while demonizing the Kunwu. Barely able to contain her anger, Su Youlian was surprised when Li Xuan spoke up, challenging the official history. He stated that he had never seen the Kunwu's alleged cruelty but had witnessed the Human Clan's oppression, refusing to believe the distorted version of events. Enraged, Mentor Xuanming expelled Li Xuan, who left cheerfully, as this was his intended outcome.
Having heard his unexpected defense, Su Youlian began to see Li Xuan in a new light. After the history lesson, an exhausted Su Youlian joined the others for a class on magical arts. She deliberately concealed her true power, practicing simple spells alongside her classmates. Xiao Fengming struggled with the practical aspects, while Li Xuan’s mischievous antics continued to vex the Mentor in Chief. During the break, a royal attendant delivered an invitation from the Prince.
Su Youlian initially planned to refuse, but Pianran's taunts prompted her to accept the offer to meet for tea. Su Youlian met the Prince at the Lotus Lake. Still captivated by her dance at the welcoming feast, he asked her to represent their nation in a dance competition to be held in one month. He promised her immense wealth and any treasure she desired if she won.
Focused on her mission to acquire the number one token, Su Youlian agreed, planning to win and have the Tianqi Emperor bestow the token upon her. Suddenly, assassins' arrows rained down on them. Su Youlian used her powers to shield the Prince, but the black-clad attackers were relentless. Fearing her identity would be exposed if she fought at full strength, she knocked the Prince unconscious.
She then manifested a pair of white wings, soared into the air, and defeated all the assassins in a single move. However, this display of Kunwu power did not go unnoticed. Lord Zi and his subordinates sensed the spiritual disturbance and immediately ordered a thorough investigation of every student at Moyun Academy. The Prince awoke in the palace, convinced Li Xuan was behind the attack.
His attendant, Junior Mentor Li, argued that Li Xuan was direct in his confrontations and would not resort to such a scheme. Meanwhile, the true mastermind of the assassination, Long Wei'er, was informed that all his assassins were killed, surprised that the Prince had such a capable protector. Su Youlian also mistakenly blamed Li Xuan. She went to his quarters to confront him but found him bathing. Li Xuan's attendant, Changqing, engaged her in a fight to protect his master.
During the scuffle, Su Youlian was splashed with water. Since water reveals her Saintess mark, she panicked, hastily covering her forehead and rushing back to her room. Knowing the academy was now under lockdown and her mark was at risk of being exposed, a desperate Su Youlian endured immense pain to gouge the mark from her forehead, hiding the wound with a silk scarf.
All students were gathered for inspection, and Lord Zi ordered Li Xuan to use the Xuyu Mirror on everyone. Pianran, holding a grudge against Su Youlian, used a spell to blow the scarf from her head, revealing the fresh, bloody wound. As everyone stared in shock and Li Xuan looked on with concern, Pianran insisted that Su Youlian be inspected immediately. Just as Li Xuan stepped forward with the mirror, Eunuch Yang arrived from the palace.
He announced that he was sent by the Empress to thank Su Youlian for saving the Prince's life, inadvertently providing her with a perfect alibi. Relieved, Su Youlian collapsed. Li Xuan carried her back to her room and stayed by her side. After she awoke, he clarified that he had nothing to do with the assassination attempt. Once he left, Su Youlian consulted the Sword Spirit inside the mirror.
With her wound still bleeding, the Sword Spirit told her of a hemostatic spiritual herb that grew on a mountain east of Qingtian City. He warned her to be careful, as her spiritual power was severely depleted. That night, Su Youlian ventured out alone and climbed the treacherous cliff. The moment she plucked the herb, a massive serpent lunged at her. Startled, she lost her footing and fell from the cliff, landing directly inside a luxurious carriage passing below.
