Sword Dynasty Episode 9 Recap
> Sword Dynasty 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.
