Sword Dynasty Episode 25 Recap
> Sword Dynasty 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!"
