Ever Night Season 2 Episode 15 Recap
> Ever Night Season 2 Recap
Tang and Yuan Lie led Ning Que and Sang Sang back to the badlands. Ning Que, eager to meet the First Elder, was offered wine by Tang to warm up. Ning Que drank it and immediately fell unconscious, but Sang Sang showed no reaction. Tang, surprised, confirmed that Sang Sang was indeed the Daughter of Lord of the Deceased.
He explained that the wine contained relaxing herbal powder, harmless to the body, meant only to make Ning Que sleep so he would not interfere with the badlands tribe's internal discussions. Sang Sang understood and accepted Ning Que's decisions, stating she would endure any outcome. Tang then took Mr. Thirteen's token to present to the Elders, while Sang Sang asked that Ning Que remain sleeping in the carriage, as it brought her peace of mind.
Meanwhile, Chen Pipi arrived back at Zhishou Temple, where he encountered Ye Hongyu. He explained his return, noting Ning Que and Sang Sang's journey to the West Badlands. Ye Hongyu cryptically asked what he thought she, as the High Priest of Jurisdiction, would do to Ning Que. Believing she had killed his friend, Chen Pipi became distraught, crying and cursing her.
Ye Hongyu then clarified that she had not killed Ning Que and did not even know his whereabouts, as everyone was searching for them. She then challenged Chen Pipi to consider his allegiance, warning that the emergence of the Daughter of Lord of the Deceased would lead to West Shrine potentially attacking Tang State, and questioned which side he would take as the Temple Master's son.
Yuan Lie secretly met with Long Qing, informing him that the Daughter of Lord of the Deceased was in their tribe. Long Qing expressed his surprise and warned that harboring her would accelerate their destruction. Yuan Lie offered Sang Sang as a bargaining chip for peace for the badlands, a proposal Long Qing accepted, but only if Ning Que was also handed over that very night, threatening to unleash the West Shrine cavalry if his demands were not met.
Within the badlands tribe, the Elders convened to discuss Ning Que and Sang Sang. Tang advocated for sheltering them, citing Ning Que's promise that the Academy would remain neutral. However, other Elders, including Yuan Lie, voiced concerns about facing a more powerful enemy if they harbored the Daughter of Lord of the Deceased. Yuan Lie passionately argued for sacrificing Sang Sang to secure five years of peace for their people, but Tang vehemently opposed this betrayal.
Unable to reconcile their differences, Yuan Lie stormed out. He then approached Sang Sang, deceitfully claiming that the Elders had refused to shelter them and planned to kill them. He offered to take them to a safe place, which Sang Sang, worried about the still-drugged Ning Que, believed and agreed to. Later that night, Tang discovered Ning Que and Sang Sang's carriage was missing and learned that Yuan Lie had taken them. He immediately dispatched warriors to search for them.
Long Qing and his West Shrine fallen cavalry were already at the pre-arranged location. Yuan Lie brought Sang Sang from the carriage, but upon seeing Long Qing nearby, Sang Sang realized Yuan Lie's deception. She desperately begged Yuan Lie to let Ning Que go, but Yuan Lie refused, fearing Ning Que's dangerous nature would wreak havoc if Sang Sang died.
As Yuan Lie raised his sword to strike Sang Sang, Tang arrived, knocking him down and calling him a "scum of badlands people." Witnessing the turn of events, Long Qing commented that the badlands had made their decision, and declared it would be more enjoyable to watch them die than to kill them himself, anticipating the Hierarch's direct military campaign against the badlands. Tang escorted Ning Que and Sang Sang back to the badlands tribe.
The First Elder initially insisted that they leave to prevent disaster for the tribe. However, as Tang packed Ning Que's belongings, a jade ring fell out, which the First Elder recognized as the token of the Demonic Cult's Suzerain, "Twenty-three years of Cicada." Recalling their ancient history, the First Elder declared this a sign of fate, signifying the reappearance of their heritage.
