Love a Lifetime Episode 31 Recap
> Love a Lifetime Recap
Na Lanyue struggled against the powerful backlash of the Chihua Pill, managing to maintain control for the moment. Sensing the growing danger within the inn, he felt compelled to return to ensure everyone's safety. Lu Yizhou, however, assured him that Cang Qi was standing guard there and that their plan to undermine Dragon Howl City had proven effective, with Rong Jingfeng now fearful.
He urged Na Lanyue to prioritize his health and return with him to the Northern Wastelands to address the Chihua Pill's severe effects, emphasizing that seeking justice was a long-term endeavor. As Rong Hua's voice approached, Na Lanyue, not wanting her to witness his weakened state, asked Lu Yizhou to intercept her, then agreed to return to the Northern Wastelands. Meanwhile, Rong Su attempted to escape her confinement to see her aunt.
When Cang Qi recaptured her, he warned her to behave, stating he would have killed her for his master's revenge if not for Na Lanyue's orders. Rong Su defiantly challenged him. At the same time, Mei Ying covertly entered Zi Yan's unguarded room, surprised by the apparent negligence of Na Lanyue and Rong Hua. Zi Yan confronted him, accusing him of manipulating Dragon Howl City during its crisis.
Mei Ying, whose family had fallen from grace, revealed his ambition to reclaim his family's honor by seizing control of Dragon Howl City. When Zi Yan called him despicable, he shrugged off the insult. He then attacked her, stating that while she once saved his life, she now knew too much, and "only a dead person can keep a secret forever."
Mei Xueman, hearing the commotion, came out and helped diffuse the situation with Cang Qi, expressing concern for Rong Su's injuries. Mei Ying used his internal martial arts to sever Zi Yan's heart meridians. In a final act of defiance, Zi Yan pulled a poisonous hairpin and stabbed Mei Ying in the thigh before escaping through a window and collapsing outside.
Na Lanyue arrived just as Zi Yan fell, attempting to save her with his internal energy, but it was futile. With her last breath, Zi Yan pointed a finger towards her room before she passed away. Mei Ying fled, retreating to the backyard to carve out the poisoned flesh from his thigh. Bai Weizhi and the others rushed to Zi Yan's side.
Bai Weizhi furiously accused Na Lanyue of heartlessness and demanded to know what he had done, reminding him of their past promise that his vendetta was against Dragon Howl City, not Zi Yan. Rong Hua also pressed Na Lanyue for an explanation regarding her aunt's death. Although Lu Yizhou suggested there must be a misunderstanding, Rong Hua insisted on an answer, her trust wavering. Na Lanyue remained silent, deeply pained by her suspicion.
Later, Rong Hua confronted Na Lanyue again, revealing that Bai Weizhi determined Zi Yan died from an internal martial arts strike, leaving no chance of survival, and again pressed him for what truly transpired. Na Lanyue pointed out that her questioning itself signified a breakdown of trust between them. Rong Hua pleaded with him to deny it, promising to believe him.
Na Lanyue, however, countered by recalling how she once stood by him without hesitation when he was accused of mass murder, yet now doubted him because he seemingly had a motive against Zi Yan, who had been involved in Lingxu Pavilion's destruction. He recounted his unwavering sacrifices for her, including how his own mother, Lin Ruohan, had used the Chihua Pill to save him, exchanging her life for his due to his efforts to save Rong Hua.
He reaffirmed his eternal love for Rong Hua, but lamented that she no longer trusted him. Rong Hua apologized, expressing guilt over Lingxu Pavilion's fate, and wished for his safety, advocating for peaceful resolution over bloodshed. Na Lanyue conceded that there were indeed many ways to seek justice, but reiterated that her suspicion meant their bond was broken. He declared his pursuit of justice for all, not just personal revenge, and coldly dismissed her.
Heartbroken, Rong Hua expressed her fear that he was no longer the man she once knew. Na Lanyue then instructed Cang Qi to prepare a high-quality coffin and gather Ling Sect disciples to escort Zi Yan's body back to Dragon Howl City.
Mei Ying, feigning sorrow, offered to take Zi Yan back himself, but Na Lanyue scorned him, ordering his men to guard Mei Ying and stating that a "dog from Dragon Howl City" should be returned to its master for proper discipline. As Na Lanyue prepared to leave, Rong Hua, despite his coldness, insisted on placing a hairpin in his hand. Na Lanyue, accompanied by Ling Sect disciples, then escorted Zi Yan's body back to Dragon Howl City.
Rong Jingfeng opened the city gates to receive them. The two men exchanged harsh words, with Na Lanyue promising to personally deliver an empty coffin to Rong Jingfeng next time. Later, Rong Hua secretly returned to Zi Yan's room to search for clues, discovering no signs of a struggle. She shared her findings with Bai Weizhi, noting that if Na Lanyue had killed Zi Yan, it would have been a sneak attack.
However, Zi Yan's desperate escape from the room suggested a fight, implying the attacker must have been injured. Bai Weizhi agreed that the situation was suspicious and that the truth needed to be uncovered. When he questioned if Rong Hua was simply trying to clear Na Lanyue's name, she firmly stated that both Zi Yan and Na Lanyue were profoundly important to her, and she was determined to find the real murderer for both their sakes.
