Guardians of the Ancient Oath Episode 6 Recap
> Guardians of the Ancient Oath Recaps
Jin Yang, after much deliberation, decided to reveal everything to Baili Hongxuan to ensure his safety. However, despite the many bizarre events he had witnessed around him, Baili Hongxuan still struggled to believe her. He accused her of spreading rumors under the Empress Dowager's influence for some hidden agenda. As he spoke, Ling Jun, sensing the opportune moment, suddenly appeared before him. Ling Jun entered the Marquis's residence as if it were uninhabited, and her words echoed Jin Yang's.
Baili Hongxuan, suspecting a conspiracy, attacked Ling Jun with his sword without hesitation but could not harm her. With a mere gesture, Ling Jun transported Baili Hongxuan into a barrier-like realm, a tranquil place of water where he could be trapped forever at her will. Ling Jun revealed she had even acquired a golden pill to counteract his fire abilities, implying her deep commitment to helping him.
She urged him to believe her, stating that he could not control the events that were to unfold and that she was there to assist him. Just then, An Tingfeng, a demon hunter who had been pursuing Ling Jun, arrived. He swiftly placed a yellow talisman on Ling Jun's back, disabling her magic. Ling Jun, weakened, urged Baili Hongxuan to open his eyes and see the truth, to stop lying to himself.
An Tingfeng confronted Ling Jun, identifying her puppet magic and lamenting that Baili Hongxuan had ruined his chance to capture the cunning demon, who had always managed to escape him. Baili Hongxuan, still reeling, asked if she was truly a demon, to which An Tingfeng retorted that no human could possess such powers. Although An Tingfeng gravely wounded Ling Jun, she managed to escape once again, disappearing from Baili Hongxuan's sight.
The night's events shattered Baili Hongxuan's perceptions, forcing him to confront the reality of demons. Still, Ling Jun's parting words, suggesting that Baili Hongxuan was the one who hurt her, left him utterly bewildered. Back in Jin Yang's room, Baili Hongxuan expressed his concern for her health and ordered medicine, yet still found it difficult to believe her account.
Jin Yang then recounted her childhood, starting from the age of eight, when her ability to see demons led everyone to believe she was insane. Her family sought countless doctors, and she endured bitter medicines, but no one believed her, viewing her as a "monster from hell." Her father gradually distanced himself, and her mother could only weep.
Jin Yang revealed that Ling Jun was a leaf from an ancient ginkgo tree that had stood beside her family home for generations. Because of her ability to see demons, she suffered endless mockery and misunderstanding. Ling Jun, however, had never harmed anyone and always protected her, becoming her only friend.
Jin Yang explained that when she moved from Liaodong to Ye City, she wished to sever ties with her past and the supernatural, which was why she kept it a secret from him. Baili Hongxuan inquired if she knew any demon hunters, but Jin Yang replied that while her father had sought many for her condition, most were charlatans, with true talents being exceedingly rare.
Baili Hongxuan then instructed her not to speak of these matters to anyone to avoid further misunderstanding and ordered that she be confined to her room for rest, with guards posted outside to prevent any contact. Meanwhile, in Li City, Baili Hongyi was sparring with Hou Zhengze. Baili Hongshuo, upon witnessing this, immediately kicked Hou Zhengze aside and drew his sword, ready to strike.
Baili Hongyi intervened, explaining that Hou Zhengze was practicing, as he aspired to become Baili Hongshuo's personal bodyguard due to his admiration. Baili Hongshuo, stating he already had bodyguards, was reminded by Hongyi that Hou Zhengze was his first follower, dedicated to him. Hou Zhengze passionately pledged his unwavering loyalty, vowing to follow Baili Hongshuo's every command. Baili Hongshuo acknowledged his bravery and loyalty before dismissing him.
He then playfully questioned Hongyi's motives, suggesting she was playing a game, to which she replied that having a loyal subordinate was a good thing. Baili Hongshuo, sitting indoors, was troubled by the harsh conditions of Li City, the looming threat of the Wolf Tribe, and He Yao's constant attempts to undermine him.
