Side Story of Fox Volant Episode 17 Recap
> Side Story of Fox Volant Recap
Sun Gangfeng recounted the true story of Chen Yu's rise to power, revealing that Chen Yu had usurped his position as sect leader. While the sect leader, Lv Xixian, lay gravely ill, Chen Yu had coerced him to surrender the sacred cultivation formulas for the Ying and Yang Formula and Circles Formula. Knowing Chen Yu's nefarious ambitions and his desire to turn the Taiji Sect into a tool for the imperial court, Lv Xixian refused.
In a heinous act, Chen Yu murdered Lv Xixian, his wife, and his son, with only their daughter, Lv Xiaomei, managing to escape. Sun Gangfeng confessed that he had attempted to avenge his senior and expel Chen Yu but was no match for the powerful Chen Yu, who defeated and imprisoned him. Hu Fei noticed Sun Gangfeng's missing hand and inquired if Chen Yu was responsible.
Sun Gangfeng clarified that he had deliberately severed his own palm and sent it with Lv Xiaomei as a desperate plea to a formidable individual for assistance. He now believed that all hope was lost for them to escape the dungeon. Sun Gangfeng explained that the dungeon was ingeniously designed based on the principles of Taiji Bagua, featuring sixty-four constantly shifting mechanisms that required precise movements to navigate. Despite the daunting challenge, Hu Fei was determined to try.
Under Sun Gangfeng's detailed guidance, which involved carefully interpreting the Bagua's elemental interactions and directional changes, Hu Fei painstakingly climbed the intricate walls. After several arduous attempts and narrow escapes, he successfully reached the top, securing freedom for both himself and Sun Gangfeng. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Sun Gangfeng thanked Hu Fei for saving him from a bitter end, revealing his plan to publicly expose Chen Yu's crimes at the upcoming sect leader succession ceremony.
He believed that even if it cost him his life, it would be a just act. Hu Fei, disgusted by Chen Yu's betrayal and his previous alliance with Feng Tiannan in schemes against him, readily agreed to accompany Sun Gangfeng to the ceremony. Meanwhile, Shi Wanchen delivered a new, more potent batch of Seven Pistil Chaenomeles sinensis poison to Tian Guinong, emphasizing its extreme toxicity and lack of antidote, while also explicitly refusing to be involved in its application.
Tian Guinong reassured Shi Wanchen of his safety but reminded him to continue his research into cultivating the plant. Subsequently, Tian Guinong dispatched his subordinates to contact the three Zhong brothers, intending to use this opportune moment to discreetly poison Miao Renfeng. The succession ceremony for Chen Yu, the new leader of the Taiji Nanzong Sect, was a grand spectacle, drawing many martial arts dignitaries.
Among them were two of Fu Kangan's guards, who remarked on Chen Yu's elevated status and influence with Commander Fu, and presented him with a formal invitation to a Sect Leaders Gathering. As the auspicious moment approached, an official announced the commencement of the ceremony, proclaiming Chen Yu as the appointed successor to the late Lv Xixian, and invited him to receive the sacred Taiji Sword.
Just as Chen Yu was about to accept the Taiji Sword, Sun Gangfeng and Hu Fei dramatically interrupted the ceremony. Sun Gangfeng fiercely accused Chen Yu of being a traitor who murdered Lv Xixian and his family. Chen Yu, confident in his position, vehemently denied the allegations, accusing Sun Gangfeng of attempting to sabotage the ceremony and usurp his leadership. He even fabricated a story about Sun Gangfeng trying to assassinate him.
As Chen Yu dismissed Sun Gangfeng's claims as slander, he declared his intention to expel him. Hu Fei stepped forward to confront Chen Yu. Onlookers quickly noted Chen Yu's formidable internal energy and masterful command of Taijiquan, observing that Hu Fei's attacks were being skillfully redirected against him, leaving him at a distinct disadvantage.
In a critical moment, Zhao Banshan, known as "Thousand Arms Buddha" and the Third Master of the Red Flower Club, intervened, easily neutralizing Chen Yu's assault and offering Hu Fei an antidote for his injuries. Lv Xiaomei then stepped forward, tearfully accusing Chen Yu of murdering her parents and younger brother, which she had witnessed. Chen Yu retorted that his alliance with Commander Fu would only strengthen the Taiji Sect.
