Fighter of the Destiny Episode 18 Recap, Plot

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> Fighter of the Destiny Recap

The Grand Court Examination results were finally announced, bringing mixed feelings to many. Tianhai Ya'er was visibly displeased with his third-place finish, while Luoluo was overjoyed, and even Xu Yourong showed a rare smile. Chen Changsheng, the top scholar from the National Academy, was personally crowned by The Empress, who also proclaimed him the new Principal of the National Academy. This announcement sparked jealousy and resentment among many in the audience, including Tianhai Ya'er, who complained about the outrageous decision.

Chen Changsheng, still processing his sudden appointment, was summoned to the palace by The Empress. The Empress stated that she had chosen him as Principal and asked if he had any concerns. He acknowledged his concerns but affirmed his dedication. She recalled how the National Academy suffered due to his master's opposition to her, and warned Chen Changsheng not to get involved in imperial power struggles. Chen Changsheng assured her he had no interest in power.

The Empress then declared that her hands were stained with blood from eliminating those who opposed her, but this was necessary for her position, and he too would face difficult choices as Principal. Chen Changsheng responded that killing brings no joy and he cherished all life, though he would not spare lives on the battlefield against the demon race. He declared that a true gentleman has principles. The Empress urged him to develop the National Academy with youthful ambition.

She then issued a stern warning: he must stay away from Xu Yourong, as she cultivates the Great Way and would be harmed if he got too close. Chen Changsheng asserted that he would follow his heart, which desired to live, even if it seemed selfish. When The Empress questioned if he would betray humanity if the demon race could save him, he firmly stated, "A gentleman has principles."

Soon after, Mo Yu approached Chen Changsheng, stating that The Empress didn't seem to favor her and reiterating the widely held belief that Xu Yourong and Qiu Shanjun were a perfect match. Chen Changsheng, having heard this many times, countered that only the individuals involved truly understood matters of the heart. Mo Yu, affirming her loyalty to The Empress, also conveyed that Tang Sanshiliu, at Luoluo's behest, wanted to invite Chen Changsheng to celebrate the Grand Court Examination's end.

Mo Yu offered her congratulations, but declined to join, citing the National Academy's current controversial position. Chen Changsheng noted Mo Yu's remarkable luck, to which she agreed. As Mo Yu left, she wished him continued good fortune. Mo Yu then came to Xu Yourong, informing her that The Empress had been quite displeased with Chen Changsheng for daring to speak his mind. Xu Yourong remarked on his genuine nature, while Mo Yu noted their shared stubbornness.

Xu Yourong questioned Mo Yu's lingering prejudice against Chen Changsheng despite his top scholar achievement, highlighting his rapid cultivation progress. Mo Yu conceded his achievements were good for a young man but still considered them insufficient compared to Qiu Shanjun. Mo Yu then told Xu Yourong that The Empress was waiting and had instructed her to take Xu Yourong to a secret place within the palace, one she had never seen before.

Xu Yourong then met with The Empress, who revealed the secret Star Array, a vital formation concerning the fate of the Humans, known only to herself, the Pope, and Mo Yu. The Empress informed Xu Yourong that she was destined to inherit this array and should not forget her duty to cultivate the Great Way. She chastised Xu Yourong for her emotional involvement during the Grand Court Examination, reminding her that cultivators of the Way must forget emotions.

Xu Yourong, however, defended her actions as necessary. The Empress emphasized Xu Yourong's noble Heavenly Phoenix and True Dragon bloodline, highlighting its immense power, which was why she had been chosen from childhood to cultivate the Great Way. The Empress demanded that Xu Yourong stay away from ordinary men. When Xu Yourong asked if Qiu Shanjun, who possesses a True Dragon body, was considered ordinary, The Empress clarified he was not.

Xu Yourong questioned if she was to choose friends based on bloodline, citing Mo Yu's ordinary bloodline. The Empress reiterated her warning specifically about men, implying Chen Changsheng. Xu Yourong then posed a hypothetical, asking if a man of ordinary blood who sacrifices himself for others would still be judged by his humble origins. The Empress dismissed this, telling Xu Yourong she was too fixated on personal feelings.

She warned that emotional indulgence would lead to a backlash from the Great Way, forcing Xu Yourong to choose between serving all living beings or ending her own life, adding that she cherished Xu Yourong's life and was not being heartless. Back at the National Academy, Chen Changsheng was warmly welcomed by Tang Sanshiliu, Luoluo, Xuanyuan Po, and Zhusha.

