Guardians of the Ancient Oath Episode 42 Recap
> Guardians of the Ancient Oath Recap
Ming Yefeng and Baili Hongyi arrived at Spirit Mountain, the very place Dinu Sang had spoken of where Fang Tianju was located. Ming Yefeng explained that according to the High Priest, the trees on Spirit Mountain possessed the power of cleansing, capable of removing impurities like demon spirits, and could certainly purify the demon within Baili Hongyi. Observing the obsidian necklace Baili Hongyi wore, which matched his own, Ming Yefeng was reminded that protecting her was his lifelong pursuit.
He also remarked that the spiritual barrier here did not welcome him and was affecting him, suggesting they split up and that she rest first. She later revealed that Baili Hongshuo had given it to her after finding it during a meteor shower in Liao Dong State, knowing her love for stargazing and believing she would appreciate its "sun-like glow."
After Baili Hongyi awoke, noting the perpetual daylight of this non-mortal realm, they decided to continue their search for Fang Tianju together. As they proceeded, Ming Yefeng suddenly became unresponsive and immobile, despite Baili Hongyi's frantic calls. An unseen force then separated them, causing Baili Hongyi to vanish. Ming Yefeng regained control, calling out her name, Ruo'er, in distress. Meanwhile, Baili Hongshuo reflected on the Princess's death, initially having disliked her, but acknowledging her as family and Baili Hongxuan's wife.
He felt a deep sadness, unsure if it was for her or for his brother, Baili Hongxuan, who now seemed like a stranger after more than a decade together. He questioned whether such a concept of "righteousness" truly demanded such sacrifices. Later, speaking with Hou Zhengze, Baili Hongshuo admitted his confusion about their path forward. He had sought revenge but now wondered if their actions were right, especially after Jin Yang's ultimate sacrifice.
He apologized to Hou Zhengze for repeatedly endangering him and Qiu Xiaotong. Hou Zhengze, however, affirmed his unwavering loyalty, stating it was an honor to share these experiences and that their fate was beyond explanation. He shared that without Baili Hongshuo, he would still be a simple merchant in Ye City, never meeting Qiu Xiaotong or discovering his capacity to be a responsible man.
Baili Hongshuo confessed a longing for the simple, clear-cut world of his youth in the army, lamenting that now "everything around us is covered by a layer of dust," blurring the once distinct lines of right and wrong. Hou Zhengze added that there was no absolute black or white, citing his own initial hatred for the Wolf Tribe, only to fall in love with one.
Baili Hongshuo further illustrated this by recalling how he gained spiritual power to hunt demons, only to find his own sister-in-law, Jin Yang, was a Zhen Bird, deepening the ambiguity. Hou Zhengze then nervously confessed to Baili Hongshuo that he was a demon. To his surprise, Baili Hongshuo already knew, noting that no ordinary human could transform their appearance at will. Baili Hongshuo reassured him that it made no difference, as he still considered Hou Zhengze his brother.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Hou Zhengze embraced Baili Hongshuo. Baili Hongshuo, after this moment, decided that if their path only led to bloodshed, it was better to turn back, prioritizing life. He suggested they rest and return home once Baili Hongyi was found. Hou Zhengze agreed and went to find Qiu Xiaotong. As Hou Zhengze called for Qiu Xiaotong, he suddenly collapsed, clutching his head in agony. Qiu Xiaotong rushed to him, crying out his name.
Baili Hongshuo observed Qiu Xiaotong's tears, but she denied them, claiming demons do not weep. He asked if she cared for Ji Qiu, to which she replied that caring was futile, having known Ji Qiu's fate since he allied with Zhu Rong. She reflected on the similarities between humans and demons in experiencing love and loss, concluding that emotions were a vulnerability for both, and no one could truly live without attachments, suggesting that "friends are not something anyone deserves."
Just then, Hou Zhengze and Qiu Xiaotong vanished. In the Great Desolation lay Spirit Mountain, also known as Fengju Yumen, where the sun and moon entered, and where the Ten Wizards—Wu Xian, Wu Ji, Wu Pan, Wu Peng, Wu Gu, Wu Zhen, Wu Li, Wu Di, Wu Xie, and Wu Luo—ascended and descended, and all medicinal herbs thrived. They learned that those who had breached the Ten-Thousand-Year Spiritual Barrier were now approaching Spirit Mountain, seeking Fang Tianju.
