Sword Snow Stride Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Sword Snow Stride Synopsis
Xu Fengnian, the son of the King of Northern Liang, has finally become a master under the earnest expectation of his father Xu Xiao. Although the road is long and obstructive, he still keeps going through the whole journey of sharpening his sword skills.
Xu Fengnian travels all the way to fight for his mother’s revenge. He is not only continuously improves his own martial arts training but also gathers many martial artists. He eventually becomes the King of Northern Liang.
At the time of the invasion of the North Mang, Xu Fengnian returned to lead the army to fight against the North Mang. By the frame of the court, 300,000 Iron Riders of North Liang were mostly killed and wounded, but they still win the victory, Xu Fengnian finally left the Northen Liang palace and come back to Jiang Hu and live incognito.
Sword Snow Stride Recap
Episode 1 Recap
The Divine Land was once in chaos, with nine states fragmented and constantly at war. The Liyang Dynasty rose from this turmoil, sweeping away eight states to establish unity. A significant part of this achievement was due to the North Liang Cavalry, led by Xu Xiao, the Lord of North Liang. With an invincible force, he vanquished six states and brought peace to the world.
Upon Liyang's unification, Xu Xiao was made a lord, tasked with guarding the three border states and commanding 350,000 North Liang soldiers to defend against foreign enemies. As Liyang's most powerful official, a lord not born into the royal family, Xu Xiao's immense power stirred caution in the Emperor's heart, who intended to marry Princess Suizhu to Xu Xiao's eldest son, Xu Fengnian, to control North Liang.
To avoid this imperial marriage, Xu Fengnian, the oldest son of the Lord of North Liang, left his luxurious life behind at his father's arrangement. For three years, he roamed the martial world with his attendant, Old Huang, and a single horse, returning with his reputation as a playboy intact. Journeying home, Xu Fengnian and Old Huang appeared as destitute refugees, a stark contrast to other noble scions.
Dressed in tattered clothes and unarmed, Xu Fengnian resorted to stealing sweet potatoes and fishing in rivers, even having to give away their horse as compensation at one point. Despite their hardships, they found joy in their simple life, until a group of soldiers on horseback approached, putting them on alert. The group settled in a deserted temple, declaring their intent to capture the Lord of North Liang’s son.
Lacking a portrait, they interrogated any young man of similar age they encountered. Xu Fengnian, tested like a trapped animal, was subjected to their scrutiny. The leader was convinced that the Lord of North Liang’s son would possess martial arts, but Xu Fengnian, with his slow reactions and lack of inner energy, seemed to be an ordinary refugee. However, Xu Fengnian recognized the military flag of the West Chu Halberd Troops.
Seizing the moment, he feigned being a fellow countryman, lamenting the fall of West Chu. He spoke of his country's destruction and his people becoming wandering ghosts, which stirred a deep sorrow in the leader. The leader recounted the Jinghe Battle, where 120,000 Halberd Troops were annihilated, leading to West Chu’s demise. This memory fueled his desire for revenge, vowing to kill Xu Xiao's son to avenge his people.
At dawn, Xu Fengnian and Old Huang slipped away from the temple. A short distance away, they witnessed the same Chu remnants attacking a white-clothed person, whom they mistook for the North Liang heir. Xu Fengnian observed the fight, noting the white-clothed person's refined demeanor but ruthless skill. Though his travels had taught him some discretion, Xu Fengnian urged Old Huang to leave quickly.
Unexpectedly, a spy within the North Liang army delivered a portrait of Xu Fengnian to the Chu remnants, exposing his identity. In this critical moment, Xu Fengnian sought the white-clothed person’s aid, offering a hefty sum for his life and even claiming he wished to kill Xu Xiao himself. The white-clothed person remained unresponsive, seemingly uninterested in interfering. Just as the Chu leader was about to strike, the white-clothed person swiftly knocked the blade away.
After confirming Xu Fengnian's identity, the white-clothed person proposed a deal: in exchange for protection, they would be granted entry into Tingchao Pavilion. Xu Fengnian readily agreed. The three rested in an old forest. Xu Fengnian, observing the white-clothed person's fair skin and alluring features, nicknamed them "White Fox." He learned that the White Fox was a martial arts enthusiast seeking the vast collection of martial arts manuals within Tingchao Pavilion, believing their current skills were "not good enough."
Suddenly, the Chu remnants were spotted on a cliff above. The White Fox swiftly subdued them and left them for Xu Fengnian to decide their fate. Understanding the Chu people's desire for revenge, Xu Fengnian chose to spare them. Touched by his decision, the White Fox revealed the two blades at their waist: Xiudong, long and blunt, symbolizing the way of the world; and Chunlei, short and sharp, symbolizing the poison in human hearts.
The gesture implied that Xu Fengnian's choice made him worthy of seeing these blades. As night fell, Old Huang sang a simple, repetitive tune while Xu Fengnian tried to sleep. Later, the White Fox, having consumed a sweet potato laced with knockout drops, fell into a deep slumber. Old Huang woke Xu Fengnian, confessing he had drugged the sweet potato with an anesthetic stolen from a shady inn.
Unsure of the White Fox's true intentions and fearing they might harbor ill will towards Xu Xiao, Old Huang advised they leave their protector behind. The two left the forest, and just outside the city walls of Lingzhou, they stopped at an apricot wine stall. As they sat down, the Chu remnants appeared again, with their leader ordering wine to send them "on their way." Just then, the White Fox appeared, asking if their agreement still stood.
Upon Xu Fengnian's confirmation, the White Fox defeated the leader in a single move. Satisfied, Xu Fengnian whistled, and an eagle soared over the city walls. Xu Longxiang, Xu Fengnian’s younger brother, also known as Huangman’er, saw the signal and joyfully ran from the mansion. Moments later, Ning Emei, a general from the Fengzi Battalion, led a formidable cavalry charge out of the city toward them. Seeing the North Liang cavalry, the defeated Chu leader discarded his weapons.
Ning Emei, however, was displeased by the White Fox's arrogant demeanor and moved to attack, but Xu Fengnian intervened, ordering him to dismount. As Huangman’er arrived and knelt before him, Xu Fengnian was overcome with emotion. He told his brother to rise so they could talk, then ordered the best wine, deciding they would all eat and drink their fill before returning to the mansion together.
Episode 2 Recap
Drunk and unconscious as dusk fell, Xu Fengnian was carried on his younger brother Xu Longxiang's back towards Lingzhou city, with the royal guards following behind, a common sight. At the mansion, housekeepers and maids diligently attended to Xu Fengnian, who, after a thorough freshening up, regained his noble appearance. Meanwhile, Old Huang, enjoying a rare moment of leisure, returned to his small courtyard, untouched for three years. He took out a jar of aged wine with delight.
Sensing someone at the window, Old Huang quickly hid the wine in his embrace. Without turning, he knew it was the Lord of North Liang, Xu Xiao. Xu Xiao, who had trusted Old Huang to accompany his son on his three-year journey, expressed his gratitude through the window, acknowledging Old Huang's hard work. As darkness settled, Xu Fengnian's opulent courtyard, the grandest in the mansion, remained quiet.
Xu Fengnian was still asleep when his maid, Jiang Ni, attempted to assassinate him. Her past attempts had all failed, and this one was no exception. Unfazed, Xu Fengnian smiled and told her to hide under the bed when he heard Xu Xiao approaching. Despite his fearsome reputation as a brutal killer on the battlefield, Xu Xiao was exceptionally doting towards Xu Fengnian.
Even when Xu Fengnian picked up objects to chase and hit him, Xu Xiao skillfully dodged, expressed concern, and offered apologies. As the father and son engaged in a noisy chase, the staff outside, including the butler, pretended not to hear the commotion. The chase ceased abruptly when Xu Longxiang stirred. The father and son immediately adopted a gentle demeanor, putting on an act of a loving family. After Xu Longxiang left, the atmosphere shifted from playful to serious.
Xu Fengnian, pondering something, decided he needed to meet the captured veteran from West Chu immediately. Xu Xiao agreed and subtly glanced at Jiang Ni hiding under the bed but did not expose her. He then left the room, waiting for his son to change.
On the way to the prison, Xu Xiao raised the issue of Jiang Ni, pointing out that as a former princess of West Chu now reduced to a maid, she carried deep national and personal grievances, making her loyalty uncertain. Xu Fengnian, however, never doubted Jiang Ni. His main doubts stemmed from the unusual surrender of the West Chu remnants during his assassination attempt, as they were known for fighting to the death.
Considering these oddities and the veteran's panic, Xu Fengnian concluded there was a mole within the North Liang Army. The veteran was shocked, having underestimated Xu Fengnian as a mere playboy. Xu Fengnian, in turn, maintained his image as a pleasure-seeking fop. He returned a West Chu flag to the veteran, who had once bought him food and drink, and promised to give an explanation regarding the portrait used to identify him.
Xu Xiao expressed his desire for Xu Fengnian to accept responsibility for North Liang, but Xu Fengnian showed no interest, claiming hunger to avoid further discussion. Xu Xiao offered various delicacies, but Xu Fengnian insisted on having sweet potatoes. They then found Old Huang secretly eating pork. Xu Fengnian and Xu Xiao joined in, sharing the food and wine.
Xu Fengnian questioned Xu Xiao, suspecting he had arranged many of the troubles during his travels, including Old Huang's escape from the "White Fox Face," to train him. Xu Xiao simply acknowledged his son’s intelligence. After Xu Xiao left, Old Huang revealed that his persistent encouragement for Xu Fengnian to practice martial arts was his own initiative, hoping Xu Fengnian could protect himself in the future.
The next morning, Xu Fengnian arranged a fishing trip with Old Huang and Xu Longxiang, intending to bring Jiang Ni along. He found Jiang Ni asleep, took her money box, and threatened to keep it unless she came with him, reminding her of their deal that failed assassination attempts required payment. At the lakeside, Old Huang and Xu Longxiang were already waiting.
Nangong Puye, dressed in white, was also there, showing no interest in the scenery but frequently looking towards Tingchao Pavilion. Xu Fengnian’s maids, the solitary Qingniao and the talkative Hongshu, were also present. Hongshu quickly recognized that Nangong Puye was a woman. Soon, Xu Fengnian arrived and asked the white-clad woman her name. She introduced herself as Nangong Puye, from the Nangong Family of North Mang, who had come to Liyang to learn martial arts.
He recalled that the old emperor had ordered Xu Xiao to suppress the martial world, during which Xu Xiao gathered countless martial arts manuals and stored them in Tingchao Pavilion, making it a coveted destination for martial artists. Nangong Puye requested Xu Fengnian fulfill his promise to allow her into Tingchao Pavilion. However, Xu Fengnian playfully reneged, initially permitting her to stay for only two hours. He then asked for her opinion on the assassination attempt.
Nangong Puye pointed out the crucial question: if Xu Fengnian were to die, who besides Xu Longxiang would gain military power? This implicated Xu Xiao's six adopted sons as prime suspects. Xu Fengnian, needing to conceal his abilities while investigating, proposed that Nangong Puye serve as his bodyguard. In return, she would have unrestricted access to Tingchao Pavilion after the matter was resolved. Nangong Puye agreed.
Just then, a brawny general, Chu Lushan, one of Xu Xiao's six adopted sons, arrived and knelt dramatically before Xu Fengnian, expressing his joy at his return. Xu Fengnian teased him about his weight gain, and Chu Lushan swore to cut off his own flesh if he had gained any weight. He then eagerly suggested they visit the Zijin Brothel to see a new belle skilled in sword dance.
When Chu Lushan inquired about Nangong Puye, Xu Fengnian introduced her as his new bodyguard. Chu Lushan remarked on her beauty, prompting Xu Fengnian to caution him against speaking carelessly, as Nangong Puye might strike him. Xu Longxiang refused to go to the brothel, and Xu Fengnian told Old Huang he was too old for such places.
Episode 3 Recap
Upon his return, Chu Lushan rushes to greet Xu Fengnian. To curry favor, he recommends a new belle at the Zijin Brothel, renowned for her exceptional sword dance. Intrigued, Xu Fengnian decides to go, bringing Nangong Puye and Jiang Ni along. As they set out, he chooses to walk, explaining that his old horse won't let him ride and that he wants to savor the sights of North Liang after being away for three years.
Meanwhile, at a lakeside pavilion, Xu Xiao dismisses everyone, including his younger son Xu Longxiang who is fishing, to speak with Old Huang alone. He thanks Old Huang for accompanying Xu Fengnian for the past three years and offers to help him reclaim his former identity as the famed swordsman, Jian Jiuhuang. Old Huang declines, explaining that while he was once tormented by his past, traveling with the young master has brought him peace.
He asks Xu Xiao to bear witness that Jian Jiuhuang is no more; from now on, he is only Old Huang, the young master's groom. As he leaves, he reminds Xu Xiao to call him when the fish they caught are grilled. At the Zijin Brothel, Xu Fengnian meets the new belle, Yu Youwei. Aware of his identity, she offers to perform a special, "flirtatious" sword dance meant only for a lover, leading him to a private backyard.
As she performs the West Chu Sword Dance with sharpened double blades, Xu Fengnian immediately recognizes it as an assassination attempt, connecting it to a recent attack by West Chu soldiers. He confronts her, and she defiantly declares she seeks revenge for Xu Xiao’s destruction of her kingdom, recounting the slaughter of the royal family, including the beheading of the young princess.
Just as the unarmed Yu Youwei is about to commit suicide in failure, Xu Fengnian stops her and has Nangong Puye fetch Jiang Ni. When Jiang Ni arrives, Xu Fengnian has her reveal her dagger, the Divine Token of West Chu royalty. Yu Youwei, the daughter of a Chu official, recognizes it instantly.
Xu Fengnian explains that the rumor of the princess's death was a lie spread by Xu Xiao and that the true princess, Jiang Ni, stands before her, a fact confirmed by Jiang Ni's striking resemblance to the late empress. Returning to the mansion, Xu Fengnian orders a servant to prepare a courtyard for Yu Youwei and then calls for his python whip to punish Chu Lushan for leading him into an ambush.
He has Chu Lushan publicly whipped in the courtyard. Chu Lushan accepts the punishment but maintains his ignorance of the plot. News of the whipping spreads, and many military generals gather outside the mansion to plead for Chu Lushan, but Xu Xiao forbids anyone from interfering, allowing the punishment to continue despite concerns that Chu Lushan might not survive. Jiang Ni explains the truth of West Chu's fall to Yu Youwei.
While Xu Xiao's army conquered the capital, it was the dignitaries of the Liyang Empire who intended to seize the royal women. To protect their honor, Xu Xiao sealed the palace, allowing the emperor and his court to die with dignity as they wished. At the Chu Emperor's request, Xu Xiao saved the young princess, raising her as Jiang Ni.
Yu Youwei asks if Jiang Ni seeks revenge, but Jiang Ni says she only remembers her father telling her to live. Yu Youwei cautiously asks if she is one of Xu Fengnian's concubines, but Jiang Ni clarifies that despite having over twenty maids, Xu Fengnian has never touched any of them, contrary to the rumors of his debauchery.
Later, Yu Youwei tells Jiang Ni that she was held captive for years by unknown people and taught only the sword dance to assassinate Xu Fengnian, with no knowledge of a larger plot or any accomplices. Jiang Ni deduces that the scheme is more complex, as her handlers illogically taught her a dance rather than combat skills.
Yu Youwei expresses her concern for Jiang Ni's safety, which Jiang Ni brushes off before leaving to do the chore of airing Xu Fengnian's books. As the whipping continues, Ning Emei, a military general, confronts Xu Fengnian, arguing that punishing Chu Lushan without proof is against the law and will demoralize the army. Feigning anger at being challenged, Xu Fengnian orders Ning Emei imprisoned.
He then sends a message to the generals kneeling outside: anyone else who wishes to plead for Chu Lushan can come inside directly. Soon after, Chen Zhibao, North Liang's most respected general, arrives. As he approaches, a comment is made on the irony that he is the "Hope of North Liang" while Xu Fengnian is its "Shame." Xu Fengnian asks if Chen Zhibao is also there to plead for Chu Lushan.
Chen Zhibao expresses his disdain for Chu Lushan but questions if Xu Fengnian truly intends to kill him. He then presents the severed head of a military officer, identifying him as the mole who arranged the assassination. Chen Zhibao reveals he has seen through Xu Fengnian's plan: the whipping is a ruse.
Knowing Chu Lushan's fierce loyalty, Xu Fengnian staged the punishment as a "bitter-flesh" ploy to bait the true masterminds, who would likely try to recruit a seemingly resentful Chu Lushan. Chen Zhibao notes that Chu Lushan himself agreed to be the "bait." Speaking privately, Chen Zhibao advises Xu Fengnian to kill Yu Youwei and use the officer's head to publicly close the case, warning that the plot was designed to sow discord in the army.
Xu Fengnian questions sacrificing the officer for a superficial resolution, but Chen Zhibao insists it's necessary to maintain stability in North Liang. Declaring himself the state's "backbone," Chen Zhibao asserts that chaos cannot be tolerated. However, Xu Fengnian playfully refuses to kill the "beautiful" Yu Youwei, leaving the matter unresolved.
Episode 4 Recap
Following his dramatic arrival, Chen Zhibao, renowned as the War Immortal in White, questioned Xu Fengnian's courage to lead North Liang. He asserted that if Xu Xiao were gone, his own presence would be enough to prevent chaos in North Liang, dismissing Xu Fengnian's probing questions about whether he intended to take over. Later, Xu Xiao acknowledged Chen Zhibao's extraordinary talent to his son, admitting that such a formidable figure is difficult to control.
Xu Fengnian, however, reiterated his lack of interest in ruling North Liang, preferring to remain a carefree young master and focus on surviving the ongoing assassination plots. Nangong Puye observed the Tingchao Pavilion from a distance, adhering to her promise not to enter until her bodyguard duties were complete. In a whimsical moment, Xu Fengnian tossed a roasted chicken into the lake before inviting her inside. Moments after they entered, the floating chicken mysteriously sank.
Inside the pavilion, Xu Fengnian showcased its vast collection of martial arts texts and rare artifacts. Nangong Puye questioned why, with access to such a treasure trove, he hadn't learned martial arts and didn't want to lead North Liang. Evading the topic, Xu Fengnian borrowed Nangong Puye's blade and knocked it against a bookshelf, summoning Wei Shuyang, the pavilion's elderly guardian. After a brief, furious tirade, Wei Shuyang fell silent upon seeing Nangong Puye.
Xu Fengnian explained he was avoiding his master, Li Yishan, until the assassination plot was resolved, revealing that Li Yishan taught him strategy through chess, not martial arts. Meanwhile, Lin Lanting, the Third Graduate, arrived in Lingzhou and publicly denounced Xu Xiao as a rebel and his son Xu Fengnian as a corrupt and dangerous individual. As Xu Fengnian and Old Huang watched, Old Huang criticized the speech as overly academic and incomprehensible.
Amidst the commotion, a blind old veteran, Xu Yongguan, staged a fake accident with Lin's carriage. Miss Fan, Lin's companion, argued with the old man until Xu Fengnian, who knew him, stepped in and took him home. At Xu Yongguan's home, Jiang Ni learned of the old man's past as a soldier in the Yugu Battalion.
Xu Fengnian explained his profound sense of debt to veterans like him, stating he concealed his identity as the heir out of respect for their sacrifices. Lin Lanting and Miss Fan proceeded to the Mansion of the Lord of North Liang but were deliberately ignored by the staff, fueling Lin's indignation. Waiting outside, he passionately declared the Xu family a grave threat to the realm and wished he had the martial skill to kill Xu Fengnian himself.
Eventually, Xu Fengnian returned and, unrecognized, escorted them inside. Mistaking Xu Fengnian for a retainer's son, Lin praised him for daring to speak ill of the Lord's heir. By the lakeside, Xu Fengnian revealed his true identity. Realizing he'd been tricked, Lin gave a signal and Miss Fan launched an attack. Qing Niao swiftly intervened, her distinctive spear technique exposing her as a hidden master.
Xu Fengnian admitted he had orchestrated the encounter to test his suspicions about Qing Niao, confirming she was a "death guard" placed by Xu Xiao. Miss Fan immediately took sole responsibility for the assassination attempt. To test Lin's innocence, Xu Fengnian handed him a sword and ordered him to kill Miss Fan. The scholar, unable to commit the act, dropped the sword and abased himself, begging for both their lives and even insulting Miss Fan. Convinced of Lin's non-involvement, Xu Fengnian ordered Qing Niao to take Miss Fan away.
Episode 5 Recap
Following the confrontation on the lakeshore, Xu Fengnian took to a boat, accompanied only by Jiang Ni, who was tasked with rowing, and Mr. Lin. As they enjoyed the view, Xu Fengnian questioned Mr. Lin about his origins, confirming he was from the Lin Family in Hedong. Xu Fengnian stated that while he trusted Mr. Lin regarding the previous assassination plot, rumors necessitated some action from the Lin family to reassure North Liang.
Mr. Lin observed Xu Fengnian's sudden change in demeanor, noting a new, commanding presence. Xu Fengnian acknowledged his shifting persona, admitting that he had been acting all along. This admission led Mr. Lin to deduce that the charade was a deliberate attempt to lower his guard and create the opportunity for their solitary encounter. Mr. Lin then confessed his intention was to assassinate Xu Fengnian.
He explained that his meeting with "Miss Fan" was a fortunate coincidence he exploited to further reduce Xu Fengnian's vigilance. Declaring that killing Xu Fengnian would mean the end of the Xu family's power, a sacrifice he was willing to make for his country, Lin prepared to strike. Xu Fengnian questioned if Mr. Lin feared that his other companion on the boat, Jiang Ni, might be a master.
Mr. Lin dismissed her as a "waste," believing he had the upper hand. Xu Fengnian warned that his death would also lead to Mr. Lin's own demise, along with Miss Fan and all his companions. Undeterred, Mr. Lin proclaimed his willingness to die for a great cause. Confident in his swordsmanship, he chillingly remarked that Xu Fengnian's recent smile would be his last.
Xu Fengnian countered that he smiled because he had finally deciphered the true purpose of the three assassination attempts and identified the mastermind. As the boat reached the lake's center, Mr. Lin, a proud swimmer, told Xu Fengnian to die in the water. Without warning, Xu Fengnian plunged into the lake. Lin immediately followed, but to his astonishment, Xu Fengnian swam towards a submerged, cage-like structure where a man bound by iron chains sat in meditation.
The man opened his eyes, and Xu Fengnian motioned for his help, promising him meat in return. Jiang Ni, concerned, also jumped into the lake and witnessed the scene. Before she could react, the mysterious man used his formidable internal energy to propel all three of them back to the shore. Mr. Lin lay unconscious, while Xu Fengnian and Jiang Ni were unharmed. Jiang Ni questioned the identity of the man from the lake bottom.
Xu Fengnian called him the Old Hunk under the Lake, explaining that his high internal force allowed him to survive by breathing the air from the swim bladders of the raw fish he ate. Xu Fengnian revealed that he had first encountered the Old Hunk when he fell into the lake as a child and was saved. Jiang Ni realized Xu Fengnian had meticulously planned the encounter.
She accused him of also testing her, to see if she would side with Mr. Lin. Xu Fengnian swore by his mother's name that he had no such intention. Later, he dove back into the lake and re-emerged with a sword box. He presented it to Old Huang, who had always carried it.
Old Huang, conflicted, remarked that its significance was "in the past," but seeing it as fate that Xu Fengnian found it, he resolved not to discard it again. Mr. Lin awoke in a prison cell. Xu Fengnian informed him that the Lin family was "over." He explained that the charge was not mere assassination but "conspiracy of rebellion," alleging collusion with Chu remnants—a claim Mr. Lin vehemently denied as a frame-up.
To Lin's horror, Xu Fengnian added that Miss Fan was also implicated and being held in the women's cell. Lin protested her innocence, insisting he had only used her, but Xu Fengnian stated it was too late. Xu Fengnian then went to his master, Li Yishan, and laid out his deductions. The mastermind was Zhao Heng, the Lord of Jing'an in Qingzhou, but his true objective was not to kill him.
The three assassination attempts—by Chu remnants, by Yu Youwei, and finally by Mr. Lin—were all subtly orchestrated by Zhao Heng. His goal was to ensnare the Lin family, who controlled Qingzhou's finances, in a treasonous scandal. With the Lin family eliminated, Zhao Heng would gain sole, unchallenged control of Qingzhou's finances and military, consolidating his power base against North Liang.
Li Yishan acknowledged Zhao Heng as a formidable strategist but stated that Xu Fengnian had not yet grasped the true depths of the game. It was Xu Xiao himself who appeared before Mr. Lin in the dungeon. He brought in Shu Xiu, who had posed as Miss Fan, and she admitted she had deceived Lin. Xu Xiao confessed that their "accidental" meeting was entirely orchestrated.
He had two reasons: first, to push the earnest Mr. Lin into making the assassination attempt, and second, because his son, Xu Fengnian, was determined to uncover the identity of the assassin Qingniao, necessitating Shu Xiu's visible involvement.
Xu Xiao then revealed the final layer of his own plot: Zhao Heng was unaware that the "confidant" slated to assume Qingzhou's fiscal power after the Lin family's demise was, in fact, a North Liang loyalist secretly planted long ago within Zhao Heng's circle. He then ordered Shu Xiu, addressing her as Grand Commander, to have their agent Wang Linquan systematically dismantle the Lin family's financial lifelines.
Following Li Yishan's instructions, Xu Fengnian used a warrant to enter the deepest level of the dungeon, where he was shocked to find Ning Emei, a man he believed he had ordered released. Xu Xiao appeared and revealed that North Liang's greatest danger was internal. He explained that Ning Emei was a key figure among a faction within the army that supported Xu Fengnian's younger brother, Xu Longxiang, to lead North Liang.
While Xu Longxiang possessed immense natural strength, his mind was childlike and easily manipulated. If he were to lead, ambitious schemers would use him as a pawn, leading to the Xu family's ruin. Xu Xiao admitted he himself had provided Xu Fengnian's portrait to the Chu assassins, a move designed to fabricate evidence of Ning Emei's collusion with the enemy, thereby justifying his execution to crush the internal faction. Xu Fengnian firmly refused to kill the likely innocent Ning Emei.
Xu Xiao then presented a stark alternative: if Xu Longxiang were sent away from North Liang permanently, the internal power struggles would cease. He gave Xu Fengnian a choice: execute Ning Emei to curb ambition in the military, or exile Xu Longxiang to eliminate the root of the power struggle. Xu Fengnian, however, refused both options. Xu Xiao argued that protecting their domain required bloodshed, but Xu Fengnian retorted that he never desired such a burden. Despite the pressure, Xu Fengnian stood firm, unequivocally stating that Xu Longxiang would not leave and Ning Emei would not be killed.
Episode 6 Recap
Feeling guilty for having kept her martial arts skills and identity as a death guard secret, Qing Niao came to bid farewell to Xu Fengnian, intending to leave the mansion. However, Xu Fengnian ordered her to stay and reveal the truth. Qing Niao explained that Xu Xiao had secretly arranged four death guards, designated by the heavenly stems Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding, to protect Xu Fengnian since his birth. Each guard operated independently, unaware of the others.
She herself was Bing, and she revealed that Yi and Ding had already died for Xu Fengnian during his three years of travels, though he didn't even know their names. Xu Fengnian questioned if Hongshu might be the remaining guard, Jia, but Qing Niao didn't know. Deciding her deceit was punishment enough, Xu Fengnian ordered her to stay, reminding her that from now on, her identity was simply his maid, not a death guard.
Later, Xu Fengnian expressed his frustration and powerlessness to Old Huang, citing the recent difficult choice presented by Xu Xiao: either kill Ning Emei or send his brother Xu Longxiang away from North Liang. Recalling the pain of his sisters' departures, he felt helpless. Old Huang, wanting to help, suggested a plan. He reminded Xu Fengnian of the powerful warrior Chu Kuangnu, the "Old Hunk" imprisoned under the lake.
As a child, Xu Fengnian had tried and failed to break his chains. Old Huang proposed freeing him now, asserting that all Xu Fengnian needed was a sharp blade, and by tradition, whoever personally freed Chu Kuangnu would gain his allegiance. Xu Fengnian borrowed the exceptionally sharp blade, Chunlei, from a skeptical Nangong Puye. At the lake, unable to break the chains himself, he gave the sword to Chu Kuangnu.
