Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain Episode 10 Recap
> Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain Recap
Wang Lu, troubled by Hai Yunfan's lingering sadness, sought advice from Feng Ling, whose vibrant personality contrasted sharply with Hai Yunfan's withdrawn state. Feng Ling suggested that true sincerity was the key to unlocking Hai Yunfan's heart. Inspired, Wang Lu decided to employ a dramatic display of heartfelt apology, leading to the scene of him waiting in the rain.
He approached Hai Yunfan, who was still isolated, and sincerely apologized for his previous recklessness, which had led to Hai Yunfan's injury. Wang Lu confessed that he understood Hai Yunfan's despair, likening it to his own hopelessness when he discovered his Void Magic Root two years prior. He reminded Hai Yunfan that he had been there for Wang Lu, offering support and encouragement on his own path of cultivation.
Now, Wang Lu would reciprocate by standing with Hai Yunfan, even in the pouring rain, vowing not to leave until Hai Yunfan emerged from his despair, assuring him he was not alone. Initially moved, Hai Yunfan soon realized it was a calculated act. Wang Lu admitted he had asked Feng Ling how to open Hai Yunfan's heart, and she had suggested "sincerity," leading to what Wang Lu called his "sincere performance." Annoyed, Hai Yunfan chased Wang Lu through the rain.
During their chase and playful fight, Wang Lu noticed a distinct symbol on the back of Hai Yunfan’s neck. Hai Yunfan revealed it was the emblem of Junhuang Mountain, a military-focused sect starkly different from Lingjian Sect. He explained his father, Hai Zheng, was the former Great General of Junhuang Mountain, and his mother, Lin Xingchen, was renowned as the mountain’s most beautiful woman.
Hai Yunfan always felt overshadowed by his older brother, Hai Tiankuo, who was considered an once-in-a-millennium genius, unlike himself. He recalled a time as a child when he felt like a burden, constantly comparing himself to his brother's exceptional talents in military arts. His family life shattered when he returned home one day to a horrific scene: his parents brutally murdered. To his shock, Hai Tiankuo, his beloved brother, appeared, revealing his true nature as a demon.
Hai Tiankuo confessed to the murders, stating he couldn't let their parents live after they discovered his secret. Overwhelmed and helpless, Hai Yunfan was easily subdued by his brother, who placed a powerful Restriction on him. He awoke to find himself sealed in his room, unable to call for help, as Hai Tiankuo had placed a seal there.
Hai Tiankuo, now the new Great General, had fabricated a story about a demon attack and Hai Yunfan's "brain injury" from the shock, using it to seize power and preserve his image. Hai Tiankuo kept Hai Yunfan alive to gain a reputation for fraternal affection, but ensured he could never leave. Hai Yunfan, furious and heartbroken, vowed vengeance, promising to make Hai Tiankuo pay with blood one day.
He spent three years imprisoned until, two years ago, when Hai Tiankuo was in seclusion for cultivation, a loyal aide of his father helped him escape. He then hid as an outer disciple at Lingjian Sect, only to be found again by Junhuang Mountain's forces. He elaborated that Hai Tiankuo was a demon refined from a withered bone, a rare entity that still occasionally caused trouble despite most demons being wiped out in the millennial bloodbath.
Hai Yunfan confessed that with Hai Tiankuo's power and influence, no one would believe his accusations alone. Understanding the grave burden Hai Yunfan carried, Wang Lu refused to abandon him, acknowledging that being with Hai Yunfan always involved danger. He invoked the "four 'togethers' of best friends" – studying, fighting, getting injured, and sharing spoils together – and boldly declared that once his Wuxiang Sword Bone reached full mastery, he would assist Hai Yunfan in attacking and leveling Junhuang Mountain.
Hai Yunfan was deeply moved by Wang Lu's unwavering loyalty, excusing his tears as due to the strong wind. Hai Yunfan then observed that Wang Lu's Wuxiang Sword Art seemed to require being hit to improve, a puzzling cultivation method. He noted that his own magic attacks had become ineffective against Wang Lu, who now needed a stronger opponent.