These intruders were identified as the Five Elements Deities: Fire Deity Zhu Rong, Water Deity Xuan Ming, Wood Deity Gou Mang, Metal Deity Ru Shou, and Earth Deity Hou Tu. The wizards were astonished that anyone could casually violate a barrier that even Emperor Shun respected. They noted that a powerful spiritual energy, confirmed to be from Dinu Sang, had aided the intruders, despite Dinu Sang herself having only maintained her existence by sheer will for a thousand years.
They deduced she had sacrificed all her spiritual energy, possibly seeking a final end, reminiscent of how Chìsong Zi and her sister ascended through love. The Ten Wizards reiterated their ancient vow to the heavens: to protect Fang Tianju with their lives, preventing Jiuying's power, which Fang Tianju held the purest form of since her scattering, from ever resurfacing to cause global catastrophe.
The chief wizard revealed that Pu Hua Jun of the Nine Heavens had once bestowed upon him the Heavenly Five Thunder Spell, the supreme command for the Thunder Branch army, specifically for this purpose. He explained that unlike other deities whose powers were fixed, wizards, whose powers were not Heaven-given, could uniquely unite the diverse powers of all elemental branches for a decisive strike.
To counter the Five Elements Deities, especially the Metal Deity, he planned to deploy the Seven Stars Formation, a unique invention of his that consolidated the powers of the sun, moon, and four guardians. Supplemented by the essence of Metal, Wood, Water, and Fire, and the Heavenly Five Thunder Spell, this formation would ensure Fang Tianju's protection.
He assigned Wu Peng to the Supreme Palace Enclosure, Wu Pan to the Heavenly Market Enclosure, and himself to the Purple Forbidden Enclosure to cast the Heavenly Five Thunder Spell, with the remaining wizards taking their designated positions. They pledged to fight relentlessly to stop the intruders from ascending the mountain.
Baili Hongxuan, accompanied by the other deities, affirmed that this was indeed their destination, Spirit Mountain, and that finding Fang Tianju would bring them closer to their ultimate goal, urging them to proceed. Baili Hongshuo confronted him, questioning if he possessed a heart or felt any pain after what had transpired.
Baili Hongxuan coldly asked if pain needed to be etched on his face, asserting that his wife, Jin Yang, was a demon, and to save the world, sacrifices were inevitable, leaving him no alternative. Baili Hongshuo reminded him of Jin Yang's status as his wedded wife. Baili Hongxuan countered that he did not kill her; it was her own choice, a decision Baili Hongshuo argued she was coerced into.
Baili Hongxuan then pressed Baili Hongshuo on what he would have done: saved her, pretended nothing happened, and lived an anonymous life? He questioned how they would then account for the innocent lives lost at Pingyuan Manor to their Royal Father, or how they would face the world if Jiuying re-emerged. Baili Hongshuo invoked their Royal Father's teachings of kindness and humility, asserting he would never wish Baili Hongxuan to kill his own wife.
Baili Hongxuan dismissed these virtues, saying that while their Royal Father taught tolerance, they now held greater responsibilities. He declared his unwavering resolve to acquire the power, which he deemed essential for the world, and vowed to show no mercy to any who obstructed him. Baili Hongshuo accused his brother of having changed, but Baili Hongxuan denied it, instead calling Baili Hongshuo "hesitant and indecisive" and questioning his understanding of his responsibilities.
Baili Hongshuo affirmed his awareness of his duties but refused to become heartless like Baili Hongxuan. In response, Baili Hongxuan asserted that Baili Hongshuo could afford his kindness and lack of heartlessness only because Baili Hongxuan had shouldered all the burdens and performed all the ruthless acts for him. He emphatically stated that a carefree existence was an illusion, sustained only by someone else bearing the weight, and therefore, Baili Hongshuo had no right to criticize him.