Shortly after, the lake churned violently, and Chu Kuangnu erupted from the water, wielding two blades. His roar attracted Wei Shuyang, the pavilion's caretaker. Wei Shuyang attacked with a column of water, but Chu Kuangnu shattered it and swiftly defeated him. Ignoring Xu Fengnian's attempt to intervene, Chu Kuangnu declared that he only spared the young master because he had been freed. He then demanded to know the whereabouts of Li Yishan, seeking revenge.
Just then, Old Huang appeared with his sword box. Chu Kuangnu, recognizing his old rival, Jian Jiuhuang, immediately challenged him to avenge a past defeat. Old Huang accepted, unleashing his famous swords. He called out "Dragon and Snake," "Twin Lotus," and "Three Catties," with just three moves forcing Chu Kuangnu, who had bested Wei Shuyang in one, to yield.
Xu Fengnian was stunned to learn that the unassuming Old Huang was the legendary swordsman Jian Jiuhuang, second only to the Sword God Li Chungang, and the very person who had defeated Chu Kuangnu and imprisoned him in the lake decades ago. With Chu Kuangnu subdued, the authoritative Old Huang commanded him to stay and protect Xu Fengnian for two months while he was away on business. Chu Kuangnu reluctantly agreed.
That night, Old Huang revealed to Xu Fengnian his destinations: Mount Longhu for a "business deal" and Wudi City to finish a fight with its lord, Wang Xianzhi, that he had fled from nearly 30 years ago. Wang Xianzhi calls himself "Second Best" because for twenty years, no one has dared claim the title of "Best." Old Huang recounted that he was once a swordsmith who gained insight into swordsmanship.
Fear of defeat and death caused him to flee his duel with Wang Xianzhi, leaving his sword, Huanglu, behind and living in shame for decades. However, traveling with Xu Fengnian for three years, and witnessing the young master's fearlessness despite having no martial arts, inspired Old Huang to finally conquer his own fear. He was now ready to face his past.
He also explained that at Mount Longhu, a master who fears challenging Wang Xianzhi himself would observe the fight in exchange for a valuable item. On the eve of his departure, Old Huang sang a song about an old dog seeking bitterness in sweetness, which Xu Fengnian now understood was about Old Huang himself. He revealed that his travels with Xu Fengnian had finally helped him perfect his ultimate technique, the "Ninth Sword."
Recalling their journey, Xu Fengnian named it "Six Thousand Li." The next morning, Xu Fengnian walked Old Huang to the city gate of Lingzhou. They exchanged gifts of salt in gourds and walked in silence. As Old Huang departed, Xu Fengnian called out to ask if he could win against the "Second Best." Old Huang replied that winning or losing didn't matter; the 30-year-old debt had to be paid. He promised to return with wine from the East Sea for them to share.
Episode 7 Recap
Just over a month after Old Huang's departure, Xu Fengnian's Coming-of-Age Ceremony arrived. On a snowy day, as Xu Fengnian headed to Tingchao Pavilion to find his father, Xu Xiao, he was captivated by Nangong Puye practicing her sword amidst the falling snow, displaying the demeanor of a true martial master. Xu Xiao, a cautious man, remained wary of Nangong Puye, having sent spies to investigate her background for days without success, finding her origins suspicious.
However, Li Yishan encouraged Xu Xiao to trust his son's judgment, praising Nangong Puye as an exceptional talent who, within a decade, would be capable of defeating anyone in the martial world. While they discussed her, Xu Fengnian approached Nangong Puye after her training, inviting her to his ceremony. She politely declined, explaining her aversion to noisy gatherings.
Shortly after, a secret report arrived from Mount Longhu, revealing that Old Huang had left and was on his way to Wudi City. Xu Fengnian hoped Old Huang would return soon after his fight, but he felt uneasy, knowing that Wang Xianzhi of the East Sea was an unparalleled force. As the auspicious time for the ceremony approached, Xu Xiao led Xu Fengnian out of the North Liang King's residence and towards a mountain path east of the city.
Upon reaching the summit, his late wife Wu Su's tomb came into view, where the steward and maids had been waiting. Customarily, a man reaching adulthood at twenty could then enter officialdom or military service. Xu Xiao guided Xu Fengnian to his deceased wife's grave, choosing to pay respects neither to Heaven and Earth nor to their ancestors, but solely to his mother, Wu Su.
After a series of intricate rituals, large snowflakes began to fall, deeply affecting Xu Xiao, who then took out a ceremonial cap sewn by Wu Su herself and placed it upon Xu Fengnian's head. The late North Liang Princess Consort Wu Su was renowned as a legendary woman from a prominent martial arts family. She was once a formidable sword master, navigating the martial world in a male guise, with a style similar to Nangong Puye.
Wu Su later met Xu Xiao, choosing to defy her family and leave the Sword Tomb of the Wu family for him. She famously wore white mourning clothes for the North Liang army, entering the imperial city alone to beat a drum, her fierce and imposing presence striking awe into all who beheld her. Within the royal household, she was a virtuous and loving wife and a caring mother. Thus, even years after her passing, she remained a revered figure.
However, the circumstances of Wu Su's death remained shrouded in heavy suspicion, a taboo for the Liyang Dynasty and a deep wound for the Xu father and son. Xu Fengnian knelt before his mother's tombstone, expressing his profound longing for her. Afterwards, he and Xu Xiao stood atop the mountain, overlooking Lingzhou. With the ceremony completed, Xu Fengnian had officially matured.
He initially assumed Xu Xiao would press him to take over North Liang, but to his surprise, Xu Xiao revealed that he had privately sent Xu Longxiang out of Lingzhou City. Explaining his decision, Xu Xiao stated that because Xu Fengnian was unwilling to make difficult choices, he had resolved the potential future troubles on his behalf. Xu Longxiang's situation was precarious, as military officials were targeting him due to his unique innate power.
To protect him and prevent further conflicts, the only way was to transform him into an ordinary person by reshaping his root bones, and the only sect capable of such a feat was Wudang. Xu Fengnian, however, viewed Xu Xiao's well-intentioned actions as cruel. Xu Fengnian immediately rushed home to pack, intending to ask Nangong Puye to accompany him to Wudang.
However, Nangong Puye refused, stating she could not leave Tingchao Pavilion, as helping him might lead Xu Xiao to expel her. Her sole purpose was to master peerless martial arts to avenge the deceased. As a parting gift, Nangong Puye gave Xu Fengnian her Xiudong sword for self-defense and suggested he seek help from Old Kui. Initially, Old Kui strongly objected to accompanying Xu Fengnian. Still, remembering Old Huang's parting instructions, he reluctantly agreed.
The two made their way to the stables, only to discover that Xu Xiao had already moved all the horses to the military camp to prevent Xu Fengnian from going to Wudang. Fortunately, Jiang Ni had anticipated Xu Fengnian's plan and held back two horses for him. Though she spoke harshly, she clearly cared for him. As Xu Fengnian and Old Kui prepared to leave, they were blocked by city guards under orders to prevent the heir apparent from leaving.
They also learned that Chu Lushan, tasked with escorting Xu Longxiang, was not in the city. Suddenly, a military camp horn sounded, and Xu Fengnian instantly thought of Ning Emei. He rushed to the dungeon to find him, explaining that Xu Xiao intended to destroy his brother's root bones. Shocked, Ning Emei promptly helped Xu Fengnian by ordering the city gate opened. As they were about to exit, they saw Chu Lushan returning.
Although Chu Lushan had left Xu Longxiang at Mount Wudang as ordered, he was unaware of Xu Xiao's true intentions. Old Kui reassured Xu Fengnian, telling him not to worry, as destroying root bones required the Wudang Heart Art known as Dahuangting, a skill no one had mastered in recent years. However, Chu Lushan interjected, stating that the Chief of Wudang, Wang Chonglou, had indeed achieved Dahuangting.
Before the group could leave, Chen Zhibao rode out to deliver a message from Xu Xiao. The message conveyed that Xu Fengnian, now an adult, must learn to make choices. If he insisted on going to Mount Wudang, Ning Emei and Chu Lushan must return to Lingzhou. To ease Xu Fengnian's burden, Ning Emei and Chu Lushan readily agreed to stay behind.
With his resolve firm, Xu Fengnian set off for Mount Wudang, intending to confront Wang Chonglou directly, though Old Kui cautioned him that the Chief might not grant an immediate audience.
Episode 8 Recap
Following his departure from North Liang, Xu Fengnian arrived at Mount Wudang, accompanied by Old Hunk under the Lake. Wang Chonglou, the Master of Wudang, personally descended the mountain to greet them, an act that highlighted the strong relationship between Wudang and North Liang. Xu Fengnian's immediate concern was for his younger brother, Xu Longxiang, whom he affectionately calls Huangman'er, and he angrily questioned who was responsible for keeping him there.
Wang Chonglou introduced his youngest junior, Hong Xixiang, as the likely future Master of Wudang. Upon seeing Hong Xixiang, Xu Fengnian, consumed by rage, immediately confronted and physically assaulted him. Hong Xixiang, despite his high standing, offered no resistance and explained that his predicament was an arrangement made by Xu Fengnian's father, a statement Wang Chonglou observed with a knowing smile. Xu Fengnian's resentment towards Hong Xixiang stemmed from a past romance with his eldest sister, Xu Zhihu.
Years ago, Xu Zhihu fell in love with Hong Xixiang during her visits to Wudang, and he reciprocated her feelings. However, their relationship was thwarted by Hong Xixiang's master and by his own vow to not descend the mountain until he became the world's greatest martial artist. Consequently, Xu Zhihu married into a family in Jiangnan and never returned, leaving an unresolved bitterness in Xu Fengnian. Xu Fengnian finally reunited with Xu Longxiang, who was overjoyed to see him.
After confirming his brother's innate strength was still intact, Xu Fengnian insisted they return home. However, Xu Longxiang resisted, explaining that their father had warned him that his return would cause significant trouble for Xu Fengnian. Wang Chonglou interjected, advising Xu Fengnian to consider the potential consequences: if Xu Longxiang were to return to North Liang, he could be entangled in power struggles that would ultimately harm both brothers.
Wang Chonglou suggested that Xu Longxiang remain at Wudang for his safety, promising that no one would tamper with his natural abilities until Xu Fengnian made a final decision. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Xu Fengnian reluctantly agreed. As Wang Chonglou led Xu Longxiang away and Old Hunk wandered off, Hong Xixiang was left alone with Xu Fengnian, appearing noticeably uneasy. During their subsequent discussion, Hong Xixiang supported the idea that Wudang was the safest place for Xu Longxiang.
He theorized that the individuals aiming to use Xu Longxiang to seize power from Xu Fengnian might not be from the North Liang army, but rather the Liyang Royal Family, who could see the younger brother as a tool to destabilize North Liang. Hong Xixiang confidently asserted that the royal family would not dare to forcibly abduct someone from Wudang. Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, Princess Suizhu received intelligence from Sun Diaosi that the Xu brothers were at Mount Wudang.
Enraged by Xu Fengnian's past rejection of their betrothal, which had made her a laughingstock, the princess vowed to repay the humiliation and immediately ordered preparations for her own journey to Wudang. Deciding to prolong his stay at Wudang to contemplate his brother's situation, Xu Fengnian was surprised by the arrival of Jiang Ni, who was laden with a heavy bundle of clothes and supplies.
She chastised him for his lack of foresight, forcing her to carry the essential items up the mountain, though Xu Fengnian was clearly pleased by her concern. That night, with only one bed available, Jiang Ni prepared it for Xu Fengnian and sat by the window. When he offered to switch, she refused.
Noticing she was in discomfort and couldn't lean back as she dozed off, he subtly placed his Chunlei sword under her head as a makeshift pillow, reflecting on her tragic past as the lost princess of West Chu. The next morning, Jiang Ni decided the courtyard's soil was perfect for a garden and had Hong Xixiang guide her to the vegetable patch for seedlings.
Shortly after, a cook frantically reported a "theft" of vegetables to Wang Chonglou, who, already aware of the situation, dismissed the matter with an amused smile. While planting, Jiang Ni noticed an unusual procession from Mount Longhu ascending the mountain. Elsewhere, Xu Fengnian located his brother in a cabin in the Purple Bamboo Forest. As he tried to enter, an invisible force knocked him unconscious.
Upon waking, Xu Longxiang explained that the reclusive Wooden Sword Taoist had struck him with "sword energy." Xu Longxiang expressed his contentment with life at Wudang and urged his brother to return to North Liang, revealing that their father's plan was to have his innate abilities removed to spare Xu Fengnian from future trouble. Xu Fengnian was deeply touched by his brother's selfless love.
Just then, Old Hunk rushed to inform Xu Fengnian that a party from Mount Longhu had arrived seeking Xu Longxiang. Xu Fengnian instructed his brother to hide and not emerge unless called. He and Old Hunk then went to confront the visitors, led by Arch-Taoist Zhao Xituan of Mount Longhu. While Wudang disciples and masters, after a brief discussion, decided to remain neutral, Zhao Xituan directly declared his intention to take Xu Longxiang back to Mount Longhu.
In response, Xu Fengnian whispered a plan to Old Hunk: he would create a distraction while Old Hunk ambushed the Arch-Taoist from behind, suggesting they could even take him hostage and blame Wudang for the chaos. To stall, Xu Fengnian comically invited Zhao Xituan inside for tea, instructing Jiang Ni to clean a bench while they feigned a search for tea leaves and hot water.
Zhao Xituan patiently reiterated his purpose, and as Old Hunk finally lunged, the Arch-Taoist unexpectedly surrendered without a fight. Stunned, they questioned his actions, only for Zhao Xituan to reveal that he had come at the request of Jian Jiuhuang.
Episode 9 Recap
Zhao Xituan arrived on Wudang Mountain, revealing that he had been sent by Jian Jiuhuang. He explained that Jian Jiuhuang, aware of Xu Fengnian's predicament regarding his brother, had visited Mount Longhu after leaving North Liang. Zhao Xituan noted that Xu Longxiang had become a highly sought-after figure, and claimed that only Mount Longhu could ensure his safety.
He justified this by revealing that his sect's inherited Heart Arts required a disciple of extraordinary talent like Xu Longxiang, and that Jian Jiuhuang had chosen him specifically because he genuinely wished to take on a disciple. To disclose a confidential matter concerning the royal family, Zhao Xituan insisted on speaking with Xu Fengnian alone.
As Old Kui and Jiang Ni stepped outside, Old Kui advised Jiang Ni to cherish her time with Xu Fengnian, warning that time easily separates people, leading to regret. Jiang Ni somberly replied that their fate was already sealed—a destiny of "life and death" that would entangle them. Once they were alone, Zhao Xituan explained the source of Mount Longhu's influence: it harbored a hidden member of the royal family, an ancestor of the Liyang Emperor.
This ancestor sought the pinnacle of martial arts but was blocked by Wang Xianzhi of Wudi City. Unwilling to test Wang Xianzhi himself, he struck a deal with Jian Jiuhuang: in exchange for Mount Longhu protecting Xu Longxiang, Jian Jiuhuang would challenge Wang Xianzhi, allowing the royal ancestor to gauge his true power.
Zhao Xituan assured Xu Fengnian that with the ancestor's word and his own commitment as a master, Xu Longxiang would be safe, adding that Jian Jiuhuang believed this arrangement would create a "third way" for Xu Fengnian out of his dilemma. Despite the compelling arrangement, Xu Fengnian initially refused, insisting on taking his brother home. However, Xu Longxiang entered and declared his willingness to go to Mount Longhu to help his brother. Seeing his resolve, Xu Fengnian reluctantly agreed.
Before their departure, he sternly warned Zhao Xituan not to mistreat Xu Longxiang and took his brother's hair ornament as a keepsake. In turn, Zhao Xituan asked Xu Fengnian to relay a challenge to Wang Chonglou, Wudang's Chief, stating that Mount Longhu wished to "spar and see the brilliance of Dahuangting." As Zhao Xituan's party prepared to leave, a grim message arrived: Jian Jiuhuang had died in battle at Wudi City.
The letter detailed his final day, from his last meal at a tavern to the duel itself. Jian Jiuhuang fought with five swords and eight moves, but Wang Xianzhi parried with only a single hand. After 68 exchanges, Jian Jiuhuang unleashed his ultimate technique, described as "the Milky Way flowing down." This move finally forced Wang Xianzhi to use both hands and tore his sleeve.
After another 49 exchanges, Jian Jiuhuang, exhausted, faced North Liang and died, leaving his sword box on the city wall. Wang Xianzhi himself admitted he would have been at a disadvantage if Jian Jiuhuang hadn't been weary. Before the end, Jian Jiuhuang named his final move "The Six Thousand Li," which Wang Xianzhi praised as the greatest swordplay in the world. Devastated, Xu Fengnian kept the letter.
For days, he reread it, weeping as he recalled his three years with Old Huang. He lamented that the letter immortalized "Jian Jiuhuang" the legend, but not "Old Huang" his friend, wishing he had returned defeated rather than died a hero. Witnessing his grief, Jiang Ni understood the depth of his bond with Old Huang. Fueled by grief, Xu Fengnian resolved to learn martial arts to reclaim the sword box from Wudi City.
He convinced a skeptical Old Kui to teach him, declaring that no matter how many years it took, the sword box could not remain on that wall. His training began with holding his blade outstretched with a stone on it for an hour, followed by a daily regimen of 4,000 repetitions of four basic moves: thrust, slice, split, and sweep.
Old Kui warned him of the immense challenge, noting that Wang Xianzhi had once shattered the famous sword Mumaniu of Sword God Li Chungang with just two fingers. Meanwhile, Zhao Xituan's message reached Wang Chonglou, who recognized it as a political threat. He lamented that by mastering Dahuangting, he had made Wudang a target for the powerful Mount Longhu, placing his sect in an impossible position where they could neither win nor lose.
As Xu Fengnian trained, Old Kui noted his natural talent for bladeplay but warned that without internal power, a skill that takes decades to cultivate, he would be a "second-tier master at best." Unwilling to use the North Liang army against Wang Xianzhi, Xu Fengnian attempted to cultivate inner power by trying to sever a waterfall with his blade, only injuring his hand.
Hong Xixiang observed this and demonstrated how his own self-devised "fist arts," created from studying Taoist scriptures, could part the water without injury. He suggested that Xu Fengnian could apply these universal principles to his blade training and study Wudang's basic sword manual for inspiration. That night, Xu Fengnian confessed to Jiang Ni his regret for not learning martial arts when Old Huang had urged him to, realizing his wit was useless in life-or-death situations.
He now trained not only to retrieve the sword box but also to protect himself so no one else would have to sacrifice themselves for him. He asked Jiang Ni to promise to flee if he ever faced mortal danger. She retorted that if he were dying, she would stab him with a Divine Talisman first, ensuring he died by her hand.
Episode 10 Recap
Following his decision to take his martial arts training seriously, Xu Fengnian practiced diligently under Hong Xixiang's guidance. He focused on a technique that involved drawing circles, which embodied the Taoist principle of returning to nothingness and allowed him to borrow and deflect power. Practicing day and night, he eventually succeeded in splitting a waterfall with a single strike.
In his spare time, Xu Fengnian would find river stones and, while meditating, shape them into black and white chess pieces, an exercise he found useful for training his hand strength and precision. Meanwhile, Jiang Ni meticulously tended to her vegetable garden on Mount Wudang, guarding it possessively. She playfully refused to let Xu Fengnian touch her cucumbers and, after finding sweet potatoes mixed in with her crops, she dismissed them and told Xu Fengnian to take them.
When Hong Xixiang wondered about her dedication to the garden, Xu Fengnian mused that it was likely because she had lost so much since childhood that she craved something that was truly hers. He related this to his own determination to journey to Wudi City to retrieve his sword box from Wang Xianzhi.
Hong Xixiang, in turn, confidently declared his own seemingly impossible goal: to become the world's greatest martial artist, vowing not to descend the mountain until he achieved it, despite having no immediate plans to begin training. They encouraged each other to hold onto their ambitions. Their peace was shattered by the arrival of Princess Suizhu, who stormed directly into Jiang Ni's garden.
She loudly demanded to know the whereabouts of Xu Fengnian and his brother, condescendingly asking if Jiang Ni, a mere maid, could understand her. When Jiang Ni snapped at her to stop stepping on her vegetables, the princess was taken aback. Jiang Ni then forcefully pushed her for ruining the crops. Enraged, Princess Suizhu insulted Jiang Ni and, upon her defiant refusal to apologize, ordered her attendant to slap her.
Following this humiliation, the princess commanded her entourage to destroy the entire garden. Just as they began to lay waste to the garden, a long blade flew through the air, embedding itself in the earth between the princess and Jiang Ni. Xu Fengnian appeared, branding Princess Suizhu a "brute." After Jiang Ni recounted what happened, Xu Fengnian, fiercely protective, declared that while he could bully his maid, no one else was permitted to.
When the princess mocked his audacity, Xu Fengnian retorted, "Do I need to know a dog's name before I beat it?" He engaged her guards, demonstrating impressive skill for a novice but was clearly outmatched when her top attendant, Sun Diaosi, stepped in. Princess Suizhu then revealed her identity and their past engagement, but Xu Fengnian was unfazed, calling her "his wife on some level" and demanding she apologize to Jiang Ni.
When she refused, Xu Fengnian consulted his companion, Elder Qi, who confirmed he could win a fight. As the princess ordered Sun Diaosi to attack, Elder Qi intervened, swiftly and effortlessly defeating Sun Diaosi and disarming the other guards, bringing the confrontation to a halt. At this stalemate, Wang Chonglou, the Chief of Wudang, arrived to mediate. Seeing her disadvantage, Princess Suizhu demanded compensation for her ruined garden.
When Xu Fengnian demanded a thousand taels of gold, the princess, lacking the funds, disdainfully threw him two luminous pearls from her name's origin story as payment. However, Jiang Ni tossed them back, stating she only wanted her garden restored but didn't want the princess's "dirty" people touching it. She then declared their scores settled: a public humiliation in return for the slap. Utterly defeated, the princess inquired about Xu Longxiang's whereabouts.
After Xu Fengnian and Wang Chonglou confirmed his brother had been taken to Mount Longhu, she and her entourage departed. Later, Xu Fengnian apologized to Jiang Ni for his role in the incident, but she refused his offer to help restore the garden. She expressed a deep-seated fatalism, believing she was destined to lose everything she ever possessed, just as she had lost her family and her country.
Meanwhile, descending the mountain, Princess Suizhu concluded that Xu Fengnian was a reckless, impulsive fool and that North Liang would surely fall under his leadership. She revealed to Sun Diaosi that her visit was a calculated test of his character, and he had failed spectacularly. However, Jiang Ni saw through the facade, asking Xu Fengnian if he had deliberately provoked the princess to make her underestimate him.
He admitted it was partly intentional, though also a result of his genuine temper. As Princess Suizhu and Sun Diaosi continued down the mountain, they were intercepted by Hong Xixiang. He claimed to oppose his senior brother's plan to ally with North Liang and offered to help "set things right" by aligning Wudang with the imperial court. To prove his sincerity, he invited them to secretly overhear a conversation between Wang Chonglou and Xu Fengnian at the waterfall.
There, Wang Chonglou explained to Xu Fengnian that his earlier intervention was a calculated political move to signal Wudang's allegiance to North Liang. He described the martial world as insignificant compared to the treacherous undercurrents of court politics, with Wudang caught precariously between the capital and North Liang. Wang Chonglou then detailed the ranks of martial artists, noting the four levels of the first rank: Diamond, Profound, Celestial, and the legendary Land Immortal.
With Wang Xianzhi already at the Celestial level, Xu Fengnian's goal was nearly impossible. Seeing no other way to secure Wudang's survival with his own time running short, Wang Chonglou announced his plan: he would sacrifice his life to transfer his entire Dahuangting cultivation to Xu Fengnian. This powerful energy could alter one's constitution but could only be transferred to a non-practitioner, and its user would die upon its transfer.
This act would irrevocably bind Wudang to North Liang in the eyes of the world. Horrified, Xu Fengnian vehemently refused, calling the chief insane. Wang Chonglou calmly stated the sacrifice was not for him, but for Wudang's legacy. Before Xu Fengnian could react, Wang Chonglou forcibly began the transfer, striking him into the river below and sealing the surface with golden energy.
As Xu Fengnian sank, overwhelmed by the immense power, he experienced a vivid series of visions: himself as a child at his mother's funeral being comforted by Jiang Ni, and the heartbreaking feeling of being utterly alone despite having family. An image of his mother, Wu Su, appeared, gently urging him not to cry. Xu Fengnian struggled desperately for the surface but, trapped by the energy, eventually lost consciousness.
Episode 11 Recap
Atop Mount Wudang, as Wang Chonglou transmitted the Dahuangting internal force to Xu Fengnian, Princess Suizhu observed from a distance, concluding that Wudang had pledged allegiance to North Liang. At her side, Hong Xixiang proposed they intervene to disrupt the transmission, which would critically injure Xu Fengnian. The princess agreed, but as they approached, they were stopped by Junior Brother Wang, who single-handedly held them back. Realizing the transmission was already complete, a frustrated Princess Suizhu decided to withdraw.
Unbeknownst to the princess, this was an elaborate ruse orchestrated by Wang Chonglou. Once she departed, Hong Xixiang and Junior Brother Wang, who had only pretended to be adversaries, confirmed the success of their deception. Wang Chonglou explained the strategy: by leveraging North Liang's power to deter Mount Longhu while securing support from the capital for Hong Xixiang, his succession as Wudang's master would be unassailable.
Wang Chonglou then entrusted the Shentu Sword to Hong Xixiang, tasking him with guarding Wudang until he became the best martial artist in the world. Despite his master's faith, Hong Xixiang expressed anxiety about this immense responsibility. Meanwhile, Xu Fengnian awakened, seemingly unharmed. Wang Chonglou was relieved, noting Xu Fengnian's compatibility with the Dahuangting energy and explaining that the amount he could retain depended on his own fortune.
Before Xu Fengnian's departure, Wang Chonglou urged him to remember the struggles of common people if he were to one day lead North Liang. As Princess Suizhu’s entourage journeyed back to the capital, Sun Diaosi met with Chu Lushan at a prearranged teahouse. Sun Diaosi relayed the princess's conclusions: she now believed Wudang had sided with North Liang and would warn Mount Longhu against provoking Xu Xiao.
Furthermore, convinced of Hong Xixiang's loyalty to the court, she intended to support his bid to become Wudang's new master. True to her suspicious nature, the princess had her guards investigate the teahouse. However, Chu Lushan had anticipated this, staffing the temporary establishment with North Liang loyalists. After the princess's retinue left, Chu Lushan ordered the teahouse dismantled and burned before heading to Mount Wudang.
Two months later, Chu Kuangnu, having fulfilled his promise to protect Xu Fengnian, bid him farewell and advised him to continue practicing his blade techniques. Shortly after, Chu Lushan's dramatic wailing announced his arrival to escort Xu Fengnian back to North Liang. Before leaving, Xu Fengnian asked Hong Xixiang when he would visit his sister, Xu Zhihu, in Jiangnan.
Hong Xixiang confessed his deep affection for her but vowed he would not descend the mountain until he became the best in the world, as his master wished. After Xu Fengnian's departure, Wang Chonglou reassured a worried Hong Xixiang, affirming his belief that he was destined to fulfill this goal. Upon returning to North Liang, Xu Fengnian was met outside the city by a troubled Hongshu and Qing Niao, who hinted at issues within the manor.
He rushed back to find his father, Xu Xiao, taking refuge outside their residence. Xu Xiao revealed that Xu Fengnian's formidable second sister, Xu Weixiong, had returned and was waiting for him, admitting he had set his son up to face her first. Xu Weixiong, the most talented prodigy from Shangyin Academy in decades and a stern figure in the family, coldly dismissed the intricately carved chess set Xu Fengnian offered as a gift.
She confronted him about his indifference to his duties and demanded he accept the responsibility of leading North Liang. Unsatisfied with his answers, she stormed off and found Jiang Ni, warning her never to harm Xu Fengnian again under threat of being sealed in a well. Unfazed, Jiang Ni defiantly took a large brush and inscribed "Jiang Ni swears to kill Xu Fengnian" in large characters on the ground. Ignoring this, Xu Weixiong left the manor.