Hai Yunfan suggested Senior Sister Liu Li, whose sword qi was incredibly sharp, but Wang Lu quickly dismissed the idea, fearing her immense power. Just then, Wen Bao arrived, loudly calling for Wang Lu. Impressed by Wang Lu's recent combat prowess, particularly his ability to contend with Senior Sister Liu Li and protect Senior Sister Yue Xinyao, Wen Bao humbly requested Wang Lu's guidance in his cultivation.
He revealed his earnest desire to improve so he could potentially team up with Senior Sister Yue Xinyao on future excursions. Noticing Wen Bao's blush at Yue Xinyao's name, Wang Lu agreed to take him on as a junior, on the condition that Wen Bao would obey him as his "big brother." The next morning, they began their training in the back mountains.
Wang Lu immediately provoked Wen Bao with harsh insults, calling him a "wimp" and a "pig" and questioning his worth as an inner disciple. Wen Bao, initially trying to restrain himself, was eventually driven to explosive anger by Wang Lu's relentless taunts, especially when Wang Lu extended his insults to Wen Bao's father. Wen Bao, whose path was that of a warrior requiring rage points for power, unleashed the true power of his Darksteel Sword Art, repeatedly striking Wang Lu.
This intense pummeling, though brutal, successfully ignited the latent power of the Red Fruits within Wang Lu. His resilience grew dramatically, and his body began to self-repair at an astonishing rate. Wang Lu realized he had reached the eighth level of the Wuxiang Sword Bone. However, the strain of this breakthrough was too much, and Wang Lu collapsed, nearly succumbing to Qi deviation. He woke up startled in Feng Ling's room.
Feng Ling explained that his Wuxiang Sword Bone had reached the ninth level, a critical and dangerous breakthrough stage where a single mistake could lead to his demise. Wang Lu, initially annoyed at his master Wang Wu for not warning him, was then told by Feng Ling that Wang Wu had actually prepared for this.
Wang Wu had placed a guardian charm in his room, set to summon Feng Ling immediately if Wang Lu faced any danger, proving her genuine care despite her notorious character. Feng Ling further revealed that Wang Wu's trip to Junhuang Mountain was not merely to escape the sect leader's nagging, but to confront Hai Tiankuo on Wang Lu's behalf. Wang Lu, however, was quick to temper Feng Ling's idealism.
Knowing his master's avarice, he confidently predicted that Wang Wu was primarily at Junhuang Mountain to resell the hundreds of Red Fruits he had helped her plunder from Qingyun Peak, keeping only seven for him. He imagined her manipulative sales tactics, feigning pity to sell at exorbitant prices (1. 5 times the original price) while pretending to offer discounts.
At Junhuang Mountain, Wang Wu indeed confronted Hai Tiankuo, threatening to "wash Junhuang Mountain with blood" if he dared to harm Lingjian disciples again, before sealing a deal for the Red Fruits by biting Hai Tiankuo’s finger. Hai Tiankuo, although outwardly tolerating her due to his incompetent younger brother being in her hands, hinted that the upcoming full moon night would reveal her vulnerability, while internally noting the significance of Wang Wu biting his finger.
Back at Lingjian Sect, Feng Ling guided Wang Lu through the Inner Sight technique to assess his cultivation progress. As Feng Ling channeled her inner energy, stimulating his acupoints, Wang Lu meditated. He saw a complex network of "roads" within him – his meridians. Feng Ling explained that the herbal baths Wang Wu had prepared for him over the past two years had finally opened all his meridians, allowing spiritual energy to flow freely and unobstructed.
Wang Lu realized with deep regret that he had gravely misunderstood his master's painstaking efforts and expressed remorse for his previous misjudgment. He immediately sought out Wang Wu to apologize, but she was nowhere to be found, as she had not yet returned. As Wang Lu continued his search, Wen Bao found him. Determined to surprise his master by reaching the ninth level of Wuxiang Sword Bone before her return, Wang Lu asked Wen Bao to continue training with him.
When Wen Bao admitted that he could no longer be angered after learning of Wang Lu's good intentions, Wang Lu resorted to fabricating a salacious story about Yue Xinyao, claiming she had sought him out for intimate conversations, including wanting to "have an all-night talk" and "in-depth communication," even saying he "pushed your Senior Sister down." Enraged once more, Wen Bao resumed their intense sparring session.
