Whispers of Fate Episode 16 Recap
> Whispers of Fate Recap
Tang Lici and A Shui found themselves deep within an icy cavern, where the temperature plummeted to bone-chilling levels. Tang Lici, despite his efforts to use internal energy to shatter numerous ice swords, gradually became covered in ice crystals, a result of the intense cold and his depleted energy. A Shui, witnessing his frozen state, believed she was a burden to him. Tang Lici, however, had given her the only Bixiao Bead, which protected her from the extreme cold.
Weeping, A Shui returned the Bixiao Bead to Tang Lici and, feeling solely responsible for his predicament, moved forward alone to seek help, hoping to rescue him. With the Bixiao Bead's warmth, the ice on Tang Lici's body slowly melted. He soon found the unconscious A Shui lying on the ground, then carried her with him as they continued their journey to Azure Abode Palace. Tang Lici noted that A Shui had now saved his life three times.
Although he still couldn't fully trust her, these life-saving acts forced him to lower his guard. Tang Lici questioned A Shui about her actions, but she simply stated her only desire was to save him, not to curry favor. Tang Lici warned her not to give away what he gives her, then acknowledged her bravery.
He admitted that while her actions were somewhat "unnecessary," he would give her another chance, remarking that she had become quite a smooth talker after being around him. Having navigated a secret passage beneath Maoya Peak, they arrived at the true Azure Abode Palace, while Tang Lici's companions remained at the front plaza. Tang Lici asserted that Master Wanyu would welcome no one but him, expecting the palace master to come out and greet him.
Steward Bi soon appeared, questioning Tang Lici's audacity to return after having stolen the late Palace Master's Eternal Crystal Casket four years prior, which was considered a capital offense. Tang Lici requested an audience with Master Wanyu. A Shui tried to convince Tang Lici to ask Master Wanyu to let their friends in from the cold.
However, Steward Bi reiterated that Azure Abode Palace did not welcome outsiders, stating that Tang Lici and A Shui were criminals and instructing them to change into the palace's attire before Master Wanyu would question them. Upon meeting Master Wanyu, A Shui was surprised to find him to be a blind man. Master Wanyu explained his unique ability to sense energy and emotions, easily discerning A Shui’s concern for her friends outside.
Tang Lici then revealed that he knew Master Wanyu would meet him because he sought the return of the stolen casket. Tang Lici tried to bargain with Master Wanyu, offering the casket in exchange for protection. He then subtly warned Master Wanyu that the ongoing conflict between the Sword League and the Unfettered Guild outside their gates would inevitably draw Azure Abode Palace into worldly affairs, implying that the palace's neutral days were numbered.
Meanwhile, outside the palace, Chi Yun, Shen Langhun, and Cheng Yunpao, the Master of Camellia Island from the Sword League, endured the biting cold. Chi Yun complained about the wait, while Cheng Yunpao urged patience. Suddenly, Xi Fangtao and Fu Cui, leaders of the Unfettered Guild, arrived. Cheng Yunpao attempted to initiate a fight, but Tang Lici's tranquil zither music resonated from within the palace, pacifying the escalating tension. Xi Fangtao commented on the "pacifying tune" preventing action.
Chi Yun, recognizing Tang Lici's music, called out to him, urging him to open the gates. Master Wanyu, speaking to Tang Lici, acknowledged his scheme: by drawing both factions to the palace gates and then publicly aiding the Sword League with his music, Tang Lici made it appear as though Azure Abode Palace had allied with the Sword League, thereby forcing the palace to become embroiled in the conflict.
Steward Bi then announced Master Wanyu's invitation for Cheng Yunpao and the Sword League members to enter as guests. Xi Fangtao, observing this, challenged the palace's apparent bias, but Steward Bi sternly warned her against making threats, reminding her of the potential fatal consequences.
Yu Furen, a member of Sword King City who harbored deep hatred for Tang Lici for killing his master, refused to accept any favor from him and vowed to fight the Unfettered Guild, even if it meant his death. Shen Langhun, however, advised Yu Furen to exercise patience and strategy, eventually persuading him to enter.
Tang Lici, in a conversation with Xi Fangtao, acknowledged her beauty but firmly reiterated the palace's strict rules: no fighting, or violators would be imprisoned; any killing would result in execution. Xi Fangtao, introducing herself and Fu Cui, formally requested entry for the Unfettered Guild, which Tang Lici (on behalf of Master Wanyu) granted, once again emphasizing adherence to the palace rules.
Master Wanyu remarked to Tang Lici that he was amused by Tang Lici's attempt to manipulate him, to which Tang Lici responded that a worthy opponent made the game more interesting. The various factions then proceeded to cross the perilous Sky Rope, a path to the palace, with Shen Langhun telling Yu Furen that he admired the hate in his eyes.
Once inside, Steward Bi led the guests to Violet Hall, explaining that each room was assigned to two people, as per Master Wanyu's instructions, and those unable to cross the Sky Rope were accommodated elsewhere. He repeated the strict rules for the night: no killing (punishable by death), no fighting (punishable by imprisonment), and Master Wanyu would select one person to meet the following morning.
Chi Yun, confused about the rules, tested them by slapping Shen Langhun, who then retaliated with two slaps as per the "double payback" rule. All guests were then directed to change into palace attire. Tang Lici and A Shui were assigned a room. A Shui worried about their separated companions, but Tang Lici, reassuring her about Shen Langhun's tracking abilities, left to find their friends.
Later, in their room, with Shen Langhun and Chi Yun having joined them, Tang Lici elaborated on his plan. He revealed that after the battle at Sword King City, he had secretly made a deal with Mr. Puzhu, promising to facilitate an alliance between the Sword League and Azure Abode Palace against the Unfettered Guild. He had purposefully stolen the Eternal Crystal Casket four years ago, knowing it would compel Master Wanyu to meet him.
Knowing that the Unfettered Guild had extensive intelligence and would thwart any overt attempts at alliance, Tang Lici orchestrated a false pursuit by Cheng Yunpao, allowing Cheng Yunpao to pose as a Sword League envoy "chasing" him to Azure Abode Palace, thereby circumventing Unfettered Guild surveillance. His ultimate goal was to introduce this envoy to Master Wanyu, leaving it to the Sword League to convince him to join their cause. Chi Yun wondered why Master Wanyu would agree.
Tang Lici then revealed a crucial detail: the Old Master's Eternal Crystal Casket was empty. This led Tang Lici to deduce that the Old Master desired to return to the Central Plains for burial, a wish Master Wanyu, in turn, sought to fulfill. Master Wanyu's decision to also admit the Unfettered Guild was a strategic move; he aimed to observe the performance of both factions before deciding whether to ally with the Unfettered Guild or the Sword League.
He believed in siding with the potential victor. Shen Langhun confirmed Tang Lici's shrewdness, explaining that Cheng Yunpao's pursuit of Tang Lici was merely a decoy, and the true objective was to covertly establish a presence within Azure Abode Palace.
