Guardians of the Ancient Oath Episode 27 Recap
> Guardians of the Ancient Oath Recaps
Ming Yefeng’s troops, on a mission to quell a rebellion, found themselves besieged by a heavy blizzard for days. Despite the harsh conditions, the morale of his seasoned soldiers, who had followed him through countless battles, remained stable. However, a different kind of challenge emerged: rumors spread throughout the camp claiming that the continuous blizzard was a sign of the Ancestral God’s wrath, brought forth by the presence of Baili Hongyi, whom they called a "demoness."
Soldiers even began to carry talismans for protection. Ming Yefeng dismissed these superstitious rumors as nonsense. He instructed Chou Nu to investigate, quickly uncovering the source: an old soldier named Eqi, who had served Ming Yefeng for a long time. Eqi confessed to being manipulated by Xili Du and admitted that he was also planning to set fire to the camp’s provisions.
Ming Yefeng, unwavering, executed Eqi for his treasonous actions, stating that his death was not for the words he spoke, but for violating military law and undermining morale. Baili Hongyi, present during the execution, questioned if Ming Yefeng would kill everyone who called her ill-omened. Ming Yefeng reiterated that his actions were based on army rules, not superstition. Later that night, the rebel forces launched a surprise attack.
Ming Yefeng ensured Baili Hongyi’s safety by having the You Wu tribesmen protect her in the tent, then joined his generals in the fierce fight. Even when their army was completely surrounded and facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Ming Yefeng remained calm. Gao Yi arrived with his troops, but initially, it seemed he could only help Ming Yefeng carve a path for retreat.
However, Ming Yefeng calmly produced a signal flare, and his previously hidden forces, strategically placed, surged out, catching the rebels off guard and turning the tide of the battle. Ming Yefeng revealed that he had anticipated Mola Khan’s treachery and had used the promise of abdication as a bait, pretending to be complacent to lure his enemies into a trap.
Gao Yi, impressed by Ming Yefeng’s strategic brilliance, confessed that he had defied his father’s orders not out of personal gain, but because he believed Ming Yefeng was the hero who could unite the entire grassland. He felt that the current King and his own father had grown too old and would lead the Wolf Tribe into decline. However, Gao Yi warned Ming Yefeng that despite his victory, a political struggle awaited him back in Shuchi.
Furthermore, Baili Hongyi, whom the entire tribe deemed a "demoness," would be his biggest weakness. Gao Yi urged him to choose between the throne and the woman, but Ming Yefeng asserted that he already had his own judgment and would not hesitate. Meanwhile, in Li City, Baili Hongshuo secluded himself in his room for days, refusing to see anyone. When he finally emerged, it was only to demand Hou Zhengze take him to the Treading Cloud House for incessant drinking.
He spent days and nights in a drunken stupor, neglecting all military affairs. Mu Qi and Hou Zhengze attempted to reason with him, reminding him of Baili Hongyi’s supposed "martyrdom" and urging him to honor her memory by resuming his duties. They spoke of her noble sacrifice and her posthumous title as Princess Jingguo. Baili Hongshuo, however, found their words deeply ironic and only sank deeper into despair.
He even cried out, believing Baili Hongyi was still alive and expressing his desire to find her. Unsure how to console him, Hou Zhengze transformed himself into Baili Hongyi, trying to comfort Baili Hongshuo. Though inebriated, Baili Hongshuo clearly knew it was Hou Zhengze standing before him. He instinctively reached out to feel Baili Hongyi's warmth but ultimately pulled his hand back, realizing that clinging to a false image was meaningless.
In a forest near Li City, Ji Qiu urgently rushed out of his wooden hut, pulling Qiu Xiaotong along, insisting they leave immediately. He had once again seen a warning of impending disaster in his Fire Pattern Mirror. Although his visions were always blurry, these warnings had forced them to move countless times. Qiu Xiaotong, having finally found a peaceful place to settle, was reluctant to leave, especially since she had developed feelings for Baili Hongshuo.
However, Ji Qiu’s mind was made up. His only concession was to wait three more days, allowing Qiu Xiaotong to say goodbye to Baili Hongshuo and for him to impart his accumulated knowledge to his disciple. Qiu Xiaotong went to the military camp, only to learn that Baili Hongshuo was at the Treading Cloud House. When she arrived, Hou Zhengze intercepted her downstairs.
Realizing that the Baili Hongshuo Qiu Xiaotong had been interacting with was actually him in disguise, Hou Zhengze quickly sent her away, saying the General was asleep. Unable to see Baili Hongshuo herself, Qiu Xiaotong earnestly entrusted Hou Zhengze with a message: Baili Hongshuo must see his master within three days, otherwise, they might never meet again as they were leaving.
Simultaneously, back in the Wolf Tribe’s capital of Shuchi, Xili Du was reassuring Mola Khan that their plan was foolproof when a report of Ming Yefeng’s triumphant return from quelling the rebellion arrived. Stunned and disbelieving, Mola Khan immediately ordered Xili Du to summon his personal guards through a secret tunnel, while he himself went to stall Ming Yefeng. Outside, Mola Khan feigned ignorance, offering common rewards to Ming Yefeng and his generals for their victory.
But Ming Yefeng was not appeased. He reminded Mola Khan of his pre-campaign promise to abdicate the throne upon his return. Even with Xili Du and Mola Khan’s personal guards arriving, Ming Yefeng’s resolve to claim the King’s position remained unshaken.
