Sword Dynasty Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Sword Dynasty Synopsis
In the year of chaos, people from all countries are pursuing martial arts.
Ding Ning, who is suffering from a stubborn disease in the wine store of Feng Ming Wu Tong Luo, has become the most famous person in Jianghu because of a series of genius moves in martial arts.
Disguised as his aunt. Zhangsun Qianxue feels this teenager is like Liang Jingmeng, the head of the Ba Shan sword she has adored for years.
From the Lushan alliance to the Minshan sword meeting, the friendship between Ding Ning and Crown Prince Yuan Zichu and the senior brothers of the Bai Yang Cave grows deeper and deeper, and he gradually grows into the leader of the youngsters.
Lord Heng Yuan Wu and Queen Ye Zhen begin to feel uneasy, and the truth of their betrayal of Liang Jingmeng and the Ba Shan Sword Field is gradually uncovered, and a duel is ready to start.
At this time, the country is facing an unprecedented crisis, in front of the national disaster, life become so insignificant.
Time has complicated the original simple hatred, parting and suffering make Ding Ning more and more stable. This time, he does not want to restart.
Sword Dynasty Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the autumn of the eleventh year of Yuanwu, as a fierce storm swept through Fengming City, Ding Ning, disguised as a boatman, confronted Song Shenshu. Ding Ning revealed he knew Song Shenshu had been present at the palace ten years prior and was there to collect a long-standing debt. Song Shenshu, boastfully mentioning his impending breakthrough to the fourth realm, attempted to intimidate Ding Ning. However, Ding Ning countered with the Nine-death Silkworm technique, terrifying Song Shenshu.
Fearing for his life, Song Shenshu offered crucial information: Lin Zhujiu of the Bashan Sword Field was still alive, secretly imprisoned in the deepest part of the Dafu Water Dungeon by the King of Heng, who sought to extract cultivation secrets from him. This secret was so well-kept that even Chancellor Li believed Lin Zhujiu to be dead.
Having obtained the information he sought, Ding Ning executed Song Shenshu, declaring that while he had settled his debt to "that person," he could never atone for the numerous lives owed to the Bashan Sword Field. After Song Shenshu's death, Ding Ning also unexpectedly acquired a Ning Shen Pearl. Ten years before, during a chaotic period of warring states, the ambitious King of Heng, Yuanwu, faced imminent defeat by the Lie army at the Yangming battlefield.
The chief of the Bashan Sword Field, Liang Jingmeng, intervened with his disciples, saving King Yuanwu and decisively turning the tide of the war, leading to the destruction of Lie and the defeat of the Hui and Qian states. At a celebratory palace banquet, Liang Jingmeng was lauded by many, who acknowledged his indispensable role in Heng's victory.
However, King Yuanwu, feeling threatened by Liang Jingmeng's immense prestige, provocatively suggested that without Liang Jingmeng, there would be no Kingdom of Heng, and by extension, no King of Heng, implying Liang and his disciples were solely responsible for the empire. Sensing the King's ill will, Liang Jingmeng sat down, declining the King's toast.
His fiancée, Ye Zhen, then rose, asserting that without King Yuanwu, the Kingdom of Heng could not have achieved its power, nor could a figure like Liang Jingmeng have risen to prominence. She then proposed a joint toast with Liang Jingmeng to the King. Ye Zhen, having secretly allied with King Yuanwu out of ambition for power and wealth, had already poisoned Liang Jingmeng's wine.
During the banquet, she chillingly informed Liang Jingmeng that only by his death could the Bashan disciples survive. As the confrontation escalated, Liang Jingmeng realized the wine was poisoned. A battle erupted, and though Liang Jingmeng unleashed his Nine-death Silkworm Art, he was ultimately struck down. Ye Zhen, shielding King Yuanwu, expressed her sorrow, lamenting that she had once vowed never to harm him. Liang Jingmeng tragically died.
His name lived on in the hearts of the people, though none dared to utter it, referring to him only as "That Man." King Yuanwu subsequently declared Liang Jingmeng a traitor who attempted regicide, announcing his execution and offering rewards to any Bashan disciples who pledged loyalty, while threatening death to those who resisted. In his final moments, Liang Jingmeng silently vowed vengeance against Yuanwu, Ye Zhen, and all who had betrayed Bashan.
Following Liang Jingmeng's death, the Gongsun family, due to their association with him, suffered complete annihilation, with only one daughter surviving. She adopted the name Zhangsun Qianxue and, posing as Ding Ning's aunt, settled in Fengming, operating the Wutong Tavern as a cover to gather information and cultivate her powers, driven by a vow to avenge Liang Jingmeng and her massacred family.
Meanwhile, for ten years, King Yuanwu had been in seclusion, striving to break through to the elusive eighth realm of cultivation, leaving Queen Ye Zhen to govern as regent, assisted by Chancellor Li and Chen Xuan, the Director of the Shendu Bureau. While many cultivators had reached the seventh realm, no one had yet breached the eighth, let alone the supreme ninth.
That day, Marquis Dugu, the eleventh-ranked among the Eleven Marquises and a key supporter of Liangcenglou, returned to Fengming. Ding Ning advised Zhangsun Qianxue that Marquis Dugu's death would destabilize both the imperial court and the martial arts world, creating an opportune moment to strike at the King. Acting on this, Zhangsun Qianxue intercepted Marquis Dugu on a rural road and, expending a significant portion of her cultivation, succeeded in killing him.
Simultaneously, an urgent royal summons brought Ye Celeng, a former Bashan disciple who now served as Director of the Jiantian Bureau, back to Fengming from her overseas training. She was tasked with apprehending Zhao Zhan, the seventh disciple of the defunct Lie Sword Forge, who had been discovered mourning his master at home. Ye Celeng, despite her prior acquaintance with Zhao Zhan, engaged him in combat and swiftly killed him with her Autumn Water Sword.
She then instructed her subordinates to give him a proper burial. Later, Chancellor Li expressed his bewilderment to Queen Ye Zhen, questioning why Ye Celeng, who had been cultivating abroad, was specifically summoned to eliminate Zhao Zhan, when other capable individuals in Fengming could have performed the task.
Queen Ye Zhen explained her two strategic reasons: firstly, Ye Celeng's decisive killing of Zhao Zhan, which she described as an "autumn thunderclap," served to reinforce Fengming's intangible "city walls" and solidify Heng's power. Secondly, many had speculated that Ye Celeng had been exiled; her return to eliminate a rebel would publicly affirm her continued close relationship with the King, thus dispelling such rumors.
She urged Chancellor Li and his colleagues to cooperate with Ye Celeng to remove all obstacles to Heng's prosperity. Back at the Wutong Tavern, Ding Ning returned, tracking mud into the establishment. Zhangsun Qianxue playfully scolded him for his untidiness and his casual approach to winemaking.
Ding Ning defended himself, remarking that the tavern's popularity was largely due to her beauty, and reiterated that his suggestion to open the wine shop was more practical than her initial risky plan of gathering intelligence in less respectable quarters, which would have made her an obvious target for the Jiantian and Shendu Bureaus. Ding Ning then informed Zhangsun Qianxue that Ye Celeng had killed Zhao Zhan alone, though she had sustained injuries in the process.
He elaborated that Ye Celeng, having originated from the Bashan Sword Field and specialized in the Water-departing Magic Art, would have been particularly formidable in the stormy weather. He speculated that her cultivation level, similar to Zhao Zhan's, was likely around the mid-seventh realm. Zhangsun Qianxue instructed Ding Ning to wash up and prepare for their joint cultivation upstairs, emphasizing the dwindling time they had. Later, during their evening cultivation, Ding Ning observed that Zhangsun Qianxue's True Vitality was unsteady.
He realized she must have recently engaged in combat, resulting in an influx of internal cold energy. To counter this, he embraced her, using his own Yang energy to warm her and expel the invading chill. Ding Ning also recalled Song Shenshu's earlier revelation about the existence of the legendary Gushan Sword Manual and that most of its clues were likely held by Bai Shanshui of the Yunshui Palace. He concluded that finding Bai Shanshui would be the key to acquiring the manual.
Episode 2 Recap
The rain outside had stopped, and the sun was about to rise. Zhangsun Qianxue woke up in Ding Ning's arms. She reacted with shock and anger, pushing him away and fiercely warning him not to be so disrespectful again, threatening to kill him without hesitation if it happened again.
Ding Ning explained that given the disparity in their cultivation levels, holding her was the only way he could save her from her condition, and he noted that her Ninth-hell Sword Formula was far more potent than he had imagined, requiring more patient practice. He then retorted, asking why she found him and allied with him to overthrow the King of Heng if some things weren't more important than life and death.
Zhangsun Qianxue clarified that while Liang Jingmeng was culpable in the extermination of her Gongsun family, making his disciple someone she "could" kill, she also harbored secret feelings for him despite his love for Ye Zhen. She felt it was profoundly unfair that he, despite his great deeds, met such a tragic end. Her ultimate goal in Fengming was to kill the King of Heng, whom she believed was responsible for Liang Jingmeng's fate.
She acknowledged that Ding Ning's existence aided her own cultivation, which is why she did not kill him, aligning with him to achieve their shared goal of overthrowing the Heng Kingdom. For years, the Heng Kingdom has considered Liang Jingmeng's name taboo due to his overwhelming fame, even after his death, referring to him only as "That Man."
Ding Ning then pointed to some flower paintings on a wall, identifying one as representing Song Shenshu and asking Zhangsun Qianxue about another. She identified the second as Marquis Dugu. Ding Ning questioned if she had been spying on him, to which she claimed to have merely guessed. Zhangsun Qianxue then challenged Ding Ning on how he managed to kill Song Shenshu, a practitioner of the third realm.
Ding Ning replied that for those below the fourth realm, there was little difference in strength, implying his superiority, and noting that only "That Man" (Liang Jingmeng) would dare utter such a statement; others would only court death. Zhangsun Qianxue commented that three people had died in Fengming recently, and the Shendu Bureau and the Jiantian Bureau would soon investigate their tavern.
She asked Ding Ning about their plans for the coming days, but he stated they could only wait for their "chess pieces" to make a move. The Jiantian Bureau began investigating Marquis Dugu’s death. Ye Celeng, the director, received reports that Marquis Dugu and his groom were found dead in a suburban forest, while Zhao Zhan was buried outside the city with no visitors. After inspecting Marquis Dugu’s body, Ye Celeng recognized the distinctive Moshi Swordsmanship, Liang Jingmeng's unique style.
This led her to believe that rumors of Liang Jingmeng's disciple appearing in Fengming might be true, though her subordinate urged caution. Ye Celeng ordered an investigation into Marquis Dugu’s recent activities and his enemies from the past ten years, suspecting the motive was more complex than coveting his marquis position. Meanwhile, at the Shendu Bureau, Mo Qinggong reported to Chen Xuan about Marquis Dugu's death, also noting the use of Moshi Swordsmanship.
Chen Xuan instructed his men to monitor Zhao Zhan’s grave to capture anyone who came to pay tribute, noting that three true disciples of Liejian Furnace still remained, and who knew how many remnants of Lie Kingdom still existed behind them.
Mo Qinggong reported a young man named Ding Ning from the Wutong Tavern as suspicious, but then explained that his "yang hyperactivity" condition, characterized by excessively strong internal qi leading to premature aging, prevents him from becoming a practitioner or a Liejian Furnace loyalist. Mo Qinggong even questioned if Ye Celeng, as a former disciple of "That Man," could be the murderer, but Chen Xuan dismissed him.
Mo Qinggong also expressed concern about Murong Cheng's death, especially since he was engaged to marry into Marquis Fang's family, but Chen Xuan dismissed it as meaningless since the matter already involved Marquis Fang's family. Zhangsun Qianxue discovered Ding Ning attempting to absorb a medicinal pill and warned him against it, fearing his death. He claimed his unique cultivation method made it possible, even joking about dying in her bed.
Zhangsun Qianxue expressed her frustration, questioning why he insisted on arduous cultivation and meddling in dangerous affairs instead of living a normal life. Ding Ning revealed that this was the only path for him to stand before the King of Heng. Zhangsun Qianxue cautioned him that his "yang hyperactivity" symptoms were worsening, and forced cultivation would surely kill him within a year.
She pressed him on why he was so driven to avenge a man who had been dead for so long. Zhao Si, a true disciple of the Liejian Furnace, paid tribute at Zhao Zhan’s grave. Ye Celeng confronted him, questioning his brazen presence in Fengming. Zhao Si rebuked her, emphasizing the Liejian Furnace's loyalty and contrasting it with her own perceived betrayal of her master for personal gain.
A fierce fight ensued, and though both were seventh-realm practitioners, Ye Celeng was injured. Just as she was in peril, Chen Xuan, masked, intervened and rescued her. Zhao Si watched them leave, then retrieved a spirit tablet that held clues, placing it back in his embrace. Afterwards, Ye Celeng explained that her return to Fengming was at the King's command, lamenting that she would prefer not to be back.
Chen Xuan expressed his concern for her safety in Fengming, stating he couldn't always be there to protect her. He also revealed his suspicion that her sudden recall by the King of Heng was part of a larger scheme. Chen Xuan knew that the Liejian Furnace and the Yunshui Palace were aware of the Gushan Sword Manual's secret.
He believed the King summoned her to kill Zhao Zhan specifically to draw out the Liejian Furnace's remnants and uncover the Manual's location. When Ye Celeng questioned how he knew about the Manual, Chen Xuan explained that a crucial prisoner, an old member of the Bashan Sword Field, had been held in Dafu Water Dungeon for ten years, relentlessly interrogated by the King about the Gushan Sword Manual.
Chen Xuan, concerned for Ye Celeng's safety, chose not to reveal the prisoner's name, while Ye Celeng in turn expressed concern for Chen Xuan's own safety given his dangerous work at the Dafu Water Dungeon. Prince Liling of Xian, a political hostage in Heng due to his father’s disfavor, visited the Wutong Tavern, drawn by rumors of its beautiful patroness. He complained about the wine’s sour taste and argued with other patrons.
When Zhangsun Qianxue appeared, he was instantly captivated, seeing her as an opportunity to win back his father’s favor and ascend to the crown prince position by offering her to the King of Xian. Ding Ning, however, saw through his intentions.
He coolly demanded payment for a broken wine pot and insisted Prince Liling clean up the shards, internally noting that his "chess piece" had taken the bait, implying he intended to use Prince Liling to draw out Wang Taixu of Liangcenglou. Zhao Si sought out the sole survivor of the massacred Shang merchant family, who was now hiding in the fish market.
He informed her of Zhao Zhan’s death at Ye Celeng’s hands and explained that Zhao Zhan had been living in seclusion in Fengming for three years, not to assassinate someone, but to search for what "That Man" had left behind – the legendary Gushan Sword Manual.
Zhao Si proposed an alliance: she should inform the Liejian Furnace if she found any of "That Man's" disciples and keep an eye on the Yunshui Palace, as they might also possess clues to the Gushan Sword Manual. He specifically mentioned that Bai Shanshui had also appeared in Fengming. In return for her help, the Liejian Furnace promised to share the Manual and protect her.
News arrived that Song Shenshu’s body was found in the fish market, appearing to have died on the same day as Marquis Dugu. Ye Celeng identified the cause of death as the Nine-death Silkworm Martial Art, immediately associating it with Liang Jingmeng. Realizing the connection between the two murder sites via Wutongluo, she ordered a thorough investigation of suspicious individuals at the tavern on the day of Marquis Dugu's death.
Later, Queen Ye Zhen summoned Ye Celeng, inquiring about the investigation. Ye Celeng confirmed both deaths were caused by "That Man's" martial arts, but speculated there might be two different murderers due to varying cultivation levels displayed. She suggested the motive could be related to coveting Marquis Dugu’s position, given the tradition of maintaining eleven marquises, and requested to pursue this lead.
Queen Ye Zhen, subtly probing Ye Celeng’s loyalty, questioned if she would personally deal with a former fellow disciple if the killer turned out to be one of Liang Jingmeng's inheritors who also coveted the marquis position, and also suggested that the King had recalled Ye Celeng to verify her loyalty. Ye Celeng affirmed her loyalty, stating she would prove it through her actions. Following the leads, the investigation narrowed down to the owner and worker of the Wutong Tavern.
Ye Celeng learned that the tavern had been closed on the day Marquis Dugu died, and its occupants were Zhangsun Qianxue and her nephew, Ding Ning. Ye Celeng led a raid on the tavern, directly confronting Zhangsun Qianxue and subtly checking her cultivation level, finding none. Zhangsun Qianxue, feigning innocence, asked if she had committed any wrongdoing. Ye Celeng apologized, claiming it was a misunderstanding during an ongoing investigation.
However, her suspicions were reignited when she asked why the tavern was closed during the heavy rain. Zhangsun Qianxue explained she closed it due to lack of customers, noting the neighboring oil shop was also closed. But Ye Celeng's gaze fell upon the distinctive wall paintings, depicting various flowers. Zhangsun Qianxue quickly explained they were recipes for wine-making, identifying a rose and a sweet osmanthus. Ye Celeng, however, noticed Zhangsun Qianxue's subtle nervousness.
Episode 3 Recap
After Ye Celeng, the Director of the Supervision Department, arrives at the Wutong Wine Shop with her subordinates to investigate, Changsun Qianxue deflects her suspicions by claiming that records she keeps are merely wine-making recipes she uses to remind herself of the complex steps, as she frequently forgets them. Ye Celeng departs, still somewhat doubtful.
Ding Ning later emerges and confirms that Ye Celeng came to test him, and Changsun Qianxue then adds that Ye Celeng also tested her, but they both successfully concealed their cultivation as instructed, so Ye Celeng should no longer suspect them. Late that night, Ye Celeng is confronted by Marquis Fang, the formidable leader of the Eleven Marquises, who arrives in a lavish carriage.
Marquis Fang, who was a key figure in the downfall of Bashan Sword Field by jointly impeaching Liang Jingmeng, demands an explanation for the death of Murong Cheng, his prospective son-in-law, whom he had intended to mentor. Ye Celeng, acknowledging his stature, offers to take a sword strike as atonement. A fierce duel ensues, during which Marquis Fang is impressed to discover that Ye Celeng has reached the seventh realm, the Mountain-moving Realm.
Satisfied with the display of her power, he ceases the fight and ensures her temporary safety, leaving Ye Celeng heavily injured and spitting blood. Soon after, Ding Ning approaches the injured Ye Celeng, and she covertly tests him, confirming his rare condition of yang hyperactivity. Back in her chambers, Ye Celeng reflects on the dangerous political landscape of Fengming and her need to appear powerful to survive.
Chen Xuan visits her, warning that Marquis Fang will not easily forget Murong Cheng's death. Ye Celeng reveals that Song Shenshu died from the Nine-death Silkworm. Chen Xuan then links the deaths of Song Shenshu and Marquis Dugu (by Moshi Swordsmanship) to "That Man" and questions if "That Man" truly has a successor.
Chen Xuan offers Ye Celeng a Golden Balm for her wounds, but when she presses him about the identity of the person imprisoned in the water dungeon, he remains silent. Meanwhile, Changsun Qianxue sees osmanthus flowers, which stir memories of Liang Jingmeng. Ding Ning jokingly suggests that Prince Liling might have sent them to court her. Annoyed, Changsun Qianxue reveals that only Liang Jingmeng knew her profound love for osmanthus flowers.
A flashback shows a younger Liang Jingmeng presenting her with the fragrant blooms. Later, Changsun Qianxue visits Liang Jingmeng's former residence and addresses his memorial tablet, remarking that Ding Ning has now taken action, signifying that there is no turning back for them. She asserts that her pursuit of revenge is not for Liang Jingmeng, but for the annihilation of her Gongsun family, a memory she can never erase.
Another flashback depicts her initial encounter with a young Ding Ning, who, having just emerged from his Nine-death Silkworm cultivation, identifies himself as Liang Jingmeng's sole inheritor and reveals his master's instruction to return the Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword to the Gongsun family should the Bashan Sword Field fall. At the wine shop, Wang Taixu, the leader of Liangcenglou, appears after hours. He explains that his perceived weakness stems from Liangcenglou's struggle with Jinlintang.
Admiring Ding Ning's astuteness, especially in dealing with Prince Liling, Wang Taixu offers him a position as an advisor or partner. Ding Ning, in turn, reveals his fatal yang hyperactivity condition, which limits his lifespan to under thirty, and expresses his urgent desire to join the Minshan Sword Sect for its life-extending cultivation techniques. Wang Taixu promises to help him gain admission to a sect qualified for the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament, provided Ding Ning helps Liangcenglou resolve its current crisis.
Wang Taixu informs Ding Ning that Liangcenglou's precarious position resulted from the recent assassination of their patron, Marquis Dugu, an opportunity Jinlintang swiftly exploited. Ding Ning analyzes the situation, concluding that Jinlintang's aggression likely involves more than mere gang rivalry, possibly pointing to court officials or new external powers, as Chancellor Li would not concern himself with such minor disputes, and other nobles would be more cautious.
He learns that Liangcenglou had previously decimated Jinlintang's forces, killing 53 men, including six practitioners, while their leader, Tang Que, was absent. Now, Tang Que has persuaded Chubby Zhang of Leiyutang to arrange a negotiation. Ding Ning warns Wang Taixu that this is a trap designed to lure him into a false sense of security, as Tang Que's powerful backer would not concede easily. He insists on accompanying Wang Taixu to the banquet to counter the hidden dangers.
Accompanied by Ding Ning and the skilled practitioner Li Daoji from Baiyang Cave, Wang Taixu attends the banquet at Hongyun Tower. Ding Ning had anticipated the presence of key figures such as Chubby Zhang, his adopted son Zhong Xiu (Leiyutang's strongest practitioner), Tang Mengchen, and Jinlintang's highest-ranking practitioner, Tang Que, who had reached the fifth realm.
Tang Que, after a brief greeting, mocks Liangcenglou's demand for Jinlintang to withdraw from Fengming and insults Ding Ning as a "street boy" and Li Daoji as a mere "fortune teller." Li Daoji confidently retorts that they are more than enough to handle the situation, triggering a violent clash. Li Daoji skillfully repels numerous sword attacks, demonstrating immense power. After their opponents are subdued, Li Daoji mercifully allows Chubby Zhang to leave, stating that enough people have died.
Impressed by Ding Ning's calm and insightful conduct throughout the ordeal, Li Daoji formally accepts him as a disciple of Baiyang Cave, granting him the status of a practitioner. Meanwhile, at court, Maidservant Rong presents Queen Ye Zhen with Chancellor Li's list of candidates for the vacant Eleventh Marquis position, a result of Marquis Dugu's death. Ye Zhen chooses Liang Lian, the commander of the Northwest Wolf Tiger Army.
Upon his return to Fengming, Liang Lian prioritizes silencing Chubby Zhang of Leiyutang and "purging some Fengming natives" before reporting to the palace. Maidservant Rong later informs Queen Ye Zhen about the Hongyun Tower incident, highlighting that a tavern boy and a Baiyang Cave practitioner caused Jinlintang's near extermination. Deeming any surviving Jinlintang members "worthless henchmen," Ye Zhen orders Liang Lian to "locate the whereabouts of that boy" — Ding Ning.
Maidservant Rong further reports that Baiyang Cave continues to withhold its spirit vein and has now interfered in the Jinlintang conflict. Queen Ye Zhen declares that while all cultivation institutions are treasures of Heng, they must remain loyal and not impede the kingdom. She judges Baiyang Cave as "too conceited" and decrees its absorption into the Qingteng Sword School, effectively dissolving its independent existence in Fengming.
She also instructs Maidservant Rong to deliver a stern warning to Liang Lian and Jinlintang to employ "gentler means" in Fengming, emphasizing that local politics are far more intricate than warfare. Ding Ning is then escorted to Baiyang Cave by a Liangcenglou subordinate, who advises him to practice patience.
At the entrance, a hostile crowd of Baiyang Cave disciples, led by the second senior disciple Sun Xing, protests Ding Ning's direct admission without an entrance test, viewing it as a gross injustice. The first senior disciple, Jiang Li, attempts to calm the agitated crowd. Nangong Caishu of the Qingteng Sword School intervenes, sharply criticizing the Baiyang Cave disciples for their infighting and provincial mindset, contrasting it with the discipline of her own school where the headmaster's decision is respected.
Ding Ning accepts the challenge to undergo the entrance tests, boldly stating his unwavering resolve. The first test is the flowstone plate, which requires him to identify five luminous pellets among many rapidly rotating ones, with passing requiring three correct identifications. Ding Ning silently acknowledges this moment as his public debut, a statement of his unyielding purpose after years of hidden suffering.
He astonishingly identifies four out of five pellets in a time significantly faster than the previous record, leaving Sun Xing and the other disciples wide-eyed in disbelief, especially noting his apparent lack of a practitioner's aura. The second test, the perception clay model, is then explained: Ding Ning must perceive the flow of qi within a hollow sword held by the model and pour it out, with success signifying his full admission to Baiyang Cave as a practitioner.
Episode 4 Recap
Ding Ning’s exceptional performance in the admission tests impressed the elders of Baiyang Cave. Xue Wangxu remarked on how unusually talented Ding Ning was. Li Daoji, who had spent hours with Ding Ning, speculated that if even he couldn't detect any physical abnormality, Ding Ning must be a grandmaster like Zhao Si and Bai Shanshui. However, Xue Wangxu confirmed that Ding Ning’s body suffered from yang hyperactivity and premature aging, with hyperactive qi in his five internal organs.
Despite this, Xue Wangxu believed such talent was worth nurturing, as the condition might be curable over time. He instructed Li Daoji to arrange for Jiang Li and Sun Xing to practice with Ding Ning using the spirit vein, preferring to invest in Ding Ning rather than let the spirit vein fall into the Queen’s hands. Li Daoji agreed, considering it fate that Ding Ning encountered them at this time and vowing not to let the Queen benefit.
Afterward, Ding Ning requested to be taken to the masters, and Jiang Li led him. Jiang Li gathered the disciples, announcing that Baiyang Cave had been officially merged into Qingteng Sword School by royal decree, a consequence of offending Queen Ye Zhen. This meant that disciples from both sects were now authorized to study in the scripture cave of Baiyang Cave.
While native Baiyang Cave disciples usually required six months of study before entering, Ding Ning was granted special permission to enter immediately and study without any time limits, unlike the Qingteng Sword School disciples who were restricted to one day per batch. Inside the cave, Li Daoji reiterated the rules against eating and confirmed Ding Ning’s unlimited study time. Ding Ning then asked if he could return to Wutongluo daily after practice, as his aunt was alone.
Jiang Li initially stated that such a request would require special approval from Xue Wangxu or Li Daoji himself. Jiang Li also advised Ding Ning to be cautious when selecting scriptures, emphasizing that many were powerful and unique, but ultimately needed to suit the individual practitioner. Li Daoji informed the disciples that their future practice and living arrangements would depend on their performance. Ding Ning directly asked Li Daoji if he could return to Wutongluo daily.
Li Daoji responded that, as a special case, it was possible, but only if Ding Ning’s cultivation progressed quickly, implying it was up to Ding Ning to earn that privilege. Nangong Caishu, observing Ding Ning’s privileged treatment, confronted him, suspecting he deliberately “missed” a pellet in the admission test and was potentially Xue Wangxu’s illegitimate son.
Ding Ning dismissed her suggestions, then explained his severe condition: a body of yang hyperactivity and premature aging, where cultivating without special methods would lead to an early death, possibly before age thirty. He suggested that Xue Wangxu’s leniency might stem from a belief that his cultivation attempts would be futile, or perhaps a desire to find a unique path for himself. Ding Ning then chose the "Genuine Explanation of the Spiritual Source Doctrine" and the "Wildfire Sword Scripture."
Nangong Caishu was dismayed, pointing out that the "Genuine Explanation of the Spiritual Source Doctrine" was a rudimentary method originating from Lie, and practicing it as a Heng native could incur the displeasure of powerful figures. She added that the "Wildfire Sword Scripture" was weak, exceedingly complex, and avoided by Qingteng Sword School disciples. Ding Ning, however, firmly declared that these scriptures were perfect for him and advised her to focus on her own studies rather than his.
Later, a surprised disciple reported Ding Ning’s unusual choices to Li Daoji, who also found them peculiar. To everyone’s astonishment, Ding Ning achieved the Truth of Mystery Realm and opened his Qihai in just half a day, entering the lower grade of the first cultivation realm. Such speed was unprecedented, with legends only attributing similar feats to An Baoshi of the Lingxu Sword Sect and Jing Liuli of the Minshan Sword Sect.
Ding Ning explained that his short lifespan compelled him to cultivate faster, and the "Genuine Explanation of the Spiritual Source Doctrine" offered the quickest path to progress. Nangong Caishu, acknowledging her previous doubts, apologized and conceded that Ding Ning was a “freak” of talent. Seeing Nangong Caishu struggling with her own cultivation, Ding Ning approached her. She admitted that she felt the primordial qi resisted her. Ding Ning offered her two notebooks containing unique insights, suggesting they might aid her.
Following his guidance, Nangong Caishu successfully absorbed primordial qi, achieving a breakthrough to the True Vitality Realm. Overjoyed and puzzled, she wondered how Ding Ning knew which books would help her and who he truly was. After his rapid advancement, Li Daoji took Ding Ning to his assigned cultivation area. He explained that Ding Ning was exempt from regular classes and could consult him or Jiang Li directly with any questions.
Inside, Ding Ning discovered the legendary spirit vein allocated for his use. Noticing its unusually small size, Ding Ning inquired about it. Li Daoji explained that Baiyang Cave had offended Queen Ye Zhen when Xue Wangxu refused her request to use the spirit vein to cultivate a spirit lotus for a breakthrough elixir.
Fearing the lotus would exhaust the spirit vein, Xue Wangxu had divided it into three smaller branches, making it unsuitable for the lotus and thus saving it for the disciples, though this act led to the sect’s forced merger. Despite the rare opportunity to cultivate directly on a spirit vein, Ding Ning expressed his desire to return to Wutongluo daily. Li Daoji, frustrated, questioned whether Wutongluo could be more beneficial than the spirit vein.
Ding Ning insisted he could practice during the day and felt more at ease sleeping at home. Li Daoji, after a moment of angry silence, walked away, which Ding Ning took as tacit approval. Headmaster Di Qingmei of Qingteng Sword School discussed Xue Wangxu’s request to allow Baiyang Cave disciples to participate in the upcoming Sword Sacrifice Trial. Di Qingmei recognized Xue Wangxu’s aim was to secure the Green Jade Amber, the trial’s main prize.
He decided to approve the request, not only to integrate the sects but also to gain control of Baiyang Cave’s spirit veins. He instructed his disciple Duanmu Lian to inform Xue Wangxu that the three branches of the spirit vein should become common property between Qingteng and Baiyang, and moreover, would be added as a prize for the trial’s winner, accessible only to the most qualified.
Di Qingmei also devised a plan to subtly win over competent Baiyang disciples like Jiang Li and Sun Xing, should his own disciples prove insufficient. Meanwhile, Sun Xing voiced strong dissatisfaction to Jiang Li and other disciples regarding Ding Ning, a newcomer, being granted access to a spirit vein, which was considered Baiyang Cave’s highest honor. He argued that it was too hasty and risky, questioning Ding Ning’s character and fearing future treachery.
Li Daoji intervened, announcing Di Qingmei’s decision: Baiyang Cave disciples would indeed participate in the Sword Sacrifice Trial, competing for the Green Jade Amber, and the three spirit veins of Baiyang Cave. He then conveyed Xue Wangxu’s challenge: any disciple who felt resentful or wished to protect Baiyang Cave’s assets should win them back with their own swords. The announcement left the disciples stunned, and Li Daoji urged them to focus on training.
That night, Ding Ning returned to Wutongluo, much to Zhangsun Qianxue’s surprise. He assured her that Xue Wangxu had granted him permission to come home whenever he wished. The following day, Ding Ning confronted Li Daoji about the abrupt change regarding the spirit vein, which was now designated as a trial prize. Li Daoji clarified that Ding Ning could still use the spirit vein until the trial, but chastised him for wasting valuable cultivation time traveling.
Ding Ning revealed he had used his travel time to study the "Wildfire Sword Scripture," and at Li Daoji’s request, demonstrated his newfound skills. Impressed by Ding Ning’s progress, Li Daoji conceded that his unique cultivation methods were effective and promised him a faster carriage for future commutes. Recognizing Ding Ning’s exceptional talent and dedication, Xue Wangxu decided to bestow upon him the Mohua Broken Sword, a blade that once belonged to the close friend of Liang Jingmeng.
Xue Wangxu expressed his hope that Ding Ning would diligently practice with it and become the pride of Baiyang Cave. Receiving the sword from Li Daoji, Ding Ning felt an uncanny connection to “Mohua,” perceiving its name as a reflection of his own precarious existence, where every effort felt like a final act and every fleeting moment resembled a blossom without a tomorrow.
Elsewhere, at the fish market, Bai Shanshui of Yunshui Palace met with a merchant, who informed her that someone wished to buy a secret from her. Bai Shanshui demanded to know the buyer’s identity, which the merchant revealed to be Zhao Si. Bai Shanshui scoffed at the notion that the fallen Lie kingdom could cause any real trouble with a few “broken swords” after its demise decades ago.
She then warned the merchant of the immense chaos and collapse of dynasties that would ensue if the secret of the Gushan Sword Manual, rumored to hold kingdom-overthrowing power and sought by even the King of Heng, were to be revealed. The merchant, wanting only to facilitate the transaction, stated his disinterest in the martial arts world and left Bai Shanshui to consider the offer. Unbeknownst to them, Zhangsun Qianxue had been secretly observing their entire exchange from behind a nearby tree.
Episode 5 Recap
Zhangsun Qianxue visited the fish market, where the merchant's daughter greeted her as Miss Gongsun. Zhangsun Qianxue inquired if Bai Shanshui was negotiating for the Gushan Sword Manual. The merchant's daughter, knowing the dark past of the Gongsun family and her own, questioned Zhangsun Qianxue’s intentions, asking if she sought to overthrow the Kingdom of Heng or to exact revenge, reminding her of That Man's connection to the Gongsun family's downfall a decade ago.
