Sword and Beloved Episode 10 Recap
> Sword and Beloved Recap
Zhang Qi introduced his butterfly demon wife, Qingli, to entertain Fugui and Qing Tong. Qing Tong listened intently as Qingli and Zhang Qi recounted their love story and how, united in purpose, they spent seven years transforming Peach Village into a harmonious paradise where humans and demons coexisted. She found their dedication deeply inspiring. With his keen Soldier's perception, Fugui noticed a peculiar detail: the abundant red flowers lacked pistils. He plucked one and questioned Zhang Qi about their origin.
Zhang Qi explained that a deer demon named Lu Shu, who claimed to have arrived from Xishu half a year prior, had planted them. Qing Tong immediately interjected, revealing Lu Shu’s lie, stating that the forests in Xishu had long since withered, forcing all deer demons to leave that region years ago. Zhang Qi declared his intention to investigate Lu Shu’s whereabouts.
Hearing this, Qingli’s expression subtly shifted, and she asked Fugui if, upon discovery of the true culprit, he would agree to spare Zhang Qi and the other inhabitants of Peach Village, both human and demon. She passionately defended Zhang Qi, saying he had done nothing wrong and was the gentlest, kindest man she had ever met.
As Fugui hesitated, Zhang Qi quickly changed the topic, reminding Qingli that it was time to prepare for the upcoming Night Peach Blossom blessing ceremony, noting that everyone had eagerly anticipated it for a long time. On the night of the full moon, as the peach blossoms unfurled, the villagers, humans and demons alike, gathered under the great peach tree, holding candles in devout anticipation of Qingli’s appearance.
Qing Tong observed their radiant smiles with a touch of envy, wishing that she and Fugui could also experience such happiness in Peach Village. When Fugui inquired about her thoughts, Qing Tong did not reveal her inner longing but instead told him she had found Lu Shu among the crowd. Amidst the villagers’ eager whispers, Qingli emerged, resplendent in ceremonial attire, resembling a celestial fairy. She softly declared, "The night peach blossoms bloom. The prayer begins."
Leading the assembly, she guided their collective prayer: "The full moon hangs in the sky. We pray for humans and demons to coexist and for there to be no more divisions of race or class in this world. Colorful butterflies dance. We pray for peaceful years and for there to be no more killing in the world. May humans and demons coexist. . . and no more killing."
Following her invocation, numerous butterflies appeared, swirling gracefully as the massive peach tree miraculously burst into full bloom. Fugui recognized these blossoms as mere magical illusions, yet everyone present chose to believe in their reality. Qing Tong reflected on how many, having experienced despair, once doubted the existence of such a paradise, but now in Peach Village, all, regardless of race or strength, could live happily and pursue their desires.
Just as the crowd was captivated, Fugui noticed Lu Shu slipping away and discreetly followed him. Fugui trailed Lu Shu into the forest, confronting him about the flower seeds he distributed to the villagers and demanding to know his connection to Chakuwa. Lu Shu, however, remained silent and instead engaged Fugui in a struggle. During the confrontation, Fugui spotted a teleportation talisman, realizing Lu Shu's attack was merely a diversion.
He accused Lu Shu of fighting him as a distraction despite being prepared to flee, and then quickly dispatched him before rushing back to the peach tree. Returning to the peach tree, Fugui discovered everyone lying unconscious. He called out for Qing Tong, only to hear a sound behind him. Zhang Qi appeared, his eyes vacant and his mind clearly controlled.
Realizing Qingli was behind this, Fugui sternly demanded she show herself, accusing her of being the one who created the Chakuwa. Qingli emerged and led Fugui to a mystical barrier, announcing her intention to reveal everything. She confirmed that Zhang Qi had consumed Chakuwa and inhaled phosphorus powder, rendering him completely under her control. She taunted Fugui for not asking her motives, eager to explain her "perfect scheme."
