Love a Lifetime Episode 5 Recap
> Love a Lifetime Recap
Lu Yizhou angrily confronted the river lanterns he once lit to please Rong Su, now finding the gesture ridiculous. Rong Su appeared, acknowledging he resented her and was venting his frustration on the lanterns, which she noted were also used to honor the dead. She questioned if using their past conversation to plant doubts in Rong Jingfeng's mind about her relationship with Mo Huan brought him satisfaction.
Lu Yizhou retorted, asking if he was merely an insignificant passerby in her life, secondary to her ambition to become a Hall Master. Rong Su admitted her life had been one of killing, not saving, and her pursuit of the Hall of Life was a desperate, perhaps absurd, hope born from a decade of despair, with him being the sole unexpected element. Lu Yizhou told her to blame herself for misplaced trust.
He then kissed her forehead, before sternly declaring that he knew she had been following him, and from that moment on, her sorrows would be none of his concern; they were to be strangers. Rong Su accused him of being a hypocrite. Lu Yizhou countered that hypocrisy was preferable to self-deception, to which Rong Su responded that he might have lost so much sincerity he would never find anyone willing to be hypocritical to him again.
Cang Qi successfully navigated Mei Ying's Plum Tree Forest Formation by setting fire to a section of the Mei family's plum forest. He expressed regret for the damage and promised to personally apologize to Mei Ying. Mei Xueman, however, was understanding, recognizing the necessity of his quick thinking to evade the guards. Cang Qi explained that Lin Ruohan's invitation for Mei Xueman to visit Lingxu Pavilion, though risky, was the only way to prevent open conflict with the Mei family.
Mei Xueman agreed, stating it saved her from being captured by her brother. They hastened their journey back to Lingxu Pavilion. Elsewhere, Jinque, the chief of Snow Union and an agent of Supreme Master Mo Huan, received a report that information regarding Lingxu Pavilion had been dispatched to Mo Huan. Jinque stated her work for Mo Huan was nothing, but remarked on Lingxu Pavilion's extreme caution and the Mei family's unexpected strength.
She disclosed that the first missing Chihua Pill from Dragon Howl City was with the Mei family, who planned to use it as a marriage dowry for Lingxu Pavilion. Jinque deduced that a high-ranking person in Lingxu Pavilion was in critical condition, necessitating such a valuable offering. She anticipated that Mo Huan would personally intervene, and predicted Lingxu Pavilion's actions would provoke Rong Jingfeng, leading him to seek them out soon.
Lin Jing, as the Hall of Life master, diligently oversaw the Chihua Pill, remarking on the current state of the white snow lotuses and red flame lotuses. He puzzled over how Mo Huan managed to infiltrate Dragon Howl City undetected to obtain the poison-eating insect for Lu Yizhou, despite the heavily guarded single exit. Rong Hua attributed Mo Huan's elusiveness to her shadowy nature, reminding Lin Jing that even he was fooled by her disguise as Mu Yan.
Lin Jing stressed the need for an urgent investigation, as current defenses were inadequate against Mo Huan. Rong Hua playfully teased his newfound seriousness, but Lin Jing insisted on fulfilling his duty to Rong Jingfeng. Rong Hua explained that the Chihua Pill, though sought for life extension, was toxic, and Dragon Howl City's true power lay in possessing its antidote, which instilled fear in other sects.
She warned that another theft of the Chihua Pill would jeopardize Dragon Howl City's standing. Lin Jing, acknowledging the disciples' inability to confront Mo Huan, proposed a unique strategy involving formations, noting the Chihua Pill's fruition during winter, reminiscent of the Mei family's plum blossom fragrance. Mo Huan effortlessly entered Dragon Howl City's council hall, mocking Rong Jingfeng for failing to recognize his former master.
Rong Jingfeng, feigning civility, inquired about her visit, which Mo Huan claimed was to remind him of his past as a fearless individual before he gained power and became timid. Rong Jingfeng, now referring to her as Mo Huan, threatened to protect Rong Su with his life if Mo Huan dared to harm her.
Mo Huan dismissed his threat, then accused him of betraying the Ling Sect years ago to steal the Chihua Pill, which she stated belonged to its rightful owner to save lives. She revealed that the first missing Chihua Pill was in Lingxu Pavilion and challenged Rong Jingfeng to a competition to retrieve it first.
Rong Jingfeng, attempting to gauge her martial prowess, attacked her, but Mo Huan easily deflected, inflicting a neck wound and criticizing his lack of improvement, assuring him their past grievances were far from settled. Rong Jingfeng, holding his bleeding neck, declared his resolve to protect Dragon Howl City, which he built himself. Lin Jing treated the precise and deep wound, explaining the necessity of a special technique to prevent fatal blood loss, and mused on Mo Huan's formidable martial arts.
