Guardians of the Ancient Oath Episode 35 Recap
> Guardians of the Ancient Oath Recap
Living a secluded life, Baili Hongxuan felt useless and undeserving of his title, convinced he was a burden to Jin Yang. Jin Yang, however, gently reminded him that despite his changed circumstances, he remained her husband. She expressed her unwavering devotion, recalling how well she was treated as his wife in the manor, a solace for an orphan like herself.
She vowed to stay by his side, whether in prosperity or hardship, reciting a timeless vow that they would grow old together. She even suggested they could live out their days peacefully in their current mountain retreat. Baili Hongxuan, however, urged her to leave, unable to accept her sacrifice. Ling Jun, however, would not allow Baili Hongxuan to give up on himself; their long-term plan was to awaken him.
She visited Baili Hongxuan, probing whether he could truly set aside his grievances and live in seclusion. Baili Hongxuan stated he wouldn't fault the Emperor for his actions. Ling Jun then revealed that the Emperor, Baili Haohe, was merely a demon-made puppet controlled by another, reminding Baili Hongxuan of the Emperor's recent strange behavior. Baili Hongxuan, disheartened, questioned what a "useless person" like him could do.
Ling Jun challenged him, asking if he would allow evil to corrupt Great You and its people. She affirmed his destiny as a chosen one and rekindled his hope by informing him that Baili Hongshuo was still alive, promising their reunion soon. Meanwhile, in the Wolf Tribe, Ba Yin's brother, Ming Lai, expressed concern about her love for a hero of the prairie, fearing it would bring harm to their Bai Ze tribe.
Ba Yin, however, asserted her right to make her own choices as a woman and declared her love for him as her destiny. Elsewhere, Elder Wuyu, along with other elders, sought an audience with Ming Yefeng, who had been absent for days. Chou Nu, Ming Yefeng's aide, blocked their entry, claiming the King was ill.
This only intensified Elder Wuyu's suspicions, leading him to accuse Ming Yefeng of neglecting state affairs and possibly traveling to You Kingdom with Baili Hongyi, whom he referred to as a "demoness." Ba Yin vehemently defended Ming Yefeng, accusing Elder Wuyu of malice. Ming Lai observed the escalating tension, and Gao Yi, seeing an opportunity, subtly questioned Ming Lai's loyalty and suggested a partnership.
However, Ming Yefeng then emerged from his tent, sternly warning against spreading slanderous rumors and disturbing his recuperation, which temporarily resolved the immediate public conflict and prompted Ming Lai to rebuff Gao Yi's offer of an alliance. Gao Yi later entered Ming Yefeng's tent, expressing feigned concern for his illness and hinting at the absence of Princess Liruo, subtly questioning her whereabouts and Ming Yefeng's commitment to the tribe, implying that the Wolf Tribe's internal issues required his vigorous governance.
In You Kingdom, Baili Hongshuo, Hou Zhengze, and Qiu Xiaotong searched tirelessly for An Tingfeng. While resting, Hou Zhengze suddenly became entranced and ran towards a deep well, ignoring their calls. Baili Hongshuo bravely followed him into the well, where Hou Zhengze was being lured by a female demon. Baili Hongshuo quickly intervened, engaging the demon in combat.
The demon, recognizing Baili Hongshuo as a demon hunter with powerful spiritual energy, taunted him, pointing out that he overlooked the demon right beside him – Hou Zhengze – suggesting they were no different. An Tingfeng arrived just in time, vanquishing the demon. In her dying breath, the demon accused An Tingfeng of hypocrisy, questioning why he didn't hunt Hou Zhengze, who she claimed was also a demon.
Later, An Tingfeng found Baili Hongxuan in his secluded cabin, where Baili Hongxuan had just cast aside his sword, symbolizing his despair. An Tingfeng expressed his surprise at Baili Hongxuan's downtrodden state. An Tingfeng then mentioned seeing a depiction of a Nine-Winged Dragon in the Royal Palace and questioned its meaning. Baili Hongxuan, visibly disturbed by the revelation, led An Tingfeng to a secluded spot.
Ling Jun brought Baili Hongxuan to a towering cliff overlooking the vast lands of Great You. She challenged him to confront his true feelings, questioning how he could live peacefully while a demon exploited the kingdom he was meant to protect. She reminded him that he was destined to care for the world, and even if it meant his own ruin, he would place his country and home before personal interests.
When Baili Hongxuan asked what he could do, Ling Jun proposed a life-or-death trial, asking if he was brave enough to accept. Baili Hongxuan, resolute, declared he feared nothing once his mind was set. Ling Jun revealed the trial required him to kill the puppet Baili Haohe, warning that failure would lead to his death and soul annihilation. Without hesitation, Baili Hongxuan leaped from the cliff, ready to face his destiny.
Ling Jun, speaking to Jin Yang, acknowledged Baili Hongxuan's noble character, but worried he might be unable to strike down Baili Haohe, even if he was a puppet, due to his reputation as a benevolent young master. Jin Yang, concerned for her husband, declared her intention to undertake the trial in his stead, willing to risk exposure of her own identity to save him.
Ling Jun, though wary, agreed, with a stern warning for Jin Yang to return immediately upon completing the trial, lest both perish. Back in the Marquis Manor, Baili Hongxuan found himself lost in vivid flashbacks of his past – his brothers, the Emperor's words questioning his own suitability for the throne compared to Hongxuan, and his eventual downfall. Jin Yang appeared, offering to take his place in the dangerous trial.
She argued that his deep loyalty and affection for the Emperor would prevent him from killing the puppet, making failure inevitable. Despite her own limited abilities, she believed she had a chance and implored him to let her protect him. Baili Hongxuan, confused by her unwavering dedication given his previous coldness, refused her sacrifice, asserting his resolve to face the trial alone, even if it meant his own demise.
Jin Yang, deeply emotional, reiterated her identity as his wife and her fervent wish for him to live, but Baili Hongxuan remained unmoved, just as the god from ten thousand years ago had refused her sacrifice. In the Wolf Tribe's forbidden territory, Yijiu Mo used a mysterious white bottle, releasing a red mist that completely controlled Baili Hongyi.
Under this sinister influence, Baili Hongyi mercilessly attacked and slaughtered the You Wu tribesmen, denouncing them as traitors who had once betrayed "her." As the last of the You Wu tribesmen fell, Ming Yefeng's Thousand Mountain Decree shattered in his hands. He was consumed with worry for Baili Hongyi, failing to notice his own pupils turn a striking shade of green.