He recalled growing up with He Yao in Ye City and how He Yao, now stationed in Li City in place of his elder brother, had established deep roots and power. In Ye City, he could have dealt with He Yao swiftly, but here, he represented the entire Plain Prince's residence, and any misstep could implicate his family. This difficult assignment, he realized, was precisely Baili Hongxuan's way of training him to be more cautious and composed.
He explained the complex dynamics of Li City, with various foreign powers, the Wolf Tribe, and other barbarian tribes entangled in commerce. He recalled his elder brother's warning to be cautious of He Yao but confessed his uncertainty on how to defend himself. To alleviate his worries, Baili Hongyi offered some lighthearted jokes, remarking that he always excelled in difficult situations and reminding him that she was there to support him.
Sharing hardships in the harsh Li City brought them closer than their daily encounters in the capital. One night, candlelight cast their reflections on the window, revealing a subtle intimacy between them, a bond seemingly unnoticed by their own hearts. Baili Hongshuo jokingly said he would let her "bite" their enemies, teasing her about her zodiac sign being a dog.
Hongyi playfully threatened to practice her biting on him first and vowed to bite anyone who dared to bully her "little brother." He then playfully asked if she enjoyed being his second brother, to which she retorted that she would prefer to be the eldest brother, being older than him but younger than Baili Hongxuan. Baili Hongshuo quipped that she would be even more uncontrollable then.
They then engaged in their usual stress-relieving activity: a friendly sword fight, with Baili Hongshuo reminding her that his Departing Soul Sword was not a toy. Days later, Tao Shen arrived in Li City with a letter from Baili Hongxuan. The letter warned of increasing troubles in Ye City, including rumors of demons, and suspicious incidents since his wedding.
Baili Hongxuan suspected schemes by the He family but admitted the truth was more complex, involving both false rumors and genuine demons bewitching people, urging them to be cautious. Baili Hongshuo, no longer rigidly skeptical, asked Hongyi if she believed in demons. She dismissed it as superstition and self-deception, but Baili Hongshuo countered that ancient texts and recurring historical events suggested the existence of demons might not be mere baseless rumors, showing a more open mind than his sister.
Later, stifled by the camp, Baili Hongshuo took Baili Hongyi out to explore the city. They arrived at the Treading Cloud House, a replica of the one in Ye City, which He Yao proudly claimed to have built. There, they coincidentally encountered He Yao. Baili Hongyi quickly hid.
After exchanging pleasantries, He Yao, claiming he had a date, stated they could drink another time without Baili Hongyi, whom he described as "gender-confused" and annoying, always interfering with their fun in Ye City. He then wondered who the Empress Dowager would marry Baili Hongyi off to, remarking that anyone who married her would be unlucky. Baili Hongshuo, usually patient for the greater good, lost his temper when his sister was insulted.
He retorted, asking if He Yao was still thinking of her because she had beaten him up and made him hide backstage during their last drinking escapade. He Yao denied it, claiming he would not stoop to arguing with "arrogant juniors" and left, instructing his attendants to prepare for his date, magnanimously offering to cover Baili Hongshuo's tab. Baili Hongshuo, having lost his temper, then asked Baili Hongyi if she wasn't angry.
Baili Hongyi dismissed He Yao's insults, calling him merely a "barking mad dog" whose words didn't matter to her. However, Baili Hongshuo concluded that no one from the Baili family could be bought off with mere wine money. Seizing the opportunity while He Yao was entertaining himself, Baili Hongshuo donned a red veil and costume, disguised himself as a seductive dancing girl, and lured He Yao from behind a door. Driven by lust, He Yao fell for the trick.
From the shadows, Baili Hongyi swiftly knocked him unconscious with a hand chop. The siblings then proceeded to punch and kick him. Still feeling unsatisfied, Baili Hongshuo insisted on leaving a mark to symbolize their act of justice. Using a brush from a nearby table, they drew a turtle on He Yao's face, with Baili Hongshuo adding the mouth and Baili Hongyi completing the tail. As He Yao began to stir, they quickly fled the scene. Later, Baili Hongxuan remained distraught, refusing to eat. Jin Yang asked if he still disbelieved her, and he confessed that the bizarre events made it difficult for him to accept.
