Legend of Awakening Episode 24 Recap
> Legend of Awakening Recap
Mo Lin informed Lu Ping and Qin Sang that he had seen Yan Xifan disguised and entering the post. Lu Ping immediately realized the gravity of the situation, understanding that if the peace talks were disrupted, Qin Qi would be greatly affected. He instructed Mo Lin to create a diversion while he went to find Qin Qi, reassuring Qin Sang that he would not let anything happen to her brother.
Meanwhile, Qin Qi, suspecting General Xu Tianbing's unusually hostile behavior, had followed a suspicious figure into a room at the post. There, he fell into Yan Xifan's trap and was pricked by a poisoned needle. Yan Xifan gloated, revealing his plan to frame Qin Qi for Xu Tianbing's murder, thereby sparking conflict between the two nations and preventing the peace talks. He taunted Qin Qi about receiving retribution for his past actions.
Refusing to allow Yan Xifan's scheme to succeed, Qin Qi attempted to take his own life, but Lu Ping arrived just in time to stop him. Lu Ping urged Qin Qi to leave, explaining that Qin Qi, as a pillar of the nation, was more valuable than Lu Ping, a mere wanderer. Lu Ping then confronted Yan Xifan, refusing to let him escape. When Minister Xu Yanling's forces arrived, they found only Lu Ping and Xu Tianbing's body.
Minister Xia quickly accused Lu Ping of being a Shanhai Gang spy and a murderer, ordering his arrest. Qin Sang and Mo Lin rushed to intervene, but Qin Qi held Qin Sang back. As Lu Ping was being led away, he reassured Qin Sang that he had upheld his promise to keep her brother safe. Minister Xu then took Lu Ping into custody for investigation. Later, Qin Qi explained the intricate Shanhai Gang plot to Qin Sang.
If he, as Shuo's envoy, had been framed for Xu Tianbing's murder, Tan's army would have mutinied, peace talks would have collapsed, and war would have been inevitable. Lu Ping taking the blame transformed the political crisis into a personal vendetta, buying crucial time for Shuo. Qin Qi expressed admiration for Lu Ping's bravery and growth, a stark contrast to the impulsive youth he once knew.
Qin Sang described Lu Ping as someone timid and afraid of pain, yet full of responsibility, never backing down when it mattered. Determined to save Lu Ping, Qin Sang asked Qin Qi for help. Qin Qi, suspecting an internal accomplice due to the plan's complexity, dispatched Wen Rui to investigate how Xu Tianbing's body was moved and how Yan Xifan infiltrated the post without suspicion. Qin Sang immediately suspected the Xu family.
Unbeknownst to them, Dragon Guard spies tracking Xu Weifeng were ambushed and killed by the Shanhai Gang Master. Yan Xifan confronted Xu Weifeng, chastising him for Lu Ping's unexpected interference and Zhou Youlong's disappearance. The Master, however, warned Xu Weifeng that his value to Shanhai Gang was conditional on his usefulness, otherwise, he and Tan were insignificant. Xu Weifeng, desperate to prove his worth, proposed leaking information that Lu Ping murdered Xu Tianbing under Qin Qi's orders.
This, he argued, would enrage Tan's army and force a war. He vowed to extract a confession from Lu Ping. Yan Xifan remained skeptical of Lu Ping's resolve, while the Master reiterated that Lu Ping must be kept alive. In prison, despite a day of relentless torture by Xu Weifeng's men, Lu Ping stubbornly refused to confess, eventually falling asleep.
Lu Ping then revealed to Xu Weifeng that he had deduced Xu Weifeng's involvement, recognizing that only he, with knowledge of their relationships and opportunity, could have orchestrated the plot. He declared his defiance against Shanhai Gang, provoking Xu Weifeng. When Xu Weifeng threatened Su Tang, Lu Ping retorted, reminding him of Shanhai Gang's unforgiving nature towards failure and warning him against harming Su Tang.
Qin Qi received news that his spies tracking Xu Weifeng had vanished, solidifying his suspicions about Xu Weifeng. His advisor, Wen Rui, suggested releasing Lu Ping, but Qin Qi insisted on gathering irrefutable evidence for Tan's emperor. Just then, Minister Xu Yanling reported that news of Xu Tianbing's death had reached the army, who were now clamoring for war. Minister Xia pressured Qin Qi to execute Lu Ping to pacify the troops and salvage the peace talks.
Qin Sang, overhearing their conversation, confronted Qin Qi, asking if he would truly kill Lu Ping. Although Qin Qi didn't answer directly, Qin Sang understood his meaning. Convinced that no one else would save Lu Ping, Qin Sang declared her intention to rescue him herself, believing there were ways in the martial arts world beyond the constraints of court.
Meanwhile, Xu Weifeng, despite his plan unfolding, felt he had overlooked something as border conflicts escalated and his father faced immense pressure. Qin Sang traveled to Big Dipper, seeking Li Yaotian's aid. He initially refused, stating Lu Ping was no longer a Big Dipper disciple. However, Chu Min condemned Li Yaotian's cowardice and, along with other Fifth College disciples, volunteered to break Lu Ping out of prison, referencing how Guo Youdao had sacrificed himself for his disciples.
Li Yaotian relented, allowing them to proceed. Qin Sang, Chu Min, Huo Ying, and the Fifth College stormed the prison, rescuing a battered but resilient Lu Ping. As they attempted to exit the city, they found the city gate guards mysteriously incapacitated. It was Li Yaotian, who had a change of heart, clearing their path.
He then formally welcomed Lu Ping back into Big Dipper, affirming that the Big Dipper, with its centuries of heritage, had no reason to fear outsiders. The Fifth College was subsequently awarded for their courageous and responsible actions. Qin Sang's audacious rescue of Lu Ping plunged Qin Qi into political turmoil. Xu Yanling accused Qin Qi of duplicity, prompting Minister Xia to defend him. Qin Qi requested a few more days to resolve the situation.
He then led his soldiers to Big Dipper, demanding Lu Ping's return. Qin Sang tried to hide Lu Ping in a room. Li Yaotian confronted Qin Qi, refusing to hand over Lu Ping and questioning Qin Qi's intention to sacrifice an innocent for political gain. Enraged, Qin Qi slapped Qin Sang, reprimanding her for her reckless actions that had brought the country to the brink of war.
Lu Ping, having climbed out a window, emerged and declared his willingness to return with Qin Qi. He explained that he had prepared for this outcome at the post and would not allow Big Dipper to suffer the same fate as Zhaifeng Institute. Before leaving, Lu Ping requested a private word with Qin Sang. He comforted her, emphasizing that his decision was his own.
He then entrusted her with the critical task of rescuing Su Tang from Xu Weifeng, stating he could only truly save himself once his sister was safe. Qin Sang reluctantly agreed. Suddenly, Ling Ziyan appeared, having come to a realization, and offered to join Qin Sang in rescuing Su Tang, now considering them all family.