Legend of Awakening Episode 28 Recap
> Legend of Awakening Recap
Lu Ping visited the Qin family for two main reasons. First, under the guise of delivering invitations to the Seven Star Convention, he intended to inform Qin Qi about the Shanhai Gang. Lu Ping revealed that the true master of the Shanhai Gang was Liu Song, a former Big Dipper disciple and a descendent of Hedong.
He explained that Big Dipper sought to unite with other Jianghu sects to eliminate this threat but wished to avoid interference in court affairs, urging Qin Qi to be prepared. Qin Qi acknowledged that the Emperor already had suspicions and would discuss a response. Lu Ping then proceeded to his second reason: proposing to Qin Sang. Qin Qi was initially angered by Lu Ping's empty-handed proposal, calling it an insult and demanding how he dared to come without any sincerity.
Lu Ping explained that as an orphan, he was unfamiliar with such customs and felt that any material gifts he offered would be insignificant to a noble family like the Qins. He insisted that his profound sincerity was his only offering, a statement Qin Qi scoffed at.
However, Lu Ping's genuine feelings for Qin Sang and his profound sincerity eventually moved Qin Qi, who then pressed Lu Ping on a previous question, likely concerning his identity, suggesting his status could pave the way for their marriage. Lu Ping asserted that Qin Sang's happiness should not be contingent on his status. Qin Qi countered that Qin Sang, as a daughter of the Qin family, deserved a proper marriage, not a life of aimless wandering.
At this point, Qin Sang burst into the room, declaring that she would rather be a "chivalrous wandering couple" in the Jianghu than a confined "indoor lady." Lu Ping then promised to protect Qin Sang and ensure she would never be harmed again. Qin Qi angrily dismissed him, stating his sister didn't need Lu Ping's protection, and definitively rejected the proposal.
Qin Qi later informed Lu Ping that he was going to see the Emperor, stating that marriage discussions would be postponed until the Shanhai Gang matter was resolved. Despite the refusal, Qin Qi permitted Lu Ping to take Qin Sang out for a change of scenery, mentioning that the doctor advised her to get out more for her recovery. Qin Sang was surprised by Lu Ping’s persistence, asking if he would continue to propose after being rejected.
Lu Ping, true to his character, asserted that he never gives up, but added he must first complete the task Qin Qi assigned him. They decided to go to Chenqiao Town. Meanwhile, Qin Qi had an audience with the Emperor, reporting that Liu Song, the Shanhai Gang master, was connected to old Big Dipper affairs, a revelation that deeply unsettled the Emperor.
Qin Qi expressed his frustration that, as Shanhai Gang was a Jianghu sect operating in Dan country, he could not openly deploy his army to pursue them, leaving them in a passive position. The Emperor suggested that matters of the Jianghu should be resolved within the Jianghu itself. The Emperor then confronted Qin Qi about accusations from Minister Xia regarding his actions in E'zhou, where Qin Qi allegedly used a fugitive guilty of murdering an official, thus disregarding imperial law.
Qin Qi confessed that Wen Gecheng was actually the master of Shanhai Gang's Wind Division. He admitted that, to stabilize the overall situation of the Soul Combat Convention and uphold the Emperor's policy of selecting talented individuals, he had concealed the truth and framed Lu Ping, an act which tragically led to the destruction of Lu Ping's sect.
Qin Qi expressed deep remorse for this and pleaded with the Emperor to punish him instead, asking him not to pursue the matter further with Lu Ping, so as not to wound his "loyalty for the country." The Emperor, intrigued, asked if this Lu Ping was the champion of the Soul Combat Convention.
Qin Qi confirmed, adding that Lu Ping was the son of Leng Xiutan, the former master of Big Dipper, and had been instrumental in thwarting Shanhai Gang's plot during the E'zhou peace talks. The Emperor then proposed using Lu Ping as a "bridge" to connect the court with Jianghu, uniting Big Dipper and other martial artists to act as his vanguard against the Shanhai Gang.
Qin Qi, however, admitted that despite his repeated attempts, Lu Ping remained stubborn and refused to join. The Emperor humorously remarked on Qin Qi's prowess in battle but his lack of skill in dealing with people, suggesting that he had other plans for recruiting Lu Ping. Lu Ping and Qin Sang spent time together in Chenqiao Town. Qin Sang admired a beaded chain, but Lu Ping gently steered her away, saying it didn’t suit her.