At the city gate, she was stopped by Chen Zhibao, who advised her not to return to North Liang again without a significant reason. Hearing of this, Xu Xiao chose not to intervene. Later, Xu Fengnian, feeling sympathetic toward Jiang Ni, offered to pay her to read to him. He confessed his confusion as to why his sister, who despised aristocratic succession, was so insistent he take over North Liang, suspecting she had a hidden motive.
Jiang Ni, in turn, challenged his reluctance, arguing that his inaction rendered the sacrifices made for him meaningless. Her words struck a chord, and a visibly stirred Xu Fengnian abruptly left the room.
Episode 12 Recap
After much contemplation, influenced by Xu Weixiong and his father, Xu Fengnian decided to assume control of the three states of North Liang. He explained to Xu Xiao that only by taking on this responsibility could he bring his younger brother, Xu Longxiang, home and prevent him from being used as a pawn.
While Xu Xiao was delighted by Xu Fengnian's decision, he found the reason insufficient and urged him to first visit his master, Li Yishan, promising to give him a better reason upon his return. Xu Fengnian arrived at Tingchao Pavilion and found Nangong Puye listening intently to the floor, claiming there was a hidden space below. Xu Fengnian, intimately familiar with the pavilion, dismissed her claim as overly suspicious.
Nangong Puye did not argue further, instead asking for the return of her blade, Xiudong. Though reluctant, Xu Fengnian complied and then ascended to find Li Yishan. Seeing his master's chess game, Xu Fengnian noted a hidden killing intent. Li Yishan, however, declared this interpretation wrong, swept the pieces away, and invited Xu Fengnian to a new game.
He also revealed he knew Wang Chonglou had passed the Dahuangting to Xu Fengnian and advised him to speak his true feelings to his father. Meanwhile, Xu Xiao went to Tingchao Pavilion alone and channeled his inner energy to activate a massive wooden wheel mechanism, revealing a deep, winding tunnel beneath. Nangong Puye, who was reading on a level above the mechanism, did not notice Xu Xiao opening the passage.
When Xu Fengnian descended, he was stunned to see the secret entrance, where Xu Xiao was waiting for him. Inside the passage, father and son had a heart-to-heart conversation. Xu Fengnian confessed his long-standing resentment, reminding his father that he had married his eldest sister off to Jiangnan, despite knowing her love for Hong Xixiang, merely to secure the support of the region's literary circles.
He pointed out that his second sister, Xu Weixiong, was sent to Shangyin Academy not just to study, but to foster the world's acceptance of North Liang. Now, even Xu Longxiang had been sent away. Witnessing his family members being sacrificed one by one for political stability, Xu Fengnian found the situation tragic. Xu Xiao countered that with formidable enemies and a fearful royal family, North Liang's survival necessitated sacrifices.
To help his son understand, Xu Xiao led him to the end of the passage, which opened into a vast chamber resembling an ancestral hall, lined with hundreds of sets of armor and spirit tablets. Xu Xiao explained that this was the resting place for fallen soldiers, including Chen Zhibao's father, who sacrificed his life to save Xu Xiao's.
He recounted the valiant deeds of others who founded their dominion: General Wang Jian, who held up a city gate with his bare hands; military advisor Zhao Changling, who died just short of avenging his family; and others who made the ultimate sacrifice. Xu Xiao explained his infamous "Slayer" title came from eliminating aristocratic families during the wars, comparing them to thick branches that block sunlight from the common people.
He then revealed a crucial truth: the sacrifices of Xu Fengnian's sisters were voluntary, undertaken specifically to protect him and ensure his smooth succession. He further explained that he sought to keep the Xu family in power not for personal greed, but to prevent the 350,000-strong army from descending into chaos and destroying the hard-won peace. Finally understanding his father's profound motivations, Xu Fengnian accepted the immense responsibility on his shoulders.
However, he rejected his father's methods of "killing and tricks," vowing to find a "third way" to protect both the dream and his family. Though skeptical, Xu Xiao challenged him to try. Deeply moved, Xu Fengnian bowed profoundly to the spirit tablets of the fallen warriors. Concurrently, Yu Youwei misinterpreted a tense situation as an assassination attempt on Jiang Ni by Xu Weixiong's subordinates.
Hongshu quickly clarified that the intimidating men were not assassins, but former bandits personally captured and recruited by Xu Weixiong, which explained their intimidating demeanor. Meanwhile, aboard a boat to Shangyin Academy, Xu Weixiong stared at a chess piece carved by Xu Fengnian. Zhao Kai suddenly emerged from the water, offering his company, but she coolly dismissed him, telling him she would see him in class.
Wei Shuyang, discovering the secret passage had been opened, was initially startled but rejoiced upon learning Xu Fengnian and Xu Xiao were inside, and he hurried to pack for a long journey. Within the chamber, Xu Xiao outlined his plan: Xu Fengnian would journey through the martial world to Wudi City to retrieve Old Huang's sword box, a crucial step on his path to becoming the North Liang King.
Meanwhile, Xu Xiao would travel to the capital to negotiate a deal with the court, securing Xu Fengnian's hereditary succession in exchange for withdrawing his daughters from their strategic posts in Jiangnan and Shangyin Academy. Xu Fengnian, understanding his father's plan, declared he would find a way to achieve these goals with less sacrifice. Gratified by his son's ambition, Xu Xiao urged him to leave, saying he wished to spend more time with his old comrades.
Once alone, Xu Xiao solemnly promised the spirits of the fallen that he would mold Xu Fengnian into a worthy king who would protect the world. Subsequently, Xu Xiao went to the dungeon and spoke aloud of the dangers his son would face on his journey to Wudi City, musing that he needed a protector, before tossing a key inside. Outside, he saw Wei Shuyang packed for travel and granted him permission to accompany Xu Fengnian.
Just then, a powerful killing intent emanated from the secret passage. Nangong Puye moved to intervene, but Xu Xiao stopped her as an unnamed man emerged. Nearing the New Year, Xu Fengnian set out to visit Old Xu, a veteran soldier, before his departure. On his way, he met Shu Xiu, who revealed her true name, explaining her former alias was used while serving Lin Tanhua.
She had been released by Xu Xiao and was tasked with giving Xu Fengnian the dungeon keys, leaving the fate of Ning Emei in his hands. She warned him that Ning Emei resented him for not bringing Xu Longxiang back from Mount Wudang. Xu Fengnian then went to the dungeon, unlocked Ning Emei's shackles, and informed him that Xu Longxiang was safe at Mount Longhu.
He invited Ning Emei to join his travels after the New Year to personally bring Xu Longxiang back. Ning Emei agreed. Xu Fengnian continued to his visit with Old Xu. They reminisced about fighting alongside Xu Xiao for the dream of peace and justice. Xu Fengnian, after drinking some Tusu wine, asked for Old Xu's opinion on his suitability as the North Liang King.
He reflected that he had once considered Chen Zhibao for the role but now understood he was unsuitable. Despite his calm exterior, Chen Zhibao harbored a deep-seated rage that would inevitably reignite wars, destroying the very peace Old Xu and his comrades had fought to build. Xu Fengnian reaffirmed his commitment to protecting that peace.
Episode 13 Recap
After visiting Li Yishan, Xu Fengnian goes to see Xu Yongguan, a blind old soldier, bringing him New Year's provisions. Xu Yongguan expresses his deep admiration for General Xu Xiao, whom he has served his entire life but never met. When Xu Xiao, present but unidentified, humbly refers to the general as just an old man, Xu Yongguan becomes agitated.
However, upon grasping Xu Xiao's hand, he recognizes the touch from a wartime visit when Xu Xiao comforted him after an eye injury, and he kneels in respect. Learning that Xu Fengnian is the general's son, Xu Yongguan declares his life is now without regrets. Xu Xiao assures him that as long as North Liang's flag flies, the spirits of their fallen comrades live on.
On New Year's Eve, Xu Fengnian and Nangong Puye share wine in Tingchao Pavilion, listening to the "Requiem for the Phantom of North Liang," a song with lyrics by Xu Fengnian's second sister and music by him. Nangong Puye praises the lyrics but finds the music average, a sentiment Xu Fengnian's sister shares. Knowing he is leaving for Wudi City, she lends him her twin swords, Xiudong and Chunlei, to be returned upon his safe arrival.
Later, a drunken Xu Fengnian stumbles upon a one-armed old man searching for martial arts manuals. The old man, enticed by wine, cryptically tells him the real treasures are the antiques on the upper floors. Before disappearing, the old man remarks with a laugh how interesting it is that Xu Xiao has a son like him.
The next morning, Jiang Ni is shocked to find Xu Fengnian in her room and furiously, yet quietly, pushes him out, warning him not to explain the situation to anyone. As spring arrives, Xu Fengnian prepares to depart. Xu Xiao outlines his escort: Ning Emei leading a hundred Fengzi Battalion cavalrymen, Qing Niao as his carriage driver, the scholar Wei Shuyang for his broad knowledge, and the well-informed Shu Xiu.
He is joined by Jiang Ni, whom Xu Fengnian brings along to protect her from his second sister's subordinates, and Yu Youwei, who follows Jiang Ni. To his surprise, the disheveled one-armed old man is also part of the group. Xu Xiao calls the old man a "great demon suppressed under Tingchao Pavilion" and strictly forbids Xu Fengnian from ever letting him touch a sword. The other driver is Lv Qiantang, whom Xu Fengnian recognizes as Lin Tanhua, the assassin.
Xu Xiao explains that Lv Qiantang's cooperation is coerced to aid Xu Fengnian's first stop in Qingzhou, where the Lin family is cornered by the Lord of Jing'an. Xu Xiao reveals their plan: he will go to the capital while Xu Fengnian travels the martial world, a joint effort to secure North Liang's hereditary succession. Meanwhile, at Shangyin Academy, Xu Weixiong receives a letter from North Liang.
Zhao Kai appears and mentions their potential marriage alliance, but she rebuffs him by throwing the ancient sword Hongchi at his feet and telling him to leave. Han Diaosi then arrives, informing Zhao Kai that Xu Fengnian's journey is a perfect opportunity for an assassination. He explains that while there is no official decree, Xu Fengnian's death would throw North Liang into chaos, creating a chance for Zhao Kai to rise. Intrigued, Zhao Kai agrees to the plan.
Xu Fengnian's party meets Ning Emei and the Fengzi Battalion, who are waiting discreetly in the woods. Their path is soon blocked by the heavy Iron Cavalry led by Dian Xiongchu, acting on orders from Chen Zhibao to wait for the general to bid farewell personally. Chu Lushan arrives with his own troops, creating a tense standoff with Dian Xiongchu. Chen Zhibao appears and halts the confrontation.
Xu Fengnian challenges Chen Zhibao's intentions, who replies that for North Liang's sake, Xu Fengnian cannot die yet. Rejecting Chen Zhibao's offer of an Iron Cavalry escort, Xu Fengnian chooses to trust Ning Emei. Chen Zhibao remarks that Xu Fengnian lacks the ruthlessness, cunning, and connections to rule, to which Xu Fengnian declares his journey is precisely to "win the heirship." He then tasks Chu Lushan with escorting his father to the capital.
On the road, the one-armed old man senses Jiang Ni's innate talent and offers to teach her martial arts. She declines, but when he mutters the name "Mumaniu," she seems to recognize his true identity. Later, at a riverside camp, Lv Qiantang tells Xu Fengnian his family's survival now depends on Xu Fengnian staying alive. Shu Xiu observes Lv Qiantang, noting his eyes reveal a man whose heart is already dead.
Yu Youwei urges Jiang Ni to escape, but Jiang Ni cynically explains that Xu Xiao is using her as a valuable bargaining chip and that she has been saving money for her own funeral, as she has no family or home left. That night, Xu Fengnian asks Jiang Ni to read to him from a selection of martial arts manuals, offering a penny per word.
As she reads from the "Compendium of Swords," the one-armed old man dismisses it as nonsense, claiming he once scolded its author, Du Sicong, for his flawed understanding. He scoffs at "Sword Mantra of Killing Whales" for its weak execution of a grand idea and derides a manual by Wang Chonglou as useless for someone who hasn't mastered the Dahuangting. He briefly explains that the "Treatise of the Most Exalted One" is the foundation for internal energy cultivation. Frustrated that his constant interruptions are costing her money, Jiang Ni demands payment, only for the old man to playfully claim he has none.
Episode 14 Recap
As Xu Xiao prepared to depart for the capital city, he instructed Chu Lushan not to accompany him but to remain at the mansion gate. He was tasked by Xu Xiao to wait for a sword tassel delivered by a hawk. Upon its arrival, Chu Lushan was to immediately lead his cavalry to Qingzhou. Chu Lushan, concerned that this would be an act of rebellion, was reassured by Xu Xiao that Xu Fengnian would provide specific instructions later.
However, his mood quickly soured when Xu Xiao declared that the military command of North Liang would be entrusted to Chen Zhibao. Despite his displeasure, Chu Lushan promised Xu Xiao that with the North Liang Army on guard, he could rest easy in the capital. The first heavy spring rain fell as the group traveled. Their progress was halted by a figure ahead: a Fujiang Red Armor, a legendary ancient battle armor long thought lost.
Wei Shuyang recognized it, recalling that the wearer of the Fujiang Armor was once one of the world's four Great Masters. He explained that the original armor-bearer had been executed after a failed assassination attempt on the late emperor. The infamous "Human Cat" Han Diaosi had personally stripped him of his armor, and both the body and the armor were publicly displayed to announce its end. The armor's reappearance was puzzling.
This Fujiang Armor was impervious to the combined attacks of Shu Xiu and Lv Qiantang, and Wei Shuyang noted that as a "Water Armor," its power was at its peak in the heavy rain. Realizing the armor was specifically targeting Xu Fengnian, Li Chungang calmly intervened. With a flick of his finger, he sent a water droplet flying, which coalesced into a sword that pierced the armor's chest.
As the armor fell, Li Chungang stepped out with his umbrella and, using it as a sword, gathered the rain into a massive water dragon that utterly obliterated the Fujiang Armor. Observing from a distance, Zhao Kai acknowledged Li Chungang's overwhelming power, concluding that a direct assassination attempt on Xu Fengnian was impossible for now. Upon inspecting the armor's fragments, Xu Fengnian found the wearer barely alive.
Li Chungang explained that the armor's interior was carved with runes that circulated and stored genuine qi, channeling it directly into the wearer's mind. This turned them into "death guards" incapable of surrender, which was why he had delivered a fatal blow. Li Chungang also revealed that three other Fujiang Armors had been waiting in the nearby woods but retreated out of fear of him.
Shortly after, a gravely wounded Ning Emei arrived, reporting that a single Fujiang Armor had attacked the Fengzi Battalion, resulting in over forty casualties. Despite the heavy losses, Ning Emei praised his soldiers for holding their ground without a single man retreating. Recognizing their valor, Xu Fengnian declared the Fengzi Battalion meritorious, ordered Ning Emei to take the survivors back to North Liang, and promised to wait for their return.
He also reflected on his desire to change the tradition of soldiers dying unquestioningly for their lords. During the journey, Jiang Ni identified the old man as Li Chungang, the legendary Sword God. Li Chungang confirmed his identity, recounting how his famous sword, Mumaniu, was broken by Wang Xianzhi’s two fingers during their duel. He clarified that his subsequent seclusion was not out of fear or shame from the defeat, but from the realization of his own past foolishness.
He was now traveling to Wudi City not necessarily to challenge Wang Xianzhi again, but simply to retrieve his sword box. The group reached Mount Qingcheng and took shelter in a Taoist temple where Xu Fengnian and Old Huang had stayed three years prior, a place marked by trees they had cut for firewood. During dinner, Yu Youwei’s attempt to arm Jiang Ni with a stick for an escape was foiled.
Later, a new group of bandits burst in, but Shu Xiu effortlessly subdued them. The captured men confessed they had taken over from the previous occupants, Old Meng's group. They recounted that Old Meng and his men had been wiped out by the Qingyang Sect while trying to rescue a teenage girl named Xiaoque'er, who had been abducted by the sect's leader for his perverse cultivation practices.
Deeply affected, Xu Fengnian went to the Yin-yang Pavilion to sketch the mountain's topography from memory. Meanwhile, Lv Qiantang, standing guard, overheard Yu Youwei's renewed escape plan with Jiang Ni but chose not to interfere, stating his only mission was to protect Xu Fengnian. However, Jiang Ni decided against fleeing and also refused Li Chungang's offer to teach her martial arts.
Saddened by the fate of Xiaoque'er and the other women Shu Xiu discovered imprisoned in the bandits' camp, Xu Fengnian ordered the bandits to be executed and buried on the spot instead of being handed over to the authorities. He explained that the imperial court often protected North Liang's enemies, and these men deserved no chance of escaping justice.
He lamented that the previous group, Old Meng's men, were not true bandits but struggling villagers he and Old Huang had befriended. Wei Shuyang urged caution, reminding Xu Fengnian that Wu Lingsu, the Qingyang Sect's leader, held an imperial title and served as a royal spy monitoring North Liang. Antagonizing him was politically unwise.
Despite this, Xu Fengnian, declaring he was not one for strategic patience when an old promise was on the line, resolved to storm Mount Qingcheng to save Xiaoque'er, whether she was still alive or not.
Episode 15 Recap
Arriving at Mount Qingcheng to find Wu Lingsu, Xu Fengnian's party is instead confronted by Qingyang Sect disciples, who form the Shenxiao Sword Array to block their path. Lv Qiantang engages them with the Chixia Swordplay, a technique that boosts power by consuming one's life force. Aware of its lethal cost, he had willingly learned it from Xu Xiao to secure a chance for his family's survival.
Xu Fengnian orders Shu Xiu to assist, but their combined strength is not enough to break the formidable array. As Xu Fengnian prepares to fight, Ning Emei arrives with the Fengzi Battalion, revealing Xu Fengnian's identity as the Heir of North Liang. Vindicated, Xu Fengnian challenges the disciples to face his charge. Xu Fengnian declares he is looking for a bandit named Old Meng and a young girl, Xiaoque'er, demanding them dead or alive.
Though a female disciple feigns ignorance, Xiaoque'er appears moments later. Wu Lingsu, the Lord of Qingcheng, emerges and invites Xu Fengnian to enter the mountain alone. Despite his followers' protests, Xu Fengnian agrees, warning his men to be ready to raze the mountain should any harm befall him. Inside Wu Lingsu's residence, with Jiang Ni and Li Chungang secretly watching from the roof, Xu Fengnian rejects Wu Lingsu's demand for the lives of his two guards in exchange for Xiaoque'er.
He confidently lays out the consequences: if he were killed, Xu Xiao would lead the North Liang cavalry to destroy Mount Qingcheng, and the Liyang capital would hand over Wu Lingsu's entire family to appease North Liang. Outmaneuvered, Wu Lingsu concedes. A woman, Zhao Yutai, then appears with Xiaoque'er. Xu Fengnian is stunned to see her, recognizing "Aunt" as his mother Wu Su's swordswoman and confidante.
Zhao Yutai reveals she married Wu Lingsu and that the Qingyang Sect's hostility toward North Liang is a ruse orchestrated by Xu Xiao to create a secret outpost for monitoring the capital. She explains that she brought Old Meng and Xiaoque'er to the mountain for their protection; they have since been safely relocated to North Liang territory. Xiaoque'er, now a happy disciple of the Qingyang Sect, confirms this.
Zhao Yutai further reveals that her true mission, beyond managing the outpost, has been to investigate the truth behind Wu Su's death. Uninterested in family secrets, Li Chungang leaves them to return to the carriage. Zhao Yutai explains that Wu Su, while pregnant with Xu Fengnian, was gravely injured during a trip to the capital. She died shortly after giving birth to Xu Longxiang, never naming her attacker.
Zhao Yutai believes the culprit, a powerful figure in the capital, erased all evidence. She also confirms that Xu Xiao arranged the previous bandit encounters to test Xu Fengnian's resolve and even predicted he would enter Mount Qingcheng alone, proving that Xu Fengnian is still following the path his father paved. Though resentful of his father's apparent inaction, Xu Fengnian understands the need for secrecy and vows to continue the investigation himself.
Zhao Yutai gives Xu Fengnian the evidence she has collected over the years. Moved by the memory of the late Consort's kindness, Jiang Ni offers to help Xu Fengnian seek justice, despite their rivalry. Meanwhile, in a private confrontation, Zhao Yutai intercepts Wu Lingsu as he attempts to trade North Liang military intelligence to the capital for the safe return of their son, Shizhen, who is held hostage there.
Threatening to take her own life before allowing a betrayal, she forces a distraught Wu Lingsu to relent. After reviewing the evidence, Xu Fengnian concludes the Liyang royal family orchestrated the assassination. He realizes that his mother's pregnancy, which would have produced an heir for the newly powerful North Liang, made her a target. Acknowledging that his mother, a top sword master, must have been ambushed by multiple experts, Xu Fengnian swears to hunt down and kill every person responsible.
Zhao Yutai leads Xu Fengnian to a secluded valley where a stone tablet conceals his mother's sword, Daliang Dragon and Sparrow. She explains that since Wu Su was disowned by the Wu family for marrying Xu Xiao, her sword could not be returned to the family's Sword Tomb. Wu Su left instructions for Xu Fengnian to inherit the blade if he pursued martial arts, or to offer it as a betrothal gift to a worthy swordswoman.
As Xu Fengnian takes the sword box, a beast's roar echoes through the valley. Zhao Yutai identifies it as a Hukui, a unique and formidable creature she once fought to a stalemate. Having dedicated herself to the Qingyang Sect, Xiaoque'er decides to stay on the mountain. To maintain the illusion of enmity, Xu Fengnian instructs Jiang Ni to take the sword box and travel via a discreet forest path to a rendezvous point, while he departs through the main gate.
As Jiang Ni makes her way through the woods, a terrifying roar, like the death cry of a primeval beast, shakes the mountain. The sound is unnatural for the Hukui, which has no known predators in the area. Worried for Jiang Ni's safety, Xu Fengnian immediately orders Qing Niao and Wei Shuyang to follow him into the forest, leaving the others behind.
Episode 16 Recap
Shu Xiu approaches Lyu Qiantang and Li Chungang, admitting she joined Xu Fengnian's entourage not out of loyalty but because everyone around him is getting what they want. She proposes they watch out for each other. Addressing Li Chungang, she implies he too is with Xu Fengnian for specific reasons, as he and Xu Xiao are not related.
She openly asks Li Chungang if he knows of the martial technique "White Emperor Esoterica of Simplicity," revealing that she joined the Xu family solely to acquire it and would willingly switch her allegiance to him if he could teach it to her. Li Chungang sternly tells her to get lost. Lyu Qiantang then notes that Shu Xiu's open ambition actually makes the group more at ease with her.
Xu Fengnian frantically rushes into the forest, finding trees snapped and blood splattered across the ground. He discovers Jiang Ni unharmed, standing before a mortally wounded Hukui. Jiang Ni recounts seeing a "black-and-white" beast flash by, carrying a person with a sunflower on their back, too fast to discern details. Xu Fengnian observes the Hukui's distended abdomen and realizes it's pregnant. Wei Shuyang declares it a rare opportunity, as Hukui cubs recognize the first creature they see as their parent.
However, Xu Fengnian asserts that while fortune can be won, a mother should not be taken from her children. He uses a dagger to carefully deliver two cubs, a female and a male. He then gently presents the newborns to their dying mother, urging them to remember her. The mother Hukui sheds a single tear before passing away. The two Hukui cubs immediately show extreme submission to Xu Fengnian, rubbing their heads against him.
He playfully denies being their father and names the female cub "Bodhisattva" and the male "Vajra," noting the sister is already looking after her brother. The cubs appear to understand. Despite Wei Shuyang's suggestion that Hukui scales could be crafted into impenetrable armor, Xu Fengnian requests that he bury the mother Hukui without taking anything from her, stating, "She gave me her children. That's enough." The group decides to travel by water to Qingzhou.
Before departure, Zhao Yutai warns Xu Fengnian to be extremely cautious of Zhao Heng, the Lord of Jing'an. She recounts Zhao Heng's past ambition during the "eight sons' fight for the heirship," where he nearly ascended to the throne, describing him as a scheming and resourceful man whose strategic prowess is no less than the emperor's. Xu Fengnian remains confident, believing North Liang's 350,000-man army protects him, to which Zhao Yutai replies, "I hope so."
In Qingzhou, the city's richest man, Wang Linquan, reports to Zhao Heng that the Lin family's assets are under control and vows to "weed them all out." Zhao Heng’s son, Zhao Xun, then introduces Zhao Kai, a student from Shangyin Academy. Zhao Kai suggests that killing Xu Fengnian would trigger a rebellion by Xu Xiao, plunging the world into chaos and giving Zhao Heng an opportunity to fight for the throne.
Zhao Heng, recognizing the same ambition in Zhao Kai that he once had, dismisses the plan as "fallacies" and orders Zhao Kai to be kicked out, threatening decapitation if he returns. Zhao Heng also grows suspicious of Zhao Kai's motives, noting they share the same surname. Dejected by his father's refusal, Zhao Xun is approached by Zhao Kai, who points out a plainly dressed man nearby.
He identifies him as Wu Liuding, the new sword prodigy of the Wu Family Sword Cemetery, a family with a historical grudge against Xu Fengnian's mother. Believing he can exploit this feud, Zhao Kai approaches Wu Liuding and offers to provide Xu Fengnian’s location in exchange for witnessing his swordsmanship. However, Wu Liuding flatly refuses, stating he is busy buying salt. In Lingzhou, Chu Lushan has been waiting for days at the mansion, as instructed by his godfather, Xu Xiao.
When a hawk finally arrives with a tassel, Chu Lushan immediately mobilizes his cavalry to reinforce Xu Fengnian in Qingzhou, brusquely overriding the need for a formal tiger tally and ordering his men to change into their armor on the way. On the boat, Jiang Ni and Li Chungang talk. Li Chungang reveals he stopped wielding a sword not because of his defeat to Wang Xianzhi, but because his beloved was killed by his own hand.
He admits he wants to teach Jiang Ni swordsmanship because her dynamic with Xu Fengnian reminds him of his past, and he hopes she can become strong enough to keep Xu Fengnian in check should he ever go astray. When Jiang Ni asks if he is ready to face Wang Xianzhi again, Li Chungang is unsure of victory but is eager for the fight.
In a gesture of support, Jiang Ni lends him her Divine Token dagger, a national treasure of the former Chu state. In return for the favor, she humorously asks him to instruct Xu Fengnian, as his earlier criticism had caused Xu Fengnian to stop her from reading martial arts manuals, thus cutting her income. Li Chungang begins instructing Xu Fengnian, explaining that practicing Dahuangting without martial moves is useless.
He has Xu Fengnian practice flicking his blade to smash a walnut without marking the deck, urging him to grasp the balance he once demonstrated by breaking red armor with a water droplet. Xu Fengnian quickly succeeds and moves on to the difference between "Blade Gust" (an inner force projected through a weapon) and "Blade Move" (an imperceptibly fast series of strikes). Li Chungang clarifies that his instruction is merely to repay Jiang Ni.
Soon after, Xu Fengnian manages to produce a weak Blade Gust, astonishing Li Chungang with his rapid progress, who admits, "He improves faster than I did." The entourage's boat enters the vast 800-li Spring God Lake, a strategic waterway controlled by the Qingzhou navy. Their journey is interrupted by two massive Yellow Dragon Towered Ships approaching from both front and rear. Unbeknownst to them, one ship is commanded by Zhao Xun, who had intended to attack.
However, upon seeing the second ship, which carries Wang Linquan, Zhao Xun mistakenly assumes it is part of his father's plan, remarking, "It seems so," and orders a retreat to avoid interfering. Meanwhile, Wang Linquan approaches Xu Fengnian and kneels, revealing his true identity: a longtime servant of North Liang, planted in Qingzhou by Xu Xiao. Shu Xiu confirms she has been his secret contact for years.
