Heroes Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Heroes Synopsis

Wang Xiaoshi, a kind-hearted teenager, goes down the mountain to have a journey.

When he first enters the Jianghu, he befriends Wen Rou, Bai Choufei, Su Mengxiu, and others by chance, and establishes a lifelong friendship with them. In the Jianghu of Capital, he experiences brotherhood and emotional entanglement and gradually grows from a naive boy to a unique "hero".

Heroes Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Under a starlit sky, an old storyteller strums a tune beneath a tree, his song weaving tales of the martial world. Wang Xiaoshi, passing by with his horse, pauses to listen. He remarks that some of the people in the song were his friends, others his enemies, but now all have turned to dust. The storyteller glances at a box in Wang Xiaoshi’s hand, asking if it contains a friend or an enemy.

Wang Xiaoshi replies that it holds the most important person in his life, and he has traveled far, seeking a quiet place to bury it. Recognizing the melody, he asks its name, and the storyteller reveals it is "Telling of Heroes." He also recognizes Wang Xiaoshi, recalling his connection to a blade of "Longing." Ten years earlier, the martial arts world was dominated by two powerful factions: Six Half Hall and House of Sunset Drizzle.

House of Sunset Drizzle was known for its chivalry, uniting people through moral codes, while Six Half Hall operated like a business, driven by profit. Both factions recruited skilled fighters, each claiming half of the martial arts realm. Aspiring newcomers dreamed of entering the Capital and joining either side to forge a heroic path and gain renown. Wang Xiaoshi, a disciple of Recluse Tianyi, Xu Xiaoyi, was given a critical mission.

Xu Xiaoyi instructed him to go to Xiliu, find a contact, who would then lead him to Kushuipu on the outskirts of the Capital by August 14th. There, he was to personally deliver a white jade box to Su Mengzhen, emphasizing the box's vital importance to the succession of House of Sunset Drizzle.

Meanwhile, in Xiliu, Six Half Hall, led by Lei Chun, was already seeking the box, claiming it as theirs and offering immense wealth and influence to anyone who could deliver it. As the ship carrying Wang Xiaoshi arrived, eager figures rushed aboard, only to find it empty. Wang Xiaoshi, having arrived discreetly in Xiliu, found a local play re-enacting a battle between Su Mengzhen and Six Half Hall's Four Guardians.

A local commented that with a real battle about to break out in Xiliu, the play seemed mundane. Seeking shelter from a sudden downpour, Wang Xiaoshi entered Zhaoye Tavern, filled with men discussing the box and its potential to disrupt the martial arts world. Wang Xiaoshi subtly approached a white-clad man, attempting to identify him as his contact, but inadvertently revealed his origin, stating he came "by sea." This instantly alerted the thugs, who demanded the box.

Suddenly, Wen Rou dramatically descended from the roof. She engaged the thugs, scolding Wang Xiaoshi for not drawing his sword despite being attacked. In the ensuing chaos, the candles were snuffed out, and when they were relit, Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou had already vanished. Outside the tavern, Wang Xiaoshi questioned Wen Rou’s assistance, to which she explained that as Su Mengzhen's martial sister, helping him was her duty.

She introduced herself as Wen Rou, daughter of Wen Wan, Lord of Luoyang, and Wang Xiaoshi introduced himself in turn. Realizing his contact might be in danger, Wang Xiaoshi stated his intention to interrogate the thugs at the dock, despite Wen Rou’s warnings about Xiliu being fraught with ruthless killers. Just then, a white-clad man, later identified as Bai Choufei, confronted Wang Xiaoshi, suggesting he hand over the box to avoid bloodshed.

Wang Xiaoshi, challenging the crowd's blind pursuit of the box, proposed to Bai Choufei that true fame lay in forging their own path, perhaps even by working together. Wang Xiaoshi explained his trust, noting that Bai Choufei had extinguished the candles in the tavern but hadn't launched a sneak attack, proving he was an honorable man. Bai Choufei seemed intrigued by the idea and departed. Shortly after, the true contact, Xue Xishen, appeared.

Xue Xishen explained the box’s crucial role in the House of Sunset Drizzle's succession, revealing that the House Master, gravely ill, had entrusted its delivery to Su Mengzhen. Wen Rou questioned why Su Mengzhen wouldn't simply inherit, but Xue Xishen clarified that "Young Master" was merely an honorary title and that real power was held by the Delegate. Wen Rou immediately suspected Delegate Hua Wucuo of instigating the chaos.

Wang Xiaoshi promised to fulfill his mission and presented Xue Xishen with a green plant, a precious gift from his master. Xue Xishen then suggested he safeguard the box. Despite Wen Rou's concerns and recalling his master's strict instruction to deliver the box personally to Su Mengzhen, Wang Xiaoshi ultimately agreed to let Xue Xishen keep it, believing there was strength in numbers for their journey to the Capital.

Later, Wen Rou mused about the boundless freedom of the martial arts world and expressed her excitement for the Sea Festival parade, occurring that very night. She noticed a pleasant herbal fragrance emanating from Wang Xiaoshi, who explained it came from his custom of bathing with herbs. Unbeknownst to them, Xue Xishen had been coerced by Lei Chun of Six Half Hall, who threatened his family, to betray them and deliver the box at the parade.

While Wen Rou slept, having been drugged by Xue Xishen through a spiked drink, Wang Xiaoshi, who had not consumed it, remained alert. When Wen Rou awoke, she panicked upon discovering the box missing. Wang Xiaoshi calmly reassured her, explaining that clues are often found amidst crowds, and led her to the vibrant Sea Festival parade. Amidst the festive atmosphere, a fierce struggle for the box erupted.

Lei Chun attempted to intercept the box carrier but was thwarted by Bai Choufei, who declared that the fame of publicly challenging Six Half Hall was far more valuable than any reward Lei Chun could offer. Wang Xiaoshi managed to retrieve the box, but Wen Rou was taken hostage. As her captor demanded the box in exchange for her life, Wang Xiaoshi recalled his Master’s warning about his "Retainment" sword: drawing it for someone would forever intertwine their destinies.

Despite this, he threw the box into the air, swiftly drew his sword to rescue Wen Rou, and caught the box in a single, fluid movement. Meanwhile, Lei Chun's subordinate, Elder Tuoba, was defeated, prompting Lei Chun to order Xue Xishen's family released, as their plan had failed. Wang Xiaoshi found a critically wounded Xue Xishen, who remorsefully explained the inescapable pressures of the martial world left him no choice but to betray them.

Consumed by shame, Xue Xishen then took his own life. Wang Xiaoshi sought out Bai Choufei, thanking him for intercepting Six Half Hall's carriage and creating a crucial diversion. Bai Choufei, amused, suggested that a rookie like Wang Xiaoshi should entrust either the box or himself to him. Wen Rou firmly interjected, declaring Bai Choufei a friend who could not steal from them. When Bai Choufei asked what was in the box, Wang Xiaoshi revealed it was empty.

He then explained his foresight: anticipating betrayal, he had hidden the true contents within the green plant he had given to Xue Xishen, a secret missed by those blinded by greed for the box. As they departed Xiliu, Wang Xiaoshi marveled at the sea, contemplating the boundless freedom it represented. Bai Choufei, however, described the Capital as an even grander spectacle and proposed they all journey there together. Wang Xiaoshi, acknowledging their intertwined fate after the recent events, agreed.

Bai Choufei then led them to a secluded graveyard where he revealed his name, standing before a tombstone bearing his and his deceased parents' names. He explained that villagers had engraved his name there decades ago after he was separated from his family during a war and presumed dead. Wang Xiaoshi praised the name, interpreting "Chou" (sorrow) as a sign of a person destined for great things.

Bai Choufei then vowed to forge his own path and make a name for himself. Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou offered their respects to Bai Choufei’s parents, promising to care for him. Continuing their journey, they encountered a storyteller singing a heroic ballad that listed renowned martial artists. Wang Xiaoshi expressed his hope that their names would one day join that esteemed list.

Wen Rou approached the storyteller, describing her friends as talented, skilled, and righteous, destined to become great heroes. She suggested he include them as "the Earth-shattering Choufei and the Unrivaled Little Rock." The storyteller, reflecting on the fleeting nature of the martial world, acknowledged the promising future that awaited this young generation.

Episode 2 Recap

At the Song-Liao border, a man in red intercepts a group of Liao soldiers, introducing himself as Su Mengzhen. When their leader orders an attack, Su Mengzhen effortlessly kills the soldiers and takes the leader's head, stating it was the one he came for. Su Mengzhen later meets Yang Wuxie, presenting the severed head. Yang Wuxie notes its small size, and Su Mengzhen explains that Liao soldiers shrink heads with limewater to claim rewards.

He vows to prevent the enemy from desecrating General Yang's body. A sudden coughing fit overcomes him, and Yang Wuxie provides him with medicine. An arrow arrives bearing a message, which Su Mengzhen catches. The letter reports the death of Xue Xishen. Suspecting that Hua Wucuo, the House's Incense Master, is plotting with Six Half Hall to seize control, Su Mengzhen decides to return to the Capital immediately, prepared to fight through their territories.

Meanwhile, Lei Chun of Six Half Hall learns that the girl with the box-carrier is Wen Rou of the Luoyang Wen family. She instructs her subordinates not to harm Wen Rou and plans to acquire the box through cunning. Anticipating the trio will travel by water, she arranges for an ambush at Qiuling Crossing. On their way to the crossing, Wang Xiaoshi, Bai Choufei, and Wen Rou decide the water route is safest.

Wen Rou shares her three principles for the martial world: not judging by origins, not sweating the small stuff, and absolute loyalty among allies. They arrive at the deserted Qiuling Crossing, but soon a large boat appears, accompanied by zither music. Wang Xiaoshi plays his flute in response, securing them passage. Onboard, Lei Chun, introducing herself as Tian Chun, quickly befriends Wen Rou, offering her a luxurious room and even inviting her to share her bed.

While fishing, Wang Xiaoshi expresses his desire to explore the world, starting with the Capital, while Bai Choufei is determined to stay and achieve fame, believing glory must be sought in the light. That night, within the eerie House of Sunset Drizzle, a terrified subordinate, pursued by Lu Jiansan, seeks help from Keeper Gu Dong. Hua Wucuo interrogates the man about Su Mengzhen's letters.

The subordinate reveals they were handled by Liu Lianxin while the House Master was ill, and under duress, discloses that Su Mengzhen's route is through Kushuipu. As the man turns to leave, Lu Jiansan kills him with an arrow. Elsewhere, the House Master, Su Zhemu, confronts Hua Wucuo. He reveals his knowledge of a secret from twenty-six years ago: that Hua Wucuo was among a group of Six Half Hall spies sent to infiltrate their house.

Su Zhemu explains he obtained a rubbing of the spy list, which included Hua Wucuo's name, but tolerated him for his contributions. He warns Hua Wucuo that the original list is in the white jade box—a salvation if he remains loyal, but a death warrant if he conspires. Su Zhemu asserts that while Hua Wucuo can enjoy a life of luxury, the position of House Master is forever beyond his reach, leaving Hua Wucuo shaken.

Back on the boat, the group enjoys a night of drinking, music, and dancing until they fall asleep. Lei Chun then seizes the white jade box. Her subordinate, Zhe Tianchou, reports that Six Half Hall plans to assassinate Su Mengzhen and then states his intent to kill Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei. To stop him, Lei Chun pushes Zhe Tianchou overboard. Alone, she looks to the water and declares that she has avenged General Yang.

The next morning, the trio awakens to find Lei Chun gone, leaving only a note: "The path of the martial world is long. We will meet again." Fearing the dangers of Kushuipu, Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei had already planned to drive Wen Rou away for her own safety. Bai Choufei deliberately provokes her, questioning her suitability for the martial world. Furious, Wen Rou storms off.

Bai Choufei admits to using a "tough" approach, while Wang Xiaoshi reveals his "gentle" one: having already booked a fine room and meal for her at the next town. As they leave, Wen Rou, having overheard them from a distance, mutters curses at "Stupid Rock" Wang Xiaoshi and "Shameless Gui Jianchou" Bai Choufei for their deception. Upon entering Kushuipu, the two men immediately see Su Mengzhen, sitting prominently in his red robes.

He states he is waiting there so the carrier of the box could easily find him. Yang Wuxie advises discretion, but Su Mengzhen dismisses the concern. Yang Wuxie warns that Kushuipu is a land of hidden masters, respected even by their House and Six Half Hall, and that they must proceed with caution.

Episode 3 Recap

At Six Half Hall's Pobanmen branch, an order was given to eliminate Su Mengzhen, with the formidable Lei Hen tasked to lead the mission. Madam Dou of Mount Qilian, the Hall's Seventh Elder, expressed great excitement at the prospect of killing Su Mengzhen, even offering to forgo payment. However, Monk Huayi, the Eighth Elder, insisted that he charged for any killing.

Exasperated by their bickering over money, Lei Hen, the Fourth Elder, slammed his bowl down and rallied the fighters, declaring they must succeed in taking Su Mengzhen's life. Continuing from their meeting at Kushuipu, Wang Xiaoshi, recognizing Su Mengzhen by his famous sword, presented him with a letter from his master, Recluse Tianyi. Yang Wuxie, Su Mengzhen’s advisor, found it unusual that Wang Xiaoshi showed no surprise upon hearing Su Mengzhen’s name.

Amused by the young man's composure, Su Mengzhen declared them friends, a sentiment Wang Xiaoshi warmly reciprocated before they parted ways for the moment. Elsewhere, Lei Chun, daughter of Six Half Hall's leader Lei Sun, decided against retrieving a certain box. She explained that her father had broken his promise that securing the box would lead to peaceful negotiations with the House of Sunset Drizzle.

With the truce already violated, she saw no reason to retrieve the box, calmly stating that she would endure any punishment for the sake of "that person" she holds dear. As night fell over Kushuipu, a group led by Gu Dong, the Ninth Elder of Six Half Hall, arrived. Gu Dong deceitfully claimed he was sent by the House of Sunset Drizzle's leadership to help Su Mengzhen eliminate traitors, offering a supposed list.

As Su Mengzhen saw the paper was blank, Gu Dong attacked. The fight quickly escalated as other assassins emerged. Yang Wuxie identified them as Monk Huayi and Madam Dou, noting their attack formation was a signature of Lei Hen. Though Wang Xiaoshi wanted to help, Bai Choufei held him back, confident in Su Mengzhen’s ability to handle the situation. With a fierce look, Su Mengzhen swiftly dispatched his attackers.

Suddenly, a volley of arrows rained down, which he and Yang Wuxie skillfully deflected with their daggers. Lei Hen then appeared with a force of elite archers, trapping them. As a storm began to brew, Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei leaped into the fray, disrupting Lei Hen's plan. Realizing the battle was lost, Lei Hen ordered a retreat, and as his forces withdrew, the heavy rain and wind abruptly subsided.

Su Mengzhen succumbed to a fit of coughing, revealing he suffers from numerous terminal and unnamed illnesses. He explained that these ailments paradoxically keep him lucid, and as long as he is awake, he cannot be killed. He acknowledged that by intervening, Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei had made an enemy of Six Half Hall and now had no choice but to join his House of Sunset Drizzle.

The three agreed to challenge Six Half Hall at Pobanmen, while Su Mengzhen sent Yang Wuxie to protect his martial sister, Wen Rou. Yang Wuxie found Wen Rou at an inn, informing her he was sent by Su Mengzhen for her protection. Wen Rou was skeptical, refusing to believe her highly-regarded martial brother would team up with two "unreliable" individuals to challenge a Six Half Hall branch.

Yang Wuxie tried to vouch for them, describing Wang Xiaoshi as handsome and heroic and Bai Choufei as direct and well-dressed. Wen Rou scoffed at his descriptions, calling Wang Xiaoshi a "wild monkey" and Bai Choufei a "cunning" and "sharp-tongued" rogue. Upon arriving at Pobanmen, Su Mengzhen, Wang Xiaoshi, and Bai Choufei were greeted by loyalists from the House of Sunset Drizzle, led by Shi Wukui.

Six Half Hall had anticipated them, with Lei Mei guarding the pass and the strategist Di Feijing waiting on the city wall. Su Mengzhen tasked Wang Xiaoshi with guarding the pass alone, noting it was a more perilous job than accompanying him. Wang Xiaoshi accepted, and Su Mengzhen ascended the wall with Bai Choufei to confront Di Feijing. On the wall, Su Mengzhen and Di Feijing conversed like old friends.

Di Feijing, whose head was permanently bowed from an old neck injury, conceded that Lei Hen's forces had failed to stop the famed "red-sleeved swordsman." Su Mengzhen noted his own chronic cough was a choice he made between life and death. He then pressed Di Feijing about Six Half Hall's recent aggression, and Di Feijing admitted to deploying eleven branches and four Elders in the failed attempt at Kushuipu.

Asserting his advantage, Su Mengzhen demanded Six Half Hall withdraw from the internal affairs of the House of Sunset Drizzle. After Di Feijing agreed, Su Mengzhen promised to send him a plaque honoring his integrity. Unseen by them, Di Feijing's superior, Lei Sun, observed from the shadows. Meanwhile, Minister of Justice Fu Zongshu and his men watched from a nearby building, viewing the martial world's conflicts with disdain.

Finding the standoff dull, Fu Zongshu departed, ordering his subordinates to investigate Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei. After the parley concluded, the fighting below ceased. Later, Lei Sun remarked to a subordinate that even a combined victory against Su Mengzhen would have been a costly one, only benefiting others, and concluded that the Capital was now destined for turmoil.

Back at the city gate, Wang Xiaoshi had successfully repelled a purple-clad, masked assailant, much to Su Mengzhen's relief as he watched from the wall. Later, Su Mengzhen told his new friends that despite Lei Sun's immense efforts to stop him from reaching the Capital, meeting them might be the luckiest thing that had ever happened to him.

Episode 4 Recap

Inside the House of Sunset Drizzle, the House Master, Su Zhemu, having just recovered from a severe illness, receives well wishes from veteran members Li Niantang, Long Xiaoqing, and Mo Beichen. They express immense relief at his recovery, with Long Xiaoqing noting that Delegate Hua Wucuo's hair has turned gray from the stress of managing the House's affairs. Mo Beichen, however, suggests the recuperating House Master should rest and not be burdened, implying Hua Wucuo can continue to handle things.

Shortly after, Hua Wucuo arrives. Su Zhemu takes a walk with him in the courtyard, sternly advising him to step down and reminding him that he possesses a "death warrant" that could seal Hua Wucuo's fate. Their tense conversation is interrupted when Jiansan bursts in with news: Su Mengzhen has returned and successfully acquired the vital box. Upon hearing this, Hua Wucuo's respectful facade vanishes.

Declaring the House Master gravely ill, he places him under confinement, forbidding visitors and leaving only Liu Lianxin to attend to him, believing she poses no threat. Later, Liu Lianxin secretly approaches Mo Beichen, asking him to purchase a new prescription for Su Zhemu. She hands him the formula, subtly urging him to read it carefully. Once alone, Mo Beichen discovers a hidden message written on the prescription: "If a rebellion occurs, do not intervene.

Your priority is to stay alive." Meanwhile, to keep her safe, Yang Wuxie has tied up Wen Rou, who is furious until Su Mengzhen appears. She chides Su Mengzhen for fighting while injured and for involving her two new friends. When he asks if she's more concerned for him or them, she insists her worry is for him.

Wen Rou reveals she came to the Capital because she missed him and because her father was pressuring her into arranged marriages, forcing her to run away from home. Su Mengzhen explains that with Hua Wucuo's forces surrounding the House, a direct assault is impossible. Bai Choufei proposes a two-pronged strategy: one group, led by a disguised Su Mengzhen, will openly enter the Capital to draw the enemy's attention and forces.

The real Su Mengzhen will then take a covert route to storm the now less-guarded House of Sunset Drizzle. To make the ruse convincing, the decoy will be accompanied by Yang Wuxie, Su Mengzhen's well-known "Bad Advisor," and Wen Rou, his martial sister, and will carry the iconic Red Sleeve Blade. While the original plan was for the more experienced Bai Choufei to act as the decoy, Wang Xiaoshi insists on switching roles.

He explains that since both missions are equally dangerous and their skills are comparable, the choice comes down to their partners. He teases that he must protect Wen Rou due to her poor martial arts, while Bai Choufei should protect Su Mengzhen. Bai Choufei agrees but warns Wang Xiaoshi to be cautious of the "old foxes" in the Capital. Before they part, Su Mengzhen gives Wang Xiaoshi his Red Sleeve Blade and teaches him a single, signature move.

He explains that while the entire style is too complex to learn quickly, this one strike is so distinctive that it will convince anyone he is the real Su Mengzhen, stressing the importance of capturing his bearing and tone. As planned, Wang Xiaoshi, Wen Rou, and Yang Wuxie arrive openly at the Capital city gates. The inn manager, Ding Yan, who owes Su Mengzhen a debt of gratitude, warmly welcomes them.

At the inn, Wen Rou notices Wang Xiaoshi's torn socks and stays up to sew him a new pair, explaining that since Su Mengzhen is like family to her, his friends are her friends. Wang Xiaoshi is deeply touched. Later, as he practices the blade technique, Wen Rou praises his quick mastery. An awkward moment ensues when Wang Xiaoshi, trying to stop her from opening a window and revealing their position to spies, accidentally takes her hand.

Elsewhere, Hua Wucuo discusses with Jiansan the surprising difficulty of eliminating Su Mengzhen. Jiansan reports that Su Mengzhen has sent invitations to the other Keepers, including Mo Beichen and Shi Wukui, whom Hua Wucuo dismisses as fence-sitters he will deal with later. Eager for the confrontation, Hua Wucuo orders his men to assemble. Under the night sky, Su Mengzhen meets Lei Chun in a secluded courtyard. She has prepared citrus tea for him, and they speak intimately.

Lei Chun reveals that her father sent her to Xiliu not to retrieve the box, but to prevent any truce with Su Mengzhen. She has observed Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei, describing Wang Xiaoshi as pure-hearted and trustworthy, and Bai Choufei as highly ambitious and capable. She advises Su Mengzhen to cultivate their talents, as they will become great allies. As the tea cools, Su Mengzhen gently takes Lei Chun's cold hand, assuring her his heart is warm.

He acknowledges that becoming House Master will make their meetings more difficult but vows that once he is in power, only her father could keep them apart. Before she leaves, they hang a lantern on the door in a silent, reluctant farewell. In another part of the city, Li Niantang and Long Xiaoqing drink and discuss the future.

Long Xiaoqing declares his unwavering loyalty to Hua Wucuo, praising his leadership and dismissing Su Mengzhen as a sickly man unfit to rule. As they talk, an invitation from Su Mengzhen arrives, requesting their presence at the House of Sages the next morning.

Episode 5 Recap

With their coordinated plan in motion, Su Mengzhen and his allies split up to secure the House of Sunset Drizzle. While Wang Xiaoshi, disguised as Su Mengzhen, created a diversion at the House of Sages, Su Mengzhen himself, covered by Bai Choufei, would proceed to meet his ailing father, Su Zhemu. Just before their scheduled time, several of the House's Keepers, including Li Niantang and Mo Beichen, gathered at the House of Sages.

Hua Wucuo, the ambitious Delegate, soon arrived and warned them to choose their loyalties carefully. Inside, the impetuous Keeper Long Xiaoqing confronted the curtained figure he believed to be Su Mengzhen, accusing him of disrespect and putting on the airs of a House Master before his time. As he advanced, Wen Rou, who is Su Mengzhen's martial sister, swiftly doused him with tea.

She then admonished Long Xiaoqing for his lack of decorum, introducing herself as the daughter of Wen Wan, the Lord of Luoyang, and calmly serving tea to the assembled men to assert her noble standing. To stall for time, Wang Xiaoshi, still hidden behind the curtain, claimed he was gravely wounded and poisoned during the ambush at Kushuipu, making him unable to show his face.

He declared that Gu Dong, the one who met him there, was a traitor who facilitated the attack. He explained the true reason for the ambush was a white jade box given to him by a friend of his father's. Citing his injuries, he proposed opening the critically important box in front of everyone present.

Hua Wucuo, a secret agent of the rival Six Half Hall, grew nervous and objected, insisting the box must be delivered to the House Master unopened. As the ruse continued, Wang Xiaoshi's identity as an impostor was eventually exposed. When Hua Wucuo's men prepared to rush in, Wang Xiaoshi skillfully used the Red Sleeve Blade technique to hold them back. At the designated hour, Su Mengzhen and Wang Xiaoshi simultaneously lit joss sticks, signaling the final phase of their operation.

Su Mengzhen advanced on the House of Sunset Drizzle, declaring he would only harm traitors. Bai Choufei intercepted those who stood in his way, swiftly clearing a path and asserting that they were no match for him. When one last turncoat nearly reached Su Mengzhen, an arrow from an unseen archer hired by Bai Choufei struck him down. Inside, Liu Lianxin, who had been anxiously guarding Su Zhemu's door, was relieved to see Su Mengzhen and led him in.

Su Mengzhen presented his father with a pot of Shiniangchun liquor and opened the white jade box, revealing a letter that confirmed Hua Wucuo was a spy. Recognizing his son was ready, Su Zhemu passed on the House Master's ring and two final lessons: to value benevolence and righteousness to win people's hearts, and to understand power, as it governs life and death. His duty done, Su Zhemu drank a final toast to his son's ascension and passed away peacefully.

Immediately, Bai Choufei launched fireworks, a signal of their success. The display confirmed to everyone at the House of Sages that they had been deceived by an impostor. Hua Wucuo tried to rush back, but Wang Xiaoshi informed him it was too late—Su Mengzhen was now in control.

Watching from a distance, Lei Chun, the daughter of the Six Half Hall's chief, smiled, satisfied that Su Mengzhen had won after her father and his allies broke their promise by attacking him first. Back at the House, Su Mengzhen, holding his father's memorial tablet, confronted Hua Wucuo. He acknowledged their past as sworn brothers but called him a traitor. Hua Wucuo admitted to the charge but defended his years of service.

Su Mengzhen countered that allowing a member of the Six Half Hall to lead would destroy their House. Recalling his father’s final wish to spare a man who still had a shred of humanity, Su Mengzhen demanded Hua Wucuo admit his defeat and wrongdoing. Acknowledging his loss, Hua Wucuo conceded. In a show of mercy, Su Mengzhen burned the incriminating letter but publicly expelled Hua Wucuo for his disloyalty and attempt to usurp the leadership.

He then pardoned the other Keepers, declaring their past allegiances forgiven. " In the future, the House of Sunset Drizzle is me. I am the House of Sunset Drizzle," he proclaimed, reciting the House's motto to a new chorus of loyalty. Afterward, Su Mengzhen ascended to the House's highest point and struck a sorrowful bell for his father. Recalling his father's words that he was the "centurial plan" for the House, he was overcome with grief and coughed up blood.

Meanwhile, at the Six Half Hall, Chief Elder Lei Sun received the news of Hua Wucuo's expulsion, remarking that Hua was "muddle-headed" for ever thinking he belonged with the enemy. He declared Hua Wucuo a traitor to the Six Half Hall as well and ordered him to be dealt with. Lei Sun mused that he felt little joy in his rival Su Zhemu's death, as the world would now be less interesting.

He poured a cup of wine which was then lowered into a deep well for his old foe. When his daughter Lei Chun arrived, he chided her for wearing a mourning token for Su Zhemu, reminding her the engagement to Su Mengzhen was annulled years ago.

He urged her to forget Su Mengzhen and demanded the return of her Six Half Hall token, but she refused, expressing her disinterest in his ambitions and her intent to stay and support the newly instated House Master Su Mengzhen. Later, on a rooftop under the moonlight, Wang Xiaoshi, Bai Choufei, and Wen Rou shared their aspirations.

Bai Choufei declared his intent to join the House of Sunset Drizzle and become the "brightest flame" in the martial arts world, one day surpassing even Su Mengzhen to set the rules himself. Wen Rou rejected the traditional path laid out for women of her standing, vowing to learn martial arts, roam the world, and be a heroine who helps the weak, proclaiming, "I don't want my life to be dictated by others."

Wang Xiaoshi wished to become a true hero—the "best version of himself." He aimed to bring justice to the world and inspire others with swords to do the same. The three friends toasted to their futures.

