Whispers of Fate Episode 19 Recap
> Whispers of Fate Recap
As Tang Lici emerged from the icy lake, confronting Liu Yan, he looked at his former brother with sorrow, questioning if Liu Yan truly intended to kill him. Liu Yan, convinced that Tang Lici was Fang Zhou's murderer, affirmed his resolve, stating that Tang Lici's death would be the most delightful event in his last four years. He mocked Tang Lici's "boundless lies" and expressed a desire for the world to witness Tang Lici's true face.
During their intense duel, Liu Yan's hand touched Tang Lici's chest, and he was startled to feel Fang Zhou's heart crystal within. Tang Lici confirmed that the heart crystal was indeed Fang Zhou's, stating that Fang Zhou was still alive. Tang Lici then recounted the past: during the Battle of Tiandu Peak, Fang Zhou was severely injured by the Yin-Yang Artificer, his heart meridian gravely damaged.
Despite Tang Lici's efforts to find a cure by consulting numerous medical texts, no treatment could remove the evil energy left by the Yin-Yang Artificer; any attempt would only cause the injury to worsen. Fang Zhou, disheartened, accepted his fate, his heart and lungs failing. Tang Lici proposed cultivating the Rebirth Record, an art known to the world as a demonic art.
Liu Yan was shocked, questioning how Tang Lici knew such a forbidden skill, especially given Tang Lici's claims of amnesia regarding his origins and martial arts. Fang Zhou refused to practice it, fearing its demonic nature. Tang Lici, who had previously cultivated the Rebirth Record without ill effect, explained a chapter within it called "Power Transfer." This technique allowed two individuals of equal cultivation to exchange everything, including the evil energy.
Tang Lici offered to transfer Fang Zhou's evil energy into his own body, explaining that his unique constitution allowed for self-healing. Fang Zhou initially resisted but eventually agreed, making Tang Lici promise to keep the matter secret from Liu Yan and Zhumei. On the day of the transfer, Tang Lici sent Liu Yan and Zhumei away to avoid disruption. The process began smoothly and almost succeeded, but their unexpected return caused a qi deviation.
To preserve Fang Zhou, Tang Lici stored Fang Zhou's heart crystal within himself and concealed Fang Zhou's body in an Eternal Crystal Casket, stolen from the Azure Abode Palace, hoping to revive him with the other half of the Rebirth Record. Tang Lici then pleaded with Liu Yan to return the other half of the Rebirth Record so they could bring Fang Zhou back. However, Liu Yan's mind was clouded by suspicion.
He recalled his master's words that Tang Lici was the cunning Yin-Yang Artificer, a master of deception, and should not be trusted. Liu Yan accused Tang Lici of manipulating Fang Zhou to sacrifice his life to repair Tang Lici's own body, which was damaged in the Battle of Tiandu Peak. Liu Yan then revealed that he possessed the other half of the Rebirth Record, challenging Tang Lici to take it from him.
He then unleashed a Soul-Devouring Gu, declaring it was bred specifically for Tang Lici. As Liu Yan intensified his attack, Tang Lici was gravely wounded, his heart cracking under the strain. At that critical moment, Fang Zhou's consciousness, residing within the heart crystal, manifested. Filled with regret for not guiding Liu Yan better, Fang Zhou lamented indulging Liu Yan's descent into sin. He then activated a powerful technique, calling forth "The Sea of Karma Shatters. Thunderclap from Heaven.
The Way of Heaven Inexorable. Celestial Symphony Descends," intending to shatter Liu Yan for a chance at a new beginning. Suddenly, Shen Langhun appeared, intervening in the duel. He scorned Liu Yan for being a mere assassin, then unleashed his "Scarlet Moon" technique, severely injuring Liu Yan. Shen Langhun noted that while Tang Lici had hesitated to kill Liu Yan, he hadn't stopped Shen Langhun from doing so, which was enough.
Shen Langhun, also wounded, then gave chase to the fleeing Liu Yan. Meanwhile, Chi Yun and others searched frantically for Tang Lici, who had collapsed from his injuries. A Shui eventually found the severely weakened Tang Lici and, without hesitation, used her own blood to heal him. She noted his injuries were too severe, and she needed more blood to save him.
Tang Lici regained consciousness after three days, learning from Chi Yun that A Shui had carried him for a long distance through the peach forest to find help. When A Shui brought him medicine, Tang Lici saw the fresh cuts on her wrist and sternly forbade her from using her blood to save him again, concerned she might sever her meridians, though A Shui insisted she was experienced enough to avoid serious injury.
Later, Tang Lici inquired about Shen Langhun, learning he was recuperating and that Liu Yan had not been found, having likely escaped. A Shui then explained her purpose to Tang Lici. She confessed that she only felt useful when by his side, acknowledging that her unique constitution was a gift to allow her to save him, who she believed could save the world. Tang Lici dismissed the notion of saving the world but permitted A Shui to continue following him.