Instead, he presented her with a sword he had acquired from Qisha Institute, explaining he had initially intended it as a betrothal gift but hesitated due to Qin Qi’s potential covetousness. Attached to the sword was a bodhi fruit pendant, which Lu Ping explained was a symbol of peace and blessing. He earnestly wished for Qin Sang's safety, no matter what challenges the future held. Qin Sang, deeply moved, promised to cherish it forever.
Lu Ping then playfully revealed the sword’s other name, "Scaring the Ghost," which was also her nickname. That evening, they released river lanterns together. Qin Sang’s lantern carried a heartfelt wish for her brother and Lu Ping to reconcile their differences. Lu Ping teased her about her secret wish, accurately guessing she hoped for Qin Qi to approve their marriage.
He reassured her, jokingly boasting about his knack for finding powerful allies and being shamelessly persistent, promising to even roll on the ground to persuade her brother. Their tender moment was interrupted by Jin Ruyu, the owner of a local restaurant. At Jin Ruyu's establishment, Qin Sang inquired about Lu Ping's future plans, specifically if he would consider her brother’s suggestion to become an official.
Lu Ping admitted he had thought about Qin Qi’s invitation but preferred his freedom, fearing that any constraints might prove counterproductive. He emphasized that ultimately, it would take an invitation from the Emperor himself, not just Qin Qi, to sway him. Jin Ruyu, overhearing their conversation and realizing Lu Ping had connections to the Emperor, eagerly asked him to request a gold-lettered signboard for her restaurant, believing it would elevate her business's status.
Coincidentally, General Wen Rui arrived shortly after, bearing a plaque from the Emperor for Ruyu Restaurant. Jin Ruyu was initially thrilled but her excitement waned when she saw the inscription: "Doing Justice and Giving out Money," a phrase she found inauspicious for a business. General Wen Rui then informed Lu Ping that the Emperor wished to meet him at Zhaifeng Institute. Qin Sang attempted to accompany Lu Ping, but General Wen Rui clarified that the Emperor desired a private audience.
Lu Ping reassured her before entering alone. Inside Zhaifeng Institute, Lu Ping discovered Qin Qi tied up and humorously remarked that the "black-faced god" was finally getting his due. The Emperor then appeared, immediately announcing that Lu Ping’s murder charges had been publicly revoked and that Zhaifeng Institute would be elevated to an official martial arts academy. He also promised to help Lu Ping reunite with his former comrades.
Sensing the Emperor’s true intentions behind such generosity, Lu Ping directly asked his purpose. The Emperor explained that Liu Song, leading the Shanhai Gang, was causing widespread chaos, but a direct military campaign was politically inconvenient. He proposed that Lu Ping serve as a "bridge," connecting the court and the Jianghu, to unite their strengths and eliminate this menace for the common people.
Lu Ping, however, expressed his reservations, reminding the Emperor that his last involvement in the Soul Combat Convention had led to the destruction of his sect, and he was wary of the potential consequences of assisting the Emperor again. To exert pressure, the Emperor revealed his knowledge of Qin Qi’s past deception, a crime punishable by death.
However, in light of Qin Qi’s contributions during the E'zhou peace talks, the Emperor offered a lesser punishment: one hundred military canes, to be personally administered by Lu Ping. Lu Ping immediately understood the Emperor’s calculated move, knowing he could never harm Qin Sang’s brother, and wryly commented that the Emperor was as cunning as his own master, a "fox." Qin Qi quickly interjected, urging Lu Ping to show respect to the Emperor.
The Emperor then finalized his plan, announcing he would personally visit Big Dipper, both to express gratitude for their role in E'zhou and to solidify an alliance. Lu Ping, standing before Guo Youdao’s ashes, knelt and solemnly vowed to do what he believed was right, hoping to honor his master’s expectations. Outside, Qin Sang anxiously awaited Lu Ping.
Seeing Qin Qi unharmed, she confronted Lu Ping, playfully threatening to hang him on a tree if he had dared to hurt her brother. Lu Ping, realizing his complex position, conceded that he was still an "outsider" in their family. Shortly after, Qin Qi emerged, fully recovered, and informed Lu Ping that he had agreed to the Emperor's terms, instructing him to prepare to depart for Big Dipper at daybreak.
After Lu Ping's departure for Kai Feng, his sister Su Tang remained at Big Dipper and began to serve Guo Wushu in Qisha Institute. She cooked for him daily, a gesture of respect and a way to distract herself from her worries. Guo Wushu, recognizing her sincerity in treating him like her late master, reciprocated by genuinely teaching her martial arts, even boasting that his teaching prowess surpassed his twin brother, Guo Youdao.