Episode 6 Recap

After parting ways with Hua Wucuo on friendly terms, Wang Xiaoshi continued on his way. Hua, for his part, intended to quietly withdraw from the martial world and live a life of freedom. However, his hopes were dashed when he was ambushed in a deserted alley by agents from Six Half Hall. His assailant was Lu Jiansan, who revealed himself as another spy planted within the House of Sunset Drizzle.

Jiansan lamented that Hua Wucuo had proven to be a failure, claiming that had Six Half Hall backed him instead, the outcome would have been different. Settling an old score, he slapped Hua across the face. Wang Xiaoshi heard the commotion and rushed to intervene, but he arrived too late to prevent Hua Wucuo's capture. As he was dragged away, Hua reflected that the Capital was not just a land of heroes, but also a field of life and death.

Meanwhile, Lianxin visited Su Mengzhen to request his permission to leave. Su Mengzhen readily agreed, offering her his secluded house in Yingzhou, a property purchased with his late father's private funds. He then explained the profound bond between them, which was more familial than a simple debt of gratitude. Many years ago, when the Su family was pursued by Liao experts, Su Mengzhen's Martial Uncle intervened, repaying a debt of kindness to Su's father.

The Martial Uncle successfully helped Su Mengzhen escape the siege but was killed by a palm strike from Liao's top expert, Master Shiwu. This same strike was the source of Su Mengzhen's chronic illness, and he acknowledged that he would have died without his Uncle's sacrifice. Yingzhou was not only the burial place of Lianxin's father but also of Master Shiwu.

After Master Shiwu's death, Su Mengzhen's father had brought Lianxin into the House of Sunset Drizzle, and she had served them with wholehearted devotion ever since. Elsewhere, a speeding carriage nearly collided with an elderly woman, prompting Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou to quickly rescue her. Bai Choufei attempted to pursue the carriage, but Wang Xiaoshi stopped him, pointing out that they were about to enter the territory of Six Half Hall.

Wen Rou elaborated that the Capital was divided into distinct spheres of influence: the House of Sunset Drizzle, led by benevolence, protected its people and controlled their current street, while Six Half Hall, driven by profit, dominated the Old Caomen Street area and forbade entry to their rivals. The carriage came to a halt in the market, from which Mo Yan, the River Cutting Sword, emerged.

Seeking a place for his men in the Capital, he introduced himself to Di Feijing and offered 35 percent of his river-faring income in exchange for Six Half Hall's protection. As a supposed gift, Mo Yan revealed he had rescued an injured man named Zhe Tianchou, who he believed held significant secrets of Six Half Hall. However, Di Feijing coldly informed Mo Yan that he already knew, revealing that he had personally written the letter recommending Mo Yan.

He declared Zhe Tianchou a traitor who had endangered "My Lady." As Zhe Tianchou frantically tried to explain that he was only following orders, Di Feijing asserted that since Zhe had returned alive, he now had to obey his command. He ordered Zhe Tianchou to end his own life, promising to care for his family. Subsequently, Di Feijing's men executed Mo Yan on the spot as indifferent onlookers went about their business.

While Bai Choufei was at a `Guanpu` gambling stall, Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou, pursued by a group of men, suddenly pulled him away. Fleeing, Wang Xiaoshi burst into a room and discovered Zhu Xiaoyao, an acclaimed actress from the House of Sanhe, the Capital's most renowned entertainment quarter. After seeing her, she insisted he stay for a short while to protect her reputation. Feeling he owed her for providing an escape, Wang Xiaoshi reluctantly agreed.

When he tried to leave through the window, Zhu Xiaoyao began to weep, eliciting his sympathy. She then offered him a drink as an apology, but after he drank it, his legs weakened, and he realized he had been drugged with henbane seeds. She explained it was a lesson to be wary of deceptive women in the Capital, a place she called an "enchanted den." As Wang Xiaoshi struggled to crawl away, he lost consciousness.

Later, Wang Xiaoshi woke up in bed next to Zhu Xiaoyao. Confused and panicked by her teasing that he was now "her man," he leaped out the window, only to encounter a distraught Bai Choufei and Wen Rou. Just then, Zhu Xiaoyao threw his clothes out the window after him. Enraged by the compromising scene, Wen Rou accosted Wang Xiaoshi, who feebly tried to explain that he had been drugged.

Having found Wang Xiaoshi, Bai Choufei returned to the gambling stall to check his fortune. Before he could read it, officials from the Ministry of Justice, led by Ren Lao, arrived and arrested both him and Wang Xiaoshi under orders from Minister Fu. After they were taken away, the stall owner revealed Bai Choufei's grim prophecy: "The Emperor Star is not in its place; the North Star has fallen to two sides.

The Greed Wolf Star eclipses the Seven Killings Star; how can the Heavenly Drum be heard?" Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei were taken to the grim Ministry of Justice dungeon. Wang Xiaoshi was interrogated first by Fu Zongshu, the ruthless official in charge of the Capital's criminal law. Fu Zongshu recited Wang Xiaoshi's background—an orphan trained at Baixu Garden and the sole disciple of the Carefree Sect—and accused him of causing turmoil with the white jade box he had delivered.

Wang Xiaoshi retorted that those who believed they held power were the ones truly responsible. Unmoved, Fu Zongshu ordered him tortured. Despite the pain, Wang Xiaoshi defiantly maintained that his alliance with Su Mengzhen was coincidental and that he acted only out of a desire for justice, insisting his answer would remain the same no matter how many times he was asked.

Episode 7 Recap

Minister of Justice Fu Zongshu subjected Wang Xiaoshi to brutal torture, hanging him upside down from a beam. Despite the rope breaking, Wang Xiaoshi remained unyielding. Fu Zongshu acknowledged his toughness but ominously warned him that the world belonged to people like them, and he could not escape. Next, Fu Zongshu interrogated Bai Choufei, asking why he was in the Capital and why he chose to help Su Mengzhen instead of killing him to rise to power.

Bai Choufei retorted, questioning why a Minister of Justice would ignore egregious crimes to question his presence. Fu Zongshu asserted his absolute authority over the law, declaring he could deem any act a capital offense if displeased. Bai Choufei stated his ambition was to make a name for himself by helping Su Mengzhen, which would make him a great contributor to the House of Sunset Drizzle.

He emphasized that to achieve fame, one must be "selective," asserting that if one was willing to do anything, they would be no different from livestock—a clear jab at Fu Zongshu. Infuriated, Fu Zongshu ordered Bai Choufei thrown into a pool. Later, in the dark prison cell, a guard brought them repulsive, deboned human flesh, referring to them as "good dogs" to be tamed.

Wang Xiaoshi held Bai Choufei for warmth, and Bai Choufei silently recalled the haunting phrase: "The world belongs to us. . . there's no place to hide." Meanwhile, Wen Rou went to the House of Sanhe, searching for Zhu Xiaoyao. She angrily confronted Zhu, accusing her of seducing Wang Xiaoshi, who hadn't come home all night, while Bai Choufei was also missing. Zhu Xiaoyao provocatively teased Wen Rou about her feelings for Wang Xiaoshi.

Enraged, Wen Rou began smashing things, declaring she would trash the place. Bouncers forcibly threw her out, but just then, Yang Wuxie, the Floor Manager of House of Sunset Drizzle, arrived. Wen Rou appealed to him for help, but Yang Wuxie politely apologized to Miss Xiaoyao for the disturbance and pulled Wen Rou away. He reminded her that everyone in the Capital knew her identity as Su Mengzhen's martial sister and her ruckus would only cause trouble.

Yang Wuxie promised to find Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei, revealing they were seen being taken away by court officers in Syrup Alley last night and were likely captured as a power move against Su Mengzhen. He then escorted Wen Rou back to the House of Sunset Drizzle. As they arrived, two officials from the Ministry of Justice, Ren Lao and Ren Yuan, were waiting at the entrance with a "gift."

Out of respect for the ongoing funeral for the previous Master, Ren Lao and Ren Yuan refused to enter and requested the new House Master, Su Mengzhen, to come out. Su Mengzhen emerged, calmly declaring that "People come to me even if I don't want to see them." He politely stated he was merely an "ordinary person" and could not accept such a grand gift.

The officials insisted, presenting their gift: a string of red firecrackers, urging him to light them to "celebrate" his inauguration. Su Mengzhen firmly refused, pointing out that lighting firecrackers during his father's funeral would displease his followers. The officials then escalated their demands, threatening that his friends, Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei, were in their custody and would suffer if he didn't comply. Realizing the gravity of the threat, Su Mengzhen ordered the firecrackers lit.

He then instructed the officials to inform the Minister that he would visit when the "time was right," which pleased them. Knowing the House of Sunset Drizzle's strict rule of never dealing with politicians, Yang Wuxie explained the difficulty of rescuing Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei. Wen Rou, unable to accept her friends' plight, decided to take matters into her own hands.

That night, she intercepted Fu Zongshu's carriage with a cart full of fireworks, claiming it was a return gift for his earlier "generosity." The fireworks exploded, scattering the court officers and injuring Fu Zongshu. Wen Rou mockingly questioned if he liked her "gift," then taunted him, daring him to arrest her. Fu Zongshu, however, saw through her ploy to gain entry to the prison to see her friends.

He refused to arrest her, citing respect for her father, the Lord of Luoyang, and ordered his carriage to return, leaving Wen Rou alone. Defeated, Wen Rou stood outside the prison walls and lit a single firework, hoping its light would bring comfort to her friends inside. In the dark dungeon, Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei, who had been without food and water for days, steadfastly refused the horrific human flesh offered to them.

The single firework burst into the sky, its vibrant colors briefly illuminating their grim surroundings. Seeing it, they realized their friends on the outside still cared, and a renewed sense of hope ignited within them. On the wall, they inscribed their shared aspiration: "It's fine if I can't fly. It's fine if I can't make a sound. But when I do, I'll soar to the highest. But when I do, I'll make the loudest noise."

Su Mengzhen, fulfilling his promise, visited Fu Zongshu. After exchanging pleasantries, Fu Zongshu emphasized the strict "rules" of the Capital and proposed a task. He sought Su Mengzhen's help in dealing with Liu Anshi, known as "the Feisty Official," in the northwest. When Su Mengzhen inquired about his friends' charges, Fu Zongshu made a clear exchange: "Help me and I'll help you." Su Mengzhen agreed to go to the northwest.

In return, Fu Zongshu agreed to release Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei but stipulated they "cannot enter House of Sunset Drizzle." Su Mengzhen accepted these terms. Later, in a private conversation with Yang Wuxie, Su Mengzhen admitted the "untruthful words" he had to utter. He confirmed that the target, Liu Anshi, was indeed "the Feisty Official," and recognized the plan was to eliminate all "bold and honest officials" in the realm.

He resolved to personally go to the northwest and ensure Liu Anshi was safely evacuated "beyond the border." Yang Wuxie promised to manage the House of Sunset Drizzle in his absence. Su Mengzhen instructed him not to let Wen Rou meet the two, noting that his "martial sister" often "doesn't understand boundaries." Yang Wuxie agreed, admitting that dealing with her was "not his strong suit."

Back in the prison, as a heavy rain began to fall, a starving Bai Choufei started to approach the human flesh. Wang Xiaoshi quickly pulled him to the open window, letting the cold rain wash over them to bring him back to his senses. The rain reminded them of their ambitions. Bai Choufei, resolute, declared, "I don't want to die here. We have to live!"

He passionately spoke of his ambition to become a powerful hero, to "rewrite the rules of the martial arts world," and inspire others to help the weak. Together, they repeated their mantra of soaring to the highest and making the loudest noise. Soon after, a guard announced their release, revealing that Su Mengzhen had "begged" for their freedom.

Fu Zongshu appeared, reiterating he was releasing them for Su Mengzhen's sake, but they were forbidden from entering the House of Sunset Drizzle. He then presented them with a "way forward," warning them that if they didn't follow it, they would "die." As they exited the prison, a sight that astonished other prisoners who exclaimed it was the first time such a thing had ever happened, they were met by Di Feijing of Six Half Hall.

Di Feijing offered them wine, inviting them to join Six Half Hall as Elders, a status that would normally take decades to achieve. Bai Choufei expressed surprise at Six Half Hall's close ties with the Ministry of Justice. Then, along with Wang Xiaoshi, he defiantly refused the offer, spilling the wine onto the ground. Di Feijing warned them that by turning down Six Half Hall, they would have no place to hide in the Capital and advised them to leave.

Wang Xiaoshi challenged him, asking if there was truly no other place to stand in the Capital's martial arts world. Di Feijing conceded there was "hardly a corner," or "three inches of land." Undeterred, Wang Xiaoshi stated that as long as they had "a roof above us," it was enough for them to survive. Di Feijing, acknowledging their resilience, toasted them, wishing them recognition throughout the world.

Episode 8 Recap

Following their release from prison and rejection by Six Half Hall, Bai Choufei and Wang Xiaoshi attempt to find work. They first approach an escort agency where a manager, initially eager for help, quickly dismisses them upon hearing their names, stating the agency cannot hire anyone who has offended the Six Half Hall. They face similar rejections from other establishments, with doors closing on them across the city.

Wang Xiaoshi muses on the irony of the proverb, "Don't worry about having no friends on the road ahead, for the whole world knows you," as Bai Choufei confirms that Six Half Hall's decree has effectively made them pariahs. In Six Half Hall, Lei Mei questions Di Feijing, the First Elder, as to why he did not kill Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei after failing to recruit them.

Di Feijing explains that killing them would provoke the House of Sunset Drizzle, leading to renewed conflict, whereas allowing them to remain in the Capital would naturally lead to their departure without incident. Lei Mei sarcastically wonders if Lei Sun, the Chief Elder, would approve of this peaceful approach. Di Feijing retorts that she would know Lei Sun's true intentions best.

Lei Mei later reports this to Lei Sun, who rebukes her, asserting that Di Feijing's word is final and she must listen to him. Lei Sun then reveals his actual plan: he allowed Di Feijing to attempt recruitment first, knowing it would fail. Now, Lei Sun can eliminate the pair himself without facing future criticism from his First Elder, all while complimenting Lei Mei on her cleverness and beauty.

As Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei walk the streets, a man secretly working for Wen Rou bumps into them and deliberately drops a money bag. True to his honest nature, Wang Xiaoshi chases after the man across three streets to return it. Watching from afar, Wen Rou expresses her frustration at the failed, "lousy trick," lamenting that Wang Xiaoshi would never keep found money. Her agent explains that his martial brother has forbidden direct contact, forcing such indirect methods.

Left hungry and without lodging, the despairing Wang Xiaoshi implores an unseen benefactor to make arrangements for them. Observing their plight, a pained Wen Rou is reassured by Yang Wuxie, who confirms that help is on the way, arranged to be subtle enough to avoid the notice of the Ministry of Justice and Six Half Hall. Shortly after, an old woman known as Tea Flower Granny approaches the pair.

She offers them flatbread and, recognizing their voices from a time they had helped her, offers them a clean, empty room in her home. They can pay rent later when they find work. Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei are immensely grateful, having been prepared to sleep on the streets. Bai Choufei reflects on the Capital's deceptive facade, describing it as a "wall" of hidden corruption and iron rules, where the strong prey on the weak.

He confides in Wang Xiaoshi that had he not intervened, he would have eaten the bloody meat in prison because his will to survive outweighed all else. He questions why Wang Xiaoshi, aware of this, still wishes to remain. Wang Xiaoshi reveals a secret: before he left his mountain home, his master offered to tell him of his lineage, but he refused, preferring freedom.

However, he harbors a vivid memory of his mother being killed by an assailant whose chilling words—"The world is ours! There's nowhere you can escape"—were identical to those uttered by Fu Zongshu. Wang Xiaoshi confirms it was not Fu Zongshu who murdered his mother, as he would never forget the killer’s face. Viewing the Capital as a wall blocking his own freedom, Wang Xiaoshi declares his intention to stay and break it himself.

Bai Choufei promises to help him once he reaches the pinnacle of the martial arts world. Disturbed by a commotion, the pair awaken but see nothing. Elsewhere, Lei Sun confronts Mr. Wo, a master known as Blazing River Lance. Mr. Wo explains he is protecting the two young men to honor a debt to their father, Su Zhemu. Cashing in a debt of his own, Lei Sun asks Mr. Wo to spare them.

Mr. Wo agrees but sets a condition: if Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei ever formally join the House of Sunset Drizzle, he will personally kill them. Unaware of this, Wang Xiaoshi is on the roof listening to the wind when Mr. Wo appears beside him. After a brief philosophical chat, Mr. Wo reveals he is their host, humorously complaining about his wife renting a room to "two poor lads."

The next morning, the duo cleans the courtyard to contribute for their lodging. Mr. Wo encourages them to find proper work instead. Learning of Wang Xiaoshi's knowledge of medicinal herbs, Mr. Wo suggests he work at a friend's new apothecary. In the background, Yang Wuxie arranges for the House of Sunset Drizzle to purchase an apothecary, Huichun Apothecary, specifically for Wang Xiaoshi. For Bai Choufei, Mr. Wo provides ink and paper to set up a street painting stall.

There, Bai Choufei meets Wang Er, a gallery owner who, despite deeming the art too elegant for the common market, buys his work and proposes a 40-60 profit-sharing deal, which Bai Choufei accepts. During dinner, Su Mengzhen arrives at Mr. Wo's home. The conversation turns to the "Youqiao Group," a rumored, powerful entity of officials and martial artists believed to secretly manipulate the jianghu for immense profit. Su Mengzhen states his belief that they are the true "hidden enemies."

He reveals his late father's dying wish was for him to protect the jianghu and announces his upcoming journey to the North to meet Official Liu Anshi, hoping to find clues. Acknowledging his declining health, Su Mengzhen expresses hope that a new generation will inherit this vital task. One day, Zhu Xiaoyao visits the apothecary and asks for Wang Xiaoshi.

During the consultation, she flirts openly, suggesting her sleepless nights are due to the absence of a partner and teasing him about his own racing pulse. A flustered Wang Xiaoshi maintains his professionalism as she playfully asks for a prescription of expensive tonics, which he provides. Later, Wen Rou attempts to sneak out of the Xiaoxuan Pavilion at night with a forged letter from her father.

Yang Wuxie foils her plan by producing a "second" letter, also purportedly from her father, which countermands the first and forbids her from leaving due to the chaos in the Capital. When Wen Rou accuses him of forging her handwriting, she inadvertently exposes her own deception. Days turn into a routine. Bai Choufei diligently paints at his stall, though he sells nothing further. Wang Xiaoshi works at Huichun Apothecary, earning his first wages.

As they head home together one evening, shouts erupt, announcing that the apothecary is on fire. Rushing back, they find the building engulfed in flames and catch sight of a mysterious figure fleeing the scene.

Episode 9 Recap

In the Capital, Little Rock expressed concern to Bai Choufei that the recent fire at the apothecary where he worked might have been a deliberate act by the Six Half Hall, targeting him specifically. Bai Choufei, however, dismissed his worries, attributing the fire to dry weather. Little Rock felt responsible, believing the kindhearted manager wouldn't be targeted, making him the intended victim.

Meanwhile, Wen Rou grew anxious after her attendant told her that Bai Choufei's paintings were not selling and Little Rock's workplace had been burned down. Hearing of their troubles, Wen Rou fled the city at night. She encountered a storyteller, whom she recognized from their previous meeting in Xiliu. The storyteller was collecting tales of heroes, noting that all the top martial artists had gathered in the Capital.

He also mentioned that Little Rock and Bai Choufei were facing hard times, to which Wen Rou agreed, expressing hope that her friends would one day make it onto his list of heroes. Yang Wuxie and his men were in pursuit, and Wen Rou quickly took her leave. The storyteller recognized Yang Wuxie and began to sing a tribute, which Yang Wuxie respectfully acknowledged.

Elsewhere, Lei Chun’s attendant suggested she speak to her father, Lei Sun, about letting Bai Choufei and Little Rock join the Six Half Hall. Lei Chun refused, citing her promise to her father to stay out of martial arts affairs, but she also mused that the two might not necessarily leave the Capital, believing they were not the type to give up easily.

Lei Chun stopped by a painting stall, recognizing the unique and fresh brushwork of a painting depicting an old man grazing his calf. The vendor revealed the artist was new to the Capital and very ambitious, despite having no particular strength. Lei Chun, noting the profound imagery of life stages against a majestic landscape, suggested renaming the painting "Floating Dreams" for better sales.

However, she ultimately did not purchase it, questioning if "new and fresh" was enough to succeed in the Capital. As she left, she learned the paintings were by Bai Choufei. Later, Little Rock set up a street performance, challenging passersby to hit him with a stone for a copper coin. Several people attempted to hit him. Soon, men from the Six Half Hall, hired by their Tenth Elder, approached.

They aimed arrows at Little Rock, but Bai Choufei suddenly appeared, intercepting an arrow and driving the men away. As Bai Choufei angrily walked off, Little Rock gathered his scattered coins and hurried after him. Bai Choufei confronted Little Rock, accusing him of selling his dignity. Little Rock retorted that he was selling his craft for a living, asserting that "there are more solutions than problems" and they must find a way to survive.

Bai Choufei, however, declared that if staying in the Capital required such humiliating acts, he would rather leave. As night fell, Little Rock stood outside the House of Sunset Drizzle, contemplating his future. He considered leaving the Capital for a carefree life, but knew Bai Choufei, with his great ambitions, had waited too long for fame attainable only in the Capital. Little Rock approached the gate, contemplating knocking.

Unbeknownst to him, Six Half Hall men lay in wait, ready to fire arrows if he knocked. He raised his hand, but then lowered it, realizing that knocking would mean Bai Choufei would never forgive him. He turned and walked away. The Six Half Hall's Tenth Elder, despite Lei Sun’s instruction to spare Little Rock if he didn’t knock, falsely claimed Little Rock had knocked and ordered his men to pursue him.

Little Rock, already sensing their presence, led them to a secluded corner. When the Six Half Hall men, led by Lu Jiansan, attacked, Little Rock easily defeated them all, knocking Lu Jiansan unconscious. Little Rock mused that while the Six Half Hall had its rules, he had his own, pointing out their misdeeds, such as killing Hua Wucuo and burning down the apothecary. At a prestigious establishment, Lei Mei invited Bai Choufei for a drink.

She explained that the names on the expensive liquor bottles were pseudonyms for powerful figures. She then humiliated Bai Choufei, telling him that his martial arts alone were insufficient, especially after he had offended the formidable Six Half Hall. She stated that the "narrow door" to the Capital's martial arts world had become an "iron wall" for him.

Lei Mei mentioned that prominent figures like Su Mengzhen had to kneel to secure his release from prison, and his friends had to sacrifice their dignity for him. She questioned if he still had the "face" to remain in the Capital. Bai Choufei left without drinking. Bai Choufei then decided to leave the Capital without a word. As he reached the city gate, he found Little Rock waiting for him.

Little Rock confronted him about leaving alone, asserting that as friends, their minor sufferings didn’t matter. He insisted they leave the Capital together, travel the world for a few years, and then return to retaliate against the Six Half Hall. Bai Choufei agreed, and they set off together. Meanwhile, Lei Chun had been kneeling for a night, anxiously awaiting news of Su Mengzhen's return from the northwest. A monk finally brought word that Su Mengzhen had returned to the Capital.

Su Mengzhen arrived at Fu Zongshu’s residence, presenting a human head. Fu Zongshu, pleased, treated the head like a Cuju ball and made Su Mengzhen retrieve it. However, as Su Mengzhen picked it up, Fu Zongshu ordered his men to arrest him for the assassination of court official Liu Anshi. Su Mengzhen then threw the head forward, revealing it to be a fake. Fu Zongshu, shocked and unnerved, stumbled back.

Su Mengzhen implied he possessed damning evidence against Fu Zongshu, threatening to expose it if he were to be imprisoned or killed. Su Mengzhen later revealed that he had obtained intelligence from Liu Anshi: Fu Zongshu and the Six Half Hall were operating a "shady business" in the north, involving the Liao people. Su Mengzhen followed Liu Anshi’s clues to the border, where he located their "contact."

The contact confessed that he and others were forced into the illegal trade because the Six Half Hall held their families captive. The contact, who had a brother in the Capital, pleaded with Su Mengzhen to save him in exchange for all the information he knew. Su Mengzhen agreed, but just as the contact began to speak, an arrow suddenly struck and killed him. Su Mengzhen acknowledged that this contact was crucial to the northern business.

He also reflected on his risky maneuver with the fake head at Fu Zongshu’s residence, deeming it a move he was 60% confident in. He then instructed his Messenger Pigeon Group to locate the contact’s brother in the Capital. In a forest, Little Rock and Bai Choufei were intercepted by Wen Rou, who chastised them for leaving without telling her and for not treating her as a friend.

She acknowledged their recent hardships but insisted there was still a chance for them in the Capital. She then led them to a meeting with Su Mengzhen. He told them he had been waiting for them and confirmed that they were already members of the House of Sunset Drizzle, regardless of any objections. He clarified that the incident where he supposedly knelt before Fu Zongshu was a deception, stating that he would only kneel for his brothers.

He then expressed his desire for them to become his sworn brothers, emphasizing that a deep bond could form even from a single life-or-death encounter. He counted them as his two sworn brothers and offered them the choice to leave if they wished, but affirmed they would always remain his brothers. Overwhelmed, Little Rock, Bai Choufei, and Su Mengzhen then performed a ceremony, swearing an oath of brotherhood: "We will go through thick and thin together.

We will entrust our lives to each other and never let each other down. If we go against this vow, may the heavens punish us!" Little Rock joyfully exclaimed that he finally had a big brother in the Capital.

Episode 10 Recap

The House of Sunset Drizzle welcomed Bai Choufei and Wang Xiaoshi into their ranks. An Advisor led Bai Choufei upstairs for his ceremony to become Vice House Master. In a room at the White Tower's highest point, typically reserved only for the House Master, the Advisor presented Bai Choufei with a rare liquor named Qing Yun Gui. He explained that this gesture signified Su Mengzhen's intent and that after drinking, Bai Choufei would be formally recognized as Vice House Master.

Su Mengzhen then declared that the House had been transparent with them, and now it was their turn. The Advisor proceeded to read from detailed profiles he had compiled. Bai Choufei, twenty-six, was described as arrogant, unrestrained, and merciless in combat, with a small birthmark on his left chest and a history of aliases. Wang Xiaoshi joked about Bai Choufei's "rich experience," which Bai Choufei corrected to "hardships."

Concerned, Bai Choufei asked who had access to this information, and Su Mengzhen assured him only three people in the House, himself included. Next, the Advisor read Wang Xiaoshi's profile: a twenty-year-old disciple of Recluse Tianyi, known for being kind to the weak, which once resulted in him being beaten by seven ruffians. Wen Rou interjected that this simply proved his martial arts were poor. The Advisor then detailed Wang Xiaoshi's fifteen heartbreaks since age thirteen.

As Bai Choufei mocked him, Wang Xiaoshi vehemently denied the information's accuracy, but an angered Wen Rou refused to listen to his explanations. Su Mengzhen then praised the Advisor, noting his skill in information gathering via the "Messenger Pigeon Group" he established was unparalleled. As a gift, Su Mengzhen gave them a new residence. While Bai Choufei admired its elegance, Wang Xiaoshi was bothered by an ugly rock in the courtyard.

After complaining it was "too ugly," he placed a paper with the character for "Chou" (愁, sorrow/worry) on it. Meanwhile, Lei Sun, Fu Zongshu, and Di Feijing discussed the compromised northern business route. Lei Sun concluded Su Mengzhen was bluffing but still investigating, so the route had to be changed. Fu Zongshu demanded they teach Su Mengzhen a harsh lesson.

When Di Feijing expressed reluctance about more bloodshed, Lei Sun told him to handle the "lesson" for Su Mengzhen, stating that he himself would handle any necessary killing if Di Feijing was afraid to get his hands dirty. A Six Half Hall agent approached Long Xiaoqing, an elder of Sunset Drizzle House, to sow discord over Bai Choufei's appointment as Vice House Master. Though Long Xiaoqing was displeased with the decision, he dismissed the agent's attempt at provocation.

