Ever Night Episode 20 Recap, Plot

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Chongming bid farewell to Long Qing, expressing his regret that he wouldn't be able to witness Long Qing's ascension to the Second Floor in person, as he had to leave the Tang State. Long Qing assured his brother that he would certainly become a direct disciple of the Sage. Chongming wished him success and promised to await good news in Chengjing before leaving.

The following morning, as the Academy's Second Floor assessment was about to begin, Long Qing and other aspiring disciples arrived promptly. However, Ning Que felt a lack of confidence. He took Sang Sang to a sea of flowers in the back hills, hoping to clear his mind. Yu Lian happened upon them and asked what Ning Que was doing.

Ning Que confessed he had eaten too much chicken noodle soup with pickled radish shreds that Sang Sang made, and wanted to aid his digestion, but admitted his heart was still unsettled. He acknowledged his slim chances of entering the Second Floor but still wanted to try. He humbly asked Yu Lian for guidance. Yu Lian told him that it wasn't necessary to always demand peace of mind.

She then probed the strength of his desire to enter the Second Floor and offered him an alternative: if he were to give up, she could introduce him to a master "absolutely not weaker than Liu Bai." Ning Que was surprised, recognizing Liu Bai as the Sword Saint of Southern Jin and Haotian's most acclaimed cultivator. Yu Lian clarified that there were stronger ones beyond Haotian's world.

Despite the tempting offer, Ning Que insisted on attempting the assessment, stating he had already boasted to Sang Sang and wouldn't be reconciled if he didn't try after all the effort he had put in. Yu Lian commended his determination, telling him that simple things often get overcomplicated, and encouraged him to follow his aspirations. Just then, Sang Sang reminded Ning Que it was time for the exam, and he bid farewell to Yu Lian.

Princess Li Yu and Prince Li Peiyan arrived to oversee the assessment. The Sage himself had set the year's challenge: a mountain climb. The first person to reach the summit and retrieve the other half of a water ladle, tied to a tree by the Big Senior Brother, would earn a spot as the Sage's thirteenth disciple.

Various representatives from different states and academies, including Xie Chengyun, Chu Zhongtian, Zhong Dajun, and Wang Ying from the Academy, lined up at the starting point. Prince Long Qing of Yan State, representing the West Shrine, also joined. Ning Que watched Long Qing's composed demeanor, finding his confidence to be ostentatious, especially as Long Qing waited until everyone else had started before making his move. As the exam began, students eagerly rushed up the mountain path but quickly grew exhausted.

Long Qing, however, remained calm, drawing praise from many who believed he would surely win. Irritated by Long Qing's apparent smugness, Ning Que decided to join the climb. Master Cao, the Academy deacon, questioned Ning Que's decision, emphasizing the difficulty. Ning Que declared his resolve, stating he simply wanted to climb "because the mountain is right there." Master Cao acknowledged his answer and allowed him to proceed, offering a firework as a signal if he needed to quit.

Li Peiyan commented on Ning Que's low cultivation level compared to Long Qing's, deeming his aspiration wishful thinking. Li Yu, however, hoped for Ning Que's success, wanting a Tang person to bring honor to their state. As Ning Que ascended, he chanted about his three knives for motivation. The path grew arduous, revealing ancient talismans engraved by past Academy sages that few could withstand.

Ning Que reached a section where he recalled a pavilion should be, but it was conspicuously absent. Pippi Chen appeared and advised Ning Que to give up, warning him of the "foot pain" section ahead, which was known for its sharp stones. When Ning Que asked for a "back door" or a way to cheat, Pippi firmly refused, reiterating that Ning Que had chosen this path and must walk it alone.

Meanwhile, the Academy's Fifth and Eighth Senior Brothers decided to introduce new challenges. After scattering sharp stones on the path, they added sharp needles, causing students to cry out in pain and fear. Many gave up. Long Qing, however, used his cultivation to pass through these trials with ease. Ning Que, by contrast, endured sharp pain in his feet, crawling and stepping carefully to get through. He then entered the "formation of cloud and mist."

Sang Sang, who had somehow also reached this area, used her large umbrella to navigate the dissipating mist. Further up the mountain, Ning Que encountered his classmate Wang Ying, who encouraged him to give up. Instead, Ning Que grabbed Wang Ying and declared that even if they died, they wouldn't embarrass their department, pulling him along. Later, Ning Que passed another student, a talent from Southern Jin, and taunted that at least he had surpassed him.

The student retorted that Long Qing was still far ahead, having entered the cloud formation long ago. Sang Sang encountered Jun Mo on the mountain. When Jun Mo pulled her aside to prevent her from going further, Sang Sang angrily bit him. Unfazed, Jun Mo offered her a bite in return to "even things out." Sang Sang introduced herself as coming to see her young master, and Jun Mo introduced himself.

Sang Sang expressed confusion as to why the mountain was so difficult for her master, as she found it quite easy, and pointed out Ning Que, who was still climbing. She then pleaded with Jun Mo to teach her cultivation, but he informed her that her Qihai and Xueshan apertures were completely blocked. Sang Sang protested, refusing to accept such a fate and questioning if Jun Mo was Haotian himself to decide it.

Jun Mo replied that people with too much on their minds can't see clearly, and he forbade her from going further, warning her of danger. Meanwhile, unconvinced by previous reports that Ning Que couldn't cultivate, Yan Se ordered another thorough investigation. His subordinate soon reported that Ning Que was indeed capable of cultivation, had a special status with close ties to Chao Xiaoshu, and appeared to be one of the Emperor's secret agents.

Despite Ning Que's hidden identity, Yan Se resolved that the South Branch of the Haotian Sect must secure him as his successor. Long Qing reached a large wooden gate bearing the characters "君子不" (A gentleman does not). To open it, he needed to supply the fourth character. After several failed attempts with words like "fear," "worry," and "love," he finally tried "争" (contend), completing the phrase "君子不争" (A gentleman does not contend). The gate opened, revealing twelve stone steps.

Each step represented a day in his past twelve years, forcing him to relive his life's trials and confront his inner demons. As Long Qing began this new challenge, a panicked Pippi Chen rushed down the mountain. He saw Jun Mo and Sang Sang, and recognizing Jun Mo as the Academy's Second Senior Brother, immediately bowed, prompting a shocked Sang Sang to realize the identity of the man who had stopped her.

Episode 19 Recap

Episode 21 Recap