Fighter of the Destiny Episode 3 Recap, Plot

> Fighter of the Destiny
> Fighter of the Destiny Recap

After leaving Tiandao Academy, Chen Changsheng arrived at the Star-Seizing Academy, intrigued by its name, "The Milky Way's light is faint, yet stars can be seized." The academy's entrance exam required candidates to endure one incense stick's time in hand-to-hand combat with a demon giant, reflecting its direct affiliation with the Great Zhou military and the perilous future its students faced on the battlefield. Chen Changsheng observed other examinees, including Xuanyuan Po, a robust bear tribe member.

Despite his imposing physique, Xuanyuan Po fought with unexpected agility. After his intense battle, Chen Changsheng noticed Xuanyuan Po’s fatigue and asked why he hadn’t exploited the giant’s known weakness in its knee joint. Xuanyuan Po explained that on a real battlefield, demons would never expose such vulnerabilities, necessitating an all-out fight to the end. Impressed by his warrior spirit, Chen Changsheng offered him a Nourishing Spirit Pill to help him recover his true essence.

Xuanyuan Po thanked him and asked his name, to which Chen Changsheng replied, "Chen Changsheng," before urging him to focus on healing. When it was Chen Changsheng’s turn, he did not resort to physical combat. Instead, he took out his xun and played a hypnotic melody, which an observer noted was effective against "dim-witted demon giants." This unexpected tactic successfully lulled the demon giant into sleep.

However, this method seemed to irk some examiners, who then intentionally released more giants into the arena, as onlookers observed. Remaining composed, Chen Changsheng quickly set up a protective formation around himself and continued to play his xun. Within the allotted time, he managed to subdue all four demon giants. The examiner confirmed that Chen Changsheng had passed, and Xuanyuan Po cheered for his success.

Despite passing the rigorous combat test, Chen Changsheng’s name was conspicuously absent from the Star-Seizing Academy’s enrollment list. He was naturally disappointed, but Chen Changsheng did not excessively blame others for the injustice, knowing that his path to defy fate would be difficult. Seeing Chen Changsheng's retreating figure, Xuanyuan Po didn't know how to comfort him and could only awkwardly offer some ordinary words, hoping Chen Changsheng would not be disheartened.

Chen Changsheng, although disappointed, remained resolute, telling Xuanyuan Po he could still apply to other academies. He then congratulated Xuanyuan Po on his admission and excused himself, stating he had an "interesting" appointment to keep. Chen Changsheng met Tang Thirty-Six for dinner at the East Market. Tang Thirty-Six, pleased Chen Changsheng kept his word, ordered extra-spicy Golden Roc wings. Upon hearing Chen Changsheng failed to get into another academy, Tang Thirty-Six inquired about his next steps.

Chen Changsheng reiterated his need to apply to other academies, prompting Tang Thirty-Six to warn him specifically against the National Academy, which had been abandoned for years. He explained that the academy would only reopen if someone broke the sword formation laid by the Pope, a Saint-level expert, implying its near-impossibility, stating even Xu Yourong couldn't do it. Chen Changsheng, hearing Xu Yourong's name, asked about her.

Tang Thirty-Six described her as the "Southern Saintess" and "invincible phoenix of the Eastern Divine General’s Manor," so extraordinary that her mere existence made other geniuses feel despair, including himself. Chen Changsheng expressed admiration, but Tang Thirty-Six added that only Qiu Shanjun, a prodigy who reached the Tongyou Realm before twenty and topped the Dianjin Ranking, was worthy to stand by her side, describing them as a "dragon and a phoenix, a perfect match."

Chen Changsheng silently pondered if it was truly "impossible to stand by her side." They then shared a toast, and Chen Changsheng remarked on the delicious food, suggesting they frequent the restaurant. Driven by curiosity about its profound formations, Chen Changsheng ventured to the National Academy. As he stepped into the ancient grounds, he immediately sensed the powerful "sword intent" left by the Pope, an energy also felt by the Empress and Mo Yu afar.