The agent then revealed that the white jade box that led to Hua Wucuo's downfall contained proof that Hua was a Six Half Hall spy. To prove it, he presented a pledge written in Hua Wucuo's recognizable handwriting, suggesting that Long Xiaoqing's position in the House was no longer secure. Under the name Miss Tian, Lei Chun hosted a celebratory banquet for Wang Xiaoshi, Bai Choufei, and Wen Rou.

During the pleasant dinner, Bai Choufei noticed Lei Chun's hairpin and his expression briefly froze, as if he recognized it. After they parted ways, Lei Chun realized her hairpin was missing and returned to the restaurant's courtyard. She found Bai Choufei waiting there, holding the lost accessory. He told her of the Capital's "Dragon and Phoenix House" legend and, remembering he owed her a performance, played a melody for her on his flute.

In a grim meeting, Lei Sun confronted the men running his northern business, reminding them he had saved them from death row years ago. He presented them with a choice: a quick death with their earnings sent to their families, or a life of imprisonment in a dark well, the fate of their predecessor. One man chose suicide, thanking Lei Sun for the extra years of life.

After the others followed suit, Lei Sun callously ordered his subordinate, Lei Chong, to eliminate all their families, blaming Su Mengzhen for forcing his hand. At the same time, an edict from the Ministry of Justice temporarily recalled all city patrols, giving Lei Sun's forces an open window to act until dawn. That night, Long Xiaoqing met with two other elders, Mo Beichen and another, to set a trap for Di Feijing.

After voicing his frustrations with Su Mengzhen's leadership to feign a real dispute, Long Xiaoqing staged an attack on his two co-conspirators, who played dead. When Di Feijing arrived, Long Xiaoqing presented the "bodies" as a sign of his allegiance. However, Mo Beichen and the other elder sprang up, revealing their ambush. The trap failed, as their reinforcements outside had already been eliminated by Six Half Hall.

Li Niantang, another House elder, then appeared, revealing he had betrayed them to Di Feijing. Di Feijing easily overpowered them, capturing Long Xiaoqing but sparing the other two. He ordered them to return to Su Mengzhen with a message: "learn the rules and know his place." The Advisor reported the devastating results of the attack to Su Mengzhen: Long Xiaoqing was captured, Li Niantang had defected, dozens of their men were killed, and multiple shops and branches were burned down.

Bai Choufei furiously proposed killing Di Feijing, but Su Mengzhen refused, explaining that Di Feijing was a rational man whose survival would be crucial for stabilizing the city should Six Half Hall ever collapse. Wang Xiaoshi suggested they rescue Long Xiaoqing, whom he now respected as a man of integrity, and capture the traitor Li Niantang. Su Mengzhen agreed to rescue their brother but declared that traitors deserve only death, not capture.

Taking command, Su Mengzhen ordered Bai Choufei and Wang Xiaoshi to exploit the window before the city patrols returned, tasking them with rescuing Long Xiaoqing and eliminating Li Niantang that very night.

Episode 11 Recap

Concerned about the sole remaining lead for the northern business, Su Mengzhen decides he must personally investigate, recognizing the urgency of the situation as Lei Sun is likely to eliminate all loose ends tonight. Simultaneously, Xiaoshi makes his way to the prison where Long Xiaoqing, the northern contact, is held. There, he unexpectedly finds Zhu Xiaoyao, who claims she was hired by Lei Hen to play music for his sadistic tortures.

Xiaoshi urges her to leave, fearing for her safety, but she refuses, stating she hasn't received her payment and believes Xiaoshi is the one in danger. After Lei Hen departs, Xiaoshi seizes the opportunity to attempt a rescue, only to discover the captive is not Long Xiaoqing but a member of Six Half Hall, revealing a trap. Lei Hen then reappears, locking the door and trapping Xiaoshi. The confrontation escalates, with the sounds of battle mingling with intense music.

A blade is aimed directly at Zhu Xiaoyao, but Xiaoshi swiftly intercepts it. After a series of fierce exchanges, Xiaoshi manages to wound Lei Hen. As another Six Half Hall member attempts a surprise attack from behind, Zhu Xiaoyao, demonstrating unexpected martial prowess, dispatches the assailant. Xiaoshi is astonished, having initially perceived her as a mere civilian.

Zhu Xiaoyao then reveals her identity, producing a token that identifies her as an archer of the House of Sunset Drizzle and Su Mengzhen's personal bodyguard. She explains that she has already rescued the real Long Xiaoqing, but refuses to immediately release the trapped Xiaoshi, playfully demanding he "sleep with her" in return. Xiaoshi, flustered and indignant, rejects her advances, leading to a humorous exchange as he struggles against her teasing. Eventually, she tosses him the key.

Meanwhile, Li Niantang basks in the effusive flattery of two subordinates while drinking heavily. Unexpectedly, his two companions collapse, seemingly poisoned, as Bai Choufei calmly walks in. Li Niantang leads Bai Choufei further into the building, revealing a trap as Six Half Hall members emerge and surround Bai Choufei. Utterly unafraid, Bai Choufei effortlessly dispatches the lesser thugs. As Li Niantang attempts to flee, Bai Choufei swiftly pursues him, throwing a sword that strikes and kills his target.

Immediately after, a large net descends from above, trapping Bai Choufei. In a critical moment, a figure clad in purple materializes, swiftly eliminating the remaining Six Half Hall members before disappearing as quickly as they came, leaving Bai Choufei unable to identify their rescuer. Su Mengzhen, having successfully located and rescued Long Ba, the non-verbal younger brother of the northern contact, rendezvous with Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei. The pursuing Six Half Hall forces, rather than engaging directly, maintain a standoff.

Su Mengzhen explains that their opponents are waiting for dawn; once daylight breaks, even Lei Sun cannot openly commit murder on the streets, especially with the Ministry of Justice's patrols, which have been conspicuously absent all night. Bai Choufei voices his concern, viewing Long Ba as mere bait in a carefully orchestrated trap by Six Half Hall designed to deplete their forces and ensnare Su Mengzhen. Despite this, Su Mengzhen remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting Long Ba.

As the sun begins to rise, Six Half Hall throws Long Xiaoqing's severed head onto the street, devastating Long Ba. Just as the tension reaches a breaking point, the Ministry of Justice patrols arrive, forcing both sides to disengage. Su Mengzhen then instructs his subordinates to care for Long Ba, revealing later that despite his physical age, Long Ba has the mind of a three-year-old child due to a developmental disability.

With the immediate crisis resolved, Xiaoshi grapples with the unresolved matter involving Zhu Xiaoyao. He seeks advice from Bai Choufei, who offers counsel on handling romantic entanglements. Armed with this abstract advice, Xiaoshi attempts to clarify the previous night's incident with Zhu Xiaoyao. His efforts to apply Bai Choufei's "mutual consent" and "life is short" theories comically backfire as he stumbles over his words. Zhu Xiaoyao playfully turns his arguments against him, highlighting his inexperience.

Just as Xiaoshi is at his wit's end, Wen Rou arrives and exposes Zhu Xiaoyao's ruse, assuring Xiaoshi that nothing untoward actually occurred. Wen Rou then teases Xiaoshi about a false rumor of him having fifteen past relationships, much to his exasperation. Xiaoshi then reveals to Wen Rou the unique property of his sword, Retainment.

He explains that his master taught him that the first person for whom its wielder draws the blade will be inextricably linked to their destiny forever. Xiaoshi then confesses that he first drew his sword to protect her, solidifying their unspoken mutual affection. The following day, Xiaoshi and Wen Rou visit Madam Cha Hua and Mr. Wo, who have provided them shelter.

Later, Xiaoshi leads Wen Rou to a secluded rooftop spot he discovered, offering a breathtaking view of the Capital. He muses about a peaceful life they could share, reflecting that "the martial arts world is plagued by stormy weather, but it is also blessed with serenity; two people staying together is also part of the martial arts world," hinting at their shared future.

Meanwhile, Wang Er, a cheerful shopkeeper, excitedly informs Bai Choufei that one of his paintings has sold for a considerable sum, and a wealthy patron is interested in acquiring all of his future works. Unbeknownst to Bai Choufei, the buyer is Lei Chun, who is acquiring the paintings for Su Mengzhen, despite the ongoing hostilities between their respective factions. Elsewhere, Su Mengzhen and Lei Sun hold a tense meeting.

Lei Sun interrogates Su Mengzhen about his recent actions—including his ascension to House Master, his recruitment of Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei, and his interference with Six Half Hall's operations—all of which Lei Sun views as violations of established "rules."

Su Mengzhen defiantly asserts his own set of rules: he declares Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei his sworn brothers, warning Lei Sun to cease targeting them, and boldly states that he has "lit a fire" under Six Half Hall's business, implying its fate now rests solely on Lei Sun's capabilities. The meeting concludes with palpable animosity. From their modest home, Madam Cha Hua, despite her blindness, senses Xiaoshi and Wen Rou's presence on the distant rooftop.

She praises Wen Rou's admirable qualities, including her favorable background and kind heart. Mr. Wo concurs, adding that Xiaoshi is equally impressive. He recalls Xiaoshi's earlier words about striving for justice: "If someone wields a sword to kill others, someone else will bathe in blood to seek justice."

This powerful statement reminds Mr. Wo of Fang Geyin, a legendary hero he once knew, and he expresses his conviction that Xiaoshi possesses the potential to become a great hero himself, one truly worthy of Wen Rou.

Episode 12 Recap

Following their acrimonious meeting with Lei Sun, Su Mengzhen's day takes a gentler turn. Lei Chun presents him with a drawing she chanced upon, admiring its poignant artistry and believing he would appreciate it. Su Mengzhen, recognizing the pride of the artist within the work, accepts the gift. He asks why she has eaten only sour fruit for over a decade, and she replies that it was the taste of their first encounter.

In return, Su Mengzhen gifts her a warm jade he found in the northwest, noting her sensitivity to the cold. Lei Chun is delighted with the gift, not for its unique texture, but because its roundness symbolizes completeness and unity. As she prepares to leave, Su Mengzhen advises her to return home early, as the night is cold. Later, hearing a carriage, Lei Chun steps outside and notices a broken lantern.

Her attendant offers to buy a new one the next day, but Lei Chun instructs her to hang up a replacement immediately and to keep it lit forever. Observing from the shadows, Su Mengzhen finds the gesture deeply sentimental but regrets not saying more before they parted. An unidentified subordinate remarks on the impending conflict between Su Mengzhen and Lei Chun's father, questioning how many more glances he will get.

Su Mengzhen remains resolute, stating that while death is inevitable, one should not simply wait for it to arrive. Wang Xiaoshi leads Wen Rou to an ambush spot, explaining that the corrupt Minister of Justice, Fu Zongshu, will pass by that night. They plan to teach him a lesson for his abuse of power. Wen Rou, who had previously firebombed Fu Zongshu's carriage, eagerly agrees. Wang Xiaoshi anticipates Fu Zongshu will be unescorted, as he is secretly visiting a mistress.

When the carriage arrives, Wang Xiaoshi swiftly attacks with a brick, leaving Fu Zongshu with a swollen forehead. The pair celebrate their small act of justice. As they walk through a lively market, a cry for help erupts as a man falls into the water. Wang Xiaoshi immediately dives in and rescues him.

However, the man, revealed to be the flamboyant Marquis Shentong, Fang Yingkan, admits it was a prank to see which beauty would rescue him, lamenting that his "irresistible charm" attracted a man instead. Annoyed, Wang Xiaoshi tries to leave, but Fang Yingkan's entourage of female performers surrounds him. Wen Rou intervenes, announcing her identity as the daughter of Lord Wen Wan of Luoyang and a disciple of the Red-Sleeved Nun, demanding they release him.

Fang Yingkan cheekily addresses Wen Rou as "my wife," claiming her father had already agreed to their marriage during a past visit. Disgusted, Wen Rou dismisses his shameless claims. To prove his sincerity, Fang Yingkan has a golden basin brought out and declares he will perform a "golden basin foot washing," vowing to abandon his indulgent ways forever. Enraged, Wen Rou tells him to get his brain checked and kicks the basin over.

As Wang Xiaoshi pulls her away, she realizes her perfume pouch is missing. Unbeknownst to them, Fang Yingkan has stolen it. At Six Half Hall, the Third Elder, Lei Mei, inquires about taking over the northern business operations. The Chief Elder, Lei Sun, asks if she is willing to sacrifice her eyes and tongue for it. When she says no, he declares she is not qualified.

However, he offers her a mission: return to her former home, the Pili Sect, and persuade her late father's five greatest warriors to join Six Half Hall. If she succeeds, the northern business will be hers. The First Elder, Di Feijing, delivers the formal message, warning her of Lei Sun's temper and the fatal consequences of defying him.

He reminds her that while the Pili Sect was her father's life's work, she was his true pride, and he would have sacrificed the sect to ensure her safety. Later, Bai Choufei invites Lei Mei for a drink to repay her previous generosity. He marvels at his own transformation from a penniless fugitive to the Vice House Master of Sunset Drizzle, calling the Capital a place of miracles.

Bai Choufei then asks Lei Mei if she has ever refused an opportunity. She admits she hasn't, believing that for ambitious people, any chance for advancement must be seized. Bai Choufei suggests her inability to refuse stems from a lack of security, whereas he had once refused an Elder position in Six Half Hall—a gamble that led to his current success.

Lei Mei points out that his status is also buoyed by her influence, as he is only recognized at the high-end establishment because he was seen with her. She retorts that he owes her more than a single meal.

Bai Choufei concludes that his true miracle was not what he gained, but what he refused, hoping she too will one day find the freedom to say no. Despite her hesitation, Lei Mei later confirms to her attendant that she will undertake Lei Sun's mission. In his official uniform, Fang Yingkan visits Yuan Shisanxian to see his foster father, the Prime Minister, but is turned away. Yuan Shisanxian calls him back, noting that his name, Yingkan, means "should watch."

He advises him to observe the capital's unfolding drama from the sidelines and not get involved. Wen Rou receives a note from Fang Yingkan, who admits to having her perfume pouch, writing that it eases his loneliness. Furious, she wants to confront him, but Wang Xiaoshi calms her down, arguing that it would only encourage Fang Yingkan's persistence. He promises to handle it and goes to buy her a new pouch. While shopping, he spots Fang Yingkan on a rooftop.

Wang Xiaoshi demands the pouch back and tells him to stop pestering Wen Rou. Fang Yingkan claims it isn't pestering but genuine pursuit, arguing that love is about making oneself happy. Wang Xiaoshi condemns his attitude as perverse, insisting love requires respect. Their argument escalating, Fang Yingkan throws the pouch into a deep well, challenging Wang Xiaoshi to retrieve it. As Wang Xiaoshi leaps in, Fang Yingkan seals the well.

He reveals it's a secret Six Half Hall location rigged to flood within half an incense stick's time, having already cleared the area of guards. Trapped below, Wang Xiaoshi discovers he is not alone. A man named Guan Qi guides him to a hidden mechanism. Lighting a match, Wang Xiaoshi sees the well is filled with skeletons.

Guan Qi reveals he is a prisoner of Lei Sun, who has kept him chained there for years to suffer a fate worse than death. He points to a child's skeleton with bells on its ankle, identifying it as his son, and states that all the bones in the well are Lei Sun's victims. As water begins to flood the chamber, Guan Qi begs Wang Xiaoshi to remove the hook embedded in his back.

Seeing no other choice, Wang Xiaoshi frees him. Once unhooked, Guan Qi bursts out of the well, overjoyed to see the moon again. Wang Xiaoshi carries the weakened man to safety. Elsewhere, it is reported to Lei Sun that the well guards were killed and the prisoner has escaped. Furious, Lei Sun mobilizes all his forces, warning them that Guan Qi is an exceptionally dangerous foe who will be nearly impossible to recapture.

Meanwhile, Fang Yingkan watches the ensuing chaos from a rooftop, revealing his true intentions. " Su Mengzhen, Bai Choufei, Wang Xiaoshi," he muses, "if you want to defeat Youqiao Group, this is the wound you must strike," confirming he orchestrated Guan Qi's release to sow discord among his enemies.

Episode 13 Recap

Having escaped from a deep well with Wang Xiaoshi's help, Guan Qi was taken to a noodle stall. After devouring seven bowls, he complained about the oil's quality, though admitting the noodles were good. Wang Xiaoshi asked if Guan Qi had any family in the Capital; Guan Qi claimed they had all perished in the well he was trapped in.

Learning they were outside Six Half Hall territory, Guan Qi expressed a wish to see two old friends, providing their address. Wang Xiaoshi agreed to guide him, but their departure was interrupted by the arrival of Six Half Hall members. Anticipating a fight, Wang Xiaoshi left money on the table for potential damages. By the time First Elder Di Feijing arrived, Wang Xiaoshi and Guan Qi were gone.

Di Feijing reported to Chief Elder Lei Sun that Wang Xiaoshi of the House of Sunset Drizzle had aided the fugitive and defeated their men. Lei Sun immediately identified the escapee as Guan Qi, the former Holy Master of the Mitian Sect, a legendary martial artist whose skills were considered supernatural. Lei Sun suspected Su Mengzhen, House Master of the House of Sunset Drizzle, was behind the escape.

However, Di Feijing pointed out that Wang Xiaoshi and Guan Qi were seen eating noodles randomly, suggesting an unplanned encounter, and the House of Sunset Drizzle had remained inactive. Nevertheless, Lei Sun decided to visit Minister Fu Zongshu at dawn, resolved to blame Su Mengzhen for Guan Qi's escape regardless of the truth. Carrying the surprisingly heavy Guan Qi, Wang Xiaoshi learned of his deep-seated hatred for Lei Sun.

Guan Qi revealed that Lei Sun, a treacherous man, had conspired with Fu Zongshu to imprison him at the height of his power, and now he was back for revenge. They arrived at a suburban house, which Guan Qi confirmed was his friends' residence. A boy named Yan Kai opened the door, followed by his parents, Yan Hefa and his wife. Yan Hefa was terrified upon seeing Guan Qi.

With a chilling smile, Guan Qi grabbed Yan Kai, reminisced about holding him as a child, and then abruptly snapped the boy's neck. Horrified, Wang Xiaoshi watched as Guan Qi justified the act by claiming the parents had betrayed him. When Yan Hefa's distraught wife attacked, Guan Qi killed her effortlessly, dismissing her as an "ant." He then tortured Yan Hefa, forcing him to confess his betrayal repeatedly.

When Wang Xiaoshi tried to intervene, Guan Qi struck him with a single palm, sending him flying onto the roof and knocking him unconscious. Wang Xiaoshi awoke to find Guan Qi had imprisoned him. Guan Qi nonchalantly admitted he had lied about the child in the well and that the bones belonged to his past victims.

He recounted how he once treated Yan Hefa as a brother, making him a Holy Master of the Mitian Sect and helping him acquire great wealth. In return, Yan Hefa betrayed his location to Fu Zongshu and Lei Sun. Deeming him useless, Guan Qi proceeded to kill Yan Hefa. At that moment, members of the House of Sunset Drizzle arrived to rescue Wang Xiaoshi.

Wang Xiaoshi desperately pleaded with Guan Qi to spare them, offering to help him assassinate Fu Zongshu in exchange. Amused, Guan Qi refused, claiming his long-dormant blade craved blood, and slaughtered the rescuers. A horrified Wang Xiaoshi vowed to kill Guan Qi himself. Meanwhile, a furious Fu Zongshu berated Lei Sun for imprisoning Guan Qi instead of killing him as ordered. Lei Sun had spared Guan Qi, his wife's younger brother, out of a familial obligation.

Fu Zongshu warned that if Guan Qi was caught, they would both be ruined and ordered Lei Sun to demand his return from Su Mengzhen. News of the escape reached the House of Sunset Drizzle. During a briefing, Su Mengzhen learned of Guan Qi's identity and Lei Sun's visit to Fu Zongshu, realizing the blame would be shifted to them. Recognizing the imminent danger, Vice House Master Bai Choufei devised a plan to turn the tables on Lei Sun.

When Ministry of Justice officials, led by two captains, arrived to arrest Wang Xiaoshi, Bai Choufei met them. He acknowledged Wang Xiaoshi had freed a prisoner but claimed to know his hiding place, offering the information if all charges against their House were dropped. The captains agreed, and Bai Choufei led them to Six Half Hall, boldly declaring that Lei Sun had orchestrated the entire escape.

When they demanded proof, Bai Choufei pointed out the absurdity of his House rescuing a stranger from the heavily guarded Ministry of Justice dungeon without a powerful instigator. He then revealed the crucial secret: Lei Sun and Guan Qi are brothers-in-law. One of the captains, flustered, inadvertently let slip that Guan Qi was not taken from the Ministry's dungeon at all, contradicting their official reason for being there and exposing Lei Sun's deception.

Enraged, Lei Sun ordered Bai Choufei's death, but his daughter, Lei Chun, shielded Bai Choufei, declaring him her friend. Di Feijing advised Lei Sun against killing Bai Choufei, arguing it would only unify the House of Sunset Drizzle and ruin any chance of an alliance with Su Mengzhen, which was necessary to face Guan Qi. Lei Sun grudgingly relented.

Later, Su Mengzhen met with Di Feijing, and after confirming the facts, he proposed an alliance between their two factions to deal with their common enemy. In a private conversation, Di Feijing reassured Lei Sun that sparing Bai Choufei was a strategic move. He suggested that "attacking the heart" was better than killing, implying that Bai Choufei's meticulous nature and importance to Su Mengzhen made him susceptible to temptation.

He also noted the genuine friendship between Lei Chun and Bai Choufei, suggesting they let it continue, perhaps to Su Mengzhen's eventual dismay. Elsewhere, Wen Rou found a letter in Wang Xiaoshi's room and anxiously sought out Fang Yingkan for his whereabouts. Fang Yingkan, surrounded by women, callously teased her before revealing he had "locked up" the "annoying" Wang Xiaoshi. He promised to disclose the location if she accompanied him to an entertainment quarter and made him happy.

Reluctantly, Wen Rou agreed. There, Fang Yingkan demanded she participate in a wrestling match against a formidable champion. Though a refined lady, Wen Rou stepped onto the stage for Wang Xiaoshi's sake. She was repeatedly thrown to the ground by her powerful opponent, enduring the crowd's jeers and Fang Yingkan's mockery. However, fueled by sheer determination, Wen Rou rose one last time and, with surprising agility, managed to pin her opponent, winning the match.

Delighted, Fang Yingkan proudly announced to the crowd that the victor was his "wife." Unbeknownst to them, Guan Qi had sealed Wang Xiaoshi in a coffin with a bomb and delivered it as a "gift" to Minister Fu Zongshu's residence. When the guards opened it, they found Wang Xiaoshi bound to the lit explosive. Spotting a large water crock, Wang Xiaoshi leaped into it just as the bomb detonated.

Fu Zongshu, hearing the blast, tried to flee but ran straight into a waiting Guan Qi. Back at the quarter, a victorious Wen Rou demanded Wang Xiaoshi's location. Fang Yingkan, now satisfied, revealed that Wang Xiaoshi was at the Minister's residence, adding that if she hurried, she might find him alive. As she rushed off, he mused aloud on the pity of living like a puppet.

Episode 14 Recap

Following his arrival at Fu Zongshu's residence, Guan Qi engaged in a fierce fight with the guards and confronted the minister. At the critical moment, Wang Xiaoshi, who was impersonating the minister, acted in concert with Fu Zongshu to deny the latter's identity, managing to temporarily deceive Guan Qi. However, the deception was exposed when the guards cried out in an attempt to protect the minister. Enraged by the lie, Guan Qi nearly killed Wang Xiaoshi on the spot.

Desperate, Wang Xiaoshi ignited a fuse on his body, intending to take Guan Qi down with him, but he was no match for his opponent, who managed to escape. Just as Wang Xiaoshi collapsed, Di Feijing appeared, swiftly extinguishing the burning fuse. Severely wounded, Wang Xiaoshi stumbled through the night until he was discovered by Wen Rou, who had been searching for him for a day and a night.

Wang Xiaoshi apologized for his embarrassing state, but Wen Rou reassured him and carefully carried him home. She lamented that she would forgo all her titles if only he were lighter or she were stronger, and she reminded him of his promise that their lives would become entangled, urging him to keep his word. Once back at the House of Sunset Drizzle, she called for a physician.

Meanwhile, a frustrated Fu Zongshu berated his subordinate for failing to capture Guan Qi and for releasing Wang Xiaoshi. The subordinate explained that he let Wang Xiaoshi go to deliver a message to Su Mengzhen, reasoning that Su's Red Sleeve Blade was necessary to kill Guan Qi and that Su Mengzhen would now be forced to deal with the situation.

Terrified by the recent attack, Fu Zongshu expressed his desire to relocate and noted Di Feijing's unexpected defiance of Lei Sun's orders. In the House of Sunset Drizzle, Bai Choufei discussed Di Feijing's actions with Su Mengzhen, suggesting that if Lei Sun was the blade of Six Half Hall, Di Feijing was its scabbard. Applying this to their own sect, Bai Choufei proposed that he was the scabbard to Su Mengzhen's blade.

Su Mengzhen disagreed, stating that Bai Choufei, with his impulsive actions, was also a blade. He concluded that Wang Xiaoshi, now injured and resting, was the true scabbard of the House of Sunset Drizzle. Wang Xiaoshi awoke to find Wen Rou by his side. She revealed that Fang Yingkan had forced her into a wrestling match just to learn Wang Xiaoshi's location.

In response, Wang Xiaoshi returned her perfume pouch, explaining he had risked his life for it simply because it was hers. He then presented her with a jade pendant, carefully placing it around her neck. As Wang Xiaoshi embraced Wen Rou, thanking her for carrying him back, she made him promise not to disappear without a word again.

Their tender moment was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Su Mengzhen and Bai Choufei, who jokingly embraced Wang Xiaoshi, much to Wen Rou's discomfort as she departed. Soon after, Fang Yingkan visited. An angered Wang Xiaoshi grabbed his collar, accusing him of setting him up to release Guan Qi. Professing to be unskilled in martial arts, Fang Yingkan introduced himself as Marquis Shentong and explained that the legendary Blood River Sword he inherited had been sealed for years.

He revealed his motive stemmed from a past grievance: his foster father, Fang Geyin, was framed by the Youqiao Group and went missing. Although Fang Yingkan inherited his position, he faced constant suppression. Feeling powerless, he used Guan Qi to stir chaos and disrupt the Youqiao Group's power structure, which he identified as being rooted in Lei Sun and Fu Zongshu. He then proposed an alliance.

Bai Choufei stated that martial arts practitioners valued their freedom and did not meddle in court affairs. Wang Xiaoshi called Fang Yingkan hypocritical, but ignoring the back-and-forth, Bai Choufei, as the Vice House Master, asked what the House of Sunset Drizzle would gain. Fang Yingkan promised that if the Youqiao Group fell, Six Half Hall would lose its support, leaving the martial arts world under the House of Sunset Drizzle's control for the next thirty years.

After a contemplative silence, Su Mengzhen dismissed Fang Yingkan. As they walked away, Wang Xiaoshi challenged Fang Yingkan to a wrestling match to avenge Wen Rou, and Fang readily agreed to face him once he recovered. Later, Bai Choufei asked Su Mengzhen if he had spoken out of turn. Su Mengzhen clarified that while he did not mind Bai Choufei speaking for him, he despised opportunistic "businessmen" who seek only personal gain rather than upholding righteous principles.

He emphasized that their reputation was not built on seeking benefits. He explained that Fang Yingkan's alliance offer was a facade; by manipulating Wang Xiaoshi into releasing Guan Qi, Fang had already tied them to the situation. Su Mengzhen reiterated a fundamental rule of the House of Sunset Drizzle: "Do not get involved with officials or rely on political support."

Meanwhile, Master Wo was cleaning his Blazing River Lance when his wife, Madam Cha Hua, gently advised him that some things from his youth were best left in the past. When Wang Xiaoshi arrived, Master Wo recounted the history of the Mitian Sect, once the largest gang in the Capital, led by the incredibly skilled but bloodthirsty Guan Qi.

He explained how Lei Sun had gathered various martial arts experts to besiege and kill Guan Qi, a battle that resulted in countless deaths. Ultimately, Lei Sun was the true beneficiary, using the conflict to expand Six Half Hall. Surprisingly, Lei Sun had chosen not to deliver the final blow to Guan Qi even when he had the chance.

