Noble Aspirations Episode 2 Recap, Plot

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> Noble Aspirations Recap

Upon arriving at Big Bamboo Peak, Zhang Xiaofan was comforted by his Eldest Senior, Song Daren, who assured him of support despite the potential loneliness of mountain life. Zhang Xiaofan, still uncertain of his master's acceptance, was advised by Song Daren to use his excellent cooking skills to win over Tian Buyi. Meanwhile, during discussions among the Qingyun Sect leaders, it was decided that Lin Jingyu would become Cang Song's disciple, while Zhang Xiaofan would join Tian Buyi's lineage.

Elsewhere, Puzhi gave a mysterious pearl to Lin Jingyu, instructing him to discard it in a secluded spot without being seen. The sect leaders also deliberated on the Grass Temple Village massacre. While Cang Song suspected the Evil Sect, others, including Tian Buyi, questioned the motive and the peculiar survival of only Zhang Xiaofan and Lin Jingyu, speculating about dark sorcery, possibly by the Blood Refining Hall.

Xiao Yicai was dispatched to investigate, though Tian Buyi believed the Evil Sect would soon return. Later, Lin Jingyu, worried about Zhang Xiaofan, found him. As Zhang Xiaofan denied remembering anything, the black-clad agent from the Blood Refining Hall attacked them. Lin Jingyu bravely shielded Zhang Xiaofan but was severely wounded. Tian Buyi intervened, struggling against the powerful attacker until Cang Song arrived, forcing the agent to retreat.

Tian Buyi reprimanded Zhang Xiaofan for descending the mountain, but Zhang Xiaofan explained he had gone to investigate, fearing the Evil Sect's return. Cang Song praised Zhang Xiaofan's courage and later advised Lin Jingyu not to let hatred consume him, emphasizing that it could either destroy or strengthen one's will. He also revealed that Xiao Yicai was investigating the truth behind the massacre, urging Lin Jingyu to find a purpose beyond revenge and assist with sect affairs.

During a meal at Big Bamboo Peak, Tian Ling'er impatiently urged her father, Tian Buyi, to start eating. It was revealed that Zhang Xiaofan had prepared the dishes, which were met with widespread praise, far surpassing Du Bishu's usual cooking. Tian Buyi, initially reserved, ate heartily. Zhang Xiaofan was then tasked with all future cooking duties. Following this, Tian Buyi confronted Zhang Xiaofan, reiterating his initial skepticism about accepting a disciple driven solely by vengeance and even suggested expelling him.

He sternly warned Zhang Xiaofan against being consumed by hatred, asserting that true Qingyun disciples must uphold righteousness and protect all life. Zhang Xiaofan, once again kneeling, earnestly pledged to abide by these principles, and Tian Buyi, moved by his sincerity, finally and reluctantly accepted him as a disciple.

As part of his training at Big Bamboo Peak, Zhang Xiaofan was assigned to cut bamboo for three years, a task his senior disciples were often exempt from as they practiced sword-controlling techniques. Tian Ling'er kindly used her Amber Red Silk to fly him to the bamboo forest. Zhang Xiaofan struggled immensely, unable to cut down a single stalk, until six months later, he finally managed to fell one.

Meanwhile, in another part of the sect, Lin Jingyu diligently practiced his sword skills under Cang Song's guidance, who taught him to wield his sword with his heart and to observe his opponents with his eyes. Lin Jingyu's rapid progress in mastering the first level of cultivation in just six months was noted by Cang Song as a rare feat, matched by only one other in the sect's history.

Cang Song, sensing Lin Jingyu's lingering desire for revenge, cautioned him against being overly aggressive. He reiterated that Xiao Yicai was investigating the Grass Temple Village incident, and the truth would eventually surface, but Lin Jingyu should not let revenge become his sole purpose in life. He urged Lin Jingyu to embrace a broader perspective and assist with the sect's internal affairs, which Lin Jingyu acknowledged. Five years passed swiftly.

