Lost in The Kunlun Mountains Episode 20 Recap
> Lost in The Kunlun Mountains Recap
Following the tragic poisoning of Eunuch Hao in Tianjin and the theft of the Soul Pursuit Order, Sun Sanxuan suspected Luo Yunsong of orchestrating the deception. However, Ding Yunqi disagreed, stating that the Soul Pursuit Order was Luo Yunsong's token of sincerity for their partnership, making it illogical for him to sabotage it. Ding Yunqi believed Luo Yunsong. Reflecting on the complex situation, Ding Yunqi admitted he had underestimated everyone and needed to reconsider all possibilities.
Luo Yunsong suggested that Zhou Qiuhai might have taken the order, while Ding Yunqi, Sun Sanxuan, and Luo Yunsong decided to return to Shanghai to formulate a new plan. News of Ding Yunqi and Luo Yunsong's unexpected cooperation in Tianjin reached Commander Hu, who found the development ominous. He attempted to divine their future using a hexagram, drawing "Heavenly Thunder without Delusion," but did not understand its meaning.
Zhou Qiuhai, also informed of their alliance and Eunuch Hao's death, suspected Luo Yunsong of staging the entire event to gain Ding Yunqi's trust. He ordered an investigation into Luo Yunsong's past before he joined the military. Finding it shameful that his surveillance on Ding Yunqi was compromised and ineffective, Zhou Qiuhai decided to withdraw his agents from monitoring Ding Yunqi. Back in Shanghai, Ding Yunqi, mindful of Wu Shuang, covertly left her a gift of specialty dough twists.
Her friend discovered the gift and excitedly tried to persuade Wu Shuang not to return to the Mound-digging Sect's headquarters, urging her to stay with Ding Yunqi instead. Wu Shuang, still hurt by Ding Yunqi's lack of explicit romantic commitment and his disavowal of their engagement, felt there was no reason to stay. As her friend continued to praise the delicious twists, Wu Shuang, feigning indifference, told her to take them all.
Later, a wistful Wu Shuang ate a small piece of leftover dough twist, a gesture that revealed her underlying affection for Ding Yunqi. Meanwhile, Commander Hu, eager to gather intelligence on Ding Yunqi, subtly prompted Cui Yanzhi to visit him. He expressed concerns about Ding Yunqi's growing arrogance and his intention to disband Penta-sect, fearing he sought to monopolize the treasures of Kunlun Mountains.
Cui Yanzhi agreed to go but questioned her pretext, to which Commander Hu suggested she ask Ding Yunqi to interpret the "Heavenly Thunder without Delusion" hexagram he had drawn. Before departing for the Mound-digging Sect's headquarters, Zhou Qiuhai had a serious conversation with Wu Shuang. He lamented the current state of affairs, noting that Ding Yunqi's decision to disband Penta-sect had opened the door for countless opportunistic forces to pursue Kunlun Mountains.
He explained that while he could not openly protect Ding Yunqi, given his current stance, he would never abandon him, as Ding Yunqi was a descendant of the Heaven Official. Zhou Qiuhai painted a grave picture of the dangers Ding Yunqi faced, exacerbated by his alliance with the cunning Luo Yunsong. He tasked Wu Shuang with remaining by Ding Yunqi's side as his informant, reporting any significant developments immediately.
Zhou Qiuhai instructed Wu Shuang to feign her departure, anticipating that Ding Yunqi would ask her to stay. He emphasized the critical importance of keeping their contact a secret from Ding Yunqi and warned her to be wary of Luo Yunsong's deceptive nature. Wu Shuang, affirming her unwavering loyalty and duty to the Mound-digging Sect and Kunlun Mountains, accepted the mission. Ding Yunqi then summoned Sun Sanxuan and Cui Yanzhi to discuss strategy.
He revealed that his agreement to cooperate with Luo Yunsong was a calculated move to keep his potential rival close and uncover his true intentions. He also explained that his public declaration to collect the Soul Pursuit Orders was a tactic to draw out other hidden adversaries. Ding Yunqi then inquired about the Book of Ban from the Mountain-moving Sect. Cui Yanzhi confirmed its existence as an heirloom, hidden within a secret chamber in the now-empty Mountain-moving Town headquarters.
Due to Commander Hu's vigilance, Cui Yanzhi could not personally accompany them but promised to provide Sun Sanxuan with a detailed map and the layout of the town's traps. Sun Sanxuan suggested Cui Yanzhi join their expedition, but she insisted on staying in Shanghai to investigate Commander Hu, whom she suspected of harboring ulterior motives beneath his facade of foolishness. Cui Yanzhi also relayed Commander Hu's request for Ding Yunqi to decipher the "Heavenly Thunder without Delusion" hexagram.
In a subsequent meeting with Luo Yunsong, Ding Yunqi laid out his stringent conditions for their cooperation. He demanded absolute command throughout the entire process of searching for Kunlun Mountains, with no interference or disobedience from Luo Yunsong. Furthermore, the ultimate authority over Kunlun Mountains after its discovery would rest solely with Ding Yunqi.
Luo Yunsong readily agreed, clarifying that his primary goal was a "chance to turn the tables" and reclaim his power, not the treasures of Kunlun Mountains itself. Ding Yunqi also insisted that Luo Yunsong's Black Feather Team should not accompany them openly to maintain a low profile and explicitly forbade bringing firearms, as he wished to prevent further loss of life due to Kunlun Mountains.
Luo Yunsong accepted these terms and readily offered to share his extensive knowledge of Penta-sect with Ding Yunqi. Later, Chu Fengling observed a profound change in Ding Yunqi, noting his newfound coldness, realism, and arrogance, and pondered the transformative power of influence. Luo Yunsong, however, calmly stated that before Kunlun Mountains, everyone was subservient to the Heaven Official, advising his sister to adapt to these new realities and not to dwell on minor details when pursuing great endeavors.
He then prepared to report the positive development of their alliance with Ding Yunqi to "Her Ladyship." True to Zhou Qiuhai's prediction, Wu Shuang went to bid Ding Yunqi farewell, only to be warmly welcomed into his home. San Jin, a subordinate, enthusiastically prepared a celebratory meal. Wu Shuang expressed her intention to return to her "home" in the Mound-digging Sect.
Ding Yunqi tenderly countered, asserting that since Penta-sect was disbanded, the Mound-digging Sect was no longer a home in the traditional sense. He offered to be her family and invited her to join him on his quest to open Kunlun Mountains. He envisioned a future where, after returning the ten-direction treasures, Penta-sect would no longer be bound by its ancient oath, thus granting her true freedom. Wu Shuang, torn, worried about how to explain her decision to her master.
Ding Yunqi, with a mischievous smile, suggested she tell Zhou Qiuhai she was staying as his informant. Startled, Wu Shuang asked if he would be angry if she truly were a spy. Ding Yunqi assured her of his trust, stating he knew she would never betray him. Relieved and happy, Wu Shuang decided to stay, joining them for a joyous dinner as they prepared for their journey.
The next morning, as they prepared to depart, Chu Fengling enthusiastically invited Wu Shuang to ride in her car. To Chu Fengling's disappointment, Wu Shuang chose to ride with Ding Yunqi. Luo Yunsong subtly reassured Ding Yunqi that his Black Feather Team would follow discreetly, honoring their agreement.