Wang Xiaoshi assured Master Wo that the current generation would handle Guan Qi and that he should live a peaceful life with his wife. An anxious Fu Zongshu summoned Su Mengzhen and Lei Sun, holding them responsible for the Guan Qi problem. Su Mengzhen proposed a solution: the House of Sunset Drizzle and Six Half Hall would gather their experts to ambush Guan Qi, but only if Fu Zongshu served as bait.

Fu Zongshu furiously refused, but Su Mengzhen and Lei Sun calmly sat down, declaring they would remain until he agreed. Days later, Guan Qi appeared at Fu Zongshu's residence, taking the minister's concubine, Yue, hostage to lure him out. The news reached Master Wo. Understanding his duty, he bid farewell to his wife, promising to return alive, and set out with his Blazing River Lance. Guan Qi recognized the weapon and the old warrior. Facing him, Master Wo told Guan Qi to remember his face, as he would be the one to seek for revenge in the next life.

Episode 15 Recap

Wen Rou accompanied Wang Xiaoshi back to their courtyard, where they found Madam weeping. Wang Xiaoshi immediately sensed something was wrong when he couldn't find Mr. Wo. Madam revealed that Mr. Wo had gone to confront Guan Qi, stating he could not rest until Guan Qi was dead, and she admitted she was the one who let him go. Wang Xiaoshi, hearing this, raced out, leaving Wen Rou to console Madam.

Wang Xiaoshi found Mr. Wo standing motionless on a dim, deserted street. As he approached, he was horrified to discover a spear piercing Mr. Wo's chest. Mr. Wo, though gravely wounded, was still alive. He told Wang Xiaoshi not to cry, imparting a final lesson: when someone holds a sword to kill, someone else will bravely step in to seek justice. He then urged Wang Xiaoshi to take good care of Madam and "Cha Hua" before taking his last breath.

Wang Xiaoshi returned to Madam, apologizing for failing to protect Mr. Wo. Madam, though blind, understood what had happened and simply said, "As long as you're home." She then instructed Wang Xiaoshi to place Mr. Wo in the main hall with his head facing the door and a light at his feet, and to remove some tiles from the roof so his spirit could see the sky.

While Guan Qi wreaked havoc across the Capital, causing an uproar, Fu Zongshu remained unperturbed in a private chamber, casually eating noodles. He arrogantly dismissed Su Mengzhen and Lei Sun, saying he'd outlast "one sickly man and one useless old man." A panicking subordinate burst in, reporting that Guan Qi had not killed but terrified Fu Zongshu's Second Madam to the point of madness, and many others had died.

Fu Zongshu, however, callously remarked that their deaths had nothing to do with him. The subordinate then added that Guan Qi had also killed an old man, and Wang Xiaoshi was seen carrying the body away. Su Mengzhen, his patience exhausted, sternly confronted Fu Zongshu, pointing out that while Guan Qi couldn't find him in his hiding place, continued chaos would inevitably alert the imperial court, a responsibility no one could bear.

Lei Sun echoed Su Mengzhen's concerns, emphasizing Guan Qi's reckless behavior and warning that even the combined might of Six Half Hall and House of Sunset Drizzle could not protect the entire city if the rampage continued. Faced with their demands, Fu Zongshu finally put down his chopsticks but insisted they guarantee his safety before he would act. Su Mengzhen unequivocally promised to protect him.

With Fu Zongshu's agreement to be bait, the combined forces of Six Half Hall and House of Sunset Drizzle devised a plan. Su Mengzhen presented Fu Zongshu with his favorite braised meat, a seemingly kind gesture with the grim implication that it was his last meal. The ambush was set at the House of Sanhe, which would be cleared of its usual patrons.

Su Mengzhen planned to play the qin, with only five others present: Wang Xiaoshi, his brothers, Di Feijing, and Lei Sun. Su Mengzhen stressed the importance of keeping Guan Qi alive because he held critical secrets about the Youqiao Group. However, he acknowledged that Lei Sun might not share this objective, anticipating that another conflict would immediately follow Guan Qi's capture. Su Mengzhen called for unity, emphasizing that everyone must work together.

Meanwhile, Zhu Xiaoyao received confirmation from a subordinate that her own preparations were complete. Di Feijing, observing Zhu Xiaoyao, praised her exceptional skills as both a musician and an archer, though Su Mengzhen subtly hinted at Di Feijing's pervasive network of informers by mentioning that Zhu Xiaoyao's identity was a secret of the House. As they finalized arrangements, Fu Zongshu expressed doubt, wondering if Guan Qi would truly walk into such an obvious trap.

Wang Xiaoshi, however, assured him that Guan Qi would certainly come, even knowing it was a trap, as long as he believed he could kill Fu Zongshu. As Guan Qi approached the House of Sanhe, intent on killing Fu Zongshu, the minister himself was overcome with terror. Rather than facing Guan Qi, Fu Zongshu was frantically helped by his men to escape, jumping into a river and fleeing in a hurried carriage. Guan Qi then stepped into the prepared trap.

The confrontation began, with everyone surrounding Guan Qi. Lei Sun struggled to withstand Guan Qi's powerful attacks, nearly falling. Seizing an opening, Su Mengzhen moved in, using his sword to press Guan Qi. Guan Qi, however, quickly retaliated with a fierce strike, forcing Su Mengzhen to retreat.

During their exchange, Guan Qi mockingly referred to Su Mengzhen as "brother-in-law," prompting Su Mengzhen to assert that he had previously let Guan Qi live and offering him a chance to "go back into the well." Guan Qi dismissed this, confident that Su Mengzhen intended to kill him. Despite Guan Qi's reputation as a "killer god," he was ultimately overwhelmed by the coordinated efforts of the skilled combatants.

Di Feijing delivered a decisive palm strike, sending Guan Qi sprawling into the ruins. Just as everyone believed the conflict was over, Zhu Xiaoyao suddenly appeared and rescued Guan Qi, spiriting him away. Lei Sun, enraged by this unexpected betrayal, immediately turned on the House of Sunset Drizzle, accusing them of repeatedly saving Guan Qi and questioning their true intentions. He then ordered a full-scale search for Guan Qi and Zhu Xiaoyao throughout the Capital.

After Guan Qi's escape, Su Mengzhen reflected on Zhu Xiaoyao's actions. He knew she had once been a member of the Mitian Sect but was surprised by her profound loyalty to Guan Qi after so many years. He acknowledged that Zhu Xiaoyao's past no longer mattered, as her unwavering dedication had ensured the existence of the Red Sleeve Blade.

Su Mengzhen admitted it was his mistake that Guan Qi escaped, as he had hoped Zhu Xiaoyao would merely prevent Lei Sun from killing Guan Qi, not facilitate his escape entirely. Meanwhile, Zhu Xiaoyao tended to the unconscious Guan Qi. A man named Shuang, observing Guan Qi, mused that his own life might have been different had Guan Qi not been a madman or a killer.

Zhu Xiaoyao confirmed Guan Qi's internal injuries from Di Feijing's palm strike were severe, though his own martial arts skill had saved his life. She then told Shuang, who had been with her for nearly eight years, that she wished to send him and his recently returned father far away, urging him to leave the world of courtesans and seek a wider world.

Shuang refused, asserting his loyalty and stating he would never be able to hold his head high if he left her side now. Zhu Xiaoyao revealed that she, too, was a wanderer who wouldn't have survived without Guan Qi. She recounted her past: how she had been brutally tormented at the House of Sanhe until Guan Qi intervened, saving her life and bringing her into the Mitian Sect.

This was the only time someone had given her hope, and she was willing to remain by his side despite the violence that followed him. Zhu Xiaoyao admitted that her decision to save Guan Qi and raise Shuang stemmed from this past.

She felt indebted not only to Shuang's father but also to Su Mengzhen, and believed her life might one day be given to repay these debts, which is why she always said life is short and one must find leisure. Six Half Hall and House of Sunset Drizzle launched a massive city-wide search for Guan Qi and Zhu Xiaoyao, but all efforts yielded no results. Lei Sun, however, had a specific strategy.

He identified several potential hiding places Zhu Xiaoyao might use, locations he believed she wouldn't expect him to know about. He tasked a subordinate with leading a deliberate, high-profile search of these predictable locations. The goal was to make Zhu Xiaoyao aware of their pursuit, forcing her to try and move the injured Guan Qi out of the Capital. The real objective, he declared, was to guard the city gates to intercept them.

Meanwhile, back at the courtyard, Wang Xiaoshi checked on Madam, who was resting after Wen Rou had lit a calming incense for her. Wang Xiaoshi, still reeling from Mr. Wo's death, expressed his frustration to his dog, Yellow, regretting his inability to locate Mr. Wo's killer. Suddenly, Yellow tugged at Wang Xiaoshi's clothes, sparking an idea. Wen Rou, though deeply worried, knew she couldn't dissuade Wang Xiaoshi from his new plan.

He reiterated his resolve to find Guan Qi, stating that he was the one who had released Guan Qi, leading to Mr. Wo's death and many others, and he could not live another day without avenging these deaths. Wen Rou, understanding his conviction, made him promise to return safely, a promise Wang Xiaoshi solemnly gave. He then left with Yellow, who sniffed Zhu Xiaoyao's discarded clothes at the House of Sanhe before running off on the trail.

Episode 16 Recap

Zhu Xiaoyao orchestrated an escape plan for Guan Qi and his son, Shuang. She instructed Shuang to leave via the southern gate while she served as a decoy, accompanying Guan Qi through another exit. Bai Choufei, anticipating their move, led his men to the southern gate, only to find Shuang alone. Realizing he had been tricked by a decoy, Bai Choufei immediately ordered his forces to search every road exiting the city.

In a carriage outside the city, Guan Qi confronted Zhu Xiaoyao, questioning her loyalty to the House of Sunset Drizzle for helping him. Zhu Xiaoyao asserted her allegiance was to him, the Holy Master, due to a life debt, but explained she had to keep him confined for his own safety from both the House of Sunset Drizzle and the Six Half Hall. When Guan Qi threatened her, Zhu Xiaoyao desperately revealed that his son, Shuang, was alive.

She explained that Shuang's mother, Xiaobai, had secretly sent the child away at birth, fearing Guan Qi, in his unstable state, was unfit to be a father. Enraged by the deception, Guan Qi recalled his son's fair skin "like a lotus root" and a bell he had bought for him. Consumed by fury, he bound Zhu Xiaoyao with chains just as Wang Xiaoshi arrived and saved her.

Driven by personal vengeance for his friend, Mr. Wo, whom Guan Qi had killed, Wang Xiaoshi engaged him in a fierce battle. Guan Qi goaded Wang Xiaoshi, praising those who kill for personal revenge over those who act for abstract justice. Fueled by his grief, Wang Xiaoshi fought with ferocious power, eventually severing Guan Qi's arm. As he prepared to deliver the killing blow, Zhu Xiaoyao intervened, begging him to spare Guan Qi, calling him a pitiable man.

Wang Xiaoshi initially dismissed her plea, citing Guan Qi's countless victims. However, remembering Su Mengzhen's instruction to capture Guan Qi alive for the secrets he held, he relented. Declaring Guan Qi a crippled, insignificant man who could no longer harm anyone, Wang Xiaoshi decided to let him live like an "insect." Wang Xiaoshi then pressed Guan Qi to confess the illicit activities he conducted for Fu Zongshu and the Youqiao Group.

Guan Qi revealed that the Youqiao Group had ordered Lei Sun to secretly manufacture explosives and firearms. These weapons were then transported north and sold to the Liao people at inflated prices, who in turn used them to attack the Song. This perpetual warfare generated endless wealth for the Youqiao Group by profiting from national calamities. Guan Qi further disclosed that an even more powerful figure lurked behind Fu Zongshu.

Convinced that the crippled Guan Qi posed no further threat, Wang Xiaoshi was about to let him go when Bai Choufei suddenly appeared. Declaring he was avenging Mr. Wo, Bai Choufei swiftly wounded Zhu Xiaoyao as she tried to shield Guan Qi, and then killed Guan Qi. Wang Xiaoshi, his eyes filled with resentment, confronted Bai Choufei for harming Zhu Xiaoyao before carrying her away.

After Guan Qi's death, Lei Sun, who had imprisoned him for eight years, brought his severed head to Fu Zongshu. Addressing the head, he expressed remorse, stating he had no choice but to follow orders. Fu Zongshu was pleased but cautioned Lei Sun that their brotherhood would not excuse any future mistakes. Meanwhile, Peng Jian reported Guan Qi's death to Fang Yingkan, specifying that Bai Choufei was the killer.

Fang Yingkan acknowledged Bai Choufei's talent but was frustrated that Guan Qi had failed to eliminate either Fu Zongshu or Lei Sun, deeming his release a waste. Back at the House of Sunset Drizzle, Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei argued heatedly. Wang Xiaoshi agreed that Guan Qi deserved death but demanded to know why Bai Choufei had harmed Zhu Xiaoyao.

Bai Choufei retorted that Zhu Xiaoyao had shielded Guan Qi, forcing his hand, and he was determined to avenge Mr. Wo, even if it meant confronting an army. Wang Xiaoshi accused Bai Choufei of being no different from Guan Qi, while Bai Choufei called Wang Xiaoshi a coward, too soft-hearted to claim vengeance. Their argument ended unresolved, leaving Wen Rou distressed. Su Mengzhen's health had worsened after his battle with Guan Qi.

Yang Wuxie, noticing his condition, secretly added panax notoginseng to his medicine to nourish his body, dismissing Su Mengzhen's fears that his illness was growing more severe. Later, Su Mengzhen spoke with Bai Choufei, revealing he understood his true motive: an unwavering determination to avenge Mr. Wo. He affirmed that this resolve was the Bai Choufei he respected but reminded him to always direct his blade at the true enemy.

Su Mengzhen then discussed Guan Qi's confession, deducing that Lei Sun, having betrayed the Pili Sect and taken its elites, was manufacturing the weapons for the Youqiao Group. He dispatched Yang Wuxie to locate the Six Half Hall's armory. At his late wife Zhaodi's tomb, Lei Sun grieved, apologizing for failing to protect her brother, Guan Qi. His daughter, Lei Chun, arrived and remarked to Di Feijing that she had never seen her father so heartbroken.

Di Feijing recounted how Lei Sun had stood vigil all night in heavy snow at Zhaodi's funeral, appearing to age drastically overnight. Touched, Lei Chun decided not to disturb her father, content with the knowledge of his enduring love for her mother. After recovering, Zhu Xiaoyao returned to the House of Sunset Drizzle to face punishment for aiding an enemy.

The elders formally banished her, but as the final blow of punishment was about to be administered, Su Mengzhen stepped forward and took it himself. As the House Master, he declared, he bore a share of her responsibility. He proclaimed that while she would no longer be a member of the House, she would forever remain his friend. At Yang Wuxie's signal, the brethren bid her a respectful farewell.

Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou later accompanied Madam Wo to a high balcony overlooking the courtyard where she had lived with her husband. Madam Wo felt his lingering presence, finding comfort in the thought that he was still there in spirit. That night, Wang Xiaoshi watched Zhu Xiaoyao depart from the city. He reflected on his own departure from his master, which he had not found sad, believing they would reunite.

But his time in the Capital taught him that some goodbyes are final. He concluded that if one cannot take partings lightly, it becomes even more crucial to cherish every moment with those who are present.

Episode 17 Recap

The Capital bustled with activity on a beautiful day, with many people enjoying the outing. Wen Rou arrived at the Jade Garden with Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei, eager to take in the vibrant scenery. She explained that the Jade Garden, typically a royal exclusive, was now open to the public for half a month, a special grace during the plum blossom season.

However, still at odds after their recent falling out, Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei remained unimpressed by the natural beauty. They exchanged only a few words before parting ways, each heading in a different direction. Meanwhile, Lei Chun sought preserved plums but was informed they were out of stock. Her maid, Mo, grew agitated and argued with the shopkeeper. Lei Chun calmly intervened, dismissing the matter by saying they had some plums at home.

She then subtly hinted to Mo that the "wealthy client" who bought all the plums did not buy them for himself and that they would likely be delivered to their residence soon, leading Mo to surmise that the client was Su Mengzhen. True to Lei Chun's unspoken prediction, a large delivery of plums arrived at her residence.

Inside the House of Sunset Drizzle, Yang Wuxie rushed to Su Mengzhen, alarmed by the sudden appearance of numerous potted plum blossoms adorning the corridors. Su Mengzhen, however, appeared unfazed as he opened a letter from Lei Chun. The letter explained that she had sent the plum blossoms, knowing he was busy and confined indoors, wishing for him to share the same beautiful scenery with her from afar.

A faint smile touched Su Mengzhen’s lips as he gazed at the fragrant blooms. Elsewhere, Fang Yingkan, having acquired the rare Hawk of Seasons calligraphy, eagerly sought to present it to his foster father, the Chancellor. However, Mr. Thirteen intercepted him, stating that the Chancellor was unavailable and that he would personally deliver the painting.

Mr. Thirteen cryptically advised Fang Yingkan that his foster father kept him occupied with tasks like finding calligraphy to prevent him from "wild thoughts," implying that Fang Yingkan would only see him when the Chancellor desired it. Disappointed, Fang Yingkan reluctantly complied and departed. Later, at a calligraphy gathering, many renowned calligraphers showcased their works. Most attendees dismissed an old man's calligraphy as ugly and unrefined, comparing it to "worms wriggling on paper."

Yet, Wang Xiaoshi surprisingly praised it, calling it "good." Intrigued, the old man approached Wang Xiaoshi and asked for his reasoning. Wang Xiaoshi explained that the old man's calligraphy was "good precisely because it was extremely ugly," resembling "dead snakes hanging on a tree" or "wriggling earthworms" from afar, and "autumn snakes" up close. He asserted that "ugliness taken to the extreme is beauty taken to the extreme," a feat only achievable by masters of great skill.

He contrasted other good works, which excelled in their structure, with the old man's, which excelled in "spirit" but "lacked 'fa'." At the old man's invitation, Wang Xiaoshi then demonstrated his own calligraphy. The old man meticulously admired Wang Xiaoshi’s writing, praising its "hidden strokes" and "strict rules." Wang Xiaoshi then clarified that the "fa" he mentioned wasn't about conventional rules but about the old man deliberately not using his specialized strokes.

He noted that only two characters in the old man's work revealed his true, carefree brushwork, indicating his superior skill. Deeply impressed, the old man requested Wang Xiaoshi's piece and invited him to his Plum Blossom Garden to see his "true writings." It was then revealed that the old man was none other than the Chancellor, Fang Yingkan's foster father, as Mr. Thirteen delivered the Hawk of Seasons to him.

Meanwhile, Wen Rou sat troubled in a pavilion when Fang Yingkan suddenly appeared. He confided in her about his difficult past: his father's early death and his subsequent arrival in the Capital with his father's Blood River Sword. He explained that the powerful officials, fearing his father's legacy and the sword's resurgence, wished for him to become a "good-for-nothing." He had no choice but to comply to ensure his survival.

Wen Rou listened intently and offered him solace, emphasizing that only by remaining alive could he seize the opportunity to become the person he truly desired to be. That evening, people gathered to watch a shadow play. Wen Rou seized the opportunity to use the play, depicting two sworn brothers' petty squabbles, to subtly encourage Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei to reconcile. However, the two remained stubbornly at odds. Frustrated, Wen Rou stormed off to a tavern to drink alone.

Just as she finished her first cup, Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei appeared. They revealed they had simply gone to different stalls to buy her gifts – a small bottle for good luck and a ceramic plum blossom, symbolizing eternal bloom – hence their earlier separation. They reconciled, acknowledging their shared journey through "mountains of swords and seas of fire" meant they could never truly be enemies.

The three then raised their cups, toasting to their enduring friendship, with Wen Rou urging them to cherish their happy memories to help them weather future storms. Later, a man named Wang Er excitedly brought Bai Choufei a bag of money, explaining that his mysterious patron had bought many more of his paintings and left a letter. Bai Choufei, surprised, opened the letter to find it signed "Tian Chun," along with praises for his art, filling him with joy.

Concurrently, Wen Rou learned that the Young Lady of Six Half Hall was coming to the city. Eager to "teach her a lesson" for rejecting Su Mengzhen's marriage proposal, Wen Rou waited. Spotting "Tian Chun," she pulled her into a private room and excitedly disclosed her plan to confront the Six Half Hall's Young Lady.

To Wen Rou’s surprise, "Tian Chun" merely laughed and revealed her true identity: she was indeed Lei Chun, the very Young Lady of Six Half Hall. Lei Chun then explained to Wen Rou that she knew Wen Rou was Su Mengzhen's martial sister since their encounter on the Han River, and as such, their association would be difficult in the Capital, which was why she had left without a word and been hard to find. Wen Rou accepted her apology.

Lei Chun then confided in Wen Rou that Bai Choufei seemed to harbor romantic feelings for her, a fact she had observed from his gaze on the river and later confirmed during their encounter at Six Half Hall. However, Lei Chun emphasized that she only saw Bai Choufei as a friend, just like Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou. She requested Wen Rou's help in gently deterring Bai Choufei, a task Wen Rou accepted despite acknowledging its difficulty.

Wen Rou later sought Wang Xiaoshi's advice on the matter, only to discover that he already knew about Bai Choufei's affections for Lei Chun. Bai Choufei arranged a meeting with Lei Chun and began to paint for her. During their conversation, he revealed that he was Bai Youjin, the artist whose work she had been patronizing, and passionately confessed his feelings for her, stating they began the moment he first saw her on the Han River.

Lei Chun listened patiently to his heartfelt declaration. She acknowledged his "honest feelings" but gently rejected him, asserting that she only considered him a friend, akin to Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou. She then revealed that her heart had been given to someone else since she was ten, someone she met at a small fruit shop at the edge of the market, indicating that no one else could possibly compare.

She advised Bai Choufei that he would eventually meet his true soulmate, and all his past "mistaken loves" would fade into insignificance. Following her subtle hint, Bai Choufei visited the fruit shop. The shopkeeper confirmed Lei Chun's visit roughly thirteen years ago, accompanied by a "red-clothed young man" wielding a "red sword," implicitly identifying Su Mengzhen as the object of Lei Chun's affection.

Episode 18 Recap

Years ago, Lei Sun met with Su Mengzhen’s father, proposing a marriage alliance between their families to secure a decade of peace and focus on confronting the Mitian Sect. During this meeting, Lei Chun noticed a young man in red coughing intensely and bought some dried fruit for him. Suddenly, Mitian Sect members appeared, attempting to abduct Lei Chun. The young man shielded her, offering himself as a hostage instead.

Lei Chun secretly followed and witnessed him effortlessly dispatch the attackers. Concerned that the sight of blood would frighten her, he covered her eyes as they left. The young man revealed his weapon was called the Red Sleeve Blade. Lei Chun, admiring his skill, bestowed upon him the grand title: Su Mengzhen, the greatest red-sleeved swordsman, a high-profile name he readily accepted.

Upon returning to the House of Sunset Drizzle, Bai Choufei discovered his paintings displayed in Su Mengzhen's private room. The realization struck him: Lei Chun had purchased his art and arranged to meet him not out of personal appreciation, but because Su Mengzhen admired his work. A wave of disappointment, sorrow, and jealousy washed over him, bringing tears to his eyes, which he struggled to suppress when Su Mengzhen appeared.

Later, Bai Choufei sat with Wen Rou and Wang Er, sharing his sorrow. He revealed that Lei Chun's affections lay with Su Mengzhen. Wen Rou acknowledged she had known since childhood about Su Mengzhen's engagement to the Young Lady of Six Half Hall, but she had never anticipated that "Tian Chun," the woman they met by the river, would turn out to be Lei Chun.

Despite this, Bai Choufei admitted that their brief encounter had left an indelible mark on his heart. Wang Er knew Bai Choufei’s determined nature meant he would pursue what he desired, but gently reminded him that matters of the heart cannot be forced. Wen Rou countered, arguing that women deserve to be moved emotionally every day, not just once. Pondering her words, Bai Choufei wondered if he could win Lei Chun's heart through persistent effort.

Wang Er concluded that an exceptional man like Bai Choufei would eventually find his true love, and all past affections would fade like fleeting clouds. The next day, Bai Choufei visited a shop and purchased the dried fruits Lei Chun favored. However, after tasting one, he left the rest on the street with an enigmatic smile. Lei Sun, having discovered that Fang Yingkan had orchestrated Guan Qi's escape, arranged a meeting at Pobanmen.

Their conversation was veiled with double meanings, with both understanding the underlying threats. Lei Sun accused Fang Yingkan of releasing Guan Qi and reminded him of a past opportunity to kill Su Mengzhen, implying that seizing it would have granted Fang Yingkan the power he now sought. Lei Sun warned Fang Yingkan against interfering with Six Half Hall's interests, threatening to expose his clandestine activities and nullify years of his calculated pretense of being a good-for-nothing.

Fang Yingkan, maintaining his composure, drank the wine Lei Sun offered, outwardly acquiescing. However, as he departed, his eyes betrayed a fierce resolve. Lei Sun discussed the recent turmoil in the martial arts world with Di Feijing, attributing it to Fang Yingkan's relentless ambition. He noted that within their organization, the Youqiao Group, there were a fixed number of key positions, and Fang Yingkan's rise would inevitably displace either himself or Fu Zongshu.

Lei Sun also mentioned the increased activity of the House of Sunset Drizzle's spies, suspecting they were searching for Six Half Hall's workshops in the Capital, a sign that Guan Qi might have revealed sensitive information before his death. He decided to move all the goods at once and dispatched Di Feijing to welcome Lei Mei and confirm she had brought the Five Warriors of Pili Sect, a development that could stabilize relations with the House of Sunset Drizzle.

Di Feijing, while walking through a forest, was ambushed by five formidable figures who descended from above, recognizing them as the Five Warriors of Pili Sect. Meanwhile, Lei Mei met with Lei Sun, confirming she had brought the warriors. She cunningly explained that she had tested their skills by staging an encounter with Di Feijing at Xiaojie Bridge, thus validating their power. Lei Sun, seeing through her machinations, warned her that Di Feijing was his unchallengeable top subordinate.

Undeterred, Lei Mei reminded Lei Sun of his promise to grant her control over the northern business in exchange for the Five Warriors. She argued that since the warriors were meant to oversee that very business, it was logical for her to manage it directly. Amused yet wary, Lei Sun conceded. Lei Chun tenderly handed Su Mengzhen a cup of hot tea, expressing her constant concern for his health.

Su Mengzhen explained that while his master had taught him the Red Sleeve Blade, his own frail constitution, paradoxically, created a perfect synergy with its fiery nature. Lei Chun noted his worsening condition, suspecting it was due to his all-out effort in the battle against Guan Qi, which he confirmed was necessary. She voiced her hope that their two sects might continue to cooperate, eventually resolving their past conflicts and allowing them to be together openly.

Su Mengzhen embraced her tightly, a shadow of trepidation in his eyes. He confided that he harbored worries he could not speak of to others, revealing that the location of Six Half Hall's firearms workshop was close to being discovered, and its inevitable destruction would implicate Lei Chun. As he expressed uncertainty about their future, she simply told him to hug her tighter for warmth. Bai Choufei, his spirit heavy, encountered Wang Er.

Feeling utterly devoid of inspiration, he gifted all his paintings to Wang Er, declaring he would no longer paint or use his artistic name, "Bai Youjin." Soon after, Bai Choufei found himself in a staged encounter where Fang Yingkan was being hounded by debt collectors. Bai Choufei intervened, asserting Fang Yingkan's identity as Marquis Shentong and his own as Vice House Master of the House of Sunset Drizzle, successfully dispersing them.

Fang Yingkan then invited Bai Choufei for a drink, admitting the meeting was orchestrated. He exposed Lei Sun's illegal firearms workshop, previously managed by Guan Qi, and implicated Fu Zongshu as the mastermind. When questioned, Fang Yingkan retorted that neither Su Mengzhen nor Bai Choufei would trust him. He passionately expressed his frustration at being a marquis with no true authority and drew a parallel to Bai Choufei’s own situation as a vice house master lacking real power.