He encouraged her to practice diligently, suggesting that prolonged training would help alleviate her emotional burdens. He also spotted Mo Lin lurking outside and bluntly told him Qisha Institute did not welcome outsiders. Mo Lin, eager for Su Tang's attention, tried to invite her out, but she repeatedly declined, citing her martial arts training and duties to Guo Wushu.
Su Tang confided in Guo Wushu that Mo Lin was a very good friend, but she felt immense guilt because she had once misjudged another person, causing her brother much trouble. This guilt made it difficult for her to accept Mo Lin's kindness. Guo Wushu, finding all of Guo Youdao’s disciples troublesome, dismissed her, telling her to go tend to Chu Min instead. Meanwhile, seeking advice, Mo Lin approached Yan Xifan.
With a few simple words, Yan Xifan reassured Mo Lin that their bond was genuine, given all they had experienced together. He advised Mo Lin to be direct and honest with Su Tang, rather than avoiding the issue. Meanwhile, at the Fifth College, the disciples were concerned for Chu Min, who had been drinking heavily since learning about Liu Song’s true identity. They recounted how Liu Song's betrayal had devastated Chu Min, causing her cultivation to regress.
Chu Min eventually opened her door, startling the disciples, who hastily fled. Su Tang brought some snacks and joined Chu Min for a drink. Chu Min, noticing Su Tang's somber mood, urged her to speak truthfully. Su Tang confessed her unhappiness, acknowledging that her brother left her there for her own good and Mo Lin tried hard to cheer her up, but she couldn't shake off her guilt.
She felt helpless about her brother’s struggles and blamed herself for trusting Xu Weifeng, which led to so many hardships for him. Chu Min comforted her, telling her not to be so hard on herself, as one sad person was enough at Big Dipper, and advised her to be more careful in the future. Suddenly, Chu Min told Su Tang to go "mind the one outside." Outside, Mo Lin was being playfully teased by the other Fifth College disciples.
Seeing Mo Lin's goofy attempts to get her attention, Su Tang finally broke into a smile. Seizing the opportunity, Mo Lin immediately invited her to go down the mountain with him to buy a gift for Chu Min. Lu Ping and the Emperor's entourage arrived at the foot of Big Dipper Mountain.
Lu Ping informed the Emperor that he would ascend first thing in the morning to speak with Li Yaotian, the master of Big Dipper, and would only bring the imperial party up after securing his approval. Around a campfire that night, the Emperor reminisced about his youthful days campaigning with his late father and expressed shame that the Shanhai Gang continued to threaten Shuo at his current age.
Lu Ping reassured him, noting the visible improvements in the lives of the common people in Chenqiao Town and urging the Emperor to remain true to his original aspirations after the Shanhai Gang was vanquished. The Emperor promised to foster domestic prosperity and forge international alliances, aspiring to bring lasting peace to the world.
Lu Ping, thanking the Emperor on behalf of the populace, boldly addressed him as "Big Brother" and vowed they would celebrate with another drink once victory was achieved. A shocked Qin Qi quickly intervened, reminding Lu Ping to mind his decorum, but the Emperor, amused, dismissed the formalities and asked for more wine. Later, Lu Ping and Qin Sang sat together under the night sky.
Qin Sang worried about being seen by her brother, urging Lu Ping not to blame Qin Qi for his strictness, as he was responsible for the Emperor's safety. Lu Ping admitted his own lack of adherence to proper manners and expressed concern about his future married life, joking that if his "big brother-in-law" remained so vigilant, his days would be difficult. Qin Sang playfully chastised him, reminding him that her brother had not yet agreed to their marriage.
Lu Ping then embraced her, promising that once he unlocked his "Force of Spirit Lock," Qin Qi would be powerless to stop or pursue them, and they could live a free and unburdened life together. The next day, at the Seven Star Convention, various heroes and sect leaders gathered at Big Dipper. Yan Qiuci proudly introduced his son, Yan Xifan, to the assembled masters, who offered their compliments.
Fifth College disciples Huo Ying and Tang Xiaomei observed Yan Qiuci's behavior, noting he acted as if Big Dipper were his own Wuji Manor. Huo Ying recalled that Yan Qiuci was once one of the Big Dipper Seven Stars but had established his own sect after the Seven Star Incident, effectively cutting ties with Big Dipper for reasons that remained a mystery. As Lu Ping finally arrived, Yan Xifan began to approach him, but Yan Qiuci quickly intervened, instructing his son to guide the sect masters into the mountain.
