Five Kings of Thieves Episode 3 Recap
> Five Kings of Thieves Recap
Japanese soldiers continued their pursuit of Huo Xiaoxie and his brother Guan. Knowing his body was too injured to keep running, Guan volunteered to cover their escape, urging Huo Xiaoxie to leave. Huo Xiaoxie refused, threatening to detonate the Jade Pearl if they didn't release Guan. Seeing his loyalty, the Japanese officer tried to exploit it, suggesting Guan wouldn't survive long anyway but could be saved by the best Japanese doctor if Huo Xiaoxie handed over the Pearl.
Guan, however, knew Huo Xiaoxie would never abandon him, but he also knew their other two brothers, Monkey and Lang Deben, were in danger. To ensure Huo Xiaoxie could save them, Guan grabbed the explosives and charged into the Japanese ranks. Huo Xiaoxie was held back, screaming Guan's name as his brother sacrificed himself, urging Huo Xiaoxie to save their brothers and take them home.
Amidst the confusion, Zheng Zedao intercepted a distraught Huo Xiaoxie and brought him to the police station. Zheng Zedao inquired about the Jade Pearl. Huo Xiaoxie, still reeling from Guan's death, questioned why everyone was after it. Zheng Zedao explained that the Jade Pearl held the crucial clues to locating the Holy Cauldron of Five Elements.
He described the Holy Cauldron's ancient history, its guardianship by the five-element families, and its disappearance during the chaotic era following the Eight-Nation Alliance when Yufeng Detectives colluded with foreign powers. Zheng Zedao emphasized that the Jade Pearl was the only key to finding the Holy Cauldron and that having it made Huo Xiaoxie a target for many powerful forces. He then offered to help Huo Xiaoxie rescue his remaining brothers.
Meanwhile, at his residence, Mr. Zhang received a report from Mr. Zhou about the thieves. Mr. Zhou confirmed the man was Huo Xiaoxie, an apprentice of Liu Sanzhi, and that he seemed connected to Black Whipper. The woman, whose identity remained a mystery to them, was clearly skilled, having infiltrated the household as a maid unnoticed for over a month. Mr. Zhou also reported that Huo Xiaoxie's two brothers had been captured and were being interrogated.
Mr. Zhang expressed his frustration, stating he understood the theft of the Jade Pearl, but the disappearance of his Linglong Mirror was deeply troubling, as it was the only memento left by Jiao. Convinced the female thief was connected to the Water family, Mr. Zhang ordered that both Huo Xiaoxie and the woman be found and eliminated so he could secure the Holy Cauldron. Shui Yao'er managed to find Huo Xiaoxie at the police station.
She confronted him, demanding to know where the Linglong Mirror was hidden. Huo Xiaoxie, focused on saving his brothers, refused to give up the Jade Pearl but proposed a deal: if Shui Yao'er helped him rescue Monkey and Lang Deben, he would return her mirror. He warned her that if anything happened to him, she would never find the mirror, essentially using it as leverage. Reluctantly, Shui Yao'er agreed to the exchange.
Huo Xiaoxie then went out to search for news of his brothers, questioning Liu and other children he knew who were helping him gather information. They had heard nothing yet. Suddenly, a messenger arrived with urgent news: Monkey and Lang Deben were tied up outside Mr. Zhang's mansion gate, being publicly displayed and appeared to be close to death.
Huo Xiaoxie rushed towards the Zhang Residence, but before he could reach it, he was intercepted by his master, Liu Sanzhi, who had managed to escape from Black Whipper. Liu Sanzhi saw the public display as a clear trap and warned Huo Xiaoxie against walking into it. He expressed deep regret over failing to protect Guan and emphasized that he could not bear to lose Huo Xiaoxie, his most valued apprentice.
When Huo Xiaoxie revealed he had swallowed the Jade Pearl for safekeeping, Liu Sanzhi was surprised but quickly devised a plan. He instructed Huo Xiaoxie to find a place to hide. Knowing Mr. Zhang would seek him out once Huo Xiaoxie couldn't be found, Liu Sanzhi planned to negotiate with Mr. Zhang himself to save the other two apprentices. Meanwhile, Mr. Oda, seemingly a Japanese official, visited Mr. Zhang.
He questioned Mr. Zhang's actions and his loyalty, especially concerning the spread of information about the Jade Pearl. Mr. Zhang admitted he couldn't unlock the Jade Pearl's secret and needed help, implying he intended to use the five-element families for this purpose. Mr. Oda deduced that Mr. Zhang had deliberately allowed the Pearl to be stolen, believing only the five-element families could decode its secrets.
They discussed the Holy Cauldron's significance, mentioning it was intended as a gift for Emperor Xuantong. Mr. Zhang proposed using the five-element families to decipher the Pearl, then eliminating them with assistance from the Dark Dragon Gang (implied Japanese forces). Mr. Oda agreed, suggesting a strategy of using Chinese against Chinese. Later that night, Huo Xiaoxie and Shui Yao'er arrived at Liu Sanzhi's residence, where Guan's body lay in preparation for burial.
Huo Xiaoxie was visibly heartbroken, apologizing to his deceased brother. Liu Sanzhi informed them that Mr. Zhang's people had sent a message proposing an exchange for Monkey and Lang Deben at the mass grave at 11 p. m. Liu Sanzhi intended to go with Huo Xiaoxie, but Huo Xiaoxie worried about his master's safety.
While pouring drinks, Huo Xiaoxie subtly added something to Liu Sanzhi's wine, rationalizing his actions by saying he knew his master too well to let him take such a risk. After drinking, Liu Sanzhi became dizzy and went to lie down. Huo Xiaoxie, expressing sorrow for his actions but determination to save his brothers, left for the mass grave with Shui Yao'er. At the mass grave, Mr. Zhou was waiting with the bound Monkey and Lang Deben.
Huo Xiaoxie proposed that Mr. Zhou release his brothers first, and he would then lead him to the Jade Pearl. Mr. Zhou ordered his men to bring the two brothers closer to Huo Xiaoxie. As they approached, Huo Xiaoxie suddenly pulled out homemade explosives from his clothing. He threatened to detonate them or harm the Pearl if Mr. Zhou's men advanced further or refused to release his brothers, proving he was prepared to use extreme measures.
When Mr. Zhou's men moved to attack, Shui Yao'er intervened to help Huo Xiaoxie. Just as the situation escalated, Liu Sanzhi arrived, revealing he had faked being incapacitated, knowing Huo Xiaoxie would attempt the rescue alone. Liu Sanzhi joined the fight against Mr. Zhou and his men. Suddenly, police officers arrived, led by the Director, who announced Mr. Zhou was being arrested based on a report of him using private torture.
With Mr. Zhou apprehended, Huo Xiaoxie urged Shui Yao'er to look after his brothers while he attended to his master. The police officers took Monkey and Lang Deben to the hospital.