Zhangsun Qianxue urged her not to sell any information to Bai Shanshui. The merchant's daughter clarified that she did not possess the information, but Bai Shanshui did and was unwilling to sell it to her. Meanwhile, Qi Pomo, military advisor of the Tiger and Wolf Army, discovered that Ding Ning, a Baiyang Cave disciple, returned to Wutongluo every night. General Liang Lian immediately ordered his assassination. Ding Ning's carriage suffered a breakdown, prompting him to disembark and continue on foot.
The driver, Zhou Sanxing, soon realized the damage was deliberate and suspected Ding Ning was in peril. He hurried after Ding Ning and arrived just in time to fend off assassins, ensuring both their escape, though Ding Ning sustained injuries and broke two ribs. Ding Ning thanked Zhou Sanxing for saving his life, feeling indebted.
Recognizing the powerful forces at play, Ding Ning asked Zhou Sanxing to report to Wang Taixu and advise Liangcenglou not to intervene in the night's events if no other incidents occurred, to avoid alerting their powerful enemy. He also cautioned Zhou Sanxing to keep his own involvement a secret.
Liang Lian was enraged to learn of Ding Ning and Wang Taixu's escape and vowed that Wang Taixu must die within three days, threatening severe consequences for his subordinates if they failed. Unbeknownst to them, Wang Taixu himself had been ambushed at Liangcenglou by Duan Zhiqiu, but managed to escape using a cleverly concealed mechanism he had prepared earlier.
Back at the wine shop, Zhangsun Qianxue, who had just been confronted by Bai Shanshui regarding her true allegiances and asked to prove her identity, concealed her own troubles to avoid burdening the wounded Ding Ning while she bandaged his ribs. Ding Ning speculated that the masked assassin was a military practitioner who, despite his skill, intentionally avoided serious injury and seemed eager to escape, suggesting a person of significant status within the military.
He worried about Wang Taixu, fearing the attack was connected to Jinlintang’s powerful backer. At Liangcenglou, Wang Taixu received news of heavy casualties and attacks on various outposts. After hearing Ding Ning's message relayed by Zhou Sanxing, Wang Taixu ordered his surviving followers to disperse and hide, deciding to flee the city himself.
Xue Wangxu, the head of Baiyang Cave, was informed that Ding Ning, despite suffering two broken ribs, had, with the help of Zhou Sanxing, a practitioner only in the Qi-refining Realm, managed to kill a True Vitality Realm assassin. Deeply impressed by Ding Ning's bravery and skill, Xue Wangxu, pleased with his disciple's actions, decided to end his seclusion and travel to Fengming.
Concurrently, Director Ye Celeng investigated the assassins' bodies at Wutongluo, identifying Tiger and Wolf Army tattoos, which unequivocally linked Liang Lian to the attack. As Wang Taixu, injured and seeking refuge, attempted to leave Fengming hidden in Ding Ning’s carriage, Duan Zhiqiu, the Chief of the Gate Guardsmen, intercepted them. Duan Zhiqiu dismissed a document from the Shendu Bureau and insisted on a search.
Wang Taixu recognized Duan Zhiqiu as one of his previous attackers from the night before, noting his cultivation had reached the fifth realm. At this critical moment, Xue Wangxu descended from the sky, deploying his Mountain-moving Realm power, astonishing Duan Zhiqiu and his soldiers and securing Wang Taixu and Ding Ning's passage. Back at Baiyang Cave, Xue Wangxu praised Ding Ning again and offered Wang Taixu a place to recuperate in his backyard for several days.
Later, Nangong Caishu approached Ding Ning, expressing her gratitude. She shared that his earlier guidance had accelerated her cultivation, and she anticipated breaking through to the third realm soon. Ding Ning, however, requested that she keep his role in her advancement a secret, even from her father and master.
He explained that rapid progress, combined with exceptional understanding and intuition for cultivation texts, would invite unwanted attention and exploitation, which he could not afford given his urgent need to dedicate all his time to cultivation. Nangong Caishu, understanding, swore to keep his secret. General Liang Lian then went to Queen Ye Zhen, who sternly criticized his crude methods in attempting to seize Liangcenglou and eliminate Ding Ning.
Ye Zhen pointed out that his reckless actions had unnecessarily alarmed Xue Wangxu, reminding Liang Lian of Xue Wangxu’s formidable power. She warned him that such "unnecessary mistakes" would create opportunities for his rivals and could jeopardize his aspirations for a marquis title, as there were other candidates. Liang Lian admitted his fault and sought Ye Zhen's help in securing his marquis title, pledging his full obedience.
Ye Zhen instructed him that he must first prove his innocence, particularly concerning the deaths of Marquis Dugu and Song Shenshu, cases that Ye Celeng was actively investigating and that could easily implicate him, as Liang Lian was once That Man's driver and close to him. Following this, Ye Celeng confronted Liang Lian in the street, accusing him of the murders of Song Shenshu and Marquis Dugu, stating that the killings bore the hallmarks of That Man’s martial arts.
Liang Lian retorted that if suspicion was based solely on shared martial arts, then Ye Celeng, who also followed That Man, would be equally suspect. He further asserted that the Nine-death Silkworm had no successor. Chen Xuan intervened to stop their public altercation, reminding them that their display was unbefitting.
Ye Celeng declared her unwavering loyalty to the Kingdom of Heng, in contrast to Liang Lian’s ambition for a marquis title, and pressed him about the seven corpses found at Wutongluo, implying they were his men involved in the martial arts world. Chen Xuan, identifying Ye Celeng’s personal vendetta and recognizing her inability to refute his questioning, discreetly sent Liang Lian away and then admonished Ye Celeng for mixing personal revenge with official duties.
Unable to counter Chen Xuan’s accusation, Ye Celeng departed in a fury. Meanwhile, King Yuanwu achieved a breakthrough, successfully advancing into the eighth realm, known as the Heaven-opening Realm. Chancellor Li and other ministers promptly gathered outside his chambers to offer their congratulations. Yuanwu then sought out Queen Ye Zhen in her palace, asking her if it was truly possible for anyone in the world to cultivate to the ninth realm and achieve immortality.
Episode 6 Recap
Ding Ning wrote a letter to Zhangsun Qianxue, found in the wine shop. In it, he informed her that he wouldn't be returning due to the upcoming Sword Sacrifice Trial at Qingteng Sword School. He explained that the trial's winner would receive the Green Jade Amber, an item beneficial for her Natal Sword practice, and he vowed to do his best to acquire it.
He concluded the letter by reminding her to eat her porridge and not to worry about him. Meanwhile, Liang Lian expressed his frustration over recent setbacks and the blatant provocation from Ye Celeng, further complicated by Chen Xuan's intervention. His strategist, Qi Pomo, advised him to temper his anger, suggesting that Chen Xuan's appearance was opportune. Qi Pomo explained that Liang Lian's previous actions against Liangcenglou, perceived as using official power for personal vendetta, had already displeased Queen Ye Zhen.
Further conflict with Ye Celeng would only exacerbate the situation. Qi Pomo deduced that Queen Ye Zhen summoned Liang Lian back not just to confer a marquis title, but to counterbalance King of Heng's decision to recall Ye Celeng, maintaining a delicate power dynamic within the court. He emphasized that while the court needed powerful figures like Liang Lian and Ye Celeng, it would not tolerate them becoming overly ambitious.
Liang Lian acknowledged that both he and Ye Celeng were connected to Liang Jingmeng, making them objects of suspicion. Qi Pomo urged Liang Lian not to engage Ye Celeng, as her downfall would destabilize the balance and put him at a disadvantage. He asserted that Liang Lian's power was his true foundation in Fengming.
He further suggested that by rendering meritorious service, Liang Lian could secure a position to guard an area outside the Pass, even if the marquis title proved elusive. Qi Pomo then revealed that Bai Shanshui of Yunshui Palace was expected in Lion Lane, noting that the royal court had long pursued the Gushan Sword Manual, proposing that securing the manual would be a sure path to the marquis title.
Liang Lian concurred, deciding to focus on obtaining the Gushan Sword Manual. Officer Bai reported to Queen Ye Zhen that while Liang Lian had already sent men to ambush in Lion Lane, only traces of Yunshui Palace members were found, not Bai Shanshui herself. Observing Liang Lian's eagerness for merit, Ye Zhen acknowledged the value of the Gushan Sword Manual and instructed Officer Bai to also leak the information to Ye Celeng.
Her aim was to have both forces pursue the manual, allowing her to benefit from their efforts. Meanwhile, King of Heng, surprised by the involvement of two teams, asked about the necessity of such an elaborate operation for the Gushan Sword Manual. Queen Ye Zhen explained that possessing the manual would provide King of Heng with a powerful advantage to rule the world, especially since the states of Xian, Mo, and Li also coveted the treasure.
The King then reluctantly agreed not to surrender it. She further revealed that she and Chancellor Li had recommended Liang Lian to replace Marquis Dugu. She reminded the King that the recent deaths of Song Shenshu and Marquis Dugu were attributed to Liang Jingmeng's martial arts, confirming the existence of his disciple. King of Heng, proud of his advancement to the eighth realm, dismissed any fear of Liang Jingmeng or his disciple.
Ye Celeng questioned the accuracy of the intelligence regarding Yunshui Palace members in Lion Lane. Her subordinate confirmed that Liang Lian's men were indeed investigating there, driven by the Queen's recent displeasure and his urgency to gain merit. Ye Celeng speculated that Yunshui Palace members must have appeared in the area. She expressed deep suspicion of Liang Lian's true intentions regarding the Gushan Sword Manual, noting that its power could destabilize the entire dynasty.
She believed that among many opportunities to redeem himself, Liang Lian's choice of this particular pursuit indicated an underlying ambition and malevolence, labeling him as untrustworthy. She instructed her subordinate to maintain close surveillance on Liang Lian. At Jiujiang Prefecture Hall, Liang Lian received a report that Fan Zhuo, a Yunshui Palace member, routinely dined across the street at a specific hour, and an ambush was prepared.
Liang Lian commanded his forces to await Bai Shanshui's appearance before initiating any action. During this time, Fan Zhuo, sensing an imminent threat, engaged in a fierce battle with the ambushers. Bai Shanshui then arrived, rescued Fan Zhuo, and urged him to flee. They separated, with Liang Lian's forces and Ye Celeng's squad in hot pursuit. Bai Shanshui scornfully taunted Liang Lian about allowing a significant criminal to escape.
While Liang Lian attempted to capture her, Ye Celeng also tried to intercept Bai Shanshui, even proposing a private discussion about the Gushan Sword Manual once they evaded the soldiers. Bai Shanshui rebuffed Ye Celeng, labeling her a mere pawn of King of Heng, to which Ye Celeng retorted that her loyalty was solely to the Kingdom of Heng. Displaying remarkable agility, Bai Shanshui swiftly escaped through the water, declaring Ye Celeng's efforts to be in vain.
Ultimately, both Liang Lian and Ye Celeng failed to apprehend Bai Shanshui, who managed to observe the unfolding chaos from a distance. After Bai Shanshui's escape, Qi Pomo cautioned Liang Lian that apprehending Fan Zhuo alone would not avert royal punishment for letting a major criminal slip away. He advised Liang Lian to release Fan Zhuo, suggesting it would create a "way out" for him.
Qi Pomo reminded Liang Lian of their arduous ascent from their humble beginnings outside the Pass, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and charting their own course. Liang Lian, reflecting on Qi Pomo's prior lessons, conceded that if the marquis title remained elusive, it would be more prudent to focus on his own interests rather than a thankless endeavor. He agreed that freeing Fan Zhuo would indeed provide him with an alternative path.
The merchant's eldest daughter inquired about Bai Shanshui's preferred buyer for the item in her possession. Bai Shanshui replied that the buyer was secondary; her satisfaction stemmed from the current chaotic state of affairs. She noted Liang Lian's decision to release Fan Zhuo, which she found increasingly intriguing. When pressed about her motives for sowing discord, Bai Shanshui asserted she sought no personal gain.
With the Kingdom of Qian irreversibly fallen, her sole delight was in unsettling the leadership of Heng. She confirmed her intent to proceed with the transaction but, upon being asked for a price, indicated that the Gushan Sword Manual was coveted by more than just Zhao Si, implying a preference for the highest bidder. She complimented the merchant's daughter on her quick grasp of business. Later, the merchant's daughter pressed Zhao Si for details on her alleged bargaining chips.
Zhao Si revealed that while paying respects at her junior fellow disciple Zhao Zhan's dwelling, she uncovered the secret of the Gushan Sword Manual that he had pursued for three years. She recalled Zhao Zhan's instruction to collect his belongings upon his death, which she now understood was a coded message to retrieve a hidden item. She confirmed this item constituted the third clue to the manual.
Asked why she didn't appear for the transaction despite her powerful leverage, Zhao Si explained her hesitation stemmed from an inability to ascertain Bai Shanshui's current loyalties. Zhao Si then questioned how the merchant's daughter knew about the Gushan Sword Manual being held in the Dafu Water Dungeon, where King of Heng had been interrogating a pivotal prisoner for a decade regarding its whereabouts.
The merchant's daughter cryptically added that the prisoner was an old member of the Bashan Sword Field, a detail Zhao Si was better off not knowing. The marquises convened, and one of them urged Marquis Fang to appeal to the King about the widespread rumors of Liang Jingmeng's disciple, especially after Marquis Dugu's death by Liang Jingmeng's swordsmanship, which suggested the disciple was active in Fengming.
They lamented their past decision to eliminate Liang Jingmeng for Heng's stability, now fearing retaliation from his returning disciple, citing Marquis Dugu as a stark warning. While one official tried to downplay the disciple's threat, others emphasized their own unease despite the King's power, questioning how they could find peace when the court failed to apprehend the killer, further fueling widespread panic. Upon achieving the eighth realm, King of Heng received congratulations from Chancellor Li and other officials.
He declared his awareness of Liang Jingmeng's disciple and his utter lack of fear. A minister echoed this sentiment, highlighting Heng's decade of peace and the King's recent breakthrough as reasons to dismiss the disciple as a minor threat. However, he tactfully raised concerns about public unease caused by the disciple's direct targeting of Marquis Dugu, which evoked past events.
The King then sharply rebuked the eleven marquises present, questioning whether their gathering truly reflected concern for the populace or merely their own self-preservation. He reminded them of their past complicity in forcing him to kill Liang Jingmeng, and how, after a decade of enjoying peace and privilege, they now panicked over a single disciple, accusing them of orchestrating a veiled coup.
The marquises, in unison, denied any such intent and knelt before him, which the King then permitted them to rise from. Ye Celeng formally reported her and Liang Lian's failure to apprehend Bai Shanshui, requesting punishment for her lapse. King of Heng, already apprised of the situation by the Queen, acknowledged that both Liang Lian, who had laid an ambush, and Ye Celeng, who had pursued Bai Shanshui, had ultimately lost track of the criminal. Ye Celeng confirmed this account.
The King then declared Ye Celeng innocent, recognizing her efforts in the pursuit. However, he ordered Liang Lian to be flogged eighty times for his part in alarming the criminal. The news of Liang Lian's severe punishment, eighty flogs that left him severely wounded and covered in blood, quickly spread throughout the city's wine shops, becoming a popular topic of discussion among the townsfolk. A subordinate reported to Liang Lian that Bai Shanshui had been seen near the fish market.
Despite being injured from his flogging, Liang Lian immediately rushed to the location. There, he encountered two individuals appearing to be Bai Shanshui. His subordinate advised caution due to Liang Lian's vulnerable state. The real Bai Shanshui quickly took the impostor, who was revealed to be Zhangsun Qianxue, and left after a brief exchange, highlighting Zhangsun Qianxue's comparative lack of skill. Liang Lian and his subordinate later deduced that the first individual was an impostor, her swordsmanship being less refined.
They speculated that Bai Shanshui's appearance, without attacking Liang Lian, who was in a weakened state, suggested she might have "saved" him by removing an impostor too weak to genuinely harm him. The subordinate posited that Bai Shanshui acted to prevent someone from falsely implicating her in a conflict with Liang Lian.
Seizing this opportunity, Liang Lian decided to leverage the "favor" from releasing Fan Zhuo to arrange a meeting with Bai Shanshui, hoping to uncover the identity of the person who sent the impostor. Later, Zhangsun Qianxue confessed to Bai Shanshui that her impersonation was an attempt to demonstrate her animosity towards Heng, although she admitted to underestimating Liang Lian's strength even while he was injured.
She thanked Bai Shanshui for her intervention, to which Bai Shanshui remarked on Zhangsun Qianxue's persistent but clumsy nature. Zhangsun Qianxue then pressed for the Gushan Sword Manual clue. Bai Shanshui revealed that her own clue was incomplete, with a crucial part remaining in Liang Jingmeng's possession. She clarified that despite his death, his disciple, who was responsible for the deaths of Marquis Dugu and Song Shenshu, must now hold that part of the clue.
Bai Shanshui agreed to trade with Zhangsun Qianxue once she successfully obtained the clue from the disciple. Frustrated at her efforts yielding no immediate results, Zhangsun Qianxue complained. Bai Shanshui offered no further information on the Gushan Sword Manual but invited Zhangsun Qianxue to seek her out at the fish market for other potential business. King of Heng expressed his gratitude to Queen Ye Zhen for her stewardship of court affairs during his recent practice retreat.
Ye Zhen, in turn, conveyed her joy at his advancement to the eighth realm and affirmed her ambition to reach the ninth realm alongside him, vowing eternal unity. At the Qingteng Sword School, as disciples gathered for the Sword Sacrifice Trial, Xie Changsheng inquired about Ding Ning, who had famously achieved "half-day Truth of Mystery."
Sun Xing, however, scoffed, attributing Ding Ning's early success to mere chance and asserting that rapid enlightenment did not guarantee swift advancement to the second realm's qi refining stage within a month. Sun Xing then provoked Xie Changsheng into a bet, with Xie Changsheng wagering 300 gold that Ding Ning would indeed achieve qi refining within a month.
Suddenly, Xie Rou, Xie Changsheng's elder sister, appeared, reprimanding her brother for his extravagant gambling and using his original, less sophisticated name, "Changsheng." Xie Changsheng clarified that he had changed his name to "Changsung" because he found "Changsheng" too rustic. Xie Rou then disparaged Ding Ning as a mere "tavern boy from the streets." She provocatively declared that if Ding Ning truly managed to refine his qi within a month, she would agree to him becoming Xie Changsheng's brother-in-law.
When pressed on her vow, Xie Rou, upholding her family's reputation for integrity, firmly stated she would honor her word and marry no one but Ding Ning if he succeeded. Xie Changsheng was visibly stunned by his sister's declaration. Ding Ning and Jiang Li finally arrived. Ding Ning confirmed his identity, and Jiang Li proudly announced that Ding Ning had already broken through to the second realm, achieving qi refining in an astonishing ten days.
Overjoyed, Xie Changsheng immediately began hailing Ding Ning as his "brother-in-law." Ding Ning, taken aback, dismissed the idea as a joke. Xie Rou, however, insisted she was serious and acknowledged her own impulsive vow. Ding Ning countered that a relationship required careful consideration, and given their lack of prior acquaintance, a casual bet should not dictate such a serious commitment, especially considering the prominence of the Xie family and potential familial disapproval.
Xie Rou, undeterred, stated she would secure her family's consent, emphasizing that the ultimate decision rested with Ding Ning. Ding Ning firmly rejected the proposition, declaring it impossible and inappropriate, insisting that the impending trial was his foremost priority. Xie Rou, with unwavering resolve, declared that while he could refuse to marry her, she would never refuse to marry him. A delighted Xie Changsheng dubbed this surprising turn of events their "meeting gift."
As the trial commenced, Nangong Caishu pointed out He Zhaoxi, a highly talented and exceptionally diligent martial artist who dedicated nearly all his time to cultivation, advising Ding Ning to avoid him if possible. She then presented Ding Ning with a Golden Elixir, a potent medicine from her father, capable of boosting him to the late-medium grade of the second realm. However, she cautioned him to use it with extreme care due to its potential adverse effects. Ding Ning expressed his gratitude.
Episode 7 Recap
The Sword Sacrifice Trial commenced with a modified format, merging Baiyang Cave and Qingteng Sword School disciples for the first time. The rules stipulated a three-day challenge within the Sword Sacrifice Valley. Each participant held a token, and encounters led to battles where the victor claimed the opponent's token, eliminating the loser. A smoke signal at midday marked the daily deadline to reach a designated area before sunset, with the ultimate winner being the one who collected the most tokens.
The grand prize for the victor was a Green Jade Amber. Baiyang Cave Leader Xue Wangxu, now a seventh-realm practitioner, attended the trial as an observer, with Qingteng Dean Di Qingmei welcoming him. Nangong Caishu expressed concern to Ding Ning, pointing out the trial's disadvantageous nature for him, a newcomer to the second realm, especially with three participants already in the third realm's medium grade. The prolonged battles would quickly deplete his stamina.
However, Ding Ning confidently stated that for every rule, there was a way to adapt. Xie Rou warned him to be careful, while Xie Changsheng cheered him on loudly, affirming his belief in Ding Ning. Before the trial, Nangong Caishu had also given Ding Ning a Huangting Golden Elixir, capable of helping him breakthrough to the late stage of the middle grade of the second realm.
Participants began their descent into the valley by choosing a vine, with a twenty-breath interval between each. Ding Ning expertly navigated the treacherous vines, showcasing his mastery of the Scripture of Wildfire Sword. Observing from above, Xie Rou was astonished, remarking that Ding Ning must be a genius like those from the Minshan Sword Sect to achieve such proficiency in a short time.
Xie Changsheng proudly boasted about his brother-in-law's prowess, while a skeptical instructor named Duanmu dismissed it, suggesting Ding Ning's true test would come against other practitioners, not mere vines. Ding Ning soon encountered his fellow disciple, Shen Bai, who wielded the Dark Fire sword from the Secret Fire Sword Forging Workshop in Liuquan Prefecture. Shen Bai declared his intention to be the first to eliminate Ding Ning. Unexpectedly, Ding Ning turned and fled, drawing confusion and ridicule from observers.
However, Ding Ning's strategy became clear when Shen Bai, in pursuit, became entangled in vines. Ding Ning, despite the danger, bravely rescued Shen Bai, who, now convinced of Ding Ning's skill and character, humbly surrendered his token. Di Qingmei, however, criticized Ding Ning's victory as opportunistic, preferring sheer strength over "small tricks." Li Daoji voiced concerns about Ding Ning's limited cultivation and delicate physique, worried about his endurance in a prolonged trial.
Xie Changsheng, ever the loyal supporter, lamented Ding Ning's "broken sword" and offered to fund a better one from his family. A smoke signal was released at midday, signaling the urgent need for participants to reach the designated area before sunset. The cold autumn wind made sweat-soaked clothes an energy drain. As Ding Ning pushed towards his destination, his yang hyperactivity flared up, forcing him to stop and meditate to regulate his internal energy.
This sudden setback worried Xie Changsheng, and Duanmu noted Ding Ning had taken a wrong path and might not make it in time. Meanwhile, Zhangsun Qianxue, using the alias Gongsun, traveled to the Minshan Sword Sect. With Jing Liuli's introduction, she gained an audience with Sect Leader Baili Suxue. She revealed her true purpose: to secure the Life-sustaining Magic Art for Ding Ning, Liang Jingmeng's only disciple.
She explained Ding Ning's critical condition due to yang hyperactivity and his unwavering resolve to assassinate King Heng, a mission that would likely cost him his life before he reached thirty, possibly even sooner due to his intense cultivation. Pleading for their past brotherhood, she implored Baili Suxue to lend the art to Ding Ning. Baili Suxue, however, coldly refused.
He recounted his past disappointment with Liang Jingmeng and the rule he established after Liang Jingmeng's death, prohibiting Bashan disciples from ever entering Minshan again. He asserted that his rules were inviolable, even by powerful figures like Ye Zhen and Yuan Wu, and reiterated that the Life-sustaining Magic Art was reserved solely for the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament champion. Disappointed, Zhangsun Qianxue was left with no recourse. Back in the valley, third-realm practitioners Sun Xing and He Zhaoxi met.
Instead of immediately fighting, He Zhaoxi, while eating, proposed an alliance, explaining his desire to conserve energy for future breakthroughs, particularly in the fifth realm, and to swiftly "hunt" other participants. He used the analogy that "two lions together hunt faster than only one." Sun Xing, also disliking being observed "like a monkey," agreed to the temporary alliance.
Observing their agreement, Xue Wangxu remarked that while their confidence and pride might allow them to reach the final stages, becoming the champion would be difficult, as their greatest opponents were ultimately themselves. Later, Jiang Li encountered Sun Xing and defeated him in a fair fight, giving him some medicinal fruit afterwards. Sun Xing mockingly called Jiang Li's gesture "petty kindness." In another part of the valley, Nangong Caishu faced He Zhaoxi.
Confident in his superior cultivation and current peak condition, He Zhaoxi allowed her three free attacks. However, he easily countered her moves and quickly defeated her, leaving her severely wounded and depleted of vitality. Upon seeing Nangong Caishu defeated, Ding Ning rushed to her side, despite her urging him to flee. He Zhaoxi dismissed Ding Ning as too weak, but Ding Ning retorted that he wouldn't know if he could win without fighting.
He explained his presence as an opportunity to "take advantage" of their weakened states, noting Nangong Caishu's severe bleeding needed immediate attention. He Zhaoxi accepted the challenge. As their intense battle unfolded, Ding Ning, nearing exhaustion, risked his life and utilized the Huangting Golden Elixir given to him by Nangong Caishu, ultimately prevailing over He Zhaoxi.
Watching this, Xue Wangxu acknowledged Ding Ning's strategic use of the elixir, but worried that over-reliance on such potent remedies could detrimentally affect his internal energy and lead to adverse long-term consequences. He Zhaoxi conceded his defeat, just as Sun Xing suddenly appeared, intending to challenge Ding Ning in his weakened state. Nangong Caishu immediately accused Sun Xing of ungentlemanly conduct for attempting to "take advantage of others' difficulties."
Sun Xing countered, stating that "a gentleman knows how to take advantage of everything; a man good at fighting makes the best use of the circumstances," and that only a fool would attack a prime enemy. He admitted he admired Ding Ning's temperament but their differing initial stances meant they always disliked each other. He then challenged Ding Ning to a fight.
Jiang Li intervened, urging Sun Xing to reconsider, reminding him of their shared origins and the importance of camaraderie among disciples, especially after the merger of their schools. He warned against arrogance and jealousy, calling them detrimental to cultivation. Sun Xing, seeing Jiang Li's protection of Ding Ning, walked away in a huff. Ding Ning then returned He Zhaoxi's token to Nangong Caishu, asserting that it was rightfully hers, as he had won by "taking advantage." Jiang Li reminded Ding Ning and Nangong Caishu that, according to the rules, they could not travel together, and wished them both good luck in the remainder of the trial.
Episode 8 Recap
Ding Ning's practice had rapidly advanced to the top grade of the second realm, a remarkable achievement thanks to the Golden Elixir provided by Nangong Caishu. However, the trial's final victory hinged on the number of tokens accumulated. With only one day remaining, merely passing the trial wouldn't secure the Green Jade Amber, which Ding Ning desperately sought for Zhangsun Qianxue's Natal Sword practice.
He realized he had to thoroughly defeat Sun Xing, who had previously encountered He Zhaoxi but instead of fighting, they "shared the victory," making Sun Xing the one with the most tokens. As the long night gave way to sunrise, signaling the imminent final battles, Di Qingmei of Qingteng Sword School was visibly displeased by the defeats of his disciples.
Xue Wangxu gently reminded him that Baiyang Cave and Qingteng Sword School were now one, urging him to be broad-minded as Baiyang Cave would eventually cease to exist in its current form. He advised Di Qingmei that true success comes from an open heart. Realizing the wisdom in Xue Wangxu's words, Di Qingmei set aside his grievances, and a smile replaced his frown. Soon after, Li Daoji informed Xue Wangxu that it was time for the final decision.
After a night of rest, the remaining contestants had recuperated, and the spectators watched with bated breath. Fatefully, Ding Ning and Sun Xing came face to face. Spectators wondered about Ding Ning's intentions as he moved towards Sun Xing, believing Sun Xing wouldn't let him off easily. Duanmu Lian scoffed at Ding Ning's chances, stating he couldn't possibly defeat Sun Xing. Ding Ning, however, was resolute, declaring he would defeat Sun Xing.
Sun Xing, assuming Ding Ning intended to sacrifice himself for Nangong Caishu to reach the top three, mocked him for dreaming. Ding Ning retorted by recalling Sun Xing's past dismissals—his admission test, his fight with He Zhaoxi—all instances where Ding Ning proved him wrong. He spoke of his affection for the kind people of Baiyang Cave, like Master Xue, Martial Uncle Li, and Jiang Li, but asserted that Sun Xing had been his adversary from the start.
Ding Ning accused Sun Xing of stepping on others, even fellow disciples who respected him, to climb higher. He made it clear he didn't want Sun Xing to remain in Baiyang Cave and warned him to disappear quickly after the upcoming defeat, or face persistent trouble. Taken aback by Ding Ning's threat, Sun Xing admitted he had underestimated him, then declared that if he lost, he wouldn't deserve to stay in Baiyang Cave.
In the climactic battle between Ding Ning and Sun Xing, Sun Xing struck with malicious intent. He warned Ding Ning that while his first two moves were not crucial, his third would cripple Ding Ning's arm. Ding Ning coolly retorted that it would be Sun Xing's arm instead. Sun Xing's third attack was indeed aimed at a vital point, but Ding Ning, having anticipated the move, turned it against him.
Sun Xing's first two swords had already made Ding Ning struggle and get injured, but in the end, Sun Xing suffered the consequences, losing an arm. Spectators were shocked and condemned Sun Xing's ruthlessness. Meanwhile, Jiang Li encountered Nangong Caishu. Jiang Li, ever the gentleman, reminded her of the trial's rule that they must fight. Noticing her apprehension, he offered to let her speak her mind, warning that worry could be distracting in battle.
Nangong Caishu confessed her concern about potentially facing Sun Xing if she defeated Jiang Li, admitting she wasn't confident against him. She also lamented the prospect of such a ruthless person winning the trial. Jiang Li seemed on the verge of offering advice but then paused, deciding he had "thought too much." They commenced their duel. Following these defeats, a smoke signal ascended, signifying the end of the combat phase and the determination of the top three contestants.
Ding Ning arrived at the designated area, much to the surprise of Jiang Li, who couldn't believe Ding Ning had defeated Sun Xing. They were then called to the viewing stands for the final count. Xue Wangxu announced that the winner would be determined by the most tokens. Jiang Li, true to his compassionate nature, stated that his tokens were only enough to pass, so he needn't be considered for the top spots.
Di Qingmei commended Jiang Li's kindness but warned him that such a soft heart could be dangerous in the treacherous martial world, a sentiment Xue Wangxu echoed. Jiang Li thanked him for the instruction. Nangong Caishu was declared to have eight tokens, placing her second due to having previously obtained He Zhaoxi's tokens. Finally, Ding Ning presented his tokens, totaling thirteen, securing his victory and the coveted Green Jade Amber.
Di Qingmei expressed his satisfaction with Ding Ning, acknowledging that he had honored the sword. After the trial, Xie Rou approached Ding Ning, now impressed by him, and expressed her hope of reuniting with him at the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament next year. Her brother playfully speculated about a romance developing.
Ding Ning, however, urged Xie Rou not to harbor any such expectations, stating that a person with a chronic illness has no future, and directed her to Nangong Caishu for more details. Nangong Caishu then revealed Ding Ning's condition: a rare "yang hyperactivity" that meant without special intervention, he would suffer premature decline in his prime. Despite this grim revelation, Xie Rou remained steadfast, asserting it wouldn't change her decision and asked if there was a way to help him.
Nangong Caishu, though finding it difficult, suggested that while generally incurable, the Minshan Sword Sect might hold a solution, urging everyone to do their best to help Ding Ning win at the tournament, as he was fighting for his life.
On their way back to the sect, Ding Ning inquired about the origin of the Mohua Broken Sword, noting that during his battles, he often sensed a resolute and unyielding will emanating from it, as if it carried the spirit of its former owner. Xue Wangxu disclosed that the sword's original owner was Yan Xinlan, a member of the renowned Bashan Sword Field.
Ten years prior, during a great calamity that befell the field, she refused to surrender to King Heng and was consequently beheaded. Before her execution, she broke her sword to demonstrate her unwavering commitment, hence the resolute sword energy Ding Ning perceived. Ding Ning then asked if the story was related to "the person whose name cannot be mentioned," to which Xue Wangxu cryptically replied that some matters are better left unspoken.
Soon after, Xue Wangxu informed Li Daoji that Sun Xing, having lost face, had asked for permission to leave Baiyang Cave, which Xue Wangxu granted, expressing a hope that Sun Xing would correct his mistakes. When asked if he would spend the night at Baiyang Cave or return home, Ding Ning chose his tavern at Wutongluo. He explained that he had grown up in the bustling city and found the quiet solitude of Baiyang Cave unsettling.
He intended to continue his practice there from now on. Xue Wangxu expressed concern that the potent Golden Elixir he forcibly refined during the trial might harm his body, and that the spiritual energy outside Baiyang Cave was not as abundant. Ding Ning reassured him, stating he would be more cautious in his future practice and planned to refine the Green Jade Amber that very night to avoid any complications.
Xue Wangxu agreed, noting that the Green Jade Amber would aid his breakthrough, help him integrate his natal object, and crucially, mitigate the damage caused by the Golden Elixir, benefiting him greatly. Meanwhile, Queen Ye Zhen, upon hearing about Ding Ning's astonishing achievements—mastering the Truth of Mystery Realm in half a day, reaching the second realm in ten days, and winning the trial—decided to visit him at his tavern in Wutongluo, accompanied by Maidservant Rong.
She intended to recruit him into her service. Zhangsun Qianxue, acting as the tavern's proprietress and Ding Ning's aunt, cautiously attempted to politely refuse her offer. Just then, Ding Ning staggered into the courtyard, collapsing and losing consciousness. Ye Zhen immediately recognized his condition as a severe episode of yang hyperactivity and ordered Maidservant Rong to retrieve the Snowy Incense to suppress his fever.
