Legend of Awakening Episode 38 Recap
> Legend of Awakening Recap
Liu Song confronts Lu Ping, explaining that if it weren't for saving Lu Ping, his parents wouldn't have lost half their power, and if it weren't for them protecting Liu Song, his parents wouldn't have been cheated by Yan Qiuci. He asserts that the land of Dan was subsequently invaded by Zhai Rong. Liu Song reveals that Guo Youdao and Chu Min were aware of the truth but kept it from Lu Ping to protect Yan Qiuci, calling them deceivers.
He concludes by saying, "You and I are the same kind of people." Lu Ping is deeply affected by these revelations. Liu Song orders him sent back to his cell, remarking, "Don’t lock him. He has nowhere to go." Later, Chu Min finds Lu Ping in the cell, reminding him that as Guo Youdao's and Big Dipper's disciple, no prison can hold him.
A despairing Lu Ping questions Chu Min if his master and she truly didn't know about his parents' revenge, or simply chose not to tell him. He believes Guo Youdao sacrificed his life just so Lu Ping would live in a lie, even going so far as to work for his father's murderer. Chu Min tries to tell him that Guo Youdao wanted him to live and not give up.
Lu Ping replies that one doesn't give up because there's a reason to live, and he once had that reason. Chu Min, realizing further persuasion is useless, tells Lu Ping to figure it out himself. Yan Jin reports to Liu Song that the commander's seal has been delivered to Prince Liu Yange, and a delegation will soon arrive at Shanhai Gang to discuss the war against Shuo.
Yan Jin suggests that Liu Song remove his facial scars, assuring him that he is the rightful heir to the Dan throne. Liu Song reflects that he has spent nineteen years thinking of avenging his brother, Leng Xiutan, yet he can no longer recall his brother's appearance, only the scar on his own face, which remains his sole motivation. Yan Jin dismisses Wuji Manor's continued resistance as mere "dying kicks" now that Lu Ping is captured.
Liu Song orders Lin Tianyi to hasten his efforts, declaring that his return south will commence once the Force Eaters army is ready. He internally vows not to make the same mistakes as his kind brother, whose mercy led to his and his wife's demise, resulting in Dan's ruin by Zhai Rong. With Lu Ping now returned, Liu Song believes it is finally time for his revenge.
At Wuji Manor, after the commander's seal was seized, Yan Qiuci, aware that Jin City, located on the border, would become a strategically vital location, dispatches a messenger to urge all martial arts sects to send their disciples to defend the border, unreservedly sharing their unique skills. Qin Sang confronts Yan Qiuci, asserting that his actions led to Lu Chenfeng's death and sabotaged the Emperor's plans. She intends to bring him to Kaifeng for imperial punishment.
Yan Qiuci accepts responsibility for his actions, stating he fears no consequence, but requests more time to properly organize an alliance against the impending enemy threat. He hopes this final act will allow him to leave Jianghu with a clear conscience. Qin Sang agrees to return to Kaifeng the following day and intercede on his behalf with the Emperor, securing his life, provided he successfully defends the borderlands.
She clarifies that this is not a gesture of forgiveness for the blood debt he owes and the life he ruined, which even a hundred deaths couldn't repay. Instead, she recognizes his past contributions to the nation, believing his mistakes shouldn't stop him from taking this crucial final right step. Qin Sang, after tending to her own internal cold toxin, which Mo Lin temporarily suppresses, devises a plan to rescue Lu Ping.
She instructs Mo Lin to prepare food for Su Tang, who has been on a hunger strike since Lu Ping's capture, and bring her to discuss the strategy. Qin Sang explains that while she previously prevented attempts to rescue Lu Ping due to unsuitable timing, now is the opportune moment. She anticipates that Shanhai Gang, having secured the commander's seal, will form an alliance with Dan and hold a secret meeting.
Through General Wen's intelligence, she knows the Dan delegation is en route and must pass through a specific mountainous region. She plans for the Dragonjie Army to ambush them, allowing Su Tang and Mo Lin to infiltrate the delegation and gain entry into Shanhai Gang. Su Tang questions why Qin Sang won't join them, to which Qin Sang replies that she must return to Kaifeng to shoulder her own brother's responsibilities.
She entrusts Lu Ping's safety to Su Tang, urging her to take him as far away as possible after the rescue, with Qin Sang promising to reunite with them after the war. Mo Lin then points out the need for someone to lead the Dragonjie Army. Qin Sang reveals her chosen candidate: Yan Xifan, who has been withdrawn and reclusive since the events involving his father and Lu Ping.
