Love on the Turquoise Land Episode 26 Recap
> Love on the Turquoise Land Recap
Yan Tuo meticulously repaired the delicate bracelet Nie Jiuluo had given him, weaving his heartfelt sentiments into every pattern. He also thoughtfully wrote his true feelings inside a lucky star. Meanwhile, Nie Jiuluo, with tenderness, folded a star of her own, silently conveying her emotions. The two made a shared wish, a beacon illuminating their hearts. The next day, Nie Jiuluo overheard Xing Shen's urgent call after he received a secret signal and met with him privately.
Xing Shen expressed his unease, noting that despite Yan Tuo's rescue, Lin Xirou had remained silent, which he found unsettling. Nie Jiuluo assured him she would be careful. Concerned about Lin Xirou, who had lost her leverage, Xing Shen offered to move Lin Ling and Mr. Changxi to the South Mountain base to alleviate Nie Jiuluo's pressure. However, Nie Jiuluo declined, stating that the base was unsuitable for them and that she could handle the situation for now.
Xing Shen warned that with Lin Xirou having no more cards to play, there was no telling what she might do. Nie Jiuluo acknowledged this, asking him to keep her updated. Xing Shen then suggested that Nie Jiuluo join the Hunters' upcoming operation, dismissing her question about pity and clarifying it was an invitation.
Nie Jiuluo admitted she found it difficult to fully integrate with them, but Xing Shen reassured her by explaining how different species, like badgers and coyotes, collaborate for better outcomes. Inspired, Nie Jiuluo reflected on how her life had revolved around Jiang Baichuan, and how she once thought she would fall apart without him. Now, she realized that even a "badger hiding underground" could find good "coyote friends," referring to her newfound allies.
Later that day, the kitchen was filled with warmth as Yan Tuo, Lin Ling, and Mr. Changxi bustled about, joined by Ms. Lu. Mr. Changxi joked about the fridge being full, prompting Yan Tuo to mention he was making wontons this time. Lin Ling asked Yan Tuo for help with chopping scallions, while Mr. Changxi playfully commented on the lively atmosphere, a stark contrast to his past complaints of loneliness.
Yan Tuo reminisced about making various types of instant noodles for Lin Ling when they were younger, as their parents were often absent. Nie Jiuluo watched this harmonious scene unfold, feeling a sense of comfort. During dinner, a friend, Mr. Lu, called Nie Jiuluo, inquiring about her preparations for an upcoming sculpture showcase exhibition at the Lawrence Art Gallery.
Lin Ling, unfamiliar with the term, asked about it, and Yan Tuo explained it was a joint exhibition featuring promising new sculptors. Nie Jiuluo expressed her doubts, feeling she had no exceptional pieces for the exhibition and that a joint show meant she still needed to work harder. Mr. Lu, on the phone, urged her not to be modest, emphasizing that it was a rare opportunity among rising stars.
He offered to submit her "Hermit Duck" piece if she couldn't decide, cautioning her that indulging her whims might lead to missed opportunities, especially given their perceived limited talent. The call ended before he finished. Later, Mr. Changxi attempted to teach Lin Ling the Baduanjin exercises for internal wellness. Yan Tuo teasingly dismissed the traditional exercises as only suitable for Mr. Changxi and Ms. Lu, suggesting strength training instead.
Mr. Changxi retorted that Yan Tuo's muscles were just for show, and true conditioning came from within, criticizing Yan Tuo for not understanding these "ancestral treasures." He then encouraged Lin Ling to follow his lead. Nie Jiuluo, lost in thought, confessed to Yan Tuo her self-doubt about her sculpting talent, especially after the conversation about the exhibition.
Yan Tuo gently consoled her, suggesting she shouldn't force herself to participate and playfully flattered her, saying she was beautiful, skilled, intelligent, compassionate, and an excellent judge of character. Nie Jiuluo dismissed his compliments, saying she knew her limitations. Yan Tuo then encouraged her, stating that hard work always pays off. He proudly noted his own rapid recovery from daily exercise, even feeling bodyweight workouts were no longer enough, and jokingly asked if there were any gyms nearby.
Nie Jiuluo warned him not to overexert himself so soon after recovery. She reminisced about their childhood training, where they used makeshift equipment like buckets, logs, stones, tires, and even each other as "training partners." In a moment of playful intimacy, Nie Jiuluo hopped onto Yan Tuo's back as he attempted push-ups, leading to a humorous exchange about counting reps and keeping balance. Meanwhile, Lin Xirou sent a message to the Earth Fiends, which Nie Jiuluo and Xing Shen intercepted.
In her message, Lin Xirou claimed she had tried to coexist peacefully with the South Mountain Hunters but found it to be wishful thinking. She declared her intention to force a confrontation, inviting them to Twilight Chasm, their first meeting place under the Golden Gate, in ten days. She vowed to bring everyone she had captured, including Jiang Baichuan and other South Mountain Hunters, and demanded they bring their own captives for a face-to-face meeting.
Lin Xirou chillingly declared she had plenty of time and would "care for" the Hunters' families and descendants in their stead, mocking their duties. She then addressed Yan Tuo directly, claiming he had heard her sincere words and twisting history by saying his father would be happy about his mine becoming Roadsound Group.
