Whispers of Fate Episode 25 Recap
> Whispers of Fate Recap
At the bottom of a cliff, Puzhu confronted Miss Xifang, questioning her motives for joining the Unfettered Guild despite her exceptional beauty, intellect, and martial arts skills. Miss Xifang challenged him to reveal his own secrets first if he wished to learn hers. Puzhu then confessed to being the former crown prince, whose father's misguided rule led to widespread suffering.
Overwhelmed by guilt, he sought refuge at Tianjing Pavilion, where he nearly succumbed to his inner demons until his master taught him that everyone deserves a second chance. He believed Miss Xifang deserved one too. Cynically, she suggested he kill her to save more lives. Puzhu, however, noted the cinnabar beads she wore, pointing out that cinnabar could be poison or medicine, symbolizing her choice.
He then decided to transfer some of his power to heal her, enabling her escape and stating his desire to avoid further bloodshed. He warned that if she continued her destructive path, others would eventually stop her, a matter that would then be beyond his influence. Back at the Central Plains Sword League, Tang Lici discussed the recent Peony Tower battle, expressing his belief that Puzhu and Miss Xifang were still alive, possibly having reconciled.
Snow Weaver, returning from a mission Tang Lici had assigned, dramatically recounted his "legendary" journey. Tang Lici revealed his suspicion that Fang Pingzhai and the Artful Rewriter were merely external agents, with a true mastermind orchestrating the Unfettered Guild from the shadows. Snow Weaver confirmed this, having witnessed a mysterious child leading the Artful Rewriter and engaging in discussions of "miracles" and "defying fate," signaling sinister intentions.
Soon after, Young Master Yu sought a private conversation with Tang Lici, demanding to know why Tang Lici had not exposed him for stabbing him at Jade Peony Tower. Young Master Yu admitted his lingering hatred for Tang Lici, whom he believed had manipulated the Sword Citadel, and confessed his desire for revenge.
Tang Lici dismissed the attack as trivial and questioned why Young Master Yu had ceased his pursuit of vengeance and returned to the Sword League instead of aligning with Yu Qifeng and the Unfettered Guild. Tang Lici then returned the Blazing Phoenix sword to Young Master Yu, explaining that the blade had been crucial in containing the poison at Sword Citadel, saving the city.
He challenged Young Master Yu, stating that if he could not unlock the sword's true power, he was unworthy of even speaking of forgiveness. Shao Jianzhu, deeply concerned about Tang Lici's prolonged injuries from the Azure Abode and his fresh wounds from Peony Tower, emphasized Tang Lici's pivotal role in maintaining peace. He offered to seek out the renowned healer Shui Duopo, revealing that Snow Weaver was acquainted with her.
Snow Weaver, who had been listening in, confirmed his knowledge of Shui Duopo's whereabouts, albeit reluctantly. However, Shao Jianzhu's most pressing concern was Zhong Chunji, who had secluded herself and refused sustenance, burdened by guilt over the casualties at Peony Tower. He implored Tang Lici to intervene. Tang Lici visited Zhong Chunji, who tearfully blamed herself for the losses.
Tang Lici reassured her, asserting that as commander, the ultimate responsibility for the battle lay with him, and that the League's decision to rescue her was unanimous. He shared his own past experience of making a grave error that led to irreparable regret, forcing him to endure a long, dark period. He advised her that bearing such burdens required unwavering resolve to press forward, and that a fall merely meant she must rise again.
He reminded her that the Zhong Chunji he knew possessed an indomitable spirit, capable of overcoming any adversity. His words brought her some solace. Meanwhile, within the Unfettered Guild, Fu Cui seethed with anger over the destruction of Peony Tower. A child, the guild's master, appeared and sternly forbade any further damage in the Fallen Petal Plum Garden.
Later, Liu Yan and the child engaged in a game of Go, with the child acknowledging the current stalemate between their Guild and the Sword League and advocating for a strategic period of recuperation. He espoused the philosophy of detachment, while Liu Yan argued that victory was impossible without the will to win. The conversation turned to Miss Xifang's absence, and the child confidently asserted that no one could escape the Unfettered Guild's pervasive control.
Later, Wanyu prepared to depart, expressing his gratitude and remarking on Tang Lici's noticeable transformation—a newfound openness in his demeanor. Tang Lici assured Wanyu that he had already sent word to his adoptive father to report to the emperor and commend the Azure Abode's crucial contributions, thereby fulfilling their agreement. As Wanyu left, he observed Shi diligently studying and waiting for Tang Lici to return for dinner.
Wanyu realized that Tang Lici's change stemmed from the genuine camaraderie and care he now received, even as he continued to mask his profound pain. That evening, in the privacy of his room, Tang Lici struggled with his unhealed wounds, which were slow to mend—a sign his constitution had been gravely weakened. He was plagued by memories of past deceptions, lamenting how seven years of camaraderie had been built upon falsehood.
The following morning, Tang Lici joined Shen Langhun, Chi Yun, and Snow Weaver, who were stunned to see his hair had turned completely white overnight. Tang Lici playfully dismissed their concern by joking about Snow Weaver's even whiter hair. Acknowledging his debt to Tang Lici, Snow Weaver agreed to guide them to Shui Duopo. As they ventured into a heavy snowfall, they discovered brittle black stones.
Shen Langhun identified these as the ruins of Gumoland, a small kingdom once ravaged by plague and subsequently incinerated by its king, or, according to another legend, by heavenly fire. The discovery of Shui Duopo residing in such a desolate place deepened the mystery. Separately, another elder from the Sword League visited Zhong Chunji, reassuring her that she retained her position as head of Shanfeng Hall.
He affirmed that she had earned the respect of her fellow disciples by risking her life for them, and recounted Tang Lici's impassioned defense of her to Shao Jianzhu, which had served to unite the League against the Unfettered Guild. He firmly insisted that she return to her proper residence to recuperate, dismissing any notion of her guilt.