Xu Weixin, who Chen Changsheng recognized as a Divine General, appeared and noted how abandoned the academy was, calling it the "Graveyard" where no living soul dared to tread. Xu Weixin offered Chen Changsheng immense benefits, including easy entry into any of the six academies of Qingteng or even a court position, if he agreed to annul his engagement. He subtly threatened Chen Changsheng, mentioning how easily bodies could be "swept away" in the capital's rivers during flood season.

Unfazed, Chen Changsheng retorted that Xu Weixin must have "grown up drinking the water of the Divine Capital." He bravely declared that while he feared death, he came to the Divine Capital for "hope of survival," and that both hope and despair were part of "the wonders of this world," not to be missed. He quoted, "With roses in my heart, why fear swords and blades? I believe my fate should be decided by myself."

He then corrected Xu Weixin, stating his name was "Chen Changsheng." Xu Weixin, angered, warned him that the academy’s sword formation had been unbreached for nineteen years and dismissed him, saying no one would remember his name by next year. Just as Chen Changsheng immersed himself in the sword formation, Tang Thirty-Six rushed to his side, pulling him away and exclaiming, "Chen Changsheng, you dare to challenge the National Academy? That sword formation is no joke."

Chen Changsheng acknowledged the formation's profound nature, stating it was "formidable" and "as expected of the work of the Pope." Tang Thirty-Six, desperate to protect his friend, pleaded with him to retreat, citing that no one had survived breaching it in nineteen years. Despite Tang Thirty-Six's warnings, Chen Changsheng's longing for the National Academy did not diminish, and he still inquired about the academy’s eligibility for the Grand Examination, exasperating Tang Thirty-Six.

Tang Thirty-Six then recounted the academy’s history: its dean, Shang Xingzhou, mysteriously disappeared during the demon invasion, and the academy was forcefully closed after opposing the Empress’s ascension. To prevent its destruction, the Pope left a perilous sword formation, with a rumor stating it would reopen if someone broke it.

Despite the dangers of the formation and the risk of offending the Empress, Chen Changsheng remained resolute, compelling Tang Thirty-Six to literally drag him away, declaring he couldn’t let his friend "go to your death." Meanwhile, Chen Changsheng’s audacious attempt to challenge the formation had already alerted both the Pope and the Empress. The Pope acknowledged that the academy, being the "orthodox institution of the Great Zhou," deserved to continue its legacy, perhaps by "fate."

The Empress, curious, questioned if Chen Changsheng would survive and whether the academy could truly reopen without the formation being broken. They discussed the lingering suspicions around the former dean, Shang Xingzhou, and his alleged connection to the Black Robe, agreeing to await the challenger’s success before making a final decision. The Pope reaffirmed his loyalty and that of the six academies of Qingteng to the Empress, and the Empress concluded they should "enjoy the show."

Worried that Chen Changsheng would stubbornly return to the National Academy, Tang Thirty-Six remained by his side day and night, specifically telling him, "I’m here to make sure you don’t challenge the formation. You’re not allowed to go." Chen Changsheng, feeling less alone because of his friend’s concern, nevertheless slipped away. After a night spent in deep contemplation and calculation, Chen Changsheng returned, confident that he could break the sword formation.

Tang Thirty-Six, realizing Chen Changsheng’s unwavering resolve, ceased his attempts to dissuade him but earnestly warned him not to push himself too hard and to retreat immediately if he couldn't succeed, emphasizing, "Be careful!" Chen Changsheng re-entered the National Academy's sword formation. With calm determination, he meticulously applied his calculations, navigating the constantly shifting array.

As he skillfully traversed the initial phase of the formation, Tianhai Ya'er arrived, loudly declaring his intention to "tear him to pieces" for daring to challenge the National Academy. He also threatened Tang Thirty-Six for associating with Chen Changsheng. Tang Thirty-Six, asserting his own family's superior status by mentioning they made the Tianhai family's armor, called Tianhai Ya'er "insane" and largely ignored his bluster. Chen Changsheng, having passed the main sword array, then faced a new challenge: flying sword intent.

