Lost in The Kunlun Mountains Episode 19 Recap
> Lost in The Kunlun Mountains Recap
Ding Yunqi convened a gathering to announce his decision to disband Penta-sect, issuing the Heaven Official's Order to the disciples of the Mound-digging sect. However, Zhou Qiuhai accused Ding Yunqi of being cunning and changing the narrative. He asserted that since there was no longer a Heaven Official, Ding Yunqi had no authority to issue such an order, and the Mound-digging disciples would not acknowledge it.
Zhou Qiuhai, addressing his disciples, made them recite the Penta-sect vow, emphasizing their duty to protect Kunlun. He declared that anyone attempting to enter the Kunlun Mountains would have to walk over their dead bodies. He sternly warned Ding Yunqi that if he insisted on seeking Kunlun, the cordial relationship they once shared would cease, and the disciples who were once loyal would become his deadly enemies or be slain by him.
Ding Yunqi countered, arguing that everyone, including the Penta-sect disciples, deserved to make their own choices. He questioned the sect's benevolence if it demanded lives, especially from the "poor children" who joined, and highlighted that even his father, the previous Heaven Official Ding Yuanshan, could not save his mother from Penta-sect's harsh rules. He reiterated the Heaven Official's Order, stating that all Penta-sect disciples were now released from their vows.
Zhou Qiuhai remained unmoved, accusing Ding Yunqi of being eloquent but deceitful. He reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the sect, refusing to betray it because of Ding Yunqi's words. He reiterated his threat of a deadly confrontation should Ding Yunqi pursue Kunlun, declaring that without a Heaven Official, the Mound-digging sect would no longer follow any Heaven Official's Order. With that, Ding Yunqi bid him to take care and left, as the Mound-digging disciples continued to chant their ancient vows.
As Ding Yunqi departed, Wu Shuang hurried after him. He waited for her, and she confronted him, asking if he was truly disbanding Penta-sect. Ding Yunqi confirmed, stating it would allow everyone within the sect to live a free life. When she pressed for his reasons, he initially cited his father's last wish but then admitted it was also his own desire.
Wu Shuang expressed deep concern that his pursuit of Kunlun would inevitably lead to a violent conflict with her master, Zhou Qiuhai. Ding Yunqi reassured her, promising that if such a day came, he would not be the one to strike first. He then informed her of his intention to travel to Tianjin. Wu Shuang declined to accompany him, explaining that her master had instructed them to pack and return to the headquarters.
She urged him to be careful before leaving. Later, Ding Yunqi summoned Sun Sanxuan and Cui Yanzhi, informing them of his father's final wish to disband Penta-sect, which he had relayed to Zhou Qiuhai. Sun Sanxuan light-heartedly remarked on Zhou Qiuhai's perceived mellowing, surprised that Ding Yunqi returned unharmed. Ding Yunqi then presented the Heaven Official's Order, announcing the dissolution of Penta-sect and the release of all members from their vows.
While they both felt a pang of emptiness and the strangeness of such a sudden change, they ultimately accepted the order, unlike the stubborn Zhou Qiuhai. Cui Yanzhi, with a woman's intuition, inquired about Wu Shuang, suggesting that with Penta-sect dissolved, Ding Yunqi and Wu Shuang could finally be together, free from the sect's restrictive rules. She asked if this was his true intention.
Ding Yunqi confessed that he hadn't linked the disbandment with their personal relationship, stating his primary focus was finding Kunlun, and personal matters would have to wait. He admitted he hadn't offered Wu Shuang that hope, leaving her heartbroken. Cui Yanzhi empathized, knowing Wu Shuang was likely shedding tears over his response. Meanwhile, a fellow disciple, oblivious to Wu Shuang's deeper sorrows, excitedly chattered about how the disbandment would allow her to openly be with Hua Xingchen.
She even playfully suggested Ding Yunqi's actions were a grand romantic gesture for Wu Shuang, marveling at his audacity to dismantle centuries of tradition for love. Wu Shuang, however, was in no mood for such talk, lamenting that Zhou Qiuhai's refusal meant the Mound-digging sect remained intact, thereby still separating her from Ding Yunqi. She dismissed her friend, wanting to be left alone.
Ding Yunqi decided to temporarily leave the Mound-digging Soul Pursuit Order with Zhou Qiuhai and instead head to Tianjin to find the Mountain-demounting sect leader. Aware of the numerous eyes constantly watching him, he devised a plan to shake off his pursuers. He organized a boisterous drinking session with his watchers, pretending to get utterly drunk. Under the cover of his feigned intoxication, Ding Yunqi, along with Sun Sanxuan, quietly slipped away and headed to Tianjin.