Despite Zhangsun Qianxue's attempts to know their identities, Maidservant Rong simply stated that the Queen treasured talent and could help them. After waking, Ding Ning instructed Zhangsun Qianxue to be wary of outsiders, especially figures like the "madam" who visited, whom he deduced was from the royal palace based on a distinctive handkerchief and unique incense. He then handed her the Green Jade Amber, explaining that with it, her Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword could become a true Natal Sword.
Zhangsun Qianxue, in turn, shared news that she had met Bai Shanshui, who told her the other half of the Gushan Sword Manual was with Ding Ning's master. Ding Ning clarified that Song Shenshu had told him the manual was with Lin Zhujiu, whom King of Heng had imprisoned for ten years to extract clues. He advised Zhangsun Qianxue to ask him directly if she needed information, emphasizing that her simple nature made solitary action too dangerous.
Zhangsun Qianxue then quoted Ding Ning's own words about discarding swords that don't suit one, extending the metaphor to people. She asked Ding Ning who he was, and he revealed he was the sole inheritor of his master's Nine-death Silkworm divine art. Ding Ning further explained that with the Green Jade Amber, her Natal Sword would stabilize, preventing qi deviation, thus making her less reliant on his protection.
He clarified that his actions were never about her reliance, but simply wishing for her well-being. He told her he would cultivate in the courtyard that night and she would have to sleep alone. On the rooftop, Ding Ning played the xun, his heart heavy with unspoken emotions, as he recalled their shared history and his deep, solitary feelings, gazing at Zhangsun Qianxue's evasive look, feeling lonely and lost.
Meanwhile, King of Heng was tormented by nightmares and the relentless pursuit of ultimate power and immortality. He pondered if the fabled ninth realm truly existed and if all kings desired eternal life, admitting he yearned for it due to attachments he couldn't relinquish. He acknowledged that the world's highest known realm was the seventh, the eighth a legend, and the ninth virtually unknown.
Yet, he believed Liang Jingmeng's Nine-death Silkworm divine art might be the key to breaching the ninth realm. He dreamt of a future where he, Ye Zhen, and Liang Jingmeng would share immortality. Later, Ye Zhen found the King of Heng troubled. He mentioned that all the Bashan Sword Field defectors were now under her control.
He confessed that despite reaching the eighth realm, he couldn't find the way to the ninth, recalling Liang Jingmeng's belief that the Nine-death Silkworm was crucial. He reflected on how, ten years ago, had it not been for the "incident," Liang Jingmeng might have already reached the ninth realm, implying his former rival still haunted his thoughts. Ye Zhen tried to dismiss the past, but the King insisted Liang Jingmeng's presence still lingered between them.
When she asked if rumors of Fengming were disturbing him, he reiterated his obsession with the Nine-death Silkworm as the key to the ninth realm, and Ye Zhen, ever the astute confidante, volunteered to handle the matter for him.
Episode 9 Recap
Despite his significant progress in cultivation, Ding Ning's physical condition continued to deteriorate, a constant worry for Xue Wangxu. Fearing Ding Ning wouldn't survive until the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament, Xue Wangxu decided to travel to Tushan County in Ba Prefecture. His aim was twofold: to settle old scores from his youth and to reclaim the Beauty-locking Elixir, a life-extending treasure that could also suppress yang hyperactivity.
This valuable elixir, originally belonging to Baiyang Cave, had been forcibly taken by Feng Qianzhuo, a former Bashan Sword Field disciple who betrayed his sect and later squandered the elixir by giving it to a concubine, a fact that deeply angered Xue Wangxu. Ding Ning found Xue Wangxu at a noodle stall, acting uncharacteristically like a mischievous old man, thoroughly enjoying the spicy and springy noodles.
Xue Wangxu revealed he brought his own bowl to avoid the unhygienic practices of the dishwashers. He then explained that the Beauty-locking Elixir, while not a complete cure, would allow Ding Ning to survive long enough to participate in the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament. Ding Ning, expressing his determination to win the tournament for Baiyang Cave, eagerly absorbed the plan. The master and disciple then departed in Zhou Sansheng's carriage.
Ding Ning also questioned Xue Wangxu about the past, particularly about the Bashan Sword Field and its formidable leader, Liang Jingmeng. Xue Wangxu recounted how Liang Jingmeng, as the world's greatest swordsman, led Bashan Sword Field practitioners to help King Yuan Wu defeat three kingdoms and secure Heng's dominance, excelling in both martial prowess and strategy.
He hinted that the "catastrophe ten years ago" was far more complex than the official Heng narrative, with many who knew the truth forced into silence. Meanwhile, Queen Ye Zhen, still harboring suspicions about Ding Ning, ordered a thorough investigation into his background, tracing back to his birth and scrutinizing everyone around him. Prince Yuan Zichu suggested that Ding Ning's talent could make him a valuable asset to Heng, proposing to befriend him for mutual benefit and control.
However, Ye Zhen cautioned her son against approaching Ding Ning, citing his ambiguous origins and the treacherous nature of palace politics, warning him not to fall into any traps. Yuan Zichu conceded to his mother's advice. Elsewhere, Zhangsun Qianxue was brought to the Shendu Bureau. Chancellor Li, awaiting her, attempted to find inconsistencies in her story.
Calmly, Zhangsun Qianxue explained Ding Ning's identity: the son of her deceased elder sister, Zhangsun Feishuang, and a man from the Ding family of the former Lie, making him a remaining heir of the once-prominent Zhangsun family. A military advisor cross-referenced old records and Fengming's household registration, confirming that the Zhangsun family had scattered during wartime, Zhangsun Feishuang had died, and Ding Ning had gone missing before Zhangsun Qianxue returned with him to establish the Wutongluo tavern.
Satisfied, Chancellor Li allowed Zhangsun Qianxue to leave but instructed his men to continue monitoring her. Separately, Zhao Si met with Night Celeng, proposing an alliance. Night Celeng initially scoffed at the idea of a Heng rebel collaborating with a Heng official.
Zhao Si then presented her with a detailed map of the water dungeon, revealing that the Bashan loyalists imprisoned there for a decade were kept alive because one of them possessed the secret of the "Lonely Mountain Buried Sword." Intrigued, Night Celeng agreed to his terms: she would steal the water dungeon token from Chen Xuan's residence under the cover of night. Though Chen Xuan detected her presence, he did not expose her.
Upon their arrival in Tushan County, Xue Wangxu and Ding Ning's presence was immediately noticed by Feng Qianzhuo, who wielded significant influence in the area. Feng Qianzhuo sent his grandson, Feng Qinghan, to investigate. Xue Wangxu feigned being a passing traveler with his disciple, claiming they would depart the next morning. Feng Qinghan, finding no apparent motive, reported back that the visitors were merely passing through. However, Feng Qianzhuo remained suspicious when Xue Wangxu did not leave as promised.
Feng Qianzhuo, wary of Xue Wangxu's presence, ordered that no one from Fengming be engaged during the upcoming temple fair. The next day, the annual Jizhu Temple Fair was bustling with activity. Feng Qinghan approached Xue Wangxu and Ding Ning, politely advising them to avoid public appearances during the festival. Xue Wangxu agreed, but privately, he planned to confront Feng Qianzhuo during the crowded event, believing that a public challenge would compel him to accept.
As Feng Qianzhuo ascended the stage to display Queen Ye Zhen's calligraphy and paintings, showcasing his esteemed connections, Xue Wangxu and Ding Ning unexpectedly appeared, disrupting the hushed reverence of the crowd. Feng Qianzhuo, fully aware of Xue Wangxu's intentions, refused to back down, confident in the Queen's support. Feng Qinghan, asserting that such a trivial matter was beneath his grandfather, stepped forward to challenge Ding Ning.
He declared that if Ding Ning defeated him, the Beauty-locking Elixir would be returned. Ding Ning and Feng Qinghan then engaged in a fierce duel, where Ding Ning skillfully outmaneuvered and defeated Feng Qinghan. Enraged by his grandson's death, Feng Qianzhuo hurled the Beauty-locking Elixir into the air and attempted to ambush Ding Ning as he reached for it. Xue Wangxu quickly intervened, catching the elixir with a powerful palm strike.
After a brief struggle, Feng Qianzhuo collapsed, defeated and spitting blood. Xue Wangxu declared their old grievances settled, "a life for a life." Leaving Tushan County, Ding Ning began to refine the Beauty-locking Elixir, experiencing intense discomfort in the process. Xue Wangxu, however, cheerfully suggested they return to Fengming for a celebratory drink. As their carriage approached Wutongluo, it was suddenly intercepted by Shendu Bureau officers, who had been waiting.
A voiceover hinted that by offending powerful figures, even Xue Wangxu could not escape calamity, setting the stage for the interception. Mo Qinggong informed them that Ding Ning was being summoned. Despite Xue Wangxu's demand for an explanation, Ding Ning calmly advised compliance, recognizing the futility of resistance. Impressed by Ding Ning's composure, Mo Qinggong led him away. Xue Wangxu cautioned Ding Ning to be careful, to which Ding Ning responded that he would.
Episode 10 Recap
Ding Ning found himself at the Shendu Bureau, where he was immediately brought before Chancellor Li. Identifying the high-ranking official by his attire and the deference shown by Mr. Mo, Ding Ning engaged in a clever exchange. Chancellor Li probed him with a fabricated story about his "aunt" and her "hometown's rice harvest," which Ding Ning skillfully corrected, pointing out his hometown grows millet, not rice, and that its harvest was poor this year.
When questioned about his whereabouts on the rainy night Song Shenshu died, Ding Ning explained he was fixing a leaky roof for a solitary old woman who sold ink paste at the fish market, an alibi swiftly confirmed by an official. Despite the lack of direct evidence, Chancellor Li decided to detain him. Meanwhile, two Marquises from the Eleven Marquises visited Chancellor Li, arguing against Ding Ning's release.
They stressed the prevailing public panic and the imperative to eliminate any potential threat, adhering to the principle of "better to kill a wrong person than releasing the right one by mistake." They suggested Ding Ning could serve as a necessary scapegoat to appease the populace and alleviate their collective anxieties. Upon learning of Ding Ning's arrest, Zhangsun Qianxue was concerned about Ding Ning's safety and his identity being exposed.
She recalled the solemn pact she and Ding Ning had made: if one of them was caught, the other would use Moshi Swordsmanship to eliminate a Bashan traitor, thereby clearing the captive's name. She swiftly chose Nangong Shang, a notorious traitor who practiced dark arts, consuming the heart blood of children to extend his life. Zhangsun Qianxue intercepted Nangong Shang as he was rushing to gather more children's blood.
Taken aback by her knowledge of his gruesome practices, Nangong Shang challenged her, scoffing at the idea that the Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword could not be cultivated into a natal sword. However, Zhangsun Qianxue, having mastered it, used Moshi Swordsmanship to swiftly dispatch him. As he lay dying, he questioned her motives, to which she replied her actions were "to feed the sword, to help innocent children, and to save my family."
Her decisive strike sent ripples of alarm throughout the kingdom. Prince Yuan Zichu urgently pleaded with his father, the King of Heng (Yuan Wu), to spare Ding Ning. He argued that Ding Ning, the gifted Baiyang Cave disciple renowned for his rapid spiritual cultivation, could not be Liang Jingmeng's successor, as Nangong Shang had been killed with Moshi Swordsmanship while Ding Ning was already imprisoned. He stressed that the Kingdom of Heng should not unjustly lose such a talented individual.
The King of Heng, however, dismissed his son's reasoning, suggesting there might be "more than one disciple" of Liang Jingmeng. He admonished Yuan Zichu for "cherishing talented people without knowing and using them correctly" and advised him to "learn more and observe more from your mother, Ye Zhen, and see how she handles it." That same night, Ye Celeng used a prison order tablet to infiltrate the Dafu Water Dungeon.
Finding the deepest parts of the dungeon unguarded, she discovered that the cells meant for Bashan's old guards were empty. Chen Xuan then emerged, revealing he had orchestrated the entire setup to protect her. He accused her of "treason" and urged her to abandon any rescue attempts, emphasizing that Bashan had been destroyed and the King of Heng had reached the formidable eighth realm, rendering her efforts futile.
Ye Celeng, however, affirmed her unwavering loyalty to her master, Liang Jingmeng, and demanded to know the identity of the true prisoner. Chen Xuan finally revealed it to be Lin Zhujiu. Meanwhile, a recovering Feng Qianzhuo drafted a libelous report against Baiyang Cave. Queen Ye Zhen, aware of his depraved nature, was indifferent to his plight, viewing him as a mere pawn whose own indulgences led to his downfall. However, she saw an opportunity in Xue Wangxu's recent actions.
Xue Wangxu presented himself before Ye Zhen, confessing to trespassing in Ba Prefecture to reclaim the Beauty-locking Elixir for Baiyang Cave and admitting his disciple had crippled the eldest grandson of the Feng family. He humbly offered to sacrifice his own cultivation as penance for Ding Ning's freedom.
Ye Zhen, though initially questioning his priorities, was persuaded by Xue Wangxu's fervent defense of Ding Ning as a "rare genius" and "the hope of Baiyang Cave," whom he would "help in any way" a devoted master could. She granted Ding Ning's release and permitted Xue Wangxu to live until the next Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament.
Instead of accepting his offer to cripple his cultivation, she assigned him a task: to "teach Liang Lian a lesson," clearly implying a duel that would require his full seventh-realm strength. The following morning, Xue Wangxu and Ding Ning arrived at the Tiger and Wolf Army's camp, where Xue Wangxu formally challenged General Liang Lian to a duel. Liang Lian, aware of Xue Wangxu's recent audience with Queen Ye Zhen, accepted.
The duel was an intense spectacle; Liang Lian employed the powerful "Dyke Breach Sword" from the Scripture of the Cofferdam Sword, a technique known for its accumulating momentum. Pushed to his limits, Xue Wangxu countered with a final, decisive strike, which onlookers noted appeared to exceed his own seventh-realm capabilities. Liang Lian was defeated, collapsing to the ground. Xue Wangxu declared his victory, asserting that his deeper understanding of sword scriptures surpassed Liang Lian's youth and strength.
Later, resting in a nearby forest, Xue Wangxu coughed up blood. He reassured a Ding Ning who suppressed his grief, finding contentment in experiencing the "twilight years" of his life rather than perishing in battle, calling the feeling "fresh" and noting it made his life "more complete." He informed Ding Ning that he could no longer serve as his unwavering support.
Ding Ning, however, demonstrated a keen understanding of the Queen's underlying political maneuvers, stating that her promise now provided him with the greatest protection until the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament. Impressed by Ding Ning's foresight, Xue Wangxu predicted his disciple would become "one of the best advisers." Kneeling before his master, Ding Ning solemnly vowed to "use this sword in my hand to slay all those who caused you to lose your cultivation."
Xue Wangxu, in turn, comforted him, explaining his sacrifices were made because Ding Ning was "the pride of Baiyang Cave." Back at the palace, the King of Heng questioned Ye Zhen's harsh treatment of Xue Wangxu, lamenting the potential loss of such a "rare master who has reached the seventh realm" and the potential harm to the Kingdom of Heng.
Ye Zhen defended her actions, asserting that Xue Wangxu had "been over the line recently" and that she simply aimed to "teach him a lesson to warn the other practitioners" and uphold the King's authority. Satisfied, the King praised her methods. Ye Zhen then sought to further please him, revealing that Director Xu would return the following day from a sea voyage with an elixir designed to help the King "advance to the ninth realm" and achieve immortality.
She declared that with his eternal life, her own wish would be fulfilled, and she would have no regrets. The King, in turn, pledged that if he attained eternal life, she too would become immortal. Meanwhile, deep within the Dafu Water Dungeon, an emaciated Lin Zhujiu mockingly observed Queen Ye Zhen's cultivation, noting her progress but also her failure to reach the eighth realm, calling her repetitive remarks "boring."
He proposed that she release him so he could gather "fresh news" for her. Ye Zhen countered by demanding the "Gushan Sword Treasure" in exchange for his freedom. Lin Zhujiu dismissed her demand as equally "boring" and "cliché." Ye Zhen then revealed a truly "interesting" piece of news: "Liang Jingmeng's disciple is back," claiming he "killed Marquis Dugu with Moshi Swordsmanship." Lin Zhujiu found the news "new," but "not funny."
Episode 11 Recap
Ye Zhen, in the underwater prison, informs Lin Zhujiu that Liang Jingmeng's disciple has returned, using Moshi Swordsmanship to kill Marquis Dugu and the Nine-death Silkworm Martial Art to kill Song Shenshu. She highlights that the Nine-death Silkworm is a secret art not taught to outsiders. Ye Zhen offers Lin Zhujiu freedom if he reveals the secret of the Gushan Sword Manual, emphasizing that Liang Jingmeng's disciple, as the inheritor, would greatly need the former Bashan Sword Field adviser.
She urges him to consider her offer. Officials from the Shendu Bureau discuss the King of Heng's increasingly urgent quest for immortality, noting that Director Xu from the Bureau of Rites has been dispatched with a large, heavily laden fleet on a long overseas expedition. They speculate whether the King's health or his progress towards the next cultivation realm might be at issue.
However, they conclude that given the upcoming Lushan Alliance Meeting, the King would prioritize stability, suggesting his cultivation is not failing. Instead, they consider the unsettling possibility that the King fears a problem with the "next" cultivation realm. They also briefly discuss the recent death of Nangong Shang, an official from the Bureau of Royal Secretaries, who was killed by Moshi Swordsmanship, but the Jiantian Bureau claims to have no leads on the practitioner responsible.
Chen Xuan discusses with Ye Celeng the contrived animosity between the Shendu Bureau and the Jiantian Bureau, explaining it's a facade maintained to ensure their survival and appear controllable to the King and Queen. He observes that Ye Celeng always shows emotion when Liang Jingmeng is mentioned. Ye Celeng asks if he fears she will do something reckless and implicate him.
Chen Xuan reassures her, saying those distant past events are long over, and it is now the 11th year of the Yuan Wu era. While Ye Celeng acknowledges his point that Liang Jingmeng has been dead too long for some ideals to remain relevant, she insists that certain things and principles still endure. Ding Ning brings an injured Xue Wangxu back to the Wutong wine shop, asking Zhangsun Qianxue to look after them.
Zhangsun Qianxue directs Xue Wangxu to approach Ding Ning for any needs, not her, and clarifies his room is in the west wing. Meanwhile, Ding Ning diligently sweeps outside the shop, explaining that avoiding trouble for others prevents trouble from finding him. Xie Changsheng, dressed in full armor, arrives at the wine shop, loudly challenging Ding Ning to a duel. Initially reluctant, Ding Ning is urged on by Xue Wangxu and Jiang Li.
Xie Changsheng explains his father sent him to assess Ding Ning's suitability as a husband for his sister, Xie Rou, and that his allowance depended on it. Ding Ning agrees to the duel on the condition that if he wins, Xie Changsheng provides three Sanyang Herbs. Ding Ning easily defeats Xie Changsheng, who, after jokingly lamenting being helped to fall, concedes defeat and declares Ding Ning worthy of being his brother-in-law, promising the herbs.
Ding Ning loudly rejects the marriage to passersby. Later, he playfully asks Zhangsun Qianxue for a reward, assuring her the marriage talk was a joke. Zhangsun Qianxue, however, sternly warns him that excessive showing off in Fengming leads to a swift demise. Ding Ning prepares to go to Baiyang Cave to cultivate using the spirit vein, declining Xue Wangxu's offer to accompany him due to his master's injuries.
Before leaving, he discusses with Zhangsun Qianxue his need to win the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament to elevate his standing among Fengming's nobility and gain support against figures like Liang Lian. Separately, Wang Taixu, observing from a distance, expresses his confidence in Ding Ning's potential victory and offers to meet him at the Baiyang Cave entrance later. During his intense training, Ding Ning pushes himself too hard, almost succumbing to qi deviation.
Xue Wangxu arrives just in time, helping him to stabilize and successfully break through to the third realm. Xue Wangxu scolds Ding Ning for the dangerous accelerated cultivation, reminding him it shortens his life. Ding Ning counters that if he is destined to die young, he prefers to live a brilliant, impactful life rather than idly await his fate. Moved, Xue Wangxu simply asks Jiang Li to help him return.
Back at the wine shop, Zhangsun Qianxue confronts Ding Ning about his rapid breakthrough, questioning his need to draw so much attention, especially given the short time since the Sword Sacrifice Trial and his travels. Ding Ning explains it is now necessary, driven by his desire to bring honor to his master, who has even less time left than he does.
Zhangsun Qianxue expresses concern about his growing attachments, acknowledging that she herself has become one, and implores him to stay alive, to which he agrees. Sun Xing, now appearing destitute, waits for days outside Prince Liling's residence. Prince Liling initially dismisses him, recalling Sun Xing's previous refusal to become his retainer, and, hearing of his crippled hand, assigns him to clean the stables.
Undeterred, Sun Xing boldly enters Prince Liling's study, explaining that his vigilance in the stables allowed him to observe the mansion's workings and its inhabitants' habits. He advises Prince Liling against seeking perfect consensus for his return to power, suggesting it's more strategic to secure fervent support from either his father or Fragrant Concubine Zhao, rather than lukewarm approval from both. Impressed by Sun Xing's insight and ambition, Prince Liling asks for his proposal.
Sun Xing, declaring he seeks only benefit, offers to travel to the capital of Xian to persuade Fragrant Concubine Zhao on Prince Liling's behalf, asking in return to be appointed chancellor upon Prince Liling's enthronement. Prince Liling agrees, and Sun Xing departs immediately. In the royal court, the King of Heng delivers an impassioned speech, recalling the humiliation of Liangshan County being ceded to Xian and vowing to reclaim it, asserting Heng's newfound strength and ambition to conquer all kingdoms.
Stirred by the King's words, courtiers discuss the search for new talents. Ding Ning's remarkably swift breakthrough to the third realm, achieved in less than three months (compared to the usual eight), becomes a hot topic. While some, like Marquis Fang, remain wary due to Ding Ning's previous diagnosis of premature aging and reliance on elixirs, others, including Marquis Lian and Marquis Li, decide to publicly back him.
Consequently, various marquisates send lavish gifts, such as a gold-threaded robe for true vitality concentration and a potent whale balm to accelerate cultivation, to the Wutong wine shop for Ding Ning. Jiang Li is astounded by the generosity, but Xue Wangxu dismisses it, remarking that even high-ranking officials still act out of self-interest, questioning the ultimate value of their pursuit of status. Liang Lian secretly meets with Fan Zhuo of Yunshui Palace, whom he had previously released.
Fan Zhuo notes their debt is settled and questions the purpose of the meeting, especially after Liang Lian's men sought them out. Liang Lian requests Fan Zhuo's help in killing Xue Wangxu and Ding Ning. Fan Zhuo is hesitant, reminding Liang Lian that Yunshui Palace is solely interested in the Gushan Sword Manual and doesn't make bad deals.
Liang Lian argues that killing them now, when he is least suspected, would deflect blame and create chaos beneficial to both their agendas. He assures Fan Zhuo of his loyalty, stating that their alliance would strengthen with shared transgressions, and promises continued discretion regarding Yunshui Palace's true motives.
Liang Lian emphasizes that in the long run, with him in power and Fan Zhuo operating in the shadows, they could achieve their ambitions, concluding that no price is too high for such a crucial act. At the wine shop, Xue Wangxu becomes frustrated after losing several Go games to Jiang Li, chiding him for not showing deference, which leaves the good-natured Jiang Li bewildered. Wang Taixu mediates the situation.
Ding Ning watches with a helpless smile before noticing the Merchant's Young Lady talking with Zhangsun Qianxue by the door. She has arrived with a gift of rare seafood, ostensibly just to visit Ding Ning. Zhangsun Qianxue speaks with her briefly, learning of her admiration for Ding Ning's character and his selfless care for an old lady at the fish market. However, the Young Lady indicates she cannot pursue a closer relationship due to her own difficult circumstances.
After the Merchant's Young Lady leaves, Zhangsun Qianxue reveals to Ding Ning the painful history: Liang Jingmeng, Ding Ning's former master, was the driving force behind radical reforms that led to the King of Heng annihilating the Gongsun and Shang families, gravely impacting the Eleven Marquises' interests. The King then used the destruction of the Bashan Sword Field as leverage for the reforms.
Despite Liang Jingmeng's ruthless methods, he secretly saved the Shang family's sole surviving daughter, the very Merchant's Young Lady who just visited. Zhangsun Qianxue suggests that this young woman, despite her past suffering, would likely help Ding Ning if he ever sought her aid.
Ding Ning, however, acknowledges his master's immense debt to those families and expresses doubt about the feasibility of revenge, given the King's advanced cultivation, preferring that the Merchant's Young Lady maintain her quiet life at the fish market. Separately, a eunuch praises the Crown Prince's rapid advancement to the fourth cultivation realm, noting his swordsmanship was taught by Liang Jingmeng. The eunuch provocatively suggests the Crown Prince might soon surpass the King, leading to the King angrily questioning his intentions.
Episode 12 Recap
At a palace banquet, Prince Yuan Zichu entertained the court with a sword dance. Court officials celebrated the Prince's breakthrough into the fourth realm. A palace maid, captivated by the performance, brazenly declared that the Prince’s swordsmanship, once tutored by Liang Jingmeng, would soon rival and even surpass the King of Heng, just as Liang Jingmeng did.
Enraged by the maid's audacious words, the King of Heng swiftly executed her with a flick of his ink brush, then calmly raised his goblet as if nothing had happened.
Following an investigation revealing the maid's past association with the Bashan Sword Field and her prior service in the Queen's palace before being transferred to the Prince’s, Queen Ye Zhen commanded Ye Celeng of the Jiantian Si and Chen Xuan of the Shendu Bureau to jointly investigate and uncover the mastermind behind the incident. Meanwhile, Xie Changsheng arrived at Wutongluo to deliver the Sanyang Herbs as promised.
He requested to become Xue Wangxu's disciple, ostensibly to oversee Ding Ning for his sister's sake, referring to Ding Ning as his "brother-in-law." When Ding Ning announced his intention to visit the fish market, Xie Changsheng eagerly asked to accompany him. As they left, Ding Ning sensed they were being followed. Without a change in demeanor, he discreetly instructed Xie Changsheng to return to a specific sword shop they had passed.
Exactly fifty breaths after entering, Xie Changsheng was to quickly inform the owner that an assassination attempt was imminent at Guijianchou Pier in the fish market. True to Ding Ning's prediction, the sword shop owner arrived in time to intervene, helping Ding Ning thwart the assassins and securing one operative alive. Under the introduction of a merchant's daughter, Zhao Si, from the Liejian Lu (Sword Sect of Lie), met with Bai Shanshui at the fish market.
Zhao Si offered to exchange his piece of the Gushan Sword Manual clue for Bai Shanshui's. Zhao Si questioned Bai Shanshui's alliance with Liang Lian, pointing out that the assassins sent to kill Ding Ning were from Yunshui Palace, and noting that the Heng Kingdom had destroyed both the Lie and Qian states. Bai Shanshui retorted that she acted according to her own will and was merely utilizing Liang Lian, not allying with an enemy.
Zhao Si then suggested that Liang Lian was acting for his own interests, not the King of Heng's. Upon combining their two clues, they found them to be jumbled and inconclusive, confirming rumors that a third piece was necessary to unravel the mystery. Zhao Si suggested that Lin Zhujiu, imprisoned in Dafu Water Dungeon, might possess knowledge of this third clue.
Bai Shanshui, confident in Yunshui Palace's water-based techniques, accepted the task of investigating the dungeon, stating a mere water dungeon was nothing to her. Chen Xuan, at the Shendu Bureau, reflected on a series of recent deaths, including Zhao Zhan, Song Shenshu, and Marquis Dugu, alongside the increasing activity of rebellious forces from the Liejian Lu and Yunshui Palace in Fengming. He concluded that the reappearance of the "Nine-death Silkworm" was a deliberate catalyst, instigating turmoil for various factions.
Chen Xuan was then informed that Wang Taixu had delivered the captured fifth-realm practitioner from the fish market, along with two other deceased assassins (one fourth-realm, one fifth-realm). He ordered the captive to be transported to Dafu Water Dungeon the following morning. Ding Ning, anticipating the Shendu Bureau's involvement, waited with Xie Changsheng to meet with Mo Qinggong.
During their discussion, Ding Ning skillfully deflected suspicion from the sword shop owner by having Xie Changsheng recount the events and portraying himself as an "ordinary street boy," despite Mo Qinggong reminding him of his recent high-profile exploits alongside Xue Wangxu. Mo Qinggong revealed that the captured assassin was from Yunshui Palace, speculating that their assistance was exchanged for free passage in Fengming, thereby identifying Liang Lian as the likely contractor.
Back at Wutongluo, Nangong Caishu presented Ding Ning with the "Booklet of Talents of the Swordsmanship Tournament," a compilation by Hongyang Academy ranking Heng's most promising young practitioners. Ding Ning found himself ranked 48th with an estimated third-realm lower-grade cultivation, while Ye Haoran held the top spot at the fourth-realm medium-grade. Xue Wangxu explained that only the top fifty on this list would qualify for the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament, effectively turning the booklet into a challenge list.
He elaborated that the booklet's sudden appearance was a strategic move by the King of Heng, intended to identify and gather skilled individuals for an impending conflict to reclaim lost territories, with the Lushan Alliance Meeting, where four dynasties would sign an alliance, only three months away. During this discussion, Zhangsun Qianxue arrived, prompting Xie Changsheng, Jiang Li, and Nangong Caishu to momentarily halt their conversation, awestruck by her beauty.
Zhangsun Qianxue then pulled Ding Ning aside, chastising him for deliberately seeking out Mo Qinggong and risking his life for Xue Wangxu's reputation. Ding Ning confessed that his true intention in meeting Mo Qinggong was to gain insight into Dafu Water Dungeon, and while he hadn't entered, he now had some leads. He revealed that the assassins' swords in the fish market incident were coated with poison from the Qian Kingdom, suggesting an alliance between Bai Shanshui and Liang Lian.
He asked Zhangsun Qianxue, whom he referred to as his "aunt", to investigate Liang Lian's inner circle. Meanwhile, the Tiger-Wolf strategist Qi Pomo angrily confronted Fan Zhuo about the failed assassination attempt in the fish market and the captured operative now in the Shendu Bureau's hands. He accused Fan Zhuo of recklessness, emphasizing the risks Liang Lian took to ensure their free movement in Fengming.
Fan Zhuo dismissed the criticism, attributing the failure to bad luck and the presence of a grandmaster-level practitioner in the fish market. He reassured Qi Pomo that the captive, even in Dafu Water Dungeon, would not lead back to them or Liang Lian. Nonetheless, he vowed to personally eliminate Ding Ning.
Having tracked Qi Pomo's whereabouts, Zhangsun Qianxue confronted Bai Shanshui, accusing Yunshui Palace of engaging in "dirty business" by aiding a "rebel dog" like Liang Lian, who had betrayed his sect and assisted the King of Heng in killing Liang Jingmeng. Bai Shanshui retorted that she acted according to her own will and was not bound by such labels, declaring Zhangsun Qianxue's concerns irrelevant to Yunshui Palace's affairs. Zhangsun Qianxue warned her to keep her distance from Ding Ning.
Later, back at Wutongluo, Ding Ning was applying whale balm, a potent medicine. Zhangsun Qianxue, still fuming, confirmed that Liang Lian had indeed contracted Bai Shanshui. Ding Ning, sensing her distress, advised her not to worry excessively and to focus on the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament. He also remarked that his current rapid progress was a result of good fortune and Xue Wangxu's guidance.
He expressed his own lack of confidence in winning the Tournament, stating he would at most reach third-realm medium-grade cultivation by then, and that the sword manual of Baiyang Cave was insufficient. He noted that the truly powerful individuals were often not listed in the "Booklet of Talents," a tactic Queen Ye Zhen often employed to keep her strongest assets hidden.
He concluded that such complex matters were overwhelming and he would simply focus on his cultivation, cherishing Zhangsun Qianxue's simple nature. The next day, Xie Changsheng enthusiastically dragged Ding Ning to watch a public duel. A large crowd had gathered, drawn by the "Booklet of Talents," to witness the contest between Chen Liufeng, ranked 37th, and Fan Wuque, ranked 35th. The combatants wielded edgeless profound iron swords, specially crafted for the tournament.
Episode 13 Recap
The strict laws of Heng Kingdom forbid private duels among those on the Booklet of Talents, requiring special edgeless black iron swords to ensure fairness and prevent injury. Ding Ning found this novel just as Lu Duofeng, Zhou Xieyi, and Xin Jianli, renowned practitioners from the Wuyi Gate, arrived to challenge him.
The trio was particularly famous for the Fragment of the Freehand Sword Manual in the Zhou family’s Ink Garden, a series of ink paintings without text, believed to bestow various sword techniques upon those who could decipher its true meaning. Ding Ning was perplexed by their visit, until Xie Changsheng admitted he had issued the challenges in Ding Ning's name, under the instruction of Xue Wangxu.
Xue Wangxu wanted Ding Ning to get some practice and for himself to be entertained. Despite finding too many opponents, Ding Ning chose to duel Zhou Xieyi, setting a wager for one day: if Ding Ning won, he would be granted access to the Ink Garden's Fragment of the Freehand Sword Manual; if he lost, Zhou Xieyi would receive Xue Wangxu's personal notes.
Ding Ning knew that the manual, despite its mystique, might yield little insight in a day, whereas Xue Wangxu's notes could be very valuable to Zhou Xieyi, making the bet seem generous. Meanwhile, Chen Liufeng's victory over Fan Wuque had just concluded, proving that rankings on the Booklet of Talents were not always indicative of true strength. Jiang Li, upon his master's command, borrowed the specialized edgeless black iron swords.
Ding Ning, respecting the swords and dismissing any notion of bad luck, took his stance against Zhou Xieyi. To secure his victory, Ding Ning cunningly feigned a weakness, luring Zhou Xieyi into unleashing his powerful "Yellow Cloud Killing Rosy Glow" sword movement. Zhou Xieyi's overexertion left him vulnerable, and Ding Ning, through a calculated move called "Impaling White Sheep Horns"—a movement known for its forbearance and opportune strikes—defeated him.
