Dance of the Sky Empire Episode 8 Recap
> Dance of the Sky Empire Recap
Su Youlian, intent on finding the elusive token, crept closer to Li Xuan as he slept. Her mind briefly wandered as she gazed at his face before she refocused on her mission, her hands searching his body for the token. Li Xuan awoke, pinning her beneath him. He playfully questioned her about her feelings for the Prince of Sha, and when she listed various friends she liked, he pressed her about his own standing.
She teasingly declared him "the most annoying one," but as she left, her racing heart made her ponder her growing feelings for him. Later, Moyun Academy announced a history exam, creating a panic among the students. Only those who passed could remain. Su Youlian was particularly distressed, as her lack of knowledge in Tianqi State's history could jeopardize her mission to save the Dragon Emperor.
Although Xiao Fengming jokingly suggested using magic to cheat, Mr. Xuanming, the proctor, made it clear that no magical arts would be tolerated, as Head Mentor Xie would also be monitoring. Su Youlian resolved to study diligently, staying up late to prepare. Li Xuan, passing by the study hall, noticed her asleep at her desk and gently covered her with his cloak. During the exam, Li Xuan was the first to finish, confidently submitting his paper.
To everyone's relief, all students passed the assessment and celebrated that evening. High on a rooftop, Li Xuan played his xun, his thoughts filled with Su Youlian. His companion, Changqing, noted Li Xuan's insomnia and the nightmares he had about his mother's tragic death, which often prompted him to seek company.
Changqing later questioned Lord Zi about the circumstances of Li Xuan’s mother’s death, but Lord Zi sternly reminded her to focus on her duty to protect Li Xuan and not to pry into forbidden matters. Meanwhile, in her room, Su Youlian found herself constantly thinking of Li Xuan. She entered the Void Mirror, where the Sword Spirit, sensing her distraction, accused her of becoming too involved in human life.
He warned her against developing feelings for Li Xuan, reminding her that he was an irreconcilable enemy of the Kunwu clan and that her people would never forgive her. The next day, Su Youlian was exhausted from practicing her dance for the upcoming Assembly of States. Li Xuan tried to show his affection by offering her a chicken drumstick and soup, but she stubbornly refused, the Sword Spirit's harsh warning echoing in her mind.
Just then, Mr. Zhou, an envoy from the palace, arrived. He delivered a splendid gown to Cui Pianran for her performance and also presented Su Youlian with a new dance score, a special instruction from the Crown Prince. Mr. Zhou explained that if she could defeat the other dancers and win first place, the Tianqi Emperor would grant her any wish. Su Youlian realized this was her chance to obtain the token without harming Li Xuan.
She accepted the challenge, promising she would not disappoint the Crown Prince. That night, as Su Youlian meticulously practiced her new dance, she heard the familiar sound of a xun. The melody transported her back to her childhood, reminding her of a time when she danced among blooming flowers, accompanied by a young boy playing the same tune, unaware that the boy was a young Li Xuan. At the Assembly of States, various states presented unique treasures.
Long Wei'er took a seat beside the Crown Prince, revealing himself to be the Second Prince, which surprised Li Xuan. The dance performances commenced, with Cui Pianran's routine earning applause. After a dancer from Liang delivered a breathtaking performance, the King of Liang confidently asserted that the top prize would belong to his state. However, the Crown Prince assured everyone that Tianqi still had a surprise in store.
Long Wei'er then turned to Li Xuan, voicing his suspicion that Su Youlian's relentless pursuit of the number one token meant she was connected to the Kunwu clan. Unwilling to confront the possibility, Li Xuan brushed off the concern.