He then pledged that the tribe would protect the Daughter of Lord of the Deceased, even if it meant their own destruction, and the assembled tribespeople vowed to defend them. Sang Sang, now dressed in badlands attire gifted by the First Elder, watched as Ning Que finally awoke, confused by the chants of "Protect together!" He learned they had been accepted "without conditions."
Ning Que, still preferring the familiar comfort of their carriage after their long flight, politely declined the offer of tents, explaining that the carriage provided a sense of security during their perilous journey. The First Elder agreed to their request. Together, Ning Que and Tang formed a blood oath with the tribe. News of Ning Que and Sang Sang being sheltered by the badlands tribe quickly spread. Jun Mo, upon hearing this, expressed concern to Slow Li and Yu Lian.
Slow Li was surprised that they were in the badlands. Jun Mo confirmed that not only West Shrine but the entire world was aware of their refuge. Slow Li remarked on West Shrine's likely fury, and Jun Mo explained that West Shrine's Hall had sent word to the badlands Presbyterian demanding Sang Sang be handed over or killed. Yu Lian, however, asserted her belief in the trustworthiness of the badlands people.
Slow Li hoped so, but acknowledged that a major conflict was now inevitable.
Xiong Chumo, citing the badlands' belief in the Demonic Cult, worship of the Lord of the Deceased, and their decision to shelter the Daughter of Lord of the Deceased as "unbearable," issued an order for all nations to assemble armies and cultivators in the badlands to wage war, "conquer them and kill the Daughter of Lord of the Deceased," proclaiming it a "jehad to save the world" in which "Light will never die. Righteous path lasts forever."
Luo Kedi, commander of the West Shrine cavalry, accepted the order. Slow Li lamented the impending war and the West Shrine's self-serving justification, wondering about the Tang Imperial Court's stance. Jun Mo informed him that the King of Tang was discussing the matter with his ministers, expecting a decision that day, which Slow Li hoped would be favorable. Outside the palace, various officials awaited King Li Zhongyi's command. Inside, Li Zhongyi consulted with Xia Tian, whose homeland was the badlands.
He showed her a drawing, musing about the world. Xia Tian pledged her unwavering loyalty and support, regardless of his decision, recognizing that in his heart, the badlands people were not his enemies, and wished for his and Tang State's peace and safety. Li Zhongyi then entered the hall, where he solemnly declared his intention to "lead the imperial expedition," leading the expedition to the badlands.
Despite the ministers' protests, Li Zhongyi summoned Princess Li Yu, entrusting her with the full responsibility of overseeing state affairs in his absence, cautioning her against any failures. Li Yu humbly accepted the heavy duty, promising to dedicate herself entirely to the task and not to disappoint her father. The ministers, now placated, praised the King's wisdom. Upon learning of Li Zhongyi's decision to lead the expedition, Li Qingshan, despite his weakened state, insisted on performing a divination.
The results revealed an "Ominous Hexagram." He immediately ordered his disciple, He Mingchi, to go to the palace, present the divination, and persuade Li Zhongyi to abandon the plan. He Mingchi expressed doubt, citing the King's firm decision and his reluctance to meet Li Qingshan due to the Ning Que incident. Nevertheless, He Mingchi went to the palace and, contrary to his master's instructions, lied to Li Zhongyi, announcing that the divination was an "Auspicious Hexagram."
Delighted by this news, Li Zhongyi rewarded Li Qingshan with a Rehabilitating Pill, urging him to rest and recover. He Mingchi then subtly inquired if the formation key should be entrusted to the South Branch for safekeeping before the army departed. Li Zhongyi dismissed the suggestion, reiterating that Li Qingshan should focus on healing. He Mingchi returned to Li Qingshan, falsely reporting that he had failed to dissuade the King and had instead incurred his wrath.
He then secretly consumed the Rehabilitating Pill himself. On the day of Li Zhongyi's departure, He Mingchi again lied, telling Princess Li Yu that Li Qingshan was ill and resting at home, thus excusing his master's absence from the farewell ceremony.
