Song of the Moon Episode 12 Recap
> Song of the Moon Recap
Following the recent incident where Liu Shao broke a string of the Bone-Corroding Harp, causing the residual spirit of Immortal Ze Shui to dissipate, a surge of spiritual power, originating from the powerful artifact and mixed with demonic aura, unexpectedly entered Luo Ning's body, causing her to collapse.
Luo Ning, an Immortal from Xiyin Mountain, had been diligently preparing Lily Magnolia Perfume for Immortal Master Zhuo Qiuxian, who had been suffering from a cold and stuffy nose due to worries about her brother, Luo Ge. Her true hope was that her filial gesture would grant her a chance to see Luo Ge, whom she hadn't seen in years.
However, Zhuo Qiuxian explained that Luo Ge’s advancement to a higher immortal rank was paramount, and his secluded cultivation could not be disturbed. He suggested that once Luo Ge emerged from his retreat, they would undoubtedly address him as Immortal Luo Ge. Fragmented memories flooded Luo Ning's mind, revealing glimpses of a woman resembling herself tragically taking her own life and a figure identified as the Melody Race Demon King, who resembled Afu Jun.
Zhuo Qiuxian examined Luo Ning, confirming she was not physically harmed but overwhelmed by this new spiritual energy. He identified the spiritual power as emanating from Immortal Ze Shui’s legendary weapon, the Bone-Corroding Harp, which had evidently reappeared. Recognizing the harp's immense healing properties, crucial for repairing the damaged Four Seasons Monument, Zhuo Qiuxian immediately offered to retrieve the artifact from the demonic realm, emphasizing that such a powerful Immortal Palace relic could not remain in demonic hands.
Meanwhile, Lu Li and Liu Shao had just returned to the demon palace. Lu Li, weakened by successive injuries, succumbed to the Soul-Devouring Spell, collapsing as the dark pattern spread ominously to his palm. Liu Shao, distraught, questioned why he had concealed his suffering. He Na explained that Lu Li had merely wished to spare her worry. The Demon King in White confirmed that standard suppression methods were now useless.
To save Lu Li, he transferred his own water energy into Lu Li's body, temporarily containing the spreading spell. He warned that any future relapse would likely lead to Lu Li's complete destruction, with no hope of recovery. Liu Shao lamented the spell's viciousness and expressed hope that the Immortal Palace might offer a cure.
A messenger informed Marquis Wuyang that Xie Lingqi from the Immortal Palace intended to attack the Aquatic Demons, believing Lu Li and Liu Shao were held captive by them and that the Aquatic Demons possessed both the Bone-Corroding Harp and the Moon Sword. Concerned for their safety, Marquis Wuyang ordered his disciples to surround the Moon Washing Pond but strictly forbade any engagement, threatening severe punishment for disobedience.
He then issued a stern warning to the Aquatic Demons, accusing them of ill intent for concealing Immortal Palace artifacts and threatening war if the items were not returned. Liu Shao, feeling responsible for the Aquatic Demons' predicament, apologized to He Na. He Na assured her it was not their fault, noting the ancient harp's unexpected resurgence.
While Liu Shao proposed returning the harp to appease the Immortal Palace, He Na explained that a damaged harp would not be accepted and would only lead to further accusations against the Aquatic Demons, especially given Xie Lingqi's known disdain for their race. Despite the risks, He Na decided to meet Xie Lingqi, believing he could be reasoned with, but stressed the urgent need to find a way to repair the harp.
Meanwhile, Lu Li went alone to meet Xie Lingqi, handing over the Bone-Corroding Harp. He admitted to retrieving the harp with Liu Shao, explaining that its millennia-long confinement in the demonic realm had made it volatile, causing a string to break during their struggle. He also clarified he had borrowed the Demon King in White's water energy to locate the harp. Xie Lingqi, however, suspected the Demon King in White was manipulating them.
Lu Li dismissed the accusation, demonstrating that only Liu Shao could make the harp resonate, surprising Xie Lingqi. Convinced, Xie Lingqi declared that both a working harp and its player, Liu Shao, were essential for the Immortal Palace, and requested a few days for them to repair the instrument, promising to spare the Aquatic Demons if successful. The Demon King in White's group discussed the critical need to repair the Bone-Corroding Harp swiftly, as Liu Shao's condition was worsening.
Lu Sheng, the half-demon, arrived, explaining that while Immortal Ze Shui's original hair was unobtainable, the spiritual vein of the Aquatic Demon King's lineage, known for its flexibility and spiritual abundance, could serve as a substitute. This meant either the Demon King in White or Fu would have to sacrifice their spiritual vein. Without hesitation, the Demon King in White prepared to offer his own, but Fu intervened.