Unbeknownst to them, Zhou Qiuhai, Commander Hu, and Chu Fengling were meticulously analyzing Ding Yunqi's moves. Zhou Qiuhai believed Ding Yunqi's high-profile declaration to disband Penta-sect and collect Soul Pursuit Orders was a calculated strategy to destabilize morale and draw out all rival forces, a way of "testing the road ahead." They speculated that the Soul Pursuit Orders might be the key to opening the Kunlun Mountains, yet were puzzled why he would so openly announce his intentions.
Zhou Qiuhai deduced that Ding Yunqi wanted him to carefully guard the Mound-digging Soul Pursuit Order, while Ding Yunqi himself searched for the other three. Despite their constant surveillance and enhanced hidden guards, they remained unaware that Ding Yunqi had already successfully made his escape to Tianjin. Upon their arrival in Tianjin, Ding Yunqi and Sun Sanxuan soon realized they were still being followed.
Ding Yunqi, having observed his surroundings keenly, discovered that Luo Yunsong had planted spies near his residence back home. He confronted Luo Yunsong, who had been following them in disguise. Luo Yunsong admitted his surveillance and sought a private conversation. He revealed his knowledge of Ding Yunqi's mission to retrieve the Mountain-demounting Soul Pursuit Order. When Sun Sanxuan scoffed at Luo Yunsong's offer of help, Ding Yunqi, though initially polite, declined his assistance, asserting they would handle their own affairs.
Luo Yunsong then revealed that the former Mountain-demounting sect leader, Eunuch Hao, no longer resided at Li Gongci. He explained that three years prior, the sect's martial arts were exposed, and Penta-sect's subsequent search for Eunuch Hao was inexplicably abandoned halfway. Luo Yunsong claimed to know Eunuch Hao's current whereabouts, having arranged his residence during his own past stationing in Tianjin. He stated that he had extensively researched Penta-sect's affairs in relation to Ding Yunqi's father.
Luo Yunsong candidly shared his true intentions: he and Chu Fengling were entrusted by Her Ladyship to find Kunlun. He saw this as his chance to reclaim his lost power, defeat Commander Hu, and avenge his brother, Luo Jiutian. He clarified that he had no personal interest in Kunlun but needed to prove to Her Ladyship that he could locate it. Luo Yunsong urged Ding Yunqi to cooperate, arguing that he could offer more help than anyone else.
Ding Yunqi, questioning if this was a veiled threat, agreed to work together, provided Luo Yunsong could indeed lead them to Eunuch Hao and the Soul Pursuit Order. Luo Yunsong readily agreed. Luo Yunsong led Ding Yunqi and Sun Sanxuan to Eunuch Hao's unassuming residence, a wonton shop in the British Concession's Xiaowuqiao area. Eunuch Hao's attendant, Dazi, warmly greeted Luo Yunsong, who inquired about the old eunuch's health.
Ding Yunqi, observing subtle signs, immediately sensed that Eunuch Hao was ailing. Dazi confirmed that the master had been suffering from an "inner coldness" for six months, preventing him from practicing martial arts. When Eunuch Hao appeared, he recognized Luo Yunsong, expressing gratitude for past assistance. Luo Yunsong politely presented a gift and then directly stated his purpose: he wanted Eunuch Hao's Soul Pursuit Order.
Eunuch Hao, surprised by Luo Yunsong's knowledge of his identity as the former Mountain-demounting sect leader, admitted he had kept the order as a memento despite the sect's dissolution decades ago. He stated he would gladly hand it over, but unfortunately, "Young Heaven Official Ding Yunqi" had already taken it that very morning. A startled Ding Yunqi pressed for details, asking for the impostor's description.
Eunuch Hao explained that the man, about Ding Yunqi's age, had arrived that morning, proclaimed the disbandment of Penta-sect, retrieved the Soul Pursuit Order, and even shared a drink with him until noon, leaving him with retirement funds. Before Eunuch Hao could provide more details about the impostor's appearance, he and Dazi suddenly collapsed, frothing at the mouth.
Luo Yunsong, witnessing their demise, flew into a rage, mistakenly believing Ding Yunqi was responsible for the poisoning and the ruthless act, contradicting his earlier claims of compassion. Ding Yunqi quickly realized they had been poisoned, and the Mountain-demounting Soul Pursuit Order had been obtained through deception by an unknown impostor.
