Martial Universe: Season 1 Episode 40 (Ending) Recap
> Martial Universe: Season 1 Recap
The Third Yi-Demon Prince launched a devastating attack on Dao Sect, leaving countless disciples injured or dead. Upon receiving the grim news, Ying Xuanzi instructed Wu Dao to immediately initiate the sword enchantment, forcing the Yi-Demon into the Great Desert where its ability to conceal itself would be hindered. Ying Xuanzi also ordered Wu Dao to activate the mountain protection barrier once he and the Third Yi-Demon Prince had left, ensuring all other disciples remained safely inside.
He emphasized that no one was to follow them. Meanwhile, Little Flame sensed a familiar, unsettling scent, identical to that of a Yi-Demon they had encountered before. He tried to rouse Little Marten, who was initially reluctant, claiming Lin Dong could handle his own affairs and that the light, which signaled Lin Dong needed their help, had not yet flashed. However, the light soon flickered, prompting them to quickly rush to Lin Dong's aid.
Before they could reach him, they were ambushed by Mu Qianqian, another Yi-Demon, who rendered them immobile. Little Flame defiantly declared that Lin Dong would soon arrive to save them, but Mu Qianqian gloated that Lin Dong would not be coming, as he was likely on the verge of death. She then tortured Little Marten, announcing her intention to consume one of them and forcing them to choose who would sacrifice themselves.
Understanding Mu Qianqian's tactic was to delay them, Little Marten cleverly instigated an argument with Little Flame, feigning cowardice and urging Little Flame to die so he could save Lin Dong. Amused by Little Marten's apparent fear of death, Mu Qianqian chose him to be devoured. Lin Dong and Zhou Tong arrived to rescue Ying Xuanzi, who had been fighting the Third Yi-Demon Prince alone.
Lin Dong questioned Ying Xuanzi's solo confrontation, to which Ying Xuanzi explained that he alone could not defeat the Third Yi-Demon Prince, and bringing others would only lead to more casualties. He then revealed a long-held promise he made to a disciple to help avenge his family against the Yi-Demons.
Ying Xuanzi confessed his past cowardice in not being resolute enough when the Third Yi-Demon Prince was initially imprisoned, and now the Yi-Demon's escape presented an opportunity to fulfill his commitment. Inspired by Ying Xuanzi's words, Zhou Tong finally addressed him as "Master" again, a moment Ying Xuanzi had long awaited. As Lin Dong and Zhou Tong stood together, Lin Dong asked if they were now co-disciples.
Zhou Tong, acknowledging Lin Dong as his junior, expressed concern that they had both only mastered the third level of the Great Wilderness Classics, which might not be enough. Lin Dong, ever confident, countered that two third levels combined amounted to six, which surely would be sufficient.
The two then remembered the three movements taught by their Grand Elder Senior: the Great Star Fist, which emphasized moving by hearing the wind; the Great Wilderness Body, used to block the wind by merging with it; and the Great Yin Eclipse Sword, which allowed one to match the wind's speed. They bravely engaged the Third Yi-Demon Prince, but despite their efforts, they were overwhelmed and disappeared. Lin Dong and Zhou Tong found themselves in an unknown realm.
Zhou Tong wondered why shattering the Third Yi-Demon Prince's fallen spirit had only made it fiercer. Lin Dong deduced that the fallen spirit was wind itself, unbreakable by conventional means, and that only mastering the fourth movement of the Great Wilderness Classics could defeat it. Lin Dong quickly comprehended the "Demon Eyes of the Wilderness" from an ancient rock painting. He told Zhou Tong that he intended to face the Third Yi-Demon Prince alone, pushing Zhou Tong away.
Meanwhile, Little Marten revealed his advanced cultivation of the Thunder Talisman, defiantly daring Mu Qianqian to eat him, warning her of indigestion. Unfazed, Mu Qianqian vowed to fulfill their death wishes. In a gust of wind, Lin Dong, contemplating the rock painting, realized the true, horrifying secret of the Demon Eyes of the Wilderness: to prevent the wilderness energy from attacking one's eyeballs, one must first destroy one's own eyes, uniting with Heaven and Earth.
