Whispers of Fate Episode 23 Recap
> Whispers of Fate Recap
Puzhu and Xi Fangtao found themselves at the bottom of a deep ravine, both injured from their fall. Puzhu's leg was broken, yet he chose to endure the pain rather than push Xi Fangtao off him, fearing it would worsen her injuries. Xi Fangtao, noticing his pain, initially teased him, asking if he was afraid that dying beside her, the West Wing's mistress, would ruin his reputation.
Puzhu reassured her that neither of them would die and, despite his injury, volunteered to find food. By the sixth day, their provisions were severely depleted. Xi Fangtao helped Puzhu reach the last remaining fruit on a tree, as she couldn't use her internal energy and his leg was broken. Frustrated with the meager diet, she suggested they catch fish from the nearby water. Puzhu, adherent to not taking lives, hesitated.
Xi Fangtao challenged him, arguing that if she starved because he refused to kill the fish, her death would still be his responsibility. Faced with this dilemma, Puzhu reluctantly caught two fish for her. Xi Fangtao remarked on his interesting nature, finding him more captivating than during their chess games.
She pointed out that he knew her injuries were healed and she could kill him, yet Puzhu countered that she was not truly trying to kill him but was instead provoking him into killing her. When he asked why, Xi Fangtao explained her enjoyment in witnessing people's fall from grace—how a moment's hesitation or a small temptation could lead them down an irreversible path into an abyss.
Puzhu disagreed, stating he didn't believe one misstep meant there was no way back. He elaborated that "the sea of suffering is boundless; turn back and the shore is there," adding that while desires are inherent, it's never too late to repent and find the right path.
Defying Tang Lici's earlier instruction to act according to the plan and not stray alone, Zhong Chunji, leading a small team, ventured ahead to scout for the Jade Peony Tower and verify the map. She justified her actions by recalling her master's previous statements about the need for reconnaissance and her desire to reclaim her former status in Shanfeng Hall. They soon spotted two Unfettered Guild members, whose casual boasts made them appear to be easy targets.
Zhong Chunji ordered her team to follow. However, her subordinates quickly grew suspicious as they couldn't close the distance despite the enemy's slow pace. Zhong Chunji realized it was a trap and ordered a retreat. Suddenly, Liu Yan appeared, mockingly asking why they were in such a hurry to leave. Recognizing him, Zhong Chunji instructed her team to scatter. Liu Yan then unleashed "Blood Camellias," a powerful gu insect technique that incapacitated Zhong Chunji's guards without killing them.
Realizing escape was futile, Zhong Chunji confronted Liu Yan, asserting that she was his true target and pleading for the release of her unconscious guards. She also identified him as "Dr. Liu," a man she once knew. Liu Yan agreed to let her guards awaken in seven days, as the poison would dissipate then, if she surrendered. He emphasized that, unlike Tang Lici, he was a man of his word, and formally introduced himself as Liu Yan.
Meanwhile, a strange mist had appeared in the area, deterring the geese used for aerial scouting. One of Lord Jiang's disciples had seen Zhong Chunji heading in that direction from a goose. Shao Yanping and his men later found drag marks and the gu insects, confirming that Liu Yan, a master of gu, had captured Zhong Chunji. They reported the dire situation to Tang Lici.
Tang Lici surmised that Liu Yan had taken Zhong Chunji as a hostage, not to kill her immediately, but to issue a challenge: rescue her within seven days, or she would die while her disciples would live. Liu Yan, conversing with his subordinate, explained his strategy. By imposing a seven-day deadline, he aimed to induce tension, fear, and hesitation within the Sword League, thereby seizing the strategic initiative.
He believed this timeframe was ample for them to become embroiled in arguments and internal strife, thus shattering the unity Tang Lici sought to build. He elaborated that the Sword League's core weakness lay in its internal instability and its reliance on empty ideals of justice rather than shared interests, making it vulnerable to collapse from within. Imprisoned in the Jade Peony Tower, Zhong Chunji, three days into her captivity, was severely weakened by a hunger strike.
She desperately asked Liu Yan to kill her, but he refused, taunting her. He revealed his cruel intent: to prolong her suffering and see the "righteous heroine" Zhong Chunji, beloved disciple of Shao Yanping, ultimately condemned by all for her perceived selfishness and recklessness, which dragged her comrades toward their doom. Zhong Chunji remained defiant, trusting her master to discern and thwart Liu Yan's machinations.
However, Liu Yan countered by suggesting Shao Yanping might not rescue her, deeming her not valuable enough. He contrasted her fate with that of Tang Lici, whom Shao Yanping had embraced despite his past, arguing that all of Zhong Chunji's titles were merely bestowed upon her, and without Shao Yanping, she was "nothing." He branded her as "weak." Zhong Chunji retorted, asking why he bothered speaking to her if she was so worthless.