Jiang Li was profoundly impressed by Ding Ning, admitting his own inferiority. However, Xue Wangxu critiqued Jiang Li’s sentimental and irresolute nature, urging him to eliminate hesitation from his swordsmanship before Xue Wangxu passed away, as such indecision would be fatal against equally skilled or superior opponents. Jiang Li vowed to improve. Xie Changsheng, reveling in Ding Ning's victory, jokingly offered to fund the renovation of the supposedly "dilapidated" Ink Garden, which greatly displeased Zhou Xieyi.
Zhou Yunhai, Zhou Xieyi’s father, intervened, graciously accepting the defeat and the bet. He announced that other talented youths could also view the manual for a fee of ten thousand gold coins each, hoping their potential insights might one day benefit the kingdom. Xie Changsheng, with his characteristic impulsiveness, promptly agreed. Xue Wangxu, however, opted to simply enjoy the scenery, declining to pay.
As they traveled to the Ink Garden in separate carriages, Ding Ning questioned Xie Changsheng's underlying motives for the bet. Xie Changsheng, ever loyal to his sister, simply stated that anything Ding Ning desired must be valuable. Ding Ning explained that in ancient times, martial arts were recorded through symbols and drawings, making the Fragment of the Freehand Sword Manual, an incomplete landscape painting without clear form, exceptionally difficult to comprehend.
He believed Zhou Yunhai had agreed to the bet, confident that no one could decipher it in a mere day. In his carriage, Zhou Yunhai advised his son to learn from Ding Ning’s calm demeanor in both victory and defeat, and to go into seclusion for intensive training in preparation for the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament.
He too dismissed the idea of anyone understanding the manual in such a short time, given that generations of their family had struggled to do so. Meanwhile, at the palace, Yuan Zichu, still under house arrest, pleaded with Queen Ye Zhen to lift his confinement so he could accompany the King to the upcoming Lushan Alliance Meeting.
Ye Zhen, acting as his devoted stepmother, assured him of her support, explaining that his house arrest was a preventative measure against jealous conspiracies. She promised to speak to the King about his freedom once the political storm subsided and assigned Maidservant Rong, a trusted aide, as his companion and sparring partner, advising Yuan Zichu to cultivate patience and tolerance.
Ye Celeng and Chen Xuan reported their findings to the King: the palace maid who spoke out earlier was under a Gu poison from Xian, which turns victims into puppets controlled by others. Ye Zhen suggested that Yuan Zichu, who had lived in Xian for years and likely knew many who practiced Gu poison, could investigate. The King offered no immediate response.
Ye Celeng then provided an an update on Nangong Shang’s murder, noting that the wounds, inflicted by Moshi Swordsmanship, were smoother than those on Marquis Dugu. This suggested the killer had improved, acquired a better weapon, or perhaps there were multiple perpetrators. The King, after a moment of contemplation, stood up and ordered the Jiantian Bureau to resolve the case of Liang Jingmeng’s successor within one month.
Upon arrival at the Ink Garden, the group was enveloped by a magic formation that transformed the surroundings into a striking black and white landscape. Zhou Yunhai invited Xue Wangxu to a study for tea, while Zhou Xieyi led the others to Xieyidian, a hall where the Fragment of the Freehand Sword Manual, a vast scroll, dominated a central wall. Ding Ning immediately perceived countless sword masters within the ink-wash landscape.
He noted a crucial missing piece in the upper-left corner, believing it to represent a star or a cold moon, intentionally removed by a member of the Zhou family. Initially, Xie Changsheng, Jiang Li, and Nangong Caishu saw nothing profound in the manual. Under Ding Ning's guidance, they began to make progress. Ding Ning advised them to focus on the clearest parts, not to be overwhelmed by the entire image, and to observe what resonated with their individual temperaments.
Jiang Li, for instance, initially saw "white clouds" in the upper part but realized, with Ding Ning's subtle guidance, that they were transforming into "rain," signifying a deeper, fluid meaning. Nangong Caishu focused on a river in the painting, and Ding Ning affirmed her approach, emphasizing that personal connection was key to enlightenment. Suddenly, Zhou Rongmo, the ancient patriarch of the Zhou family, appeared.
He lauded Ding Ning’s extraordinary insight, admitting that Ding Ning's guidance to his peers had even enlightened him. Zhou Rongmo, sensing Ding Ning's unique perception, subtly probed if Ding Ning truly understood the entire manual. Ding Ning modestly demurred, claiming he merely built upon others' observations and hadn't personally comprehended any sword techniques or charms from it.
Recognizing the invitation as a test, Ding Ning respectfully agreed to follow Zhou Rongmo to a secret chamber, where the elder sought his input on a deadlock in his own cultivation. In the secret chamber, Zhou Rongmo presented another artifact and asked Ding Ning what he saw. Ding Ning immediately perceived "a crescent moon with sword intent."
Zhou Rongmo was visibly astonished, revealing that despite generations of practitioners, no one in the Zhou family had ever seen the crescent moon on their first viewing. He confessed to spending over a hundred years deciphering that particular fragment, which not only contained powerful sword scriptures but also potent methods for cultivating True Vitality. Ding Ning suggested that the missing part of the crescent moon, symbolizing the cyclical nature of waxing and waning, might be the most vital secret within.
Concurrently, Ye Celeng's investigation continued to link several important cases to the Wutongluo tavern. She asked Chen Xuan to find an opportunity to subtly probe a person of interest. Chen Xuan immediately thought of Ding Ning, whose cultivation had recently advanced at an astonishing rate in Fengming.
Episode 14 Recap
Ding Ning carefully examined the crescent-shaped image on the Fragment of the Freehand Sword Manual. Zhou Rongmo, the Zhou family patriarch, explained that he had spent over a century studying the scroll, which contained powerful sword scriptures and methods for cultivating True Vitality. Ding Ning pointed out that while the moon waxes and wanes, the missing piece of the crescent might hold the key.
He questioned why it depicted a cold moon instead of a rising sun, suggesting that a cold moon in a context that should be bright was inherently wrong. Ding Ning theorized that the extremely cold essence of the crescent indicated the martial arts in this fragment were meant for female practitioners, as the yin energy could be naturally expelled during their menstrual cycles, thus preventing any internal harm and preventing the qi from congealing in the abdomen.
Zhou Rongmo realized the truth, confirming that after practicing the martial art, his True Vitality began to congeal, and his condition had worsened, causing his lower abdomen to swell and feel heavy. He asked if there was any way to remedy it. Ding Ning suggested that since the problem stemmed from extreme yin energy, it could only be counteracted by an elixir of extreme yang, integrated with the qi of the five internal organs.
Zhou Rongmo, acknowledging Ding Ning's profound insight, offered to share his understanding of the fragment's cultivation methods. He mentioned that while the martial arts might be for women, their power was immense and would not cause significant harm if not practiced for too long or to an advanced degree.
Recognizing Ding Ning's place on the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament's Booklet of Talents, Zhou Rongmo offered the knowledge as a remarkable advantage for the tournament and asked for Ding Ning's help in the future. Ding Ning expressed his gratitude, understanding Zhou Rongmo's underlying motives but choosing to cooperate.
Observing Zhou Rongmo transmitting vital energy to Ding Ning, Xue Wangxu cautioned Ding Ning to be wary, noting that Zhou Rongmo, a practitioner of the medium grade of the seventh realm, was a formidable opponent even for him in his prime. Jiang Li thought it disrespectful to speak ill of their hosts, especially given Zhou Rongmo's hospitality and his instruction to Ding Ning.
However, Xie Changsheng revealed that Zhou Rongmo had a notorious past, including kidnapping women and children to lure others into a trap, and was once believed to be dead after suffering a severe sword wound to the gut, with his intestines spilling out. Xue Wangxu advised Ding Ning, with his street upbringing, to discern people's true intentions more clearly than his peers.
He also admitted his own declining health, constantly feeling sleepy and in low spirits, and asked Ding Ning to bring him some of the nutritious supplements provided by marquises and dignitaries. In the Prince's Manor, Maidservant Rong noticed Yuan Zichu's growing interest in the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament. She suggested that the royal palace's cultivation scriptures were superior and that his parents, the King and Queen, the world's most powerful practitioners, would guide him.
She questioned why he would bother with an admission test, asserting his inherent nobility and superiority over other talents in Fengming. Yuan Zichu expressed frustration, feeling isolated and confined, like a caged bird, bearing grievances and enduring humiliation. He lamented that everyone avoided or feared him after a previous incident where someone died because of him, and despite Maidservant Rong's reassurances of his parents' care, he dismissed her, reflecting on his need to change.
Queen Ye Zhen learned of Yuan Zichu's desire to participate in the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament. While she found his enthusiasm characteristic of youth, unable to bear loneliness, she saw no harm in it if the King consented, as it could broaden his horizons. However, she was informed that the King of Heng had already issued decrees for the Lushan Alliance Meeting, designating Marquis Fang and Chancellor Li as his companions.
Furthermore, he had ordered the King of Xian to bring Yuan Zihan along, apparently after Yuan Zihan personally wrote a letter. Ye Zhen concluded that the King's decisions were deliberate, believing that the palace maid's earlier fabricated remarks about her and Yuan Zichu had indeed created a lasting distrust with the King.
Later, at a wine shop, patrons gossiped about the recent murder of Nangong Shang, allegedly by "That Man's disciple," with a drunkard claiming a beggar at a deserted temple in the west of the city had witnessed the killer. Zhangsun Qianxue overheard this conversation and, worried about the trouble it would cause, immediately went to the deserted temple to silence the witness.
Shortly after, Mo Qinggong arrived at the Wutongluo wine shop, stating he was ordered by Director Chen Xuan to take Ding Ning to the Dafu Water Dungeon for an investigation. Ding Ning was forcefully apprehended before he could inform Zhangsun Qianxue. At the Dafu Water Dungeon, Chen Xuan interrogated Ding Ning, questioning his identity as either Ding Ning or Liang Jingmeng's disciple.
Chen Xuan asserted that while appearance could be altered, bones could not, then subjected Ding Ning to the Bone-scrutinizing Hypnosis. However, Ding Ning successfully resisted the torture and hypnosis by using the Nine-death Silkworm martial art to seal his mind, maintaining his true identity as Ding Ning, a worker at the Wutongluo wine shop. Chen Xuan later questioned the beggar from the temple under hypnosis, who did not identify Ding Ning as the killer.
Unexpectedly, Ye Celeng was already waiting at the temple. Convinced by Ding Ning's ability to resist the Bone-scrutinizing Hypnosis—a feat only Liang Jingmeng and his direct disciples could achieve—Ye Celeng took Ding Ning from the dungeon to a secluded area outside the city, where Zhangsun Qianxue was waiting. Ye Celeng confirmed Ding Ning's resilience to Chen Xuan's technique. In return, Zhangsun Qianxue revealed her true identity as Zhangsun Qianxue and affirmed Ding Ning as Liang Jingmeng's disciple.
Ye Celeng admitted to orchestrating the trap to verify their identities, but chose not to harm Zhangsun Qianxue due to her enduring respect for Liang Jingmeng's past kindness. With mutual trust established, the three formed an alliance to challenge the Heng Kingdom. Ye Celeng recounted her decade of suffering, living under the guise of a traitor, constantly under the suspicion of Yuan Wu and Ye Zhen, and carrying Liang Jingmeng's memorial tablet to sustain her will for vengeance.
She expressed deep regret for not dying alongside him, lamenting that if she had been able to block just one sword strike for him, he might not have died. Ding Ning, moved by her anguish, gently touched her shoulder and reassured her that it was not her fault, reminding her that Liang Jingmeng himself had ordered her departure from Fengming.
Recognizing his increasing prominence in Fengming, Ding Ning decided to leave for a while to avoid unwanted attention and to seek the Manglong Rudraksha through Zhou Rongmo. He explained to Zhangsun Qianxue that he had deliberately misled Zhou Rongmo with a flawed cultivation method, then suggested that only an elixir of extreme yang could counteract the resulting cold poison.
His true aim was to acquire the Manglong Rudraksha to aid Xue Wangxu, whose health was rapidly failing and could only be sustained by medicine. When Zhangsun Qianxue offered to accompany him, Ding Ning playfully remarked that her many admirers at the wine shop would be heartbroken, prompting her to playfully pull his ear. Concurrently, Bai Shanshui met with Liang Lian, proposing to hand over Ding Ning in exchange for a map of the Dafu Water Dungeon.
Liang Lian agreed, viewing Ding Ning's continued presence as a threat to Fengming, an opportunity to gain favor with the King and other factions by eliminating him, and believing it would be like saving the country. Bai Shanshui promised to lure Ding Ning into an inescapable trap, like catching a turtle in a jar.
The following morning, as Ding Ning prepared breakfast, Bai Shanshui unexpectedly appeared in the wine shop, informing him that Zhangsun Qianxue had been taken by Liang Lian. Although suspicious, Ding Ning felt he had no choice but to follow Bai Shanshui to the fish market. Along the way, his suspicions grew as he noticed their circuitous route, reasoning that speed was key for a rescue, and that a military person would not bring Zhangsun Qianxue to the fish market.
Upon reaching a bridge, before Ding Ning could make a move, Bai Shanshui drew her sword, holding Ding Ning captive. She admitted her admiration for his intelligence but stated that it was less valuable than her objective. At the bridge, Liang Lian arrived, intending for his attendant to assassinate Bai Shanshui during the map exchange. However, Zhao Si suddenly appeared, killing Liang Lian's attendant and cutting the bridge's ropes, allowing Bai Shanshui to secure the map.
This elaborate maneuver was part of a pre-established plan orchestrated by Ye Celeng, who had earlier gathered Ding Ning, Zhangsun Qianxue, Zhao Si, and Bai Shanshui. Their objective was to use this ruse to obtain the Dafu Water Dungeon map from Liang Lian, thereby enabling them to rescue Lin Zhujiu and retrieve the remaining clues to the Gushan Sword Manual, believed to be hidden within the dungeon. Liang Lian, however, was not genuinely angered by the loss of the map.
This was because he had secretly pledged allegiance to the King of Heng before this event. His apparent collaboration with Ye Zhen's faction and his display of rebellious intent were all part of a deeper scheme to draw out the mastermind and eliminate the Yunshui Palace, acting as a pawn and double agent for the Heng Kingdom. Meanwhile, Ye Celeng, also present at the fish market, intercepted a soldier attempting to send a message to reinforcements, ensuring that their intricate plan remained concealed.
Episode 15 Recap
The fish market, though seemingly tranquil, was a scene of fierce confrontation. Bai Shanshui and Zhao Si, who had planned to corner Liang Lian, found themselves ambushed as Queen Ye Zhen, accompanied by Maidservant Rong, blocked their escape by boat, while Liang Lian and his troops cut off their retreat. The battle quickly escalated, with Bai Shanshui forced to retreat by Liang Lian and Zhao Si sustaining severe injuries from Ye Zhen.
This sudden turn of events revealed the King of Heng's meticulous planning and determination to succeed. Chen Xuan, realizing the grave danger Ye Celeng would face if she intervened, attempted to dissuade her, stating that Bai Shanshui was trapped and even he couldn't help if Ye Celeng rushed in. Despite knowing he couldn't fully sway her, he wouldn't abandon her. He arranged to meet Ye Celeng by the Wei River three days later and then proceeded to the market.
Amidst the chaos, Bai Shanshui managed to rescue the gravely wounded Zhao Si. With the assistance of a local merchant's daughter, they escaped through a secret passage, where Wang Taixu was waiting at the port to lead them to a safe room pre-arranged by Zhangsun Qianxue. Back in their temporary refuge, Zhangsun Qianxue analyzed the dungeon map obtained from Liang Lian. She discerned that the map was partially authentic, strategically designed by the King to lure them into a trap.
Ding Ning shrewdly concluded that the King, in his cunning, would ensure the map appeared real enough to draw them into the actual underground waterways where an ambush awaited, implying that only critical sections of the map were falsified, while the rest held true, albeit with routes obscured by time. However, Zhao Si succumbed to her extensive injuries.
Before her last breath, she entrusted a fragment of the Gushan Sword Treasury to Ding Ning, expressing her sorrow that the dream of restoring her country would remain unfulfilled. Overcome with grief, Bai Shanshui lamented her own carelessness, which led to their predicament, and advised everyone to maintain a low profile and refrain from any major actions for a period. The King of Heng received reports of the operation.
Although the rebels were not entirely eradicated, Yunshui Palace was damaged and Zhao Si's natal sword destroyed, bringing a temporary peace to Fengming. The King deemed the fish market's intricate connections too complex for immediate action, remarking that "clear water has no fish, and a too-critical person has no followers." His curiosity then shifted to why Ding Ning's life was used as collateral. Chen Xuan promptly assured him that Ding Ning had no ties to Liang Jingmeng or past events.
Liang Lian, however, voiced his disdain for Ding Ning's rising prominence, finding him an irritating and pretentious individual. Liang Lian then indirectly accused the Shendu Bureau of failing to appear at the fish market, allowing Bai Shanshui and her allies to escape. Chen Xuan countered, attributing the mission's early exposure and subsequent failure to Liang Lian's overzealous pursuit of glory. Their heated exchange was secretly observed by Maidservant Rong.
Later, Yuan Zichu subtly questioned Maidservant Rong about the fish market incident, learning that while the rebels were severely wounded, they were not captured, thus ensuring the King's worry-free journey to the Lushan Alliance Meeting. Maidservant Rong also mentioned Ding Ning's past conflict with General Liang, suggesting he might have been a bait used by Bai Shanshui.
She then relayed the King's orders for Yuan Zichu and the Queen to oversee the kingdom in his absence, with the Queen managing state affairs, and advised Yuan Zichu to focus on his studies. Yuan Zichu, feeling confined and controlled, then dismissed Maidservant Rong, seeking solitude. He subsequently ventured alone to Ding Ning's wine tavern, introducing himself as Su Mu, a disciple of Yuyang Sword School, under the pretense of tasting wine.
Ding Ning, recognizing Yuan Zichu but choosing not to expose his true identity, engaged in friendly conversation. He noted how visitors often came to admire his aunt or challenge him, implying that everyone had ulterior motives. Yuan Zichu then invited Ding Ning to accompany him to the Lushan Alliance Meeting. Ding Ning, observing Yuan Zichu's unexpected presence in Fengming instead of Lushan, speculated that the Crown Prince might have fallen out of favor.
Seeing an opportunity, Ding Ning reasoned that with Ye Celeng and Wang Taixu already allied with him, befriending the Crown Prince would grant him closer access to the royal court. Zhangsun Qianxue, however, saw through Ding Ning's machinations, directly stating that he intended to exploit Yuan Zichu's status to get close to and ultimately assassinate the King of Heng.
Ding Ning acknowledged his intention to use Yuan Zichu, a good-hearted prince destined to be a wise king, believing the journey would serve as a crucial test to foster his growth. Meanwhile, the Zhou Family Ancestor, suffering from a severe internal qi blockage that rendered medicine ineffective, discovered the existence of the Manglong Rudraksha within the Misty Rain Formation near Wushan, a region adjacent to Lushan. This rare, powerful Yang medicine was essential to counter his condition.
He promptly visited Ding Ning, requesting his assistance in retrieving the elixir and promising Ding Ning unrestricted access to the Zhou family's Fragment of the Freehand Sword Manual. Ding Ning, recognizing that the ancestor had fallen into his calculated trap, feigned delight and readily agreed. Zhangsun Qianxue expressed her desire to join them, but Ding Ning instructed her to remain in Fengming.
Her task was to enlist Ye Celeng's help in scouting the underground dungeon passages, specifically to identify checkpoints and secret mechanisms, postponing any further decisions until his return. The next morning, Maidservant Rong discovered Yuan Zichu's absence, finding only a farewell note revealing his unauthorized departure for Lushan. Queen Ye Zhen, despite her vexation at his stubbornness, resigned herself to his journey, hoping it would be a character-building experience.
Soon after, Yuan Zichu, having prepared his belongings, departed with Ding Ning in a carriage provided by the Zhou Family Ancestor. Concurrently, Qi Pomo cautioned Liang Lian against the clandestine military action in Liangshan County. He explained that the King's order for a low-key deployment stemmed from the fact that attacking Liangshan County violated the Lushan Alliance Covenant and was an act of dishonor.
He warned that should Heng fail at the Lushan Alliance Meeting, Liang Lian would be held accountable as the instigator of a disastrous campaign. Liang Lian, dismissing these warnings, declared that those who undertake great deeds must disregard minor details, and ordered his troops to march and escort Prince Liling to return as a worthy person.
Upon his return, Prince Liling met with Fragrant Concubine Zhao, who offered her support for his claim to the throne under one condition: that they would co-govern the kingdom. Alarmed by this proposition, Prince Liling expressed concerns about public ridicule and how historians would record such an arrangement. He knelt, pleading for alternative terms. However, Fragrant Concubine Zhao was unyielding, threatening to throw her support behind other princes if he refused.
Left with no choice, Prince Liling reluctantly accepted her terms, secretly harboring resentment towards Sun Xing. Taking a significant risk, Zhangsun Qianxue sought out Ye Celeng, explaining the current situation and the task Ding Ning had assigned her. She emphasized that Fengming was currently at its most vulnerable. The underground water map they had acquired from Liang Lian revealed correspondences with the secret passages of the old Gongsun Mansion, which had since been absorbed into the Marquis Fang's family estate. Recognizing the potential dangers of a trap, they resolved to jointly investigate the map's authenticity and the actual state of the passages.
Episode 16 Recap
On their journey to Lushan, Ding Ning, Yuan Zichu, and the Zhou family's Old Ancestor observed numerous soldiers from Heng and Xian along the road. Yuan Zichu explained that during the previous Lushan Alliance Meeting, the Kingdom of Heng was not as strong and had suffered a defeat by Xian, leading to the forced ceding of Liangshan County.
He asserted that the current meeting, though ostensibly about renegotiating territory, was actually a showcase of strength after years of quiet preparation by all states, with an outcome that would significantly impact the world. Ding Ning noted that this explained the soldiers' high spirits, acknowledging that the world outside the palace was far broader than what he had learned from books.
Sensing the peril of their destination, Wushan, Ding Ning suggested Yuan Zichu change course for Lushan, but the Zhou family's Old Ancestor firmly refused, preventing them from leaving his carriage. Upon arriving at Wushan, the Zhou family's Old Ancestor bound Ding Ning and Yuan Zichu to a large rock, intending to prevent their escape. Despite their predicament, Yuan Zichu remained optimistic, recalling Ding Ning’s earlier warning about the dangerous journey.
He reasoned that their captor hadn't harmed them because they still held value, suggesting a mutual leverage. Yuan Zichu mused that they had become "friends in adversity." Ding Ning, feigning agreement, inwardly lamented that their opposing loyalties—Yuan Wu being Yuan Zichu’s father—meant they could never truly be friends.
Meanwhile, the King of Xian, whom the Zhou family's Old Ancestor recognized as the old King of Xian, had already reached the Formation's entrance, seeking the Manglong Rudraksha to reshape his golden body. He revealed to his attendant that he had orchestrated the timing of the Lushan Alliance Meeting specifically because the Rudraksha in the Formation was ripe.
The Zhou family's Old Ancestor decided to wait for the stone door to open, planning to use his internal energy to push Ding Ning and Yuan Zichu into the Formation, thereby preventing the Xian King's men from getting ahead.
The King of Xian’s followers attempted to breach the closing stone door, but he stopped them, explaining that the Misty Rain Formation was one he had personally set up years ago to protect the Rudraksha he discovered, fearing it would be stolen. He elaborated that the Formation, a synthesis of the four states' specialties—Heng swords, Xian metal vessels, Li magic charms, and Mo spectral arts—only opened at noon on this specific day each year.
Once entered, only he could easily break it; otherwise, escape was incredibly difficult. He ordered his subordinate, Li Yunrui, to send for reinforcements, stating his intention to kill anyone who managed to break the Formation and seize the elixir. The Zhou family's Old Ancestor, hearing this, remained confident, believing that with the Rudraksha, he could reshape his golden body and be invincible.
Ding Ning attempted to persuade the Old Ancestor to let him and Yuan Zichu split off, arguing their lower cultivation levels would be a hindrance, but the Old Ancestor, impressed by Ding Ning’s intelligence, insisted he accompany them, believing it would make their journey safer. Once inside the stone door, Ding Ning, Yuan Zichu, and the Zhou family's Old Ancestor fell into a cavern.
They soon discovered that all six paths within the intricate stone formation led back to their starting point. Ding Ning diligently left marks beside each path to track their movements. The Zhou family's Old Ancestor, frustrated by their inability to exit, concluded that the surrounding vegetation was obscuring their way and began to hack at it. Ding Ning tried to stop him, but it was too late.
The King of Xian, outside the Formation, explained to his attendant that the plants were a unique Mo item: harmless in themselves, but their damaged branches released a poisonous gas. Inhaling it would cause paralysis, loss of the five senses, and eventually, death by suffocation. Inside, Yuan Zichu quickly succumbed to the gas, panicking as he lost his sight.
Ding Ning reassured him and then suggested to the Old Ancestor that since he and Yuan Zichu were too poisoned to continue, the Old Ancestor should go ahead alone to get the elixir. The Old Ancestor, suspecting Ding Ning had a plan, questioned him. Ding Ning revealed his observation that the Formation shared similarities with Mo's spectral arts, and its column engravings resembled Li's magic charms.
He instructed the Old Ancestor to stand in the center of the six pillars and sequentially channel his internal force into them, predicting this would break the Formation. Trusting Ding Ning, the Old Ancestor followed the instructions, successfully deactivating the Formation and causing the poisonous plants to retract. Just as Ding Ning secured the Rudraksha, Zhou Rongmo, realizing Ding Ning's deception, furiously attempted to kill him. However, Ding Ning retaliated and killed the Old Ancestor with the Nine-death Silkworm.
Simultaneously, the formation gate opened, and the King of Xian, accompanied by his followers, rushed in, witnessing Ding Ning killing Zhou Rongmo. The King of Xian, recognizing the unique technique, remarked that the rumors were true and asked if Ding Ning was Liang Jingmeng's disciple. Ding Ning expressed gratitude that his master was still remembered after ten years.
He then explained that Yuan Zichu had inhaled the poisonous gas and passed out, prompting the King of Xian to offer an antidote, which Ding Ning used to revive Yuan Zichu. When asked about the Rudraksha, Ding Ning lied, claiming the deceased Zhou Rongmo had consumed it. He further elaborated that Zhou Rongmo, a wicked man driven by improper practice, had abducted him and Yuan Zichu to reshape his golden body with the elixir.
The King of Xian, convinced and lamenting his own ill-fate with the elixir, offered Ding Ning and Yuan Zichu a ride in his carriage. Yuan Zichu politely declined, pointing out that as Heng citizens, riding in a Xian carriage during the critical Lushan Alliance Meeting, which involved crucial diplomatic affairs between their two states, would attract undue attention and gossip.
Impressed by their prudence, the King of Xian ordered Li Yunrui to leave one of his carriages for them, ensuring they had a comfortable journey. Concurrently, Changsun Qianxue, with the aid of Ye Celeng, stealthily infiltrated the former Gongsun mansion, now Marquis Fang's Mansion, under the cover of night. Ye Celeng explained the mansion's guard rotation, allowing them a window to enter.
As Changsun Qianxue revisited her childhood home, Snow Garden, Ye Celeng delicately defended Liang Jingmeng, asserting that his reforms were intended to heal Heng's deeply rooted ailments, not to target noble families, and blamed Yuan Wu for the bloodshed. Changsun Qianxue, however, rejected further discussion; the narrator noted her profound love for Liang Jingmeng, but also stated that the deaths of her family due to his actions meant she could not forget the pain he inflicted.
Ye Celeng revealed her own hatred for traitors like Ye Zhen and her initial misunderstanding of Changsun Qianxue, but affirmed her unwavering loyalty to her master. Using the dry well in the Snow Garden, which was a secret escape passage known only to the Gongsun family and thus overlooked by Marquis Fang, they descended into the underground waterway.
As they navigated the dark and winding passages, Ye Celeng noticed floating oil on the water and sensed guards ahead, realizing the waterway was a trap. She identified it as the King of Heng's strategy to burn all prison-breakers, a tactic reminiscent of events ten years prior. Recognizing they were moving downstream, and understanding that the terrain dictated water flow in the windless tunnels, they deduced that the true Dafu Water Dungeon must be located upstream from the oil trap.
They found a section of the wall that appeared newly constructed, lacking moss, indicating it was their target. With the location pinpointed, they decided to return and formulate a detailed plan. Separately, Chen Xuan waited by the Wei River for three days as arranged, but Ye Celeng never appeared, and he eventually left in disappointment. Back on the road, Ding Ning was driving the carriage provided by the King of Xian when they were intercepted by Heng soldiers.
Upon recognizing Yuan Zichu, the soldiers immediately knelt, saluting him as the Crown Prince. Ding Ning feigned astonishment, exclaiming at Yuan Zichu's hidden identity. Yuan Zichu, allowing a slight smile, instructed the general to rise and asked if King Heng was nearby, stating he had urgent information to convey.
When the general questioned Yuan Zichu’s presence in a Xian carriage and if he had been abducted, Ding Ning quickly interjected, explaining that the Crown Prince had been injured by poisonous gas and was still weak. Apologizing for the delay in his recovery, the general promptly offered to escort them to the camp. Ding Ning, still maintaining his act, teased Yuan Zichu for deceiving him about his royal status for so long.
Episode 17 Recap
Ding Ning and Prince Yuan Zichu arrived at the camp to meet the King of Heng. Prince Yuan Zihan was also present and scornfully questioned Yuan Zichu's presence, stating that he should be in Fengming enjoying life, not at Lushan. Yuan Zichu replied that as sons and subjects, it was their duty to be by their father's side, to share his burdens.
Yuan Zihan then sarcastically suggested they switch roles, with him accompanying their father while Yuan Zichu returned to rule Fengming. A guard soon announced that the King wished to see both princes and their friend, Ding Ning. Inside, Ding Ning hesitated to kneel before the King, prompting Yuan Zichu to urge him. The King of Heng, having heard of Ding Ning, ordered him to raise his head for a better look.
Ding Ning feigned awe, claiming he had never met such a high-ranking official. He apologized for unknowingly taking the Crown Prince out of Fengming, stating he had believed Yuan Zichu was just Su Mu from Yuyang Sword School. Yuan Zichu corroborated this, taking the blame for concealing his identity. Yuan Zichu then described their trip to Wushan, explaining that Zhou Rongmo had coveted the Rudraksha, which could reshape a golden body, and coerced them into the formation.
This formation was filled with intricate mechanisms from the four states: Heng, Xian, Li, and Mo. He credited Ding Ning with saving his life, but lamented that the Rudraksha had been destroyed, preventing them from presenting it to the King. When asked about others in the formation, Ding Ning mentioned an old man from Xian, about sixty years old, who seemed to have set the formation and even provided them with a carriage.
The King of Heng identified him as the Old King of Xian, expressing joy that the Old King failed to obtain the Rudraksha, which he believed ensured Heng's triumph at the upcoming Lushan Alliance Meeting. Recognizing Ding Ning's rare talent, the King of Heng declared that Ding Ning would accompany him to the Lushan Alliance Meeting. Yuan Zichu requested to join as well but was refused.
The King of Heng instructed Yuan Zichu to return to Fengming immediately to secure Heng's foundation. He explained that if he were to fall at Lushan, Yuan Zihan would lead the charge on the battlefield, while Yuan Zichu would guard the homeland. He envisioned a future where, once Heng regained its strength, the two brothers would unite their forces to conquer the three rival states and establish an empire.
Yuan Zichu understood his father's intentions, realizing it was a profound responsibility rather than a punishment for his unauthorized departure. However, this decision bred deep resentment in Yuan Zihan, who felt his father was unfairly favoring Yuan Zichu. Having endured years as a hostage in Xian, Yuan Zihan now wished Yuan Zichu could experience such hardships in his stead.
Unbeknownst to them, this animosity was a calculated part of the King of Xian's strategy: he had cultivated Yuan Zihan into an arrogant and disruptive figure during his time as a hostage, then exchanged him for Prince Liling, intending for Yuan Zihan to sow discord within the Heng royal family. Later, Yuan Zichu visited Ding Ning's camp, bringing wine.
He explained that the King had ordered him back to Fengming, citing the dangers of Lushan and the need for a capable successor in case of his demise. Ding Ning toasted Yuan Zichu for his companionship and care during their journey. Yuan Zichu then asked if Ding Ning had anticipated Zhou Rongmo's kidnapping. Ding Ning confessed that he had, revealing his true motive for the journey: to obtain the Rudraksha to cure Xue Wangxu, his master's, severe illness.
He admitted that the Rudraksha destroyed by Zhou Rongmo was a fake, and he had intentionally lured Zhou Rongmo to ensure the real one's safety. Ding Ning shared that he hadn't presented the real Rudraksha to the King due to his own personal reasons. Yuan Zichu, understanding Ding Ning's plight, confirmed that Xue Wangxu was the head of Baiyang Cave and offered to personally deliver the spiritual medicine to him in Fengming.
He reassured Ding Ning that the King would not investigate its whereabouts, and he would keep their secret. Yuan Zichu expressed that in the royal palace, genuine friendship was precious, and brotherhood even more so. At Lushan, the Kings of Xian, Li, and Mo arrived, engaging in polite but subtly tense exchanges. The King of Xian greeted the King of Li, reminiscing about his valiant father and praising the current King of Li's regal bearing.
He then addressed the King of Mo and Chancellor Lian, commending their mutual trust, which the King of Mo humbly reciprocated by praising Xian's prosperity. The King of Xian inquired about the recovery of the Heads of 12 Sorcerers, Mo's national treasure, lamenting its loss as a reason for Heng's repeated incursions.
The King of Mo confidently declared that he had located the Heads and would restore Mo to its former position as the leading state, inviting the King of Xian to the grand ceremony. The King of Xian then proposed an alliance of their three states against Heng, suggesting they seize Liangshan County and advance through Tanbu Pass to attack Fengming. Just then, the King of Heng made a dramatic entrance.