As Rong Su recovered from her injuries, Lu Yizhou acknowledged her deep affection for Zi Yan, remarking that she was not as callous as she appeared. Rong Su admitted that Zi Yan genuinely cared for her, even if not with the same warmth as for Rong Hua. She confessed to understanding Na Lanyue's actions, attributing them to a belief in retribution and destiny, and noted that he was too proud to explain himself fully.
Lu Yizhou then pondered whether the Chihua Pill's effects could transform Na Lanyue into a "devil," distinguishing him from Rong Jingfeng, whom he branded a "heartless devil." Rong Hua requested Lu Yizhou to allow Bai Weizhi to treat Rong Su's injured hand, fearing it would become permanently damaged. Lu Yizhou consented, promising to stand guard.
Rong Hua then proposed a plan to Rong Su: they would escape and return to Dragon Howl City together to prevent it from falling into outsider hands. She envisioned Bai Weizhi leading the Hall of Oldness, herself the Hall of Life, and Rong Su reclaiming her position as master of the Hall of Emptiness. Their first objective would be to eliminate Mei Ying. Rong Su hesitated, pointing out that this would betray Na Lanyue.
Bai Weizhi interjected, asserting that Na Lanyue was no longer the Lin Jing they knew and that Rong Hua was isolated. He urged the sisters to unite against Mei Ying, who had deceived Rong Jingfeng. Rong Hua further emphasized Mei Ying's cunning and her father's blindness to it. Surprised by their shared resolve, Rong Su agreed to join forces. Rong Hua reiterated her determination to return, confront her father, and find evidence to clear Na Lanyue's name.
Despite Bai Weizhi's warnings about the inherent dangers of returning to Dragon Howl City, Rong Hua insisted that Zi Yan's death had underscored the preciousness of family, and she would face any peril to protect her loved ones and the city. Bai Weizhi ultimately agreed to accompany her. Bai Weizhi secretly removed Rong Su’s handcuffs, provided her with a dagger, and instructed her to escape with Rong Hua, planning to meet later in Dragon Howl City.
However, Lu Yizhou had anticipated their escape and stationed additional guards at the back gate. He intercepted Rong Su, mockingly criticizing her overconfidence and reminding her that she had more than just him to contend with. As Rong Hua helped Rong Su flee, Lu Yizhou ordered Ling Sect disciples to seal off Tingfeng Town, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving before sunset.
Suddenly, Guan Buzhuo appeared, instructing Lu Yizhou to entrust the local affairs to him and to prioritize their main mission. As Lu Yizhou and Na Lanyue journeyed toward the Northern Wastelands, Lu Yizhou questioned why Na Lanyue deliberately caused Rong Hua to misunderstand him and cruelly pushed her away, refusing to explain.
Na Lanyue revealed that he didn't know how much longer he could survive due to the Chihua Pill's effects, stating that he should have been buried long ago and it was only the Chihua Pill and his burning hatred that had sustained his fragile body until now. He believed Lingxu Pavilion was beyond salvation, and endless hatred offered no true peace.
To spare Rong Hua further worry and pain, he chose to sever their ties prematurely, especially given the tragic lives lost in their families' feud. Lu Yizhou acknowledged Na Lanyue's painful decision and conceded that he too had long given up on his relationship.
Na Lanyue then confirmed his awareness that Rong Hua and her companions had likely reached Dragon Howl City by now, admitting he had deliberately stalled their escape and involved Guan Buzhuo in a charade to ensure Rong Hua completely gave up on him. Lu Yizhou, impressed by Rong Hua's resourcefulness and thoughtful planning, expressed concern about the increasingly difficult future and the uncertainty of their next reunion.
Back in Dragon Howl City, Rong Jingfeng welcomed Rong Su at the gates, but was shocked to see Rong Hua and Bai Weizhi with her. Bai Weizhi confronted Rong Jingfeng, accusing him of callousness towards his own daughter. Rong Jingfeng declared Rong Su his only child and ordered his guards to kill Rong Hua if she advanced, stating that "his Hua died a long time ago." Rong Hua confronted her father, demanding accountability for Auntie Zi Yan's death.
Rong Jingfeng vehemently blamed Na Lanyue. Rong Su intervened, explaining that Rong Hua had broken with Na Lanyue to save her, and that they would avenge Zi Yan together. She pleaded with her father to allow Rong Hua entry for Zi Yan's sake. Rong Jingfeng's anger subsided slightly upon learning of Rong Hua's split with Na Lanyue, and he reluctantly turned and left.
Bai Weizhi then warned Rong Hua that entering the city meant no turning back, but Rong Hua responded that she had nowhere else to go. Once inside Dragon Howl City, Rong Hua's demeanor was notably altered. After thoughtfully arranging Zi Yan's funeral, an act Rong Su greatly appreciated, Rong Hua ventured to the Hall of Life to search for clues.
There, she was confronted and rudely challenged by Dongqing, a senior disciple of the Hall of Life, who questioned her presence. Xiaoxiao appeared, intervening to stop Dongqing and expressing relief at seeing Rong Hua safe. Rong Hua confided in Rong Su that despite their past estrangement, Zi Yan had been like a mother to them, and that Dragon Howl City ultimately belonged to the Rong family, urging them to unite.