Zhusha, playfully mocking him for only reaching the Profound Realm, was immediately corrected by Xuanyuan Po, who praised Chen Changsheng's incredible progress. Chen Changsheng humbly credited his friends for his victory. Tang Sanshiliu proposed a grand celebration at Chenghu Tower, but Chen Changsheng deemed it too vulgar. He suggested a picnic and hunt in the capital's outskirts with roasted meat and fine wine, which Luoluo eagerly supported.

Tang Sanshiliu joked about inviting dancing girls, then asked Chen Changsheng about Mo Yu's response to their invitation, which Chen Changsheng seemed hesitant to answer. Later that evening, Tang Sanshiliu encountered Mo Yu, who questioned why he wasn't at the celebrations. He admitted he had unresolved issues, confirming his commitment to a Tang family matter. Tang Sanshiliu then asked Mo Yu to find him the best physician, claiming he had some symptoms.

Mo Yu, however, revealed that doctors were useless for Chen Changsheng, explaining he had an incurable disease and would not live past twenty if he couldn't defy his destiny. Tang Sanshiliu was shocked. Confronting Chen Changsheng, Tang Sanshiliu brought spiritual herbs from the Tang family pharmacy and asked what would happen when the silver line on Chen Changsheng's hand reached his Baihui acupoint, implying death. Chen Changsheng, surprised by Tang Sanshiliu's knowledge, confirmed Mo Yu had informed him.

Tang Sanshiliu expressed hurt that Chen Changsheng had hidden his condition, feeling like Chen Changsheng didn't consider them true friends. Chen Changsheng apologized, admitting his fear of failing to defy destiny, of dying alone, and most of all, of losing his friends. He confessed that his companions—Luoluo, Xuanyuan Po, and Tang Sanshiliu—were the closest people to him in the world after his master and senior brother.

He explained that defying destiny was incredibly dangerous, and he didn't want to endanger them because of his fate. Tang Sanshiliu promised to keep his secret if Chen Changsheng took the medicine and acted normally for their celebration tomorrow. Chen Changsheng agreed. Late that night, Chen Changsheng went to Nanxi Temple to see Xu Yourong. She did not come out, speaking to him from behind a heavy curtain, citing the late hour as inconvenient for a meeting.

Chen Changsheng thanked her for her help during the Grand Court Examination, and she dismissed it as a minor matter. She inquired about his condition after his battle breakthrough, and he reassured her he was fine, mentioning Tang Sanshiliu had prepared medicines for him. Xu Yourong remarked that he had good friends. Chen Changsheng then invited her to visit the National Academy, but she declined, stating her preference for tranquility. She congratulated him on his new role as Principal.

Chen Changsheng expressed his wish that their relationship remain as it was when they were young: her as his carefree "Little Rong'er" and him as the little Taoist who went fishing with her. Xu Yourong, however, simply told him to return, as the mountain dew was heavy.

As he left, Chen Changsheng mused to himself that she was no longer as approachable as she was in childhood, wondering if it was due to her cultivation and if a Holy Maiden must be devoid of all desires. Shortly after Chen Changsheng left, Qiu Shanjun arrived at Nanxi Temple, bringing soul-stabilizing pills from Mount Li for Xu Yourong. However, like Chen Changsheng, Xu Yourong did not come out to meet him.

She told him through the curtain that cultivating the Great Way meant such minor concerns would not disturb her soul, and he shouldn't worry so much. Qiu Shanjun insisted she accept the medicine since he had brought it. Despite Qiu Shanjun's gentle demeanor, Xu Yourong's refusal to see him, along with the growing demon seed within him, hinted at his simmering resentment and jealousy, a stark contrast to his former gentle self.

Returning to the National Academy, Chen Changsheng learned from Zhusha that Zhou Dufu was her father's killer. He also discovered that a mountain range called Muyu in Zhou Garden was, in fact, formed from her father. Witnessing Zhusha's sadness, Chen Changsheng regretted inadvertently bringing up her painful past.

He had only sought more information about Zhou Dufu due to his deep reluctance to leave the world if his upcoming contemplation in Lingxu Pavilion failed, fearing he would have to abandon his friends and all that he cherished.

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