Zhao Banshan countered, explaining the imperial court's historical fear of martial artists disrupting governance and warning that Chen Yu's alignment with the court would spell disaster for the Taiji Sect. Enraged, Chen Yu ordered his men to attack, but Zhao Banshan shielded Hu Fei and Lv Xiaomei from the onslaught. Undeterred, Chen Yu, still arrogant despite Zhao Banshan's intervention, tried to assert his authority, questioning Zhao Banshan's right as a Beizong Sect member to meddle in Nanzong affairs.
Zhao Banshan calmly explained that while he typically avoided such disputes, Lv Xiaomei's fervent plea and a blood letter from the late Lv Xixian, which detailed Chen Yu's treachery, compelled him to act. He lamented the disgrace Chen Yu brought upon the Taiji Sect. Zhao Banshan then began to recite the "Circles Formula" and the "Ying and Yang Formula."
He did this seemingly for Chen Yu's benefit, who was overjoyed, believing that with these secrets he could become a true master. However, Zhao Banshan's detailed explanations of their core principles – mastering circular movements, utilizing subtle force, and understanding dualistic dynamics – were clearly aimed at enlightening Hu Fei. Onlookers quickly caught on to Zhao Banshan's true intent, realizing that Hu Fei, not Chen Yu, was receiving the real instruction.
Zhao Banshan then directly challenged Hu Fei, asking if he understood the profound martial principles. Hu Fei, now fully enlightened, affirmed his comprehension. Chen Yu, forced into a renewed duel with Hu Fei, arrogantly dismissed Hu Fei's skills, but within moments, Hu Fei, applying the wisdom imparted by Zhao Banshan, completely dismantled Chen Yu's defense. Chen Yu's movements were rendered useless, and he was violently flung to the ground, his meridians shattered, leaving him permanently crippled.
Begging for his life, Chen Yu was met with Hu Fei's stern reminder of the merciless slaughter of Lv Xixian's family. Chen Yu then desperately ordered his remaining followers to attack Hu Fei, but Zhao Banshan intervened once more, declaring Chen Yu utterly deserted and powerless. Hu Fei deferred to Zhao Banshan regarding Chen Yu's fate, and Zhao Banshan decreed that Chen Yu would simply bear the consequences of his own evil deeds.
With the chaotic ceremony finally over, Zhao Banshan hosted Hu Fei, Sun Gangfeng, and Lv Xiaomei. Learning that Hu Fei, despite not being a Taiji Sect disciple, possessed such an extraordinary talent for martial arts, Zhao Banshan was deeply impressed. He stated that true martial arts should transcend sect boundaries and be spread by those who are worthy, praising Hu Fei's righteous spirit, saying, "You defend the weak against the strong. It's what we who learn martial arts should do."
Feeling a profound kinship, Zhao Banshan proposed they become sworn brothers. After initially declining out of respect for Zhao Banshan's esteemed status, Hu Fei was persuaded by both Zhao Banshan and Lv Xiaomei. Under "Heaven above and earth below," they swore an oath of brotherhood, vowing unwavering loyalty. As urgent matters called, Zhao Banshan prepared to return to Xinjiang.
Before his departure, he presented Hu Fei with a Red Flower Club keepsake, explaining it would identify him as Zhao Banshan's friend and grant him aid if ever in need. He then entrusted Sun Gangfeng with a secret letter from the Red Flower Club, to be delivered to Miao Renfeng. Hearing Miao Renfeng's name, Hu Fei was jolted by memories of his parents' tragic death, caused by Miao Renfeng and Yan Ji conspiring to poison weapons.
A surge of hatred ignited within him. Recognizing the urgency of the letter and the long journey ahead, Lv Xiaomei invited Hu Fei to accompany her and Sun Gangfeng to Miao's villa, suggesting his martial prowess would be invaluable. Hu Fei accepted, his new path now intertwined with the quest for revenge against Miao Renfeng. Meanwhile, Tian Guinong's men informed him that the three Zhong brothers had readily accepted his invitation to confront their arch-nemesis, Miao Renfeng. Tian Guinong saw this as a heaven-sent opportunity to eliminate Miao Renfeng without suspicion.