He understood that Dao Sect's ancestors had conveyed this brutal truth, but no one had dared to undertake such a sacrifice. Despite acknowledging he had other important duties, Lin Dong concluded that if he didn't defeat the Third Yi-Demon Prince, Huanhuan's family and fellow disciples would perish. He recalled seeing Huanhuan in her wedding dress, deciding that memory was enough.
He unleashed the fourth movement, which drew power from his cherished memories of Huanhuan, successfully defeating the Third Yi-Demon Prince before collapsing in the desert. Zhou Tong found the unconscious Lin Dong, acknowledging Lin Dong's superior courage compared to his own past self. He revealed that he had been gravely injured during their fight against the fallen spirit and would not last long.
Believing it was destiny, Zhou Tong decided to pass his Yuan-pellet to Lin Dong, explaining that he had to sever Lin Dong's vital channels to facilitate the fusion. Lin Dong, understanding Zhou Tong's intentions, silently accepted. With his dying breath, Zhou Tong entrusted Huanhuan's care to Lin Dong, remembering how she was the only one who treated him kindly when he was an outcast.
He bid a spiritual farewell to Ying Xuanzi, affirming his lifelong independence and assuring his master not to regret his past decisions for the greater good of Dao Sect, and that he never bore a grudge. Upon returning to Dao Sect, blinded, Lin Dong was informed that Zhou Tong had been laid to rest in the ancient battlefield, the place where he had spent much of his life and where he could now eternally watch over Dao Sect.
Lin Dong was then promoted to the Earth Hall. During the promotion ceremony, Lin Dong used the opportunity to honor Zhou Tong, declaring that he should forever hold the number one spot on the hit list. He reasoned that even if Zhou Tong wandered the vast world, his name would remain an undefeated legend within Dao Sect.
Soon after, Little Flame and Little Marten tried to enter Dao Sect to see Lin Dong, but were rebuffed by a guard who stated that Lin Dong did not wish to see them. When pressed, the guard reluctantly revealed that Lin Dong had sacrificed his eyes to defeat the Third Yi-Demon Prince and was now recuperating.
Stunned and remorseful for being trapped by Mu Qianqian that day, Little Marten asked the guard to convey a message to Lin Dong: he would be Lin Dong's eyes, and Little Flame his hands and feet, taking on any challenges for him. Little Flame worried about Lin Dong's condition, but Little Marten tried to lighten the mood, jokingly suggesting it was a good thing Lin Dong wouldn't be able to see Huanhuan's "ugly" appearance.
Ying Xuanzi later spoke with Lin Dong, reflecting on Zhou Tong's character and remarking that he probably didn't care if his name was remembered. He expressed a hope for a world where heroes were no longer needed, indicating true peace. Ying Xuanzi then mentioned it was Lin Dong's birthday and that Huanhuan had prepared a gift she wished to deliver in person. Wu Dao congratulated Lin Dong, noting he was one step closer to Huanhuan.
However, Lin Dong, disheartened by his blindness, was reluctant to meet Huanhuan, fearing his condition would only cause her more grief. He believed it was better not to meet her in his current state. Huanhuan waited patiently for Lin Dong, saddened and disappointed by his prolonged absence. Wu Dao tried to encourage Lin Dong to see her, explaining how long she had waited, but Lin Dong remained steadfast in his refusal.
Eventually, Huanhuan confronted Ying Xuanzi, intuiting that something was wrong with Lin Dong. Ying Xuanzi, no longer able to hide the truth, revealed that Lin Dong had destroyed his eyes to defeat the Third Yi-Demon Prince. Huanhuan understood Lin Dong's decision and his absence, knowing he was likely nearby, guarding her. She then reaffirmed her commitment to cultivating the Ice Master path, declaring that she would wait for Lin Dong, and he would wait for her.
Ying Xuanzi, witnessing her newfound resolve, felt comforted. The narrative concluded, stating that though all may return to a barren state, it is not an end. Lin Dong's story, like the fight against the remaining Yi-Demons, is far from over, and will continue in the near future.