The King of Xian implied a taunt that the King of Heng was too afraid to attend after the previous meeting where Heng lost Liangshan County. The King of Heng dismissed this, stating he had no reason not to attend. The King of Xian retorted that if Heng continued to cede a city at each meeting, it might last a few more years, then provocatively challenged, "What if I demand Fengming today?" This was dismissed as a mere jest.
Chancellor Lian urged everyone to take their seats. The King of Heng, with an ulterior motive, attempted to recruit Chancellor Lian to serve in Heng. Lian Ying respectfully declined, stating that he served the state and its people, not merely the monarch, and intended for his bones to be buried in Mo. The King of Xian then offered "wine and food of Xian" to the King of Heng, which turned out to be plain water and soybeans—a clear insult.
Yuan Zihan was incensed, but the King of Heng calmly restrained him. The King of Xian then raised a toast to the arduous journey, but the King of Heng initially refused to drink, only doing so after the King of Xian pressed him for his lack of respect. Meanwhile, the general Liang Lian led the Tiger Wolf Army in a full-scale assault on Liangshan County. The Lushan Alliance Meeting progressed to the martial arts contest among the masters.
The King of Mo initiated, challenging Heng. He stated that with Chancellor Lian still alive, he could not effectively govern, and Mo could not advance. He declared that only Chancellor Lian could guarantee Mo's victory. Despite other officials expressing concern for Lian Ying's advanced age and the potential chaos if he failed, the King of Mo pressured them, asking if they valued Lian Ying more than him. Faced with this ultimatum, Lian Ying consented to fight.
Qianmu, Lian Ying's disciple, desperately pleaded with his master not to go, recognizing it as a deliberate trap set by the King of Mo. Lian Ying, however, advised Qianmu to diligently assist the young King, hoping he would mature into a wise ruler.
The King of Xian commented to Prince Liling that the King of Mo intended to eliminate Lian Ying, noting that Lian Ying had previously assisted the former Crown Prince, and the King of Heng's recent public offer only exacerbated the young King of Mo's insecurity and pride. Prince Liling carefully noted this observation. The King of Heng sent Fang Xiang, the foremost of his Eleven Marquises, promising his family a hereditary marquis title if he secured victory.
The King of Heng reminded everyone that Fang Xiang was the warrior who had personally taken the head of Mo's former Crown Prince in a past war. Chancellor Lian acknowledged Fang Xiang's prowess but also paid tribute to the former Crown Prince's indomitable spirit. The King of Heng then specifically instructed Fang Xiang to kill Lian Ying, emphasizing that this victory was crucial for future plans to conquer Mo.
In return, Fang Xiang humbly requested the King to mentor his younger brother. As the duel began, Fang Xiang asked Lian Ying if he resented him for killing Mo's former Crown Prince. Lian Ying admitted his hatred but expressed faith that the current King of Mo would eventually prove as capable as his predecessor. He reflected that both were compelled to fight to the death by their sovereigns.
Ding Ning observed the King of Heng, his inner hatred intensifying, and briefly contemplated assassination but deemed the timing unfavorable. Lian Ying, a master of Mo's spectral arts, skillfully combined malevolent Yin-Gu poison with his vital energy and imbued it into his sword. Fang Xiang, momentarily careless, allowed the Yin energy to penetrate his body, poisoning his internal organs. Spectators believed Fang Xiang's defeat was inevitable. Lian Ying declared that he could not afford to lose this fight.
To counter the potent poison, Fang Xiang made a drastic choice: he sacrificed half of his cultivation and severed his own meridians, expelling the toxin. The King of Heng, immensely pleased, seized the opportunity to taunt the King of Xian, questioning if Xian possessed any generals brave enough to compare with Fang Xiang. Lian Ying, deeply impressed by Fang Xiang's resolve, expressed his admiration.
Fang Xiang, in turn, lamenting Lian Ying's fate, questioned why such a grandmaster would serve an ungrateful king, and extended an invitation to join Heng, promising him the highest honors. Lian Ying politely declined the offer, reiterating his unwavering commitment to serving his state and its people, not just a king, throughout his life without regret. He requested Fang Xiang to show no mercy, stating that to die in such a battle would be his honor.
Lian Ying then unveiled the Qianshan Token, a revered treasure of the Shanyin Sect. Yuan Zihan scoffed, dismissing it as a mere "broken token." The King of Heng, ignoring his son, asked Ding Ning to explain its mysteries. Ding Ning observed black energy emanating from the ground and flowing into the token beneath Lian Ying's feet but admitted he could not fully comprehend its profundity.
The King of Heng then reprimanded Yuan Zihan, instructing him never to judge things solely by their surface appearance. He explained that for Mo, a nation steeped in spectral arts, Yin energy was paramount for cultivation. The Qianshan Token possessed the ability to harness the vast reserves of Yin energy accumulated underground for extended periods. He recalled that over 200,000 soldiers had perished at Lushan in a past battle, enriching the land with immense Yin energy. With the Qianshan Token, Chancellor Lian had an inexhaustible supply of this power, making Fang Xiang's fight incredibly arduous.
Episode 18 Recap
During the Lushan Alliance Meeting, Chancellor Lian Ying of Mo activated the formidable Qianshan Token, intending to sacrifice himself. His disciples, understanding the token's power consumed vast vitality and that Lian Ying was making himself the sacrifice, cried out in protest, offering themselves instead. However, King of Mo silenced them, declaring this Lian Ying's final, honorable battle. Lian Ying used the Qianshan Token to create an illusion, assailing Marquis Fang's mind with dark energy and spectral soldiers.
Marquis Fang, though affected, continued to fight, his stamina slowly waning. King of Mo urged Lian Ying to strike Fang Xiang down, but before Lian Ying could get close, Marquis Fang's Dragon Scale Sword pierced him through the chest, ending his life. King of Heng, observing the battle, concealed his true satisfaction, knowing that Lian Ying's death meant the inevitable downfall of Mo.
King of Xian, however, stood and saluted Lian Ying's fallen body, acknowledging his sacrifice as a blow against King of Heng's power. News then arrived that Heng's army, led by Liang Lian, had raided and captured Liangshan County. Enraged by this blatant breach of the alliance covenant, King of Xian confronted King of Heng, accusing him of treachery. King of Heng, unfazed, claimed Liangshan County was merely being 'borrowed' and was originally Heng territory, denying any wrongdoing.
King of Xian, calling King of Heng shameless and despicable, challenged him to a duel. Before their confrontation, Li Cai Tian, the Sect Leader of Li's Xianfu Sect, grief-stricken by Lian Ying's death, passionately requested to fight for Li. King of Li refused, explaining that Li could not afford to lose its only Sect Leader, especially since Li was a strategic buffer against Heng.
King of Li dismissed Li Cai Tian’s talk of kindness, stating that among states, only benefits truly mattered. When Li Cai Tian's senior disciple, Li Rui, volunteered to fight, Crown Prince Yuan Zihan scoffed at his mere fifth-realm cultivation. King of Heng, seizing the opportunity, declared that if Li could only offer a fifth-realm opponent for mere entertainment, he would send one of his own. He then called upon Ding Ning.
Ding Ning, feigning humility, expressed concern about letting King of Heng down since he was only at the third realm against a fifth-realm opponent. King of Heng encouraged him, pointing out that winning would bring great honor. Ding Ning accepted, inwardly acknowledging that King of Heng was already suspicious and he needed to hide his true cultivation.
During the fight, Li Rui, a master of charms, mocked Ding Ning's seemingly low cultivation and minor sect, promising to concede if Ding Ning could withstand three of his charms. Ding Ning skillfully parried Li Rui's attacks, deliberately holding back his inner energy to avoid revealing his true strength to King of Heng. King of Xian, observing Ding Ning's restrained power, speculated that Ding Ning was either acting under King of Heng's orders or concealing a deeper secret.
Li Rui, noticing Ding Ning's 'broken sword' and less-than-full power, intensified his attacks, eventually unleashing a powerful blood charm that observers believed would kill or gravely wound Ding Ning. Just as the devastating charm was about to strike, King of Heng threw a wine cup, shattering Li Rui's sword and saving Ding Ning's life, stating that Ding Ning had previously saved the Crown Prince of Heng and thus deserved protection.
King of Xian, now facing King of Heng in their duel, scorned his opponent's ambition. He revealed that more than a decade ago, after Hui was destroyed by Heng, its remnants had created the powerful Destiny-stealing Pellet and entrusted it to Xian, hoping for revenge. This pellet, when consumed, would exhaust all true essence but grant a temporary transcendent cultivation, ultimately leading to the user's death.
King of Xian, who had taken the pellet, proclaimed his unwavering commitment to protect Xian, even at the cost of his own life. He transformed the sacred Heaven-questioning Stone into his natal object, creating a "Heaven and Earth Furnace." King of Heng recognized that King of Xian was deliberately using the swordsmanship of Liang Jingmeng, a legendary figure whose name King of Heng had forbidden to be mentioned.
King of Xian accused King of Heng of tyranny, causing widespread suffering through endless wars. King of Heng argued that he fought to bring peace, while King of Xian insisted true leadership lay in benevolent rule. The two agreed to a final, decisive strike. King of Heng, displaying his recently achieved eighth-realm cultivation, unleashed the Pohuang Sword Scripture, striking King of Xian's heart and decisively winning the battle.
King of Xian, in his final moments, acknowledged his defeat to the Bashan Sword Field's technique, but questioned King of Heng's right to wield it. King of Heng arrogantly declared that Heng was his, the world was his, and he would soon lead his armies to conquer the three remaining states, unifying the world.
As King of Xian lay dying, he entrusted Fragrant Concubine Zhao with the crucial task of guarding Xian and guiding Prince Liling, emphasizing that a true ruler prioritizes the state and should avoid reckless actions. He instructed her to keep his death a secret until the new king ascended, to prevent internal chaos.
He also secretly dispatched a subordinate to Heng with the Renwang Jade, instructing them to deliver it to Ding Ning with utmost secrecy, explaining that Ding Ning, despite being by King of Heng's side, harbored other intentions. King of Xian then asked Fragrant Concubine Zhao if she resented him, before asking her to sing for him one last time. She sang a short, poignant song, reminiscing about their shared path and his grand ambitions, affirming her love for him.
Meanwhile, King of Heng's Chancellor Li confirmed that the good news of the victory at Lushan had been sent. Examining King of Heng's wound, Chancellor Li discovered that the Heaven-questioning Stone, charged with the Destiny-stealing Pellet's energy, was clashing with King of Heng's eighth-realm cultivation, causing his vitality to reverse and meridians to disorder. Chancellor Li advised King of Heng to enter seclusion to expel the stone.
King of Heng agreed, but strictly ordered Chancellor Li to keep his injury a complete secret from everyone, especially Queen Ye Zhen and Crown Prince Yuan Zihan. Back in Fengming, Yuan Zichu returned and immediately sought an audience with Queen Ye Zhen to apologize for leaving without permission and to report on his journey.
He relayed King of Heng's instructions that Yuan Zihan would fight on the front lines while Yuan Zichu and the Queen would secure the rear, ultimately to conquer the three states and found an empire. Yuan Zichu also recounted how Ding Ning had saved him from Zhou Rongmo, destroyed the old King of Xian's immortality plan, and was now with King of Heng at Lushan.
Ye Zhen expressed her unease upon hearing that King of Heng was keeping Ding Ning by his side. Shortly after, Liang Lian requested an audience. Ye Zhen, having lost trust in him, curtly dismissed him to the study before sending Yuan Zichu to rest. Liang Lian, deeply dissatisfied with Queen Ye Zhen's treatment and feeling his contributions unappreciated, declared to his subordinate that he no longer trusted her and would achieve his ambitions through his own means.
Separately, Chen Xuan went to the Jiantian Bureau, where he confronted Ye Celeng about missing their agreed meeting. Ye Celeng explained that Liang Lian's suspicions against her had intensified after the fish market incident, making it dangerous for them to meet, and that she worried Chen Xuan was also drawing unwanted attention. Chen Xuan insisted he was only concerned for her safety.
He reminded her that she had already risked much for him by delaying her meeting with the Queen and allowing Bai Shanshui to escape during the fish market incident, making her position precarious. Ye Celeng then advised him that while the blame for the fish market had been shifted, he remained in grave danger if he continued to associate with "rebels." As they spoke, Chen Xuan suddenly silenced Ye Celeng, realizing someone was eavesdropping outside the door.
Episode 19 Recap
Chen Xuan sternly warned Ye Celeng about the perilous situation she was in, emphasizing that her continued association with the great rebels, especially after Queen Ye Zhen had conveniently blamed the fish market, put her in grave danger. He questioned the loyalty within her own Jiantian Bureau, stressing that Fengming was a small and easily infiltrated place. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the discovery of an eavesdropper, whom Chen Xuan promptly eliminated, a chilling confirmation of their precarious circumstances.
Ye Celeng, however, remained unwavering in her pursuit of justice, declaring that the truth, no matter how obscured by time, should never be buried, and that her sole purpose was to avenge her master. Chen Xuan, expressing his profound love and ten years of waiting, pleaded with her to abandon the painful past and leave the court’s endless strife with him, for he could not bear to lose her again.
Moved by his sincerity, Ye Celeng agreed to leave Fengming, but only after completing one final, crucial task, a decision Chen Xuan vowed to support by accompanying her. Later that night, Liang Lian launched a surprise attack on the rebels’ hideout, a book tower, where Bai Shanshui and Fan Zhuo were. Recognizing the overwhelming odds, Bai Shanshui initially sought to strike first, but Fan Zhuo insisted on sacrificing himself to protect her, the last descendant of the Yunshui Palace.
Liang Lian's general, Qi Pomo, attempted to dissuade his commander, reminding him of their previous strategy to gain Bai Shanshui’s trust for intelligence. However, Liang Lian, blinded by his ambition for a marquis title and frustrated by his "cowardly counselors," brutally killed Qi Pomo. Fan Zhuo then bravely fought to create a diversion, sacrificing himself to ensure Bai Shanshui's escape. Liang Lian’s forces eventually overcame Fan Zhuo, who died in the struggle.
Liang Lian, seeing Bai Shanshui had fled, declared his intention to use Fan Zhuo's body as bait to track her down. Later, a remorseful Bai Shanshui, reflecting on her own inadequacy, was approached by Miss Shang. Miss Shang gently urged her not to embark on a solitary path of revenge, reminding her that Fan Zhuo had died to save her life, which she should now cherish. Miss Shang hinted that stronger alliances would soon materialize, suggesting they await opportune moments.
Back in Fengming, Palace Maid Rong reported to Queen Ye Zhen that Liang Lian, with the Tiger and Wolf Army and Fan Zhuo's body, was staging a grand welcome for the King outside the city. Ye Zhen, who had long understood Liang Lian's ambition for a marquis title, was confident that the King would see through his ostentatious display. Indeed, upon his return, the King observed Liang Lian's forces and Fan Zhuo's body with a discernible lack of warmth.
While acknowledging Liang Lian’s "greatest service" in recovering Liangshan County and securing land concessions from Li and Mo, the King pointedly questioned Liang Lian’s conspicuous troop display and his overly eager inquiry about Marquis Fang’s health, clearly seeing through his feigned concern. Despite this, the King publicly bestowed upon Liang Lian the title of marquis, inducting him into the ranks of Heng’s Eleven Marquises.
He then charged Liang Lian and his Tiger and Wolf Army with leading the vanguard in the impending war against Xian, reaffirming Heng's ultimate goal to dominate all three states. Following this, Ye Zhen proposed that Ding Ning, who had also distinguished himself at the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament, be rewarded with Prince Liling’s Mansion. The King agreed but subtly instructed Ye Zhen to closely monitor Ding Ning’s activities and associations after his return to Fengming.
News of Ding Ning's reward quickly spread, drawing enthusiastic crowds to Wutongluo, all eager to congratulate him. After briefly acknowledging their support and promising to rejoin them, Ding Ning hurried upstairs. There, he was met by a suspicious Zhangsun Qianxue, who drew her sword, accusing him of being corrupted by Yuan Wu's influence and the allure of power.
A visibly hurt Ding Ning explained that Yuan Wu had been testing him at the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament, forcing him into a perilous fight. He clarified that he had immediately given Prince Liling’s Mansion to the people of Wutongluo as a shelter, a fact Zhangsun Qianxue confirmed, though she warned him against future missteps.
Ding Ning then posed a poignant question, asking if she would still seek to kill him if the reward could cure his chronic yang hyperactivity, lamenting that he felt like merely a tool to her, and that his life held no true importance in her eyes. At that moment, his yang hyperactivity flared severely. Alarmed, Zhangsun Qianxue quickly instructed Xie Changsheng to tend to Ding Ning while she rushed out to find the best doctor, unknowingly under constant surveillance.
Meanwhile, Marquis Fang lay gravely injured. His brother, Fang Xiumu, distraught and angered, questioned why his battle-weary brother was compelled to fight Lian Ying. Marquis Fang, with fading strength, saw through the King’s machinations: his years of loyal service and military triumphs had ironically made him a threat, and the King was now seizing the opportunity to reclaim his military authority, much as the King of Mo had done with Lian Ying.
Marquis Fang sternly advised Fang Xiumu to suppress his resentment, conceal his true capabilities, and live a quiet, unassuming life, never again entangling himself in royal affairs, for he was now the sole remaining hope for the Fang family. Sensing Ye Zhen’s lingering grievances, the King approached her for a candid conversation. She expressed her distress over her perceived failures: Yuan Zichu’s waywardness, Ding Ning’s rejection of her reward, and Liang Lian’s dismissive attitude despite her efforts to reinstate him.
The King sought to reassure her, explaining that he had always known Liang Lian's true character, that embracing Ding Ning as a subordinate was not a mistake, and that Ding Ning's choice to allocate Prince Liling's Mansion to the victims was not a personal slight. He also praised Yuan Zichu’s burgeoning talents in governance, crediting Ye Zhen’s guidance. Reassured, Ye Zhen then shifted to strategic concerns, noting Heng’s strained military capacity against a combined force of Xian, Mo, and Li.
The King clarified his strategy: the punitive expedition against Xian was intended to deter Mo, now in disarray after Lian Ying's death, and Li, still recovering from a previous near-defeat. However, Ye Zhen shrewdly countered that a prolonged war with Xian would inevitably deplete Heng's master practitioners, leaving them dangerously vulnerable to a coordinated attack from Mo and Li.
She proposed advancing the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament to cultivate and train new talents for future wartime needs, a plan the King approved and tasked her with implementing. While desperately searching for a doctor for Ding Ning, Zhangsun Qianxue realized she was being followed. Li Yunrui, disguised as "Han Yuchun," a wandering doctor from Xuanhu Clinic, created a commotion in the market as a diversion to approach her.
He revealed he had been monitoring her and Ding Ning due to existing surveillance, identifying himself as Li Yunrui from Xian. He explained his mission: to deliver the late King of Xian’s last will, including the Human King Jade Bi and a special heart-nourishing pellet, to Ding Ning. Zhangsun Qianxue was skeptical, as there had been no news of the King of Xian’s death in Fengming.
Li Yunrui elaborated on his early arrival and his investigation into Ding Ning’s background, emphasizing his sincerity by revealing his true purpose and presenting a box containing items beneficial for Ding Ning’s cultivation. Despite Zhangsun Qianxue’s concerns about bringing a Xian physician into Wutongluo, Li Yunrui assured her that his prepared identity as "Han Yuchun" would withstand any scrutiny. Convinced, Zhangsun Qianxue led him back to the tavern, then escorted Xie Changsheng outside.
Upon Ding Ning awakening, Li Yunrui knelt before him, confirming the King of Xian’s passing after the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament. He presented the entrusted items, explaining that the late King had perceived Ding Ning's growing alienation from the King of Heng and believed he would ally with Xian against their common adversary. Ding Ning expressed his apprehension about committing treason.
Li Yunrui then painted the King of Heng as a ruthless ruler who prioritized territorial expansion over the well-being of his people. He offered a special heart-nourishing pellet as a "gift from a friend," explaining that while it could not cure Ding Ning's chronic yang hyperactivity, it would soothe his mind, with its ultimate use left to Ding Ning's discretion. In Xian, Sun Xing was furious.
He confronted courtiers for obstructing his access to the new King, Prince Liling, and for mocking his aspirations to become chancellor. He passionately argued that the King owed his ascension to Sun Xing's diplomatic efforts with other states and should honor his promises. The courtiers dismissed him as a "good-for-nothing" who merely "ran a few errands" and openly accused him of being a spy seeking to extract intelligence. Meanwhile, the newly crowned King, Prince Liling, met with Fragrant Concubine Zhao.
Prince Liling harbored resentment towards Sun Xing, believing he was forced to give up his father's concubine Qi Zheng due to Sun Xing's arbitrary persuasion. While acknowledging Sun Xing's role in his return to Xian, the King expressed deep distrust due to Sun Xing’s identity as a native of Heng. Fragrant Concubine Zhao initially defended Sun Xing, suggesting that any ill intentions would have been revealed sooner.
However, the King insisted that a stranger’s true motives were unfathomable, and Sun Xing’s blatant ambition for the chancellorship made him a significant threat. He then requested Fragrant Concubine Zhao’s cooperation in staging a deceptive plot to eliminate Sun Xing.
Episode 20 Recap
Having received the Renwang Jade from Li Yunrui, Ding Ning learned from Xue Wangxu that the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament had been moved up, emphasizing the urgent need for him to intensify his cultivation. Before beginning his closed-door training with his master, Ding Ning spoke with Zhangsun Qianxue. She informed him that she and Night Celeng had thoroughly explored the underground waterways, confirming that Liang Lian's map was a fake designed to trap and incinerate prisoner rescuers.
They had successfully pinpointed the exact location of the water dungeon. Ding Ning, relieved to find her unharmed but still alarmed by her recklessness, chided her for acting independently, warning that her demise would lead to the complete failure of their plans. Zhangsun Qianxue retorted that Ding Ning had forgotten his original intentions, becoming as manipulative as the King of Heng, who had used Liang Jingmeng.
Deeply pained by her words, Ding Ning tearfully declared that if he were ever to become like Yuan Wu, he hoped she would be the one to kill him. He then advised her to continue her investigation of the waterway map with extreme caution, confessing his fear of being alone in his old age. Meanwhile, to neutralize Sun Xing, Prince Liling and Fragrant Concubine Zhao devised a trap.
During an audience, they deliberately discussed the whereabouts of Chancellor Li Yunrui of Xian, suggesting he was covertly investigating a Heng spy within the Xian palace. Believing their feigned concern, Sun Xing promptly dispatched a secret report to Heng, detailing Li Yunrui's presence in Heng and urging his immediate assassination to safeguard Sun Xing's own identity. However, this message was intercepted by Xian's forces. Recognizing Sun Xing's treachery, Prince Liling, now the King of Xian, ordered a city-wide manhunt.
Despite the rapid response, Sun Xing managed to escape under the cover of night, taking refuge in the outskirts of Heng. Maidservant Rong later confronted Sun Xing, chastising him for compromising his spy identity and failing his missions. Sun Xing, claiming he was misled by the Xian royals and driven by revenge, pleaded for one more chance to prove his worth. He promised to defeat Ding Ning at the upcoming Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament and deliver the coveted Life-sustaining Magic Art.
Ye Zhen, aware of Liang Lian's growing disloyalty and Ding Ning's resistance to her control, saw Sun Xing as her last viable option to acquire the divine art. She instructed Maidservant Rong to give Sun Xing a Disfigurement Pill. This potent concoction, while disfiguring its user, would drastically boost his cultivation, enabling him to break through to the Fourth Realm—a necessary advancement to contend for victory at the tournament.
Maidservant Rong reported back to Ye Zhen about Sun Xing's arrangements, confirming that this "base man" was indeed Ye Zhen's sole remaining chess piece. Ye Zhen also voiced her suspicion regarding Ding Ning's unwavering determination to participate in the tournament despite his severe injuries and yang hyperactivity, especially since Xue Wangxu had not intervened. She instructed Maidservant Rong to ensure Ding Ning was "disciplined" during the competition.
During his intense solitary cultivation, Ding Ning found himself plagued by internal turmoil, his mind grappling with the true meaning of strength. He contemplated the sacrifices made by Chancellor Lian and the King of Xian for their respective nations, concluding that genuine power resided in protection, not destruction. Observing Ding Ning's distraction, Xue Wangxu advised him to clear his mind for proper cultivation, reminding him that while the Renwang Jade would accelerate his progress, patience was paramount.
Their shared goal was to defeat powerful adversaries, to become heroes rather than martyrs. Xue Wangxu even humorously warned Ding Ning that any injury could open the door for Xie Changsheng to pursue Zhangsun Qianxue. Ding Ning promised not to be reckless at the tournament. Despite his master's guidance, Ding Ning, in his desperate haste for a breakthrough, pushed his cultivation relentlessly through the night.
This over-exertion caused his body's yang hyperactivity to escalate dangerously, a condition paradoxically worsened by Zhangsun Qianxue's yin-aligned martial art. Ding Ning collapsed into unconsciousness. Jiang Li rushed to help, ready to expend his own vital energy, but Xue Wangxu intervened, reminding Jiang Li that he, too, was a hope for Baiyang Cave and his energy was needed for the tournament. With no other recourse, Xue Wangxu sacrificed the unrefined Rudraksha and channeled his remaining life force into Ding Ning.
He explained that his own life was nearing its end, and saving his disciple was his inherent duty. This act not only stabilized Ding Ning's yang hyperactivity but also propelled him to a breakthrough. Though frail and near death, Xue Wangxu insisted on accompanying his beloved disciple to the tournament, yearning to witness Baiyang Cave's moment of glory. Overcome with guilt and renewed determination, Ding Ning resolved to win the championship.
To conserve his strength and avoid unnecessary conflict, he concocted a plan with Xie Changsheng: to feign lingering weakness, making opponents underestimate him and lower their guard. The Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament commenced with a grand procession of troops and martial arts sects stretching for miles. Officials, masters, and students arrived to register. Prime Minister Li and the newly appointed Marquis Fang Xiumu, whose elder brother Fang Xiang had been permanently crippled in battle, were present as official observers.
Baili Suxue, the sect master of Minshan, expressed sorrow over Fang Xiang's irreversible injuries, fondly recalling their shared training days, yet acknowledged the unprecedented honor of a hereditary marquis title for the Fang family. Meanwhile, Xie Changsheng, growing anxious about Ding Ning's delayed arrival, confessed to his sister Xie Rou that he had foolishly wagered a thousand gold on Ding Ning's victory.
The arrogant Ye Haoran, who currently topped the talent ranking, appeared and publicly mocked Xie Changsheng's audacious bet and Ding Ning's absence. Just as tensions rose, Jiang Li arrived with a visibly frail Xue Wangxu, explaining that Ding Ning was recuperating in their carriage after an intense cultivation session. Inside, Ding Ning, though partially recovered, instructed Xie Changsheng to maintain the illusion of his weakness to deter opportunistic challengers.
Xie Changsheng then helped a seemingly weak Ding Ning out of the carriage and arranged for Xue Wangxu to be escorted to the viewing stand. Ye Haoran's taunts continued, and the crowd buzzed with discussions about Ding Ning's precarious condition. From his elevated position, Baili Suxue keenly observed Ding Ning's restrained method of absorbing primordial qi, noting his deep understanding of avoiding extremes.
He recalled Zhangsun Qianxue's previous remarks about Ding Ning being Liang Jingmeng's sole successor—a man afflicted with yang hyperactivity, fated to die young, yet unyieldingly committed to the "impossible mission" of killing the King of Heng. Baili Suxue surmised that Ding Ning intended to use the Minshan Tournament to acquire the Life-sustaining Magic Art. The imposing blue jade mountain gate remained shut, frustrating the eager participants. Ye Haoran challenged Ding Ning to demonstrate his ability to open it.
With a respectful bow, Ding Ning announced his name and purpose. Slowly, the massive stone gate began to open. Inside, Sect Master Jing Liuli greeted the talents and began playing a zither, initiating the first test. Her music manipulated the minds of those with distracting thoughts, causing them to collapse. Ding Ning, anticipating this challenge, urged everyone to concentrate their vital energy and resist.
Many fell, but Ding Ning and other focused participants successfully passed, advancing to the main competition hall where the King of Heng awaited on the sacrificial altar. The King of Heng exchanged veiled remarks with Baili Suxue, implying he would not tolerate the sect master's existence if the Minshan Sword Sect were not so revered. Baili Suxue, in response, reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to Heng, before the King ascended the altar to officiate the opening ceremony.
Episode 21 Recap
The King of Heng delivered a solemn prayer at the sacrificial ceremony, highlighting Heng's resilience and its current position in the world. He acknowledged the surrounding states' hostile intentions, declaring that the demise of the King of Xian and the inexperience of the new ruler presented a prime opportunity for Heng to conquer the three states.
After the ceremony, the King departed for the palace, leaving Chancellor Li and Marquis Fang to preside over the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament, with Ye Celeng assigned to assist them. As Baili Suxue passed Ye Celeng, he quietly remarked that she had "been working hard over these years," which visibly unsettled her. The first trial of the Minshan Swordsmanship Tournament was to be held in the Minshan Sword Tomb.
Participants were allowed to choose any sword from the tomb for the trial or use their own. It was explained that the swords within the tomb were left by grandmasters who had been defeated by Baili Suxue, the sect leader, and were now seeking new worthy owners. The rules stated that each person must engage in a battle, and while the chosen sword could be kept as an award, it must be exchanged for their personal weapon.
A strict rule was enforced: battles were to determine victory or defeat only; no participant was permitted to injure an opponent, or their cultivation would be revoked, and they would be expelled from Minshan. Inside the Sword Tomb, Ding Ning, understanding the unique properties of the various weapons, offered advice to his friends.
He suggested to Xie Changsheng that he seek a Xian weapon made of rutilated quartz, crystal clear with gold wire and a three-legged golden toad on its hilt, as it would be beneficial for his reckless temperament during prolonged battles. He cautioned that most swords in the tomb required a cultivation of the sixth realm to wield effectively.
For Nangong Caishu, whose sword movements were too soft, Ding Ning recommended a silver short sword with a pale white blade and fish scale runes, noting its curved blade would create unpredictable arcs in combat. To Jiang Li, whose sword style was strong and upright, Ding Ning suggested seeking a sword from the Lie Sword Furnace, describing its rough hilt and blade made of dark iron.
Ding Ning himself chose to retain his own broken sword, a gift from his father, which held an unshakeable sentimental value for him. Meanwhile, Zhangsun Qianxue, concerned for Ding Ning's safety, arrived at Minshan with intentions of acting against the King as his procession passed by. However, she was intercepted by Baili Suxue. He noted her current practice of the Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword was extremely dangerous. Zhangsun Qianxue retorted that she feared no death if it meant revenge.
She then requested Baili Suxue's help for Ding Ning, whom she revealed to be Liang Jingmeng's disciple. Baili Suxue refused, reminding her that Liang Jingmeng had ignored his warnings about Ye Zhen and Yuan Wu, leading to disaster. He also revealed that the Minshan Sword Sect had nearly been destroyed attempting to secretly rescue Bashan disciples. He sternly criticized Liang Jingmeng for "knowingly committing a mistake" and being "too stubborn."
Zhangsun Qianxue, in a moment of raw emotion, admitted she felt not only "complaint, but also hate" towards Liang Jingmeng. While Baili Suxue maintained he would not show favoritism in the tournament, he promised to ensure no one would "break the rules at Minshan" to harm Ding Ning. He then urged Zhangsun Qianxue to remain hidden. As Nangong Caishu successfully located the silver fish scale sword Ding Ning had described, she overheard a black-robed man conversing with Ye Haoran.
The masked man cunningly inflamed Ye Haoran's arrogance, hinting at Ding Ning's perceived "lack of vitality" and suggesting that challenging Ding Ning directly would be the quickest way to pass the trial. After Ye Haoran departed, Nangong Caishu, recognizing the black-robed man's unique "Scripture of Willow Leaf Sword" style, realized he was Sun Xing.
His face was disfigured, and he was consumed by a desire for revenge, vowing to "shatter your dreams" and "get rid of Ding Ning in the face of Cave Master Xue," accusing his master of unfair treatment. Nangong Caishu confronted him, asserting that Xue Wangxu was not biased and that Sun Xing was "too stubborn." She bravely engaged him in battle, stating that "there is no strong or weak sword scripture. The difference lies in the depth of personal understanding."
Using her new fish scale sword, she managed to inflict multiple short cuts on Sun Xing, causing him to accuse her sword of being "weird" and lamenting that he had "lost to Ding Ning again." Ye Celeng, alerted by the commotion, arrived to find Nangong Caishu gravely injured and unconscious. Her subordinates also found a weak Xie Rou nearby.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Ye Celeng ordered her men to search for suspects while she personally escorted Nangong Caishu and Xie Rou for immediate treatment. Meanwhile, Ye Haoran relentlessly sought out Ding Ning, shouting challenges. Ding Ning, having earlier planned to feign weakness to lull opponents, finally revealed himself.
Ye Haoran accused Ding Ning of "playing tricks," but Ding Ning calmly countered that the outcome of their duel had nothing to do with the superiority of their sects but rather their individual cultivation. Despite Ye Haoran's boastful display of "full vitality," Ding Ning observed his "unfamiliar sword movements" and deliberately provoked him to exhaust his energy. Ding Ning then decisively defeated Ye Haoran, explaining that Ye Haoran had "blindly pursued the speed of making breakthroughs. . .
but ignored the practice of sword movements." A humiliated Ye Haoran admitted his underestimation. Sun Xing, who had been secretly observing the fight and noting Ding Ning's internal injuries, attempted to ambush him, but Jiang Li arrived just in time to help Ding Ning leave. Elsewhere, Marquis Fang received a report from his subordinate. Although Bai Shanshui remained at large, new clues concerning the Lone Mountain Sword Cache had been discovered.
