Sword Dynasty Episode 20 Recap
> Sword Dynasty 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.