She accused Yan Tuo's mother of attempting to kill her and claimed she had raised Yan Tuo, who now, like a "little snake," was biting the hand that fed him. Lin Xirou then delivered a cruel blow, stating that since Yan Tuo was so heartless, he must not care about Yan Xin, and threatened to bring Yan Xin, Jiang Baichuan, and the other Hunters to Twilight Chasm to be "feasted upon" by her long-imprisoned kin.
She concluded by hoping to see Yan Tuo and her "old friends" from South Mountain again, but if not, this would be their farewell. Nie Jiuluo immediately sent a voice message, accepting the invitation and stating that both she and Yan Tuo would attend. Privately, Nie Jiuluo discussed with Yan Tuo that Lin Xirou's sudden mention of Yan Xin was merely a test, as there had been no prior evidence of Yan Xin being in her custody.
She pointed out that Jiang Baichuan and the other Hunters had always been bait. Nie Jiuluo told Yan Tuo that this was more than a simple hostage exchange; it was time for a definitive end, not just for them but for Yan Tuo as well. At the South Mountain base, the Hunters reacted to Lin Xirou's message. Some believed it was a trap, while others thought it was an act of desperation, an opportunity to wipe them all out.
However, one cautioned that a wounded beast, especially a female carnivore who had lost her cub, was most dangerous. Nie Jiuluo confirmed that Mad Blade had already committed to going to Twilight Chasm. Xing Shen, eager to confront the enemy, decided it was time to rendezvous with Mad Blade and proceed. A Hunter volunteered to rescue Jiang Baichuan. During the strategic planning, Xing Shen emphasized that their primary goal was to rescue their people first, then eliminate the fiends.
He originally assigned Yu Rong to lead the mine-sealing operation, noting her familiarity with the route. He stressed the need to completely seal off the Youtang Mine, their escape route. He noted that while the fiends had a terrain advantage, their numbers were limited, and the Hunters were familiar with the Golden Gate area, giving them a potential advantage. He also hinted at other potential allies besides Mad Blade.
The Hunters then held a vote by raising hands, unanimously deciding to accept Lin Xirou's invitation, open the Golden Gate, and descend into Twilight Chasm. Quecha then expressed his concern about splitting their forces to seal the Youtang Mine, fearing a repeat of previous overstretched operations. He passionately volunteered to lead the mine-sealing operation himself, citing his family's generations of South Mountain Hunters and his father's teaching to never "chicken out at the key moment."
Xing Shen praised his spirit, reaffirming their mission: "Once entering the Twilight Chasm, fiends hunt human monsters. Blades and hounds walk the Turquoise Land, and Ghost Whip cracks his glowing whip. Seven hounds, two whips, and one blade. The Golden Gate is fortified beyond defeat." He assigned two experienced team members to accompany Quecha.
Back home, as Yan Tuo, Nie Jiuluo, Lin Ling, Mr. Changxi, and Ms. Lu shared a meal, Yan Tuo announced that he and Nie Jiuluo were going on a long "artistic inspiration" trip, a cover for their mission. He humorously challenged Mr. Changxi and Ms. Lu to hone their cooking skills in their absence and ensure Lin Ling gained weight. Later, Lin Ling confronted Yan Tuo, knowing their "trip" was a lie.
Yan Tuo admitted it was time to end the conflict, for Nie Jiuluo, for him, and for her. Lin Ling, though worried about them, understood that their current peace was temporary and that they couldn't live in constant fear. Yan Tuo promised to return safely. Nie Jiuluo also reassured Lin Ling, explaining that many South Mountain Hunters would accompany them on familiar paths. Lin Ling, while still anxious, expressed her envy for their clear purpose and unwavering determination.
She made Nie Jiuluo promise to return safely, which Nie Jiuluo affirmed, pointing to a "good omen." Lin Ling then walked them out. At the South Mountain Hunters' base, the team, including Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo, prepared for their departure. They gathered for a solemn blade-offering ritual, invoking their ancestors who battled the Earth Fiends and the ancient king who founded the Hunters. They chanted, "May South Mountain purge the fiends and bring peace to the people."
With weapons in hand, they recited their battle vows: "Mad Dog bays, thunderous roar! Iron hammers shatter fiend teeth! Ghost Whip cracks, swifter than wind! Copper coils bind fiendish hearts! Unsheathe Mad Blade, sharp as chilling light! Silver blade beheads the fiend! South Mountain Hunters vow for eternal peace! The golden men guard all directions!" Meanwhile, Lin Xirou confronted Jiang Baichuan, who was bound in a dark place, demanding the location of Mad Blade (Nie Jiuluo).
Jiang Baichuan defiantly refused, stating he would have revealed it long ago if he intended to, rather than enduring the torture. Lin Xirou, undeterred, declared there was no need for him to speak anymore, implying further torment. An Earth Fiend suggested that killing Jiang Baichuan would mean losing a valuable bargaining chip, to which Lin Xirou replied, "Do you think I would let him off that easily?" clearly indicating her intention for prolonged suffering rather than a swift death, to both extract information and exert control.