He argued they were alike, sharing common adversaries in Lei Sun and Fu Zongshu, and suggested they unite. Separately, Wang Er was at a lantern shop where he met Shuang, who was purchasing white lanterns for his deceased father's 49th-day memorial. Shuang revealed his father had been a small businessman in Wei Village who had also killed many people. Wang Er expressed understanding for Shuang's filial duty, mentioning his own birth mother had been murdered.

He then inquired further about Wei Village, expressing interest in visiting. Later that night, Lei Mei traveled with Lei Sun in his carriage, having deduced his secret plans. She explained that the transfer of the five warriors signaled an important operation that Lei Sun would personally oversee. Lei Sun, supervising the clandestine movement of "dangerous cargo" connected to the illicit northern business, was pleased with her sharp insight.

Concurrently, Bai Choufei rallied his loyal men, announcing an operation that would be unequivocally beneficial to the House of Sunset Drizzle. His men readily pledged their allegiance, and Bai Choufei promised that their contributions would be recognized.

Episode 19 Recap

As Lei Sun's men frantically moved goods, sensing an impending threat, Lei Sun urged them to hurry. Simultaneously, at the House of Sunset Drizzle, their Advisor rushed to inform Su Mengzhen that Vice House Master Bai Choufei had, without permission, used a command token to lead a group of men on a crucial mission. Though the Advisor was unaware of the mission's specifics, Bai Choufei had assured him it would only benefit the House.

Concerned for Bai Choufei's safety, especially given his own delicate health, Su Mengzhen decided to personally go to his location. He instructed his Advisor to have Yang Wuxie and his team pursue Lei Sun's goods and, instead of intercepting them, to blow them up. Bai Choufei and his men arrived at their destination, a seemingly unguarded area. Despite a suggestion to scout ahead, Bai Choufei insisted on taking the lead. They found a small hut filled with empty boxes.

Discovering a hidden path, they followed it to another deserted hut, where they uncovered a cache of sulfur and charcoal powder, confirming they had found a raw materials storage site. Bai Choufei was pleased, believing they had succeeded. However, this was a calculated trap laid by the Six Half Hall. Soon after, five formidable warriors of the Pili Sect ambushed Bai Choufei. Though pushed to his limits, Bai Choufei managed to defeat and kill all five.

Just as he was exhausted, Di Feijing arrived, remarking that he was too late. Di Feijing then confronted Bai Choufei, revealing that he had once saved his life to unite their factions against Guan Qi. However, since Bai Choufei had raided a Six Half Hall operation and killed five of their masters, Di Feijing was now compelled to kill him. Bai Choufei challenged this fate, but at that critical moment, Su Mengzhen arrived, asserting his authority over Bai Choufei's life.

Recognizing he was no match for Su Mengzhen, Di Feijing withdrew. Meanwhile, Lei Sun approached Little Rock, who was sitting alone at a noodle stall. Feigning gratitude, Lei Sun offered him tea, sarcastically thanking him for releasing Guan Qi—an "old friend" of Lei Sun's—from his long imprisonment in a well. Little Rock sensed the veiled threat, remarking on the danger of being Lei Sun's friend, and initially refused the tea.

Lei Sun insisted, and the two engaged in a silent contest of internal energy, spinning their teacups with their qi. Outmatched, Little Rock conceded and drank the tea. Later, Lei Sun returned to his firearms workshop with Lei Mei, aware that the House of Sunset Drizzle had located them. Realizing the site was compromised, he ordered an immediate relocation and the elimination of all the craftsmen to protect their secrets.

When Lei Mei expressed compassion for the workers, Lei Sun coldly explained that the deaf and mute individuals would have had their eyes gouged out if not for the delicate nature of their work. Suddenly, a massive explosion rocked the night. This was the result of Su Mengzhen's earlier orders, as Yang Wuxie and his team had successfully detonated Lei Sun's main arsenal.

Consumed by rage, Lei Sun's fury quickly turned to suspicion, and he confronted Lei Mei, accusing her of leaking information. Lei Mei calmly defended herself, highlighting her efforts in helping him and noting that she had been by his side the entire time. She questioned why she would harm the Pili Sect warriors, her own people, if she intended to betray him. Her logical explanation and innocent demeanor momentarily appeased Lei Sun's suspicion.

After departing, Lei Mei secretly met with Su Mengzhen at a temple, confirming she was the informant. She confessed that she had deliberately been the one to kill her own father, the former Pili Sect leader, to gain Lei Sun's trust, thereby securing her position to eventually avenge her father and the sect. She warned Su Mengzhen that although Lei Sun was preoccupied, he would undoubtedly retaliate.

Following the night's events, Su Mengzhen confronted Bai Choufei about his unauthorized actions and his alliance with Fang Yingkan, whom Su Mengzhen deeply distrusted. Bai Choufei admitted that Fang Yingkan had misinformed him about the location of Lei Sun's armory, leading him to a raw materials site instead. He argued that since Fang Yingkan also sought to bring down Lei Sun, their shared goal justified cooperation.

Su Mengzhen vehemently disagreed, asserting that Bai Choufei was not cooperating but engaging in mutual exploitation. Bai Choufei saw no issue with this, believing any means to achieve their objectives was acceptable. He then voiced his deep-seated frustrations, revealing that despite his title as Vice House Master, he wielded no true power, as Su Mengzhen made every decision.

He declared that some sacrifices were inevitable for the greater cause, but Su Mengzhen countered that every person in the House was their brother, not a number to be sacrificed. Bai Choufei coldly retorted that he could not view everyone as his brother, highlighting a fundamental difference in their philosophies and his desire for unparalleled dominance. Feeling alienated, Bai Choufei told Su Mengzhen and Little Rock that their sworn brotherhood had irrevocably changed.

With the destruction of his firearms, Lei Sun became the scapegoat for the Youqiao Group. Chancellor Fu Zongshu summoned and chastised Lei Sun for his negligence, but Lei Sun was not intimidated. He retorted that for years, Fu Zongshu had enjoyed the profits while Lei Sun handled the dirty work, and revealed he possessed compromising information on the Chancellor. Backed into a corner, Fu Zongshu conceded.

Lei Sun then proposed a solution: he would kill Su Mengzhen and dismantle the House of Sunset Drizzle. This plan was subsequently presented to the Prime Minister as a clever strategy for Lei Sun to atone for his failure. The Prime Minister, satisfied, agreed to the proposal but warned there would be no protection if he failed again. Meanwhile, Lei Mei confronted Di Feijing about the Six Half Hall's involvement in the illicit manufacturing of firearms.

Di Feijing confirmed its illegality and explained to Lei Mei, whom he addressed as Chun, that powerful figures were secretly controlling the Six Half Hall, and their father was not free to simply disengage. He promised to explain further once the immediate crisis was resolved. Later, Bai Choufei was invited by a messenger to meet Fang Yingkan's master. Upon arrival, he was greeted by Fang Yingkan himself, who asserted that life itself was a gamble.

He provocatively referenced the near-fatal incident at the workshop, praising Bai Choufei's "luck." Claiming to love gambling for its unpredictable outcomes, Fang Yingkan invited Bai Choufei to bet on anything, offering to cover all losses while Bai Choufei kept the winnings. Bai Choufei accepted, boldly asking if Fang Yingkan would be afraid if he bet his own life.

Episode 20 Recap

Fang Yingkan invited Bai Choufei to a meeting, framing the martial arts world of the Capital as a high-stakes gambling table. He argued that only a select few were eligible to play: Su Mengzhen, a prodigy of his generation; Lei Sun, the master of Six Half Hall; and Fu Zongshu, who held a seat through his control over the Ministry of Justice despite their mutual contempt for him. Fang Yingkan claimed the final seat for himself.

Bai Choufei countered, asserting that Wang Xiaoshi deserved a place for surviving a battle with Guan Qi, an unprecedented feat. He also made a case for Di Feijing, whose martial skill stood on its own, and for the influential court officials who manipulate the martial arts world from the shadows. Bai Choufei then declared his own ambition to claim a seat at the table.

Fang Yingkan attempted to forge an alliance by persuading Bai Choufei that to truly win, he must "eliminate all other players." He used the analogy of a card game where two specific stand-alone cards, when paired, result in a complete victory. He likened himself and Bai Choufei to these cards, pointing out that Bai Choufei’s ambitions were constantly thwarted by Su Mengzhen within the House of Sunset Drizzle.

Fang Yingkan revealed he had been holding his "card" for a long time, waiting for Bai Choufei to play his. Bai Choufei, however, saw through the attempt to sow discord, stating that Su Mengzhen was his sworn brother and, ultimately, his only worthy rival—not Fang Yingkan. He dismissed Fang Yingkan as a pitiful schemer operating from a dilapidated house, warning him that tigers walk alone while cattle travel in herds.

Meanwhile, Lei Sun confessed to his daughter, Lei Chun, that his business in the martial arts world had failed spectacularly. He revealed that Six Half Hall was merely a pawn for a powerful entity called the Youqiao Group, on whose behalf he had been smuggling firearms. Lei Sun expressed regret over betraying the nation but claimed he had no choice, as refusal would have meant the destruction of Six Half Hall, just like the Mitian Sect before them.

He also apologized for canceling her engagement to Su Mengzhen years prior, an act born of fear that their combined power would attract unwanted attention. Moved by her father's despair and his promise to retire from the capital forever, Lei Chun offered to plead with Su Mengzhen to spare Six Half Hall. Lei Chun met with Su Mengzhen, formally introducing herself as a representative of Six Half Hall there to negotiate for her father.

Su Mengzhen condemned Lei Sun’s smuggling of illegal firearms as an unforgivable act of treason. Lei Chun argued her father was merely following orders and that eliminating him would not topple the Youqiao Group. Appealing to Su Mengzhen as a daughter trying to save her father, she proposed a deal: if Su Mengzhen spared Lei Sun’s life and withdrew his forces, her father would abdicate his position to Di Feijing, leave the Capital forever, and she would go with him.

Su Mengzhen agreed to her terms, vowing to cherish their personal bond even if she chose to forsake it. This negotiation, however, was a deception orchestrated by Lei Sun. He had used Lei Chun’s genuine plea to lower Su Mengzhen's defenses. He ordered a letter to be sent in Lei Chun's name, luring Su Mengzhen to a meeting at Shili Pavilion, a place where he would be vulnerable.

To prevent her from interfering, Lei Sun confined Lei Chun to her room. In a moment of reflection, Di Feijing recalled how Lei Sun and his wife had saved him from freezing to death as an orphan, giving him a home and family. He felt bound by his "small wish" to protect this family, even as Lei Chun reminded him that Su Mengzhen was like family to her as well.

Later, Lei Sun approached Bai Choufei, attempting to turn him against Su Mengzhen by suggesting his righteousness was holding Bai Choufei back. Bai Choufei contemptuously dismissed the provocation as an internal matter for the House of Sunset Drizzle. Wang Xiaoshi and Fang Yingkan met for their wrestling match. To show his confidence, Wang Xiaoshi blindfolded himself. Fang Yingkan immediately resorted to dirty tactics, kicking sand in Wang Xiaoshi’s face before using a hidden weapon.

Angered, Wang Xiaoshi removed his blindfold and swiftly defeated him, declaring the match over. He landed one punch for Wen Rou and another for attempting to drive a wedge between him and his sworn brothers. He finished with a final kick, warning Fang Yingkan to stay away from the people he cared for. When Wen Rou arrived, she ignored a wounded Fang Yingkan and rushed to check on Wang Xiaoshi.

Worried about Bai Choufei, who had been drinking alone for three days, Wen Rou and Wang Xiaoshi found him at a tavern. Bai Choufei announced his decision to leave the House of Sunset Drizzle. He explained that as Vice House Master, he was still subordinate to Su Mengzhen, which stifled his ambition to become the "number one martial artist."

Wen Rou was disappointed, unable to understand why he couldn't see that Su Mengzhen’s direct criticism came from a place of brotherhood. Bai Choufei retorted that he would have preferred to die at Di Feijing's hands than be saved by Su Mengzhen, calling the rescue a humiliation. Accepting his friend's decision, Wang Xiaoshi recalled Bai Choufei's desire to be a "flint" rather than a "flower in the dark."

He proposed that the three brothers share one last drink together after Bai Choufei officially resigned, affirming their lifelong bond. With the help of her maid, Mo'er, Lei Chun bribed the guards with wine and escaped her room. She ran into Wen Rou on the street and urgently tried to warn her of the danger to Su Mengzhen. Before she could explain, Di Feijing appeared and knocked Wen Rou unconscious.

As heavy snow began to fall, Lei Chun tried to flee with Wen Rou on her back but was confronted by a mysterious masked figure and tripped. Elsewhere, Su Mengzhen held the letter bearing Lei Chun’s name, unaware of the deadly trap that awaited him.

Episode 21 Recap

As snow intensified, falling heavily as if to engulf everything, Su Mengzhen arrived alone to meet Lei Sun. He directly confronted Lei Sun, stating his awareness that Lei Sun was using his own daughter, Lei Chun, as a pawn. Lei Sun admitted his desperation, explaining that Youqiao Group had suggested that his survival depended on taking Su Mengzhen's life. Su Mengzhen proposed an alliance: if they joined forces to eradicate Youqiao Group, they would find a true path to survival.

However, Lei Sun scoffed, asserting that a martial artist's survival depended on their own blade, and since Youqiao Group was out of reach, killing Su Mengzhen was the easier option. Moments later, Di Feijing and his Six Half Hall followers surrounded Su Mengzhen. Before assassins attempting a surprise attack from the water could even find their footing, Su Mengzhen swiftly defeated them. Meanwhile, Wang Xiaoshi found Wen Rou's jade pendant on the street, immediately sensing trouble.

At the same time, in a dead-end alley, Wen Rou was knocked unconscious by a mysterious assailant while trying to protect Lei Chun. The assailant then trapped Lei Chun, slowly removing her outer clothing. Despite her desperate struggles, she was helpless. By the time Wang Xiaoshi arrived, it was too late. When Wen Rou regained consciousness, she anxiously asked about Lei Chun.

In a panic, Lei Chun stopped her, desperately trying to hide bloodstains in the snow and urging Wang Xiaoshi to rush to Shili Pavilion to save Su Mengzhen. Both Bai Choufei and Wang Xiaoshi arrived at Shili Pavilion, where a fierce battle unfolded. The explosives inside the pavilion were ignited by an unknown trigger, and Di Feijing shoved Lei Sun into the structure. A powerful explosion followed, and Lei Sun vanished amidst the swirling snow.

Recognizing Di Feijing's intent to save his master via a staged death, the others departed without a word. After they left, Di Feijing dove into the water and rescued the injured Lei Sun. Reaching a safe place, Lei Chun immersed herself in a tub of water, vigorously scrubbing her skin as if to wash away something profoundly defiling, but the trauma remained. Back at the House of Sunset Drizzle, an injured Su Mengzhen finally coughed up a mouthful of blood.

He knew the news of their victory over the Six Half Hall would spread, and he could not afford to rest, insisting he would endure as they had important guests to receive. Later, Su Mengzhen went to visit Lei Chun but hesitated outside her door, unable to find the courage to enter. Lei Chun, hearing movement, eagerly rushed towards the door, only to stop abruptly as a painful memory surfaced. She leaned on Wen Rou's shoulder, sleepless, throughout the night.

The following morning, she received the devastating news of her father's "death," with Di Feijing publicly named as the killer. Wen Rou, deeply concerned, later explained to Wang Xiaoshi that Lei Chun had not shed a single tear, trying to bravely endure the pain alone. Elsewhere, Lei Sun awoke, furious, and berated Di Feijing for orchestrating his fake death without permission. As the Chief of the Six Half Hall, he was unwilling to live in hiding.

However, the thought of his daughter, Lei Chun, made him hesitate. Di Feijing planned for Lei Sun to go to Yangzhou to hide, promising to bring Lei Chun to him once the situation settled. They traveled to Beiying Forest, the burial site of Lei Zhenlei. Lei Sun recounted how, seven years prior, he had murdered Lei Zhenlei, then the leader of their parent sect, to prevent him from taking power in the capital.

He recalled a rainstorm that washed away the grave's fresh soil, leaving Lei Zhenlei's dead eyes staring at him all night. Lei Sun then asked Di Feijing whether his loyalty lay with him, the Six Half Hall, or Lei Chun. Without hesitation, Di Feijing declared his ultimate loyalty was to Lei Chun. Lei Sun found this answer sufficient but could not accept leaving the martial world in defeat. He entrusted Lei Chun's protection to Di Feijing before riding away alone.

Watching him go, Di Feijing recalled the snowy night years ago when Lei Sun and his wife had saved him, giving him a home and treating him like a son. That evening, Su Mengzhen hosted a grand feast at Across The Sea Hall, inviting influential figures from the martial world.

He explained to Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei that these guests were adept at adapting to shifting powers, and the feast was a demonstration of strength to force them to choose an allegiance. He warned them to remain vigilant, as he did not believe Di Feijing had truly betrayed his master, nor that Lei Sun was actually dead.

Meanwhile, Lei Mei, initially overjoyed after hearing of Lei Sun's supposed death in a tavern, was intercepted by members of the Six Half Hall who informed her that their chief was alive. At the feast, watching a triumphant Su Mengzhen, Bai Choufei expressed his desire to become a great hero like him. Wang Xiaoshi mused that true heroes are adaptable and resilient, graceful in both victory and defeat.

Bai Choufei praised Wang Xiaoshi's insight but disagreed, stating that a man cannot live without power; happiness comes from attaining it, and suffering from its loss. Wang Xiaoshi cautioned him that while ambition is good, it cannot be rushed, or it may bring more misfortune than blessings. As gifts arrived, Fang Yingkan, absent from the feast, sent a magnificent jade screen. He was followed by members of the Six Half Hall, who arrived carrying a coffin as their "celebratory" gift.

Episode 22 Recap

At the House of Sunset Drizzle's victory banquet, everyone exchanged bewildered glances as Lei Dongtian and the Six Half Hall disciples arrived with a coffin. Unnoticed by most, Su Mengzhen's face showed a flicker of tension, and a subtle signal from Lei Mei confirmed his suspicions of a trap. Lei Dongtian declared the Six Half Hall's submission and presented the coffin as a congratulatory gift for Su Mengzhen's "rising fortunes."

Su Mengzhen accepted, announcing that with Lei Sun dead, his forces—and the coffin—were now his. In a sudden move, Su Mengzhen threw his wine cup and leaped toward the coffin. With a burst, Lei Sun emerged from within. Immediately, the Six Half Hall members sprang into action, as did Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei, rushing to Su Mengzhen's side. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Lei Sun was unexpectedly stabbed in the chest.

Everyone was astonished to discover that Lei Mei was the assailant. Lei Sun, disbelieving, demanded to know why. Lei Mei revealed that years ago, she had been forced to kill her own father in front of Lei Sun to survive, and her life since then had been dedicated to the single purpose of killing him herself. Lei Sun pushed Lei Mei away and advanced on Su Mengzhen, intending to sacrifice his life to save his followers.

Su Mengzhen, having promised Lei Chun he would not personally take Lei Sun's life, hesitated. At that exact moment, Lei Chun arrived on the scene, and Lei Sun plunged his sword into his own heart. Thunderstruck, Lei Chun ran to him as he used his last breaths to urge her not to seek revenge. Following Lei Sun's death, Di Feijing took command of a fractured Six Half Hall.

He stopped a grief-stricken Lei Dongtian from leading a suicidal revenge attack, reminding everyone that their lives were saved by Lei Sun's sacrifice. Ascending to a higher vantage point, Di Feijing established new rules: they must be united under his sole leadership and patiently endure, sheathing their blades and concealing their hatred. He explained that the House of Sunset Drizzle's current dominance was also its greatest weakness.

He prophesied that it would inevitably collapse from within, and only then would they have their revenge. On the day of Lei Sun's funeral, Minister Fu had three hundred gold taels laid on the path, a symbolic repayment of an old debt. Lei Chun passed by without a glance, stepping over the gold. Nearby, members of the House of Sunset Drizzle ceremoniously broke cups and offered a final send-off, wishing Lei Sun peace and an end to all enmities.

Meanwhile, Lei Mei drank alone, finding the liquor bitter even after her vengeance was fulfilled. Bai Choufei found her and urged her to forgive herself. Lei Mei confessed that to gain Lei Sun's trust, she had dealt the final blow to her own father and had lived as Lei Sun's pet, all for her one chance at revenge. With him gone, she felt she had lost her reason to live.

Bai Choufei encouraged her to live for herself, assuring her that she was now free and offering his protection. Wang Xiaoshi announced his intention to travel the world to investigate the Youqiao Group and uncover the truth behind his mother's murder. Su Mengzhen revealed to Bai Choufei that he had known his identity as Bai Youjin ever since Lei Chun first gifted him a specific painting.

Bai Choufei admitted his ambition to match Su Mengzhen's stature but acknowledged that the House of Sunset Drizzle could only have one leader, expressing his desire to leave and forge his own path. Before they parted, Wang Xiaoshi gathered his friends to retell the story of the Retainment sword. He explained it was a single-edged sword, its other side sealed by its creator, who hoped future wielders would possess a "heart of retainment."

The sword was passed to the Carefree Sect, but none of the three great disciples of his grandmaster—the Divine Marquis, Thirteen Doom, or his master, Recluse Tianyi—had inherited it. The Divine Marquis failed to retain his beloved, Thirteen Doom failed to retain his own sanity and killed his wife, and Recluse Tianyi failed to retain the brotherhood with his two peers.

Bai Choufei reassured Wang Xiaoshi that there was no animosity between him and Su Mengzhen and that they would always be brothers. Su Mengzhen, pleased, raised his cup, but his expression hardened as he saw Lei Chun arrive, an uninvited guest brought by Wen Rou and Wang Xiaoshi. Lei Chun declared that Wang Xiaoshi's story was incomplete.

She spoke of a woman named Jing who, to avenge her father's death at the hands of the Divine Marquis and Thirteen Doom, married the latter out of hatred, leading to a life of suffering that ended at his hand. Lei Chun then poured her wine on the ground, a symbolic "break-up" drink with Su Mengzhen. She vowed to carry on her father's legacy of enmity against the House of Sunset Drizzle.

Later, Thirteen Doom stormed the Six Half Hall's Lingxiang Hall, announcing that he was taking control by order of the Chancellor. He introduced a strange-looking man as their new Chief Elder, shocking everyone. Lei Chun was furious, but Di Feijing gestured for her to remain calm. Back in her room, Lei Chun was suddenly embraced from behind by the new Chief Elder. She broke free as Di Feijing rushed to her aid, only to be blocked by Thirteen Doom, who warned him not to interfere.

Episode 23 Recap

Di Feijing, grievously wounded by Thirteen Doom, struggled to his feet, desperate to reach Lei Chun. Just then, the new Hall Master Thirteen Doom had appointed burst screaming from the room, a hairpin lodged in his bleeding eye. Lei Chun, stained with blood, emerged with a ruthless gaze. Thirteen Doom, unperturbed, revealed that the man was intentionally sent for Lei Chun to kill, a test of her resolve.

He praised her as a formidable daughter, unlike her "useless" father, Lei Sun, and instructed her to prepare to meet Chancellor Cai the following day. After Thirteen Doom departed, Lei Chun's fierce demeanor crumbled. She collapsed in tears, and Di Feijing gently cradled her, offering silent comfort as she wept. The next day, Lei Chun met with Chancellor Cai.

She stated her purpose directly: she had come to atone for killing one of his men by offering herself as the new leader of Six Half Hall. Skeptical of her ambition and capability, Chancellor Cai questioned her. Lei Chun asserted that she could serve him as her father once had and promised to prove her worth. Later, as Lei Chun played her zither, her mind drifted back to her father's deathbed.

He had told her not to seek revenge, but if she felt she must, she should find Bai Choufei. Following her mistress's wishes, Lei Chun's maid, Mo, sought out Bai Choufei. Mo explained that Lei Chun, though determined to take control of Six Half Hall, was in a vulnerable position. Her first move was to travel to River Chu Town to bring the influential Pili Sect of Jiangnan—her father's origin—under her control.

This journey was perilous, yet she planned to go alone. Mo implored Bai Choufei, whom she knew genuinely cared for Lei Chun, to accompany and protect her. Bai Choufei then summoned Little Rock and Wen Rou, announcing his intention to paint a portrait of the three of them for good luck. After some playful banter, they posed for the painting. When it was finished, Little Rock and Wen Rou were surprised to see only themselves depicted.

Bai Choufei explained that he would be leaving the Capital the next day and would add himself to the portrait upon his return, which would be the true auspicious sign. He revealed he was going to River Chu to protect Lei Chun, admitting that while her heart belonged to another, he simply wanted to watch over her. Understanding his resolve, his friends wished him well. Later, Lei Chun bid farewell to Di Feijing, entrusting Six Half Hall to his care.

Di Feijing also saw Bai Choufei off, gifting him a popular local liquor and playfully echoing Wen Rou's earlier threat to break his legs if he didn't return safely. Meanwhile, Fu Zongshu advised Chancellor Cai that with Lei Sun dead, it was the perfect time to eliminate Su Mengzhen and the House of Sunset Drizzle by fabricating charges against them.

When Cai consulted Thirteen Doom about the martial prowess of their respective generation, Thirteen Doom admitted his inferiority in talent to Zhuge Zhengwo and in formation to Tianyi, but claimed superiority in martial arts. Chancellor Cai lamented the return of his old rival, Zhuge Zhengwo, from retirement. He devised a cunning plan, dismissing the idea of Thirteen Doom acting as an assassin as too obvious.

Instead, he proposed using Little Rock—as Tianyi's disciple and the martial nephew of both Thirteen Doom and Zhuge Zhengwo—to carry out the deed. Cai reasoned that Zhuge would never suspect his own nephew, ensuring the crime could not be traced back to him. Once Little Rock was implicated, they would have the perfect pretext to eradicate the House of Sunset Drizzle. Thirteen Doom intercepted Little Rock and engaged him in a brief martial exchange.

Recognizing the distinct style of the Carefree Sect, Little Rock identified the man as his martial uncle, Yuan Shisanxian, also known as Thirteen Doom. Yuan then led him to a grand residence in the Imperial Garden to meet Chancellor Cai. Through keen observation of the imperial setting, a rare painting gifted by the Emperor, and his host's erudition, Little Rock deduced the man's identity as Chancellor Cai.

After some pleasantries, Cai revealed the true reason for the meeting: to discuss the Youqiao Group. He described them as a merciless organization destabilizing the nation and delivered a shocking accusation: their leader was none other than Zhuge Zhengwo, Little Rock's other martial uncle. Little Rock vehemently denied the claim, citing his master Tianyi's praise for Zhuge's upright character. To convince him, Chancellor Cai took him to meet Fu Zongshu.

Little Rock immediately denounced Fu as a corrupt official whose words were worthless. However, Fu claimed he was merely following orders from the true mastermind, Zhuge Zhengwo. He painted a picture of Zhuge as a power-hungry manipulator who faked his retirement to control the court from the shadows. Fu alleged that Zhuge orchestrated the firearms explosion to frame him and profited from war by selling weapons to enemies and intentionally prolonging conflicts, a scheme of "supporting bandits to empower oneself."

Deeply unsettled, Little Rock left. Following Cai's suggestion, he went to observe Wazi Alley, a territory controlled by Zhuge's cronies, to see the "truth" for himself. That night, he saw a grim marketplace where a "private tax" was being collected.

He witnessed a staged event where a man begged for his brother's life, and the figure in a sedan—revealed to be Heartless, leader of the Four Great Constables and Zhuge's subordinate—agreed to spare the brother in exchange for his service on the dangerous northern border. Little Rock confronted the sedan, challenging Heartless's authority, before Heartless departed.

Afterward, the "grateful" man celebrated his good fortune loudly at a tavern, only to be marked for death by the barkeep, who received orders from "the higher-ups" to eliminate him to ensure the ruse could continue. Troubled, Little Rock sought out Di Feijing and asked him directly who was behind the Youqiao Group.

Di Feijing confirmed that Six Half Hall worked for the group and warned Little Rock that challenging them meant risking not only his own life but the lives of everyone he cared about. Seeing Little Rock's determination, Di Feijing proposed they each write down the name of the person they suspected to be the mastermind. They wrote a single character each on the table, and a shared look of grim understanding confirmed they had arrived at the same terrifying conclusion.

