Guardian Episode 40 (Ending) Recap
> Guardian Recap
The Night King's uncontrollable hunger for energy consumed all, turning Subterraneans and Sub-beasts into mere instruments for his domination of Marine. Driven by a deep-seated hatred for the world, his brother, and his own face which mirrored his brother's, he sought to shatter the existing order and forge a new one, believing history would favor his vision. Zhao Yunlan, accepting his destiny, prepared for a final confrontation.
Within the Night King's monstrous form, Zhao Yunlan's allies found themselves trapped and tormented. As the chaos escalated, Shen Wei, despite his grave injuries, saw a critical window of opportunity. He instructed Lin Jing to act, then, utilizing the last of his life force, propelled his companions to safety while he was consumed by the Night King.
In the aftermath, the Night King realized Shen Wei's treachery: the energy he had absorbed was not dark, but a pure force capable of destroying him from within. Defeated, the Night King found himself in a void, where Shen Wei revealed the true, tragic origin of his millennia of hatred. It was Shen Wei who had been cast from a cliff while protecting his younger brother, not abandoned by him.
Shattered by this truth, the Night King let go of his resentment. Reconciled, the two brothers faded away together, leaving a devastated Zhao Yunlan to call out Shen Wei's name in vain. Though the Night King had fallen, the aftermath was dire. All energy on the Subterrane had been absorbed, causing planetary cracks to expand catastrophically. Critically wounded and knowing his life was ending, Zhao Yunlan recalled the secret of the Guardian Lantern.
He had learned that the hallow, a beacon against evil, was fueled by integrity and demanded the ultimate sacrifice: if its wick was lost, a warrior must offer their own life force, becoming the fuel and enduring agony far worse than any flame. Before the final battle, Zhao Yunlan had made a pact with the ancient being who revealed this secret, asking it to live on for him—to be filial to his father and protect the world in his stead.
With his father, Zhao Xinci, looking on with sorrowful understanding, Zhao Yunlan embraced his fate, igniting the Guardian Lantern and sacrificing himself to save the world. A brilliant, hopeful light began to emanate, illuminating the previously darkened world. With the crisis averted, the world began a slow reconstruction. The forbidden passage between the Subterrane and Marine was permanently sealed, separating them into two distinct realms. In the rebuilt world, life found a new rhythm.
Guo Changcheng, now a respected senior at the Special Investigation Unit, still humorously claimed to have "post-war trauma" during clinic visits but showed his courage in his work. Zhu Hong, having risen to become the new Sub-beast Patriarch, now presided over reform meetings, fondly recalling her past crush on the Master of Guardians. Zhao Xinci, free from his past mental afflictions, helped oversee the reconstruction.
Fulfilling his promise, the ancient being now inhabited Zhao Yunlan’s body, serving as the new Director of the SIU. Hailed as a hero, this "Director Zhao" led the unit’s renewed commitment to peace, while always feeling the true Zhao Yunlan was watching over them. Though stability had returned, a profound sense of loss remained for the true heroes whose sacrifices had paved the way for this new era.
In a realm beyond time, within a wormhole created by the hallows, Zhao Yunlan found Shen Wei patiently waiting. Knowing their time might be fleeting, Zhao Yunlan proposed one last bet: that no matter how much time passed or where their paths might lead, they would find each other again. With a quiet gaze, Shen Wei accepted his promise.