Wang Linquan explains that with Xu Xiao's backing, he gained Zhao Heng's trust and took control of Qingzhou's finances after the Lin family's fall, proving Xu Xiao to be the superior strategist. He declares that Xu Fengnian's arrival marks the reinstatement of his North Liang identity and reveals he also controls Mount Mu, an island in the lake. Astonished, Xu Fengnian muses, "How many more secret chess pieces does Xu Xiao have that I don't know about?"
Episode 17 Recap
Following his journey across Chunshen Lake, Xu Fengnian arrived at Mushan Island, where Wang Linquan, a former foot soldier of the North Liang Hupu Battalion, respectfully welcomed him. Wang Linquan explained that according to North Liang's military regulations, there was no need for him to kneel, affirming that once a soldier, always a soldier. He then introduced his daughter, Wang Chudong, to Xu Fengnian and proposed that she serve him that night, a suggestion that visibly shocked Xu Fengnian.
Meanwhile, at the Jing'an King's residence, Zhao Xun confronted his father, who was attended by Consort Pei Nanwei. Zhao Xun was incensed, believing his father was humiliating himself by allowing a reception for Xu Fengnian. The Lord of Jing'an, however, recognized Wang Linquan as Xu Xiao's spy and understood that his exposure was a calculated move.
He revealed that Xu Xiao was voluntarily removing his spy in exchange for the Lord of Jing'an's guarantee not to obstruct Xu Fengnian's hereditary succession. Frustrated by his father's perceived inaction, Zhao Xun suggested killing the Wang family along with Xu Fengnian, but his father urged patience. Dismissed, Zhao Xun later met with Zhao Kai, confirming their plan to lead the navy out the next day to intercept and kill Xu Fengnian, with Wu Liuding's assistance.
That night, Xu Fengnian introduced Wang Linquan to Lü Qiantang. To his astonishment, Lü Qiantang learned from Wang Linquan that his mother, Madame Lin, was safe within the residence. He rushed to see her and confessed that he had taken refuge under North Liang, intending to bring the remaining members of their family back with him. Madame Lin reacted with fury, berating him for abandoning the Lin family's honor by joining a "traitor" like Xu Xiao.
She disowned him and declared that the Lin family would remain in Qingzhou. After she left, Wang Linquan offered to help move the Lin family out of Qingzhou on two conditions: first, Lü Qiantang must contact the Lin family's old subordinates in the city to obtain crucial secrets about the Lord of Jing'an for Xu Fengnian. Second, he must pledge unwavering loyalty to Xu Fengnian and protect him at all costs.
Wang Linquan warned that any harm to Xu Fengnian in Qingzhou would result in the remaining Lin family members being handed over to the Lord of Jing'an. When Xu Fengnian began to object, Wang Linquan clarified that he was acting on General Xu Xiao's explicit instructions. Lü Qiantang solemnly vowed to protect Xu Fengnian with his life. The next morning, as Xu Fengnian prepared to depart for Qingzhou, Wang Linquan again urged his daughter, Chudong, to accompany him.
Chudong adamantly refused, openly expressing her disdain for Xu Fengnian. When Wang Linquan grew angry, Xu Fengnian intervened to stop him. He decided to leave his Fengzi Battalion on the island with Yu Youwei and the two beasts, explaining that without imperial orders, North Liang forces could not enter the city of Xiangfan. Soon after his small boat departed, three of the Qingzhou Navy's Yellow Dragon Towered Ships appeared.
Witnessing the approaching warships from the island, Chudong realized the grave danger and quickly alerted her father. On board one of the warships, Zhao Xun, goaded by Zhao Kai, ordered his flanking ships to sink Xu Fengnian's vessel and leave no survivors. As the massive ships loomed, Xu Fengnian remained unfazed while his hidden guards emerged, ready for battle. Ning Emei leaped onto an enemy ship and severed its massive patting pole, preventing it from smashing their boat.
When the enemy used grappling hooks, Lü Qiantang demonstrated immense strength by pulling the heavy tower ship closer, allowing Qing Niao, Wei Shuyang, and Shu Xiu to board and swiftly dispatch the soldiers. As the battle raged, Zhao Xun ordered an archer to fire at Xu Fengnian, who instantly deflected the arrow with his saber. Suddenly, Wu Liuding of the Wu Family Sword Tomb appeared in a small boat, declaring his intention to settle a debt from his mother's past.
He used his bamboo staff to lift an entire tower ship, intending to crush Xu Fengnian's vessel. At that moment, Li Chungang intervened. He leaped onto the warship's deck and, with a single stomp, flipped the massive vessel into the water. Recognizing Li Chungang's overwhelming power, Wu Liuding quickly retreated. As Xu Fengnian began rescuing fallen soldiers from the water, Fujiang Armor agents, dispatched by Zhao Kai, launched a failed underwater ambush with thrown halberds.
With the naval attack thwarted, Zhao Kai recognized defeat and withdrew. Xu Fengnian boarded the flagship, where Zhao Xun had already found a scapegoat in Wei Wei, the son of the navy commander. Claiming Wei Wei had seized control to attempt the assassination, Zhao Xun swiftly beheaded him. Xu Fengnian observed calmly, then walked up to Zhao Xun and publicly slapped him across the face. Suppressing his rage, Zhao Xun politely saw Xu Fengnian off the ship.
Observing from the island, Wang Linquan and Chudong were relieved. However, Chudong remained disgusted by Xu Fengnian's lecherous reputation, blaming him for her father's offer, while Wang Linquan remained determined to send her to his side. Xu Fengnian, reflecting on the fight, realized the Fujiang Armor's underwater attack indicated a separate plot by a hidden mastermind who had merely leveraged Zhao Xun's naval assault, a foe he was sure to meet again.
Episode 18 Recap
Having survived the naval ambush, Xu Fengnian and his companions arrived in Xiangfan. The bustling city stirred a profound melancholy in Jiang Ni, who explained that Xiangfan was once the capital of Chu, a place where she had heard her native Chu accent in her childhood. Now, the people who spoke it were gone.
She recounted how Xu Xiao had besieged the city for three years with a hundred thousand soldiers against two hundred thousand Chu people, including civilians, who vowed to fight to the death. When the city finally fell, fewer than ten thousand remained alive. Xu Fengnian added that his father had later visited the city, claiming that tens of thousands of lonely souls wailed nightly beneath the prosperous streets.
When Jiang Ni questioned if this was a boast of his father's invincibility, Xu Fengnian clarified that Xu Xiao's words were a constant reminder to himself—a warning that he must prevent chaos from recurring at any cost, making the North Liang Army's banner paramount to him.
Xu Fengnian then expressed his own contrasting philosophy: he was different from his father and would not be like him, believing that if he could not protect the important people around him, then the "world" or the "grand plan" held no meaning. Jiang Ni playfully called him childish for this belief. Meanwhile, at the Mansion of Lord of Jing'an, Zhao Xun admitted to his father that he had underestimated the number of skilled masters protecting Xu Fengnian.
The Lord of Jing'an, however, emphasized that the true issue was North Liang. Zhao Xun revealed he had arranged a scapegoat for his failed assassination attempt by killing the son of a naval commander named Wei Dong, justifying it as a warning to a suspected spy. Criticizing his son's bloodlust, Lord of Jing'an revealed that the Lin family's extermination was an imperial order following the attempt on Xu Fengnian's life, implying that killing a single man's son was insufficient.
To truly close the case, the Lord of Jing'an had ruthlessly ordered the slaughter of Wei Dong's entire family, remarking that they could now "take care of each other in heaven." Soon after, a guard from Xu Fengnian's party, identified as the Lin family's Tanhua, arrived to invite the Lord of Jing'an to the inn. The Lord of Jing'an declined, claiming to be busy with Buddhist scriptures.
Zhao Xun was shocked that Lin Tahua was still alive and suggested reporting Xu Xiao for deceiving the Emperor, but his father stopped him, advising they feign ignorance as Lin Tahua's survival was potential leverage against North Liang. Shortly after, a disguised Zhao Kai arrived at the mansion. He waited for Lin Tahua to leave before announcing he had come by appointment to resolve the anxieties of the lord and his son.
In the inn, Xu Fengnian confidently told Jiang Ni that the cunning Lord of Jing'an would not kill him yet, as he was waiting for news from the capital. At the mansion, Zhao Kai proposed helping the Lord of Jing'an kill Xu Fengnian, reasoning that his death would incite North Liang to rebel, plunging the world into chaos and providing the Lord of Jing'an an opportunity to seize the throne.
The Lord of Jing'an revealed he already knew that the eunuch commander Han Diaosi was Zhao Kai's master and had given him the precious Fujiang Armor, leading him to correctly deduce that Zhao Kai was the Emperor’s unrecorded son. The Lord of Jing'an pointed out that chaos would also open a path to power for Zhao Kai himself. Despite this, he ordered Zhao Kai thrown into the dungeon.
Overruling Zhao Xun’s protests, the Lord of Jing'an explained his patient strategy: they would await news of Xu Xiao’s fate in the capital. If Xu Xiao were killed, then eliminating Xu Fengnian would be a simple finishing touch; but if Xu Xiao survived, they would be fools to make themselves his primary target. Meanwhile, Xu Xiao, leading three hundred cavalry, journeyed toward the capital. Outside the city, he paused by a large willow tree, reminiscing about his late wife.
Just then, Prime Minister Zhang Julu arrived and, in a deliberate provocation, ordered the tree cut down. Xu Xiao remained outwardly calm, ordering his troops to march directly into the city without stopping. News of this encounter quickly reached the Lord of Jing'an. Upon entering the palace grounds, Xu Xiao was confronted by Liu Tiren, a third-rank official who accused him of arrogance for bringing a blade and wearing a five-claw robe.
Xu Xiao asserted his right was an "imperial favor," challenged Liu Tiren on proper court etiquette, and then brutally beat the hypocritical official. Learning of this, Zhang Julu scorned Liu Tiren for "fishing for fame" and sent a cryptic message to the Lord of Jing'an in Qingzhou: "It is not something that comes from outside, but emerges from within the heart."
As Xu Xiao waited in the palace, the monk Yang Taisui informed him that the Emperor was unwell and could not meet him. Xu Xiao admitted to "beating Liu Tiren for fun" and correctly guessed the Emperor was avoiding him. Yang Taisui confirmed his suspicion, stating that the Emperor's willingness to meet depended on "how your son leaves Qingzhou."
Back at the mansion, Zhao Kai explained Zhang Julu’s ambition to weaken the vassal lords, with North Liang as his primary target. Zhang's provocation was a gambit to force Xu Xiao to retaliate, thereby compelling the Emperor to execute him. Zhao Kai also clarified the Emperor's own strategy: let Xu Xiao die of old age and allow the "playboy" Xu Fengnian to inherit, leading to North Liang's internal collapse. This strategic difference explained Zhang's aggression.
The Lord of Jing'an then received and interpreted Zhang Julu’s message as an urge to "spontaneously kill Xu Fengnian." He realized the Emperor was waiting for news from Qingzhou: if Xu Fengnian left unharmed, the Emperor would suspect an alliance. Killing Xu Fengnian would put the Emperor at ease, but it would also trigger Zhang Julu's true plan: to make Qingzhou and North Liang destroy each other.
Feeling trapped, the Lord of Jing'an decided to act, ordering his carriage prepared to meet Xu Fengnian, bringing his consort, Pei Nanwei, with him. At the Yuelai Inn, Ning Emei observed Qingzhou soldiers surrounding the premises and instructed Shu Xiu to inform Xu Fengnian of the danger. A servant then announced that Lord of Jing'an had arrived with his consort and son and was waiting in a back room.
Upon hearing this, Xu Fengnian mentioned he had heard that the Lord doted on his consort, Pei Nanwei. When Jiang Ni questioned his interest, Xu Fengnian simply stated it was very important. Wang Chudong then confirmed this, explaining it was common knowledge that the Lord treasured Pei Nanwei. Xu Fengnian prepared to meet his host. Though Jiang Ni expressed reluctance, she followed him toward the room.
Upon arrival, a guard blocked her and the rest of the party, stating that Lord of Jing'an would only see Xu Fengnian. As the door was closed, Ning Emei attempted to intervene, but Xu Fengnian, from inside, ordered him not to be rude.
Episode 19 Recap
Xu Fengnian arrived to meet the Lord of Jing'an, adopting a rare polite demeanor as he greeted him as "Uncle." The Lord praised him, noting he was superior to his own son, Zhao Xun, who was then reluctantly made to apologize for their conflict at Chunshen Lake. Xu Fengnian, however, ignored the apology, fixing his gaze on Pei Nanwei, openly complimenting her beauty and asking if she shared a belief in Buddhism.
He promised to send her a bracelet, which she accepted only after the Lord of Jing'an prompted her. Meanwhile, outside, Li Chungang remarked that both the Lord and Xu Fengnian were shrewd, while Lu Qiantang assured Shu Xiu he would prioritize protecting Xu Fengnian over seeking revenge. Inside, the Lord of Jing'an brought up Wang Linquan, whom Xu Fengnian had stayed with on Mushan Island. Xu Fengnian explained that Wang was a senior who had served under his father.
Although the Lord suggested Wang stay longer, Xu Fengnian insisted that as a former North Liang subordinate, Wang must return to North Liang, claiming the decision was his own. He continued to flatter Pei Nanwei, to the Lord's visible annoyance. As the meeting concluded and the Lord of Jing'an's party departed, Xu Fengnian intercepted Pei Nanwei, taking her hand and reiterating his intention to send the bracelet. She pulled away and quickly followed the others.
Once they were gone, Xu Fengnian’s smile vanished, replaced by a grim expression as he mentally replayed the entire encounter, analyzing every word and reaction. Later, Li Chungang and Jiang Ni saw Wang Linquan heading to the Mansion of Lord of Jing'an. They rushed back to inform Xu Fengnian, whose suspicions were aroused. He questioned Wang Chudong about her father's true motives for bringing them to the island so openly.
In a parallel conversation, the Lord of Jing'an explained Xu Xiao's ruthless strategy to Zhao Xun: Wang Linquan's public appearance as a spy was designed to force Qingzhou's hand. To prove to the imperial court that Qingzhou was not allied with North Liang, the Lord of Jing'an would have to annihilate the entire Wang family. Wang Chudong tearfully confirmed Xu Fengnian's fears, admitting her family was always intended to be a sacrifice to ensure his safety.
Refusing to accept his father's cold calculations, Xu Fengnian declared he would forge his own path and returned to Mushan Island to save the Wang family, instructing his companions to remain at the inn. At the Lord of Jing'an's mansion, Wang Linquan arrived, stating he only sought safe passage for Xu Fengnian to travel east. The Lord cryptically responded that if someone leaves, someone must stay.
Wang Linquan offered himself and his entire family, but the Lord insisted that "the whole family" meant no one could be spared, not even his young daughter. Wang Linquan reluctantly agreed. After he left, the Lord of Jing'an harshly berated and physically assaulted Pei Nanwei, accusing her of being charmed by Xu Fengnian. She endured his abuse silently before stating she married him simply because she feared death, then left the room, ignoring Zhao Xun’s concern.
Upon reaching the docks, Xu Fengnian and Wang Chudong discovered Wang Linquan had taken all the boats. Wang Chudong whistled, summoning a giant Yuan from the water. Xu Fengnian, astonished, warned her to keep the creature a secret. As they traveled, Xu Fengnian explained his actions by recounting the story of his poor swordsman friend, Wen Hua, who believed a swordsman's heart must be clean, even if his appearance is not.
Inspired by this, Xu Fengnian refused to sacrifice the Wang family, believing it was the right thing to do, even if it seemed foolish and complicated his own escape. Wang Chudong expressed her admiration, hoping for a future North Liang King who, like him, would not compromise. Arriving at Mushan Island, they found the Wang family preparing to leave for North Liang.
When Wang Linquan appeared, he was shocked to see Xu Fengnian and protested the departure, explaining that Xu Xiao's plan required them to stay and be sacrificed. Xu Fengnian asserted his authority as the future Lord of North Liang, falsely claiming the plan had changed and producing a warrant from his father as proof. He then knocked Wang Linquan unconscious to ensure he was put on the ship.
Xu Fengnian instructed Wang Chudong to lead her family and any survivors of the Lin family to North Liang while he returned to Xiangfan. Back in Xiangfan, Xu Fengnian learned from Wei Shuyang that Pei Nanwei was renowned as the Lord of Jing'an's "most loved person." Seizing the opportunity, Xu Fengnian gave Wei Shuyang the promised bracelet and a note for Pei Nanwei, asking her to meet him in the reed marsh the next afternoon.
At the mansion, the Lord of Jing'an ordered Pei Nanwei to open Xu Fengnian's gift. Just then, Zhao Xun burst in, reporting that the entire Wang family had escaped. The Lord dismissed any pursuit, citing military orders. Noticing Xu Fengnian's note, he instructed Pei Nanwei to go to the reed marsh on his behalf to "see off" the heir of North Liang. He then summoned Zhao Kai from the dungeon, stating that Xu Fengnian had cornered them both.
Zhao Kai confidently assured the Lord he had already gathered men to kill Xu Fengnian, framing it as a personal grudge unrelated to Qingzhou. The Lord of Jing'an approved, revealing the time and location for the ambush: "Tomorrow afternoon. In the reed marsh outside the city."
Episode 20 Recap
Following his tense encounter with Lord of Jing'an, Zhao Kai finalizes his plans. He approaches the swordsman Wu Liuding and his companion Cuihua, introducing them to Wang Mingyin, the 11th-ranked martial artist in the realm, who has come to Xiangfan to kill Xu Fengnian. Unarmed, Wang Mingyin demonstrates his formidable inner power by shattering Wu Liuding's bamboo pole, earning his respect. Zhao Kai then presents Wang Mingyin with a box containing the eyes of his deceased brother, Wang Mingyang.
A famed general of West Chu and revered as the "Number One Defender," Wang Mingyang had held Xiangfan against Xu Xiao's army for three years before the city fell and he died in battle. Before his death, he gouged out his own eyes, wishing to witness the future of Xiangfan, and swore an oath that no member of the Xu family should ever be allowed to enter the city again.
Driven by this vow, Wang Mingyin is determined to kill Xu Fengnian, a decision he claims is independent of Lord Jing'an's wishes. When Wu Liuding voices concern about the difficulty of assassinating a target so well-protected, Zhao Kai reveals his full plan: he has brought the ancient Fujiang Armor, and Lord Jing'an will dispatch his own cavalry to ensure Xu Fengnian dies in the reed marsh the next day.
Unaware of the specific details but anticipating danger, Xu Fengnian remains composed, taking a stroll through the city with Qing Niao. He has a joyful and unexpected reunion with his old friend Wen Hua, a scruffy aspiring swordsman. Over food and wine, Xu Fengnian shares the sad news of Old Huang's passing. Wen Hua takes it with the pragmatism of the martial world, noting that people are always coming and going.
After their meal, they part ways, with Wen Hua mentioning he is in Xiangfan pursuing a woman before heading to the chaotic North Mang border to hone his sword skills. As the confrontation looms, Wei Shuyang studies fragments of the Fujiang Armor, searching for a weakness that might momentarily stall the formidable soldiers. Xu Fengnian attempts to dismiss Lyu Qiantang, telling him that his family is now safe and he is free to go.
However, Lyu Qiantang is torn; though the world condemns the Xu family, they are the ones who saved his. Bound by this debt of gratitude, he refuses to leave, pledging to protect Xu Fengnian with his life. Jiang Ni also refuses to depart, defiantly stating that if Xu Fengnian is to die, it must be by her hand.
Seeing Xu Fengnian's resolve not to flee and abandon his followers, Li Chungang honors his promise to Xu Xiao and offers to escort him safely back to North Liang alone. Xu Fengnian refuses. Impressed, Li Chungang decides to teach him, explaining the true essence of his technique, "One Sword, Making Immortals Kneel." He reveals it is not about defying heaven, but about harnessing the power of heaven to crush the arrogance of false aspirants.
He believes that with his Dahuangting foundation and proud nature, Xu Fengnian is well-suited to master it. The next morning, Xu Fengnian's group arrives at the reed marsh. Lord of Jing'an's cavalry is nowhere to be seen; instead, a single carriage arrives carrying Pei Nanwei. Nearby, Zhao Kai, Wu Liuding, and Wang Mingyin lie in wait. As Ning Emei musters the Fengzi Battalion, he discovers three of his soldiers are missing.
Impatient, Wang Mingyin decides not to wait for the cavalry and to begin the attack. Pei Nanwei delivers a letter from her husband containing just four characters—"Send the nephew a thousand li"—and returns the bracelet Xu Fengnian had sent her. As she turns to leave, Xu Fengnian grabs her hand, preventing her escape. At that moment, the ambush is sprung. Zhao Kai orders the Fujiang Armor to attack, drawing the Fengzi Battalion away to create an opening.
Xu Fengnian explains to a captive Pei Nanwei the message's sinister double meaning: the character for "li" (里) with one additional stroke becomes the character for "springs" (泉), as in the Yellow Springs of the underworld. It was a command to send him to his death. As Ning Emei anxiously prepares to search for his men, Xu Fengnian calmly takes control.
He orders Shu Xiu and Lyu Qiantang to aid the search party, puts Pei Nanwei inside his own carriage for her protection, and turns to face his assailant. Wang Mingyin steps forward, declaring, "I have said, no one from the Xu family is allowed to enter Xiangfan."
Episode 21 Recap
Following his ultimatum that no member of the Xu family may enter Xiangfan, Wang Mingyin, the world's eleventh-ranked fighter, prepared to attack Xu Fengnian. In response, Li Chungang, armed with only a wooden sword, flew from the carriage to meet the challenger. At the same time, Wu Liuding of the Sword Tomb emerged from the nearby reed marsh, seeking to challenge Li Chungang with the legendary Suwang Sword. Meanwhile, a fierce battle raged within the marsh.
Wei Shuyang, Shu Xiu, and Lv Qiantang fought against the Fujiang Armor constructs. An expert in formations, Wei Shuyang devised a plan to briefly paralyze the armors, creating an opening. Shu Xiu warned Lv Qiantang that overusing his Chixia Swordplay would be fatal. Aware that he was on a suicide mission, Lv Qiantang engaged a Fire-armor to buy time. Shu Xiu battled a Wood-armor whose vine attacks could inflict wood poison, while they remained wary of an Earth-armor hiding underground.
Outside the marsh, Ning Emei led the Fengzi Battalion in repeated, yet futile, cavalry charges against Wang Mingyin, whose powerful qi effortlessly repelled the soldiers. As the situation grew dire, Qing Niao requested the Chana Spear from Xu Fengnian to join the fight. In his duel, Li Chungang easily demonstrated his superiority, shattering Wu Liuding's bamboo staff with his "Two-Sleeved Green Snake" technique.
Before Wu Liuding could draw the real Suwang Sword at the urging of his companion Cuihua, Li struck again, defeating him and forcing them to flee. In the marsh, Lv Qiantang, now severely burned, made his final stand. He pinned the Fire-armor to the ground and unleashed his Chixia Swordplay, allowing the flames to consume him as he struck the armor repeatedly, destroying it in a massive explosion that also took his own life. The explosion drew everyone's attention.
Wei Shuyang, realizing the Earth-armor would now target Xu Fengnian, rushed to warn him. As predicted, the armor burst from the ground, but Xu Fengnian, using the "One Sword, Immortals Kneel" technique taught to him by Li, obliterated it. Just as Xu Fengnian recovered, Wang Mingyin disarmed him and moved in for the kill. Suddenly, a mysterious woman appeared from behind and fatally stabbed Wang Mingyin. Xu Fengnian recognized her as Miss Hehe, the seller of sauced beef.
However, Miss Hehe then turned on Xu Fengnian, revealing she had saved him only to kill him herself for a larger bounty from the Lord of Jing'an. She landed several powerful blows before Li Chungang intervened to save the gravely injured Xu Fengnian. Xu Fengnian pleaded with Li Chungang to save the critically wounded Qing Niao and the Fengzi Battalion soldiers. Li managed to stabilize Qing Niao's condition by transferring his own energy. Xu then went to Lv Qiantang's side.
Wei Shuyang confirmed that Lv had ruptured his meridians and was beyond saving. With his last breaths, Lv Qiantang asked that his ashes be scattered in the river rather than be buried in his ancestral tomb, as he felt he had disgraced his family. His final request was for Xu Fengnian to spare the remaining members of the Lin family, a promise Xu Fengnian made. Lamenting the hardship of his life, Lv Qiantang passed away.
As Xu Fengnian ordered Wei Shuyang to cremate Lv's body, the most powerful Golden-armor finally appeared. Before it could strike, Miss Hehe reappeared, knocking the armor aside and launching another attack on Xu Fengnian. Li Chungang once again intercepted her, saving Xu. He then explained the severity of Xu's injuries: Miss Hehe's attacks had sent the Dahuangting energy he inherited from Wang Chonglou into a chaotic, reverse flow through his meridians, a nearly fatal condition.
Li offered a grim solution: he could save Xu's life by destroying his dantian, which would also strip him of all his martial arts. Suddenly, the thundering sound of cavalry filled the air. Li Chungang identified them as the forces of the Lord of Jing'an, arriving late to claim the spoils. The Qingzhou soldiers quickly surrounded the carriage, and from their ranks, Pei Nanwei was seen walking toward the Lord of Jing'an.
Episode 22 Recap
After Lord of Jing'an arrived with his troops and surrounded Xu Fengnian's carriage, Xu Fengnian, though having just survived a fierce battle, remained calm as he approached Lord of Jing'an to speak privately. Lord of Jing'an expressed surprise at Xu Fengnian's bold approach, especially given that the God of Sword, Li Chungang, was in Xu Fengnian's carriage. However, Xu Fengnian showed no fear, confidently stating that Lord of Jing'an had no true intention of killing him.
He asserted that the assassination attempt in the reed marsh, orchestrated by Wang Mingyin, was merely a performance for the capital and the royal family, intended to reassure them about Qingzhou. He highlighted that both North Liang and Qingzhou were powerful vassal towns, and Lord of Jing'an needed to distance himself from North Liang in the eyes of the imperial court.
Xu Fengnian then revealed that he disliked Xu Xiao's original plan for his departure from Qingzhou, so he devised his own escape strategy: publicly flirting with Pei Nanwei, Lord of Jing'an's wife. He explained that Lord of Jing'an's exaggerated public display of affection for Pei Nanwei, which was known throughout Xiangfan and Qingzhou, made her appear as his most beloved "weakness."
However, Xu Fengnian, having studied Lord of Jing'an's cunning and secretive nature during the past imperial succession struggles, deduced that such a deeply scheming individual would never expose a true vulnerability. He concluded that Pei Nanwei was a fabricated weakness, a scapegoat meant to be seen by others. Xu Fengnian further interpreted Lord of Jing'an's message, "See the nephew off," as having two layers of meaning.
The superficial meaning was a threat of death, but the deeper meaning was a "gift" – Pei Nanwei herself. By taking Pei Nanwei, Xu Fengnian would create an irreparable feud with Lord of Jing'an, a "hatred of taking a wife," which would prevent the imperial court from suspecting a secret alliance between Qingzhou and North Liang. This feigned animosity would provide Lord of Jing'an with a legitimate reason to allow Xu Fengnian to leave Qingzhou safely.
Xu Fengnian clarified that the assassination, though a show, was not fake; if he had died, it would have simply proven he was unworthy of being Lord of Jing'an's ally in the future struggle for the throne. Lord of Jing'an, impressed by Xu Fengnian's insight, acknowledged his strategic brilliance, noting the vast difference in intellect and foresight between Xu Fengnian and his own son, Zhao Xun.
Before Xu Fengnian's departure, Lord of Jing'an presented him with two gifts: a blade book obtained from Wudi City, which he believed Xu Fengnian, as a blade user, would find useful, and a wooden box containing half of Mumaniu, Li Chungang's famous broken sword. He admitted that he was aware of Li Chungang's presence, which allowed him to proceed with Wang Mingyin's "real" assassination attempt without fear of truly killing Xu Fengnian, as Xu Xiao's wrath would be too great.
As a final warning, Lord of Jing'an advised Xu Fengnian against taking Pei Nanwei to Wudi City, revealing his suspicion that she had deliberately approached his son, Zhao Xun, which was why he had married her first. Meanwhile, Zhao Kai attempted to form an alliance with Miss Hehe to eliminate Xu Fengnian, offering a thousand taels of gold. Miss Hehe, however, refused his offer and ordered him to leave.
