Guardians of the Ancient Oath Episode 11 Recap
> Guardians of the Ancient Oath Recap
Baili Hongshuo effectively resolved the plague in Li City, causing the rumors about its cause to naturally dissipate. Meanwhile, Bai Nuo's death deprived He Yao of a significant source of illicit wealth and influence. If He Yao had previously underestimated Baili Hongshuo, he now harbored a deep resentment, wishing to inflict severe harm upon him, a feeling solidified as he gazed at the empty Black Underworld Shrine.
After Baili Hongshuo completed his arrangements for the poisoned citizens, Baili Hongyi hesitantly entered the room. Hou Zhengze, displaying his usual lack of discernment, was promptly assigned the task of brushing all the horses. Once alone, Baili Hongshuo anticipated Baili Hongyi's thanks. Their conversation quickly devolved into their typical playful arguments, during which Baili Hongyi repeatedly brought up their eldest brother.
Baili Hongshuo grew increasingly irritated by her constant reliance on their brother and her casual use of the term "little brother" for him. Unable to contain his true feelings, he declared that he did not want to be her little brother. In a remote cloud wooden house, a white-robed man discussed the unfolding events, noting that everything was progressing according to plan, and with Yi Jiumo's adherence to their strategy, they were nearing their objective.
He emphasized the criticality of the moment, urging caution and warning against complacency. He also remarked that He Yao was not a capable strategist and required careful guidance, and that this chess piece was ready to play its role. Ling Jun confirmed her understanding and stated her intention to return to Li City to ensure the plan's flawless execution. The ancient seal was on the verge of breaking, necessitating an acceleration in the return of the four gods.
In the Wolf Tribe's Bai Ze Unit, Bai Nuo had been brought to justice, and Yi Jiumo was now tasked with guiding the selection of a new leader. Ming Lai, designated as the new leader, expressed apprehension, much to Ming Yefeng's disappointment. Ba Yin's brother, concerned by her hesitation, reminded her of the ancient blood feud with the Baili family, whose patriarch, Baili Haoyuan, had massacred thousands of Bai Ze people.
However, he stressed the importance of strategy over blind vengeance, arguing that simple retaliation was childish. He advocated for the kind of calculated restraint shown by Priest Yi Jiumo, highlighting the formidable power of Baili Hongxuan, who held the hereditary title of Prince of Pingyuan and great influence in the You Kingdom court, which made a direct confrontation unwise. However, Ba Yin openly admired Ming Yefeng, drawn to his heroic demeanor and perceived ambition to become King.
She saw an opportunity to marry him, believing it would secure her own happiness and elevate the Bai Ze Unit's status. Ming Lai, understanding Ming Yefeng's complex nature and deep scheming, warned Ba Yin that pursuing happiness with such a man would be challenging. Nevertheless, Ba Yin insisted on becoming a messenger between her brother and Ming Yefeng, resolute in her desire to forge her own destiny, not wishing to be protected by a man her entire life.
Ming Yefeng discovered a necklace within his tent, adorned with a miniature ivory carving and an obsidian stone. It was Baili Hongyi's protective amulet, an item she never parted with. Upon seeing it, Ming Yefeng immediately recognized it as belonging to Xiao Ruo, a girl he had known since childhood. He recalled their last encounter, where he found her amidst corpses, her heart consumed by an intense hatred for the Wolf Tribe, a hatred that encompassed him as well.
Meanwhile, Baili Hongxuan arrived at the borders of Li City. Following instructions from Ming Yefeng, he ventured deep into a forest to meet him. Ming Yefeng presented Baili Hongxuan with incriminating letters, evidence of He Yao's secret collusion with Bai Nuo. In exchange, Baili Hongxuan handed over the armor and weapons that Tao Shen had transported. After their official exchange, Ming Yefeng returned the necklace to Baili Hongxuan, asking him to give it back to Baili Hongyi.
Baili Hongxuan's unspoken acceptance confirmed Ming Yefeng's growing suspicion that Baili Hongyi was indeed the long-lost Xiao Ruo. Baili Hongxuan then issued a stern warning to Ming Yefeng, forbidding him from ever touching Baili Hongyi again. In the Li City military camp, the two Baili brothers met. Baili Hongxuan informed Hongshuo that apart from He Yao, he would be the one in charge.
Baili Hongxuan entrusted his younger brother with the evidence of He Yao's betrayal, granting him full authority to handle the situation. Having known He Yao since childhood, Baili Hongshuo harbored a lingering softness, wishing to offer him a chance at redemption and spare his life if he genuinely repented, rather than pursuing a death sentence.
Baili Hongxuan advised Baili Hongshuo on the intricate political landscape of Li City, a border region with various countries trading and balancing each other, seemingly peaceful but rife with hidden complexities. He stressed the importance of constant vigilance and strengthening their own capabilities, not merely to defeat adversaries, but to enable them to act decisively when necessary. He reminded his brother of the fundamental divergence in goals between the Baili and He families.
Later, Baili Hongshuo recounted a peculiar experience to Baili Hongxuan, pondering the existence of spirits. He described seeing an altar surrounded by water and a mysterious white figure that seemed to guide him on Baili Hongxuan's wedding day, an incident he had initially dismissed due to intoxication. However, during his recent ordeal at the Black Underworld Shrine, when he was trapped, the same figure distinctly led him to Priest Yi Jiumo.
Acknowledging the profound mystery, Baili Hongxuan cautioned his brother that the world contained many unknown entities, some potentially allies but more likely adversaries. He further warned that these forces might be plotting something, emphasizing the paramount importance of caution and the folly of trusting anyone too readily, especially given that these strange occurrences seemed to have begun around the time of his own wedding. Shortly after, He Yao paid a visit, prompting Baili Hongxuan to conceal himself outside.
Baili Hongshuo initially adopted a disingenuous demeanor before subtly alluding to He Yao's misdeeds, including his secret alliances with foreign tribes and the true nature of the plague as poisoning. He warned that future threats might involve even more insidious tactics. He Yao, however, remained arrogantly dismissive, perceiving Baili Hongshuo's words as a challenge. He brazenly declared himself the ultimate authority in Li City, unlike in Ye City where his father and elder brother offered protection.
He arrogantly stated that as the General of Northern Defense, he would be the first to respond to any acts of sabotage, dismissing Baili Hongshuo's veiled warnings. Baili Hongshuo concluded by urging He Yao to prioritize the well-being of Li City's populace above all else, hinting that secrets would eventually come to light. Upon returning to his residence, He Yao descended into a panic, realizing the perilousness of his position and what Baili Hongshuo might know.
Lacking any strategic foresight, he desperately clung to the hope of protection from the Empress Dowager. At this critical juncture, Ling Jun, posing as a trusted confidante of the Empress Dowager, appeared. Ling Jun, possessing intimate knowledge of He Yao's past, ruthlessly dismantled his illusions of safety. She presented him with the stark reality: the undeniable evidence against him could lead to the execution of his entire family, irrespective of the Empress Dowager's personal belief.
Ling Jun revealed that Baili Hongxuan intended to present this evidence to the Censorate, and that the Baili siblings were in Li City precisely to orchestrate his downfall. She then proposed a scheme to eliminate the Baili brothers, fabricating a scenario where they would die heroically defending against a Wolf Tribe attack.
Faced with utter ruin, a desperate He Yao agreed to sacrifice ten years of his life and yield his body to Ling Jun, all to ensure that the Baili siblings would never leave Li City alive.