Liu Yan claimed to pity her, lamenting that after all she had done for the Sword League, they wouldn't sacrifice for her even once. Zhong Chunji dismissed his sympathy, calling him a "monster." Liu Yan then suggested she harbored a "monster" within herself, evidenced by her impulsive, unauthorized actions that led her directly into his trap.
He encouraged her to embrace her true feelings—to cry, laugh, feel fear, and take what she desired, rather than holding herself to impossible "saint's standards." He reminded her that there were still four days left and promised her a "great gift" if she survived, one that would empower her and command respect independently of her identity as Shao Yanping's disciple.
Later, the East Wing's mistress, a subordinate of Liu Yan, complained about Zhong Chunji's resilience as she was sent to deliver this "gift." During her ordeal, Zhong Chunji experienced vivid dreams of her master, Shao Yanping, teaching her to throw iron chopsticks as a means of releasing anger. With Puzhu still missing and Zhong Chunji captured, the Sword League was in disarray. Rumors circulated about a potentially false map of the Jade Peony Tower, fueling apprehension.
During a council meeting, various sword masters debated the course of action. Some argued against a rash attack, fearing it would play directly into Liu Yan's trap, while others advocated for an immediate rescue. The Poison Virtuoso, however, confidently reported the successful creation of antidote pills. Shao Yanping, visibly distraught, visited Zhong Chunji's room. He had raised her like his own daughter, and her capture filled him with sorrow.
He confessed his internal struggle, acknowledging that while Zhong Chunji was his beloved disciple, the lives of all Sword League members were equally precious. After three days of intense debate with no consensus, Shao Yanping announced his decision to postpone the attack. Tang Lici interjected, asserting that by merely trying to avoid Liu Yan's trap, they had already fallen into it.
He explained that Liu Yan's true intention was to create a dilemma, fostering internal strife and causing the Sword League to disintegrate from within. Proclaiming himself "the best under heaven," Tang Lici declared that he would achieve both seemingly impossible objectives: he would attack the Jade Peony Tower and rescue Zhong Chunji. He then presented a three-pronged argument to convince the council. Firstly, he warned that delaying would only deepen internal insecurity and make them vulnerable to further manipulation.
Secondly, he pointed out that failing to rescue a core member like Zhong Chunji would portray Shao Yanping as a cold-hearted leader to the other disciples. Lastly, Tang Lici firmly stated that regardless of the Sword League's decision, he and his companions would go because "she's one of us." His resolute speech galvanized the other Sword Masters, and a moved Shao Yanping expressed his gratitude. Following Tang Lici's declaration, the Sword League prepared for the assault.
Tang Lici outlined a detailed plan: they would infiltrate via the northern waterway, with Lord Jiang's scouts providing aerial observation. Shao Yanping and Mr. Yu would lead the Leopard Squad as the vanguard, Mr. Cheng and Mr. Gu would command the Black Tortoise Squad, and the six Sword Masters would secure the rear. As they embarked, they encountered a thick, poisonous mist, but Tang Lici, having anticipated this, had everyone take pre-prepared antidotes.
Deeper in, they entered the treacherous Bone Woods and discovered Bone Seeping Lotuses cultivated in poisoned water. Suddenly, the lotuses released Flesh Eating Gu insects. Shao Yanping swiftly drew his Tai'e Sword, using his sword energy to repel the venomous swarm. After navigating these challenges, they finally reached the Jade Peony Tower, where praise for Tang Lici's leadership stirred a flicker of jealousy in Mr. Yu.
Unbeknownst to them, Liu Yan, informed that Tang Lici's forces were approaching, coolly declared, "The trap is set." Liu Yan initiated his first move: unleashing Double Nine Crossbows to target Lord Jiang's aerial goose formation. Lord Jiang quickly adapted, ordering his geese to scatter and fly lower. Upon receiving reports that Lord Jiang's unit was under attack and that Liu Yan was heading towards the six Sword Masters' position, Tang Lici made a critical decision.
He instructed Shao Yanping to lead his disciples to intercept Liu Yan, while he himself would proceed alone to save Zhong Chunji. Mr. Yu, concerned for Tang Lici's safety, questioned his decision. Tang Lici warned him about the numerous traps ahead, and understanding the gravity, Mr. Yu redirected his Sword King City disciples to reinforce Shao Yanping. Meanwhile, Shao Yanping engaged Liu Yan's subordinates, Lady Cicada and Hong. Despite their attempts to taunt him, Shao Yanping confidently dismissed their "petty tricks," ready to fight.