Episode 24 Recap

Di Feijing was surprised and asked Wang Xiaoshi how he knew the identity of the mastermind. Wang Xiaoshi explained that someone intended to use him as a "knife," claiming it would benefit the nation and its people. However, he feared that if he were to be used in such a way, the House of Sunset Drizzle would be implicated and harmed. In his heart, the House of Sunset Drizzle represented loyalty, while those attempting to manipulate him were disloyal.

Di Feijing warned him that confronting the Youqiao Group would require risking not only his own life but also the lives of everyone around him, as their spies and assassins were ubiquitous. Afterward, both Wang Xiaoshi and Di Feijing revealed the same target by writing a single character on the table: "Cai." Wang Xiaoshi approached the Advisor, Yang Wuxie, seeking information about Divine Marquis Zhuge that was not common knowledge.

He claimed to suspect that Divine Marquis Zhuge was the true mastermind behind the Youqiao Group, citing his personal observation of Zhuge's subordinate, Heartless, bullying civilians. Wang Xiaoshi even suggested that if they hadn't sabotaged Six Half Hall's firearms, the Youqiao Group might have become another "firearm workshop." The Advisor initially dismissed this, asserting that Zhuge would never betray the nation. However, he then presented Wang Xiaoshi with detailed records of Zhuge's career.

He explained that Zhuge only became widely known after being ennobled as a Marquis at 45, and the records covered the lesser-known two decades prior. Wang Xiaoshi countered that the purpose of the House of Sunset Drizzle's intelligence-gathering Pigeon Group was to uncover truths hidden beneath the surface. He stressed that these records were merely superficial, as no one had ever thought to question or verify them, leaving the Advisor in thoughtful contemplation.

Wen Rou, concerned about Wang Xiaoshi's recent distant and cold demeanor, offered him his favorite Shiman Flower Cake, but he refused. Admitting that he was troubled, Wang Xiaoshi then asked Wen Rou if she believed in individuals who appeared righteous but were secretly wicked. Wen Rou affirmed that such "sanctimonious hypocrites" were common. Wang Xiaoshi then shockingly revealed his belief that Divine Marquis Zhuge was such a person—the true leader of the Youqiao Group.

Wen Rou was incredulous, reminding him of Zhuge's famous act of risking his career to advise the Emperor against the oppressive "Flower and Stone Network," which ended the people's suffering. Wang Xiaoshi, however, insisted on trusting his own eyes and reiterated his vow to pursue anyone involved with the Youqiao Group, remaining resolute despite Wen Rou's pleas for him to "sober up."

As night fell, Bai Choufei arrived at a suspension bridge in River Chu Town, where Lei Chun was waiting. She explained that she was worried about him traveling alone. He correctly guessed her maidservant had acted on her instructions. Lei Chun confirmed she needed his help to take over the Pili Sect. She explained that after Old Master Lei's stroke, Lei Tian—an appointee loyal to her late father, Lei Sun—had taken over the sect's affairs.

She had already arranged a meeting with him. Bai Choufei, however, cautioned her that the sect's internal situation was extremely tense, with Vice-Elder Lei Yi vying for power, making the takeover far from simple. They agreed to decide their next move after meeting Lei Tian, and Bai Choufei promised to stay by her side. Feeling dispirited, Wang Xiaoshi went to a tavern to drink alone, where he unexpectedly encountered Zhu Xiaoyao.

She shared that since leaving the Capital, she had often questioned if saving Guan Qi—a man widely seen as a villain—was a mistake. She explained that Guan Qi had once saved her life, and she felt indebted, even to the point of betraying her House Master to repay him. After much introspection, she concluded that she would have regretted it for the rest of her life if she hadn't tried to save him.

This realization brought her peace and prompted her return. Wang Xiaoshi found her words comforting, and she offered to share stories from her travels. Soon after, Shuang informed Wen Rou that Wang Xiaoshi was drinking alone at the House of Sanhe. Wen Rou rushed to his side, but he reacted coldly, telling her to leave. She expressed her profound worry over his strange behavior and his refusal to confide in her.

Wang Xiaoshi justified his change by stating that with Su Mengzhen gravely ill and Bai Choufei gone, the world was constantly changing, so he could change too. Despite his dismissiveness, Wen Rou insisted that while he might change, her feelings for him would never waver. She left him hangover soup and candied hawthorns before departing.

Upon arriving in River Chu Town, Bai Choufei and Lei Chun witnessed a man publicly hung in the street—a subordinate of Lei Yi, guarded by Lei Tian's men, signaling the severe internal strife within the Pili Sect. Inside, they found Lei Tian attending to the 96-year-old Old Master Lei, who was rendered silent by a stroke and could only communicate with blinks.

Bai Choufei remarked on the Old Master's fortune in having someone care for him, and Lei Chun noticed a flicker in the old man's eyes. Lei Tian claimed he was too preoccupied with his own conflicts to help her in the Capital, stating that since Old Master Lei fell ill, Lei Yi had openly rebelled, deeply dividing the Pili Sect. Anticipating this, Lei Chun offered to resolve his internal strife.

Bai Choufei supported her, suggesting that eliminating Lei Yi would serve as a powerful warning. Lei Tian feigned skepticism, but later led Lei Chun to a dungeon where Lei Yi was already imprisoned. He then revealed his true motive: his real target was Bai Choufei, whom he blamed for the deaths of his five brothers in the Capital. He promised Lei Chun his full support once he had his revenge.

In a private conversation before this, Lei Chun had affirmed her belief in pursuing goals at any cost. Bai Choufei had agreed, but clarified he would refuse if it meant harming her, also revealing he knew they had first crossed paths in a Six Half Hall carriage. Bai Choufei arrived at the designated meeting point, only to be ambushed by Lei Tian and his men.

Lei Tian informed him that Lei Chun had sold him out to secure the Pili Sect's support. Bai Choufei fought valiantly but was eventually overwhelmed. Just then, Lei Chun arrived on horseback and rescued him. Pursued to a bridge, they leaped into the river below to escape. Despite being unable to swim, Lei Chun followed Bai Choufei into the water. In the river, she clarified that she hadn't "sold him out" but had used him as a bargaining chip.

He accepted this, noting that she still came to his rescue. They decided to return to the Pili Sect instead of fleeing. Back at the Pili Sect, Lei Chun revealed she had released Lei Yi from the dungeon before the ambush. She confronted Lei Tian, who boasted that his men would fight to the death, ensuring mutual destruction. However, when Lei Chun directly challenged his men, their loyalty wavered, and they pledged allegiance to her one by one.

Seeing his power crumble, Lei Tian offered to serve her, but Lei Chun refused. In a ruthless display of power, she executed him—her first kill—cementing her authority. The remaining members, including a humbled Lei Yi, bowed in submission as she took the main seat, now in full control of the Pili Sect.

Episode 25 Recap

Lei Chun confessed to Bai Choufei that her arrival in River Chu was not merely to reclaim the Pili Sect's power. She revealed that to truly control Six Half Hall, she had to complete a trial for Chancellor Cai and join the Youqiao Group. With few people she could trust, she admitted to using Bai Choufei as he was the only one she could turn to.

Bai Choufei, however, stated that he helped her simply because he wanted to, and his motive would not change regardless of her intentions. Declaring his mission complete, he took his leave, noting that the Vice House Master of House of Sunset Drizzle should not be associated with the Youqiao Group. Lei Chun acknowledged this, and they parted ways, agreeing to meet again in the Capital.

Alone, Wen Rou reflected on her happy memories with Wang Xiaoshi, including a birthday where he lovingly carved figures of their friends and promised more shared moments, fondly recalling her saying, "Two people together is also a life in the martial arts world." Troubled by how drastically he had changed, she resolved that she could not let him continue down the wrong path. Just then, Yang Wuxie rushed in, explaining the gravity of the situation.

He found it suspicious that Wang Xiaoshi suddenly believed Divine Marquis Zhuge was the leader of the Youqiao Group. Yang Wuxie revealed that Zhuge had secretly returned to the Capital half a month ago, a fact their intelligence network had only just discovered. This timing, coupled with Wang Xiaoshi's sudden conviction, led Yang Wuxie to believe someone was manipulating Wang Xiaoshi into assassinating Zhuge. He urged Wen Rou that they must act quickly to stop him.

Though gravely ill, Su Mengzhen confronted Wang Xiaoshi, asking who was coercing him. Wang Xiaoshi insisted the decision was his own and that he was leaving House of Sunset Drizzle, presenting a farewell letter. In the letter, Wang Xiaoshi revealed that the true leader of the Youqiao Group was Chancellor Cai and that he intended to assassinate him, a mission from which he might not return.

He confessed he couldn't bear to say goodbye to Wen Rou for fear of her tears, and he was relieved Bai Choufei was absent, as he would have insisted on joining the perilous task. Wang Xiaoshi had also identified spies from the Youqiao Group within their ranks and asked Su Mengzhen to eliminate them after his departure to prevent leaks.

He explained his formal resignation was to protect the House, affirming that while he was no longer a member, its bonds of friendship would remain in his heart. After Wang Xiaoshi left, Su Mengzhen explained to Beichen that his strange behavior was a counter-plan against the Youqiao Group. He ordered that no one was to interfere with Wang Xiaoshi.

Despite Wang Xiaoshi’s efforts to hide his plans, Wen Rou confronted him, pulling him into a room and demanding to know why he was undertaking such a dangerous mission alone. Wang Xiaoshi explained that while many wanted the deed done, he was the only one suitable for it. Wen Rou refused to let him sacrifice himself, crying that while everyone else wanted a hero, she just wanted him to live. Her desperate pleas swayed Wang Xiaoshi, who promised to stay.

Overwhelmed with relief, Wen Rou fainted in his arms. As he held her, Wang Xiaoshi noticed the faint smell of medicine on her hand, a sign of her own desperate plan to stop him. With a heavy heart, he apologized to the unconscious Wen Rou, admitting she was his greatest weakness and that his recent coldness was a deliberate attempt to protect her.

He lamented that if he died, he hoped she would remember him, but if he survived as a fugitive, she should forget him. On his way back to the Capital, Bai Choufei once again encountered the mysterious storyteller, who warned him not to return, as a great calamity awaited him. Bai Choufei, however, was resolute, stating that one cannot escape a predestined fate and that he must return for his brothers.

The storyteller cryptically added that even if he did return, things would not be as he imagined. Meanwhile, Wang Xiaoshi was led on a series of false trails to find Divine Marquis Zhuge, with locations changing from Qinglong Temple to Qingniu Temple, and several other places. Finally, a man informed him that Fu Zongshu was luring Zhuge to Kongque Restaurant, with a smashed cup as the signal to kill.

Following a waiter's hint about a "lifetime famous dish," Wang Xiaoshi entered a private room and prepared to strike the man inside. However, Fu Zongshu intervened, revealing it was a test. Feigning anger, Wang Xiaoshi chastised Fu Zongshu for depleting his fighting spirit with the deceptions. He then demanded to meet Chancellor Cai directly after the assassination for a personal guarantee of protection, refusing to become a lifelong fugitive.

Fu Zongshu agreed, promising that he and Cai would await him at Plum Blossom Garden with the condition of verifying Zhuge's head. The man who had posed as Zhuge then confirmed he was ordered to test Wang Xiaoshi's skill and resolve.

After eliminating the spies, Su Mengzhen issued three unprecedented orders: first, to disband all branches of House of Sunset Drizzle; second, for all leaders to gather their elite forces; and third, to use the full strength of the House to escort Wang Xiaoshi safely out of the Capital. Elsewhere, Chancellor Cai received word that Wang Xiaoshi was on his way.

He plotted to capture both Wang Xiaoshi and the entirety of House of Sunset Drizzle once Zhuge's head was delivered, calling it "killing two birds with one stone." Wang Xiaoshi arrived at Qinglong Temple and was granted an audience with Divine Marquis Zhuge, whom he respectfully addressed as "Martial Uncle." Over a game of chess, they discussed the different paths of Su Mengzhen and Bai Choufei.

When asked about his own path, Wang Xiaoshi spoke of his desire for a free martial arts world, unmanipulated by those in power, and declared his goal: to kill one person to bring peace to the world. At that moment, a cook named You Shisui served a dish, mentioning the signal phrase, "a lifetime famous dish." Without hesitation, Wang Xiaoshi decapitated the cook and fled. News of his "success" was dispatched to Fu Zongshu.

Su Mengzhen, preparing his forces, reflected that Wang Xiaoshi was now the one guiding the martial arts world's future. He then rode out to wait for Wang Xiaoshi outside the city gates. Chancellor Cai, likening the world to a chessboard he controlled, received reports that Wang Xiaoshi, carrying a bloody bundle, was approaching Plum Blossom Garden while being pursued. Confident of his victory, Cai ordered an elegy to be prepared for Zhuge.

At the garden, Fu Zongshu met Wang Xiaoshi and demanded to see the head. Wang Xiaoshi refused, insisting on seeing Chancellor Cai first for his promised protection. Dropping the pretense, Fu Zongshu ordered his men to seize Wang Xiaoshi, declaring no one could save him now. Wang Xiaoshi calmly stopped them, asking, "Who said this is Divine Marquis' head?"

He tossed the bundle to Fu Zongshu, who opened it to find not Zhuge's head, but that of You Shisui, the cook. Realizing he'd been tricked, an enraged Fu Zongshu ordered his men to attack, and a fierce battle erupted.

Episode 26 Recap

Wang Xiaoshi burst into a house, not to escape the surrounding chaos, but in search of Chancellor Cai. A nearby servant, seeing this, moved to protect the Chancellor, but Fu Zongshu intervened, instructing the servant to protect him instead. Inside, Yuan Shisanxian awaited Wang Xiaoshi, declaring that escape was impossible as the world belonged to them. Recognizing the chilling phrase his mother's killer had used, Wang Xiaoshi realized who he was facing.

He accused Yuan Shisanxian of assisting tyrants, but the latter, acknowledging their shared sect, offered to spare Wang Xiaoshi if he surrendered. Wang Xiaoshi refused, vowing he would not stop until Chancellor Cai was dead. Their intense battle began, with no one daring to interfere. Eventually, Wang Xiaoshi was thrown from the house, landing before Fu Zongshu, who was watching with amusement and proceeded to taunt him.

Enraged, Wang Xiaoshi flicked a chess piece with deadly accuracy, striking Fu Zongshu in the forehead and killing him instantly. Outnumbered and wounded by Yuan Shisanxian's arrow, Wang Xiaoshi was forced to retreat. Finding the city gates shut and the Ministry of Justice surrounding him, he offered to surrender to prevent further bloodshed. Just as he was about to be captured, members of the House of Sunset Drizzle, led by Shi Wukui, intervened.

They had horses waiting outside the city to secure his escape, assuring him that his two sworn brothers were waiting at Kushuipu. At Kushuipu, Su Mengzhen and the newly returned Bai Choufei waited. Su Mengzhen revealed his plan to step down from his duties for a time, entrusting Bai Choufei with managing the House. He warned Bai Choufei, who would be acting House Master, to rule with righteousness and not to kill indiscriminately, lest he turn friends into enemies.

Bai Choufei retorted that he only needed brothers, not friends. He correctly deduced Su Mengzhen's true plan: to send Wang Xiaoshi away and then take sole responsibility for the assassination of a high official. Bai Choufei strongly objected, but Su Mengzhen, as the current House Master, insisted the responsibility was his to bear. Wang Xiaoshi soon arrived, regretting that his actions had endangered the House.

Su Mengzhen and Bai Choufei reassured him, explaining that the Divine Marquis had already visited and promised to help clear his name, leveraging his status against the Youqiao Group. They stressed the urgency of his departure. Before he left, several House members who helped in the rescue pledged to follow Wang Xiaoshi on his journey. Afterward, the three men formalized their bond, taking an oath to be sworn brothers and entrusting their lives to one another.

Su Mengzhen urged Wang Xiaoshi to leave quickly and promised to look after Wen Rou. As he prepared to leave at dawn, Wang Xiaoshi was surprised to find Wen Rou waiting for him. She immediately began giving him instructions for their journey to Luoyang, telling him they would have to avoid the main roads and that she would handle acquiring supplies.

Though admitting she was unused to a hard life, she promised to learn survival skills like gathering firewood and pitching tents. She playfully warned him to be patient with her, or she would withhold his rations. Amused, Wang Xiaoshi embraced her, apologizing for the hardships she would face. Later, he began teaching her survival skills, such as how to read the moon for weather and where to set up camp.

When she worried about being separated, he promised to never leave her side. That morning, over a thousand court officers surrounded the House of Sunset Drizzle. Su Mengzhen prepared to take full responsibility. However, Bai Choufei intervened, publicly announcing his intention, as Vice House Master, to depose Su Mengzhen for incompetence, arguing that his poor leadership had allowed Wang Xiaoshi to assassinate a court official and endanger the entire House.

Understanding this was a ploy to protect Su Mengzhen, other high-ranking members voiced their agreement. Su Mengzhen protested, but Bai Choufei insisted, echoing Su Mengzhen's own words that sometimes a wrong choice must be made to achieve the right outcome. Presenting himself as the new House Master, Bai Choufei was shocked to find the official in charge was Lei Chun. It was revealed that after successfully managing the Six Half Hall, she had been made Chancellor Cai's foster daughter.

She advised Bai Choufei not to take the fall, but he insisted he had taken over from the terminally ill Su Mengzhen long ago and that all actions, including the assassination, were his command. Lei Chun ordered his arrest. She then confronted Su Mengzhen alone, revealing her bitter resentment over her father's death. Su Mengzhen offered to take Bai Choufei's place in the dungeons, but Lei Chun coldly refused.

She wanted him to suffer by watching his House be dismantled and his brother tortured. She taunted him for being unable to kill his enemy or save his brother, declaring this was a pain they would now share. Meanwhile, Fang Yingkan aggressively petitioned Chancellor Cai for more power, arguing he was more capable than the deceased Lei Sun and Fu Zongshu. Cai, viewing the martial world as a business, granted him Fu Zongshu's former position.

Later, Cai questioned Lei Chun's decision to only arrest Bai Choufei. Lei Chun explained that arresting the deeply-rooted but terminally ill Su Mengzhen would have caused a bloody, pointless war. In contrast, Bai Choufei was ambitious, resentful of his powerless position, and could be molded into a useful tool to eventually dismantle the House from within. Convinced, Cai agreed to let Bai Choufei languish in prison for a while before meeting him. He then introduced Fang Yingkan to Lei Chun.

Fang Yingkan, acting subserviently, mentioned his mission to assassinate Official Liu Anshi in the North and his plan to capture Wang Xiaoshi along the way to further prove his worth to the Chancellor.

Episode 27 Recap

Wanted posters for Wang Xiaoshi are spread across the martial arts world, with many seeking to capture him for the rewards. One day, Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou were at a tea stall when they were recognized by officers. Two men, Fang Henshao and Tang Baoniu, initially approached, claiming to be there to assist the officers in capturing Wang Xiaoshi, whom they outwardly praised for killing the corrupted official Fu Zongshu.

They offered to share the rewards with the officers in exchange for their help. As Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou attempted to leave discreetly, they were stopped. Wang Xiaoshi defiantly revealed himself. Unexpectedly, Fang Henshao and Tang Baoniu turned on the officers and killed them. They then introduced themselves to Wang Xiaoshi, expressing their admiration for his heroic act. Wang Xiaoshi thanked them, and he and Wen Rou continued on their journey.

Upon reaching Tianshan Town, Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou stopped to rest and buy provisions. As they ate at a noodle stall, they were approached by a group of constables. The lead constable, recognizing he was outmatched, stated he was only there to apprehend Wang Xiaoshi and that Wen Rou was free to leave. Infuriated, Wen Rou slammed the table, vowing to stand by Wang Xiaoshi. Knowing she would not abandon him, Wang Xiaoshi prepared to fight.

He declared that Wen Rou was his woman and that he had sworn to protect her forever. He proposed a deal to the lead constable: if the constable sought to arrest him, he must not involve Wen Rou; in turn, if Wang Xiaoshi were to kill the constable, he would not harm the constable’s men. Impressed by Wang Xiaoshi’s courage, the constable agreed to a one-on-one duel.

Wen Rou clutched Wang Xiaoshi's arm, fearing for his safety, but he gently moved her hand, reassuring her. The duel began, and before anyone could react, Wang Xiaoshi struck the constable. The injured constable accepted his defeat and allowed Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou to depart. Afterward, Wang Xiaoshi explained to Wen Rou that the constable had deliberately allowed himself to be injured.

He reasoned that as an imperial officer, the constable would face severe consequences if he returned to report empty-handed, especially since many heroes admired Wang Xiaoshi for killing Fu Zongshu. Just then, a noise came from outside. Wang Xiaoshi went to investigate and found the same constable from earlier. The constable revealed himself to be Nine-Manifestations Dragon, Qi Shaoshang, who was perfectly fine.

Qi Shaoshang explained that the Divine Marquis had sent him to guide Wang Xiaoshi, as Iron Fist had resigned from his position as one of the Four Great Constables, and he was temporarily filling in. Qi Shaoshang advised Wang Xiaoshi to head north towards the border, specifically to a place called Baimao Stronghold, where friends could help him cross. He warned that the journey would be long but emphasized that many people with noble aspirations were concerned for him.

Wang Xiaoshi inquired about Su Mengzhen, and Qi Shaoshang assured him that Su Mengzhen and the Divine Marquis were working together in the capital. Meanwhile, after Fu Zongshu’s death, his two former followers, Ren Lao and Ren Yuan, remained in the Ministry of Justice’s dungeon. When Bai Choufei was brought in, he was subjected to their torment.

Bai Choufei was bound to a bed as Ren Lao and Ren Yuan wet sheets of paper and plastered them onto his face, one after another, in a torture method known as "Tie Jia Guan". Bai Choufei struggled to breathe but refused to cry out. Just as he neared suffocation, the paper was removed, revealing Chancellor Cai. Seeing that Bai Choufei would not yield, Chancellor Cai ordered his men to administer a pill.

Shortly after taking it, Bai Choufei became disoriented. In his hallucinatory state, he saw a vision of Wang Xiaoshi, lifeless and hanging from a tree, which caused him to scream in anguish. Chancellor Cai was prepared to have Bai Choufei killed, but to his surprise, Bai Choufei suddenly awoke and violently killed Ren Lao and Ren Yuan. This unexpected defiance piqued Chancellor Cai’s interest.

Mo, Lei Chun's maid, witnessed Bai Choufei’s miserable state in the dungeon and felt a pang of heartache. However, Lei Chun sharply slapped her, angrily asking if the suffering of her father and the Six and a Half Hall was not worse. Following Lei Chun’s instructions, Mo went to the House of Sunset Drizzle to see Su Mengzhen, informing him of Bai Choufei’s dire condition.

She revealed that Bai Choufei was being fed raw meat and muddy water, forced to consume the Heart Devouring Pill, and was now a shell of his former self. Mo added that Lei Chun was pleased to see them suffer. Su Mengzhen, already unwell, was consumed by rage and collapsed upon hearing the news. Following Chancellor Cai's orders, torturers forced another Heart Devouring Pill down Bai Choufei's throat.

In his renewed hallucination, Bai Choufei saw Lei Chun, a faint smile touching his lips. But as he tried to approach her, the image of Su Mengzhen appeared. The vision of Lei Chun and Su Mengzhen kissing haunted his mind, causing him immense pain and leading him to collapse. Meanwhile, as Su Mengzhen began to recover, he expressed shame for being unable to help Bai Choufei. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he decided he had to act and instructed his assistant to arrange a meeting with Lei Chun, hoping to rescue Bai Choufei.

Episode 28 Recap

Seeking to save Bai Choufei, Su Mengzhen met with Lei Chun for assistance. Lei Chun, however, coldly dismissed his pleas, recalling how she had informed him of Bai Choufei’s suffering in the dungeon the previous night. She asserted that his brothers' fates were not her concern, as she no longer had any ties with him.

Despite her bitterness, she proposed a deal: she would help save Bai Choufei if Su Mengzhen gave her everything her father had once desired from the House of Sunset Drizzle, warning him that accepting would turn him into the very person he despised. Su Mengzhen readily agreed. Declaring their past love and hatred settled, Lei Chun attempted to harm herself, but Su Mengzhen intervened, injuring his own hand to stop her.

Overwhelmed by a mix of love and hatred, she unleashed her pent-up fury, blaming him for destroying all their hope. As he held her and apologized, she pushed him away, only to watch in shock as he suddenly collapsed, coughing up blood. Alarmed by his condition, Lei Chun had him swiftly transported back to the House of Sunset Drizzle, instructing his men to prepare specific herbs and ensure he was cared for.

Di Feijing later visited the recovering Su Mengzhen, remarking that he would rather Lei Chun had stabbed him if it could ease her hatred. At Six Half Hall, Di Feijing found Lei Chun drinking alone. When he asked what she found most challenging about her new position, she responded "hatred," explaining it was her sole purpose to avenge her father. Di Feijing offered to shoulder her burdens, promising to kill anyone she wished and protect her for life.

However, Lei Chun rejected his offer, stating that no one could be protected forever and that she couldn't abandon her hatred, as it was her only recourse if she were ever truly cornered. The conversation reminded Di Feijing of when he had asked Wang Xiaoshi about the attack on Lei Chun and Wen Rou; Wang Xiaoshi had described fighting a white-masked man, noting that the assailant's aura felt strangely familiar.

Inside the dungeon, Bai Choufei was joined by a new cellmate, an old man named Bai Gaotang. The man expressed surprise that Bai Choufei claimed to have entered the infamous dungeon—a place easy to enter but impossible to leave—willingly. Bai Gaotang, sharing Bai's surname, launched into a monologue about his own past ambitions, lamenting that despite achieving some fame and fortune, it all vanished with age, leaving him only with the drive to attempt one last grand feat.

Outside, Ren Lao and Ren Yuan observed them, commenting on how even highly skilled martial artists react strangely after consuming certain medicine. Zhu Xiaoyao met with Su Mengzhen, reporting that Six Half Hall's power had significantly revived. With Lei Chun leading, now recognized as Chancellor Cai's foster daughter and backed by the Pili Sect, the faction had become exceedingly active.

Many of the House of Sunset Drizzle's hidden branches had been exposed and attacked, proving Lei Chun to be even more ruthless than her father. Su Mengzhen ordered his forces to yield any territory or business Six Half Hall desired, declaring that their sole priority was to rescue Bai Choufei. He then proposed a bold plan to fake a death to secure freedom. Zhu Xiaoyao, insisting she was still his friend, immediately volunteered for the dangerous mission.

Chancellor Cai personally visited Bai Choufei in the dungeon. Over a simple meal, he challenged Bai Choufei’s perception of his "brothers" as peers. Cai Jing asserted that Su Mengzhen's status stemmed from his family's generations of influence and his father's founding of the House of Sunset Drizzle. Similarly, Lei Sun had the long-standing support of the powerful Pili Sect, and Wang Xiaoshi came from a distinguished lineage of mentors.

Cai argued that reaching the pinnacle of the martial world required the immense, accumulated power of influential families, which formed the very "veins and arteries" of the jianghu. He belittled Bai Choufei as a lone wanderer whose lofty ambitions were doomed by his lack of such backing. Struck by his words, Bai Choufei asked about Cai's own origins.

Cai Jing revealed he was born in an impoverished village in Fujian, marked by blooming camellia trees, and spoke of his own frustrated ambitions, having been forced to bide his time in obscurity. Meanwhile, Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou made camp in a forest. Wen Rou showed him rosin, explaining its use as a powder to deter wild beasts. Their peace was shattered when Wang Xiaoshi detected pursuers.

Though he tried to create a diversion for her escape, Wen Rou refused to leave him. Fang Yingkan soon arrived with his men, dismissing them to face Wang Xiaoshi alone. He maliciously informed Wang Xiaoshi that Su Mengzhen's health was failing and Bai Choufei was now in Chancellor Cai's custody, adding that he and Lei Chun had personally recommended Bai Choufei to the Chancellor, ensuring his suffering would intensify.

