Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain Episode 8 Recap
> Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain Recap
Wang Wu began systematically teaching Wang Lu the Non-Phase Method, a unique cultivation technique she had developed. She explained that unlike other martial arts, the Non-Phase Method could only be truly mastered through constant physical impact. Wang Lu, who had already endured two years of Wang Wu's seemingly arbitrary beatings, was now subjected to continuous, intense pummeling, no matter the time or place.
Wang Wu revealed that she herself had undergone similar training, actively seeking out the sect leader for beatings, a relentless pursuit that even the leader found unbearable. Seeking refuge, Wang Lu fled to Feng Ling's inn, only to discover that Feng Ling had been bribed by Wang Wu to continue his "training" there. Months of relentless battering from both Wang Wu and Feng Ling passed.
During a healing session, Hai Yunfan observed that Wang Lu's injuries, once severe, were now merely superficial, no longer affecting his bones or tendons. Wang Wu appeared, announcing that Wang Lu's Non-Phase Sword Bone had reached a bottleneck, signifying its final stage before he could begin absorbing nimbuses. To further his cultivation, large quantities of Flaming Fruit and Spirit Stones were required. However, Flaming Fruit was prohibitively expensive, costing three thousand Spirit Stones per fruit.
Wang Wu then revealed a plan to acquire them from Misty Peak, the Lingjian sect's hidden resource stronghold, normally inaccessible even to the sect leader. Misty Peak was soon to host the Qingyun test, and Wang Wu urged Wang Lu to participate and win, enabling her to produce sufficient Non-Phase Strengthening Bone Pills and Strengthening Bone Powder for his accelerated training. Wang Lu, however, was not yet at the required absorbing nimbuses Level Six to participate.
He proposed a bold idea: he would bring Hai Yunfan along, not only to secure Flaming Fruit but also to help Hai Yunfan earn enough sect points to become an inner disciple. Hai Yunfan initially hesitated, citing his status as an outer disciple and the strict entry requirements. Wang Lu countered, reminding him of the mysterious deaths within the sect and asserting that Junhuang Mountain had spies among them who would undoubtedly act during the Qingyun test.
He intended to use Wang Wu's "sword" to expose these hidden enemies, making it an exciting endeavor. Wang Lu approached Yue Yun, the senior disciple responsible for test registrations. After a subtle flattering opening, Wang Lu inquired about the Qingyun test. Yue Yun politely explained that only disciples at absorbing nimbuses Level Six or higher could participate, citing institutional rules and the protective barriers of Qingyun Peak that would block unapproved entrants.
Wang Lu pointed out his victory over the already Level Six Liu Li xian, subtly questioning Yue Yun’s judgment or the Non-Phase Method’s power. When Yue Yun insisted on procedure, Wang Lu produced an Elder's golden seal, which granted free passage anywhere within the Lingjian sect. With this, Yue Yun had no choice but to register Wang Lu.
To Yue Yun's astonishment, Wang Lu then registered Hai Yunfan, claiming him as his "Magic Pet," leading to a humorous but unanswerable debate about the definition of a "Magic Pet" and whether humans could qualify. Yue Yun, unable to logically refute Wang Lu, grudgingly accepted, later reporting the outrageous situation to the sect leader, who to everyone's surprise, tacitly approved. News of Wang Lu and Hai Yunfan's unprecedented entry into the Qingyun test spread, sparking discontent among the other disciples.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Qin immediately used a transmission spell to inform the one in black, emphasizing that this was an "excellent opportunity" to strike. The one in black, threatening severe consequences if they failed again, ordered his subordinates to ensure success. The five-day Qingyun test officially began. Participants were randomly teleported into Qingyun Peak.
The objective was to journey from Moon Vale to Green Dragon Gorge and return via Lotus Lake, with the team finding the Flaming Fruit first declared the winner. Each participant was also given a Help Charm to summon an Elder in case of extreme danger. As Yue Yun led Wang Lu's team, he informed them they would need to forage for their own food.
Wang Lu, boasting an "A+" in Professional Herbology, confidently offered to let his teammates pick first, promising to identify anything they found, even if it was "unwanted." Meanwhile, Zhu Qin's team, aiming to get ahead, pressed on. Along the way, two female disciples from Wang Lu's team, who had wandered off to gather food, were ensnared by poisonous Ghost Vines. Zhu Qin's team, hearing their cries for help, bravely intervened.
Zhu Qin instructed the ensnared disciples to relax, which lessened the vine's grip, allowing his team to free them. The rescued disciples were deeply touched by Zhu Qin's "generosity," especially given their competitive relationship. Zhu Qin attempted to exploit the situation by subtly maligning Wang Lu as selfish and uncaring. However, Wang Lu, who had observed the entire situation, used a Speaking Flower to expose Zhu Qin's scheme, revealing that Zhu Qin had deliberately orchestrated the "rescue" to appear heroic.
Trapped by his own words, Zhu Qin was then coerced by Wang Lu into preparing dinner for everyone. Later that night, Wang Lu discussed his suspicions with Hai Yunfan. He had noticed a pattern: Zhu Qin always appeared whenever the one in black was involved. Wang Lu predicted that Zhu Qin would surely make a move. Later, Zhu Qin was caught attempting to tamper with Hai Yunfan's tent.
This confirmed to Wang Lu and Hai Yunfan that Zhu Qin was indeed Junhuang Mountain's hidden spy within the Lingjian sect. Separately, Wang Lu encountered Wang Zhong and gently advised him to let go of past grievances and not burden himself unnecessarily. The following morning, Hai Yunfan discovered the Flaming Fruit at the entrance of their campsite, seemingly growing overnight.
Realizing that extracting it would prematurely end the test and prevent them from catching the spy, Wang Lu quickly devised a plan. He instructed Hai Yunfan to hide the Flaming Fruit, while he would distract the other teams. Wang Zhong, who had secretly lit a sleeping incense the night before to gain an advantage in the search, was surprised to find Wang Lu and Hai Yunfan already up.
Wang Lu, however, bluffed, claiming his team had been awake, cleaned, and had even had tea before finding the other teams still asleep. With the other teams distracted and confused, Wang Lu successfully stalled them, allowing Hai Yunfan to conceal the Flaming Fruit and prolong the test.