Tian Buyi still did not teach Zhang Xiaofan any techniques, instead arranging for Tian Ling'er to teach him some simple moves. Zhang Xiaofan was initially clumsy and at a loss, and after a long time, though his physical combat skills had significantly improved through diligent practice, his magical prowess had only reached the second level. Tian Ling'er remarked on his slow magical progress and comforted him, saying that diligence could compensate for lack of talent.

Meanwhile, Du Bishu, the Sixth Senior, attempted to meddle before claiming he was merely encouraging Zhang Xiaofan. Du Bishu then sought to borrow money from Zhang Xiaofan, but Zhang Xiaofan had none. He then turned to Tian Ling'er.

Du Bishu explained that, according to Qingyun Sect rules, disciples who reached the fourth level of cultivation needed to journey down the mountain to find materials for their magical weapons, and he needed funds for food and lodging, as he couldn't simply fly away after consuming a meal without paying. Song Daren refused to lend him money, stating that his funds were managed by Wen Min.

Determined to help Du Bishu, Tian Ling'er took Zhang Xiaofan down the mountain, against Tian Buyi's explicit prohibition. They brought lingzhi mushrooms, secretly harvested from Tian Buyi's field, to sell at Heyang Street Market. Zhang Xiaofan worried about the repercussions, but Tian Ling'er suggested they blame boars if questioned. At the market, Tian Ling'er soon left Zhang Xiaofan to sell the herbs while she went sightseeing.

A young woman named Biyao, the Ghost King's daughter, approached Zhang Xiaofan and tricked him with silver transformed from stones, which she used to take his lingzhi mushroom. Zhang Xiaofan chased after her, leading to a brief confrontation where he was struck by her captivating beauty. Meanwhile, Zeng Shushu, from Wind-Reunion Peak, son of Zeng Shuchang, encountered Zhang Xiaofan and, misunderstanding the situation, playfully offered to teach him how to "chase a girl."

He then led an unwilling Zhang Xiaofan into a bookshop called "Yan Ruyu" (Jade-like Beauty), which he described as a place containing "good things." Qingyun Sect had long forbidden entry to such establishments, which were known to store martial arts manuals and "erotic picture books." Zhang Xiaofan soon discovered that the "Yan Ruyu" book Zeng Shushu was looking for was indeed an erotic picture book, and he refused to help.

At the same time, Lin Jingyu, now the head of the Dragon Head Peak's Disciplinary Hall, arrived at the market with other Disciplinary Hall members on patrol, accompanied by Senior Brother Qi Hao. Qi Hao directed Lin Jingyu to inspect the "Yan Ruyu" bookshop, suspecting that Qingyun disciples might frequent such a place. Inside, Zeng Shushu spotted Lu Xueqi from Small Bamboo Peak and immediately tried to charm her, offering to help her find books.

As Lin Jingyu and the Disciplinary Hall members approached the bookshop, Zeng Shushu, realizing their predicament, quickly helped Lu Xueqi escape through a secret passage, while he and an unsuspecting Zhang Xiaofan were apprehended. Lin Jingyu, considering his childhood friendship with Zhang Xiaofan, prepared to let him off the hook, but Senior Brother Qi Hao had already reported the incident to the sect leader.

Back at Big Bamboo Peak, Tian Buyi, having learned of the unauthorized trip, interrogated Zhang Xiaofan about who had taken him down the mountain. Zhang Xiaofan, unwilling to implicate Tian Ling'er, remained silent. Seeing Zhang Xiaofan's limited progress in five years, Tian Buyi punished him by sending him back to cut bamboo for another three months and warned him not to claim Big Bamboo Peak as his sect when venturing outside.

Heartbroken, Zhang Xiaofan confided in his second uncle, who had lost his memory. Tian Ling'er, grateful that Zhang Xiaofan had not betrayed her, secretly followed him and witnessed his conversation with his uncle. At that moment, the Blood Refining Hall's spy, whom Zhang Xiaofan recognized, reappeared on Mount Qingyun. Zhang Xiaofan pushed Tian Ling'er away, urging her to find Tian Buyi. The spy cornered Zhang Xiaofan on the Rainbow Bridge, leaving him no escape. With no other option, Zhang Xiaofan leaped off the bridge.

Episode 1 Recap

Episode 3 Recap