Sword Dynasty Episode 4 Recap
> Sword Dynasty 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.