When an Old Hall Master attempted to interfere, Lin Jing asserted his Hall of Life's sole responsibility for the matter. Rong Jingfeng then ordered Lin Jing to immediately take forces to Lingxu Pavilion to intercept Mo Huan and recover the Chihua Pill. Lin Jing was visibly conflicted, connecting the Chihua Pill at Lingxu Pavilion to his ailing mother. Rong Hua expressed concern about the perilous journey to Lingxu Pavilion, known for its impenetrable defenses.
Unbeknownst to them, Rong Su's subordinate celebrated the potential removal of Rong Hua as an obstacle, foreseeing Rong Su's return to power with Rong Jingfeng wounded and Lin Jing occupied. Rong Su subtly wished Lin Jing a safe journey. Lin Jing, concerned for Rong Hua's safety with Rong Su left in Dragon Howl City, invited her to accompany him to Lingxu Pavilion, which she readily accepted.
Rong Su's subordinate further speculated that Rong Jingfeng's orders for the Hall of Emptiness to protect Chihua Pill-owning sects was a ploy to extend Dragon Howl City's influence across the martial world. Rong Su agreed to fulfill this, but questioned Rong Jingfeng's true motive in entrusting Lin Jing with such a critical mission. As they left, Rong Hua worried about devising a strategy to confront both the powerful Mo Huan and Lingxu Pavilion.
Lin Jing reassured her, emphasizing his role as her grandmaster. Mei Xueman presented the Chihua Pill to Lin Ruohan. Cang Qi confessed his unauthorized collaboration with Mei Xueman to retrieve the pill, offering to accept punishment. Lin Ruohan, furious, feared the incident would jeopardize their marital alliance. Mei Xueman took full responsibility, urging Lin Ruohan not to blame Cang Qi.
She reiterated that she would accept Lin Jing's choice if he loved someone else and insisted the Chihua Pill was a gift, not a marriage dowry. As Lin Ruohan began to suffer a relapse, Mei Xueman attempted to infuse the pill with her internal energy, but it was Lin Ruohan who ultimately absorbed it. Revived, Lin Ruohan thanked Mei Xueman, then declared Mei Xueman her chosen daughter-in-law, solidifying the marriage alliance.
Shortly after, Mei Ying arrived at Lingxu Pavilion to retrieve his sister but was blocked by Lu Yizhou. Mei Xueman intervened, pleading with her brother not to blame Lingxu Pavilion. Unable to bear seeing her deceived, Mei Ying revealed that Lin Jing already had a sweetheart. Lu Yizhou reported his failure to bring Lin Jing back to the Pavilion Master, accepting any punishment. The Pavilion Master, however, was annoyed by Lin Jing's absence, believing he should have returned himself.
Meanwhile, Lin Jing and Rong Hua were ambushed by Mei Ying, who mockingly questioned Lin Jing's identity. During their struggle, Lin Jing almost exposed his full martial arts capabilities. Mei Ying then held Rong Hua hostage, threatening her life to force Lin Jing to drop his sword. Enraged, Lin Jing vowed to kill Mei Ying if Rong Hua was harmed.
Mei Ying continued to cast doubt on Lin Jing's true identity, but before he could reveal more, Liuli of Snow Union intervened. She declared the area Snow Union territory, emphasizing their rule of peaceful business, and warned Mei Ying that any further fighting would require permission from her crystal ball. Unwilling to clash with Snow Union, Mei Ying withdrew, vowing retribution later. Rong Hua thanked Liuli, who admitted her help was purely transactional, costing 300 taels of silver.
Lin Jing recognized Liuli as a member of Snow Union. Rong Hua explained that her father had spoken of Snow Union's unparalleled intelligence network, leading her to arrange for their assistance. Liuli offered to take them to meet Jinque, the chief, to discuss obtaining information about Lingxu Pavilion, though she warned the price would be substantial. At Snow Union, Jinque knew what information Rong Hua sought and questioned if she could afford it.
Rong Hua confidently offered any amount of money, but Jinque revealed her price was the Chihua Pill's antidote. Rong Hua refused, deeming the Chihua Pill Dragon Howl City's foundational secret, too important to trade. Lin Jing worried about missing such an opportunity, but Rong Hua proposed they investigate Lingxu Pavilion themselves, recalling Master Xue's ambush on the path of Suilin Valley as a possible entry point.
Deciding to stay overnight and investigate the path the next morning, Lin Jing and Rong Hua had a meal at an inn. Lin Jing attempted to confess something to Rong Hua, but an innkeeper interrupted, serving them complimentary food and wine from an "honored guest" in the inner yard. The innkeeper refused to identify the guest. Suspecting the guest was Lu Yizhou, Rong Hua went to the inner yard.
She approached a figure from behind and began speaking, believing it to be him. When the person turned, it was revealed to be Mei Xueman, startling both Rong Hua and Lin Jing, who had followed her. Lin Jing, recognizing her, asked why she was so quiet, sensing something was amiss, to which Mei Xueman replied, "It's actually not me."
