Ever Night Season 2 Episode 20 Recap
> Ever Night Season 2 Recap
The Temple Master, Chen Mou, who had been exiled to the South Sea by the Sage for many years, finally returned to the continent once he perceived the Sage had ascended to Heaven. Upon learning of his father's impending return, Chen Pipi sought out his uncle to understand the long-standing feud between his father and the Sage.
His uncle explained that after Ke Haoran from the Academy died by divine punishment, the Sage, enraged, stormed the West Shrine on Peach Hill. Using only a wooden stick, the Sage cleared the peach blossoms and defeated numerous Taoist masters. Even when the Temple Master joined forces with the Head Monk of the Xuankong Temple, they could not withstand the Sage's power for a moment.
Defeated, Chen Mou was forced to flee to the South Sea, forbidden to step foot on the mainland ever again. Chen Pipi marveled at the Sage's immense power, acknowledging that even a great Cultivator like his father was no match. His uncle assured him that at least Chen Mou could finally come back, though Chen Pipi wondered if his return would truly be a good thing. Meanwhile, Li Zhongyi, the Tang King, slowly regained consciousness.
Knowing his life was nearing its end, he wished to find the Sage. Xia Tian and Li Hupo remained by his side, while Ma Shixiang knelt outside, awaiting orders. Li Zhongyi reflected on his life, stating he was the most powerful man who had married his beloved Xia Tian. Xia Tian, however, expressed her regrets, wishing she could have seen him grow old and Li Hupo grow up, lamenting her decision to come to the capital years ago.
Li Zhongyi comforted her, saying that since he met her, his "seasons had only been summer," to which Xia Tian confessed that she knew she had "lost" the moment they met. He then spoke to his son, Li Hupo, instructing him to care for his mother and himself, and wished for him to be taught by the First Master, emphasizing compassion.
Li Zhongyi also decreed that Li Yu and Li Hunyuan should be given a chance at life as long as they did not cause trouble. He then summoned Ma Shixiang, affirming his trust in him, just as Ning Que did. With his last breaths, Li Zhongyi declared that he would pass the throne to the sixth prince, Li Hupo, making Ma Shixiang the executor of his will.
Having spoken these words, Li Zhongyi passed away, leaving Li Hupo sobbing uncontrollably and Xia Tian in deep mourning. News of Li Zhongyi's death quickly reached the capital. Li Yu, composed, went to find Li Qingshan, who was overcome with grief. Li Yu insisted on seeing Li Zhongyi’s will, which Li Qingshan initially refused but eventually produced. The will clearly stated Li Hupo as the successor, a decision made and written a year prior.
Unwilling to accept this, Li Yu pressed Li Qingshan, asking if the will could be changed if the country were in chaos, offering to grant him anything in return. Li Qingshan, the State Preceptor, articulated his desires: the eternal prosperity of Tang, the flourishing of the South Branch of Haotian Taoism, and a good life for the Tangese people. Li Yu later met Hua Shanyue amidst the snow and entrusted him with the task of closely monitoring Prince Li Peiyan.
Their conversation was overheard by He Mingchi, who was hiding nearby. Back in the palace, Li Yu immediately dispatched men to summon Li Hunyuan and instructed Mr. Ni of the Chamberlain Office to conduct a headcount and restrict all unauthorized movement within the palace. Li Qingshan, disheartened by the unfolding events, was approached by He Mingchi, who expressed concern.
Li Qingshan directly confronted He Mingchi, revealing his knowledge that He Mingchi was a spy sent by Xiong Chumo, the West Shrine Hierarch. He Mingchi had been cultivating in the South Branch for years with the sole purpose of acquiring the God-Stunning Formation’s key, which unfortunately ended up in Ning Que's hands. Li Qingshan admitted he never exposed He Mingchi because he cherished him as a student.
He Mingchi confessed his inner turmoil and his decision to side with the princess, asserting that with the Sage’s passing, Tang had no choice but to embrace the Light to survive. Li Qingshan, aware of He Mingchi's pact with Prince Li Hunyuan, urged him to prioritize the welfare of Tang and ensure minimal bloodshed for its people. He Mingchi promised to strive for a peaceful transition, even at the cost of his own life.
Meanwhile, Li Peiyan received the secret report of Li Zhongyi’s death and was shocked. He concluded that Li Yu would seize the opportunity to install Li Hunyuan as the new king. Unwilling to accept this, Li Peiyan decided to challenge Li Yu fiercely. He immediately roused his loyal assassins, who had been secretly trained for years, vowing to use his Sword of Heaven to reclaim the Tang empire.
Li Yu, anxious about Li Hunyuan's whereabouts, ordered a frantic search, but he remained unfound. Later, Eunuch Wang led assassins, disguised as imperial guards, into the rear palace. Sensing something amiss, Xu Chongshan, the imperial guard commander, intercepted them and questioned Wang's actions. A fierce battle erupted as Xu Chongshan drew his sword and fought the disguised assassins, noting their formidable martial skills and the presence of Cultivators among them.
After the skirmish, Xu Chongshan swiftly reported to Li Yu about the palace intrusion and the discovery that Li Hunyuan had been captured by the assassins. Li Yu, in turn, ordered Xu Chongshan to spare no effort in locating the Third Prince. Li Peiyan, leading his dead soldiers, stormed the palace overnight. Hua Shanyue and his troops met them head-on, engaging in a violent confrontation. Xu Chongshan quickly pinpointed Li Hunyuan's location.
Li Peiyan's strategist held Li Hunyuan hostage and demanded Li Yu enter alone to negotiate. Upon hearing the news, Li Yu rushed to the scene. The strategist pressed her to hand over the imperial will, but Xu Chongshan, from outside a window, fired an arrow, striking the strategist. Seeing a white signal in the sky, which indicated failure, Li Peiyan immediately retreated with his dead soldiers. Li Yu commanded her men not to pursue them.
Soon after, Li Peiyan appeared in the rear palace, claiming he had come to protect Li Yu from assassins and rebels. Li Yu, however, was not deceived and openly exposed his ambition. Li Peiyan, filled with remorse, regretted not having used the Sword of Heaven, passed down by their father, to seize the throne earlier.
Li Yu ordered Li Peiyan to be confined to the rear palace and declared that his fate would be decided only after Li Zhongyi's funeral was concluded. She then issued a stern warning to all present, stating that if anyone dared to reveal the night's events, they would all die.