The subordinate revealed that Bai Shanshui's clue was merely one part, with another held by Zhao Si of the Lie Sword Furnace, and a third by an individual in the Dafu Water Prison. Marquis Fang deduced that Bai Shanshui and Zhao Si, who had previously cooperated in the fish market, might have already combined their clues. He envisioned this as an opportunity to potentially become the leader of the Eleven Marquises.
After the first trial concluded, Jing Liuli announced that ten participants had successfully passed. Their chosen swords were now permanent. The next stage would involve two-person battles, with the top three advancing to the finals to compete for the ultimate title. Ding Ning was matched against Li Jianbai from Glory Temple, and Jiang Li against He Zhaoxi from Qingteng Sword Academy.
Upon learning that Ding Ning was safe, Zhangsun Qianxue felt relief, but Baili Suxue once again prevented her from visiting him, stressing that her presence could cause unnecessary complications during the competition. He mused on King Yuan Wu's growing power and the prosperous state of Heng, concluding that as long as Minshan remained useful to the King, they would be safe.
Late in the evening, Xie Changsheng, worried about his sister Xie Rou and Nangong Caishu's absence, was informed by Ye Celeng that they were receiving treatment. Ding Ning, having observed Sun Xing's unique wounds, suspected they were caused by Nangong Caishu's fish scale sword. Hearing this, Xie Changsheng became furious and wanted to confront Sun Xing, but Jiang Li intervened, advising him against rash action that could be misinterpreted, especially with the Jiantian Bureau investigating.
Ye Celeng explained that Xie Rou had only been poisoned and would recover with an antidote, but Nangong Caishu's injury was "too close to the heart," and her awakening was uncertain. She reassured them that the Jiantian Bureau was thoroughly investigating and would hold the culprit accountable. Elsewhere, Maidservant Rong chastised Sun Xing for failing to kill Nangong Caishu and exposing his identity, making his mission of obtaining the Life-sustaining Magic Art even more difficult.
She reminded him that tomorrow was his "last chance" and promised to assist in "disturbing Ding Ning's mind" during his next battle, while Sun Xing claimed he had his own methods.
Episode 22 Recap
Jiang Li was found by Xue Wangxu practicing sword forms late into the night. Jiang Li admitted he was not as intelligent as Ding Ning and therefore needed to compensate with diligence for the upcoming tournament, hoping to bring honor to Baiyang Cave. Xue Wangxu, seeing his pure character, presented him with the Baiyang Short Sword, the token of Baiyang Cave's head. Jiang Li humbly refused, believing Ding Ning was more worthy.
However, Xue Wangxu insisted, stressing the importance of leadership and urging him to embrace the Baiyang Cave's ethos of firmness and indomitable spirit, ensuring the cave's glory would be passed down. He advised Jiang Li to prioritize his safety in the tournament, cautioning him against recklessness, and to keep an eye on Ding Ning. Liang Lian, recently appointed, showed great zeal in pursuing the Gushan Sword Manual, believing the final clue lay within the impenetrable Dafu Water Dungeon.
However, the King of Heng, already aware of the situation, feared others combining the clues, as it might reveal his weakness or the path to the ninth realm, which he struggled to reach. He confided in Ye Zhen his frustration over being the world's best yet struggling to break through to the ninth realm.
He considered destroying the Gushan Sword Manual entirely, ensuring no one could ever discover his weakness or the path to the ninth realm if he himself failed to achieve it. Ye Zhen understood the King's intention to eliminate Lin Zhujiu. She visited Lin Zhujiu in the Dafu Water Dungeon, attempting to manipulate him by revealing that Yunshui Palace and the Sword Sect of Lie had combined their clues and would soon attempt a rescue.
She speculated that Liang Jingmeng's successor would surely be tempted by such news. Lin Zhujiu angrily denounced Ye Zhen, lamenting how unrecognizable she had become since their youth, questioning her loyalty to Yuan Wu and her forgotten affection for Liang Jingmeng. Ye Zhen, visibly angered by the mention of their past, coldly retorted, "Everyone for himself, and the devil takes the hindmost," before leaving him with a stark warning of his impending execution should no one come to his aid.
The following day, Jing Liuli officially announced the tournament rules: the top three cultivators would be accepted into the Minshan Sword Sect, with the overall champion earning the privilege to study the Life-sustaining Magic Art. Baili Suxue then addressed the assembly, emphasizing the sanctity of Minshan's rules due to two candidates having been attacked in the Sword Tomb the previous day.
He sternly warned that any competitor attempting to harm an opponent would face immediate deprivation of their martial arts skills. During this address, Maidservant Rong subtly exchanged glances with Sun Xing, who was among the contestants. The first round of battles commenced, quickly filtering out many participants. Jiang Li emerged victorious in his initial bout, followed by Sun Lie (Sun Xing, who was disguised) and Ding Ning winning their respective matches.
After further elimination in the second round, only Sun Lie, Jiang Li, and Ding Ning remained for the final stages. The next match pitted Sun Lie against Jiang Li. Jiang Li confronted Sun Lie, accusing him of attacking Nangong Caishu and Xie Rou the previous day, to which Sun Lie gave an affirmative response. Sun Lie mocked Jiang Li's repetitive sword techniques. Sun Lie then feigned a concern for Jiang Li’s master, distracting him and launching a sneak attack.
Fortunately, the Baiyang Short Sword, newly entrusted to Jiang Li, shielded him from injury, though Sun Lie scoffed at Xue Wangxu for entrusting the "head's token" to Jiang Li, calling it foolish. Jiang Li warned Sun Lie not to insult his master, then conceded the match, and Sun Lie was declared the winner. Meanwhile, Xie Rou and Nangong Caishu regained consciousness. Xie Rou recalled being attacked from behind by Sun Lie in the Sword Tomb.
Nangong Caishu, recognizing Sun Lie's true identity, urged Xie Changsheng to inform Ding Ning that Sun Lie was actually Sun Xing, warning that he intended to harm Ding Ning. Xie Changsheng rushed to find Ye Celeng, who admitted she already harbored suspicions about Sun Lie. Upon hearing Xie Changsheng's confirmation that Sun Lie was indeed Sun Xing, Ye Celeng immediately gathered her forces and headed to the Minshan arena.
While awaiting Ding Ning's match, Xue Wangxu, seated with Jiang Li, gently chided his disciple for his earnest nature, wishing he possessed some of Ding Ning's shrewdness. Jiang Li once again tried to return the Baiyang Short Sword, believing it belonged to Ding Ning, but Xue Wangxu playfully stopped him, emphasizing that it was a day of glory for Baiyang Cave. The final battle began: Sun Lie versus Ding Ning. Sun Lie acknowledged Ding Ning's reputation before they clashed.
During their intense duel, Ding Ning skillfully cut through Sun Lie's cloak, revealing his disfigured face and confirming his true identity as Sun Xing. Sun Xing, no longer hiding, proclaimed his identity as Sun Lie from the Shadow Mountain Sword Cave, but Ding Ning dismissed his words, confidently stating he could defeat him again. Sun Xing raged, recounting how Baiyang Cave had humiliated and destroyed him, vowing to take Ding Ning's life and exact ten times the revenge.
Ding Ning responded by pointing out that even if Sun Xing won, the world would only acknowledge Sun Lie, questioning his fixation. Sun Xing retorted that his past self was dead, and his current actions were solely to quell the bitterness in his heart, making Ding Ning experience despair.
Meanwhile, Maidservant Rong approached Xue Wangxu, inquiring if he remembered his past agreement with "Her Majesty," reminding him that his loyalty to the Kingdom of Heng was the price of his survival. Xue Wangxu affirmed his loyalty but pleaded with her not to harm his disciples. Maidservant Rong revealed her true purpose: to secure the Life-sustaining Magic Art for Her Majesty, and for this, Sun Xing must win.
She taunted Xue Wangxu, asking how he felt watching his two disciples fight to the death. Xue Wangxu firmly declared that only Ding Ning was his true disciple. With that, Maidservant Rong swiftly paralyzed both Xue Wangxu and Jiang Li. Jiang Li watched helplessly as Maidservant Rong then murdered Xue Wangxu, creating a diversion. Ye Celeng rushed in, shouting for Ding Ning to save his master, but Maidservant Rong made her escape.
Enraged by his master’s death, Ding Ning experienced a sudden breakthrough, advancing to the fourth realm and utterly defeating Sun Xing. Severely injured, Sun Xing begged Ding Ning to kill him to avenge his master. Ding Ning merely turned and walked away. As Sun Xing made a final desperate lunge to assassinate Ding Ning, Jing Liuli intervened, striking him down with a single sword stroke. Ding Ning returned to his dying master, informing him of his victory.
Xue Wangxu, with a gentle tap on Ding Ning's head, expressed his profound gratitude, calling it the greatest honor of his life and a joyful day for Baiyang Cave, before peacefully passing away. When Nangong Caishu and the others arrived, Xue Wangxu had already closed his eyes. Overcome with sorrow, Ding Ning collapsed. Thanks to Baili Suxue's expert medical care, Ding Ning soon regained consciousness.
Zhangsun Qianxue was by his side, explaining that Jiang Li and the other disciples had already respectfully laid Xue Wangxu to rest in Baiyang Cave. She urged Ding Ning not to leave Minshan, emphasizing that his worsening Yang Hyperactivity made learning the Life-sustaining Magic Art a matter of immediate urgency. Baili Suxue, however, cautioned that the Life-sustaining Magic Art could not simply be taught; it required profound personal enlightenment, and a misunderstanding could lead to severe consequences, even madness.
He admitted that many Minshan disciples had failed to comprehend its true essence, with success dependent solely on personal enlightenment. He further noted the extraordinary power of the mastermind behind Sun Xing's infiltration and Xue Wangxu's assassination, who even with their influence, could not obtain Minshan's treasure, underscoring the art's profound mystery. Nevertheless, Baili Suxue promised Ding Ning all necessary care and resources, regardless of his decision to pursue the art.
Zhangsun Qianxue then confided in Ding Ning that she had revealed certain truths to Baili Suxue to secure his life, but had carefully concealed their overarching revenge plan. Ding Ning acknowledged their reconciliation. Zhangsun Qianxue, reflecting on their journey, advised Ding Ning to proceed with extreme caution in his investigation of the waterway map, expressing her profound weariness of the conflict.
She then suggested they abandon their revenge altogether, proposing they find a secluded haven, far from worldly strife, to live out their lives in peace. She confessed that the closer they came to their goal, the more her resolve wavered, fearing that further pursuit of vengeance would only bring greater loss and suffering.
Episode 23 Recap
Zhangsun Qianxue suggested to Ding Ning that if their path to revenge became too difficult, they should abandon it and seek a peaceful, isolated life, just as they had lived before coming to Fengming. Ding Ning admitted that the closer he got to his goal, the less motivated he felt, often questioning the worth of their actions and fearing greater losses. Zhangsun Qianxue apologized for causing him distress, acknowledging his arduous journey.
Ding Ning, accompanied by Zhangsun Qianxue, arrived at the back mountain of the Sword Sect as per Baili Suxue's instructions. Baili Suxue informed them that the Life-sustaining Magic Art was hidden deep within a cave filled with miasma that could cause illusions. He warned that if a practitioner’s mind harbored distracting thoughts, their vital energy would be disrupted, leading to a loss of consciousness and ultimately mental instability.
He emphasized that unlike artificial illusions, this natural miasma was difficult to resist. Ding Ning noted that many powerful figures avoided this place, perhaps because they feared confronting their inner selves. Baili Suxue, implying Ding Ning was not "pure-hearted," gave him a final warning before Ding Ning entered the perilous cave while Zhangsun Qianxue waited outside. Inside the cave, Ding Ning's yang hyperactivity flared.
The miasma caused him to hallucinate, seeing visions of Zhangsun Qianxue teasing him and suggesting they settle down together. Despite the pain, he pressed on, eventually reaching an ancient cliff. There, he found a stone bowl containing a special spiritual water, which he drank. His mind cleared, and he discovered the Life-sustaining Magic Art inscribed on the cliff wall. He immediately sat down to meditate and began practicing the art.
Outside, Baili Suxue asked Zhangsun Qianxue about Ding Ning's yang hyperactivity, which she said he had since they first met, likely an inborn condition. Baili Suxue then questioned if Ding Ning was Liang Jingmeng’s inheritor, to which Zhangsun Qianxue confirmed he was the inheritor of the Nine-death Silkworm. She elaborated that Ding Ning had extensive knowledge of Liang Jingmeng's past, and had executed the "Song Shenshu case in Fengming."
She explained that from the moment they met, Ding Ning displayed extraordinary wisdom, strategy, and foresight, far beyond his years, and that their shared path to revenge against Yuan Wu began on that very day. Baili Suxue remarked that it was ironic they were discussing a disliked figure from ten years ago.
He recounted that Liang Jingmeng's ultimate despair and surrender during his defeat by the King of Heng stemmed from Ye Zhen's betrayal, a woman Liang Jingmeng once cherished as his life. He bitterly stated that for the sake of a woman, Liang Jingmeng destroyed the entire Bashan Sword Field and deserved his demise.
Baili Suxue revealed he had warned Liang Jingmeng about Ye Zhen, explaining she was a ruthless assassin dispatched by Xiaozhong Prefecture and trained in "poison spirit," capable only of seeking profit, not true love. Zhangsun Qianxue retorted that Yuan Wu also betrayed his own brother, acknowledging that Yuan Wu was responsible for her family's massacre. She recalled attempting to persuade Liang Jingmeng to abandon his radical reforms, which Yuan Wu was using to make an example of others.
They both conceded that it was difficult to assign blame for the past events. As Ding Ning delved deeper into the Life-sustaining Magic Art, his vital energy became chaotic, triggering a surge of long-suppressed memories of Liang Jingmeng. He remembered discussions with Ye Zhen about his reform plans, which faced resistance from powerful families. Ye Zhen informed him that eleven marquises, led by Marquis Gongsun, were petitioning against the Bashan Sword Field, and suggested making an example of Marquis Gongsun.
Liang Jingmeng hesitated, questioning if there was truly no alternative. Gongsun Qianxue then returned the Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword to Liang Jingmeng, a symbolic gesture indicating their diverging paths, and stated that unsuitable people need not remain together. Liang Jingmeng was then seen leading troops to the Gongsun Marquisate. Gongsun Qianxue bravely confronted him, refusing to surrender her family's shops.
She argued that his radical reforms, which dismantled old institutions before new ones were properly established, would plunge Heng into chaos and harm the common people. She insisted that national progress required careful consideration, not reckless haste. She expressed her willingness to support the reform, but not in such an extreme manner. Swayed by her reasoning, Liang Jingmeng ordered his troops to retreat.
Ye Zhen was enraged by his retreat, accusing him of favoring Gongsun Qianxue and questioning if he harbored feelings for her. Liang Jingmeng denied any impropriety, explaining that his change of mind was based on improving the plan. He defended having given Gongsun Qianxue the Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword, explaining that Marquis Gongsun had asked him to teach her swordsmanship and the sword suited her. Ye Zhen dismissed his logic, declaring that her every action was for his benefit.
The memory culminated with the King of Heng and Ye Zhen toasting Liang Jingmeng, who then realized the wine was poisoned. The severe backlash from the Life-sustaining Magic Art caused Ding Ning to collapse. Baili Suxue was present and caught him.
As Ding Ning lay unconscious in his arms, in his mind, he, as Liang Jingmeng, expressed profound remorse to Baili Suxue, regretting his stubbornness and refusal to heed warnings, which led to the tragic downfall of the Shang, Gongsun, and Bashan families. Baili Suxue, having deduced Ding Ning’s true identity as Liang Jingmeng, provided him with the spiritual water from the stone bowl, explaining its rarity and healing properties.
He confessed that ten years ago he would not have saved Liang Jingmeng, but Ding Ning’s actions had shown him genuine repentance. Upon regaining consciousness, Ding Ning asked Baili Suxue to keep his identity a secret from Zhangsun Qianxue, fearing that revealing it would irrevocably change their current peaceful relationship.
Baili Suxue agreed, understanding the delicate nature of the situation without needing further explanation, noting that sometimes it was best not to dwell on the past and maintain the present state. Meanwhile, worried by Ding Ning’s prolonged absence, Zhangsun Qianxue bravely entered the miasma-filled cave despite the danger. However, her internal energy was insufficient to resist the potent gas, and she quickly fainted.
In the Dafu Water Dungeon, Chen Xuan visited Lin Zhujiu, informing him that the King of Heng had decreed his execution in three days. Chen Xuan offered to spare Lin Zhujiu if he revealed the location of the Gushan Sword Manual. Lin Zhujiu, however, saw through the ploy, realizing that Yuan Wu and Ye Zhen were using him as bait to lure Liang Jingmeng's inheritor.
He subtly conveyed that he knew Chen Xuan’s true loyalty did not lie with Yuan Wu. After his recovery, Ding Ning went to pay his respects at Xue Wangxu’s memorial. There, he met Li Daoji, who informed him that Xue Wangxu had foreseen his perilous journey to Minshan and had left something behind for Ding Ning, entrusting Li Daoji to deliver it to him.
Episode 24 Recap
Baili Suxue acknowledged the immense cost of seeking revenge against the powerful King of Heng, Yuan Wu, who was no longer the man he once was. Zhangsun Qianxue, however, stood firm in her conviction, stating that the valiant spirit of the Bashan Sword Field disciples, who willingly shed blood for Heng, should not be disgraced.
Baili Suxue, regretting that his lingering hatred had made their path to vengeance so arduous, urged Zhangsun Qianxue to cherish Ding Ning and not miss her chance to be with him again. Ding Ning visited Xue Wangxu's tomb in Baiyang Cave. Li Daoji had already explained that the Life-sustaining Magic Art was merely an internal force technique for physical restoration, not a cure for Ding Ning's congenital yang hyperactivity, a fact he had shared with Liang Jingmeng years ago.
When Ding Ning opened the wooden box left by his master, he found only elixirs to alleviate his condition. Kneeling before the tomb, he lamented his master's lack of faith in him, as memories of Xue Wangxu saving his life, praising his achievements at the Minshan Tournament, and ultimately sacrificing himself, flooded his mind. Ding Ning, with sword in hand, vowed to avenge his master's death. Jiang Li, now the head of Baiyang Cave, arrived at the tomb.
He revealed that Maidservant Rong, the Queen's attendant, was the murderer, but clarified that their master knew she was merely a pawn, and the true power behind her was insurmountable. Jiang Li declared his intention to challenge Maidservant Rong during the Sword Tournament's Award Ceremony in two days, knowing that King of Heng and Queen Ye Zhen would be present and unable to refuse a public challenge.
Ding Ning expressed concern, noting Maidservant Rong had reached the fifth realm, but Jiang Li insisted on facing her alone. As the new head, he felt responsible for protecting all Baiyang disciples and asserting Baiyang Cave's stance on their master's death to the world. Ding Ning, acknowledging his immense gratitude to his master and Jiang Li, pledged to ensure Jiang Li's safe return.
He then reflected on how his master's death had made him realize the unpredictability of life, prompting him to change his old ways and cherish everyone around him, especially Zhangsun Qianxue. Ding Ning confided in her that Maidservant Rong killed Xue Wangxu to help Sun Xing win and for Ye Zhen to obtain the Life-sustaining Magic Art. He planned to ask Yuan Zichu to deliver the challenge letter, viewing it as a test for Ye Zhen.
If Yuan Zichu refused, Jiang Li would still issue the challenge publicly. Ding Ning chose not to fight himself, believing his role was to ensure Baiyang Cave's safety after the battle, a more difficult but necessary task. Meanwhile, the Fish Market had obtained a secret imperial order stating that Lin Zhujiu would be executed in three days.
Baili Suxue and Miss Gongsun, the Merchant family's young lady, had combined their clues regarding the Gushan Sword Manual and called on Ye Celeng for assistance, hoping she would join them. Ye Celeng suspected a trap, given the rapid dissemination of such a sensitive order, believing the court intended to capture all rebels in one swoop. Just as Ding Ning and Zhangsun Qianxue returned to the wine shop, Ding Ning sensed an eavesdropper on the roof.
Officer Bai, Ye Zhen's spy, fled but was swiftly eliminated by Chen Xuan in a dark alley. Chen Xuan chastised Ye Celeng for her carelessness, pointing out Ye Zhen's spies had been following her. Ye Celeng, realizing Chen Xuan was trying to protect her, affirmed her commitment to leaving Fengming after completing this final mission: rescuing Lin Zhujiu. Back at the wine shop, Ye Celeng entrusted Liang Jingmeng's spirit tablet to Ding Ning.
She confessed her plan to aid the jailbreak at Dafu Water Dungeon, emphasizing Lin Zhujiu's loyalty to Liang Jingmeng, having endured ten years of suffering rather than betraying him. Ding Ning tried to dissuade her, highlighting the dungeon's horrors and the suicide mission it represented. However, Ye Celeng felt compelled to act, burdened by the guilt of being absent when Liang Jingmeng died.
Ding Ning then revealed Liang Jingmeng's last words about Ye Celeng, calling her his most cherished youngest disciple. He recounted Liang Jingmeng's advice regarding the Autumn Water Sword: "Though it is strong in water and weak in dryness, for you, it is most important to be careful in dryness and even more cautious in rain." Liang Jingmeng had cautioned that despite Ye Celeng's straightforward and impatient nature, and her years of self-control, she must remain vigilant.
A perfect sword spirit demands constant alertness, especially when holding an advantage. Ye Celeng was deeply moved, tears welling up as she processed her master's praise and concern. After she left, Ding Ning sat alone in the courtyard, drinking and looking at his own spirit tablet. He cried and laughed, wishing his favorite disciple could find peace, though he himself was still tormented by the heavy burden of those he felt he had wronged.
King of Heng and Ye Zhen's relationship was a web of surface affection and hidden agendas. He was well aware of Ye Zhen's true motive in sending Maidservant Rong to Minshan for the Life-sustaining Magic Art. Ye Zhen, seeking to reach the eighth realm and become an immortal queen alongside King of Heng, had even pushed for the Sword Tournament to acquire the art.
King of Heng revealed that the Life-sustaining Magic Art was merely a cultivation method, not a means to the eighth realm, and required spiritual and physical trials, which even Baili Suxue shunned. He then confronted her about Xue Wangxu's death, implying her involvement. Following Ding Ning's instructions, Yuan Zichu delivered the challenge letter to Maidservant Rong.
She initially feigned ignorance, claiming not to know Jiang Li, but Yuan Zichu's persistent explanation of Jiang Li's standing as the second-place winner of the Minshan Tournament forced her to accept. On the eve of the jailbreak, Zhangsun Qianxue closed the wine shop. Ding Ning received a package from Yuan Zichu, which contained Maidservant Rong's cultivation records, offering vital information for Jiang Li to find her weaknesses.
As Ding Ning prepared to leave for Baiyang Cave, he paused, recognizing the immense dangers of both the Award Ceremony and the jailbreak. He embraced Zhangsun Qianxue, imploring her to prioritize her own safety no matter what transpired. He told her he would do his best to stall King of Heng and Ye Zhen, but warned that the court's precise knowledge of their plans suggested a prepared trap.
He suspected King of Heng, now the first Grandmaster to reach the eighth realm, would destroy the Gushan Sword Manual if he couldn't obtain it, leaving them in a deadlock. Zhangsun Qianxue assured him she understood and would remember his words, asking him to also remain safe.
Episode 25 Recap
Maidservant Rongzhi, fearful of the severe punishment for assassinating a grandmaster, predicted that the Baiyang Cave disciples would provoke her at the upcoming Award Ceremony. She asked Queen Ye Zhen to let her stay in the palace, hoping to avoid a confrontation. However, Ye Zhen, who had not yet obtained the Life-sustaining Magic Art, realized that hiding Rongzhi would only fuel suspicions.
She decided to sacrifice Rongzhi to protect herself, stating that "The most important thing in this palace is our state of mind. The more afraid you are, the easier they're going to convict you." Ye Zhen reminded Rongzhi that Jiang Li was only at the fourth realm while she was at the fifth, even offering a "Disfigurement Pill" if she was truly afraid. Rongzhi accepted the queen's decision.
Meanwhile, Ding Ning advised Jiang Li to forget all the sword techniques he had learned, including Impaling White Sheep Horns and the Fragment of the Freehand Sword Manual. He explained that Rongzhi, having served Ye Zhen for many years, had encountered countless sword manuals and was familiar with various sect's sword styles. If Jiang Li's moves were too obvious, she would easily spot his weaknesses. Forgetting them would make his attacks unpredictable.
Ding Ning also assured Jiang Li that Ye Zhen would force Rongzhi to accept the challenge, as Rongzhi had become a disposable pawn in the queen's schemes. At the Award Ceremony, Jiang Li bowed before the King of Heng, introducing himself as from Baiyang Cave, despite its recent affiliation with Qingteng Sword School. The King questioned his address, but Jiang Li apologized, attributing it to his grief for his late master, Xue Wangxu.
Jiang Li then presented two requests: first, to withdraw his admission to the Minshan Sword Sect. He explained that before his master's passing, he was made the new head of Baiyang Cave, which now required his leadership to be invigorated and fulfill his master's last wish. Baili Suxue, the leader of Minshan Sword Sect, supported Jiang Li, praising his character and recommending the King grant his request to help stabilize the kingdom.
The King agreed, reinstating Baiyang Cave as an independent sect and tasking Jiang Li with training talented individuals. Baili Suxue pledged the full support of Minshan Sword Sect. For his second request, Jiang Li boldly stated his admiration for Rongzhi's sword skills and that he had sent her a challenge days ago, but received no reply. Ye Zhen intervened, claiming Rongzhi declined because Jiang Li was a realm lower, making a duel inappropriate.
Jiang Li countered that Heng people valued the warrior spirit, demanding a response within three days to a challenge. He then formally requested the King to preside over their duel. The King agreed, instructing Rongzhi to accept. Rongzhi, with no other choice, accepted the challenge, stating that with the King as the judge, they would "stop at where we should and it'll be fair."
The duel began, with Rongzhi questioning Jiang Li's stubbornness and asserting that the battle was more than just a challenge. The King observed, noting the unusual circumstances of Xue Wangxu's death and suspecting Ye Zhen's hidden involvement. He mused on the unfairness of the match but allowed it to continue, praising the "courageous" and "bold and heroic" spirit of Baiyang Cave's disciples.
Jiang Li, continuously defending, taunted Rongzhi, saying she killed the head of Baiyang Cave but couldn't break his sword style. Suddenly, Jiang Li executed a move from the Fragment of the Freehand Sword Manual, surprising Rongzhi. Before she could react, he fatally struck her. Enraged by Rongzhi's death, Ye Zhen cried out her maidservant's name and declared Jiang Li a threat she must eliminate.
Baili Suxue quickly intervened, apologizing on behalf of Jiang Li, stating that in a cross-realm challenge, accidents were inevitable. Ye Zhen stormed off, furious. The King of Heng confronted Ye Zhen, subtly acknowledging her extraordinary nature but warning her against acting on personal feelings to destabilize the kingdom. He also made it clear that after this battle, no one would question Xue Wangxu's death again, absolving her publicly of any involvement.
Ye Zhen, however, refused to let the insult pass and demanded nothing less than "the whole Minshan." Back at Baiyang Cave, Li Daoji assured Ding Ning that Jiang Li's life was not in danger. Jiang Li revealed that his actions were to avenge Xue Wangxu, who had been killed by Rongzhi. He explained that his master had forbidden revenge to protect them, as Rongzhi was the queen's confidante.
Jiang Li expressed his hope that his master would not blame him for disobeying. Li Daoji comforted him, saying that Xue Wangxu would be proud of Baiyang Cave's kind and honest disciples. Separately, Baili Suxue was then confronted by the King of Heng, who reminded him of the delicate balance of power and accused Minshan of being involved in the incident.
Baili Suxue defiantly accepted the King's harsh words and challenged him to deliver his punishment, prompting the King to warn him to "Behave yourself!" Meanwhile, Chen Xuan visited Lin Zhujiu in the Great Floating Water Dungeon, pushing for information about the Gushan Sword Manual. Chen Xuan revealed that Ye Zhen was impatient and offered Lin Zhujiu an "easier way to die," but Lin Zhujiu scoffed, preferring his accustomed hardship.
Chen Xuan then detailed his elaborate defense plan for the dungeon to a subordinate, anticipating a rescue attempt through the east gate, which he planned to collapse, and deploying heavy troops to the south gate. He also secretly placed elite Shendu Bureau soldiers at the "small west gate," confident no one could escape.
As the prison break commenced, Zhangsun Qianxue and Bai Shanshui infiltrated the dungeon through a secret passage, noting that once they broke the wall, there would be no turning back. Bai Shanshui predicted that Fengming would not be peaceful that day. Chen Xuan, observing from afar, inwardly pledged his loyalty to one person and his willingness to risk everything for Ye Celeng. A guard reported the sound of the collapsing wall to Chen Xuan, who went to investigate.
Zhangsun Qianxue and Bai Shanshui broke through a locked stone gate, gaining direct access to the water dungeon. Inside, Lin Zhujiu was surprised to see Zhangsun Qianxue, having believed her and the Gongsun family perished. Zhangsun Qianxue hurried him, informing him that Ye Celeng was waiting at the west gate.
Ye Celeng received a report from Chen Xuan's subordinate that Liang Lian's Tiger and Wolf Army had taken over the west gate under Ye Zhen's orders, and that Ye Zhen had issued fragmented orders to prevent information leakage. Ye Celeng realized Ye Zhen trusted neither the Tiger and Wolf Army nor the Shendu Bureau.
Seeing Ye Zhen's sudden arrival at the water dungeon, Ye Celeng sent her subordinate away, instructing Chen Xuan not to wait for her, sensing the trap but determined to proceed with the rescue. As Zhangsun Qianxue, Bai Shanshui, and an injured Lin Zhujiu made their escape through the water channel, they were ambushed by soldiers and arrows. Chen Xuan appeared, feigning a battle with the guards to create a diversion, allowing the trio to escape his immediate vicinity.
He escorted them close to the west gate but told them he could go no further, wishing them well. However, just as they were about to exit, Liang Lian and Ye Zhen, coordinating their efforts, launched a pincer attack, trapping them completely. Zhangsun Qianxue, seeing no other option, declared, "It's just one step away. Let's fight!"
Episode 26 Recap
As Lin Zhujiu, Zhangsun Qianxue, and Bai Shanshui approached the west gate of the Dafu Water Dungeon, an escort informed them that he could only accompany them to that point, urging them to proceed with caution. Just as they were a step away from freedom, they realized Liang Lian was already there, confirming their suspicions of being trapped. Ye Zhen appeared, taunting Lin Zhujiu about their long acquaintance.
Lin Zhujiu acknowledged their dire situation, but Ye Zhen, focusing on the Gushan Sword Manual, offered to let him die with a whole body if he revealed its secrets. Lin Zhujiu, however, declared he no longer cared for such trivialities and vowed to kill her for her betrayal of Liang Jingmeng and the extermination of Bashan Sword Field. Ye Zhen then unleashed her Sparkling Comet-tail Sword, engaging Bai Shanshui.
Zhangsun Qianxue joined the fight, striking with her sword and preserving Bai Shanshui's true essence. During the fierce confrontation, Ye Zhen recognized Zhangsun Qianxue, having previously seen her at the Wutongluo tavern, and identified the Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword in her possession as Liang Jingmeng's. Realizing Zhangsun Qianxue's true identity, Ye Zhen accused her of having deserved to die with Liang Jingmeng ten years prior.
Zhangsun Qianxue retaliated, denouncing Ye Zhen for her treachery and her role in the Bashan tragedy, promising to avenge Liang Jingmeng today. Ye Zhen defended her actions by claiming the Bashan Sword Field deserved its fate for betraying the King of Heng. Lin Zhujiu interrupted, asserting that Ye Zhen knew the truth in her heart and reminded her of Liang Jingmeng's sincere treatment of her and Yuan Wu, whose trust she betrayed for selfish desires.
He prophesied that Ye Zhen and the King of Heng would ultimately kill each other, visibly striking a nerve with Ye Zhen. Just as Ye Zhen prepared to strike, a Jiantian Bureau ship dramatically crashed through the water dungeon's mountain wall. Ye Celeng emerged, fighting her way through the guards and incapacitating Liang Lian.
She declared her unwavering loyalty to Heng, but condemned Ye Zhen and Yuan Wu for their past betrayal of Bashan's loyalists, stating that their leadership was Heng's true sorrow. She vowed to protect Bashan's disciples from further humiliation and urged Lin Zhujiu and the others to escape through the newly breached wall. Chen Xuan, witnessing Ye Celeng's actions, appeared and emotionally ordered her to drop her sword, accusing her of rebellion.
Ye Celeng, however, calmly stated that given the long-standing animosity between the Jiantian and Shendu Bureaus, it was fitting for Chen Xuan to kill her. Knowing her fate, she sacrificed her natal sword, urging Zhangsun Qianxue to ensure her master's well-being. With a swift turn, Ye Celeng launched a fierce assault with her sword, but Ye Zhen narrowly dodged it. Before Ye Celeng could react, Liang Lian, having recovered, stabbed her from behind.
Falling into Chen Xuan's arms, Ye Celeng uttered her last words, expressing fulfillment and regret, wishing never to meet him again in another life. She gazed at him with shimmering eyes, but no tears fell until she drew her last breath, at which point two glistening lines traced down her cheeks. The Autumn Water Sword, which Ye Celeng wielded, was indeed strong in water but weak in dryness.
It symbolized her true weakness, not in skill, but in her inability to reciprocate affection, owing a debt to Chen Xuan even after repaying Ding Ning. Following the failed encirclement, Lin Zhujiu, Zhangsun Qianxue, and Bai Shanshui managed to escape, with Ding Ning sending carriages to meet them and arranging their refuge at the Minshan Sword Sect.
Ding Ning spent the night using his Life-sustaining Magic Art to heal Zhangsun Qianxue's internal cold energy caused by the Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword. Zhangsun Qianxue remarked that while Ding Ning hadn't fully mastered the art, his growing control over his yang hyperactivity was perfectly suited to her condition. Upon waking, Zhangsun Qianxue spoke to Ding Ning about Ye Celeng's sacrifice of her natal sword and how Bai Shanshui had informed them of the dire situation.