Within the barrier, where the Night Peach Tree amplified their power, Zhang Qi, now her weapon, menacingly advanced on Fugui with a sword, striking with lethal intent. Qingli watched the scene unfold, laughing triumphantly at her successful manipulation. Qing Tong, finally regaining consciousness, launched a powerful attack from outside the barrier, shattering Qingli’s magical defense. She confronted Qingli, questioning her actions.
Qingli then revealed her true form: she was not a butterfly demon, but a lowly ghost-faced moth demon from the vile Dongshan Insect Valley, where such creatures endured immense filth and torment simply to survive. She admitted to disguising herself as a butterfly demon to gain Zhang Qi's affection, but feeling unworthy, she had planned to strip him of his free will, transforming him into a puppet.
Qingli further explained that Chakuwa consisted of "the eggs of the ancient bird demon," which could parasitize plants, making them "perfect seeds." She recounted how Lu Shu had gleefully distributed these seeds to the villagers. Qing Tong then grasped the horrifying truth: the "flower seeds" were actually parasitic insects that, once inside a host, rapidly absorbed life force to become Chakuwa. She accused Qingli of ruthlessly exploiting Zhang Qi's kindness to deceive everyone for her "wretched medicine."
Qingli, unrepentant, boasted that her plan was so perfect that if not for the "little accident," no one would have cared or remembered the villagers after Peach Village vanished. Qing Tong pressed her, questioning how she could justify such betrayal given Zhang Qi's sincere love. Qingli scoffed at Zhang Qi’s idealism, calling him a "fool" for spending seven years to create a home for a "lowly ghost-faced moth demon."
She confessed her deep-seated hatred for all things "holy and flawless," including Fugui, whom she also wished to drag into the darkness with her. She asserted that the controlled Zhang Qi was her "most perfect" version and she wanted him to "stay by my side forever," even as a puppet. Zhang Qi, slowly regaining his senses, struggled to comprehend that Qingli, the woman he had loved so genuinely, could have perpetrated such cruelty.
Qingli, however, continued her torment, mocking him for his "ridiculous" dreams of a future where "humans and demons coexist" in Peach Village, declaring his dream a "joke" that he had failed to achieve. Overwhelmed by a potent mix of grief and betrayal, Zhang Qi plunged his sword into the demon he had cherished for seven years. The tragic devastation of Peach Village left Qing Tong profoundly shaken.
Fugui, too, was left pondering a fundamental question: could a paradise where humans and demons coexist truly never exist? Granting Zhang Qi's request for a day to manage the funerals, Fugui found Qing Tong, who lamented the sudden loss of life and questioned why innocent, weaker beings like those in Peach Village were deemed unworthy of survival. To empower Qing Tong, Fugui presented her with the Dust-Seeker Sword, noting its suitability for her slender build.
He then led her to a quiet spot for a final swordsmanship lesson, promising that the answers she sought lay within the movements. He instructed her to observe the light and perceive the swirling dust within it, explaining that "dust dances with the light, revealing where the light comes from. And with a sword, what matters isn't the technique but the sword essence."
He challenged her to understand why one strives to live with all their might, why life as fragile as grass still rises with the wind, and why dust refuses to fall. He affirmed her innate strength: "Your heart has never been weak. You've had your sword essence all along. What you need to do is simply integrate the techniques I've taught you into your sword essence."
Fugui praised Qing Tong's intelligence and resolve, expressing his belief that she would surpass his expectations. He explained that naming her Qing Tong was not to bind her, but for her to see the world for him, to believe in her ability to become a light that dispels darkness, even when humble and small. He assured her that amidst the world's myriad wonders, she would find her true sanctuary.
Qing Tong understood, realizing Fugui wanted her to "live in the light and become a better version of myself." Acknowledging their separate paths, they agreed to part ways, with Qing Tong expressing her hope for a future reunion. She promised that if their paths ever crossed again, she would eagerly accompany him to witness all the unseen landscapes of the world, from green mountains and clear waters to vast deserts and falling snow, before bidding him a heartfelt farewell.