He produced a brocade box containing his own spiritual vein, and with a great effort, extracted it, immediately collapsing into He Na's arms from weakness, ensuring the harp's repair. After the Bone-Corroding Harp was successfully repaired, Liu Shao's backlash injury healed, though she remained spiritually exhausted. She was now able to play the harp. Fu, recovering from his sacrifice, revealed his indifference towards Liu Shao's well-being; his only interest was in eliminating Ao Hen.
He advised Lu Li that the Moon Sword's energy clashed with his (Fu's) own, and Lu Li would have to figure out how to drive it without backlash to use against Ao Hen. Fu knew Liu Shao and Lu Li would soon return to Marquis Wuyang's mansion. He then sent word to Ao Hen that Liu Shao and Lu Li would soon leave the demonic realm, effectively setting a trap. Ao Hen, unsuspecting, walked directly into the ambush.
Lu Li and the Demon King in White confronted her, confirming she had been lured into a carefully orchestrated trap. Fu, watching from a distance, acknowledged his strategy of "catching a turtle in a jar." Seizing the opportunity, Fu simultaneously notified Xie Lingqi that Ao Hen's lair was now unguarded. He knew the Immortal Palace would not miss the chance to eliminate a future threat and retrieve Ao Yin, for whom Ao Hen had painstakingly gathered vital and demonic energy.
Soon after, Ao Hen's subordinate reported that the Immortal Palace had indeed attacked her lair and taken her son. Ao Hen, consumed by fury, rushed back to her stronghold, only to find Ao Yin gone, confirming her worst fears. The Demon King in White escorted Lu Li and Liu Shao safely back to Marquis Wuyang's mansion, pausing only when they were inside.
Inside, Marquis Wuyang assembled his disciples and made a grand announcement: Liu Shao, recognized for her intelligence and integrity, had been chosen by the Immortal Palace for cultivation, a privilege envied by all. However, Liu Shao expressed reluctance, asking if someone else could go, stating her preference to remain in the mortal world and her belief that the Bone-Corroding Harp was no longer needed by her personally for its delivery, suggesting others could send it.
Marquis Wuyang, while acknowledging her desire, stated that the Immortal Palace's decree was absolute and beyond his power to alter, emphasizing the invaluable opportunity for eternal life and mastering immortal arts. When Liu Shao mentioned Lu Li, Marquis Wuyang clarified that the Immortal Palace had selected only her. Nonetheless, he arranged for Lu Li to escort her to the Immortal Palace, ensuring they could journey together.
Furthermore, Marquis Wuyang publicly bestowed the Moon Sword upon Lu Li, entrusting him with the future of the Marquis Wuyang's Mansion and effectively naming him as his successor, a revelation that astonished the disciples. Liu Shao remained visibly distressed about leaving for the Immortal Palace. Lu Li, seeking to comfort her, proposed that he would first escort her, then find a way to stay at the Immortal Palace, even if it meant shamelessly clinging on.
He promised to visit her daily if he had to reside at the foot of the Immortal Palace, and Liu Shao's spirits brightened considerably at the prospect. As they spoke, Lu Li noticed Bai Feng nearby. Making an excuse to Liu Shao, he moved to confront Bai Feng within a protective barrier. Bai Feng questioned Lu Li's feelings, confessing her love and recalling a past incident involving a fire and a treacherous plot with a sword.
Lu Li harshly rejected her, stating that the past had been burned away and his not killing her then was the greatest mercy he could offer. He sternly warned her to stay far away from both him and Liu Shao. Later, Lu Sheng feigned disciplining Bai Feng, lamenting that neither of his two disciples could remain with him.
He then subtly manipulated Lu Li, highlighting the stark contrast between Liu Shao’s impending eternal beauty as an immortal and Lu Li’s mortal fate of aging and decay. Lu Sheng suggested that Lu Li could fully restore his identity as the God of the Moonlight by resolutely cleaving the Four Seasons Monument with the Moon Sword.
This act, he claimed, would not only break the Soul-Devouring Spell but also ensure that no one in the three realms could ever separate him from Liu Shao. Lu Li seemed to accept this proposition. After Lu Sheng led Bai Feng away, Fu appeared, confronting Lu Sheng. Fu mocked Lu Sheng’s ruthless plan, pointing out that Lu Li, being a mere mortal, would undoubtedly be obliterated if he attempted to forcibly wield the Moon Sword's divine power against the Monument.
Lu Sheng, unperturbed, admitted his ruthlessness, asserting that all his actions were for the revival of the Supreme God, a great undertaking that demanded sacrifice. Fu then noticed an old, broken jar of Fritillary Bulb Paste on Lu Sheng’s table, a visible sign of Lu Sheng's lingering sentiment for Lu Li despite his harsh words. Fu sarcastically advised Lu Sheng to bid his disciple farewell, reminding him that someone always had to pay the price for a deity's rebirth.