She tells him that the Emperor is seeking young talents to bridge the gap between the court and Jianghu, and with Lu Ping absent, Yan Xifan is the ideal choice. Qin Sang assures him she will stall for time with the Emperor in Kaifeng. If Yan Xifan successfully rescues Lu Ping with the Dragonjie Army and subsequently pledges allegiance to the court, their actions will be justified.
Though Yan Xifan initially resists the idea of joining the court, which he views as a "yoke" rather than an honor for a Jianghu person, Qin Sang stresses that growing up means fulfilling one's duties, and he must ultimately choose his own path. This prompts Yan Xifan to decide to go, seeking to atone for his father's past mistakes by saving Lu Ping.
He instructs Ling Ziyan to remain safely at Wuji Manor, promising to return for her after the mission, deeming the journey too perilous for her. Before departing, Qin Sang shares a lingering concern: Dan's military power is not superior to Shuo's, and Shanhai Gang, despite its influence, remains a martial arts sect. She doubts that merely capturing Lu Ping, an Awakener, could single-handedly shift the tide of battle.
She suspects Shanhai Gang possesses another, unknown advantage, and their confidence likely stems from this. She urges Yan Xifan to investigate this matter thoroughly within Shanhai Gang and to be extremely cautious, as they are exposed while the enemy operates in the shadows. Qin Sang, upon returning to the Emperor, confesses to her unauthorized actions, acknowledging they warrant death. She defends her decision by asserting that with war approaching, the nation cannot afford to lose any power.
She stakes her life as a guarantee that Yan Xifan will lead the Dragonjie Army back to serve the court. The Emperor, angered by Yan Qiuci's deception and Yan Xifan's unauthorized command, punishes Qin Sang by canceling her engagement to Yan Xifan, stripping her of all titles and rewards, and confining her to her residence for contemplation. He states that Yan Xifan's success in serving the throne now rests entirely on his own capabilities.
Meanwhile, Su Tang and Mo Lin ambush the Dan delegation, led by Prince Liu Yange, disguising themselves as bandits to infiltrate the group. Upon arriving at Shanhai Gang, Prince Liu Yange angrily complains to Yan Jin about the "bandits" and demands to see Liu Song. Yan Jin informs him that Liu Song is unavailable and reminds the prince to show respect by addressing Liu Song as "Royal Uncle" due to their familial seniority.
As Su Tang and Mo Lin attempt to sneak further into the compound, they are nearly discovered by Shanhai Gang guards. Fortunately, they encountered Chu Min, who tricked the Shanhai Gang guards, allowing them to escape detection. Chu Min then urged Su Tang and Mo Lin to prioritize rescuing Lu Ping, as his time is running short.
In the grand hall of Shanhai Gang, Prince Liu Yange questions Liu Song's confidence in facing Zhai Rong, highlighting Dan's weak military and Shanhai Gang's nature as a mere martial arts sect. Liu Song proposes a demonstration, allowing the prince's bodyguards to test his men. A Shanhai Gang "walker," initially appearing as a beggar, effortlessly defeats several of Liu Yange's elite guards, revealing himself to be a master of five forces.
Liu Song then explains that they use the rare blood of Awakeners to perform the Method of Xi Sui on their walkers, creating "Force Eaters"—secret weapons capable of countering even Awakening power. Terrified, Prince Liu Yange immediately pledges loyalty and respect to Liu Song. He then requests to take such a formidable fighter back to Dan to inspire his people and alleviate his father's worries.
Liu Song, however, dismisses the request, declaring that he can produce as many such warriors as the King of Dan desires and instructs the prince to convey this message to his father, leaving Liu Yange speechless. Meanwhile, in Shanhai Gang's prison, Su Tang and Mo Lin discover many of the captives are highly skilled martial artists who had mysteriously disappeared from Jianghu.
Chu Min explains that these individuals, many possessing multiple forces, were captured to have their blood extracted for the Method of Xi Sui, turning Shanhai Gang's members into powerful, murderous puppets. Su Tang realizes with horror that the same fate must be befalling Lu Ping. Lin Tianyi arrives and orders Su Tang and Mo Lin to be poisoned and imprisoned.
She informs Chu Min that while Liu Song's orders prevent her from being harmed, she will be forced to watch her disciples suffer agonizing deaths. Outside, Yan Xifan and General Wen, having waited a full day without a signal from Su Tang and Mo Lin, grow anxious. A scout reports observing a team secretly departing Shanhai Gang with a large, unknown box. Yan Xifan suspects the box contains Lu Ping and dispatches a troop to investigate.
Back in the prison, as Su Tang and Mo Lin succumb to the poison, Chu Min, angered and helpless, defiantly puts on a hairpin Liu Song once gave her. She orders the guards to relay a message: Chu Min of Yaoguang Peak demands to see Liu Song.