Before Zhao Kai could react, a massive, black-and-white beast, later implied to be Miss Hehe's companion, appeared, startling him into a hasty retreat. Pei Nanwei, left standing on the official road, realized she had been abandoned by Lord of Jing'an. Xu Fengnian approached her, allowing her to voice her questions. She accused him of hypocrisy, questioning his "mercy" for sparing Wang Linquan's family while allowing Fengzi Battalion soldiers to die for his protection.
Xu Fengnian sternly corrected her, explaining that ordinary citizens like the Wang family and soldiers like those in Fengzi Battalion have different identities and duties. He emphasized that the soldiers' purpose was to protect the common people, and while he mourned their sacrifices and kept them in his heart, he would make the same choice again if necessary because he fought alongside them and shared their risks.
Shortly after, Xu Fengnian entered his carriage and began bleeding from his seven orifices, indicating a critical internal injury. Li Chungang, realizing the severity of the situation, explained that Miss Hehe's attack had left Xu Fengnian's internal energy in chaos. He proposed a dangerous method of survival: forcibly absorbing the Dahuangting energy within him.
This process, akin to undergoing thousands of cuts, would be excruciatingly painful but could lead to a complete transformation, potentially allowing Xu Fengnian to absorb over 50% of the Dahuangting, thus not only saving his life but also significantly increasing his power. Xu Fengnian, driven by his desire to avenge his mother and complete Jian Jiuhuang's unfinished fight against Wang Xianzhi, resolved to endure the agony, accepting the life-or-death gamble.
While Xu Fengnian underwent the painful process, Shu Xiu, observing his fading aura, contemplated abandoning him to save herself, as her allegiance to North Liang was for self-preservation and to obtain the White Emperor Esoterica of Simplicity. However, before she could act, Xu Fengnian emerged from the carriage, appearing outwardly normal despite his internal struggle. Shu Xiu, shocked, immediately knelt and apologized.
Xu Fengnian, understanding her motives, readily granted her the White Emperor Esoterica of Simplicity, acknowledging that loyalty did not always necessitate dying for him and that North Liang was vast enough to accommodate her. Later, Xu Fengnian cultivated Dahuangting in a nearby pool, quickly reaching the fourth level. He then persuaded Li Chungang to teach him "Snakes in Sleeves," with the condition that he master it before reaching Wudi City.
Xu Fengnian also questioned Li Chungang's use of a wooden sword, learning that at his level, Li Chungang was the "God of Sword" regardless of the weapon, having discarded Mumaniu after it was broken. Their journey was interrupted by Zhao Xun and his Qingzhou cavalry, who arrived to reclaim Pei Nanwei. Xu Fengnian playfully sought Pei Nanwei's consent, to which she subtly refused. Just as tensions escalated, Chu Lushan made a thunderous entrance.
His notorious reputation for brutality immediately intimidated Zhao Xun, who recognized Chu Lushan and Li Chungang's presence. Chu Lushan dismissed Zhao Xun's attempts to assert authority, hinting at mass slaughter, which forced Zhao Xun to retreat, vowing future revenge. Chu Lushan explained that Xu Xiao had sent him to Qingzhou after receiving a sword tassel via a hawk, instructing him to obey Xu Fengnian's commands.
Xu Fengnian then instructed Chu Lushan to return to North Liang with Pei Nanwei and Qing Niao, also entrusting him with Lv Qiantang's cremains to be laid to rest in the Lin family's ancestral grave, fulfilling Lv Qiantang's wish to "go home." Qing Niao, however, insisted on staying by Xu Fengnian's side, and he reluctantly agreed. Meanwhile, Zhao Kai, frustrated by his repeated failures to kill Xu Fengnian, was approached by Han Diaosi.
Han Diaosi advised him to seek out Zhao Huangchao, a reclusive imperial clan member on Mount Longhu, who would undoubtedly help eliminate Xu Fengnian due to the Xu family being a threat to the imperial family. Han Diaosi planned to use Xu Fengnian's death as a catalyst to provoke Xu Xiao into rebellion, plunging the world into chaos, thereby providing Zhao Kai with an opportunity to seize the throne.
Xu Fengnian, now on his way to Jiangnan to meet his eldest sister, reflected that despite his efforts to forge his own path, his actions still aligned with Xu Xiao's expectations, acknowledging his father's profound understanding of him.
Episode 23 Recap
News of Xu Fengnian's audacious kidnapping of the Consort of Jing'an spread from Qingzhou to the capital, inciting the Lord of Jing'an's fury and causing him to smash his Buddhist Hall. He even sought the assistance of Wang Mingyin, the eleventh-ranked martial artist, for an assassination attempt.
This news delighted the Emperor, who saw it as a means to deepen the feud between North Liang and Qingzhou, unaware that this played right into the hands of those he sought to control. Meanwhile, in the capital, Xu Xiao remained unperturbed. When Yang Taisui suggested North Liang was doomed because of Xu Zhihu's scandalous reputation, Xu Xiao countered by asking what the most formidable type of chess player was.
He answered his own question: not one who calculates ten steps ahead, but one who can disrupt the entire game and start anew. He declared he was prepared to do just that, before playfully refusing to let Yang Taisui leave until he secured three straight wins in their game of Go. Xu Fengnian's group continued their journey, crossing Qingzhou and Yuzhou and finally arriving in Yangcheng, Yangzhou.
This southern city, known for its tranquil and scholarly demeanor, starkly contrasted with the martial culture of North Liang, making Xu Zhihu's unrestrained nature stand out. In the Lu family, where she had married, news of her alleged affair with a man surnamed Liu was public knowledge. Only her loyal maid, Er'qiao, remained by her side, while even the lowliest servants openly disrespected her.
Xu Zhihu, however, met their disdain with a sharp wit, her spirits lifted by the impending arrival of her younger brother, whom she expected within days. Upon reaching Yangcheng, Xu Fengnian planned to go directly to the Lu family, but Li Chungang's declaration of hunger prompted them to find a restaurant first.
While dining, they overheard patrons gossiping about Xu Zhihu, calling her shameless for repeatedly trying to seduce Liu Liting, only to be publicly slapped and insulted by his wife at Baoguo Temple. The gossip escalated, revealing that Liu Liting's wife was related to a palace concubine, amplifying the scandal. Enraged, Xu Fengnian plunged his dagger into an adjacent table, silencing the terrified patrons.
Meanwhile, in Li Chungang's carriage, Jiang Ni learned from Yu Youwei that the Lu family's heir had been captured and forced to commit suicide by her father, the late King of West Chu. Jiang Ni remained calm, knowing her identity as the Princess of West Chu was a secret, protecting her from potential retribution. After the carriages converged, Xu Fengnian borrowed Li Chungang's "Divine Token" dagger.
He instructed Wei Shuyang and Li Chungang to take the female companions to the Lu family, emphasizing that Jiang Ni's true identity must be kept secret. Xu Fengnian then headed to Jiangxin County to find Liu Liting and uncover the truth. Shu Xiu quickly discovered that the Liu family was merely a minor gentry family in Yangzhou, with Liu Liting being their only notable scholar.
At the Lu mansion, Wei Shuyang and the others were met by Lu Dongyang, the family's arrogant housekeeper. Citing a "No Guests" sign, he rudely refused them entry and insulted Xu Zhihu, declaring she had disgraced the family. Inside the carriage, Jiang Ni bristled, but Yu Youwei restrained her. Qing Niao, however, strode forward, kicked Lu Dongyang to the ground, and after striking the gate with her blade, ordered her subordinates to dismantle the main entrance.
The commotion drew Lu Baijie, the "Sword Immortal of Tangxi," who respectfully challenged the "Sword God" Li Chungang to a duel. The tense standoff was diffused only by the timely arrival of Xu Zhihu herself, who greeted her family and calmed the situation. From the rooftop of Liu Liting's residence, Xu Fengnian observed the scholar and immediately concluded his sister would never be attracted to such a man.
He knew her marriage to the Lu family's son, who had passed away from illness, was a political arrangement, and that her heart truly belonged to someone on Mount Wudang. He also noted Liu Liting fawning over his wife, likely because of her connection to a palace concubine, hinting at the man's opportunism. As Liu Liting flattered his wife, Shu Xiu burst into the room.
She bluntly stated she had a vendetta against North Liang and intended to kill Liu Liting, the supposed "adulterer" of North Liang's daughter. Petrified, Liu Liting frantically tried to disavow any connection to Xu Zhihu. Seizing a moment when his wife was distracted, he struck her unconscious with an inkstone to speak freely. Liu Liting confessed that he had been the one persistently pursuing Xu Zhihu, orchestrating "chance encounters" and sending her poems, but she had consistently rebuffed him.
Xu Zhihu never defended herself against the rumors because she considered it futile. Her marriage was a political arrangement, and though she was worried by news of Xu Fengnian's recent assassination attempt and concerned for her younger brother, Xu Longxiang, at Mount Longhu, she had learned to endure her fate in the south. To gain his full trust, Shu Xiu revealed the "Divine Token" dagger and falsely claimed to be a princess of West Chu.
Believing her, Liu Liting retrieved letters from Jin Lanting, a scholar in the capital. The letters exposed a conspiracy: the imperial court, wary of North Liang, had instructed Liu Liting to deliberately tarnish Xu Zhihu's reputation. This included arranging for his wife to confront Xu Zhihu at Baoguo Temple and leveraging his wife's palace connections to spread the rumors, all to sow discord between the Lu family and North Liang in exchange for a promising future in the capital.
Having overheard the entire confession, Xu Fengnian entered, confiscated the letters, and ordered Ning Emei to bind Liu Liting. He then had the man dragged by horse through Yangcheng toward the Lu mansion. As Liu Liting screamed for mercy, Xu Fengnian declared his own identity to the onlookers, stating that his actions were simple justice: returning the blade to those who drew one on his family. Concurrently, Zhao Kai arrived at Mount Longhu and encountered Xu Longxiang.
Remarking on the twists of fate, Zhao Kai ordered his Golden-armor guards to attack. Back in Yangcheng, Xu Zhihu expressed her deep concern for Xu Longxiang, who, despite his immense strength, was alone and vulnerable. Oblivious to the impending danger, Xu Longxiang was focused on finding hawthorns to save for his brother.
Episode 24 Recap
Xu Longxiang, sensing Zhao Kai's aggressive intent, prepared to face him without fear. As they stood on the brink of confrontation, Zhao Xituan, a Longhu Arch-Taoist, leisurely approached. Zhao Kai's demeanor immediately shifted, claiming the encounter was merely a misunderstanding and displaying the Three-thousand Red Thread given to him by Han Diaosi. Recognizing Zhao Kai as Han Diaosi's disciple, Zhao Xituan chose not to pursue the matter further, but demanded an apology for Zhao Kai's earlier aggression.
To Zhao Xituan's surprise, Zhao Kai humbly knelt, earnestly asking for forgiveness. This display of adaptability impressed Zhao Xituan, who remarked that a new generation of talents was emerging. Xu Longxiang, confused by the sudden change, was told by Zhao Xituan that he was his successor and to call him Master. Liu Liting's wife, upon waking, found their house surrounded by a crowd and learned the devastating truth: her husband had been dragged through the city by a horse.
The leader of the group was identified as Xu Fengnian, the Son of the Lord of North Liang. As Xu Fengnian rode through Yangcheng, unaware of a hidden assailant, Miss Hehe ambushed him with a swift blow, striking him from behind. Meanwhile, Xu Zhihu stood vigil at the entrance of the Mansion of Lu, awaiting her brother's arrival. When Xu Fengnian and his entourage reached the mansion, Liu Liting's body was cold and lifeless.
Having been separated for many years, the reunion of sister and brother was fraught with emotion. Xu Fengnian embraced Xu Zhihu, promising to take her back to North Liang. However, he immediately fainted. Xu Zhihu discovered a large, bloody wound on his back, causing her great alarm. Although his injury appeared severe, it was merely a flesh wound, easily bandaged with no lasting harm.
In contrast, Liu Liting's distraught wife was determined to seek justice against the Xu family and proceeded to the governmental office in Liyang City to file a formal complaint. At a posthouse in the capital city, Han Diaosi, the head of the eunuchs, paid a visit to Grand Commander Xu Xiao. Xu Xiao appeared unconcerned by the news Han Diaosi brought, seemingly preoccupied with a game of chess.
Han Diaosi, observing Xu Xiao's "cheeky" chess style, noted he only continued if he was winning, otherwise he'd sweep the pieces away. Han Diaosi then presented secret reports from Jiangnan detailing Xu Fengnian's violent actions: he had broken into the house of Jiangnan gentleman Liu Liting, tied him to a horse, and dragged him to Yangcheng, killing him.
This atrocity shocked scholars across Jiangnan, prompting them to draft a joint memorial to the throne, which was now en route to the capital. Han Diaosi revealed a second report: Xu Fengnian had been ambushed by assassins upon entering Yangcheng. While Xu Xiao feigned indifference to his son's fate, Han Diaosi confirmed that Xu Fengnian had sustained a back injury but was now recovering in the Mansion of Lu, saved by his cavalrymen.
Han Diaosi elaborated that while His Majesty found Xu Fengnian's violent behavior amusing, his injury and the subsequent protection from the Lu family could complicate the situation, especially concerning Xu Fengnian's hereditary peerage. Han Diaosi suggested that for Xu Fengnian to secure the hereditary peerage, North Liang must become isolated.
He even proposed that Xu Xiao order Xu Fengnian to kill members of the Lu family to force a conflict, but Xu Xiao dismissed the idea as impossible, stating he could not order his son to kill relatives. Han Diaosi reiterated that if the Lu and Xu families did not fall out, the hereditary peerage would not be maintained, leaving Xu Xiao to ponder his next move.
Despite the Lu family's esteemed status as renowned Jiangnan scholars, their deference to Xu Xiao's fearsome reputation as the Slayer prevented them from expelling Xu Zhihu from their home. Xu Fengnian's injury, though a setback, proved to be a fortunate turn of events. It startled the Lu family, who now feared being accused of orchestrating the assassination or incurring Xu Xiao's wrath.
Consequently, they meticulously cared for Xu Fengnian, with the governmental office even refusing to accept Liu Liting's wife's complaint, citing a fabricated illness among its officials. Er'qiao, Xu Zhihu's maid, lamented the Lu family's previous harsh treatment, noting they only provided comforts like coals after Xu Fengnian's injury. Xu Fengnian found himself torn; causing a rift with the Lu family, as his father intended, would undoubtedly worsen his sister's already difficult position. Seeing his hesitation, Xu Zhihu resolved to act.
She secretly arranged for a carriage, intending to visit Liu Liting's mansion to pay respects to the deceased. She told Er'qiao that what Xu Fengnian could not bring himself to do, she would. Er'qiao warned her that such a visit would fuel rumors of an affair with Liu Liting, but Xu Zhihu was resolute, instructing Er'qiao to tell Xu Fengnian she was out to fetch a doctor.
Unbeknownst to them, Jiang Ni and Yu Youwei attempted to visit Xu Fengnian but found his room empty. Meanwhile, Xu Fengnian, having anticipated Xu Zhihu's intentions, had already dispatched Ning Emei's Fengzi Battalion to monitor the Lu family's movements. He intercepted his sister on her way to Liu Liting's mansion. Xu Fengnian urged Xu Zhihu to return home, pleading with her not to endure further suffering for his sake.
He promised that once he recovered, he would devise a strategy that pleased both the capital and his sister, perhaps by making trouble with other Jiangnan literary figures. At the same time, Yang Taisui met with an official, the Prime Minister, in the capital. Yang Taisui reported Xu Xiao's calm reaction to his son's assassination news, concluding that Xu Xiao was a "weasel" who would not give up on the hereditary peerage.
The Prime Minister, however, believed that North Liang should not remain under the Xu family's control and expressed concern that the failed assassination, due to Li Chungang's presence with Xu Fengnian, complicated their plans. Yang Taisui assured him that a figure from Mount Longhu, capable of challenging Li Chungang, had been sought out.
The Prime Minister asserted that the strategy of appeasement was flawed and that a decisive, albeit chaotic, action against Xu Fengnian was necessary for the nation's long-term stability. He warned Yang Taisui against harming the nation's integrity and urged him to act swiftly. Following the sound of a zither, Zhao Kai arrived at the Bottomless Pool, where he found an old man seated cross-legged, engaged in fishing.
Zhao Kai sent one of his Fujiang Armors to test the old man, but the soldier was effortlessly repelled by a powerful internal force before even drawing close. The old man then tossed the Imperial Seal towards Zhao Kai, who instinctively caught it. Holding the seal, Zhao Kai's mind was consumed by a vivid dream of himself, dressed in imperial robes, ascending the throne while civil and military officials bowed before him.
The dream was so compelling that Zhao Kai became lost in its reality until the old man's intervention helped him regain consciousness. Through their ensuing conversation, Zhao Kai learned the old man was Zhao Huangchao, the very person Han Diaosi had sent him to find. Zhao Huangchao explained that his unique power allowed him to disturb an individual's mind using an object, thereby drawing them into a dream that mirrored their deepest desires.
He revealed that he had known about Zhao Kai for a long time, including his royal lineage and his mission to kill Xu Fengnian. Zhao Huangchao recounted that twenty years prior, he had engaged in a battle with Wang Xianzhi, which resulted in a backlash that crippled his cultivation. He had since retreated to Mount Longhu, residing by the Bottomless Pool, where he spent his days fishing for a thousand-year salamander with a crimson wild fruit.
He explained that the waters of the Bottomless Pool suppressed his backlash, and he could not leave the mountain until he caught the salamander. He also mentioned that using his technique on the Fujiang Armors was easy because Han Diaosi had erased their minds when they were put into the armor. Later, Xu Xiao finished a chess game with Yang Taisui.
He expressed his frustration to Yang Taisui regarding the lack of progress in investigating his wife Wu Su's murder, an inquiry he had entrusted Yang Taisui with years ago. Yang Taisui, uncharacteristically silent at first, finally revealed that one person involved in Wu Su's ambush was currently in the capital, though specific details were still unknown. Xu Xiao sensed something suspicious given Yang Taisui's unusual evasiveness, indicating his determination to uncover the full truth.
Episode 25 Recap
More than twenty years ago, something significant transpired in the capital concerning the assassination of Wu Su, the Consort of the Lord of North Liang. Although badly wounded, she, a most talented swordswoman from the Sword Tomb of the Wu Family, managed to escape. This incident was deliberately kept secret because it involved the late emperor.
After Xu Xiao's immense contributions from destroying six states, his power was unrivaled, and when news of Wu Su's pregnancy emerged, many in the royal family became anxious about a potential inheritor for North Liang. The royal family has remained perplexed as to why Xu Xiao did not rebel, given Wu Su's survival.
In the capital, Xu Xiao confided in Yang Taisui, revealing that after Wu Su was ambushed and injured, she never spoke of it upon returning to North Liang. He only learned the full truth when she gave birth to Xu Longxiang (Huangman'er) and her old wound re-emerged. By then, with children, Xu Xiao had many considerations, and Wu Su, knowing he might restart wars, had kept the truth from him until her very last moment.
Xu Xiao had promised her he wouldn't start wars over the matter, but he vowed to relentlessly investigate and take revenge on everyone involved. Yang Taisui then disclosed that Wang Xianzhi had appeared in the capital that night. Xu Xiao found this suspicious, knowing that only a few could match Wang Xianzhi, and if he had truly attacked, Wu Su might not have escaped.
Furthermore, Yang Taisui had received news of Wang Xianzhi's presence in the capital precisely when Xu Fengnian decided to visit Wudi City, suggesting the informant harbored malicious intent, hoping Xu Xiao would confront Wang Xianzhi and be killed. Understanding this, Xu Xiao decided to send a pigeon message to Xu Fengnian, urging him to personally question Wang Xianzhi about his mother's death in Wudi City, despite concerns about Xu Fengnian's domineering nature and Wang Xianzhi's unpredictable temperament.
Xu Xiao knew his son would hate him if he concealed this crucial information. Meanwhile, Zhao Huangchao, acknowledging he couldn't defeat Li Chungang and that Liyang couldn't endure a North Liang rebellion if Xu Fengnian died, devised a plan to destroy Xu Fengnian without killing him. He recognized Xu Fengnian as sharp and a potential threat if he assumed leadership of North Liang.
Zhao Huangchao gave Zhao Kai a "Biography of Wu Su," explaining it was crafted to disrupt Xu Fengnian's mind, as Wu Su was deeply precious to him. The book contained special patterns designed to be deeply imprinted on Xu Fengnian's mind. Later, in his dreams, a "dragon" from these patterns would appear, forcing him to relive his mother's death and severing his emotional reliance on her.
Zhao Huangchao believed this would cause Xu Fengnian to break down, possibly becoming insane, unless he possessed extraordinary mental strength and powerful internal energy. He dismissed Zhao Kai's worries about Xu Fengnian's mental resilience, asserting it was impossible, explaining his long-term plotting was out of loyalty to the Zhao surname and the royal family. At the Lu Mansion, Xu Fengnian gradually recovered from his injuries. He noticed his eldest sister, Xu Zhihu, constantly drinking medicine.
She attributed it to a common "deficiency of spirit," explaining her cold hands and feet and frequent fatigue. She insisted famous doctors had said it was incurable. Xu Fengnian tried to persuade her to return to North Liang with him, but she declined, stating her need to remain. They made a pact: he would personally bring her home to North Liang once he became the Lord of North Liang.
Liu Liting's widow visited the Lu Mansion, seeking revenge for her husband's death. She confronted Xu Fengnian, accusing him of abusing his family's power. Xu Fengnian admitted to killing Liu Liting because he had attempted to harm Xu Zhihu through the manipulation of rites, expressing no regret.
The widow tried to leverage the influence of a powerful consort from her clan in the capital, but Xu Fengnian revealed that the consort had fallen from favor and been sent to the cold palace by the emperor. Though initially disbelieving, the widow acknowledged the truth. Stripped of her backing, she still refused to accept Xu Fengnian's justification for her husband's death and swore vengeance before leaving.
A maid, who had once served the Eldest Master in West Chu, reported to Lu Baijie that two women Xu Fengnian had brought to the mansion resembled a West Chu swordswoman and a young girl with a white cat she had seen years ago. She specifically noted that one of the women now carried a white cat, making the resemblance striking and suggesting they were descendants of West Chu.
Lu Baijie found this alarming, given his family's blood feud with West Chu, a kingdom Xu Xiao had destroyed. Xu Fengnian, anticipating such a discovery, had already arranged for Jiang Ni and Yu Youwei to move out of the Lu Mansion. He surmised that Xu Xiao's intention in bringing them was to test him, prompting him to fall out with the Lu family. Seeing their belongings gone, Lu Baijie concluded something was amiss.
He then sought out Liu Liting's widow, proposing a scheme against Xu Fengnian. He emphasized that while their families were in-laws with North Liang, the Lu family's bottom line had been crossed if these women were indeed from West Chu. Xu Fengnian, now nearly recovered, planned to intentionally provoke a disturbance in Jiangnan before his departure, aiming to ease Xu Zhihu's worries and implicitly fulfill Xu Xiao's supposed desire for him to establish independence.
He instructed his men to inquire about upcoming literary gatherings in the city, intending to crash one and create a scene. Xu Zhihu observed his fondness for Jiang Ni and commented that, as a West Chu princess, Jiang Ni would likely never gain a formal position within the Xu family. Xu Fengnian, historically at odds with his father, firmly stated that Xu Xiao would not dictate his marriage.
In the Crane Cry Pavilion, Wei Shuyang delivered a message from Xu Xiao to Li Chungang and borrowed Li Chungang's Divine Token. Shu Xiu, hidden nearby, attempted to extract information from Wei Shuyang about his conversation, but he cleverly evaded her questions. Elsewhere, at the Liyang city gate, Zhao Kai, on his way to the Lu family with the "Biography of Wu Su," was intercepted by Miss Hehe.
He attempted to enlist her cooperation, offering her substantial monetary rewards, but she refused, asserting that Xu Fengnian was her "prey" and off-limits to others, forcing Zhao Kai to temporarily abandon his plan. Under Lu Baijie's guidance, Liu Liting's widow decided to host a debate on "the reign of kings" at Baoguo Temple in five days. She invited all Jiangnan scholars but deliberately excluded the Lu family, hoping this strategy would draw Xu Fengnian in.
Lu Baijie intended this as a trap specifically for Xu Fengnian. Xu Fengnian learned of the gathering and informed Jiang Ni and others to join him at Baoguo Temple, intending to disrupt the event. Xu Fengnian then spoke privately with Jiang Ni, recalling the day his mother died. He expressed how he had vowed to protect his siblings but ultimately failed, as his family had scattered.
He confided that he had secretly consulted doctors in Yangcheng about Xu Zhihu's constant medicine intake, learning that her "deficiency of spirit" was incurable, describing it as her life force burning out faster than others, like a flame burning too quickly. Recognizing her desire to keep her condition secret, he pretended to be unaware.
Meanwhile, Xu Zhihu, wanting Xu Fengnian to remember her at her best before he left, donned her favorite red dress, expressing her hope to live long enough to see him become the Lord of North Liang. Xu Fengnian mused on the unchanging appearances of Li Chungang and Wang Xianzhi despite their age, wondering if they held a cure, but then dismissed the thought, acknowledging their roles as sword gods, not healers.
Episode 26 Recap
After recuperating for several days at the Mansion of Lu, Xu Fengnian and his party prepared for their departure. Qing Niao, a maid who was once a death guard, silently reflected on her unrequited feelings for Xu Fengnian. While many maids served His Highness, Jiang Ni was the only one truly in his heart, and Qing Niao felt she had no right to harbor such feelings given her status.
Later, Xu Fengnian brought up Cao Changqing, a formidable figure known for his exceptional martial arts and chess skills. Cao Changqing, once a renowned celebrity of West Chu, had, after the fall of his nation to Liyang, assassinated over twenty important officials and infiltrated the imperial palace multiple times.
Xu Fengnian believed such a master could protect Jiang Ni, but she vehemently refused to leave, asserting her intention to kill Xu Fengnian herself, despite her deep underlying concern for his safety. They struck a deal: she wouldn't leave if he didn't kill her, and she wouldn't die before she killed him.
As preparations for their departure from the Mansion of Lu were underway, Wei Shuyang drove one of the carriages, and he spoke to Ning Emei, the leader of the Fengzi Battalion, reminding him to remain vigilant about the female assassin they had recently encountered. Meanwhile, Xu Fengnian directly confronted Lu Baijie, the head of the Lu family.
Xu Fengnian accused the Lu family of disrespecting his elder sister, Xu Zhihu, by deducting her expenses and allowing servants to treat her poorly. After being pressed, Lu Baijie dismissed the disrespectful servant. Xu Zhihu acknowledged Lu Baijie's kindness towards her over the years, and Xu Fengnian, appreciative of the Lu family treating his sister as their own, prepared to leave.
Just as Xu Fengnian's party was about to depart, Lu Baijie intercepted Li Chungang, requesting a swordplay demonstration of his renowned "Snakes in Sleeves." Li Chungang agreed, but Lu Baijie, feigning a need to prepare himself, secretly left through a back door with his family retainers, racing towards Baoguo Temple. Xu Fengnian's group proceeded ahead, with Wei Shuyang and Shu Xiu driving two carriages, and Ning Emei's Fengzi Battalion following closely.
Inside one carriage were Xu Fengnian's two Hukui, small tiger cubs. Er'qiao, scared of the Hukui, opted to sit outside with Shu Xiu. Upon their arrival at Baoguo Temple, they noted the unusually large crowd of scholars and literati gathered for the upcoming "About the reign of kings" debate. Near the temple entrance, Xu Zhihu spotted a young girl begging.
Touched by the girl's charm and polite demeanor, Xu Zhihu found she had no money, but Jiang Ni generously gave the girl some coins. The girl, in turn, directed them to a pond in the temple's backyard, where they could enjoy refreshing watermelons. By the pond, Xu Fengnian encountered Chen Xiliang, a poor scholar engrossed in a book. Unlike the pretentious literati, Chen Xiliang displayed refreshing honesty.