Tang Thirty-Six warned him of the Pope's powerful sword intent. Focusing intensely, Chen Changsheng observed the subtle movements, asking himself to slow down mentally, until he finally comprehended the underlying principles and broke through the sword intent, exclaiming, "Found it!" Tang Thirty-Six celebrated, asking if he had indeed broken the Pope's formation and if the National Academy would now reopen.

Tang Thirty-Six urged Chen Changsheng to seek an audience with the Pope, believing that if the strict and fair leader recognized his potential, he might gain direct entry into the Grand Examination. Chen Changsheng went to the Pope’s residence and respectfully introduced himself, requesting an audience. However, Deacon Xin, the Pope's aide, summarily dismissed him, telling him to make it onto the Green Cloud Ranking first.

When Chen Changsheng insisted on seeing the Pope and asked if there was "any way to make an exception," Deacon Xin threatened him with twenty strokes of the ruler and disqualification from all exams if he didn't leave immediately. Despite the harsh rejection, Chen Changsheng remained steadfast, standing at the gate from day into the deep night. Eventually, his unwavering patience paid off, and the Pope agreed to see him. Inside, Chen Changsheng presented his case.

The Pope informed him that breaking the sword formation was merely the first step; to truly reopen the National Academy, he would need to find the academy's lost gate key, offering a crucial glimmer of hope. As per the Pope's instructions, Deacon Xin brought Chen Changsheng to the National Academy. The once-illustrious institution lay in ruins, its former glory replaced by desolation, with only the grand library remaining intact.

Despite the dilapidated state, Chen Changsheng found a sense of belonging and warmth within its walls, finally having a place to settle in the bustling, unfamiliar Divine Capital. Simultaneously, Xu Yourong and Qiu Shanjun met with the Empress to report on the Zhou Garden key. The Empress, pleased with the seemingly perfect pair, nonetheless respected Xu Yourong's autonomy and stated she would not intervene in their relationship without Xu Yourong's consent.

Unbeknownst to them all, Xu Yourong's heart was already entirely occupied by Chen Changsheng, leaving no space for Qiu Shanjun. Later, as Xu Yourong happened to pass by the National Academy, the small medicine bottle Chen Changsheng had given her, which she still cherished, suddenly glowed. However, she remained unaware that Chen Changsheng, the very person she often thought of, was just beyond the academy's gate, leading to another missed reunion.

Inside, Chen Changsheng gazed up at the vast night sky, recalling his master's words about his destined Life Star. He diligently searched for it but found himself unable to locate the star meant for him. Chen Changsheng began to settle into his new home at the National Academy. His devoted friend, Tang Thirty-Six, soon arrived with a retinue of servants and equipment, energetically helping to clean and restore the long-neglected academy. With the academy revitalized, Chen Changsheng’s spirits lifted.

He discovered a marrow cleansing cultivation manual and eagerly began to practice it. However, his body proved unable to withstand the intense strain, and upon examining the death line on his arm, which symbolized his lifespan, he found it had noticeably lengthened—a grim consequence of his forced cultivation. Simultaneously, Luoluo, drawn by a familiar aroma, activated her Thousand-Mile Talisman to teleport into the National Academy.

There, she was ambushed by Yashi, a demon warrior who had previously attempted to assassinate her. Luoluo tried to use her Thousand-Mile Talisman to escape again, but Yashi countered by deploying the Sacred Smoke Net, a powerful demon holy artifact, trapping her. With no other option, Luoluo drew her divine weapon, the Falling Rain Whip, and engaged Yashi in combat. The commotion of their intense battle disturbed Chen Changsheng inside. From his vantage point, he began to guide the outmatched Luoluo, offering precise instructions that allowed her to turn the tide and ultimately drive her demonic assailant into retreat.

Episode 2 Recap

Episode 4 Recap