She expressed worry about Ding Ning being implicated since Ye Zhen recognized her Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword and knew she was the landlady of Wutongluo. Ding Ning, however, remained fearless, reminding her of their shared resolve for revenge. Zhangsun Qianxue confessed her constant worry amid their increasingly dangerous actions, feeling that Ding Ning, being so young, should not have been drawn into Liang Jingmeng's feuds.
She considered herself and others more fitting to avenge Liang Jingmeng's death, lamenting the difficulty of their path and offering Ding Ning an escape if he wished to give up. Ding Ning refused, stating that as the inheritor of his master's skills and everyone's hope, giving up would render all sacrifices meaningless. Zhangsun Qianxue, in turn, expressed her desire for him to simply stay alive after this arduous battle.
Ding Ning then advised her to rest further while he went to check on Lin Zhujiu. Meanwhile, Baili Suxue was also tending to Lin Zhujiu. Lin Zhujiu expressed his relief at breathing freely after enduring a decade in the dark Dafu Water Dungeon, a place he described as hell. He shared with Baili Suxue that he persevered because he believed Bashan still lived, recalling the joyous days of fighting alongside Liang Jingmeng.
Despite betrayals, he still felt loyalty and integrity were paramount. He then mused about fallen comrades who would never meet again, hoping Liang Jingmeng would be at peace knowing their efforts. However, Baili Suxue then revealed the truth: Liang Jingmeng was still alive, explaining that he had survived due to the Nine-death Silkworm Martial Art. Lin Zhujiu, stunned, knelt before Ding Ning in recognition.
Meanwhile, Zhangsun Qianxue, pondering Ye Celeng's final request to care for her master, felt a growing sense of confusion. Accompanied by Xie Rou, who innocently remarked that Ye Celeng would be relieved if she knew her master was alive, Zhangsun Qianxue went to find Ding Ning. Witnessing Lin Zhujiu kneeling before Ding Ning, all her doubts vanished, replaced by a chilling realization that left her speechless. She confronted Ding Ning, demanding to know his true identity.
When he addressed her as "Aunt," she vehemently corrected him, insisting he call her "Qianxue," as he once did. Ding Ning feigned ignorance, asking if she was missing his master again. Zhangsun Qianxue, recalling his past words about discarding unsuitable swords, declared that an unsuitable person also need not remain, and walked away. Seeing Ding Ning's distress, Baili Suxue urged him to be honest with Zhangsun Qianxue, noting her deep affection. Ding Ning, however, expressed his conflicted feelings.
He recounted his past as a sinner to the Zhangsun family and questioned how he could face her as Liang Jingmeng. He felt that the identity of Liang Jingmeng was a heavy burden for both of them, complicating their already difficult path of revenge. In the palace, Ye Zhen reported the escape of Lin Zhujiu to the King of Heng, accepting responsibility.
The King, however, expressed skepticism, remarking on the spectacular power of her Sparkling Comet-tail Sword, which he felt even from his chambers. He questioned how Lin Zhujiu, a decade-long prisoner, could escape with Ye Celeng's help while Ye Zhen remained unharmed, subtly accusing her of showing mercy to the Bashan Sword Field.
Ye Zhen, deeply hurt, reaffirmed her decade-long loyalty to him, but the King retorted that if she truly felt no affection for Lin Zhujiu, she should have executed him. He voiced his concern about his secure position, especially with the return of the Nine-death Silkworm inheritor and challenges from the Lie and Qian states.
He explained that his desire for Lin Zhujiu's death was to destroy the Gushan Sword Manual and solidify Heng's foundation, then suggested Ye Zhen herself might covet the manual. Devastated, Ye Zhen attempted to take her own life, but the King stopped her, claiming he would not want that. This exchange highlighted the deep mistrust and power struggle between the once-united Emperor and Empress, whose relationship now rested solely on political maneuverings.
Amidst these court tensions, Prince Yuan Zihan advocated for war against Fengwu, which had recently increased its incursions into Heng territory, believing Xian was secretly backing them. However, his brother, Prince Yuan Zichu, argued against military action, expressing concern for the war-weary populace. Undeterred by an earlier rejection from the King, Yuan Zihan, eager to prove himself, recalled Zhu Yuan, his trusted aide and spy from Xian. He also secretly enlisted a maidservant from Yuan Zichu's retinue.
Zhu Yuan presented Yuan Zihan with the corpse of Officer Bai of the Jiantian Bureau, suggesting it could be used to appease the King following the Dafu Water Dungeon incident and the resulting public unrest. With a Fengwu curved knife, they could falsely accuse Fengwu of the murder, thus creating a pretext for war.
During the court assembly, while officials reported little public knowledge of the prison break, the King remained unconvinced, sensing a cover-up and expressing worry about public sentiment. Yuan Zihan seized the opportunity, reiterating his proposal for war with Fengwu to redirect public grievances. He presented the Fengwu curved knife found on Officer Bai's body, dramatically claiming Fengwu had escalated its aggression by infiltrating Fengming and assassinating an official.
Despite strong objections from Yuan Zichu and Chancellor Li, who warned against the financial and human costs of war, the King ultimately commanded Yuan Zihan to be the Commander-in-chief and Yuan Zichu the General of the Vanguard, ordering immediate preparations for war with Fengwu. Afterward, the King confronted a triumphant Yuan Zihan, acknowledging his manipulative tactics but accepting him as a useful, albeit disfavored, pawn.
The King then announced that Huang Zhenwei, who had long served him abroad by providing intelligence on the Gushan Sword Manual, would return to become the new Director of the Jiantian Bureau following Ye Celeng's death, instructing that Huang Zhenwei report to him before assuming his duties.
Episode 27 Recap
After the Dafu Water Dungeon jailbreak, the Wutong Tavern was sealed, causing residents of Fengming to lament the loss of the "beautiful landlady," Zhangsun Qianxue, and Ding Ning. While returning to the city, Huang Zhenwei saw a portrait of Zhangsun Qianxue at a stall. Struck by her beauty, he immediately purchased it, inquiring about her name from passersby. That night, Zhangsun Qianxue secretly entered the deserted tavern.
She recalled past moments with Ding Ning, like a time when he mentioned sweet osmanthus flowers were her favorite, a detail only Liang Jingmeng would have known. This confirmed her growing suspicion about Ding Ning's true identity.
She had also reflected on Ding Ning's pursuit of the Life-sustaining Magic Art, questioning if it was for cultivation or to address a physical ailment, as Baili Suxue had previously explained to her that the art primarily aids in physical recovery rather than spiritual advancement, a fact Baili Suxue had told Liang Jingmeng years ago.
Baili Suxue found Zhangsun Qianxue at the sealed tavern and attempted to explain Ding Ning's actions, stating that Ding Ning wasn't intentionally hiding things and that perhaps he hadn't wanted to disturb her. He also conveyed Ding Ning's wish for them to move forward without the burdens of the past. Misinterpreting this as her being a burden, a hurt Zhangsun Qianxue dismissed Baili Suxue. She then sought out Ding Ning at the Minshan Sword Sect.
Confronting him, she stated that she always knew he was different, disguising his true self with a carefree demeanor. She pressed him to reveal his true feelings. Ding Ning, however, evaded her questions, attempting to divert the conversation to the recently decoded Gushan Sword Manual. Disappointed, Zhangsun Qianxue questioned his priorities, asking if he cared more about the manual than avenging Ye Celeng.
Ding Ning admitted his desire for revenge but insisted it wasn't the right time, arguing that without proper preparation, more lives would be lost, and he couldn't bear to lose anyone else. Zhangsun Qianxue, however, tearfully accused him of perpetual hesitation and fear of loss, pointing out that by waiting, he had already lost many important people. She then revealed Ye Celeng's dying words to her in the water dungeon: "Take care of my master."
Stunned, Ding Ning was unable to respond. Zhangsun Qianxue, realizing the implications, angrily denounced him as a coward before leaving. With all three jade tablets of the Gushan Sword Manual now assembled, Lin Zhujiu expressed concern that the dim moonlight might prevent them from deciphering its secrets. Ding Ning, however, clarified that the manual was a map rather than a physical object.
He explained that his inspiration came from Ye Zhen's Sparkling Comet-tail Sword, which had caused meteors to flash across the daytime sky in Fengming. This led him to believe that just as practitioners draw vitality from heaven and earth, and Ye Zhen had cleverly harnessed "heavenly power," the sword manual might also be connected to "heavenly primordial qi" instead of merely moonlight.
As he spoke, the three jade tablets merged, forming a constellation map, with the North Star and the Big Dipper clearly visible as seven luminous stars. Baili Suxue, though not an astrologer, recognized the North Star and the Big Dipper in the newly revealed map. He divulged that the Gushan Sword Manual was directly linked to the Minshan Sword Sect, with the Life-sustaining Magic Art being one of its treasures.
He explained that the Mizar star in the Big Dipper's handle, also known as the Wuqu Star, represented the Minshan Sword Sect and its founder's family emblem. Furthermore, he revealed that the founder of the Minshan Sword Sect had a younger brother, represented by a beautiful companion star. This brother founded the Lingxu Sword Sect, a renowned school focused on weapon forging and the study of charms and runes, where they achieved supreme mastery.
The other half of the Gushan Sword Manual, Baili Suxue continued, was the Lingxu Sword Sect's long-lost treasure: the Great Torture Sword, described as a sword of ultimate yang. He added that the founder of the Lingxu Sword Sect, who was the Minshan founder's brother and the owner of the family emblem, was once a member of the royal family of Fengwu and even became its King.
Concerned about how to locate the long-vanished Lingxu Sword Sect, the group learned that its founder was once part of the Fengwu royal family. Information from Miss Shang confirmed that the King of Heng intended to attack Fengwu. Baili Suxue warned that while the King might not yet know the manual's full secret, Minshan's history was easily accessible, and if he discovered the Great Torture Sword during his campaign, their situation would become dire.
Ding Ning vowed to prevent the manual from falling into the King of Heng's hands, even if it cost him his life, but recognized his current injuries made him no match for the King of Heng. Meanwhile, the King of Heng, having recently appointed Huang Zhenwei as the new head of the Jiantian Bureau, questioned him about the Dafu Water Dungeon incident.
Huang Zhenwei, maintaining his characteristic frankness, admitted that common folk only spoke of Queen Ye Zhen's impressive swordplay that day, not the secret jailbreak. He then informed the King that his investigations had uncovered reliable information linking the Gushan Sword Manual closely to the Lingxu Sword Sect. Huang Zhenwei added that his clues pointed to the royal family of Fengwu.
The King of Heng, already intending to sweep through Fengwu due to its collusion with the state of Xian, declared that the manual's presence there perfectly aligned with his ambitions. Chancellor Li expressed concern to the King of Heng that the expedition to Fengwu would cause Prince Yuan Zihuan, ambitious and scheming, and Prince Yuan Zichu, benevolent and compassionate, to clash and covertly compete.
The King, however, viewed the campaign as a crucial opportunity to temper the flaws of both princes—Yuan Zichu’s excessive benevolence and Yuan Zihuan’s untempered ruthlessness, both considered serious weaknesses for a ruler—and to secure a rare treasure for Heng, which needed a tyrant to stabilize the realm.
Queen Ye Zhen spoke with Yuan Zichu, who, though accepting his role as vanguard, reaffirmed his belief that "fueling wars by warfare," while profitable for Heng, ultimately led to the suffering of the populace. Ye Zhen expressed surprise but commendation for his thoughtful stance, advising him to keep such opinions from his father for now.
She reminded him of his ascension as Crown Prince through the "deposing the elder and establishing the younger" policy and urged him to be cautious and wary of Yuan Zihuan during the campaign. Yuan Zichu, recalling a poignant memory from his youth when he first vowed to protect a weeping Ye Zhen after becoming Crown Prince, promised to protect her forever and return safely.
Meanwhile, Ye Zhen petitioned the King to have her successor from Xiaozhong Prefecture, Ye Xinhe, transferred back to the palace, ostensibly for companionship but truly to find a new confidante to replace Rong Zhi. Ye Xinhe was then instructed to deliver the Autumn Water Sword to Chen Xuan before reporting to Ye Zhen. Chen Xuan, blinded and deeply despondent, still mourned Ye Celeng at the water dungeon.
Ye Xinhe, finding Fengming people "boring," conveyed the Queen's message that upon receiving the sword, Chen Xuan would understand her intentions and should visit her once he made his decision. Bai Shanshui also visited Chen Xuan, acknowledging his profound grief for Ye Celeng and their failed plan to escape Fengming together. She urged him to seek revenge, agreeing that Liang Lian deserved to die.
However, Chen Xuan stated his intention to kill both Liang Lian and Ye Zhen with the Autumn Water Sword to honor Ye Celeng, declaring Ye Zhen "more deserving of death."
Ye Xinhe later reported to Ye Zhen, confirming the King's multi-faceted plan regarding Fengwu and revealing her own motivation for acquiring the Life-sustaining Magic Art: as a chosen heir of Xiaozhong Prefecture, she suffered from a hidden illness due to "poison spirit training," and the art could heal her body even if it didn't advance her cultivation.
With the Heng army set to depart for Fengwu the next day and Lin Zhujiu too frail for travel, Baili Suxue approached Ding Ning, who was preoccupied with thoughts of Zhangsun Qianxue. Baili Suxue advised him that if Zhangsun Qianxue wished to hide, she wouldn't want to be found. He then inquired about Ding Ning's plans for the impending campaign.
Ding Ning revealed his intention to travel to Fengwu alone the following day and strictly warned Baili Suxue not to disclose this to anyone, especially the senior disciples, threatening to sever their brotherhood if he did. Baili Suxue, in turn, playfully retorted that he never wanted to be Ding Ning's brother in the first place.
Episode 28 Recap
Bai Shanshui approached Zhangsun Qianxue, asking if she still sought revenge for Ye Celeng's death. Zhangsun Qianxue immediately accused her of eavesdropping, to which Bai Shanshui admitted she had only overheard the latter part of their discussion. Zhangsun Qianxue conceded that her current cultivation was insufficient to defeat Ye Zhen. Bai Shanshui then suggested that if Zhangsun Qianxue truly desired vengeance, she should seek the Gushan Sword Manual from Ding Ning.
She went on to reveal that Liang Lian was the true perpetrator behind Ye Celeng's death. Later, Jiang Li, Xie Changsheng, Xie Rou, and Nangong Caishu confronted Ding Ning. Xie Changsheng complained that Ding Ning always tried to handle matters alone and leave them behind. Jiang Li admitted he was the one who had overheard Baili Suxue's conversation, which revealed Ding Ning's plans.
Ding Ning explained that Martial Uncle Baili Suxue would manage Baiyang Cave, and proposed that they all join the Xie family's merchant caravan the next day for mutual support on their journey. He expressed his profound gratitude and bowed in thanks, which prompted Xie Changsheng to remark that Ding Ning had changed. Meanwhile, Chen Xuan, feigning loyalty, met with Ye Zhen. Ye Zhen noted his presence confirmed her suspicions regarding his true intentions.
She then expressed her suspicion that Zhangsun Qianxue and Ding Ning had a close relationship and inquired if Chen Xuan remembered Ding Ning, who had gained the Life-sustaining Magic Art. Chen Xuan asked if she intended for him to kill Ding Ning. Ye Zhen revealed her suspicion regarding the true identities of Ding Ning and his aunt, particularly since his aunt possessed the Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword during the prison break.
Chen Xuan reaffirmed his previous use of hypnosis, which had shown Ding Ning to be an ordinary young man, and admitted he had not closely observed the aunt. Ye Zhen dismissed his previous findings, noting that Ding Ning and his aunt had been absent from Fengming for a while. She tasked Chen Xuan with uncovering their truth and retrieving the Life-sustaining Magic Art.
Ding Ning's group traveled with the Xie family's merchants until they reached a crossroads, where they parted ways. As they continued their journey, Xie Rou expressed her fatigue. Suddenly, they saw Fengwu soldiers pursuing a woman who cried for help. Jiang Li and Xie Changsheng immediately intervened to rescue her. The woman, Wu Lianzi, explained that the Fengwu army had brutally burned her village and slaughtered her clan to cover up their atrocities, chasing her ever since.
She expressed her desire to return to Fengwu and asked if she could join them. Ding Ning agreed, though he discreetly observed a distinct tattoo on her arm, which led him to suspect she was concealing crucial information. Back in Fengwu, the King received an urgent report that the Heng army had crossed the border at an unexpected speed.
Zhan Mohe, the National Teacher, advised the King to abandon their alliance with Xian and align with the Heng, arguing that Heng's victory was assured after the Lushan Alliance Meeting. The King, however, vehemently rejected this counsel, emphasizing the Heng's cruelty and Fengwu's unwavering loyalty to its allies. He ordered Zhan Mohe to drop the subject. Shortly after, Zhan Mohe was informed that the cavalry dispatched to capture Wu Lianzi had encountered Heng practitioners, who took her away.
Initially ordering her immediate retrieval, Zhan Mohe then changed his mind and decided to send a letter to the Heng army commander. An unarmed Fengwu practitioner delivered Zhan Mohe's letter to Yuan Zihan. The message from Zhan Mohe stated that the Fengwu King was too stubborn to recognize Heng's inevitable triumph. He offered Fengwu's map and battle plans in exchange for a fiefdom once Fengwu was conquered.
Pleased, Yuan Zihan, disregarding Yuan Zichu's objections, ordered his army to encamp and rest. He then explicitly ordered Marquis Liang not to inform Crown Prince Yuan Zichu about the letter. Yuan Zichu confronted Yuan Zihan, questioning the decision to halt their march when speed was vital in warfare. Yuan Zihan dismissed his concerns, claiming the soldiers, and he himself, needed rest. Yuan Zichu insisted on pressing forward, warning that delays would allow the enemy to prepare.
Yuan Zihan sternly reprimanded him for contradicting his commander and threatened military punishment for future insubordination. Later, during a celebration, Zhu Yuan secretly cast a spell on Liang Lian, making him susceptible to Yuan Zihan's will. Yuan Zihan then explicitly ordered Liang Lian to eliminate Yuan Zichu, suggesting it would pave his way to becoming Crown Prince. Under the influence of the spell, Liang Lian agreed. Ding Ning's group found lodging at the Daoyue Inn.
Xie Changsheng, after spending a significant amount of money, learned about Wuchou Town to the east. It was described as a ghost town, abandoned after a perpetual, impenetrable fog descended upon it, making it impossible to see. Ding Ning decided they would investigate Wuchou Town the next day. Wu Lianzi reacted with visible alarm, exclaiming, "No! You can't go!" That night, Wu Lianzi secretly fled while everyone was asleep. The next morning, Ding Ning and his companions discovered her absence.
Ding Ning surmised that the Fengwu soldiers' persistent pursuit meant she held crucial information. They resolved to find her. Yelü Canglang rallied his Fengwu troops for a perilous surprise attack deep behind enemy lines against the Heng army. Yuan Zihan, feigning conciliation, apologized to Yuan Zichu for his earlier harshness and stressed the importance of unity. He then proposed sending a small team to scout ahead, and Yuan Zichu volunteered to lead the vanguard.
Yuan Zihan cautioned him to be discreet and take minimal men to avoid detection. Yuan Zichu assured him of success and departed. Yuan Zihan watched Yuan Zichu leave, murmuring about their "last meeting," clearly indicating his ambition for the Crown Prince position. Yuan Zichu's vanguard was ambushed by Fengwu forces, resulting in heavy casualties. Yuan Zichu, wounded by an arrow, fell amidst the dead. A lone surviving deputy general was sent back for reinforcements.
Meanwhile, Zhangsun Qianxue arrived in Fengwu, seeking information about the Heng army's position. At an inn, she encountered Bai Shanshui, who was also hunting Liang Lian to avenge Fan Zhuo and other Bashan Sword Field traitors. They decided to join forces. Later, they discovered the severely wounded Yuan Zichu among the corpses on the battlefield. The surviving Heng deputy general reported the ambush to Yuan Zihan.
Yuan Zihan ordered Liang Lian to lead the "Tiger and Wolf Army" to rescue Yuan Zichu, instructing the deputy general to guide the way, but then gestured to Liang Lian to kill the deputy general to ensure his silence. Under Zhu Yuan's curse, Liang Lian followed Yuan Zihan's insidious command to eliminate both Yuan Zichu and the messenger. As Zhangsun Qianxue, Bai Shanshui, and Yuan Zichu heard approaching hoofbeats, Yuan Zichu believed they were reinforcements.
Zhangsun Qianxue and Bai Shanshui quickly concealed him to observe. They watched in horror as Liang Lian and his troops arrived and systematically executed the remaining wounded Heng soldiers. Bai Shanshui was enraged and moved to intervene, but Zhangsun Qianxue restrained her, emphasizing that their vengeance was not to be taken out on the innocent Yuan Zichu. Liang Lian's soldiers reported that Yuan Zichu's body was not found, leading Liang Lian to realize the Crown Prince must have been taken.
He reiterated his determination to kill Yuan Zichu and ordered his troops to pursue. Zhangsun Qianxue and Bai Shanshui, carrying Yuan Zichu, fled the scene. Yelü Canglang, returning victorious to Fengwu after the ambush, unexpectedly encountered Wu Lianzi, who was still fleeing. They embraced joyfully. Wu Lianzi tearfully recounted how National Teacher Zhan Mohe coveted a sacred artifact, slaughtered her Wu clan, and had been relentlessly pursuing her.
Yelü Canglang, though relieved to see her, was skeptical of her accusations against the National Teacher. He instructed her to return to camp, settle down, and then "think carefully about what exactly has happened." He also referred to her as "Saintess." At this moment, Ding Ning's group arrived. Yelü Canglang initially mistook them for Heng enemies and prepared to attack. Wu Lianzi quickly intervened, explaining that they had saved her life, thus defusing the confrontation.
Yelü Canglang allowed Ding Ning's group to depart, but warned them not to cross paths again. He then ordered his men to provide a docile horse for Wu Lianzi and ensure her well-being. Ding Ning's group feigned their departure but then secretly followed Yelü Canglang's army, suspecting that Wu Lianzi was not a traitor and that there was a deeper truth to uncover.
Back in the Heng imperial court, a grim report arrived: Crown Prince Yuan Zichu, leading the vanguard, had been ambushed by Fengwu Prince Yelü Canglang, resulting in the annihilation of his entire vanguard and his own death from exhaustion. The King of Heng was consumed by rage upon hearing the news of his son's death. He immediately issued an imperial edict, declaring his personal command of the army to attack Fengwu at midnight that very night, vowing to raze Fengwu to the ground.
Episode 29 Recap
As the vanguard forces pursued them relentlessly, Bai Shanshui fought back fiercely. Jiang Li urged Yuan Zichu to pull himself together, reminding him that the soldiers who died for him would have sacrificed their lives in vain otherwise. Although Yuan Zichu initially wanted to seek revenge immediately, Jiang Li convinced him to prioritize the larger situation and retreat. Yuan Zichu then revealed he knew Zhangsun Qianxue was involved in the prison break.
Feeling indebted to them for his rescue, he requested to travel with them, thus creating an opportunity for them to seek revenge. He also questioned Zhangsun Qianxue why she was involved in pursuing Liang Lian, connecting it to Ye Celeng. Zhangsun Qianxue confirmed that her pursuit was indeed because of Ye Celeng. Yuan Zichu then deduced that Zhangsun Qianxue was also involved in the water dungeon incident.
He reiterated that if he joined them, Liang Lian, who was still hunting him, would inevitably seek them out, thereby providing an opportunity for them to eliminate him. Meanwhile, Yelü Canglang and Wu Lianzi returned to the camp. Wu Lianzi expressed her fear, but Yelü Canglang reassured her, promising to clarify the misunderstanding between her and the Teacher of the Nation to his father.
Upon their return, Zhan Mohe, the Teacher of the Nation, immediately accused Wu Lianzi of destroying Wuchou Town years ago, claiming she was the sole survivor of the Wu clan and presented extensive evidence. He further accused her of having infiltrated Fengwu with the intention of leading the state down the same path of destruction as the Wu clan. Wu Lianzi vehemently denied these accusations, stating she would never harm her own people.
Yelü Canglang defended her, asking his father, the King of Fengwu, to investigate the matter. However, the King appeared unwell, and Zhan Mohe prevented Yelü Canglang from approaching him. Wu Lianzi then cried out that Zhan Mohe had murdered the King. In the ensuing chaos, she managed to escape with Yelü Canglang. Zhan Mohe immediately issued wanted posters, framing Yelü Canglang and Wu Lianzi as regicides and usurpers, ordering anyone assisting them to be killed.
They soon encountered Ding Ning and his companions, who had been following them. Zhan Mohe arrived shortly after, claiming Yelü Canglang and Wu Lianzi were the King's murderers and warning Ding Ning not to interfere. Wu Lianzi quickly clarified that Zhan Mohe was the true killer. Just as the confrontation escalated, Chen Xuan appeared, intervening by stating that Ding Ning was a wanted criminal of Heng and he was there to apprehend him.
This allowed Ding Ning and his group, along with Yelü Canglang and Wu Lianzi, to escape from Zhan Mohe. The group found temporary shelter for the night. Wu Lianzi revealed that Zhan Mohe had feigned escorting them to Mount Zu but was in fact coveting the sacred relic. He relentlessly pursued her clan, killing them all, and she barely escaped due to their sacrifices.
She explained that she is the Sacred Maiden of the Wu clan, tasked with guarding the Great Torture Sword. The outer barrier of Mount Zu's sanctuary could be opened by anyone, but the inner, absolutely sealed sanctuary, where the relic resides, required the pure blood of a Wu clan member as a key. This explained Zhan Mohe's relentless pursuit of her.
She also confirmed that the supposedly haunted Wuchou Town was indeed the sole entrance to Mount Zu's sanctuary, a special passage designed by Tuoba Wuchou, the legendary founder of the Lingxu Sword Sect, only accessible in times of great crisis for the sanctuary. Ding Ning proposed that with Fengwu now riddled with Zhan Mohe's spies, their only option was to enter the sanctuary first, acquire the Great Torture Sword, and then confront him.
Wu Lianzi agreed to lead the way but suggested waiting until morning. Later that night, as Ding Ning and Jiang Li took turns on watch, Jiang Li, gazing at the stars, expressed his sadness, missing his master. Chen Xuan arrived, asking Jiang Li to leave so he could speak with Ding Ning privately. Ding Ning assured Jiang Li that Chen Xuan posed no threat.
Chen Xuan then revealed that Ye Zhen, seeking the Life-sustaining Magic Art, had dispatched him to kill Ding Ning. Meanwhile, Huang Zhenwei's vanguard army entered Fengwu's territory. The King of Heng arrived at Yuan Zihan's camp, finding him heavily drunk amidst the disarray. Yuan Zihan tried to excuse his behavior by citing his sorrow over Yuan Zichu's death. Enraged, the King of Heng asked Huang Zhenwei about the military punishment for a general drinking during wartime, which was death.
Yuan Zihan pleaded for his life, reminding the King that he was his only son. The King, however, harshly ordered Yuan Zihan to be flogged eighty times, expressing his wish that it had been Yuan Zihan, not Yuan Zichu, who had been killed by the enemy. He then sent an envoy to the King of Fengwu, demanding the surrender of Yelü Canglang within three days, threatening to personally lead his army to conquer Fengwu if his demand was not met.
The King of Heng also revealed his suspicion that the "Great Rebellion" responsible for rescuing Lin Zhujiu from the water dungeon were now gathered in Wuchou Town, reinforcing his belief that this entire affair was linked to the Gushan Sword Manual. Separately, a wise advisor to the King of Xian lamented the swift and cunning invasion by Heng, Zhan Mohe's betrayal, and the death of the King of Fengwu, declaring Fengwu's situation hopeless.
He then mentioned that the Kings of Mo and Li had agreed to form an alliance to resist Heng's advance. Liang Lian, tracking Yuan Zichu, Bai Shanshui, and Zhangsun Qianxue, finally caught up to them. He ordered his soldiers to rescue the Crown Prince. Zhangsun Qianxue directly confronted Liang Lian, accusing him of betraying the Bashan Sword Field. Liang Lian retorted that the Bashan Sword Field's stubbornness was what led to their downfall.
A fierce battle ensued as Bai Shanshui and Zhangsun Qianxue fought together to protect Yuan Zichu. Liang Lian inflicted a severe wound on Bai Shanshui, causing her to lose her sword. Though outmatched, Zhangsun Qianxue desperately hurled her Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword to Bai Shanshui and then used her remaining strength to pin Liang Lian down. Empowered by the Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword, Bai Shanshui delivered the fatal blow, killing Liang Lian.
Ding Ning's group heard the sounds of the battle and rushed to the scene. They arrived to find Liang Lian dead, and both Bai Shanshui and Zhangsun Qianxue gravely injured. A stunned Yuan Zichu attempted to return Zhangsun Qianxue's Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword, and then Bai Shanshui's sword.
Having achieved her long-sought revenge, Bai Shanshui declared, "From now on, there will be no Yunshui Palace or Bai Shanshui in this world," before departing by boat, reciting a poignant poem about a sword user's solitary life and dedication. Yuan Zichu confronted Ding Ning with hostility, accusing him of mercilessly killing vanguard soldiers. Ding Ning explained the harsh realities of battlefield survival, while Wu Lianzi clarified Yelü Canglang's current predicament as a wanted criminal.
Seeing Zhangsun Qianxue suffering from a severe resurgence of cold energy, Wu Lianzi suggested they enter Wuchou Town immediately for safety before attempting any healing. As their boat navigated the river, a dense fog enveloped them. Wu Lianzi infused her Wu clan's sacred ring, an object from the sanctuary, with spiritual power and cast it into the water.
The fog gradually dissipated, revealing the dilapidated and deserted Wuchou Town, which she explained was the original appearance of the town, with the Giant Ziyu Tree guarding the sacred sanctuary. She confirmed that no one lived there anymore. Inside Wuchou Town, Zhangsun Qianxue initially resisted Ding Ning's efforts to heal her. Ding Ning insisted, reminding her that her life was in danger and that she was his only remaining family.
He apologized for concealing his true identity for the past decade, admitting he hadn't known how to face her as Liang Jingmeng. He then confessed that through their shared experiences, he had realized that revenge was not the only important thing in his life; she was equally, if not more, important. Deeply moved by his heartfelt confession, Zhangsun Qianxue finally forgave him. While Ding Ning healed Zhangsun Qianxue, Jiang Li and others went to fetch water.
Wu Lianzi, who had gone to the backyard to draw water, mysteriously vanished, leaving only a half-filled, spilled bucket. Ding Ning deduced that she had been abducted. Simultaneously, the King of Heng received intelligence that Liang Lian had been killed and, more importantly, that Crown Prince Yuan Zichu was still alive. He immediately ordered Yuan Zihan to conquer Fengwu before his return, threatening severe consequences if he failed.
The King of Heng, accompanied by Huang Zhenwei, set off directly for Wuchou Town to find Yuan Zichu, his suspicions about the Gushan Sword Manual reinforced by the presence of Lin Zhujiu's rescuers in the same location. Meanwhile, Zhan Mohe, who had captured Wu Lianzi, revealed his family's generational yearning for the Wu clan's sacred relic.
He asserted that Wu Lianzi was essential for him to obtain the relic, dismissing Fengwu's fate at the hands of Heng as irrelevant once he achieved his goal. He then prepared to use her for his nefarious purpose.
Episode 30 Recap
The Teacher of the Nation, Zhan Mohe, took Wu Lianzi's palm blood and, using it as a guide and a sword as the key, inserted it into a stone table to remove the sanctuary's barrier. He commented that Wu Lianzi was like a daughter to him, and he couldn't enjoy such a sacred moment alone. Later, he killed his subordinate, Tong'er, explaining that he couldn't let anyone else know the whereabouts of himself and the relic, despite her unwavering loyalty.
Meanwhile, the King of Heng and Huang Zhenwei found the body of Marquis Liang and surmised that Ding Ning and his companions were likely still in Wuchou Town, as the King had deduced that the secret of the Lone Mountain Sword Scroll was located there. Ding Ning's group tracked down Zhan Mohe, but their cultivation proved inferior, and they were severely injured.
They realized Wu Lianzi was in grave danger, concluding that Zhan Mohe's next target would be the Great Torture Sword itself. Zhan Mohe confronted Wu Lianzi, demanding to know the relic's location, specifically the Great Torture Sword. As Zhan Mohe advanced, Xie Rou valiantly stepped forward to resist, declaring that no one would harm Ding Ning as long as she was there.
Zhan Mohe, cunningly seizing an opportunity, ruthlessly stabbed her with a long blade, and she collapsed into Ding Ning's arms. In her dying breaths, Xie Rou reaffirmed her previous engagement to Ding Ning, insisting she never took it lightly. Ding Ning was heartbroken and expressed his lifelong gratitude for her sacrifice. Zhan Mohe then threatened Ding Ning, holding Wu Lianzi captive.
Unwilling to endanger anyone further, Wu Lianzi attempted to take her own life by stabbing herself with a long blade. As she lay wounded, vines erupted from a nearby ancient tree, wildly growing and engulfing Zhan Mohe, dragging him into the tangled roots. Just then, Tuoba Wuchou appeared, drawing the long blade from Wu Lianzi and using his cultivation to heal her, quickly stabilizing her condition.
Yelü Canglang was distraught, urging Wu Lianzi to live for the people of Fengwu and for her own sake, as she had come to rescue him, making him very happy. Tuoba Wuchou explained that he had sealed the Great Torture Sword in the Giant Ziyu Tree because people had once killed many innocents to obtain it. He had used his own body as an intermediary for this sealing.
Now that the sword was separated from the tree, his remaining days were few. He intended to find a new master for the Great Torture Sword, which was extremely proud and could only be wielded by a true king. Ding Ning stepped forward to try and grasp the sword, but at that very moment, the King of Heng also arrived, seeking the Great Torture Sword for himself. Both men simultaneously reached for its hilt.
The scene transformed, and Ding Ning appeared as Liang Jingmeng, confronting the King of Heng, Yuan Wu. Liang Jingmeng accused Yuan Wu of straying from the righteous path, betraying their shared kingly ideals, and failing the common people. Yuan Wu, however, dismissed their past agreements as naïve ideals, asserting that only war could bring stability to the realm, and that sacrificing thousands of lives was a trivial cost for the prosperity and long-term peace of the Kingdom of Heng.