Meanwhile, Shao Yanping had arrived at the Azure Abode Palace. Lord Wanyu presented a stone fragment, used by the Artful Rewriter to attack the Invocation Stone, which bore the same intricate patterns as Tang Lici's silver bracelet. Tang Lici confirmed that both the fragment and his bracelet originated from the Celestial Realm, a world now separated from theirs.
He deduced that the Artful Rewriter, like himself and the Yin-Yang Artificer, was an escapee from that homeland, which he described as "no paradise." Tang Lici speculated that this fragment was used by The Unfettered Guild to recruit the Artful Rewriter, and since Liu Yan knew nothing of the Celestial Realm, it implied a hidden faction within The Unfettered Guild connected to the Yin-Yang Artificer.
Shao Yanping saw this as an opportunity, suggesting that the Guild's connection to the Yin-Yang Artificer would garner imperial attention, allowing the Azure Abode Palace to regain its court position by aiding in the Guild's eradication. Tang Lici, aware of Shao Yanping's existing promise to the Azure Abode Palace, expressed his long-held desire to join the Central Plains Sword League, seeing it as the most effective way to combat The Unfettered Guild.
While Shao Yanping readily agreed, recognizing the strategic advantage of such an alliance, Cheng Yunpao, another sword master, was immediately skeptical, citing Tang Lici's unresolved implication in the Fall of All-Seeing Tower case. Tang Lici countered that with the formidable threat of The Unfettered Guild, unity was paramount, and his inclusion would facilitate a strong alliance between the League and the imperial court. Lord Wanyu supported Tang Lici, believing he had a clear strategy.
Shao Yanping, agreeing, formally offered Tang Lici the position of honorable guest. Later, Lady Xifang reported her failure at Azure Abode Palace to her master. She explained that despite the Artful Rewriter breaking the Nine-Star Coiling Dragon Array, Tang Lici somehow managed to restore the Divine Altar, and the Venerable Master had vanished, with no trace found despite extensive searches. Her master, while petting a cat, mused about naming it.
Lady Xifang suggested names like Tang Lici or Liu Yan, depending on her master's mood. Her master then cryptically asked if her "chess partner" (Master Puzhu) needed to continue existing, to which Lady Xifang understood. Elsewhere, Zhong Chunji, having lost her senior brother to The Unfettered Guild, was battling a Guilder. When the Guilder offered to surrender and join the League, Zhong Chunji refused, pushing him to take a pill and unleash a desperate counterattack.
Master Puzhu intervened, stopping Zhong Chunji, observing that her troubled mind was making her vulnerable. Zhong Chunji admitted her mistake in pushing a surrendering foe and nearly endangering herself, leading Master Puzhu to advise her to withdraw and conquer her inner demons. As Tang Lici, Shen Langhun, and Chi Yun arrived at Mount Superb Cloud, the seat of the Central Plains Sword League, they found the gates shut and no welcoming party, despite Shao Yanping's arrangements.
Chi Yun, teasing Tang Lici about always getting the cold shoulder, was advised by Tang Lici to be humble and respectful on another's turf. Tang Lici formally announced their presence, seeking an audience with the esteemed sword masters. They were greeted by several sword masters, who immediately expressed disdain for Shen Langhun and Chi Yun's backgrounds as an assassin and vagrant.
Shen Langhun retorted that unlike "righteous" masters, he at least was paid for his kills because he was "worth it." Tang Lici diffused the tension, affirming Shen Langhun's right to speak as his friend. Tang Lici, addressing the assembly, expressed his long-standing admiration for the League and his honor in being invited as an honorable guest.
Ji Wuyou, the Sword of Justice, confirmed that Tang Lici's Golden Eye Mark was distinct from the Yin-Yang Artificer's, and his actions at Azure Abode Palace attested to his character. However, another sword master bluntly stated there was no seat for Tang Lici in the Hall of Justice and told him to leave. Unfazed, Tang Lici then named each prominent sword master present – Mr. Shang, Xiao, Shangguan Fei, Mr. Jiang, and Elder Pu – acknowledging their renown.
He questioned their refusal, asking if they deemed him unworthy of the honorable guest position or if the League itself was unworthy of having such a figure. The sword masters accused him of arrogance for seeking a high rank without abiding by their rules. Tang Lici argued that his ambition for the position was a sign of commitment, not a cause for suspicion. He contended that his very willingness to shoulder such responsibility should be a source of assurance.
However, a sword master maintained that the League could not afford internal division and would not accept an "uncontrolled, dangerous individual." Tang Lici then pressed them, asking if they truly believed the Central Plains Sword League, without any changes or outside help, could effectively combat The Unfettered Guild.