Baili Hongshuo retorted that carrying a burden did not justify cold-bloodedly slaying one's own kin, urging Baili Hongxuan to confront reality and warning that any hesitation or mercy now would lead to their mission's failure and their own demise. Baili Hongxuan categorized Jin Yang and Uncle He as necessary sacrifices in their grand endeavor. He maintained that their sacrifices only strengthened their resolve to obtain the power to eradicate evil, or else "their deaths will be truly in vain."
He concluded with a rhetorical question, "Without sacrifice, how can you gain anything?" Baili Hongshuo then challenged him, asking what he would do if Baili Hongshuo himself were the one to be sacrificed. Baili Hongxuan, as Fire Deity Zhu Rong, ventured forth alone. A wizard observed his approach and decided to confront him. Baili Hongxuan soon found himself enveloped in a black mist, which transported him into an illusory recreation of his former manor.
Within this illusion, familiar faces flickered into existence and then vanished. Unmoved, Baili Hongxuan immediately recognized it as a trick and attacked. Wu Ji appeared, introducing himself and expressing disdain for Baili Hongxuan’s cold composure, questioning whether to praise his soberness or condemn his heartlessness. Wu Ji probed if Baili Hongxuan felt any emotion seeing "old acquaintances."
Baili Hongxuan coldly responded that the dead should rest in peace, and the living should not be hindered by them, for "what is the point of being alive" otherwise. Wu Ji mocked Baili Hongxuan's "eloquent speech," interpreting his pursuit of progress as sacrificing everything for his goals. Baili Hongxuan simply stated that his unwavering determination was what mattered most, declining to offer any further explanation.
Wu Ji lamented Baili Hongxuan's impending death, acknowledging that if all his brothers were present, he might not win, but since Baili Hongxuan was "by his lonesome," it was the result of his own choices. Baili Hongxuan scorned Wu Ji's illusion as "despicable." Wu Ji asserted that Baili Hongxuan and his allies would not succeed and the Ten Wizards would prevent them from reaching the Ebony Sorcery Altar, but Baili Hongxuan scoffed, doubting their capabilities.
Baili Hongxuan then revealed his own mastery of illusion magic. Ultimately, Baili Hongxuan emerged victorious, defeating Wu Ji. After the battle, Baili Hongxuan picked up a sachet adorned with twin lotus flowers, which Jin Yang had personally embroidered, a symbol of "affectionate love between a husband and a wife." He looked at it, a smile gracing his lips, and held it tightly.
Ming Yefeng, fruitlessly searching for Baili Hongyi, encountered Baili Hongshuo, who was likewise searching for Hou Zhengze and Qiu Xiaotong, now also missing. Both were distressed to learn that none of their companions had been seen. Baili Hongshuo surmised that the Ten Wizards must have abducted Baili Hongyi.
As they spoke, a wizard appeared, introducing himself as Wu Di, but was quickly interrupted by a more impatient voice claiming to be Wu Li, revealing that the two were twin brothers sharing one body, with distinct personalities. Wu Di politely inquired about their destination, but Wu Li bluntly stated they were obviously heading up the mountain. Ming Yefeng explained that his sister, Li Ruo, was lost, asking if Wu Di had seen her.
Wu Di denied it, while Wu Li, in a slip of tongue, recognized that a young girl appearing in this area could only be Earth Deity Hou Tu, inadvertently confirming that Baili Hongyi had indeed been taken by the wizards. Wu Di then stated that if his senior brothers had "invited" her, she must be somewhere on the mountain, but quickly stopped them, declaring the path ahead a forbidden area they could not pass.
Baili Hongshuo declared that since they had taken his friend, they would insist on proceeding. Wu Di reluctantly stated he would have to fight them, warning of potential casualties, while Wu Li impatiently urged him to skip the talk and just fight. During the ensuing combat, Wu Di displayed a peculiar mix of politeness and ruthlessness, apologizing for destructive techniques and lamenting damaged trees, while Wu Li spurred him on to kill their opponents.
Wu Li eventually blamed Wu Di's "constant nagging" for a missed opportunity and took over the fight, taunting Baili Hongshuo to join the fray. After a series of fierce exchanges, Baili Hongshuo was struck and fell unconscious. Meanwhile, Ming Yefeng was taken by Wu Di into a mysterious white world. There, Wu Di appeared before him, offering apologies, but Ming Yefeng demanded to be taken to Ruo'er.