He explained that monks allowed the girl to collect coins from the pond, and he shared the poignant story of her impoverished life and paralyzed grandfather. However, the girl's presence angered some aristocratic young ladies, who began pelting her with arrows meant for a pitch-pot game. Chen Xiliang bravely shielded the terrified girl and chastised the bullies.
Unrepentant, the ladies retorted, until Xu Fengnian stepped forward, drew his blade, and cut their arrows, revealing his identity as Xu Fengnian of North Liang. As he prepared to escalate the confrontation, Chen Xiliang intervened, warning that killing them would invite revenge that would endanger the beggar girl. Recognizing Chen Xiliang's wisdom, Xu Fengnian relented, deciding to take Chen Xiliang to the debate and warning the ladies not to cause further trouble, leaving them trembling.
The "About the reign of kings" debate had already commenced. Chen Xiliang dismissed the eloquent but empty speeches of the established scholars as mere citations without practical substance. When he stepped up to speak, his directness incited outrage, but Xu Fengnian, standing beside him with his drawn blade, silenced the crowd. Chen Xiliang passionately argued that virtue must have benefit, and that actions must aid the common people, rather than empty debates that ignore the suffering of the populace.
From a window on the second floor, Lu Baijie recognized Jiang Ni's face, realizing she was the princess of West Chu. Liu Liting's wife, the widow of a man Xu Fengnian killed, then tried to incite Lu Baijie against Xu Fengnian, but Lu Baijie, having used her to gather information, seized her. He then announced to the assembly that Liu Liting's wife had orchestrated the gathering to assassinate Xu Fengnian, ensuring her swift removal.
Once the crowd dispersed, Lu Baijie revealed his true intentions to Xu Fengnian: he demanded Jiang Ni be left with him, in exchange for the Lu family's support for Xu Fengnian's succession in North Liang. Despite the offer, Xu Fengnian steadfastly refused, supported by Xu Zhihu, who vowed to back her brother's choice. Lu Baijie then decided to seize Jiang Ni by force, citing the Lu family's ancestral feud with West Chu.
Meanwhile, the young beggar girl waited outside the temple for Chen Xiliang. Lu family retainers tried to disperse her, but she stubbornly hid behind a stone statue, refusing to leave. Suddenly, a powerful surge of energy emanated from an older man approaching the temple steps. This man, Lu Baijie, the Sword Immortal of Tangxi, effortlessly levitated fallen leaves, transforming them into sharp projectiles that swiftly incapacitated Xu Fengnian's guards.
Xu Fengnian engaged Lu Baijie, deploying his "Snakes in Sleeves" technique, but he was clearly outmatched by Lu Baijie's superior "Turning Water into Sword" technique. As they fought, Lu Baijie, seeing Xu Fengnian was outmatched, tried to negotiate, offering to assassinate Chen Zhiba, one of Xu Xiao's formidable adopted sons, in exchange for Jiang Ni and support for Xu Fengnian's succession. Xu Fengnian refused this offer. Just as Xu Fengnian was about to be overwhelmed, Cao Changqing arrived.
With a single stone, he disrupted Lu Baijie's every calculated move, effortlessly defeating the powerful Finger Profound Realm master. Cao Changqing then knelt before Jiang Ni, immediately recognizing her as the long-lost West Chu Princess, whom he had known in the palace as a child. Filled with outrage, Cao Changqing condemned Xu Fengnian for treating a princess as a mere maid.
As he moved to avenge this perceived slight, Qing Niao bravely intervened but was instantly struck down and rendered unconscious. Xu Fengnian found himself utterly outmatched, his dual blades suppressed as Cao Changqing closed in for the kill.
Episode 27 Recap
As Cao Changqing confronted Xu Fengnian, Yu Youwei pleaded on Xu Fengnian's behalf. Cao Changqing immediately recognized her, recalling her mother as the head of West Chu’s three thousand swordswomen. Yu Youwei recounted how the Lord of Jing’an had used her to assassinate Xu Fengnian, yet Xu Fengnian had spared her life and treated Jiang Ni kindly.
Cao Changqing declared that Jiang Ni, the Princess, being alive was a blessing for West Chu, and he would spare Xu Xiao’s life only because Xu Xiao had allowed her to live at her father’s request. Xu Fengnian challenged Cao Changqing, asking why he had never ventured to North Liang if he was truly so powerful. Cao Changqing claimed North Liang was more perilous than Liyang Palace, to which Xu Fengnian retorted that he had already infiltrated the imperial palace.
Cao Changqing stated he would have gone to North Liang if he had known the Princess was there. Jiang Ni stated she had suffered little. Cao Changqing then declared his intention to take Jiang Ni back to West Chu, revealing that despite its fall, West Chu’s people endured, having gathered in Shu, desperate for their Princess to lead them home.
Xu Fengnian vehemently refused to let her go, asserting his claim over her, but Cao Changqing confidently stated that no one could stop him. At this tense standoff, Li Chungang suddenly appeared, unleashing a powerful, invisible qi that split the ground. Cao Changqing recognized the legendary swordsman, who confirmed his hidden presence. Li Chungang ordered Cao Changqing to step aside, claiming even Wang Xianzhi could not stop him that day.
Jiang Ni intervened, begging them not to fight, and Cao Changqing, at her request, halted his actions. Chen Xiliang, overwhelmed by the secrets he had overheard, believed his death was inevitable, stating that heaven would not tolerate him living given the chaos about to erupt in Shu. Xu Fengnian offered him an alternative: to join North Liang.
Chen Xiliang expressed concern for the little girl in his care, explaining that her paralyzed and gravely ill grandfather prevented them from leaving Yangzhou. Xu Fengnian reassured him, instructing him to use the provided money for the grandfather’s treatment and to bring both the girl and her grandfather to North Liang once the old man recovered. Deeply grateful, Chen Xiliang pledged his loyalty to Xu Fengnian as his Lord, promising to wait for him.
Xu Fengnian, believing in Chen Xiliang’s potential, noted the vast chasm between gentry and humble families in Yangzhou, asserting that North Liang offered Chen Xiliang his only true hope. The little girl, when asked, also pledged to follow Xu Fengnian wherever he went, as long as her grandfather was well. They sealed their promise to head north after the grandfather’s recovery.
Meanwhile, Han Diaosi visited Prime Minister Zhang Julu, informing him of Cao Changqing’s appearance in Yangzhou and his likely trajectory towards Yangcheng, where Xu Fengnian was also located. Han Diaosi suggested leveraging this information to stir up rumors about North Liang and Cao Changqing. Zhang Julu, however, advised caution, preferring to wait and observe if Cao Changqing and Xu Fengnian would meet and, if so, what the outcome would be.
After Han Diaosi departed, Zhang Julu reflected on his ambition, stating his preference for ostentatious displays of power to inspire ambition in scholars, even if it meant bending conventional rules for the sake of the nation. He also showed disdain for Han Diaosi. In a private room within Baoguo Temple, Cao Changqing, joined by Yu Youwei, knelt again before Jiang Ni, this time representing the people of West Chu and pleading for their Princess to return to Shu.
Cao Changqing explained that the righteous survivors of Chu, hidden in Shu, eagerly awaited their Princess. He presented a compelling argument: Xu Fengnian was destined to become the next Lord of North Liang, and Liyang’s imperial court would likely bestow a princess upon him. He reasoned that Jiang Ni’s return to Shu would rally the former Chu subjects, allowing West Chu to rise again, creating a new formidable enemy for Liyang and thereby solidifying North Liang’s own standing.
Furthermore, he argued that becoming the Queen of Chu would elevate her to Xu Fengnian’s equal. Xu Fengnian interjected, stating that North Liang would never engage in "fostering bandits to command respect" for self-gain and that their military readiness was solely for maintaining peace, not for rebellion. Cao Changqing dismissed Xu Fengnian’s "pedantic" ideals, stating such a person could not be Lord of North Liang. Jiang Ni admitted she never desired to be a "big shot."
Yu Youwei appealed to Jiang Ni’s royal bloodline and the despair of her people. Xu Fengnian again tried to intervene, offering to kill Chen Zhibao if Cao Changqing would let Jiang Ni stay, vehemently stating that Jiang Ni was not a "bargaining chip" and her fate should be her own choice.
Yu Youwei expressed her own deep longing for her homeland and the hope of reuniting with the people of Chu, but emphasized that Jiang Ni owed them nothing and had her own life, acknowledging her as a friend. After much deliberation, Jiang Ni accepted her responsibility as the Princess of West Chu.
Both Cao Changqing and Yu Youwei immediately knelt before her, though Jiang Ni, in her first command, forbade them from kneeling in the future, a command Cao Changqing reluctantly accepted. Jiang Ni agreed to accompany Cao Changqing, but not immediately. She wished to first accompany Xu Fengnian to Mount Longhu as a repayment for the Xu Family saving her life.
To avoid suspicion of an alliance between North Liang and West Chu, they devised a plan for Jiang Ni to pretend to leave openly with Cao Changqing, then secretly rejoin Xu Fengnian’s entourage. Xu Fengnian, perplexed by Jiang Ni’s years of assassination attempts, learned from Yu Youwei that these were a desperate attempt to make him hate and fear her so intensely that he would not grieve her inevitable death.
Xu Fengnian then questioned if Xu Xiao had deliberately orchestrated him overhearing crucial information and why his father had never stopped Jiang Ni’s assassination attempts. Yu Youwei suggested that Xu Xiao’s philosophy of achieving goals at any cost meant Xu Fengnian and Jiang Ni were merely pieces in his elaborate game, their supposed animosity serving to deflect suspicion from the Xu Family.
Cao Changqing revealed that he discovered Jiang Ni’s whereabouts by tracing a "Divine Token," a West Chu treasure that was lent by Li Chungang to Wei Shuyang for Xu Xiao, and which he found in a vendor’s possession, leading him to Baoguo Temple.
This grand scheme, Cao Changqing explained, was designed to reintroduce the Princess of Chu, creating a formidable enemy for Liyang and thus cementing North Liang’s indispensable position, ultimately ensuring Xu Fengnian’s succession as the Lord of North Liang. The public perception of deep enmity between Xu Fengnian and Jiang Ni, cultivated through years of assassination attempts, would further assure the imperial court that North Liang could not conspire with West Chu.
Cao Changqing, despite his reputation as a "matchless chess master," conceded that he had been a pawn since West Chu’s fall, but declared that with the Princess’s return, he would now begin a new game, ready to challenge all heroes. To further convince observers of Jiang Ni’s departure, Cao Changqing proposed creating the illusion of a fierce battle. Xu Fengnian, sensing a deeper game, requested to witness Li Chungang’s "Snakes in Sleeves." The two masters briefly clashed.
Later, when Lu Baijie awoke amidst the temple’s disarray, he was informed that Cao Changqing and Li Chungang had exchanged only a single, devastating move, a display of power akin to "immortals coming to earth." He learned that Cao Changqing had seemingly taken Jiang Ni and Yu Youwei, while Li Chungang had protected Xu Fengnian without pursuing them. Lu Baijie, having witnessed the chaos and heard the accounts, believed Jiang Ni had truly departed with Cao Changqing.
Lu Baijie, now awake, did not attack Xu Fengnian, acknowledging that the Lu Family did not wish to break ties with North Liang and attributing the prior hostility to the resentment of a specific individual. Xu Fengnian recognized the right to such hatred and was praised for his merciful nature. He asked Lu Baijie to treat Xu Zhihu well if the Lu Family wished to maintain peace with North Liang.
As Xu Fengnian prepared to leave, he mused that someone other than Wei Shuyang, who lacked contacts in Jiangnan, must have been responsible for leading Cao Changqing to Baoguo Temple by providing the clues related to the Divine Token. He also recalled Xu Zhihu’s calm demeanor when Cao Changqing attacked him earlier, realizing she knew that his life was not truly in danger due to the presence of Jiang Ni, Yu Youwei, and the hidden Li Chungang.
He then confronted Xu Zhihu, suggesting she had orchestrated the entire Jiangnan scheme. Xu Zhihu denied having complete control, admitting the female assassin’s attack had genuinely frightened her. Xu Fengnian realized Xu Zhihu had known all along that Jiang Ni was a pawn in Xu Xiao’s game, destined to be returned to Cao Changqing. He expressed his feelings of being kept in the dark by his elder sister.
Xu Zhihu, her voice strained, emphasized that Jiang Ni had accompanied him through many years, especially after she and their second sister had left North Liang. She urged him to trust her, believing it was the only way for him and Jiang Ni to have a future. After Xu Fengnian departed, Xu Zhihu, visibly weakened and coughing, told her maid, Er'qiao, not to call him back, fearing she would not live long enough to return to North Liang.
Jiang Ni and Yu Youwei traveled with Cao Changqing via the back mountain. Cao Changqing inquired if Jiang Ni ever considered that Xu Xiao deliberately kept her by Xu Fengnian’s side, questioning the authenticity of their childhood bond. Jiang Ni countered that "the heart won’t tell lies" and reaffirmed her decision to accompany Xu Fengnian to Mount Longhu.
Cao Changqing then presented Jiang Ni with a new dilemma: the trip to Mount Longhu was fraught with danger, and if Xu Fengnian were to be imperiled, saving him would reveal the alliance between the Xu Family and West Chu, leaving Xu Fengnian with no possibility of retreat. Yu Youwei, overhearing, playfully suggested that having "no way back" for Xu Fengnian might be advantageous, as Jiang Ni could then take him to West Chu.
Back with Xu Fengnian, Wei Shuyang noted his silence after Jiang Ni’s departure and instructed Li Chungang to remain close for protection. Xu Fengnian asked Yu Youwei if she, as another maid, had ever considered replacing Jiang Ni, given Xu Fengnian’s future as the powerful Lord of North Liang. Li Chungang began teaching Xu Fengnian the true meaning of "Snakes in Sleeves."
He explained that while dragons, once they become noble creatures, serve immortals, it is the un-transformed snake that harbors the true ambition to "cut through all obstacles" and conquer the world, even if it means struggling against itself. He revealed that the essence of "Snakes in Sleeves" lies in "cutting off the knot in your heart" – severing fear, despair, and self-doubt to break free from internal shackles and forge one's own path.
Meanwhile, a soldier found a wooden box near the camp, intended for Xu Fengnian, and delivered it to General Wei Shuyang. Wei Shuyang, recognizing its significance, immediately realized it contained information about the night Xu Fengnian’s mother, Wu Su, was ambushed in the capital – a mystery they had sought to unravel for years. He ordered heightened security and rushed to present the box to Xu Fengnian. Li Chungang, observing, dismissed any concern about poison in the book.
He continued to guide Xu Fengnian, demonstrating how martial arts, taken to their extreme, could influence the mind. He introduced "Open the Heaven’s Gate," the ultimate extension of "Snakes in Sleeves," which allowed him to affect Xu Fengnian’s spirit, granting him a brief, illusory glimpse of "splitting the sky." Li Chungang then delved into the concepts of "Heaven’s mandate" and "the way of heaven and man," but passionately declared his defiance.
He refused to submit to the heavens, fate, or any immortal being, asserting that his life’s purpose was to use his sword to "split Heaven’s Gate," to explore the way of heaven on his own terms, to conquer his inner fears and cross the mortal world with a clear heart. He confessed that in his legendary fight against Wang Xianzhi, he had only used "Snakes in Sleeves," holding back "Open the Heaven’s Gate" to spare Wang Xianzhi’s life.
He admitted his hesitation cost him the victory and that he never fought Wang Xianzhi again because his "life was lost" soon after, his sword intent and will to fight completely shattered by a personal tragedy – he had accidentally killed the most important person in his life. Xu Fengnian then turned his attention to the wooden box. The book inside was titled "Biography of Wu Su."
An accompanying conspirator, speaking to Zhao Kai, revealed the book's insidious purpose: to use its contents and an embedded dragon drawing to mentally disturb Xu Fengnian, forcing him to relive his mother’s death, potentially driving him mad or rendering him a cripple, which would be an ideal outcome for the royal family to ensure control over North Liang. Xu Fengnian noticed some "doodles" on the page but prioritized reading the main text.
Episode 28 Recap
Xu Fengnian, after receiving the "Biography of Wu Su" and the "Heavenly Dragon Map" in the previous episode, was now intently staring at the map, appearing lost in thought. Wei Shuyang, noticing his dazed state, called out to him, bringing him back to awareness. Xu Fengnian inquired about the meaning of the painting and text, to which Wei Shuyang replied they seemed unrelated.
As Xu Fengnian delved deeper into the book's contents, he grew increasingly anxious and restless, so he asked Wei Shuyang to leave him to quietly ponder alone. Meanwhile, at the foot of the mountain, Miss Hehe intercepted Zhao Kai and Golden-armor as they climbed.
She confronted Zhao Kai about the mysterious wooden box he had given Xu Fengnian and proposed they cooperate to kill Xu Fengnian, an offer Zhao Kai rejected, unwilling to act in such a public place as Yangcheng. Shortly after Wei Shuyang departed, Xu Fengnian plunged back into a profound trance, feeling as if moments or centuries passed. When he finally opened his eyes, his surroundings had dramatically transformed.
Outside the cliff, dense clouds and mist swirled, revealing a colossal celestial dragon, its eyes glaring and whiskers bristling fiercely. A figure, like a streaking comet, appeared to fly from thousands of miles away, landing directly on the dragon's head. It was Zhao Huangchao, the reclusive fisherman from Mount Longhu. The dragon roared like a tempest, filling Xu Fengnian with terror at its unmatched power. Suddenly, the image of his mother, Wu Su, appeared before him.
Dressed in white, her sleeves fluttering, she struggled against the celestial dragon, defying the natural order, until her soul ultimately dissipated. Overwhelmed with grief, Xu Fengnian knelt, weeping uncontrollably. This strange experience left Xu Fengnian's mind shaken. As he teetered on the brink of despair, Li Chungang's past words, "Those who cross Heaven's Gate can override all mortals" and the concept of "Open the Heaven's Gate," echoed in his mind.
He found profound enlightenment, wielding a blade to cleave through the void. The sky instantly changed, the dragon vanished, and the immortal disappeared. The entire Mount Kuanglu stood clear and serene, with only a light breeze and pale clouds. Soon after, Miss Hehe gracefully ascended the peak, intending to claim Xu Fengnian's life. Xu Fengnian, wounded from his ordeal, suggested they first enjoy the rising sun before engaging in combat.
During this time, he spoke about his mother, how he had always believed she was still with him, only now admitting she had truly departed in his dream. Miss Hehe listened in silence, initially unwavering, but eventually grew visibly moved. She abandoned her assassination attempt, declaring the scenery beautiful enough to spare him, and turned to leave. Xu Fengnian then called out to his mother, bidding her farewell.
Afterward, Xu Fengnian showed the book to Li Chungang, who explained that its contents were only effective against Xu Fengnian because his mother's death was his deepest wound, a vulnerability others could exploit. Li Chungang reassured him that having overcome this spiritual trial, such manipulative techniques would no longer affect him. Still, Xu Fengnian wondered who had sent the book. Li Chungang believed the sender would eventually reappear.
With this, Xu Fengnian destroyed the book and led his party to Mount Longhu. Early one morning, Yang Taisui rushed into Xu Xiao's chambers to rouse him, informing him that the Emperor summoned him to the palace. Xu Xiao, initially startled, settled back into bed.
Upon inquiring, he learned that an urgent report from Yangzhou stated Xu Fengnian had encountered Cao Changqing, one of the top three martial artists, in Yangcheng, which exposed Jiang Ni's identity as the West Chu princess. Xu Xiao, aware of Jiang Ni's true identity, expressed pride in keeping a princess as his son's maid.
Yang Taisui further explained that Li Chungang and Cao Changqing had fought to a draw, and before leaving, Cao Changqing declared his intent to return to West Shu to enthrone Jiang Ni as queen. Yang Taisui also pointed out that investigations showed Jiang Ni had repeatedly tried to assassinate Xu Fengnian since childhood, suggesting deep-seated animosity.
Despite this, Xu Xiao jokingly dismissed it as his son's "romance tricks" and feigned relief, stating he could finally sleep soundly knowing the new West Chu queen wanted to kill his son. Meanwhile, Jiang Ni had quietly slipped into Xu Fengnian's carriage. She revealed that Cao Changqing had helped her sneak back and explained his reasoning: if she were in danger, Cao Changqing would intervene to save Xu Fengnian only if she was nearby.
Jiang Ni requested "allowance" for her years of service, promising to leave for West Shu after Xu Fengnian safely left Mount Longhu. She also mentioned that Uncle Chess Master believed her presence in West Shu would benefit North Liang. Xu Fengnian cautioned her to keep her return a secret from everyone except his closest confidantes.
He also learned that Yu Youwei was with Uncle Chess Master, being trained to become Jiang Ni's personal lady-in-waiting and understand all the West Chu supporters. As Xu Xiao, after repeated urging from Yang Taisui, finally prepared to answer the imperial summons, Xu Fengnian reflected on his recent nightmare and the unknown assailant. He discussed his confusion with Li Chungang, who admitted he too was unaware of such martial world techniques after years of hiding.
Xu Fengnian then pondered Miss Hehe's earlier assassination attempts. He realized that both times he was injured, he had actually gained significant benefits: the first time allowed him to forcibly absorb vital energy and advance his Dahuangting cultivation, and the second, in Yangcheng, inadvertently resolved the crisis stemming from his killing of Liu Liting.
He began to suspect Miss Hehe was actually helping him, especially since she had chosen not to kill him when she had the best opportunity at sunrise. He wondered if this was another elaborate scheme by Xu Xiao, admitting that he increasingly found his father inscrutable. Upon entering the palace, Xu Xiao encountered Prime Minister Zhang Julu, whom he greeted.
Zhang Julu, however, ignored him and instead lauded General Gu Jiantang as loyal and the ideal candidate to take over North Liang, implicitly criticizing Xu Xiao's "ruling his own territory." Han Diaosi, representing the Emperor, then inquired if Xu Xiao, in exchange for his son's hereditary succession to the North Liang throne, would be willing to step down from his position as Grand Commander.
Xu Xiao, understanding the implication of a "deal," humbly declared himself too old and muddleheaded for such a significant post and pledged to submit his resignation as Grand Commander the next day. Immediately, Han Diaosi produced an imperial edict, confirming the Xu family's right to hereditary succession, ensuring the North Liang banner would remain Xu. Zhang Julu was enraged, demanding an audience with the Emperor.
Han Diaosi calmly explained that with North Mang eyeing them and West Chu stirring up trouble, the nation faced many crises. Therefore, the Xu family army was indispensable for safeguarding the realm. Xu Xiao, triumphant, gloated at Zhang Julu before leaving, clutching the imperial edict. As he departed, he deliberately reminded Han Diaosi of his true name, Han Shengxuan, and cautioned him not to overstep his authority.
Meanwhile, a seething Zhang Julu returned to his residence, where Longhu Arch-Taoist Zhao Danping had been waiting. Zhang Julu expressed his frustration that the Emperor had granted the hereditary succession despite his opposition, viewing it as "nursing a viper." Unbeknownst to Jiang Ni, who had earlier dismissed Zhao Danping as irrelevant due to his long absence in the capital, Zhang Julu revealed his secret plan to Zhao Danping.
He asserted that Xu Fengnian was a "bane" and must be eliminated for the future of the Liyang dynasty, and since Mount Longhu had benefited from the court, they should serve the nation. He further instructed Zhao Danping to also kill Zhao Kai, revealing him to be Han Diaosi's disciple and the Emperor's illegitimate son, a figure he deemed a "cause of chaos."
Zhang Julu asserted that Han Diaosi was manipulating events to instigate unrest and install Zhao Kai on the throne. Zhang Julu proclaimed his actions were for the eternal peace of Liyang, declaring that he would handle court affairs while Zhao Danping took care of matters in the martial world. Zhao Danping affirmed Mount Longhu's commitment to the empire and agreed to assassinate both Xu Fengnian and Zhao Kai.
Episode 29 Recap
After leaving Yangzhou, the horse team headed directly for Mount Longhu. Along the way, they unexpectedly encountered Xuanyuan Qingfeng, a familiar face from Xu Fengnian's three-year tour. Xu Fengnian immediately hid in his carriage, recalling how Wen Hua's inappropriate compliments about Xuanyuan Qingfeng's "hips being suitable for childbirth" had led her to chase them through the streets, forcing Old Huang to carry them away. Jiang Ni, misunderstanding his hiding as a sign of past romantic entanglements, teased him about it.
Despite his initial apprehension, Xu Fengnian instructed Grandpa Wei to discreetly follow Xuanyuan Qingfeng's group. He explained that the Xuanyuan Family of Jiangdong, based in Mount Hui, commanded the world's waterways and had a centuries-old foundation, with the formidable Xuanyuan Dapan, a practitioner of the Celestial Realm, as their Old Ancestor.
Xu Fengnian mused that Xuanyuan Qingfeng's choice to travel by horse instead of boat suggested a strained relationship with her father, a dynamic that could potentially be advantageous to him. Xuanyuan Qingfeng, the only daughter of Xuanyuan Jingcheng, the eldest son of the family, was known for her free-spirited nature from years of wandering the martial world.
Though her father, Xuanyuan Jingcheng, was the rightful heir, he preferred reading in the Cangwu Library to martial arts, leading to him being disregarded by most of the family. Consequently, many younger disciples had abandoned his branch to align with the flourishing second and third branches. The second son, Xuanyuan Jingyi, was a reclusive figure, rarely appearing and only obeying the Old Ancestor.
In contrast, the third son, Xuanyuan Jingxuan, was ambitious and a martial arts prodigy, nearly reaching the Grandmaster realm, thus dominating the family affairs for years due to the first branch's perceived weakness. Meanwhile, at a crossroads, Zhao Kai encountered Yuan Tingshan, a retainer of the Xuanyuan Family. Yuan Tingshan, under orders from Xuanyuan Jingcheng, had already ambushed Xuanyuan Qingfeng, killing her entourage and attempting to prevent her return to the mountain.
Seeing the confrontation, Xu Fengnian signaled Shu Xiu and Ning Emei to intervene. They swiftly incapacitated Yuan Tingshan, but Zhao Kai's Golden-armor discreetly dragged him away. Zhao Kai then approached Yuan Tingshan, who initially refused his offer of alliance. However, upon learning Xu Fengnian's true identity as the heir of North Liang, Yuan Tingshan, fearing retribution, agreed to cooperate with Zhao Kai in an assassination plot against Xu Fengnian.
As Xu Fengnian's party resumed their journey, Xuanyuan Qingfeng joined them, having abandoned her initial plan to catch a legendary thousand-year salamander at Mount Longhu. She openly mocked North Liang's perceived attempts to meddle in Mount Hui's affairs. During a break, Li Chungang observed Xuanyuan Qingfeng secretly meeting with Yuan Tingshan.
It was revealed that Xuanyuan Jingcheng had ordered Yuan Tingshan to stop his daughter from returning because the Old Ancestor, Xuanyuan Dapan, intended to summon her to Wending Pavilion for "direct instruction." Though Xuanyuan Qingfeng viewed this as a tremendous opportunity, her father's profound anxiety and desperate attempts to obstruct her return, as later hinted by Xuanyuan Jingxuan's taunts about Xuanyuan Jingcheng's wife and her restricted residence, suggested a much darker purpose behind the Old Ancestor's summons.
Soon after, Xuanyuan Jingcheng and Xuanyuan Jingxuan set out on a large boat to meet Xuanyuan Qingfeng. As they traveled upstream, Xuanyuan Jingcheng subtly noticed a young man with extraordinary "bones" fishing from a bamboo raft. This youth was Xu Longxiang, Xu Fengnian's younger brother. Xuanyuan Jingxuan, however, dismissed the sight. Xuanyuan Qingfeng then boarded their boat, bidding farewell to Xu Fengnian.
Upon seeing Xu Longxiang, Xu Fengnian excitedly waved, and with Li Chungang's help, used the "Snakes in Sleeves" technique to gracefully glide onto the bamboo raft. Xuanyuan Jingxuan, initially mistaking Xu Fengnian for a sycophant, was surprised to realize his true identity. Xuanyuan Jingcheng, though feigning indifference, continuously cast deep, knowing glances at Xu Fengnian, which the latter noted with intrigue.
