Sword Dynasty Episode 8 Recap
> Sword Dynasty 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.
