Listening Snow Tower Episode 12 Recap, Plot

> Listening Snow Tower
> Listening Snow Tower Recap

Xiao Yiqing decided it was time to travel to Jiangnan and instructed Zi Mo to make the necessary arrangements. Despite a companion's caution that Shu Jingrong’s disposition might have drastically changed over the past three years, Xiao Yiqing assured them he understood the situation. In the misty rain of Jiangnan, Xiao Yiqing encountered Shu Jingrong on a small path. Both holding oil-paper umbrellas, they exchanged swift sword blows as they passed each other.

Shu Jingrong's sword skills had sharpened considerably; her moves were fierce and agile, unlike the weak girl she was three years prior. Nevertheless, she was ultimately defeated by Xiao Yiqing. He retrieved her fallen umbrella and remarked on her extraordinary sword skill, noting she could have taken his life if she hadn't held back. Shu Jingrong then asked if she was now eligible to join Snow Tower. Xiao Yiqing inquired about her well-being over the past three years.

Shu Jingrong revealed that she had avenged all of her father's enemies using the Blood Rose Sword, with only Hua Lian and Moon Sect remaining. She also confessed to understanding that once the path of violence begins, there is no turning back, only a relentless pursuit until the end. A shadow of sorrow crossed Shu Jingrong's face as she reflected on her path.

Her thoughts returned to a rainy night in the past when she and Qing Yu were ambushed by martial artists. Qing Yu was severely injured, and in his weakened state, he revealed his true name, Gao Mengfei, before losing consciousness. He expressed a desire to shed his identity as Qing Yu, saying that if they survived, she would be just Jing, and he would be only Gao Mengfei.

Shu Jingrong managed to bring him to an inn where they stayed for six months, barely saving his life. This experience cemented her understanding: once the gate of slaughter is opened, there is no retreat until death. She left a farewell letter for Gao Mengfei, reiterating this realization and stating that the journey through the martial world was long and unpredictable, before departing to wander alone.

Returning from her memories, Shu Jingrong expressed her belief that Gao Mengfei likely no longer considered her his junior sister due to her independent departure. Xiao Yiqing countered that her solitary journey, devoid of Gao Mengfei, was precisely what allowed him to witness the true prowess of the Blood Rose Sword today. Shu Jingrong conceded that her three years of wandering had not been entirely without kindness. She recalled a time when she was ambushed and poisoned, losing her sight.

Two brothers, seeking vengeance for the Blood Demon, attacked her, forcing her to defend herself. A small beggar found her, blind and alone, and after playfully demanding payment for his "sleeping spot," he led her to a highly skilled, mute doctor at the South City Infirmary. Shu Jingrong asked the doctor about detoxification, and he confirmed he could help. She promised to pay the beggar, and he accepted.

She then requested a quiet room to recover, to which the doctor agreed. During her recovery, a helper meticulously described the layout of her room and the courtyard, explaining how the sounds of a wind chime and a birdcage would help her navigate, and how the chirping birds would guide her to medicine left on a small table.

Shu Jingrong recounted her disappointment that the doctor mysteriously vanished after her eyes healed, preventing her from ever truly seeing him or expressing her gratitude. Xiao Yiqing then revealed that he was the mute doctor. He confessed that he had intentionally prevented Shu Jingrong from joining Snow Tower and had covertly encouraged Blood Demon's enemies to pursue her, all to strengthen her. This was also why he had strategically separated her from Gao Mengfei.

However, their actual split, which left her alone and vulnerable, had been unexpected. Having been secretly protecting her all along, he had no choice but to intervene as the mute doctor to heal her eyes. He then informed Shu Jingrong that the Lei family in Jiangnan was exchanging gunpowder for Moon Sect's niter. Shu Jingrong already knew this, as Gao Mengfei had previously sought her out to propose they join forces to infiltrate Thunderbolt Hall for intelligence on Moon Sect.

Xiao Yiqing, having reflected that Shu Jingrong's solitary journey had forged her current strength, led Shu Jingrong to meet Gao Mengfei. Gao Mengfei cordially greeted Xiao Yiqing and Shu Jingrong. He explained how Snow Tower had provided crucial help over the past two years in establishing his gunpowder business in Jiangnan to avenge the Sand Valley massacre. He also recounted how Moon Sect had vanished for a year, leaving other martial sects inactive.

A subordinate then presented him with nitre gunpowder found at the Yong Province battle, confirming it was the same type used at Sand Valley, offering a new clue to trace Moon Sect. Gao Mengfei reflected on his past at Sand Valley, how he was stopped from rushing into the fire, and how he believed he would not sacrifice himself for her, unlike "Eldest Brother."

Xiao Yiqing's subordinate conveyed the Tower Master's message that Snow Tower would fully support Gao Mengfei and Shu Jingrong in their quest for vengeance. Gao Mengfei explained that Lei Zhen Tian managed the family business, but his second son, Lei Chu Yu, had recently begun to oversee some operations. He emphasized that the banknotes used in their niter transactions were crucial to exposing the Lei family's ties to Moon Sect.

Shu Jingrong added that despite Gao Mengfei's repeated attempts to infiltrate the Lei residence, the family's account room contained a secret chamber accessible only to Lei Zhen Tian and his two sons. However, Gao Mengfei identified Lei Chu Yun, the eldest son, as a weakness due to his dissolute lifestyle. To exploit this, Shu Jingrong, under the alias Lady Xiao Qing, performed as a singer at a music hall.

Lei Chu Yun was immediately smitten, outbidding other patrons with a precious "Sea Flower" for her song, and she chose him. During their subsequent encounters, Lei Chu Yun's trust in her grew as he lavished her with attention, and Xiao Yiqing secretly watched over them from the shadows to ensure her safety.

Gao Mengfei and Xiao Yiqing discussed the Lei family's illicit activities, including Lei Zhen Tian's government contracts for military gunpowder, which involved corrupt officials, and their sale of gunpowder to enemy forces during the Yong Province battle. Gao Mengfei revealed that foreign banknotes, with distinct patterns, were used for these black market transactions and were hidden by Lei Zhen Tian.

Gao Mengfei then advised Lady Xiao Qing to change her tactics, expecting Lei Chu Yun to escape his confinement that night, and urging her to find a way to infiltrate his home. That night, as Lady Xiao Qing walked alone, she was accosted by ruffians. Lei Chu Yun arrived, scattering them and saving her. He then asked why she was out so late.

She fabricated a story, claiming the music parlor madam had sold her to a brothel and she had escaped. Lei Chu Yun, sympathetic, offered her refuge at his residence. However, she initially refused, stating she had an appointment with Young Master Gao. Lei Chu Yun followed her to the riverside, insisting on waiting with her through the night. The next morning, Lei Chu Yu arrived with guards, scolding his elder brother for sneaking out and associating with "girls like that."

Lady Xiao Qing announced that Gao Mengfei was coming to redeem her freedom. Lei Chu Yu, however, informed them that he had seen Gao Mengfei's carriage leaving the city for urgent matters the previous day. Seizing the opportunity, Lei Chu Yun again invited Lady Xiao Qing to stay at his residence to evade her pursuers and prepare for the future. Although she expressed reservations about a courtesan staying in his home, Lei Chu Yun insisted. She reluctantly agreed, promising that Gao Mengfei would settle all her expenses upon his return.

Episode 11 Recap

Episode 13 Recap