Martial Universe: Season 1 Episode 12 Recap
> Martial Universe: Season 1 Recap
Teng Lei of the Yin Puppet Sect diligently perfected his control over humans, successfully transforming them into formidable talisman puppets. His father, Teng Sha, expressed concern over the brutal nature of this cultivation, fearing it might lead to uncontrollable consequences. However, Teng Lei remained resolute, arguing that such methods were necessary to overcome the Talisman Guild and establish his sect as the legitimate lineage of Talisman Gurus.
He then departed, intending to journey to Yan City to confront the successor of the ancestral talisman. On his way, Teng Lei encountered Mu Qianqian, who told him that his current abilities were insufficient to defeat Ling Qingzhu, the Talisman Envoy from the Ninth Heaven Taiqing Palace. She had him create two talismans and instructed him to lead his men to cause chaos in Qiwu Tower.
Teng Lei initially considered a different plan, desiring to win over Ling Qingzhu, but Mu Qianqian swiftly dismissed his idea. He ultimately agreed to follow her strategy, promising to wreak havoc at Qiwu Tower to her satisfaction. Meanwhile, Lin Dong, Qingtan, and Xiao Yan, the Fire Python Tiger, were preparing to visit Qiwu Tower. Their movements were observed by Lin Langtian. Qingtan doubted that their yang yuan-pellets would be valued by the prestigious tower.
Lin Dong suggested Qingtan feign illness again, believing the Talisman Guild wouldn't ignore a suffering person. At this point, Xiao Diao returned, having gathered more yang yuan-pellets, but Lin Dong was suspicious of his true intentions. Lin Dong warned Xiao Diao to return to the stone talisman, threatening to seal him inside permanently if he caused trouble. Separately, Ling Qingzhu apologized to Su Rou for any past grievances.
Su Rou assured her there were no hard feelings and pledged to care for Ling Qingzhu's mother in her absence. Ling Qingzhu then descended the mountain and went to Qiwu Tower to meet Master Yan. Upon meeting Master Yan, Ling Qingzhu inquired about the method to test the ancestral talisman successor.
Master Yan advised patience, explaining that once the Natal Spiritual Charm confirmed the successor's identity, that person would then be tasked with finding the remaining seven ancestral talismans, a process dependent on fate. Master Yan then noticed a treasure hanging from Ling Qingzhu’s waist. She revealed it was an heirloom from her mother. Upon hearing this, Master Yan confirmed her mother's identity as Ling Susu, recalling shared memories with Ling Qingzhu’s parents.
The tranquility was shattered when Teng Lei led a group of masked assailants into Qiwu Tower. During the ensuing battle, Master Yan and Ling Qingzhu realized that the attackers were being controlled. Lin Dong, hearing the commotion, instructed Xiao Yan to protect Qingtan and rushed in to assist. In a moment of peril, Ling Qingzhu shielded Lin Dong and was struck by a talisman spell, leaving her weakened.
Lin Dong quickly carried her away, fleeing from Teng Lei, who pursued them relentlessly. Knowing the tower's intricate layout, Lin Dong cleverly lured Teng Lei into a trap, dropping him into a prison cell. However, Lin Dong found himself unable to release Ling Qingzhu's hand. Master Yan, observing from afar, realized that the Natal Spiritual Charm, which Ling Qingzhu carried, had recognized Lin Dong as its master. With Master Yan's guidance, the charm dissolved into Lin Dong's Niwan Palace.
Xiao Diao, witnessing this, saw new sprouts emerge from the withered tree within the stone talisman. Xuan Su, Master Yan's wife, went to confront Teng Lei in his cell. Teng Lei, feigning remorse, buttered her up, but Xuan Su refused to release him, stating that he had offended not just Master Yan, but the Talisman Envoy. Unbeknownst to Xuan Su, the cunning Teng Lei had managed to place a talisman on a healing wound on her neck.
Back at a safe location, Master Yan tended to Ling Qingzhu's injuries. Ling Qingzhu expressed her disbelief and frustration that Lin Dong, whom she considered a "punk" and a "rascal," had been chosen as the ancestral talisman successor. Lin Dong, overhearing her complaints, playfully teased her about hugging her and complimented her "thin and soft" waist.
Master Yan stepped in to clarify the situation, explaining that Lin Dong was indeed the ancestral talisman successor, chosen by fate through the Devour Talisman and the Natal Spiritual Charm, and that Ling Qingzhu, as the Talisman Envoy, was bound to protect him every minute of every second. Lin Dong, delighted by the prospect of such constant protection, enthusiastically embraced his new role, deeming it a "delicious cake."
Ling Qingzhu, however, threatened to "chop this delicious cake first" in her anger. Meanwhile, Mu Qianqian visited Teng Sha, informing him that the Talisman Guild demanded one million yang yuan-pellets as ransom for Teng Lei's release. Teng Sha was enraged by what he perceived as outrageous bullying and extortion by the Talisman Guild, but Mu Qianqian pressed him to focus on saving his son, not just venting anger.
Despite his fury, Teng Sha ultimately yielded and delivered the staggering sum to the Talisman Guild. True to his word, Lin Dong released Teng Lei after making him apologize to Ling Qingzhu. Lin Dong also added that if Teng Lei's father wanted a duel to determine the victor, it was fine, but playing such messed up tricks was no fun. He also teased Teng Lei about competing for the "delicious cake."
Master Yan, speaking to Teng Lei, also advised him to tell his father that kind intentions were more important than winning the Tower Competition. Master Yan promised Lin Dong the remaining yang yuan-pellets after the repairs to Qiwu Tower were completed. Xiao Diao, however, advised Lin Dong to distribute all the pellets to the disciples of the Talisman Guild, explaining that Master Yan was testing him and that "a human heart is more valuable than gold."
Lin Dong heeded Xiao Diao's advice. He publicly apologized for the damage he had caused to Qiwu Tower and distributed the yang yuan-pellets to everyone as both an apology and a "meeting present from the successor of the ancestral talisman." As Lin Dong distributed the pellets, Master Yan loudly declared, "My greetings to the new Talisman Guild Chief!" Lin Dong was stunned by the announcement. The Talisman Guild disciples, following Master Yan's lead, echoed the greeting.
Master Yan then explained to a bewildered Lin Dong that the Talisman Guild Chief served as the guiding leader for all Talisman Gurus and was responsible for upholding the Guild's honor.
He clarified that the position was traditionally held by the ancestral talisman successor, and given Lin Dong's possession of the Devour Talisman, his success in Qiwu Tower's trials, and the Natal Spiritual Charm's integration into his body by the Talisman Envoy, he was duty-bound to become the next Guild Chief. Overwhelmed, Lin Dong could only murmur that he felt "a bit dizzy." Master Yan and Ling Qingzhu then withdrew for a private discussion.