Enraged, Wang Xiaoshi realized Fang Yingkan was the masked man who had attacked them before, accusing him of being the assailant from Pobanmen. Fang Yingkan confirmed they had met on more than one occasion. With a chilling promise to look after Wen Rou, he then forcefully pushed Wang Xiaoshi off a cliff, declaring that someone was waiting for him in the underworld.

Episode 29 Recap

Following Wang Xiaoshi’s fall, Lei Chun confirmed his death with Chancellor Cai, who had received the news from Fang Yingkan via pigeon messenger the day prior. Lei Chun feigned surprise at the outcome, questioning how Fang Yingkan, who had never publicly displayed his skills, could defeat the formidable Wang Xiaoshi. Chancellor Cai explained that Fang Yingkan was a master of deception, a hidden expert whose martial arts could even rival Su Mengzhen's.

When asked if she was saddened by the loss of a former friend, Lei Chun coldly stated that her past was irrelevant since she chose to follow Cai. She was no longer friends with Wang Xiaoshi and felt no grief, only contemplating how to use the news to inflict pain on others. Chancellor Cai then visited Bai Choufei in prison, presenting his official seal and offering control over the martial arts world in exchange for Bai Choufei's allegiance.

Bai Choufei defiantly claimed he would seize what he desired on his own, but Cai reminded him of his powerlessness as a prisoner with nothing to his name. In response, Bai Choufei explained that while he never cared much for righteousness, meeting his brother in Xiliu had changed him, inspiring him to live with dignity. He declared that as long as his brother was alive, he was not truly without possessions.

Seizing on this, Cai revealed that this brother was Wang Xiaoshi and that he was now dead, leaving Bai Choufei utterly alone. The news shattered Bai Choufei, who broke down in tears, overwhelmed by memories of his friend. Meanwhile, the Divine Marquis sent a detailed map of the Ministry of Justice's dungeon to the Golden Wind and Drizzle Tower, allowing them to finalize their rescue plan for Bai Choufei.

The strategy was to substitute Bai Choufei with a corpse and set a fire, creating the illusion that he had perished during a chaotic jailbreak. Zhu Xiaoyao was assigned to lead the mission, assisted by Long Xiaoqing and Mo Beichen. However, the mission was soon overshadowed by the news of Wang Xiaoshi's death, which brought immense sorrow. Although the strategist Yang Wuxie tried to keep the news from Su Mengzhen, Su revealed he had already known since the previous night.

Deeply saddened, Su Mengzhen resolved to expedite Bai Choufei's rescue, believing it was what Wang Xiaoshi would have wanted. He recalled Bai Choufei's promise to his elders that he now had friends to care for him, reaffirming his commitment to their bond and hoping for their eventual reunion. Concurrently, Fang Yingkan held Wen Rou captive, callously informing her that Wang Xiaoshi had fallen into a ravine.

He recounted pushing someone into a similar cave at age twelve and waiting for three days to ensure they never returned, underscoring his cruelty. Though filled with grief and rage, Wen Rou forced herself to eat. That night, she attempted to escape but was caught by Fang Yingkan. Underestimating him as a mere playboy, she challenged him to a duel, promising to submit if she lost and demanding her freedom if she won.

Fang Yingkan accepted and revealed his formidable martial prowess, quickly defeating her. Wen Rou refused to yield and, remembering Wang Xiaoshi’s survival tips, threw rosin into the campfire. The resulting burst of flames provided enough cover for her to escape, though she was injured in the process. Genuinely concerned for her safety, Fang Yingkan immediately organized a search.

Following Wang Xiaoshi's advice on navigation, Wen Rou found her way back to the river, located her belongings, and used fabric to bandage her wound. The sight of Wang Xiaoshi's carving on a tree brought her to tears, but she refused to accept his death. She dragged her injured body back to the cliff where he had fallen, desperate for any sign of him. Deep within the valley, Wang Xiaoshi regained consciousness.

He saw the sheer cliffs and, upon discovering a skeleton, feared there was no exit. That night, he rested by a campfire and dreamed of an elder practicing swordplay. He awoke to find the surroundings identical to his dream, just as Wen Rou's voice echoed from above. Unable to climb out, Wang Xiaoshi reassured her and urged her to rest. Separated by the chasm but connected by the valley's acoustics, they spoke under the stars. Wen Rou confessed her love for him, and he reciprocated, promising to show her countless starry skies and to always stay by her side until they grew old together.

Episode 30 Recap

Despite her grave injuries, Wen Rou forces herself to stay awake, determined to save Wang Xiaoshi. She uses what strength she has left to tear strips from her tent, fashioning them into a makeshift rope, which she then throws down the cliff face. Below, Xiaoshi, drawing on a newfound understanding of swordplay gained from his dreams, discovers the rope and climbs up. He finds Wen Rou unconscious and urgently tries to rouse her, reassuring her that everything will be alright.

Meanwhile, Fang Yingkan arrives at the cliff top. Upon seeing the rope, he realizes that Wen Rou survived, confirming that Xiaoshi must also be alive. He then descends into the valley, intent on confronting a deceased figure. Deep within the valley, Fang Yingkan finds the skeletal remains of his father, the legendary Fang Geyin. He confronts the bones, pouring out years of resentment.

He bitterly accuses Fang Geyin of foolishly provoking powerful adversaries, questioning why he should have been forced to die for his father's actions. Fang Yingkan reveals his deep-seated bitterness, lamenting that Fang Geyin would have given everything—his martial arts prowess, the Fang family's esteemed reputation, and even the Blood River Sword—to his biological son, while Fang Yingkan himself was merely something worthless picked up from the street.

Overwhelmed by emotion, he contemplates destroying the bones but ultimately cannot bring himself to do it. His sword clatters to the ground, and he kneels, bowing his head in a complex gesture of respect and anger. As he rises, his expression hardens, and he vows to kill Fang Geyin's biological son, asserting that he will not falter from this path. Wang Xiaoshi carries the ailing Wen Rou northward, stumbling into a desolate, snow-covered landscape where the blizzard rages fiercely.

He desperately tries to build a fire for warmth, but the wind extinguishes his efforts. Seeing Wen Rou growing paler and weaker, he wraps his own coat around her and holds her tightly, attempting to share his body heat. Wen Rou, in a moment of lucidity, tells him she is not cold with him by her side. Xiaoshi reassures her, promising that they will face any challenge together and create many more cherished memories.

He describes the delicious food, warm charcoals, and kumis they will find in a town nearby, urging her to hold on. Wen Rou expresses fear that it might be too late, but Xiaoshi insists it is not, promising to carry her to safety once the snow lessens. They remain in a tight embrace as darkness falls. In his semi-conscious state, Wang Xiaoshi is surprised to find his master, Recluse Tianyi, by his side.

Tianyi, accompanied by a man named Big Beard and his companions, quickly brings them to a safe haven in a nearby town. Tianyi immediately begins tending to Wen Rou, explaining that she suffered blade cuts and her condition worsened due to exposure to the severe cold, making her critically ill. He assures Xiaoshi that he has administered all available medicine and will remain by her side, vowing not to let her perish.

Big Beard offers Xiaoshi ginger tea and encourages him to rest. Recluse Tianyi then reveals that he is there on a critical mission from Xiaoshi's Martial Uncle Zhuge: to meet and escort Official Liu Anshi, who is expected to arrive within days.

Xiaoshi dimly recalls the name, and Tianyi confirms that Su Mengzhen was the one who initially escorted Official Liu Anshi out of the pass, not only to escape the Youqiao Group's pursuit but, more importantly, to acquire crucial evidence that could potentially bring down Chancellor Cai. Xiaoshi expresses doubt that any evidence could truly challenge Chancellor Cai's immense power.

Recluse Tianyi then recounts the story of Fang Geyin, a highly respected hero of the martial arts world from many years ago. When the Liao people invaded, Fang Geyin rallied people with noble aspirations to form a militia, marching north to resist the invaders and achieving numerous victories. However, their success disrupted Chancellor Cai's lucrative weapons trade. In response, Chancellor Cai secretly issued a dispatch order, sending an army to ambush and annihilate Fang Geyin's militia.

Though he attempted to ensure no one survived, one soldier from the dispatched army escaped with the vital dispatch order. Tianyi explains that after extensive searching, they traced this survivor to Liao, believing he still possesses the document. He emphasizes that this dispatch order, bearing Chancellor Cai's official seal, is the irrefutable evidence needed to expose his crimes. Tianyi concludes that overthrowing Chancellor Cai is the only way to clear Xiaoshi's name and end their lives as fugitives.

In his prison cell, Bai Choufei falls into a troubled sleep, dreaming of Wang Xiaoshi bidding him farewell. He awakens to the presence of his new cellmate, Bai Gaotang, an elderly man who recounts stories that eerily parallel Bai Choufei's own experiences with Xiaoshi. Bai Gaotang points to an inscription on the cell wall: "It's fine if I can't make a sound. But when I do, I'll make the loudest noise. It's fine if I can't fly.

But when I do, I'll soar to the highest." He claims he and his brother carved these words, the very words Bai Choufei himself had carved with Xiaoshi. Bai Gaotang lectures Bai Choufei, dismissing "resolve" as mere self-consolation and asserting that life is too short to die for meaningless principles. He urges Bai Choufei to seize any opportunity for success, regardless of morality, to gain power so his own words will become "justice itself."

Bai Gaotang's form becomes distorted, and he reveals his name was once Bai Choufei, a name he chose because he "worried for the land and its future." This causes Bai Choufei to realize that Bai Gaotang is a hallucination, a reflection of his own burgeoning ambition. Following this realization, his thoughts turn towards a ruthless pursuit of money and power. Shortly thereafter, Chancellor Cai arrives and offers Bai Choufei a partnership, which he accepts.

Under the cloak of night, the rescue operation for Bai Choufei commences. Before the mission, Zhu Xiaoyao is cautioned about the inherent dangers, but she is determined to fulfill what she believes would have been Wang Xiaoshi's wish to save Bai Choufei. Following the plan, she leads her comrades in an attempt to breach the Ministry of Justice's dungeon.

However, upon infiltrating the prison, they are horrified to discover Bai Choufei not only unharmed but actively leading a group of new allies. They confront him, branding him a traitor who betrayed their trust. Bai Choufei dismisses their accusations, telling them their words will soon be unheard. He then brutally stabs a House of Fine Rain brother, unequivocally sealing his betrayal.

Episode 31 Recap

News reached Su Mengzhen that the men he sent to rescue Bai Choufei had all been killed, and Bai Choufei himself had betrayed them. Despite the shock, Su Mengzhen suppressed his emotions and prepared to meet Bai Choufei. He had considered countless possibilities for their reunion, but he was devastated that Bai Choufei would turn against the brothers who had faced life and death with him.

At the tavern, Bai Choufei acknowledged Su Mengzhen's loyalty in trying to rescue him while the House of Sunset Drizzle was under pressure and Su Mengzhen himself was gravely ill. However, Bai Choufei then revealed he had personally killed Long Xiaoqing and Mo Beichen, though Zhu Xiaoyao was still alive. Bai Choufei declared he was no longer the man Su Mengzhen once knew.

He scoffed at Su Mengzhen's perceived superiority, stating that the days when he needed Su Mengzhen's help were over. Recalling how Lei Mei had first brought him to that very tavern and told him he wasn't worthy to sit there, Bai Choufei asserted his new status through his alliance with the Youqiao Group. He declared that only one person could rule the martial arts world, and that person would be him.

When Su Mengzhen questioned his alliance with Chancellor Cai, Bai Choufei defiantly stated that this path would grant him everything he desired. He then bluntly told Su Mengzhen that they were fundamentally different and their brotherhood existed only because of Little Rock. With Little Rock gone, there was no longer any reason to maintain their ties. Bai Choufei consumed a drink, symbolically severing their bond, and warned that in the future, when their blades clashed, no mercy should be shown.

Although Bai Choufei had proclaimed their ties severed, he revealed his cunning to Lei Mei, explaining that telling Su Mengzhen about Zhu Xiaoyao was a "mental attack." He intended for Su Mengzhen, in his weakened state, to see Zhu Xiaoyao's pathetic condition, hoping the shock might kill him. When asked if she would still choose him, Lei Mei affirmed her unwavering loyalty.

Later, Ren Lao and Ren Yuan were seen dragging Zhu Xiaoyao, wrapped in rags, through an alley where beggars gathered. Her face was disfigured and her eyes hollow. Just as the beggars approached her with malicious intent, Su Mengzhen swiftly intervened, striking them down and taking Zhu Xiaoyao away. Afterward, witnessing Bai Choufei's methods, Ren Lao remarked to Ren Yuan that Bai Choufei was more ruthless than them, aiming not just to kill but to utterly debase a once-noble woman.

Bai Choufei, now a figure of status under Chancellor Cai, ordered Ren Lao and Ren Yuan to have a new knife forged for him, identical to his old one but without the bloodstains of his former brothers, which he found inauspicious. Meanwhile, Little Rock, who had never prayed before, fervently wished for Wen Rou's safety, promising to sacrifice his own life if she could survive. His prayers were answered when Wen Rou finally awoke.

As she recovered, she praised the kindness of those who cared for her, playfully commenting that with all the food she was being given, she was about to become as round as a lantern. Little Rock tenderly assured her he would love her even if she did. Everyone celebrated her recovery, and Recluse Tianyi expressed his delight in his "silly disciple's" good fortune.

He worried that Little Rock's dull personality might anger Wen Rou, but she dispelled his concerns, affirming that despite Little Rock's flaws, his sincerity and unwavering resolve to help the weak were rare and precious qualities. To her, he was his best self. Moved, Recluse Tianyi emphasized that a wholehearted person was the rarest treasure.

He advised Little Rock to take care of Wen Rou, as they would have to wander the lands while he awaited evidence to bring down Chancellor Cai. Later, Bai Choufei visited Cha Hua's old yard, where everything felt desolate. For a fleeting moment, a vision of Little Rock appeared, happily calling out, "Da Bai, you're back," bringing a smile to Bai Choufei's face. But as he reached out, the vision vanished, leaving him with an empty hand and heart.

Back in his chambers, Bai Choufei drank alone, confessing his regret for killing his brothers and breaking their vow. He reflected that Little Rock and Wen Rou had been like a lamp in his heart, guiding him. But with Little Rock dead, that lamp was extinguished. He declared his intention to bid farewell to his past, holding no regret for his choices.

From that day forward, he vowed to become his true self, proclaiming, "I would rather die speaking out than survive in silence." Little Rock, meanwhile, practiced a new set of swift, fierce sword skills unknown to Recluse Tianyi. He explained that he had learned them in a strange dream after falling into a sinkhole. In the dream, he was a child again, being taught the movements by a mysterious figure.

Recognizing the style, Tianyi revealed the truth: twenty years ago, Thirteen Doom and the full force of the Youqiao Group had assassinated Little Rock's father. His mother was killed while helping him escape, but his father's fate remained unknown. Tianyi disclosed that his father was the legendary hero Fang Geyin, and the sword skills were Fang Geyin's creation, the Blood River Sword Skill.

Later, while making offerings to his father, Little Rock met a young boy also mourning his own father. The boy’s cherished memories made Little Rock lament not having any of his own. He confessed that he had wandered without a guiding "lamp" for years, but knowing who his father was gave him a sense of direction. With the truth about his father's murder revealed, Little Rock was determined to seek justice.

He told Wen Rou that Recluse Tianyi was awaiting an official named Liu Anshi, who possessed evidence against Chancellor Cai related to the assassination. Before he could finish, Wen Rou assured him she understood and declared her unwavering support. She acknowledged their shared dream of a peaceful life but recognized that his duty came first. Little Rock thanked her, but Wen Rou affirmed that whether their days were blissful or fraught with danger, she would be by his side. "

Wherever you go, I'll follow," she promised. Elsewhere, Bai Choufei arrived at the Six and a Half Hall. Lei Chun expressed conflicted feelings, saying she once wanted him to join but now wished he would not enter. Bai Choufei entered defiantly. Lei Chun offered a congratulatory toast, acknowledging that her foster father now considered him part of the Youqiao Group.

Bai Choufei reflected on his past feelings of inferiority but asserted that he now finally felt worthy of their friendship, wielding the power to make his ambitions reality. Lei Chun then proposed they join forces to make the Hall the sole dominant power in the martial arts world. Bai Choufei readily agreed, but Lei Chun concluded with a stern reminder: regardless of his ambition, the Six and a Half Hall would always belong to the Lei family.

Episode 32 Recap

Following his betrayal, Bai Choufei meets with Chancellor Cai, acknowledging that his new, ruthless demeanor is a result of the Chancellor's influence. He reminds Cai of the promise made during his imprisonment. Cai, confirming he rewards loyalty, offers Bai Choufei control of the House of Sunset Drizzle, Six Half Hall, or even Fang Yingkan's position. Bai Choufei dismisses these, stating his true desire is to marry Lei Chun, an obsession he has held for a long time.

Lei Chun intervenes, calling the proposal inappropriate and warning that Bai Choufei's ambition makes him a future threat. Bai Choufei tries to persuade her by vowing to help her strengthen Six Half Hall. Seeing through his words, Lei Chun accuses him of wanting to marry her only to legitimize his control and become untouchable. Chancellor Cai ends the argument, approving the marriage.

He tells Lei Chun that a husband like Bai Choufei can handle matters she, as a woman, cannot, and that Bai Choufei's desires make him easy to control. Later, Cai’s aide expresses concern over Bai Choufei’s ambition, but Cai dismisses it, confident that Bai Choufei’s treacherous nature prevents him from ever gaining true power in the martial world.

Bai Choufei later confronts Lei Chun, professing that his love for her is genuine and not a ploy to seize Six Half Hall. Lei Chun coldly retorts that their past accounts are settled and calls him despicable for forcing the marriage, knowing she cannot defy Chancellor Cai. She declares she feels neither love nor hatred for him. Bai Choufei taunts her about the now-crippled Su Mengzhen, grabbing her and asserting that she is his, regardless of her feelings.

Meanwhile, Little Rock's master, Recluse Tianyi, urges him and Wen Rou to leave before heavy snow blocks their path. Before departing, Little Rock takes Wen Rou to a local prayer site. Recalling their conversation about watching the stars together, he confesses how terrified he was of losing her, even offering his own life to the gods in exchange for hers. Overcome with emotion, he declares he no longer wants to wait and proposes. With tears of joy, Wen Rou accepts.

Two weddings unfold in stark contrast. In the capital, fireworks light up the sky for Lei Chun and Bai Choufei's grand but somber wedding. At the banquet, Bai Choufei toasts Chancellor Cai, who reminds him of their agreement. Bai Choufei then taunts Lei Chun about Su Mengzhen's presumed heartbreak, but she calls him pitiful, stating he has already lost everything that truly matters. Angered, he forces her to drink with him.

Later, at the family's ancestral tablets, Lei Chun is found by Di Feijing. He urges her to flee the loveless marriage, but she kneels and begs him to leave Six Half Hall instead, fearing his loyalty would lead him to kill Bai Choufei, dooming them all. Acknowledging her duty as Chief Elder to endure and protect her family, Di Feijing tearfully agrees to leave.

As he departs, a subordinate informs him that it was Fang Yingkan who attacked Lei Chun and Wen Rou, and that Fang has now taken troops north. With a new purpose, Di Feijing begins his journey. In a remote outpost, Little Rock and Wen Rou’s humble wedding is filled with genuine joy. An old woman prepares Wen Rou, who is saddened by her father's absence.

Recluse Tianyi arrives, offering to act as her father figure, having raised Little Rock like a son. Wen Rou happily accepts, and they share stories of Little Rock's childhood. After Little Rock tells Wen Rou how beautiful she is, the couple completes their simple ceremony, bowing to heaven and earth, to their elder, and to each other, sealing their union.

On their wedding night, Lei Chun is alone, holding a pendant and recalling a past conversation with Su Mengzhen, who had promised a wedding witnessed by the stars. Bai Choufei enters and, enraged to find her thinking of Su Mengzhen, fiercely declares she is his woman. Lei Chun defies him, stating she will never truly belong to him.

In a fit of fury, Bai Choufei seizes her by the neck and smashes the pendant, a symbol of her bond with Su Mengzhen. Far away, as if sensing the act, Su Mengzhen clutches his chest and coughs up blood.

Episode 33 Recap

Following their wedding ceremony, Wang Xiaoshi gently lifted Wen Rou's red veil. He was captivated by her beauty, comparing her features to the serene landscapes he cherished: her eyes shone like stars in the wilderness, her eyebrows resembled distant dark mountains, her nose was like a crescent moon, and her lips mirrored the evening's sunset glow.

Amidst the flickering candlelight, they lay facing each other, envisioning a future together in a place where they could wake to such beautiful sights every day. Wang Xiaoshi, holding Wen Rou, was certain they would find a place to live together for the rest of their lives. Meanwhile, Bai Choufei, clad in his red wedding attire, sat disconsolately in a decorated room, drinking alone.

Lei Mei entered and tried to comfort him, explaining that once a woman gives her heart to someone, no one else can compare. She confessed that this was also true for her; she had fallen for someone and wished to give herself completely to him. As she began to unfasten her belt, her eyes welled with tears, betraying her sorrow.

Observing this, Bai Choufei picked up her outer garment and gently draped it over her shoulders, telling her that as people who both came from tainted origins, there was no need for them to debase one another. In the cold, empty hall of House of Sunset Drizzle, Su Mengzhen sat alone, imagining his own wedding to Lei Chun taking place there, after which he would have taken her to the House's highest point to gaze at the stars.

He asked his advisor, Yang Wuxie, about Bai Choufei and Lei Chun's wedding. Yang Wuxie reported that Chancellor Cai's gifts were extravagant enough to buy half the capital, including a rare Jade Ruyi from the Eastern Han Dynasty. In stark contrast, Bai Choufei had only given Lei Chun ordinary tokens like earrings and rings. Hearing this, Su Mengzhen concluded that Bai Choufei was indeed inferior to him. Anticipating their visit, Su Mengzhen waited for Bai Choufei and Lei Chun.

Upon their arrival, Bai Choufei asserted his new authority as House Master when a defiant keeper, Shi Wukui, tried to block his path. Yang Wuxie intervened, allowing them to enter as per Su Mengzhen’s orders. Inside, Bai Choufei cruelly forced Lei Chun to serve tea to Su Mengzhen, citing it as a basic courtesy to an elder brother. He then presented a gift, compelling Lei Chun to claim they had chosen it together.

When Su Mengzhen opened it, he found the shattered pendant that once connected him to Lei Chun, now crudely pieced back together. Shocked by Bai’s cruelty, Lei Chun glared at him. Su Mengzhen, masking his pain, accepted the gift, remarking that he liked it because it was "round and complete."

Before Bai Choufei departed with Lei Chun, Su Mengzhen offered him some advice, stating that life's hurdles are self-imposed and that as a married man, Bai should solve his own inner conflicts without involving others. Bai Choufei acknowledged the words. Outside, he saw Lei Chun's tear-streaked face and initially assumed she was worried about him, but quickly realized her tears were out of fear that he might kill Su Mengzhen. He coldly told her it was not yet time.

Later, Yang Wuxie reported that Bai Choufei, backed by the Youqiao Group, had raised a formidable force of suicide warriors known as "Case 108." Many of the House's hidden branches had been discovered and destroyed, with any dissenters being imprisoned by the Ministry of Justice. Shi Wukui declared his intention to kill Bai Choufei, but Su Mengzhen stopped him.

He reminded his followers that they were his friends, not his disposable soldiers, and that he wanted them to live for themselves. He explained their strategy was to wait for a turning point and for a specific person, revealing to everyone's astonishment that Wang Xiaoshi was still alive. Meanwhile, Wang Xiaoshi, who had delayed his departure with Wen Rou to ensure Official Liu's safe return, went with Big Beard to deliver supplies to a sentry post.

They found it eerily silent and discovered the guards had all been killed by arrows. Wang Xiaoshi identified the projectiles as the work of his highly skilled martial uncle, Yuan Shisanxian (Thirteen Doom), and noted numerous horse tracks indicating a large attacking force. He instructed Big Beard to warn the other sentry posts and Official Liu, while he rushed back to Baimao Stronghold to inform his master, Tianyi Jushi. Elsewhere, Fang Yingkan's men were scouring villages for Liu Anshi.

Thirteen Doom appeared and confirmed he had attacked the sentry post. He revealed that Liu Anshi was being assisted by Wang Xiaoshi’s martial brother, Xu Xiaoyi, and their base was Baimao Stronghold. Thirteen Doom offered Fang Yingkan the credit for capturing Liu Anshi but demanded Xu Xiaoyi for himself. He also insisted that the military order, a document incriminating Chancellor Cai, must be handed over to him upon its discovery. Fang Yingkan reluctantly agreed.

Fang Yingkan's men later captured Big Beard and two other soldiers, forcing them to kneel on the thin ice of a frozen lake. Fang Yingkan offered them freedom if they could walk across. A young soldier tried but fell through into the freezing water. Having devised a plan, Big Beard also attempted the crossing and seemingly fell in.

The last soldier, terrified, revealed that Official Liu was already on his way back and would reach Baimao Stronghold the next day, offering a messenger pigeon's letter as proof. After taking the letter, Fang Yingkan called the soldier his "friend" and promised not to kill him, but then cynically forced him to cross the ice, stating that while he wouldn't kill him, Heaven might. The soldier plunged to his death, cursing Fang Yingkan.

As Fang's forces rode off to intercept Liu Anshi, he commented that since Thirteen Doom wanted to kill someone at Baimao Stronghold, they should let him have his fill. After they departed, a hand broke through the cracked ice—Big Beard had survived.

Episode 34 Recap

Recluse Tianyi, holding an arrow, was deeply reflective, sharing with Wang Xiaoshi why he had never left Baixu Garden. He explained that while the Carefree Sect generally avoided worldly affairs, Thirteen Doom's betrayal by siding with the Youqiao Group had not only sullied their sect's name but also led to the devastating defeat of Fang Geyin’s militia. As his elder martial brother, Recluse Tianyi had vowed to cleanse the sect of this evil and traveled far to find Thirteen Doom.

He acknowledged Thirteen Doom as a martial arts prodigy who had trained so intensely he almost lost his mind. At that time, Thirteen Doom had just mastered the Arrow of Sorrow, and Recluse Tianyi, despite his seniority, was no match. As Recluse Tianyi faced certain death from Thirteen Doom's arrow, a woman named Jing had unexpectedly taken the arrow for him, tragically becoming the first person killed by the newly mastered technique.

Engulfed in anguish, Thirteen Doom hated himself but directed his rage at Recluse Tianyi, blaming him for Jing's death. Tianyi confessed he often pondered that if he had not insisted on cleansing the sect, Jing might still be alive, which led him to vow never to leave Baixu Garden again.

He concluded that Thirteen Doom must have learned of his departure and had come to finally settle their grudge, revealing that Thirteen Doom was accompanied by Marquis Shentong, the wielder of the Blood River Sword. Recluse Tianyi then explained to Wang Xiaoshi that after his father, Fang Geyin, went missing, Chancellor Cai had adopted his foster brother, Fang Yingkan, under the pretense of a noble act by the Imperial Court.

In hindsight, it was clear Cai's true intention was to quell public skepticism and conceal his plot against Fang Geyin's militia. Wang Xiaoshi added that Fang Yingkan had personally admitted to pushing his father into a sinkhole, a grievance that remained unsettled and made it impossible for him to leave. Just then, Big Beard rushed in with urgent news: the enemy tracking Official Liu knew his route south, and an ambush was imminent.

Their only advantage was speed, requiring them to take a shortcut to intercept Official Liu. The group deduced that with nightfall approaching, the only viable shelter along the route was the abandoned Yangjiapuzi, and that Official Liu would likely spend the night there. Big Beard volunteered to go ahead, but seeing he was injured, others stepped forward. Wang Xiaoshi intervened, declared he would go. Big Beard objected, concerned that Wang Xiaoshi had just married and shouldn't leave his new bride.

However, Wen Rou stepped forward, firmly giving her consent. She declared that her husband should be allowed to do great things and she would find him useless if he merely hid away. As the sky darkened, Wen Rou urged Wang Xiaoshi to protect Official Liu and ensure his safe return, while Wang Xiaoshi in turn asked her to take care of their Master. Wang Xiaoshi embarked on his journey alone, unexpectedly encountering Di Feijing along the way.