Later, Xuanyuan Jingyi, who rarely left his reclusive practice, appeared to welcome Xuanyuan Qingfeng, emphasizing that the Old Ancestor had summoned her to Wending Pavilion the very next day. The group eventually arrived at Xiaoyao Temple on Mount Longhu, where Xu Fengnian joined Zhao Xituan, one of the four Longhu Arch-Taoists, in cooking fish. Li Chungang praised Xu Longxiang's innate talent, noting his "Diamond Realm" potential and predicting invincibility if he reached the "Void Realm."
However, he warned of a "heavenly calamity" if Xu Longxiang were to attempt the "Celestial Realm." Zhao Xituan assured them that Xu Longxiang was cultivating the "Big Dream of Spring and Autumn" heart arts, which could help him endure such tribulations. Unexpectedly, Jiang Ni emerged from the carriage, revealing she had been hiding there all along.
Episode 30 Recap
After arriving at Mount Longhu, Xu Fengnian thanked Arch-Taoist Zhao Xituan for taking good care of his brother, Xu Longxiang. He then inquired about the Xuanyuan family, specifically the influential clan residing across the river from Mount Longhu, expressing his intention to draw them to North Liang’s side. He noted that their Old Ancestor Xuanyuan Dapan, a master of the Celestial Realm, might be a significant obstacle. Zhao Xituan confirmed that Xuanyuan Dapan would not easily ally with North Liang.
Xu Fengnian casually revealed that Jiang Ni, who was with him, was the princess of West Chu, confident that even if Zhao Xituan tried to arrest her, Invincible Cao Changqing was accompanying her. Zhao Xituan then agreed to share stories about the Xuanyuan family. Zhao Xituan recounted that Xuanyuan Dapan, though bearing the Xuanyuan surname, was not originally a member of the family. He was a former retainer who later married into the clan, changing his name to Xuanyuan.
After years of martial struggle, all of Xuanyuan Dapan’s direct offspring had died out, leading to deep resentment. Now, having achieved the Celestial Realm, he sought to continue his bloodline through Xuanyuan Qingfeng as a form of revenge against the Xuanyuan family, intending also to sever the original Xuanyuan family's direct lineage. Meanwhile, Xuanyuan Qingfeng had returned to Mount Hui after being summoned by Xuanyuan Dapan, initially believing she might gain control of the family for her branch from him.
However, her father, Xuanyuan Jingcheng, revealed the grim truth: Old Ancestor Xuanyuan Dapan intended to force her into a "double cultivation" marriage, not to impart true instruction. Xuanyuan Qingfeng’s mother, who had long despised Xuanyuan Jingcheng for his perceived weakness, found herself helpless and without recourse, trapped by the same circumstances. Distraught, Xuanyuan Qingfeng attempted to leave Mount Hui, but her second uncle, Xuanyuan Jingyi, intercepted her, confirming her father’s grim warnings.
With no escape, Yuan Tingshan, a retainer, presented Xuanyuan Qingfeng with two choices: marry the nearly century-old Xuanyuan Dapan or marry him. Yuan Tingshan made it clear his true goal was to gain access to Wending Pavilion, the family’s repository of martial arts, to achieve the Celestial Realm like Xuanyuan Dapan.
He revealed that he had known Xuanyuan Dapan's true intentions for Xuanyuan Qingfeng all along and that her returning to Mount Hui was essential for his plan to become a legitimate member of the Xuanyuan family, thus gaining the opportunity he sought. Xuanyuan Jingcheng, witnessing the deep corruption within his family, had originally planned to kill Xuanyuan Dapan five years later.
However, the Old Ancestor’s immediate actions and his third brother, Xuanyuan Jingxuan’s, blatant ambition to seize power and claim his sister-in-law, forced his hand. To protect his daughter's honor, Xuanyuan Jingcheng broke through to the Land Immortal cultivation level, revealing his long-hidden martial prowess. He then flew from Guniujiang, heading towards Mount Longhu, where he was detected by Li Chungang and Zhao Xituan, though Xu Fengnian and Jiang Ni remained unaware of his presence.
Xuanyuan Jingcheng appeared before Xu Fengnian, who, upon hearing Xuanyuan Jingcheng mention his mother Wu Su, became enraged and attacked with his Spring Thunder blade. Xuanyuan Jingcheng effortlessly parried the attack, showcasing his remarkable agility and strength. Xu Longxiang, present during the confrontation, sensed no ill will from Xuanyuan Jingcheng, confirming his benevolent intentions. Xu Fengnian ceased his attack, realizing he could not harm him.
Xuanyuan Jingcheng then explained that he had a portrait of Wu Su at home, painted by his wife. She had met Wu Su years ago, disguised as a man, and had fallen deeply in love, later painting her from memory, wishing to preserve the memory of the charismatic young swordsman. Xuanyuan Jingcheng’s true purpose was to seek the aid of North Liang.
He intended to kill Xuanyuan Dapan, knowing he might perish in the attempt, but he needed Xu Fengnian to protect his wife and daughter afterward. He proposed that if Xu Fengnian helped, his young daughter, Xuanyuan Qingfeng, could take control of Mount Hui, with the entire Xuanyuan family falling under North Liang’s influence to consolidate her position.
Xuanyuan Jingcheng rejected Zhao Xituan's offer of refuge at Mount Longhu, explaining that Longhu was too close to Mount Hui, and their intervention would leave the Xuanyuan family with no future, believing only North Liang's distant influence could truly save his family's honor. Having secured Xu Fengnian's agreement, Xuanyuan Jingcheng returned to Mount Hui, vowing to deal with Xuanyuan Jingxuan first.
Jiang Ni questioned Xu Fengnian’s plan, noting that if he ascended Mount Hui within an hour, it would publicly declare his intervention in the Xuanyuan family’s internal affairs. Xu Fengnian, seeing it as an opportune moment to control the Xuanyuan family and believing it was part of his long-standing plan for Mount Hui, decided to proceed, bringing his Fengzi Battalion with him. Meanwhile, Xuanyuan Jingxuan, who had long lusted after his sister-in-law, confronted her.
Xuanyuan Qingfeng intervened to protect her mother. Xuanyuan Jingxuan, emboldened by a pill from Xuanyuan Dapan that had elevated him to the Void Realm, easily overpowered Xuanyuan Qingfeng, threatening to break her limbs and send her to the Old Ancestor. Just then, Xuanyuan Jingcheng arrived. Ignoring Xuanyuan Jingxuan’s newly acquired Void Realm cultivation, which he dismissed as superficial and detrimental to martial arts development, Xuanyuan Jingcheng calmly approached as heavy rain began to fall.
Despite Xuanyuan Jingxuan being in the Void Realm, Xuanyuan Jingcheng effortlessly defeated and killed him, clearing a major obstacle for Xuanyuan Qingfeng to inherit Mount Hui. His wife and daughter were stunned by his hidden strength. Before leaving, Xuanyuan Jingcheng shared a flask of Danggui Wine and told his wife that he never regretted marrying her.
Concurrently, Xu Fengnian and his entourage reached the gates of Mount Hui, where they were met by Xuanyuan Jingyi and a large group of retainers who attempted to block their path, leading to a fierce skirmish. Xuanyuan Qingfeng, learning of Xu Fengnian’s arrival, approached him and resolved to lead him to Guniujiang's Great Snowfield (Daxelping), where she intended for him to witness her father kill Xuanyuan Dapan.
Xuanyuan Qingfeng’s mother, however, chose to remain behind, sitting alone in a pavilion, drinking the Danggui Wine Xuanyuan Jingcheng had left, and contemplating a poem he had inscribed on her wine cup.
Episode 31 Recap
Xu Fengnian and Li Chungang arrived at Mount Hui, seeking to ascend the Snowfield. They were met by Xuanyuan Jingyi, who defiantly blocked their path with over thirty well-known martial world retainers. Ning Emei, leading Xu Fengnian's Fengzi Battalion, prepared to intervene. Just as conflict seemed imminent, Xuanyuan Qingfeng arrived and announced that the Old Ancestor, Xuanyuan Dapan, had ordered Xu Fengnian to be allowed onto Guniujiang.
Convinced by her words, Xuanyuan Jingyi stepped aside, and Qingfeng offered to lead the way. Upon reaching the Snowfield, Xuanyuan Jingcheng called out for Xuanyuan Dapan to appear. He internally reflected on his desperate plan: he had lied about Dapan summoning Xu Fengnian, knowing that if Dapan died, his lie would remain hidden.
Xuanyuan Dapan soon appeared, immediately recognizing Jingcheng's hidden growth over the years and mockingly inquiring if Jingcheng's extensive reading had taught him about the "resonance of the sky and the earth" and the Celestial Realm. Jingcheng, undeterred, boldly declared his readiness for battle, stating he would "shake Mount Kunlun alone" and challenged Dapan to see if he could withstand a hundred moves.
Meanwhile, onlookers reacted to the escalating fight, and the news that Xuanyuan Jingcheng had already killed his brother, Xuanyuan Jingxuan, spread among them. Li Chungang, observing the combat, noted Dapan's improvement since their last encounter and confirmed his own immense power, stating he could defeat Dapan "singlehanded." Xuanyuan Dapan unleashed a powerful strike, thinking he had pushed Jingcheng to his limit. However, Jingcheng rallied, unleashing three formidable tornados.
As the battle intensified, Jingcheng declared that regardless of the outcome, he was already a dead man and implored Dapan to join him in death. Dapan scoffed at Jingcheng's "contrived Celestial Realm," seemingly unharmed even after Jingcheng's life-costing attack. Dapan then arrogantly proclaimed his intention to fight Li Chungang after dispatching Jingcheng. In response, Jingcheng announced his resolve to ascend to an even higher realm.
Dapan dismissed the idea as impossible, stating that even Wang Xianzhi had not reached the stage beyond Celestial Realm: Immortal-on-Earth. Jingcheng explained that this realm was like an epiphyllum, blooming and decaying in an instant, achieved by burning one's own blood and vital energy to ignite a "heart flame" and "mount the apex." Despite this, Dapan remained skeptical, believing that sacrificing one's life could not truly reach such a pinnacle.
Jingcheng, however, offered a final lesson, telling Dapan he should have read the books he deemed useless, as one could never reach the Immortal-on-Earth Realm without comprehending the "law of the universe." Dapan, contemptuous, planned to evade Jingcheng's attacks until Jingcheng's life force completely withered. As Xuanyuan Jingcheng prepared his final, cataclysmic attack, lightning surged from the heavens. Dapan, seeing his impending doom, desperately pleaded with Jingcheng, offering to make Qingfeng the family master and swearing never to touch her.
However, Qingfeng's heartfelt cry of "Dad!" seemed to steel Jingcheng's resolve. He lunged forward, sacrificing himself to unleash the full force of his power, bringing down the heavenly lightning upon himself and Xuanyuan Dapan in a devastating conflagration. The two vanished in a flash, turning to ash, leaving nothing behind. After the dust settled on the vast Snowfield, only Xuanyuan Qingfeng remained, collapsing in heart-wrenching sobs.
Xuanyuan Jingyi seized the moment, proclaiming that the family could not be without a leader and asserting his intention to take control. He immediately ordered Qingfeng's arrest, labeling her the daughter of a rebel. However, Xu Fengnian swiftly intervened, declaring his intention to lead Xuanyuan "following God's will" and ordering Ning Emei's men to carry Xuanyuan Jingyi away. Elsewhere, Xuanyuan Madam received news of Xuanyuan Dapan's death and Xuanyuan Jingcheng's ultimate sacrifice.
Her retainer also delivered a sachet Jingcheng had left for her, prompting a complex mix of sorrow and remembrance. Later, Xuanyuan Jingyi vehemently argued against Qingfeng's succession, pointing out that Xuanyuan Jingcheng had "rebelled against the ancestor" and questioning her ability to manage the intricate family affairs. He then offered Xu Fengnian an alliance with North Liang if he became the householder, even going so far as to offer Qingfeng to Xu Fengnian.
Xuanyuan Qingfeng, however, sharply exposed her uncle's "unruly personality" and warned Xu Fengnian that Jingyi, once freed from Dapan's control, would surely betray any alliance with North Liang. As Xu Fengnian pondered the complex political landscape, Cao Changqing secretly transmitted a message to Jiang Ni, urging her to consider her choice between her homeland and Xu Fengnian.
Li Chungang, with his profound cultivation, overheard the secret message, much to Jiang Ni's surprise, and confirmed Cao Changqing had been secretly protecting her all along. Addressing the clan, Xuanyuan Qingfeng swore that if she became the householder, she would dedicate herself to revitalizing the family. To achieve this, she promised to open Wending Pavilion to all clan members, including retainers.
Her pragmatic strategy also included a temporary alliance with North Liang to secure the clan's safety until a new Celestial Realm expert emerged, at which point terms would be renegotiated. Despite Xuanyuan Jingyi's last-ditch attempt to sway the clan by emphasizing traditional hierarchy and seniority, the retainers, swayed by Qingfeng's vision and acknowledging her father's rightful lineage, turned on Jingyi and killed him, pledging their allegiance to Xuanyuan Qingfeng.
One of them, a loyal retainer of Xuanyuan Jingcheng, revealed that Jingcheng had foreseen these events and had made arrangements, including preparing sachets for Xu Fengnian and Qingfeng. Meanwhile, Zhao Kai, having learned of the deaths on Mount Hui and Qingfeng's ascension, quickly found Yuan Tingshan and convinced him to flee and join his cause.
Zhao Kai promised Yuan Tingshan access to "supreme martial arts" and a "bright future," exploiting Yuan Tingshan's desperation as an enemy of the new Xuanyuan leadership. Back at Mount Hui, Xuanyuan Qingfeng, now the official family master, immediately honored her promise by opening Wending Pavilion to all clan members and meritorious retainers. She then sat in her father's favorite reading spot, lamenting that she had never truly understood him.
She opened the sachet he left for her, finding a deeply personal letter detailing the personalities of clan members and retainers, as well as a heartfelt expression of his profound fatherly love. Jingcheng's letter revealed his regrets, his wishes for her marriage, and even names for her future children. Qingfeng finally understood that the window her father often gazed from looked out not at distant scenery, but directly at her and her mother's courtyard, symbolizing his constant, unspoken love.
Xu Fengnian also opened his sachet from Xuanyuan Jingcheng. Unlike Qingfeng's detailed letter, his contained a simple, powerful message: should Xu Fengnian wish to take over Mount Hui, he only asked that his daughter's life be spared, and all treasures and secret martial arts from Xuanyuan Dapan's mansion would be his. Xu Fengnian, after playfully teasing Qingfeng, rejected the treasures and martial arts.
His true request was for the Xuanyuan family to safely escort Jiang Ni back to West Chu by the quickest and safest water route. Jiang Ni initially resisted, but Xu Fengnian insisted, explaining that while Cao Changqing was powerful, he wasn't adept at caring for people during travel, and the Xuanyuan family's boats would ensure her safety. He also lightheartedly mentioned that Jiang Ni still "owed him money" from years of care.
Finally, Xu Fengnian revealed his next destination: Mount Longhu, much to Li Chungang's concern. Xu Fengnian also made a second, highly secretive request to the Xuanyuan family: to use their ships for a future mission to pick up multiple individuals from various locations, promising to reveal the details only when the time was right, due to the plan's long preparation and extensive involvement.
Episode 32 Recap
Xu Fengnian prepared to leave Mount Hui, instructing his companions to stay at the base of the mountain as he and Li Chungang would descend by themselves. He expressed his disdain for Xuanyuan Dapan's collections of rare treasures and martial arts books, stating he didn't want to sully his hands with them.
Xuanyuan Qingfeng then approached, explaining that her father, Xuanyuan Jingcheng, had left a message: if Xu Fengnian didn't enter Xuanyuan Dapan's mansion in Guniujiang, a silk bag would be given to him. She conveyed her father's promise that Mount Hui would uphold its end if Xu Fengnian did not fail Mount Hui.
Xu Fengnian, however, refused Xuanyuan Jingcheng's martial arts knowledge, asserting that he had his own path and saw no need to follow others, though he assured her the book could remain in Mount Hui for future use. He then dismissed his companions, requesting a private conversation with Xuanyuan Qingfeng. He frankly told her to stop being so cautious around him and simply focus on managing Mount Hui.
Outside, Jiang Ni questioned Xu Fengnian's true purpose in Mount Hui, wondering if he was acting out of chivalry or a premeditated scheme. Xu Fengnian admitted that the Xuanyuan family had indeed been part of his plans, but his eventual decision to help Xuanyuan Qingfeng was a natural outcome of observing their character. He mused that good deeds often lead to a good future.
When Jiang Ni pressed him about borrowing a boat, he again withheld the reason, stating he wouldn't reveal it until the very last moment, only confirming it was for revenge. He confessed that his journey to Mount Hui, particularly witnessing Xuanyuan Jingcheng's self-sacrifice for his wife and daughter, had instilled a new fear: he feared Xu Xiao growing old, seeing Xu Xiao's shadow in Xuanyuan Jingcheng.
He affirmed that even without accepting the martial arts insights, he would remain a century-long ally of Mount Hui. Meanwhile, Xuanyuan Qingfeng returned to her courtyard. A servant delivered another silk bag, explaining it was her father's final strategic move for her, specifically to be given if Xu Fengnian had refused the martial arts book.
This message stated that if Xu Fengnian didn't take the book, he would one day reach the Celestial Realm and become a trustworthy ally for Mount Hui. In a secluded courtyard behind Cangwu Library, Xuanyuan Jingcheng's wife received a blank silk bag, indicating there was nothing left to say between them, while tightly clutching the wine cup her husband had left for her.
Xuanyuan Qingfeng approached her mother, expressing regret for their past misunderstanding of her father and criticizing her mother's perceived coldness. She vowed to fight fiercely to protect Mount Hui's foundation. Her mother remained silent until Xuanyuan Qingfeng left. She then threw Wu Su's portrait into the fire, proceeded to the Snowfield, sighed regretfully, and leaped off the cliff. Upon arriving at Mount Longhu, Xu Fengnian learned that Zhao Xituan had already ascended, and a Taoist invited Xu Fengnian to follow.
Xu Fengnian decided to go up with Li Chungang, instructing Ning Emei and his other guards, including Xu Longxiang, to wait at the base of the mountain. He informed Ning Emei that her journey with him was culminating, as he would leave the team at Mount Longhu to rescue Young Master Longxiang on his own. He stated that upon returning to North Liang, he would confess his actions and accept any punishment.
Ning Emei was surprised, realizing her perception of Xu Fengnian had changed during their journey, and felt her initial resolve wavered. Concurrently, Zhao Xituan found the Master, Zhao Danxia, in seclusion. He inquired about a peculiar plaque at the main gate reading "The Best Goods" and a drawing of a large-headed monk. Zhao Danping then explained that "Goods" was the name of a girl who had accompanied a young monk from Double-Zen Temple.
This monk, despite his youth, had come to debate doctrines and displayed remarkable wisdom and talent in both calligraphy and painting, even drawing himself with a 'big head' to amuse the girl. Zhao Danping then revealed his true intentions to Zhao Xituan: he had returned to Mount Longhu to eliminate Prince Zhao Kai and Xu Fengnian. He argued that this was vital for the nation's destiny and aligned with the Prime Minister Zhang Julu's agenda.
Zhao Xituan was taken aback, warning that killing Xu Fengnian would provoke Xu Xiao to unleash North Liang's cavalry upon Mount Longhu. Zhao Danping suggested an alternative for Xu Fengnian: crippling him by destroying his Dahuangting martial arts. He reasoned that if Xu Fengnian, who inherited Dahuangting from Wudang, were to lead North Liang, Wudang would inevitably rise.
He asserted that eliminating Xu Fengnian and Zhao Kai, whom he considered an instigator of chaos, would allow Mount Longhu to earn the court's favor, establish Xu Longxiang as the future Lord of North Liang, and weaken Wudang's influence.
Zhao Xituan, concerned for his disciple Xu Longxiang, still voiced his unease, but Zhao Danping insisted that the plan was already set, and he would personally intervene if necessary, reminding Zhao Xituan that he was not merely a scholar but also a swordsman. Xu Fengnian and Li Chungang approached the Mount Longhu gate, sensing the unusual tension in the air.
Li Chungang suggested that Xu Fengnian should have brought Jiang Ni along, explaining that Cao Changqing constantly protected her and would intervene if she were in danger, thereby indirectly safeguarding Xu Fengnian. Li Chungang recounted Cao Changqing's past challenge to Jiang Ni, forcing her to choose between Xu Fengnian and West Chu.
Xu Fengnian, however, refused to involve Jiang Ni in such a dilemma, declaring he would not allow himself to be forced into such a choice, as he intended to have both North Liang and Jiang Ni. This declaration caused Li Chungang to experience a profound epiphany about his own past. He reminisced about his previous visit to Mount Longhu, where he had sought a life-extending elixir for Fengdu Lü Pao.
Tragically, she died by his own hand before he could meet Qi Xuanzhen. This event plunged his sword mind into turmoil, leading to his decline from the Celestial Realm and the loss of an arm. He confessed that if he had known one could be audacious enough to desire everything, like Xu Fengnian, his own history might have unfolded differently.
He explained that Fengdu Lü Pao, his enemy's daughter and an equally renowned grandmaster, had chosen to die by his sword during his period of weakness, hoping to reignite his fighting spirit after his sword, Mumaniu, was broken by Wang Xianzhi. Li Chungang shared this poignant story to caution Xu Fengnian and Jiang Ni against repeating his tragic mistakes.
Xu Fengnian proposed a bet: regardless of fate or divine will, he would always choose his own path, and the stake was that Li Chungang must live to witness Xu Fengnian's future glory. Xu Fengnian arrived at the Arch-Taoists' Office, confronting Zhao Danping and another Arch-Taoist. Zhao Danping barred Xu Fengnian's departure, demanding he relinquish his Dahuangting martial arts, despite the Master, Zhao Danxia, not having explicitly ordered it. Li Chungang vowed that no one would harm Xu Fengnian.
Zhao Danping scoffed, asserting that the God of Sword was now without a weapon and his power had waned. However, the moment Zhao Danping finished speaking, Li Chungang drew Zhao Danping's own sword with internal force, a fleeting memory of his beloved dying in his arms. He then proclaimed, "If Li Chungang wasn't born, the sword way would be like an eternal night." With a mighty shout of "Swords, come!"
, countless swords from Taoists across Mount Longhu flew from their scabbards, converging above the mountain peak and pointing directly at Zhao Danping, leaving him speechless and utterly terrified. This spectacular act of summoning swords signified Li Chungang's return to the Land Immortal Realm. Zhao Huangchao, sensing Li Chungang's immense power, realized that eliminating Xu Fengnian on Mount Longhu would be exceedingly difficult.
He concluded that the only true opportunity to strike would be in Wudi City, by ambushing Xu Fengnian while Wang Xianzhi and Li Chungang were engaged in battle. Acknowledging Li Chungang's overwhelming presence, Zhao Danping's demeanor softened, and he reluctantly agreed to allow Xu Fengnian to leave. Li Chungang dismissed the airborne swords with a simple wave of his hand, causing them to fall like rain, much to Zhao Danping's palpable relief.
As they departed, Xu Fengnian instructed Zhao Xituan to care for his younger brother, Xu Longxiang, warning him not to bully the boy, or Xu Fengnian would unleash his fiery temper. Li Chungang, as they walked away, told the Taoists to leave the swords behind.
Episode 33 Recap
Zhao Xituan stared in disbelief at the numerous scattered swords, knowing that Zhao Danping, despite Li Chungang's return to the Immortal-on-Earth realm, would not easily yield. Zhao Danping chuckled, explaining that the Prime Minister, Zhang Julu, had ordered the show of force against North Liang. To satisfy the powerful minister, he had merely feigned a serious confrontation, lest a real conflict provoke Xu Xiao's formidable wrath.
Li Chungang, now confirmed to be an Immortal-on-Earth, further clarified that the realm itself did not guarantee victory, especially against a master like Wang Xianzhi. He likened a master's confrontation to a buffalo fight, where a mere clash could settle matters, preventing unnecessary bloodshed and implying his actions earlier were more about intimidation than a full-blown battle. Back at Mount Longhu, Zhao Xituan proceeded to the back hall and respectfully invited the Old Ancestor.
The grand doors opened, and a figure emerged, appearing as a mere child. This was Zhao Xuansu, the only Immortal-on-Earth on Mount Longhu, seemingly a step away from achieving true immortality. Zhao Xuansu revealed his hidden agenda: his prolonged use of the rejuvenating cultivation method had left his internal energy depleted, and his death was imminent. His only hope for survival lay in becoming an immortal by "smuggling" himself through Heaven's Gate.
He believed that a climactic duel between Li Chungang and Wang Xianzhi would create a momentary opening in Heaven's Gate, allowing him to seize the opportunity. He also emphasized the intertwined destinies of Mount Longhu and the imperial court, asserting that the royal family's increased fortune would lead to their own prosperity. For these reasons, Xu Fengnian could not die on Mount Longhu, as it would draw Xu Xiao's fury upon them.
Instead, Zhao Xuansu intended to accompany Xu Fengnian to Wudi City, where he believed both Xu Fengnian and Zhao Kai were destined to perish. Meanwhile, Zhao Kai, driven by his ambition, discussed his plans with Yuan Tingshan. He acknowledged that Li Chungang's continued presence made direct action against Xu Fengnian difficult. Zhao Kai confessed that he aimed to marry Xu Weixiong, Xu Fengnian's second eldest sister, whom he considered his destined match.
He believed that only by throwing the world into chaos through Xu Fengnian's death could he rise to a position worthy of her. To aid Yuan Tingshan, Zhao Kai bestowed upon him a secret martial arts text from the Xuanyuan family, promising him a bright future. Zhao Kai then approached Shu Xiu, revealing his knowledge of her Nanjiang martial arts lineage, which required the legendary "White Emperor Esoterica of Simplicity" to prevent a practitioner from succumbing to madness.
He offered her this invaluable text in exchange for her assistance in arranging a meeting with Li Chungang. Xu Fengnian prepared to depart from Mount Longhu. Before leaving, he gently handed the Hukui Vajra to Xu Longxiang, his brother, solidifying their bond and promising a future reunion.
Ning Emei, the general of the Fengzi Battalion, approached Xu Fengnian, offering a sincere apology for his past doubts and pledging his continued service and the protection of the Fengzi Battalion, having come to recognize Xu Fengnian as North Liang's true future leader. Qing Niao and Li Chungang were also part of the departing group. Shu Xiu, having taken her time wandering, finally appeared just as the ship was about to set sail.
As the ship departed Qinglong Creek, Xu Fengnian sat silently on the deck, hesitant to look back at his brother. Soon after, Qing Niao spotted a Jianglong boat approaching, belonging to Xuanyuan Qingfeng and Wei Shuyang, signaling an impending farewell. Li Chungang, ever perceptive, subtly cleared the deck, allowing Xu Fengnian and Jiang Ni a private moment to say goodbye.
However, Xu Fengnian used the opportunity to advise Jiang Ni about the chaotic state of affairs in Shu, warning her about the "Humble Army" bandits, many of whom were old Chu veterans whose loyalty to the former royal family had long since faded. He cautioned her that gaining their allegiance would prove difficult. Xuanyuan Qingfeng then briefly spoke with Xu Fengnian, settled some matters, and departed on a smaller boat.
Xu Fengnian helped Jiang Ni cross the wooden plank to her own vessel, a moment of unspoken reluctance as he then turned and retreated into his cabin. Jiang Ni felt a pang of disappointment, and after bidding farewell to Wei Shuyang, she lingered, hesitant to order the ship to depart. To her surprise, Xu Fengnian re-emerged from his cabin and, in a public gesture, presented her with a simple copper coin and the magnificent Daliang Dragon and Sparrow sword.
Yu Youwei, watching from a distance, quietly stepped aside, her unrequited affection for Xu Fengnian evident to Cao Changqing, who observed that Xu Fengnian's heart was entirely given to Jiang Ni. A gentle breeze ruffled Jiang Ni's hair, and Xu Fengnian tenderly brushed it back before Cao Changqing approached, prompting a formal farewell.