Liang Jingmeng condemned Yuan Wu's tyrannical rule, which had caused widespread suffering and led to the demise of many, including the Bashan Sword Field. Yuan Wu remained unyielding, declaring that the world was his, and that the Bashan Sword Field had to perish for the Kingdom of Heng to thrive. Liang Jingmeng vowed to use his sword to end Yuan Wu's reign, as Yuan Wu had been blinded by hegemony and was no longer the man he once knew.
The King of Heng attacked first, but Ding Ning successfully drew the Great Torture Sword, though he suffered an internal injury. The King of Heng was left in a furious rage, shouting for Liang Jingmeng and Ding Ning. Huang Zhenwei tried to calm his king, but to no avail. Tuoba Wuchou explained that the confrontation was a magical illusion created by the Great Torture Sword, capable of creating space and confusing minds.
Ding Ning realized that he and Yuan Wu had both seen each other's true selves. Tuoba Wuchou further revealed that the Great Torture Sword could gather immense spiritual energy, potentially enabling a practitioner to reach the ninth realm of immortality, but also capable of causing them to explode if the energy could not be controlled. He confessed his past indecision had led to the massacre of the Wu clan and the death of his beloved, A-zi.
Zhan Mohe's ancestors were responsible for that tragedy. Tuoba Wuchou had later used all his cultivation to revive A-zi, then merged with the Great Torture Sword and the Giant Ziyu Tree, transforming into a protective array for the Wu clan, creating the two Wuchou Towns. Now, with the Great Torture Sword having chosen a new master and Wu Lianzi providing a home for the revived A-zi, Tuoba Wuchou felt his purpose fulfilled.
Before his departure, he advised Ding Ning to wield the sword wisely, cherish those around him, and live without regrets. Meanwhile, Chen Xuan returned to Ye Zhen, presenting the Life-sustaining Magic Art in exchange for the position of Central Punishment Director. Ye Zhen initially doubted him, but Chen Xuan proved his knowledge by reciting portions of the ancient text. Ye Zhen, eager for the art, promised him the promotion by the next day.
Unknown to Ye Zhen, Chen Xuan had a sinister plan. He had earlier confided in Ding Ning in Fengwu, revealing that Ye Zhen had sent him to kill Ding Ning for the art. However, driven by a desire for revenge for Ye Celeng's death, Chen Xuan had secretly collaborated with Ding Ning.
His plan was to give Ye Zhen a reversed version of the Life-sustaining Magic Art—an authentic-looking but fundamentally flawed copy that would cause her meridian circulation to reverse, destroy her own cultivation, and ultimately lead to vital blood flowing backward and her death. He declared that he cared little for the fate of the world, only for Ye Celeng's vindication. Ding Ning expressed his admiration for Chen Xuan's insidious scheme.
After his encounter with Tuoba Wuchou, Ding Ning revealed his true identity to his companions, admitting his deception and apologizing for not being able to tell them sooner. Jiang Li affirmed his unwavering loyalty, stating that they had followed Ding Ning of Baiyang Cave and would continue to do so. Yuan Zichu, while acknowledging that Ding Ning had used him and had reservations, couldn't abandon their past friendship.
He decided to return to his father, the King of Heng, despite Ding Ning's warning about the King's temperament, arguing that his coming there was due to his royal brother, and that sometimes a former friend was better than a brother. Yuan Zichu warned Ding Ning that Fengming was no longer safe for them and that their paths had diverged, promising no mercy if they met as enemies again.
When the King of Heng found Yuan Zichu, he questioned him about Ding Ning's whereabouts. Yuan Zichu falsely claimed he had seen nothing and had only hidden in the fog to escape the rebels after Marquis Liang's death. Separately, Ye Xinhe questioned Queen Ye Zhen's insistence on practicing the Life-sustaining Magic Art, especially since Ye Zhen wanted to use it to repair a hidden illness in the heir of Xiaozhong Prefecture, who had been chosen through the Gu-cultivation selection.
Ye Xinhe argued that with the King of Heng absent, they should seize more substantial power for their clan, the Xiaozhong Prefecture. Ye Zhen rebuked her, asserting that the Xiaozhong Prefecture had already achieved more than expected. She added that the King of Heng had been kind to her for a decade, and she had no desire to betray him or fight for power, advising Ye Xinhe to learn patience instead of indulging greed.
Episode 31 Recap
Yuan Zichu confessed to the King of Heng that he had previously withheld information. He revealed that he survived an attack because Bai Shanshui, a rebel from Qian, had defeated Liang Lian. Yuan Zichu believed Liang Lian, despite his ambition, would not have dared to act against him without being manipulated by someone else, and urged his father to investigate this private family matter and deliver justice.
Meanwhile, Prince Liling, the King of Xian, discussed their strategy to attack Heng with his advisors. He noted that although the recent battle in Fengwu had boosted Heng's morale, it would complicate their future. Recognizing Yuan Zihan's ruthless nature, the King of Xian dispatched Li Yunrui to the Fengwu-Xian border under the guise of providing humanitarian aid to the old and weak. This mission was designed to both enhance Xian's reputation and buy time for the imminent joint invasion.
With the armies of Xian, Mo, and Li already positioned at Heng's border, they planned for Li Yunrui to launch a surprise attack, capitalizing on Heng's stretched forces to secure both territory and population. Yuan Zihan, anxious about Yuan Zichu's survival, had previously conspired with Zhu Yuan to use a Gu spell to control the Crown Prince.
Upon Yuan Zichu's return, Yuan Zihan presented him with the severed head of Liang Lian, claiming he had avenged Yuan Zichu, despite Yuan Zichu’s clear statement that Liang Lian had attempted rebellion and that he almost died at the hands of his own people. Later, a maid named Xiaoyue, who had been transferred from Fengming Palace by Zhu Yuan, offered Yuan Zichu tea. Unsuspecting, Yuan Zichu drank the Gu-laced tea.
The following day, under the spell's influence, Yuan Zichu publicly denounced Yuan Zihan's brutality in Fengwu and accused the King of Heng of cruelty and past injustices, even referencing the King's role in the downfall of Liang Jingmeng and the Bashan Sword Field, warning of divine retribution. Although enraged, the King of Heng sensed something unusual.
He ordered Huang Zhenwei to confine Yuan Zichu and forbade anyone from pleading for him, while secretly tasking Huang Zhenwei to investigate the true cause of the Crown Prince’s bizarre behavior. As the Heng army stormed Fengwu, Ding Ning and his companions found themselves amidst the ensuing chaos, helping civilians evacuate.
Yelü Canglang, the King of Fengwu, entrusted his people's safety to Ding Ning, asking him to escort the old, weak, women, and children to Xian, reminding Ding Ning of a past favor owed by the King of Xian. Yelü Canglang refused to abandon his fighting soldiers, declaring that a true king would not flee. His beloved, Wu Lianzi, then appeared, proclaiming her unwavering resolve to live and die with him.
She spoke passionately of a life without her beloved being utterly meaningless, a sentiment that profoundly moved Ding Ning. He granted her wish to stay with Yelü Canglang. Soon after, Yuan Zihan's forces surrounded them. Yuan Zihan mocked Yelü Canglang before ordering his archers to fire, leading to Yelü Canglang and Wu Lianzi being fatally pierced by countless arrows as they fell together at the city gate. Yuan Zihan then callously ordered their heads to be collected.
Recognizing the slow pace of the elderly and children in their group, Ding Ning decided to split forces. He and Zhangsun Qianxue would draw the Heng army's attention, while Jiang Li and Nangong Caishu led the refugees to Xian. They agreed to meet at the Xian border, with a crucial contingency: if Ding Ning did not arrive within three days, Jiang Li was to return to Minshan, where Lin Zhujiu and Baili Suxue would organize a rescue.
As Ding Ning and Zhangsun Qianxue led the pursuers away, they were attacked by soldiers who recognized Zhangsun Qianxue from the incident involving Marquis Liang. After evading their enemies, they discovered a secluded cave containing a spirit vein, which Zhangsun Qianxue had sensed with her Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword. Ding Ning deemed this a perfect location for intensive cultivation.
He acknowledged that the King of Heng was already in the eighth realm and Ye Zhen at the peak of the seventh, emphasizing the urgent need to increase his own power for vengeance. With one more level, his Life-sustaining Magic Art would fully resolve his yang hyperactivity.
Zhangsun Qianxue proposed a plan: she would use her Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword to protect him, allowing him to simultaneously cultivate his Life-sustaining Magic Art and forge the Great Torture Sword into his natal sword. This synergistic process would also enable her to break into the seventh realm.
Confident in the safety of their hidden sanctuary, Ding Ning teased Zhangsun Qianxue for her rare shyness, to which she mused that she used to only see him as Ding Ning, and he confirmed he was still just Ding Ning. They shared a tender embrace and kiss. The King of Heng received urgent reports of the allied forces from Xian, Mo, and Li invading Heng. Initially, he commanded a full retreat to the capital to confront the allied armies.
However, a new report detailed that Xian had deployed an additional 100,000 troops into Fengwu. Recognizing Xian's strategic foresight, the King immediately ordered Yuan Zihan to lead the main army back to Fengwu to defend the captured cities and prevent Xian from gaining any territorial advantage. In Fengming, Ye Zhen, having learned that the King of Heng was preoccupied in Fengwu while the allied forces launched their invasion, convened her court.
She initially proposed appointing Fang Xiumu to lead 300,000 troops to attack Li, aiming to break the alliance. During the discussion, she remarked to Chancellor Li that his past "meritorious" deeds, much like Liang Jingmeng's, had led to his injuries, implying a warning about being too powerful. Chancellor Li, however, strongly advised against attacking Li, arguing that Xian, as the largest and leading force, should be the primary target.
He warned that focusing on the weaker Li might allow Xian and Mo to bypass Li and directly attack Fengming, potentially leading to its fall and Xian's global dominance. With the unanimous support of her ministers for Chancellor Li's strategy, Ye Zhen outwardly agreed to redirect the main force to attack Xian. Privately, however, Ye Zhen revealed to Ye Xinhe that she had anticipated this opposition.
She secretly instructed Ye Xinhe to send an order to the Ye clan in Xiaozhong Prefecture, arranging for a surprise attack on Li. Ye Zhen believed this covert action would force Li's army to return for defense, throwing them into disarray and allowing Heng to capitalize on the chaos.
Ye Xinhe voiced concerns about public rumors that Ye Zhen sought to usurp power, but Ye Zhen dismissed them, stating her sole concern was the preservation of Heng and that the King of Heng did not heed such gossip. After waiting three days at the Xian border without any sign of Ding Ning, Jiang Li decided to depart, honoring their contingency plan.
He informed Li Yunrui of his intention to leave, explaining that as people from Heng, their presence would be inconvenient and a burden during the ongoing conflict between Heng and Xian. Li Yunrui, though unable to convince him to stay, respected Jiang Li's resolve. He showed Jiang Li a military report detailing the strict lockdown of the borders between Heng, Fengwu, and Xian, making it dangerous for Jiang Li’s identity to pass unnoticed.
Despite this, Jiang Li reiterated his unwavering commitment to his identity as a person from Heng and his agreement with Ding Ning. Recognizing his firm stance, Li Yunrui reluctantly allowed him to depart. Frequent reports of military setbacks began to pour into the Heng court, alarming Chancellor Li and the other ministers. Three thousand vanguard soldiers were lost at the Heng-Xian border.
The Mo army, with 300,000 troops, engaged Fang Xiumu at Qilongling, while Li's 100,000 forces remained strangely inactive at their border, suggesting their main strength was allied with Mo. The situation worsened with news that Liangshan Prefecture was under a fierce pincer attack by 400,000 Xian troops, jointly led by the King of Xian and Lü Siche, causing distress among the ministers over this cunning strategy.
Amidst these escalating conflicts, Fang Xiumu, the esteemed head of Heng's Eleven Marquises, personally confronted Di Xiu, the Flying Eagle General of Mo. In a decisive duel at Qilongling, Fang Xiumu defeated and killed Di Xiu with his spear, galvanizing the Heng forces, who then charged into battle with renewed morale.
Episode 32 Recap
At Fengwu Palace, Yuan Zihan observed that the Xian forces were merely feigning attacks, not intending a full invasion. Despite this, he was bound by his father's orders to remain stationed there and could not return to the capital, leaving his brother Yuan Zichu's situation and an associated plan a major concern.
A subordinate attempted to reassure him, suggesting that Yuan Zichu's outburst in court, directly mentioning Liang Jingmeng and hitting a nerve with the King, was likely an unintentional mistake with severe consequences regardless. Yuan Zihan, unwilling to remain passive, sought a plan. His subordinate then reported that Zhu Yuan's men had located Jiang Li of Baiyang Cave and Nangong Caishu of Qingteng Sword School near the border.
Recognizing their past association with rebels who pursued Liang Lian, Yuan Zihan instructed his men to follow them closely, hoping that if they remained within the cordon, they could "reel in a big fish." Meanwhile, an urgent report reached the King of Li at Anding Gate: patrol guards found dozens of dead bodies outside the city, victims of Xiaozhong Prefecture's poison.
A blood letter discovered on one of the bodies warned the King of Li to retreat his army, or he would suffer the same fate. The King, infuriated by Queen Ye Zhen's insidious tactics in using Xiaozhong's elite troops to attack his rear, debated the retreat. While he was reluctant to break the alliance with Xian, his medical officer confirmed the poison's deadly nature and lack of antidote, warning that its next target would be the capital of Li itself.
Faced with this dire threat, the King of Li reluctantly ordered his troops to withdraw. Upon hearing of Li's retreat, Mo General Qianmu was not surprised, though he expressed lingering anger. He knew Li had always been hesitant about the alliance. Despite the alliance's crumbling, Qianmu remained resolute, recalling the tragic death of his master, Lian Ying, at the hands of Marquis Fang.
Learning that Fang Xiumu was the general leading the Heng forces, Qianmu was determined to fight, viewing it as a chance to avenge his master and settle scores from the Lushan Alliance Meeting. During the ensuing battle, Heng's army, employing powerful fire wheels, overwhelmed the Mo forces. The intense fiery assault devastated the battlefield, leaving a bloody trail of dismembered bodies. Days later, the King of Heng made a triumphant return to the capital, greeted by his officials.
Chancellor Li updated him on the war's progress: Li had retreated, General Qianmu was defeated, and the King of Mo had ordered a 20-li withdrawal. The King then commanded Fang Xiumu to redirect his forces to Liangshan County, consolidating troops to defend it. He also acknowledged Queen Ye Zhen's Xiaozhong elite troops for their significant contribution in breaking the three-state alliance. Despite these victories, the King stressed that Xian's ambitions were not to be underestimated.
In Minshan, Jiang Li and Nangong Caishu recounted their experiences in Fengwu to Baili Suxue and Lin Zhujiu. Lin Zhujiu inferred that Ding Ning had found the Great Torture Sword and confronted Yuan Wu. He predicted that Yuan Wu would undoubtedly dispatch a large Heng army to capture Ding Ning, making his escape difficult.
Baili Suxue advised Jiang Li and Nangong Caishu to remain in Minshan and share all details of what happened in Fengwu, so they could formulate the next course of action. Back in the palace, Queen Ye Zhen visited Yuan Zichu, who was under house arrest. Yuan Zichu confessed to having no memory of the incident in court where he lost his composure.
He also mentioned feeling weak without a clear cause and expressed fear that his father, the King, was now disappointed in him. Ye Zhen, already suspicious, instructed a subordinate to arrange for doctors to thoroughly examine the Crown Prince and uncover any anomalies. Later, Ye Zhen spoke with the King of Heng, voicing her concern over Yuan Zichu's strange illness and hinting at a Xian witch influencing Yuan Zihan, implying a potential conspiracy.
The King dismissed her suspicions about Yuan Zihan without proof, but confirmed that he had already sent Huang Zhenwei to investigate Yuan Zichu's situation. The King then unexpectedly demanded control of Ye Zhen's elite Xiaozhong Prefecture troops. When she resisted, he retorted that she had no choice and challenged her deep-seated guilt over Liang Jingmeng's death, accusing her of maintaining this sorrow for ten years.
He suggested that if Liang Jingmeng were still alive, she wouldn't need to feel guilty anymore. At this point, Huang Zhenwei reported to the King, confirming suspicious circumstances during Yuan Zichu's Fengwu trip. He revealed that a maidservant named Xiao Yue, usually not permitted to accompany the army, had traveled with Yuan Zichu to Fengwu and had been comatose since their return, effectively severing any further leads.
Huang Zhenwei ventured to suggest that Yuan Zichu's outburst was not intentional and pleaded for his house arrest to be lifted. The King, however, seemed lost in thought, recalling his own confrontation with Ding Ning over the Great Torture Sword and Ding Ning's challenge to his reign, and ignored the plea, realizing Ding Ning's true identity. Turning back to Ye Zhen, the King continued their conversation.
He understood her tears were for Liang Jingmeng and her heart had never truly belonged to him. He then delved into Ye Zhen's past, revealing that she was an "inheritor" from Xiaozhong County, an island nation that used the brutal "Gu-sheng" method to select its strongest leader every ten years.
She had abandoned this path and her mission for Liang Jingmeng, but her regret and emptiness had driven her to cultivate the Life-sustaining Magic Art, aspiring to break into the Eighth Realm. The King confronted her ambition to surpass him, reminding her of the karmic cycle. He then delivered a shocking revelation: Ding Ning was, in fact, Liang Jingmeng.
This news shattered Ye Zhen, who reacted with a desperate, desolate laugh before immediately dispatching Ye Xinhe to Fengwu, ordering her to bring Ding Ning back to her, by any means necessary. Meanwhile, Ding Ning and Zhangsun Qianxue were in a cave, immersed in cultivation. Their potent sword energy radiated, filling the entire mountain. Zhu Yuan, passing by, noticed the unusual phenomenon and immediately ordered his men to surround the area, believing the rebels were at hand.
Inside the cave, Zhangsun Qianxue successfully broke into the seventh realm, the Mountain-moving Realm, impressing Ding Ning. However, Zhu Yuan seized the opportunity to attack while Ding Ning was still absorbing vital energy. Zhangsun Qianxue bravely shielded Ding Ning at the cave entrance, but during the struggle, she was struck by Zhu Yuan's poison. Just as she faltered, Ding Ning emerged, his sword drawn.
Zhu Yuan was stunned, realizing Ding Ning had not only achieved a breakthrough but now possessed power superior to his own. He could only watch as Ding Ning swiftly rescued Zhangsun Qianxue and fled.
Later, concerned for Minshan's safety now that the King of Heng had returned and learned Ding Ning's true identity, Baili Suxue instructed Jiang Li to prepare for a swift departure, emphasizing that he must escort Lin Zhujiu out of Fengming before the King of Heng could locate them. Jiang Li pledged to do so, not wanting to disappoint Ding Ning.
Ding Ning, riding furiously, realized that with Yuan Wu now aware of his true identity, Baili Suxue would be in grave danger. He knew he had to reach Minshan before Yuan Wu did, to meet Lin Zhujiu and protect Baili Suxue. Zhangsun Qianxue, weakened by her recent breakthrough and the poison, found the journey difficult. Ding Ning found a dilapidated hut for them to rest. However, shortly after they entered, Zhu Yuan and his soldiers arrived, surrounding the small dwelling.
Episode 33 Recap
Ding Ning, having made significant advancements in his cultivation, effortlessly defeated Zhu Yuan's pursuing forces. However, during the commotion, Ye Xinhe stealthily abducted Zhangsun Qianxue. Meanwhile, the King of Heng reflected on a pivotal moment from a decade ago when he offered Ye Zhen the position of Queen. He assured her that he valued her heart more than her past, urging her to leave her past behind if she truly wished to be his queen and wife.
Around the same time, the Eleven Marquises, following the elimination of the Shang and Gongsun families who had opposed the reform, expressed a sudden eagerness to restart the reform and pledged their allegiance to Liang Jingmeng. They highlighted his close relationship with the King, his having saved the King's life, and his capacity to protect Heng. The King, sensing the shift in their loyalty, shared a toast with Liang Jingmeng.
However, this apparent alliance was shattered when an official announcement declared Liang Jingmeng an assassin, executed for attempting to murder the King. Orders were subsequently issued to either align with the King or face death. In the present, the King learned that Jiang Li and others had left Minshan before Huang Zhenwei could arrive, confirming his suspicion that Baili Suxue knew Ding Ning's true identity, and many were deceiving him.
He felt Liang Jingmeng's continued presence, even in another form, was an enduring threat. Eldest Prince Yuan Zihan returned to Fengming but was met with his father's continued favor for Yuan Zichu and a refusal to grant him an audience. Feeling slighted, Yuan Zihan coerced the palace maid Xiao Yue, threatening her family, to secretly administer a slow-acting poison to Yuan Zichu's daily meals. Xiao Yue complied, ensuring the poison accumulated without immediate detection. Yuan Zichu’s health deteriorated rapidly.
One evening, noticing his increasing weakness, Xiao Yue urged him to eat. Yuan Zichu, in a gesture of kindness, remembered Xiao Yue's past wish to visit her family and presented her with a handwritten letter granting her permission to leave the palace. Overwhelmed by his compassion, Xiao Yue broke down and confessed her crime, though she did not explicitly name Yuan Zihan as the mastermind.
Unbeknownst to her, Huang Zhenwei had already investigated and informed the King that a Jiantian Bureau official had seen Xiao Yue leaving Yuan Zihan’s chamber, strongly implicating the eldest prince. Ye Xinhe reported to Ye Zhen that while Ding Ning had escaped, she had successfully captured Zhangsun Qianxue. Ye Zhen then confronted Zhangsun Qianxue in a secluded area, demanding to know if Ding Ning was indeed Liang Jingmeng.
Zhangsun Qianxue challenged Ye Zhen's moral standing, reminding her that she herself had poisoned Liang Jingmeng. Ye Zhen retorted by recounting her sacrifices for Liang Jingmeng, including betraying her entire Xiaozhong Prefecture, only to feel that he had secretly favored Zhangsun Qianxue by teaching her cultivation and gifting her the Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword.
Zhangsun Qianxue clarified that her relationship with Liang Jingmeng had ended a decade ago, but asserted that after Ye Zhen "killed his heart," fate had brought her and Ding Ning together. Enraged, Ye Zhen offered Zhangsun Qianxue a sword, and the two engaged in a fierce duel. Weakened by Zhu Yuan's lingering poison, Zhangsun Qianxue was ultimately overpowered and severely wounded by Ye Zhen. Ye Zhen declared that if she couldn't have Ding Ning, no one else would.
Ding Ning, upon learning of Zhangsun Qianxue's capture, immediately headed to Wutongluo, which was heavily guarded. He fought his way through the soldiers and burst into the wine shop where Ye Zhen waited. Ye Zhen, visibly overjoyed, greeted him with "Jingmeng." However, Ding Ning’s gaze remained fixed on the gravely injured Zhangsun Qianxue.
He curtly demanded her release, declaring that his return was to settle the decade-long score for the King of Heng's betrayal of him and the Bashan Sword Field. Enraged by his indifference and accusation, Ye Zhen cried out, reminding him of her ultimate sacrifice in betraying her family and state for him, only to be deceived from the start. She then aimed the Ninth-hell Dark Lord Sword at him, threatening to kill him if he came any closer.
Unfazed, Ding Ning walked directly towards her, allowing the sword to pierce his chest. With a surge of internal power, he shattered the blade. He then gently lifted Zhangsun Qianxue into his arms, reassuring her that as long as they were together, any place could be their home, and he would take her there. A heartbroken Ye Zhen watched them depart, muttering that they would not get far and Zhangsun Qianxue would not survive the day.
The King of Heng visited a weakened Yuan Zichu, informing him that Huang Zhenwei had uncovered the truth about the poisoning at Fengwu Hall and apologizing for his earlier misjudgment. Yuan Zichu, in turn, asked if the King truly harbored a deep-seated resentment towards Liang Jingmeng, given the destruction of the Bashan Sword Field. The King admitted his obsession, describing Liang Jingmeng's brilliance as a rival sun, asserting that only one could exist.
He explained that Liang Jingmeng's immense power and influence, especially when he opposed the King's reforms and garnered support from powerful families like Gongsun, posed an insurmountable threat to his rule. Yuan Zichu, still troubled, questioned why the King would eliminate a loyal subject and a brother. The King retorted by highlighting Yuan Zichu's own brother, Yuan Zihan, who had attempted to poison him.
Yuan Zichu, with his inherently kind nature, defended Yuan Zihan's actions, attributing them to the eldest prince's understandable discontent at being overlooked. The King then tested Yuan Zichu, observing his hesitation and calling him too indecisive for a ruler, emphasizing that a monarch must maintain absolute control and that he had no regrets about his past actions. Yuan Zichu, however, mused whether the King truly felt no remorse deep down, despite his outward resolve.
Shortly after, Huang Zhenwei reported that Zhu Yuan, one of Yuan Zihan's aides, was the one who poisoned the Crown Prince. Brought before the King, Zhu Yuan confessed, claiming she acted alone out of a misguided sense of loyalty to Yuan Zihan, whom she felt was unjustly neglected. The King was about to order her execution, but Huang Zhenwei quickly intervened, reminding him that Zhu Yuan possessed the antidote.
Despite obtaining the antidote, it proved to be too late; the poison had already permeated Yuan Zichu's bone marrow, destined to cause progressively longer periods of unconsciousness. As Zhangsun Qianxue lay dying, Baili Suxue’s disciples, standing outside, sensed her deteriorating condition but decided not to disturb the couple in their final moments. Inside, Ding Ning comforted her. Zhangsun Qianxue, in turn, expressed her desire to use her remaining vital energy to treat his yang hyperactivity.
When Ding Ning attempted to refuse, she gently chided him. With a serene smile, she took a broken sword, carefully cut a lock of her hair and a lock of Ding Ning's, and placed them into a small pouch. Then, with her head resting against him, her breath slowly faded away as Ding Ning held her close, weeping in profound grief. Later, the King of Heng found Ye Zhen near the deserted Wutongluo.
He remarked on the unusual quietness, hinting that she still harbored feelings for Liang Jingmeng. Ye Zhen, however, challenged him, asking if he hated or feared Liang Jingmeng, suggesting that he was the one who truly couldn't let go of the past. Their tense exchange was interrupted by Huang Zhenwei, who reported that despite the antidote, Yuan Zichu’s condition was critical. The poison had seeped into his bone marrow, leading to progressively longer periods of unconsciousness. Enraged, the King declared that if the royal doctors failed to save Yuan Zichu, everyone in the Royal Academy of Medicine would pay with their lives.
Episode 34 (Ending) Recap
As Yuan Zichu lay dying, Ye Zhen desperately tried to save him. However, the King of Heng, unable to bear his son's suffering, watched as he passed away. With his last breaths, Yuan Zichu apologized to his mother and father, knowing he could no longer attend to them. After Yuan Zichu’s death, the distraught King ordered Zhu Yuan to be torn limb from limb and exiled Yuan Zihan to the frontier to aid Fang Xiumu.
Ye Zhen confronted the King, questioning how he could show such leniency to Yuan Zihan when his servant and master were so similar in their ways, but the King merely replied that it was Yuan Zichu’s dying wish. Meanwhile, Ding Ning, his hair turned white from grief, recalled Zhangsun Qianxue's final words.
She had told him how far they had come, remembering Mr. Xue, Ye Celeng, Miss Xie Rou, and the many disciples of the Bashan Sword Field who had died without regret for him. She urged him not to blame himself, conceding that he could seek revenge if he needed to, but ultimately wishing for him to shed his burdens and live only for himself.
Driven by her own despair and newly ascended to the eighth realm, Ye Zhen confronted Baili Suxue at Minshan, demanding the Life-sustaining Magic Art. Baili Suxue refused, remarking that she had lost her mind and that the art would be useless to her, adding that she would never achieve what she truly desired. Enraged, Ye Zhen killed him.
Later, feigning drunkenness, Ye Zhen went to the King of Heng’s bedchamber, expressing a desire to reconcile and be his queen once more. She then seized the opportunity to inject a poisoned needle into his brain, leaving him paralyzed and speechless. She then issued a false royal decree, taking control of the court.
She announced that the King was indisposed, forbade anyone from entering his chambers without permission, and ordered the palace gates to be opened for all visitors, emphasizing that this was the King's will. As news of the King’s condition spread, rumors filled the city. Chen Xuan, disguised, appeared among the crowds and sought out Lin Zhujiu, revealing that Ding Ning was alive and that the Life-sustaining Magic Art was a fraud.
He explained that the opening of the palace gates was for Ding Ning and urged Lin Zhujiu to help him save the Kingdom of Heng. Together, they covertly made their way into the palace. Concurrently, a fierce battle raged in Liangshan County. Yuan Zihan narrowly escaped death at the hands of the Xian army, saved by Fang Xiumu.
Fang Xiumu, knowing their position was dire with Xian forces breaching Liangshan and all three battle lines lost, urged Yuan Zihan to flee and deliver the urgent war report to the King. Fang Xiumu then declared that the Kingdom of Heng would not yield an inch of its territory, bravely charging back into the enemy lines, where he was met with a volley of arrows and died.
Upon learning of the victory at Liangshan, the King of Xian ordered his army to press their advantage and pursue the retreating Heng forces. Chen Xuan and Lin Zhujiu reached the King's bedchamber, where they were intercepted by Ye Xinhe. She confronted Chen Xuan, questioning his return and refusing to allow Lin Zhujiu entry, fearing his true motive was to avenge Bashan, especially with Xiaozhong’s ambitions threatening the state.
Chen Xuan insisted that this was the only way to save Heng and vowed that no one would pass him. Inside, Lin Zhujiu saw the incapacitated King of Heng. He reflected on how the King had achieved his throne through the "blood of Bashan's disciples," and whether he felt any guilt. Lin Zhujiu contemplated killing the King, believing that not doing so would make him a traitor to Bashan.
However, he recalled past conversations with Ding Ning, recognizing that in a time of national crisis, personal grudges should not supersede the state’s well-being. He concluded that killing the King would make him a sinner against Heng. Choosing the greater good, Lin Zhujiu removed the poisoned needle from the King's head, stating that he spared the King for the sake of the Kingdom of Heng.
With a heavy heart, Lin Zhujiu then apologized for his past crimes as a Bashan disciple and committed suicide with his own sword. Ding Ning, now facing Ye Zhen in the palace, declared his intention to settle their longstanding grudges. Ye Zhen, visibly moved by his presence, welcomed him back, offering him the entire Kingdom of Heng. She proposed that he rule as King and she as Queen, working together to bring prosperity to their people.
Ding Ning questioned her, asking if she truly recognized the errors of her ways. Ye Zhen retorted by asking if he knew why she had killed him, asserting that he had betrayed her. Ding Ning countered that she hadn't just killed him, but annihilated the entire Bashan Sword Field. Ye Zhen defended her actions, claiming she only desired a man who genuinely loved her. Recalling their past, she proposed they "start over," now that Zhangsun Qianxue was gone.
Ding Ning, however, firmly rejected her. He explained that Zhangsun Qianxue, despite never knowing his true identity, had remained steadfast by his side, and his heart would forever remain with her. He declared that any connection between him and Ye Zhen had been severed with the destruction of the Bashan Sword Field. Ye Zhen, heartbroken and enraged, attacked Ding Ning with her sword.
In a moment of desperation, she discarded her Sparkling Comet-tail Sword and impaled herself on Ding Ning's blade, pleading with him to "give me back your love" as she fell. The King of Heng, witnessing Ye Zhen’s tragic death, felt a pang of sorrow. Ding Ning then confronted the King of Heng, reflecting on their past as brothers.
The King attempted to justify his betrayal of Bashan, arguing that while Liang Jingmeng and his disciples were loyal and valiant, their immense achievements threatened his authority. He questioned if he could truly be monarch if he shared power, claiming to have no regrets as the King of Heng, despite the injustice to a brother.
Ding Ning challenged this, asserting that the King was merely protecting his throne, not the stability of Heng, and that true national strength came from the people's well-being, not territorial expansion. The King maintained that peace could only be achieved by ending all wars through conquest.
Ding Ning reminded him of their old agreement: Bashan would help Heng conquer the remaining three states within a decade, forging an unprecedented empire of peace and prosperity, with Liang Jingmeng only asking for the Bashan Sword Field and Ye Zhen for himself. Acknowledging the King’s decade-long thirst for revenge, Ding Ning challenged him to act.
He somberly noted that both of them had blood on their hands and would not find peace, but the innocent common people deserved tranquility, and it was the King's duty to restore it. The King hesitated. Ultimately, Ding Ning chose not to kill him, declaring that as Liang Jingmeng, a brother and subject, he had no regrets.
He expressed his disagreement with the King's imperial philosophy but conceded that only the King could now save Heng from the throes of war, urging him to remember their old agreement. The King's guards questioned whether to let Ding Ning go, and after a moment's pause, the King assented. Following these tumultuous events, Yuan Zihan reported the fall of Liangshan County to the King and implored him to mobilize troops.
The King, looking upon Yuan Zichu’s body, lamented his son’s fate, born into a royal family marked by sibling rivalry. He resolved not to execute Yuan Zihan, recognizing that Heng's future depended on him as the sole remaining heir. The King then personally led his armies to confront Xian. Jiang Li, along with the disciples of White Goat Cave, answered the call to arms, fighting for universal peace.
The Kingdom of Heng achieved a great victory, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity for its people. Yuan Zihan, spared from exile, was now destined to become King, though he would forever bear the stain of fratricide and rebellion. Chen Xuan, carrying the Autumn Water Sword, visited Ye Celeng’s tomb, telling her that his master had finally relinquished his hatred, and she should find peace as well.
A decade passed, and the legends of Liang Jingmeng and Ding Ning became intertwined with the history of the realm. Then, from Ding Ning’s former residence deep within the mountains, the Great Torture Sword soared forth, carrying with it the ethereal presence of both Ding Ning and Zhangsun Qianxue, hand in hand, returning together. Their voices resonated, declaring, "Your sword is my sword. Wherever you and I are, that is home."