Di Feijing expressed surprise to see Wang Xiaoshi alive, explaining that he was there to seek justice for Lei Chun, having identified Fang Yingkan as her assailant. He vowed to make Fang Yingkan pay, no matter how far he fled. Wang Xiaoshi confided that he, too, was on a mission to protect someone Fang Yingkan intended to kill. Wang Xiaoshi suggested they travel together, but Di Feijing advised against it, noting Fang Yingkan’s martial arts prowess.

Instead, Di Feijing proposed they split up, offering to stall Fang Yingkan if he encountered him first to buy Wang Xiaoshi time. When asked about Su Mengzhen and Bai Choufei, Di Feijing assured him they were well, adding that they would be overjoyed to know he was alive. As they parted ways, Wang Xiaoshi accepted Di Feijing's offer of friendship, and they wished each other well. As night fell, Official Liu and his entourage sought refuge at Yangjiapuzi.

They avoided lighting a fire to remain hidden. An elder in the group explained that the village was ruined from a past battle where Chancellor Cai's nameless troops had attacked Fang Geyin's militia. Suddenly, Wang Xiaoshi arrived, surprised to find Tang Baoniu and Fang Henshao already there protecting the official. After introducing himself, Wang Xiaoshi warned Official Liu that Chancellor Cai's pursuers knew their location. Just as they planned to take an alternative route, a large contingent of soldiers appeared.

Wang Xiaoshi, Tang Baoniu, and Fang Henshao stayed behind to create a diversion. Fang Yingkan soon arrived and, recognizing Wang Xiaoshi, taunted him, not only confirming his responsibility for Fang Geyin’s death but also vowing that Wang Xiaoshi would die by his hand. In response, Wang Xiaoshi set a raging fire, successfully blocking Fang Yingkan's advance and allowing Official Liu's group to escape. Later, Fang Yingkan's pursuit was intercepted by Di Feijing. Recognizing his opponent, Fang Yingkan questioned his presence.

Di Feijing simply stated that Fang Yingkan knew his own misdeeds and that he was there to avenge Lei Chun. Fang Yingkan remarked on the number of people seeking revenge, but Di Feijing declared he would be the last. With unwavering resolve, Di Feijing charged the large group alone.

In his final moments, he affirmed his dedication to protecting Six and a Half Hall and Lei Chun, feeling he had reached the "edge of the world" before his whereabouts became unknown. Meanwhile, Yuan Thirteen Doom found Recluse Tianyi and declared their feud would end in death. The next morning, Wang Xiaoshi and the others returned to find bodies scattered across the ground.

Big Beard explained that Thirteen Doom had been part of a second group of attackers and had captured Recluse Tianyi and Wen Rou, demanding Official Liu's "evidence" in exchange for their lives. It was then that Official Liu confessed to Wang Xiaoshi that the crucial military order they sought either never existed or had been destroyed long ago. Though disappointed, Wang Xiaoshi asserted that even if the evidence existed, he would never surrender it.

With his Master and Wen Rou in peril, he departed alone with his sword to save them. On his journey, Wang Xiaoshi encountered Fang Yingkan once more, whose eyes had been brutally gouged out. Despite his blindness, Fang Yingkan showed no remorse, declaring that he only cared about himself. He admitted to killing Fang Geyin solely because of Wang Xiaoshi's existence, believing that without him, all of his foster father's power and reputation would have been his.

He confessed to a taste for violence from a young age, believing he was born with an inherent darkness. Seeing Fang Yingkan's complete depravity, Wang Xiaoshi concluded their conflict would be settled by their swords and ultimately killed him using his father's sword skills. Remarkably, Wang Xiaoshi then discovered Chancellor Cai's long-sought military order hidden within the Blood River Sword. While Thirteen Doom argued with Recluse Tianyi, Wen Rou secretly cut her ropes, but her escape attempt was immediately discovered.

Shortly thereafter, Wang Xiaoshi arrived, confronting Thirteen Doom for killing his mother and serving the Youqiao Group. Surprised that Wang Xiaoshi had mastered the Blood River Sword Skill, Thirteen Doom drew two arrows and presented a cruel choice: save only one hostage, or hand over the military order. Recluse Tianyi urged Thirteen Doom to settle the score with him alone.

As Thirteen Doom unleashed his arrows, Wang Xiaoshi flung the Blood River Sword to cut Wen Rou's ropes, leapt forward to shield Recluse Tianyi with his body, and hurled a stone at Thirteen Doom. Tragically, an arrow pierced through Wang Xiaoshi and fatally struck his Master.

With his dying breath, Recluse Tianyi absolved Wang Xiaoshi of blame, assuring him this was the best outcome and that his father could now rest in peace, urging Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou to live on. A tender memory surfaced of a young Wang Xiaoshi with Recluse Tianyi. The boy, frustrated, claimed he could never defeat his Master. Recluse Tianyi encouraged him, painting pictures of the world beyond Baixu Garden: savory pepper soup, fine wine, and a grand city.

Young Wang Xiaoshi eagerly promised to train, defeat his Master, and explore these wonders, pledging to bring him back pepper soup. In the memory, Recluse Tianyi gently told Wang Xiaoshi to go and not look back, reminding him to keep warm.

Episode 35 Recap

After Recluse Tianyi's funeral was concluded, Official Liu prepared to depart with the crucial evidence for the Capital. Wen Rou, despite her profound grief, tried to conceal her sorrow when Wang Xiaoshi approached. He gently urged her to eat her noodles, reminding her that Recluse Tianyi had taught them to eat well to live well. Wen Rou watched him with a heavy heart as he forced himself to eat, his own tears flowing uncontrollably.

Wang Xiaoshi later found a farewell letter from Wen Rou. In it, she explained her departure, acknowledging that while he wouldn't blame her for Recluse Tianyi's death, she couldn't forgive herself. She felt that their shared pain, especially his forced cheerfulness to comfort her, would only deepen their emotional burden if they remained together. Believing their sorrow had become an unbearable "knot in their hearts," she chose to separate, hoping time would heal them.

She confessed that leaving him, her "most precious treasure" and the one who made her life vibrant and peaceful, required immense courage. Wang Xiaoshi, discovering her absence and the missing horse, understood she had used his own teachings about traveling in the snow to hide her trail and, given his status as a wanted man, accepted her difficult decision. As a wanted fugitive, Wang Xiaoshi initially intended to head beyond the border.

Along the northern road, he encountered Di Feijing, sitting silently, covered in snow, and without breath. After burying him, Wang Xiaoshi continued his journey. He reflected on the vastness of the land, realizing that while leaving might free him from external constraints, true freedom remained elusive if his heart held regrets. His path, his "jianghu," was not ahead, but behind him.

Accepting that what was meant to come would come, he turned his horse around, deciding to return and escort Official Liu to the Capital, prepared to face the formidable Chancellor Cai. Meanwhile, Su Mengzhen confessed to Yang Wuxie that Wang Xiaoshi's survival was his only remaining hope. Yang Wuxie expressed deep concern for Su Mengzhen’s rapidly deteriorating health, fearing he wouldn't survive long enough for Wang Xiaoshi's return to make a difference.

Su Mengzhen acknowledged Bai Choufei's fierce ambition and the inevitable confrontation, stating that besides himself, only Yang Wuxie could truly kill him. He then gave Yang Wuxie a crucial instruction: if he ever heard the phrase, "Standing alone, the three borders are quiet; for a single sword, one gives up their life lightly," Yang Wuxie was to kill him without hesitation.

Knowing his time was short, Su Mengzhen began sending his loyal followers away on various errands, subtly preparing for what was to come. Bai Choufei arrived at the House of Sunset Drizzle, armed with Chancellor Cai's order. He performed a "test" by miscounting the strokes of a character to justify his actions, overriding "heaven's will" and asserting that he only believed in himself.

While Bai Choufei made his preparations, Shi Wukui, realizing he had forgotten a necessary pass for an envoy, returned to the House, only to find it filled with Bai Choufei's men. He concealed himself to gather information. Bai Choufei entered Su Mengzhen's chambers and found him waiting calmly. Su Mengzhen, appearing frail and bloodless, explained he was born there and saw no reason to escape.

He challenged Bai Choufei, asking if he had failed him as a House Master or as a brother. Bai Choufei conceded his leadership was worthy but declared he coveted the title of "number one in jianghu" and had to eliminate him. He then bitterly accused Su Mengzhen of always favoring Wang Xiaoshi. As a final test, Su Mengzhen feigned weakness and begged for mercy. Bai Choufei’s unwavering resolve to kill him confirmed that Su's past decisions were correct.

With nothing left to say, Su Mengzhen drew his sword. Although Su Mengzhen’s martial arts were superior, his body was that of a dying man, making him no match for Bai Choufei. Bai Choufei plunged his dagger into Su Mengzhen's chest, leaving him unable to lift his sword. Bai Choufei gloated, calling Su Mengzhen both his "best rival" and "worst enemy." However, Su Mengzhen, despite his grievous wounds, managed to leap into a secret passage and disappear.

Enraged, Bai Choufei ordered his men to search every inch of the House of Sunset Drizzle. Shi Wukui was discovered and captured, but he steadfastly refused to reveal Su Mengzhen’s whereabouts. Meanwhile, Zhu Xiaoyao returned and informed Yang Wuxie that Bai Choufei had seized the House and killed Su Mengzhen, leaving Yang Wuxie devastated.

Bai Choufei, now the new House Master, ordered that the news of Su Mengzhen's death be spread publicly while launching a secret, intensive search for his body, declaring he must be found, "dead or alive." He further commanded that Su Mengzhen’s room be completely cleared, every possession burned, and even the tree outside his room chopped down. During this, a messenger mistakenly addressed Bai Choufei as "Vice House Master." Bai's enforcers, Ren Lao and Ren Yuan, executed the messenger on the spot. Bai Choufei then received a critical message from the messenger group: Wang Xiaoshi was alive.

Episode 36 Recap

Having learned that Wang Xiaoshi was alive, Bai Choufei shut himself off in deep distress. Lei Mei arrived to find him tormented, viewing Wang Xiaoshi's survival as a destabilizing force. She brought more troubling news: his new bride, Lei Chun, had gone missing, and Su Mengzhen's body had yet to be found.

Bai Choufei was haunted by memories of Wang Xiaoshi’s desperate pleas for him to turn back and avoid becoming heartless, contrasted with his own embrace of power, declaring that money and life were superior to fame and influence. Elsewhere, the remaining members of the House of Sunset Drizzle were determined to avenge their House Master, Su Mengzhen.

The House's Advisor, Yang Wuxie, rallied them to fight Bai Choufei, but Zhu Xiaoyao revealed that Su Mengzhen had intentionally sent them away on the night of his death. He wanted them to survive, believing that as long as they lived, the spirit of the House of Sunset Drizzle would endure. The Advisor confirmed that the transfer orders were given just before dawn, a clear sign of Su Mengzhen's intentions.

They acknowledged that a suicidal fight would leave no one to avenge their master or reclaim their home. The survivors found refuge in an area known as Trunk Tower, a noisy yet secluded neighborhood inhabited by ordinary people, making it an ideal hideout. Yang Wuxie instructed them to remain hidden, deferring any plans for revenge until Wang Xiaoshi’s return.

He recalled Su Mengzhen’s belief that Wang Xiaoshi’s arrival would bring a turning point and held steadfast faith in his late master's words. As days turned into weeks, Zhu Xiaoyao became a familiar sight at the city gate, waiting tirelessly for Wang Xiaoshi. Locals saw her as a madwoman, though some recognized the once-celebrated courtesan as a pitiful soul waiting for the only person she had left.

She refused to wait indoors, fearing she would miss him, declaring that with her home gone, she had nowhere else to wait but there. After an arduous journey, Wang Xiaoshi finally returned to the Capital. As a wanted fugitive, he had traveled separately from Official Liu and his Martial Uncle, Zhuge Zhengwo. At the city gate, Wang Xiaoshi’s arrival was met with Zhu Xiaoyao's tearful and disbelieving embrace. From her, he learned the devastating news of Su Mengzhen’s death.

Upon reaching the House of Sunset Drizzle's hidden refuge, Yang Wuxie informed Wang Xiaoshi of the full tragedy: Su Mengzhen's body was never found, only his crimson robe remained, and the House had been completely overtaken. He explained that Su Mengzhen had wished for Wang Xiaoshi, upon his return, to decide their future. Wang Xiaoshi confronted Bai Choufei, who offered a welcoming drink. Refusing it, Wang Xiaoshi cut straight to the point, asking if he had betrayed Su Mengzhen.

When Bai Choufei confirmed his betrayal, admitting the entire martial world already knew, Wang Xiaoshi was filled with pain. He accused Bai Choufei of breaking the House's rules, betraying his sworn brother, and colluding with corrupt officials. Unrepentant, Bai Choufei retorted that he had gained power by joining the Youqiao Group and made the House of Sunset Drizzle more glorious.

He claimed Su Mengzhen had been too conservative and living a life worse than death, suggesting his murder was a liberation. Wang Xiaoshi pressed on, demanding to know if Bai Choufei had personally killed Su Mengzhen. With a defiant "Yes," Bai Choufei admitted to it, taunting Wang Xiaoshi to find the body himself. Enraged, Wang Xiaoshi reached for his sword, but the lingering bond of brotherhood stopped him from drawing it.

Bai Choufei then produced a Letter of Passage, urging Wang Xiaoshi to leave the Capital and abandon its affairs. When Wang Xiaoshi asked why their relationship had devolved to this point, Bai Choufei bitterly shouted that Wang Xiaoshi was to blame. He recounted his torment in prison, clinging to the hope of Wang Xiaoshi's return. But after being told Wang Xiaoshi was dead, he lost all conviction in justice and morality, declaring there was no turning back.

Despite Bai Choufei's despair, Wang Xiaoshi vowed that Su Mengzhen's sacrifice would not be in vain and that he would be avenged. Later, Wang Xiaoshi climbed to a high vantage point, addressing the absent Su Mengzhen under the moonlight. He recounted his journey north after leaving the Capital, witnessing the vast snowfields that made him realize how insignificant humans are.

He spoke of avenging his parents by eliminating Fang Yingkan and Yuan Shisanxian, yet acknowledged that the world was not simply about retribution, as many had lost their lives. His Master was gone, and Wen Rou had left, leaving him with an acute sense of loneliness. After seeing countless facets of life, he had finally formulated his own vision for the Jianghu.

He sorrowfully conceded that he would never know if it aligned with Su Mengzhen's, feeling utterly alone without his brothers. Wang Xiaoshi met with Zhuge Zhengwo and Official Liu. They had returned from the north with a crucial piece of evidence: Chancellor Cai's handwritten order, which had cost many lives and was the key to exposing his crimes.

However, Official Liu explained that Cai's influence ran so deep in the court that the evidence could not reach the Emperor through conventional means. Zhuge Zhengwo, not yet reinstated to his official position, was also unable to secure an audience. Wang Xiaoshi pressed for any method to meet the Emperor, and Zhuge Zhengwo offered a rare opportunity: the Emperor's upcoming visit to Dafo Temple on the first day of the next month.

In the Trunk Tower area, Wang Xiaoshi lived quietly, earning a modest living by writing letters for the illiterate, treating minor ailments, and teaching children. His quiet life soon attracted attention. One by one, martial artists, including Tang Qimei, Liang A'niu, and others oppressed by the Youqiao Group, approached him. Expressing admiration for his past deeds, they asked him to lead them and bring justice to the martial world. Though initially hesitant, Wang Xiaoshi acknowledged their good intentions.

News of Wang Xiaoshi's growing following reached Bai Choufei, who cynically tried to "win hearts" himself. However, he was met with disdain. At a noodle stall, people openly whispered their disgust, recalling how he had killed his brother and usurped his position. A child, whose father was killed by Bai Choufei and whose mother was subsequently violated and murdered by his men, hurled insults at him.

Bai Choufei feigned empathy, but once out of earshot, he ruthlessly ordered his subordinates, Ren Lao and Ren Yuan, to murder the noodle stall owner and the others who had badmouthed him. He further commanded them to capture the child and torture him for a month before killing him, declaring that all who opposed him would meet a similar fate. As Wang Xiaoshi’s followers crowded his courtyard, he agreed to address them.

He shared what he had learned from the common folk—their simple hopes to suffer less abuse, to have their petitions heard fairly, and for their children to gain an education. He realized this too was the Jianghu, encompassing not just warriors but the daily lives of ordinary people.

He proposed a vision where the strong protect the weak, who in turn empower others, ensuring the legacy of the martial world—a free Jianghu where people do not yield to tyranny or fear injustice. The crowd resonated with his words, urging him to establish a new sect.

Looking at the large wooden tower that gave the area its name, Wang Xiaoshi declared their new organization would be called "Trunk Tower," emphasizing that only the House of Sunset Drizzle could truly be called a "House." The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting, "Trunk Tower that curbs the violent and assists the weak!"

Episode 37 Recap

Ren Lao and Ren Yuan appeared before House Master Bai Choufei late at night, reporting that a scout from the North confirmed Mr. Thirteen and the Marquis had failed to locate a crucial dispatch order. They concluded it must have fallen into Wang Xiaoshi’s hands. Bai Choufei, more concerned with palace politics, asked if Chancellor Cai knew. The two gave conflicting answers, revealing Ren Yuan had already reported the matter directly to the reclusive Chancellor.

Bai Choufei praised the decision with a chilling smile. After they left, Ren Lao expressed fear of reprisal, but Ren Yuan pragmatically reminded him of their status as "dogs" who serve the powerful—first Official Fu, then the Chancellor, and now Bai Choufei—and that survival depends on submission. Later, Bai Choufei encountered Wen Rou, who had returned to the Capital. He invited her to Chou Shi House, their old residence, to reminisce.

Wen Rou showed him drawings she had made of their friends and past adventures. A flashback showed Bai Choufei drawing a portrait of himself, Wang Xiaoshi, and Wen Rou, meant as a good luck charm. In the present, Wen Rou confronted him over his betrayal, particularly his murder of Su Mengzhen, which left Wang Xiaoshi without his two sworn brothers. Bai Choufei furiously retorted that he and Mengzhen were never true brothers, their bond only existing through Wang Xiaoshi.

He railed against Mengzhen’s privileged birth versus his own suffering, arguing that the pinnacle of the martial world could only hold one, making their conflict inevitable. Wen Rou was horrified, reminding him that Mengzhen never wanted to kill him and that many from the House of Sunset Drizzle died trying to save him from prison.

Bai Choufei blamed Mengzhen for their deaths, insisting no one helped him during his ordeal and that he reached his current position through his own strength, needing no one’s pity. Seeing their friendship was broken beyond repair, Wen Rou returned the portrait Bai Choufei had drawn, stating it was no longer appropriate for her or Wang Xiaoshi to keep it.

Believing his own image was absent, Bai Choufei took the drawing to tear it but paused, noticing his likeness had been added in a style he recognized as Wang Xiaoshi's. A flicker of complex emotion crossed his face before he asked Wen Rou for one last "favor" and ordered his subordinates to take her captive. Meanwhile, following a plan devised by Divine Marquis Zhuge Zhengwo, Wang Xiaoshi's allies staged an ambush to secure an audience with the Emperor.

As His Majesty visited Dafo Temple, the masked allies created a disturbance, separating him from his guards and forcing him into a secluded alley. There, he was met by Zhuge Zhengwo and the un-reinstated Official Liu Anshi. His Majesty angrily berated the two elders for their reckless scheme, but Zhuge Zhengwo explained it was the only way to meet him.

Wang Xiaoshi then arrived and presented the Emperor with the critical dispatch order he had retrieved from the North, which implicated Chancellor Cai. At the same time, Yang Wuxie and other allies anxiously awaited news. Ren Lao appeared, identifying himself as Bai Choufei's man and revealing that Wen Rou had been abducted and was being held at the House of Sunset Drizzle. Bai Choufei demanded the evidence against Chancellor Cai in exchange for her life.

Realizing Bai Choufei’s madness, Yang Wuxie immediately sent a messenger to inform Wang Xiaoshi and rallied everyone to rescue Wen Rou. Before they left, Ren Lao begged someone to stab him, explaining that Bai Choufei had threatened to have his brother, Ren Yuan, dismembered if he returned unharmed. The group, focused on Wen Rou's rescue, ignored his pleas. Left with no choice, Ren Lao tragically stabbed himself.

At the House of Sunset Drizzle, Ren Yuan pleaded with Bai Choufei to spare his brother, offering to take any punishment himself. Bai Choufei feigned forgiveness and offered Ren Yuan a drink, only to kick him to the ground and step on him. He coldly told Wen Rou this was the power he now wielded, recalling how Ren Yuan had once forced him to eat raw meat.

In a final act of defiance, Ren Yuan lunged at Bai Choufei with a dagger but was effortlessly struck down and killed. Filled with grim resolve, Wang Xiaoshi tore a strip from a piece of red cloth reminiscent of Su Mengzhen's attire and tied it to his arm. He then took up his sword and met Yang Wuxie and the members of Elephant Trunk Tower, the new sect Wang Xiaoshi founded.

They launched a full-scale assault on the House of Sunset Drizzle, turning former brothers into enemies under a blood-red sky. Confronting Bai Choufei, Wang Xiaoshi demanded Wen Rou's release and justice for Mengzhen's death. Bai Choufei scoffed, refusing to be held accountable for the dead and threatening both Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou. Wang Xiaoshi swore that if any harm came to Wen Rou, he would seek retribution even in the Imperial Palace.

Inside the House, Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei fought a fierce duel, culminating in both being severely injured and collapsing. With her captors distracted, the bound Wen Rou kicked over a brazier of hot coals, burning through her ropes. As she fled, she passed the "Tree of Sorrow" and recalled something Mengzhen once told her: a secret passage, known only to the House Masters, was hidden beneath it, activated by a distant stone lantern.

She triggered the mechanism, opening the passage. To her astonishment, Lei Chun emerged carrying a sedan chair, inside which sat a gravely ill Su Mengzhen. Wen Rou recognized the scent of "One Branch of Poisonous Embroidery," a potent remedy from her family that could prolong life at the cost of turning the user into a mindless puppet. Heartbroken, she questioned how the proud Mengzhen could choose such an existence.

Weakly, he confirmed he knew the consequences and made the choice willingly, telling her not to blame Lei Chun. He explained that without the ability to wield his blade, this was his only option, and his survival was "all for tonight's sake." Mengzhen urged her to leave, but Wen Rou refused, declaring her resolve to stay and fight alongside them, as everyone present was important to her.

Episode 38 (Ending) Recap

Inside the House of Sunset Drizzle, Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei were locked in a bloody confrontation. Wang Xiaoshi urged Bai Choufei to abandon his obsession, but Bai fiercely refused, unwilling to relinquish his ambitions. Wang questioned why Bai had forsaken their past bond, recalling how Bai had pledged loyalty to Su Mengzhen after arriving in the Capital and was now willing to kill his own sworn brother.

Bai retorted that they could have achieved greatness together and offered to share his power, but Wang rejected his "dominion," lamenting that he wished they had never come to the Capital. Just as their fight reached a deadly impasse, Wen Rou arrived, distraught. She announced her own return and revealed that another had come back as well. Su Mengzhen's unexpected appearance shocked everyone.

Bai Choufei, enraged, confronted Lei Chun for bringing the "living husk" of Su Mengzhen before him, reminding her that she was his wife. Lei Chun revealed that she was the one who sheltered Su Mengzhen while Bai was celebrating his supposed victory. She then stunned him by disclosing that the secret tunnel of the House of Sunset Drizzle connected directly to Six Half Hall, sarcastically thanking him for unwittingly delivering Su Mengzhen to her.

Su, in turn, mocked Bai for failing to kill him previously. Lei Chun warned Bai that she was now the Chancellor's foster daughter, but Su affirmed that in his heart, she remained unchanged. He declared that while he could overlook Bai's betrayal, he would seek retribution for the murder of his brethren.

Lei Chun delivered the final blow, informing Bai that Wang Xiaoshi had already met with the Emperor, meaning Chancellor Cai himself was in peril and Bai was now a "spent pawn." Realizing his leverage was gone, Bai acknowledged that kidnapping Wen Rou and possessing the dispatch order had become pointless.

Reflecting on the grim reality that "in the martial arts world, power over life and death is as easy as blowing away dust," Wang Xiaoshi lamented how their sworn brotherhood had been twisted to the point of mutual destruction. He implored Bai Choufei to surrender, stating that with Su Mengzhen's return, he had lost. Defiant, Bai declared that as long as he lived, he could not lose. As they clashed one last time, Wang Xiaoshi halted his fatal blow.

He explained that his "Retainment" sword had one side blunted to encourage mercy, and that Bai was the person he wished to "retain." In a shocking turn, Bai stabbed himself, proclaiming the act settled his debt to his brothers and that from then on, they were strangers. Witnessing the tragedy, Su Mengzhen returned to the House of Sunset Drizzle and sorrowfully admitted his own defeat, acknowledging that their brotherhood's fracture was his failure.

He confessed he had misjudged Bai Choufei's overwhelming ambition, a force his father had warned him to harness for revenge. He reflected on Bai's arduous journey to power, concluding that for those at the top, a single failure is ruin, and "tonight, there is no winner."

As Lei Mei ominously told Bai that the martial arts world would no longer need him, he, consumed by pain, muttered his unfulfilled desire to conquer the world, establish his own rules, and "fly" as "the brightest fire striker in the night," proclaiming, "I'd rather die with dignity than live in silence." Pain-ridden and obsessed, Bai Choufei stumbled to the highest peak of the House of Sunset Drizzle. Gazing upon the bustling Capital, he took a final, desperate leap.

As he lay dying, only Lei Mei approached. In his last moments, he begged her to end his suffering, and she, with a heavy heart, delivered the fatal blow. Upon learning of Bai's death, Su Mengzhen tumbled from his sedan in shock. He reflected that his happiest moments were the days spent with his two sworn brothers. Acknowledging the past was gone, he entrusted the House's brethren to Wang Xiaoshi.

He then apologized to Lei Chun for breaking his promises, urging her to forget him and start a new life. Recognizing that Bai was gone, Su Mengzhen declared it was his turn. He whispered a pre-arranged signal to Yang Wuxie: "To stand alone and pacify the frontiers, one's life is known only to a single sword." He then gave the resolute command: "Do it!" Aghast, Wang Xiaoshi demanded to know why Yang Wuxie complied.

Yang, tears streaming down his face, revealed the phrase was the signal for him to take Su Mengzhen's life. As Wang Xiaoshi watched his brother die, Lei Chun, utterly devastated and clad in a red wedding dress, walked slowly into a lake, seeking to join her beloved in death. With the tragic events concluded, Wang Xiaoshi led a farewell for Su Mengzhen and Bai Choufei, solemnizing the moment by burning the Retainment sword.

He affirmed that while "the past can't be undone," "vengeance must be served." With the House of Sunset Drizzle now leaderless, Wang's martial uncle, Zhuge Zhengwo, praised his service to the nation and deemed him the ideal successor. However, Wang Xiaoshi declined, stating that with his sword burned, he wished only to be a "free drifter." He did, however, recommend a trusted candidate to his uncle.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Cai, stripped of his titles, informed his loyal subordinates that he must "leave my post for now" and tasked them with being his liaisons in the Imperial Court. In a final letter, Wang Xiaoshi rejected the notion that "the end of the path was only big enough for one." He declared his intention to leave the martial arts world behind to explore the "vast" world. His journey, however, had one last stop. He intercepted Chancellor Cai's sedan.

A flashback revealed a private meeting where the Emperor explained to Wang Xiaoshi that while he could exile the Chancellor, Cai's deep-rooted power meant he could never be truly purged from the court. Realizing only Cai's death could end the corruption, Wang, feeling his brothers were with him in spirit, killed the Chancellor. He then boldly declared himself the killer, ready to be arrested.

However, a host of legendary heroes, including Swordsman of Awe Xi Liantian and The Blade of Zhang Ba Luo Wuxia, stepped forward to protect him, clearing his path to escape. Outside the city walls, he reunited with Wen Rou and other companions, and together, they set off to explore the world beyond.

Back at the House of Sunset Drizzle, a man named Qi Shaoshang arrived with a token, formally announcing himself as the new House Master, as the martial arts world turned to a new chapter.