As Jiang Ni's ship sailed away, Li Chungang revealed to Xu Fengnian that Jiang Ni had secretly arranged for the Divine Token, the national heirloom of West Chu, to be transferred to him before her departure. This mutual exchange of deeply significant items was akin to a profound bond.
On her own ship, Jiang Ni gazed at the copper coin, understanding its profound meaning as a symbol of the life Xu Fengnian had given her during a time when she had lost all will to live. She contemplated the uncertain path ahead and the possibility that their next meeting might be on a battlefield. Xu Fengnian's next destination was Shangyin Academy.
Meanwhile, Zhao Kai, still with Yuan Tingshan, openly declared Xu Weixiong, Xu Fengnian's second eldest sister, as his future wife, despite her unawareness of his claim. He affirmed his belief that only by killing Xu Fengnian and plunging North Liang into chaos could he attain the stature required to marry such a remarkable woman.
As Xu Fengnian's ship continued its journey south along the Dragon King River and into the wilderness, a young boy appeared, holding a white cloth bearing the words "Xu Xiao is my father, Hello, Brother." This was Zhao Xuansu in disguise, who introduced himself as Long Yuxuan, or Xiaochong, claiming his recently deceased mother had revealed Xu Xiao as his father and wished for him to return to North Liang.
Despite Long Yuxuan's tearful performance and efforts to endear himself, especially to Shu Xiu, Xu Fengnian and Li Chungang remained suspicious of his timely appearance. Xu Fengnian decided to keep the boy close, believing it better to observe a potential threat openly than to let them plot in secret. As the ship's pace quickened towards Shangyin Academy, Xu Fengnian admitted his nervousness about reuniting with his formidable second sister. Li Chungang advised him against calling her "Second Eldest Sister," explaining her dislike for the term as it suggested a comparison to her elder sister, a competition she intensely disliked.
Episode 34 Recap
Upon arriving at Shangyin Academy, Xu Fengnian and Li Chungang disembarked from their boat, finding Xu Weixiong already waiting for them at the river mouth. As they walked, Xu Fengnian reminded Li Chungang not to refer to Xu Weixiong as "Second Sister" in her presence, nor to mention Jiang Ni's name. Xu Weixiong greeted Li Chungang, then immediately drew her Hongchi Sword, offering it as a gift but clearly using it to test him.
Li Chungang, after a polite exchange, disarmed her with a single move, causing her to sheath her sword. He then confronted Xu Weixiong, expressing his displeasure over her previous actions towards Jiang Ni. Li Chungang intended to seek an apology for Jiang Ni, but Xu Weixiong remained composed.
She explained that her intent in "troubling" Jiang Ni was merely to make her appreciate her future husband, viewing it as a mother's guidance for a daughter-in-law of the Xu family since their mother had passed away early. This unexpected explanation left Xu Fengnian speechless, while Li Chungang, surprisingly, praised Xu Weixiong for her interesting and understanding demeanor, deciding to halt their confrontation.
Immediately after, Xu Weixiong asked Xu Fengnian to accompany her back to her residence for a private discussion. Before they left, Li Chungang borrowed a Divine Token from Xu Fengnian, which he later used to discreetly track them. On their way back to the academy, the siblings encountered Zhao Kai. He audaciously introduced himself as Xu Weixiong's "brother-in-law," provoking Xu Weixiong to draw her sword. Although Zhao Kai managed to escape, his bold behavior piqued Xu Fengnian's interest.
Zhao Kai, after making his exit, deliberately avoided the crowds and instructed Yuan Tingshan to keep an eye on Xu Fengnian. He asked Yuan Tingshan to try and overhear their conversation but not to force it if he couldn't. Later, after everyone had dispersed, Shu Xiu approached Li Chungang and revealed information about the inheritance of Feng City Lyupao.
Li Chungang, usually unflappable, suddenly waved his hand, conjuring water into a sword and pointing it directly at Shu Xiu, demanding to know who sent her. Soon after, Zhao Kai appeared before Li Chungang. Zhao Kai revealed that he had extensively researched Li Chungang's past since learning that the Sword God was accompanying Xu Fengnian on his eastern journey. He spoke of the widespread belief that Li Chungang himself had killed Feng City Lyupao, one of the Four Grandmasters.
However, Zhao Kai deduced that Li Chungang had not intended to kill her, suggesting this tragic event was the true reason for his long seclusion from the martial world. Zhao Kai then proposed a deal: regardless of what Xu Xiao had promised Li Chungang, he would strive to fulfill Li Chungang's deepest desires.
He offered to provide information about Feng City Lyupao's sect and the whereabouts of her remaining descendants, which he had gone to great lengths to uncover, in exchange for Li Chungang remaining neutral when Xu Fengnian reached Wudi City, allowing Zhao Kai a chance to kill him. After a moment of hesitation, Li Chungang accepted the secret letter offered by Zhao Kai.
Xu Fengnian arrived at Xu Weixiong's living quarters, unaware that Li Chungang was tracking them using the Divine Token. Inside the room, Xu Fengnian observed its simple and austere decor, devoid of flowers, calligraphy, paintings, or even the musical instruments Xu Weixiong was known to master. Xu Weixiong urged Xu Fengnian to return to North Liang, stating her intention to go to Wudi City herself to retrieve Old Huang's sword box from Wang Xianzhi.
She explained that rumors were circulating that Li Chungang's return to Wudi City was to settle his past grudge with Wang Xianzhi over his broken sword. Xu Weixiong also mentioned that Deng Tai'e, the Sword God Peach Blossom, was already en route to Wudi City. His epithet "Peach Blossom" came from his ability to conquer opponents with merely a peach branch, disdaining the use of a conventional sword, a testament to his unfathomable martial prowess.
She noted that Wang Xianzhi, Cao Changqing, and Deng Tai'e were generally considered the three strongest martial artists in the world, but with Li Chungang's return to the Immortal-on-Earth realm, the number of supreme masters had grown. Xu Fengnian unequivocally declared his support for Li Chungang. Xu Weixiong further explained that there were rumors that the former master of Mount Longhu, Qi Xuanzhen, had ascended to Heaven's Gate.
She believed that if Li Chungang and Wang Xianzhi fought with all their might, they might open Heaven's Gate, providing an opportunity for ascension. This, she surmised, was Deng Tai'e's purpose in traveling to Wudi City. She warned Xu Fengnian that even Li Chungang might not be able to protect him in such a mêlée, given that Xu Fengnian's current skills would make him appear as insignificant as an ant before such grandmasters.
Additionally, Xu Weixiong informed Xu Fengnian that Jiang Ni and Cao Changqing had returned to West Chu, signaling that the revival of West Chu would inevitably lead to great turmoil. Meanwhile, in the capital, Zhang Julu sought an audience with the Emperor and unexpectedly encountered Yang Taisui, a Grand Master for Splendid Happiness.
Through Yang Taisui, Zhang Julu learned that Gu Jiantang was allegedly ill with a cold, but Zhang Julu saw through this as an excuse to avoid being dispatched to quell the rebellion in Shu. Zhang Julu, his mind clear, was angered by Gu Jiantang's self-preservation during a national crisis. Fortunately, he believed there was one more capable individual: the War Immortal in White, Chen Zhibao.
At the Yinma River in North Liang, Chen Zhibao received a letter from Prime Minister Zhang Julu. The letter urged him to volunteer to suppress the rebellion in Shu, promising that Zhang Julu would recommend him in court to become the second non-royal lord of the current dynasty, thus freeing him from the influence of the Lord of North Liang. After reading the letter, Chen Zhibao destroyed it, his own plans remaining inscrutable.
Even upon hearing that Xu Xiao had arrived at the military camp, Chen Zhibao remained unfazed, continuing to observe the overall situation from a high tower. Zhang Julu discussed his strategy with Yang Taisui, asserting that securing the loyalty of such a renowned general as Chen Zhibao would inevitably lead to the disintegration of North Liang.
Yang Taisui expressed the Emperor's concern that as long as Xu Xiao remained alive, Chen Zhibao might not dare to accept such an imperial decree. This conversation led Zhang Julu to consider Han Diaosi as a potentially useful figure in his schemes. Elsewhere, Xu Fengnian attentively brought a basin of water and began washing Xu Weixiong's hair. This act of service, however, masked his own strategic calculations.
Xu Weixiong, astute as ever, saw through his pretense, realizing he had new plans which he had not even disclosed to their father, Xu Xiao. After a brief period of catching up, Xu Weixiong accompanied Xu Fengnian to the river mouth. Suddenly, Zhao Xuansu emerged from a boat, rushing towards Xu Weixiong and loudly exclaiming "Second Sister." Xu Weixiong was disgusted by this unexpected "brother," especially learning that his origins were unknown. She promptly kicked him into the river.
As Xu Fengnian prepared to depart, he gifted Xu Weixiong a female Hukui named Bodhisattva, saying it would keep her from feeling lonely in the academy, completely ignoring Zhao Xuansu's loud cries for help from the river. Later, Shu Xiu came to Zhao Xuansu's rescue and showed him considerable care. As Xu Fengnian's ship sailed away, Zhao Kai felt a great weight lift from his mind. He interpreted Li Chungang's acceptance of the secret letter as consent to their agreement.
He believed the ideal moment to strike would be when Xu Fengnian went to Wudi City to retrieve the sword box. Zhao Kai's plan was to wait for Li Chungang and Wang Xianzhi to clash, and for the Twelve Martial Slaves of Wudi City—elite fighters who had lost to Wang Xianzhi and now guarded the city—to engage Xu Fengnian as he tried to claim the sword box from atop the city walls.
This would distract Xu Fengnian's personal guards, creating the perfect window for an attack. Zhao Kai also mused whether Xu Fengnian's attempt to retrieve the sword box was merely a pretense, but ultimately concluded that Xu Fengnian, being a schemer who defied fate just like himself, would indeed dare to provoke Wang Xianzhi. At the same time, Han Diaosi was seen traveling alone by boat, preparing to rendezvous with Zhao Kai.
Episode 35 Recap
The small group sailed toward the northeast, nearing Wudi City on the East Sea coast. Long ago, Wudi City was known as Guanhai City, but after Wang Xianzhi became its master, he renamed it Wudi City, signifying his supreme power. During the journey, Li Chungang spoke candidly with Xu Fengnian. He revealed that Zhao Kai had attempted to bribe him with a secret letter about Lyupao’er’s relatives in exchange for his non-intervention in an assassination attempt against Xu Fengnian.
Li Chungang had not explicitly agreed, but Zhao Kai assumed he had. Li Chungang clarified that his only debt was to Lyupao’er, not her relatives, and explained that Xu Xiao had offered him refuge by building Tingchao Pavilion when he had nowhere else to go, allowing him to seek inner peace. Furthermore, Xu Xiao had visited Lyupao’er’s grave and offered incense on his behalf. These actions were sufficient reasons for Li Chungang to escort Xu Fengnian.
Xu Fengnian confirmed he was already aware that Zhao Kai was behind the assassination attempts, recognizing Fujiang Armor as Zhao Kai's man. He also knew about Li Chungang's meeting with Zhao Kai. When Shu Xiu entered, Li Chungang asked how Zhao Kai had bribed her; she admitted he promised her the White Emperor Esoterica of Simplicity. While she desired it, she feared the relentless pursuit of the North Liang cavalry if she betrayed Xu Fengnian.
Xu Fengnian reassured Li Chungang that he owed nothing to the Xu family, and whatever decision he made, Xu Fengnian would accept, as he was not the center of the world. Moved by Xu Fengnian's words, Li Chungang asked Shu Xiu to leave and then taught Xu Fengnian the sword techniques "Snakes in Sleeves" and "Open the Heaven's Gate." He declared his intention to challenge Wang Xianzhi in Wudi City, a celebration of his return to the Immortal-on-Earth realm.
Li Chungang also asked Xu Fengnian to pass on his sword art and sword intent should anything happen to him. Xu Fengnian agreed, visibly saddened by the prospect, a sentiment Li Chungang shared. A carrier pigeon arrived at the Xuanyuan family, signaling to Xuanyuan Qingfeng that it was time to repay a past favor. Meanwhile, in North Liang, Xu Xiao discussed with Li Yishan about Zhang Julu sending a letter to Chen Zhibao, an attempt to sow discord.
Li Yishan noted Chen Zhibao had not left his barrack since Xu Xiao returned. Li Yishan then spoke of Xu Fengnian’s recent activities, from the Xuanyuan family to Mount Longhu, piecing together his son's audacious plans which even they had been unaware of. Xu Xiao acknowledged that Xu Fengnian was truly fit to be the next Lord of North Liang.
Xu Xiao then emotionally dismissed his armor, noting that Xu Fengnian should be in Wudi City by then, and they could only await news from afar. The group finally arrived at Wudi City. Xu Fengnian chose to enter through the West Gate, just as Old Huang had done. The city wall was covered with thousands of swords, left behind by challengers defeated by Wang Xianzhi over the decades.
They also noticed a painting by the little monk from Mount Longhu on the wall. Ning Emei suggested the Fengzi Battalion accompany Xu Fengnian, but he refused, explaining that such a move would be seen as North Liang declaring war on the city. He emphasized that Old Huang had entered alone. The city gates were open and unguarded, as Wang Xianzhi alone was considered more formidable than any army.
To their surprise, the twelve martial slaves, who traditionally guarded the five floors of the tower, were all assembled at the gate, seemingly waiting for Xu Fengnian. It was clear that the rules had changed for him. Xu Fengnian surmised they were there to stop him from taking the sword box, but he was in no hurry. Instead of immediately heading for the sword box, Xu Fengnian led the group to a humble wine stall.
He asked the owner about "Old Huang," a thin old man with a sword box who had once fought Wang Xianzhi. The owner immediately recognized Jian Jiuhuang, recounting his heroic duel with Wang Xianzhi after having a drink at that very spot. Xu Fengnian ordered the same yellow wine and snacks, setting out two bowls and looking north, repeatedly raising his cup as if making toasts.
He recalled his three years of wandering with Old Huang, remembering their simple times eating sweet potatoes and Old Huang as an ordinary groom who became his companion, friend, and ultimately, family. Xu Fengnian was visibly emotional and became quite drunk. Li Chungang observed him, understanding his grief, and when asked to console him, remarked that Xu Fengnian needed to find his own way through it.
Xu Fengnian admitted he wasn't crazy, but simply wished to walk through time with Old Huang one last time. At the North Gate, Deng Tai'e appeared, encountering Zhao Kai, Yuan Tingshan, and Fujiang Armor. Deng Tai'e declined to enter the city immediately, stating it would interfere with the impending fights. Yuan Tingshan remarked that Wudi City seemed poised for chaos, a situation Zhao Kai welcomed, as it would make it easier to find Xu Fengnian.
Li Chungang eventually approached Xu Fengnian, advising him that to retrieve the sword box, he should confront Wang Xianzhi directly, not simply fight his way up the tower. Energized by this, Xu Fengnian walked to the center of the main street and loudly called out Wang Xianzhi's name, posing a challenge by asking: "What is 'clouds of the nine heavens hanging down' and 'water of the four seas rising up'?"
Even Zhao Kai, observing from afar, expressed admiration for Xu Fengnian's courage. Wang Xianzhi's powerful voice resonated from an inner city pavilion, and moments later, the white-haired elder flew to the rooftop. Li Chungang then extended his arm and, with a powerful cry of "borrow sword," summoned thousands of swords from all over Wudi City. The swords flew into the sky, suspended above the city in a dazzling display, leaving onlookers stunned.
Li Chungang explained he summoned so many swords for the sheer spectacle, as at his level, the number made no difference. He then told Xu Fengnian to go claim what was rightfully his. Wang Xianzhi proposed they take their battle out to the sea, and Li Chungang readily agreed. The two powerful figures soared towards the East Sea. Li Chungang stood suspended on a sword, while Wang Xianzhi rode the waves.
Thousands of swords surged towards Wang Xianzhi, but he deflected them with four powerful energy flows, three of which stood like pillars, shattering the incoming blades. A brief silence fell over Wudi City before erupting into a roaring frenzy as citizens and martial artists alike poured out of the city to witness the unprecedented duel. While the city emptied, Xu Fengnian calmly poured himself another bowl of wine.
Then, accompanied by Wei Shuyang and Ning Emei, he began to make his way to the city tower to retrieve the sword box, knowing the twelve martial slaves awaited them there. Zhao Kai, observing Xu Fengnian's move, cautioned Fujiang Armor to wait, anticipating that the martial slaves would confront Xu Fengnian.
Episode 36 Recap
Xu Fengnian, having arrived at Wudi City and seeking to retrieve Old Huang's sword box, found his path to the city wall blocked by six martial slaves. According to Wudi City's rules, one had to defeat them to ascend. Xu Fengnian cleverly initiated a confrontation by throwing Zhao Xuansu, who was disguised as a young boy, towards the martial slaves. Under their layered attacks, Zhao Xuansu was forced to counter-attack, publicly displaying profound martial arts prowess.
Xu Fengnian seemed unfazed, but Zhao Kai was utterly shocked by the boy's unexpected skill, mistaking him for one of Xu Fengnian's hidden protectors. He strategized to first eliminate this formidable individual, believing him to be Xu Fengnian's "master card," before targeting Xu Fengnian himself, and instructed Yuan Tingshan to wait for the opportune moment to join forces with the martial slaves and Golden-armor to kill the boy.
As the confrontation escalated, Golden-armor and Yuan Tingshan charged out, intercepting Wei Shuyang and Zhao Xuansu respectively, while Zhao Kai advanced alone to assassinate. On the city tower, Xu Fengnian noticed Old Huang's old bag and wine pot among another six martial slaves, his eyes reddening with emotion. Zhao Kai approached Xu Fengnian, introducing himself as his brother-in-law and offering to help him retrieve an item from the wall.
Xu Fengnian, however, declined, recognizing Zhao Kai's ulterior motives and declaring that he recognized the Fujiang Red Armor. Meanwhile, facing a total of twelve martial slaves—the initial six and the additional six on the tower—Xu Fengnian instructed his own small, named swords—Xuanjia, Green Plum, Bamboo Horse, Spring Water, Morning Dew, and Peach Blossom—to engage them. At this critical moment, Deng Tai'e intervened. He retrieved a yellow pear wood box from a cloth bag and gently pushed it open.
From the half-empty box, six small flying swords shot out, instantly piercing the heads of six martial slaves. Witnessing Deng Tai'e's decisive action, the remaining martial slaves immediately withdrew, recognizing his formidable power. Xu Fengnian acknowledged Deng Tai'e, asking if he was the renowned Sword God Peach Blossom. Deng Tai'e confirmed, "I am Deng Tai'e." Zhao Kai, observing Xu Fengnian's profound connections, couldn't help but inwardly lament that Xu Fengnian seemed to have been born under a more fortunate star.
Deng Tai'e clarified that he was not owed any favor by Xu Fengnian, but rather he was repaying a profound debt to Xu Fengnian's mother, Wu Su, who was his distant cousin. He explained that he was an illegitimate son of the Wu family, initially free-spirited but later forced back to the Wu family's Sword Tomb for relentless sword practice.
In the Sword Burial Mountain, filled with tens of thousands of swords, children like him were often ill-clothed and hungry while practicing. Wu Su had shown him immense kindness, secretly providing him with meals, saving his life, and instructing him in sword arts. Due to his extraordinary talent, he later pulled out the ancient sword Tai'e, which gave him his name.
After leaving the Sword Tomb, Deng Tai'e did not take any physical swords but instead assimilated twelve sword intents, which he later forged into twelve small flying swords, the longest no bigger than a middle finger, the shortest only a thumb. Unlike Wu Su, whose swordsmanship was for saving people, Deng Tai'e's was solely for killing, and he never displayed his twelve swords to ordinary people; this time was an exception to protect Xu Fengnian.
He lamented that he was in the East Sea when Wu Su journeyed alone to the imperial city and ultimately succumbed to her injuries from a battle there, leaving him with enduring guilt. He stated that the six swords he had just used to protect Xu Fengnian had repaid half of his debt to Wu Su.
He then presented Xu Fengnian with the yellow pear wood box containing all twelve small flying swords, explaining that the art of using them lay within the box, and it was now up to Xu Fengnian to comprehend it. With this gift, he declared that his debt to Wu Su was fully repaid, and they no longer owed each other anything.
Despite the invaluable gift from Deng Tai'e, Xu Fengnian's attention was drawn to a different, less conspicuous yellow sword box—the very item he had initially declared he came for, belonging to his departed friend, Old Huang. He retrieved it from the city wall, placed it on the ground, gently tapped it, and hummed Old Huang's favorite tune, as if sitting beside him.
Later, Xu Fengnian encountered a newly hired stable boy whose surname was Huang and who carried some old belongings. Xu Fengnian asked the stable boy about his belongings, learning he had carried them for a very long time but felt he didn't necessarily need them anymore. Recalling his mother's words about cherishing things that accompany one through life, Xu Fengnian insisted that the stable boy keep them.
He then affectionately began calling the stable boy "Old Huang," acknowledging the shared surname and the bond of valuing companionship, mirroring his own deep respect for past companions. Meanwhile, on the distant sea, Li Chungang and Wang Xianzhi engaged in a monumental duel. Wang Xianzhi stood with his hands behind his back on the surging waves, as countless long swords surged towards him, breaking three zhang away and falling into the sea.
This repeated, and Li Chungang used up all his swords without harming Wang Xianzhi at all, seemingly in a stalemate. However, Li Chungang declared, "Today, I borrow the opportunity of yin and yang, the flame of the heart, temper with lightning, and forge with heaven and earth. Until today, finally, sword formed!" With a powerful roar, he uttered "One Sword, Open Heaven's Gate."
All the broken swords that had fallen into the sea rose and converged, forming a colossal, unparalleled sword that cleaved a magnificent opening in the sky, flooding the world with brilliant golden light. This "Heaven's Gate" was revealed to be the Kunlun Mountain, the long-sought method of ascending to immortality. Far away on Mount Wudang, Hong Xixiang suddenly collapsed, losing consciousness after gazing towards the eastern sky.
Wang Chonglou instructed his disciples to immediately set up a tent over Hong Xixiang and ensure no one disturbed him, stating that only time would tell when he would awaken. Back at Wudi City, Zhao Xuansu, now revealing his true identity as a senior master from Mount Longhu of the Xuan generation, who had been waiting for 120 years, used his formidable powers to restrain Shu Xiu and others.
He directly ascended the city tower and confronted Zhao Kai, stating his intention to kill him. Zhao Kai attempted to call for the Golden-armor, but in front of Zhao Xuansu, Golden-armor was nothing more than an ant to be crushed. In this critical moment, Xu Fengnian unexpectedly intervened, saving Zhao Kai and urging him to flee, telling him his dead end should not be here.
Zhao Xuansu momentarily spared Zhao Kai, showing respect for Deng Tai'e's presence and not wishing to cause further trouble. He then revealed his ultimate purpose in Wudi City: to open Heaven's Gate and ascend to immortality, and invited Deng Tai'e to cooperate, believing their combined strength could achieve this. However, as Heaven's Gate seemed poised to reopen, Li Chungang and Wang Xianzhi inexplicably ceased their monumental combat on the distant sea.
Confused by their halt, Zhao Xuansu declared his intent to open Heaven's Gate himself, but Deng Tai'e blocked him, revealing his true purpose was not to open, but to prevent Heaven's Gate from ever reopening again and to completely sever ties between the immortal realm and the human world.
He explained that throughout history, the interference of so-called immortals, who had shed their human emotions and acted solely by their own will, had led to catastrophic changes in the mortal realm. These instances caused rivers to change course, mountains to shift, and countless lives to be lost, with immortals arbitrarily deciding the fates of mortals based solely on their whims.
Deng Tai'e argued that human affairs should be decided by humans, and the mortal world had no need for immortals. Zhao Xuansu, enraged by Deng Tai'e obstructing his path to ascension, vowed to stop him. Deng Tai'e, who claimed he was never a person who reasoned, responded by deploying his "Disarm" sword array, a powerful formation of six swords—Emei, Zhuque, Huangtong, Pifu, Jinlu, Tai'e—originally intended for Wang Xianzhi, to trap Zhao Xuansu.
Despite Zhao Xuansu's desperate attempts to break free, he was overcome. In a fit of fury, he tried to kill Xu Fengnian, but Xu Fengnian counter-attacked, slaying Zhao Xuansu's physical body. However, Zhao Xuansu's primordial spirit separated from his deceased form, transforming into an elder in the blink of an eye, and lunged towards Xu Fengnian. Deng Tai'e immediately shouted a warning to Xu Fengnian.
Episode 37 Recap
After Zhao Xuansu's physical body was defeated by Deng Tai'e's "Troop Dispersion" sword formation, his primordial spirit, enraged that his soul was not fully scattered, lashed out. He attempted to transfer his accumulated luck and destined ordeals to Xu Fengnian before his demise. In that critical moment, Miss Hehe intervened, utilizing a rare luck-changing technique to divert all of Zhao Xuansu's ordeals into herself.
As Xu Fengnian fell unconscious, Miss Hehe quietly explained that she acted because his mother, Wu Su, had once offered her a lifeline during her most desperate time, giving her a hairpin that allowed her to bury her mother. From then on, she vowed to kill anyone who attempted to harm Xu Fengnian, promising to meet him again for "two coins for one word."
She also playfully referred to Xu Fengnian as a "little dog" and asserted that only she had the right to tease him. Xu Fengnian later regained consciousness, feeling a bit dizzy but otherwise fine. Miss Hehe had already departed, her fate unknown, though Li Chungang speculated that with her unique skill and likely powerful teacher, she would be safe. Li Chungang also returned, explaining that his epic battle with Wang Xianzhi had ended inconclusively to prevent Heaven's Gate from reopening.
He admitted that Wang Xianzhi's foundation, insight, and cultivation were superior, and after years of honing his skills against various masters, Wang Xianzhi’s full power could only be matched by Lyuzu from five hundred years ago. Despite the draw, Xu Fengnian confidently declared Li Chungang the world's best in his heart. Li Chungang confirmed that Deng Tai'e had left him the twelve flying swords and imparted his swordplay before his departure.
Xu Fengnian then approached Wang Xianzhi, asking for three matters. First, he requested to borrow a fine carriage for his return journey to North Liang, explaining he was injured and preferred not to travel by water. Wang Xianzhi initially questioned this, noting Xu Fengnian had taken Old Huang’s relic and was accused of killing six martial slaves in Wudi City.
Xu Fengnian clarified that he did not kill those six and lacked the capability, and regarding Old Huang’s relic, he promised to make amends. Second, he boldly challenged Wang Xianzhi to a decisive rematch at Wudi City in the future, swearing to win, stating that Old Huang and Li Chungang were his elders, and he intended to complete what they could not. Wang Xianzhi accepted this challenge.
Third, Xu Fengnian inquired about the circumstances of his mother's attack in the capital, asking if a specific person he named was present. Wang Xianzhi confirmed his presence in the capital at that time and the person's involvement, having collected records. Wang Xianzhi also revealed he saw some powerful individuals from North Mang in the capital during that period, expressing his disdain for the Liyang royal family collaborating with enemies to ambush their own officials.
Finally, Xu Fengnian inquired about Old Huang's last words before his death. Wang Xianzhi recounted that Old Huang looked north and said, "Your Highness, wait for me. I'll bring you the wine of the East Sea and we will drink together." With their conversation concluded, Xu Fengnian, Li Chungang, and Qing Niao prepared to depart in the borrowed carriage. Ning Emei gathered the Fengzi Battalion, and Shu Xiu was tasked with arranging the boat's return to North Liang.
Meanwhile, Yuan Tingshan and Zhao Kai took a detour into a secluded forest. Yuan Tingshan questioned why Mount Longhu sought to kill Zhao Kai. Zhao Kai explained that as an illegitimate prince, his ambition to instigate war and seize military power had been exposed, likely by Prime Minister Zhang Julu, who was using Mount Longhu as his enforcers. Zhao Kai admitted he found it logical for them to try to eliminate him to prevent future chaos.
However, he remained perplexed as to why Xu Fengnian had saved his life, given their history of enmity. Despite acknowledging his gratitude, Zhao Kai declared that his desire to kill Xu Fengnian was separate from his appreciation. At this point, Han Diaosi appeared, dismissing Zhao Kai's notion of killing Xu Fengnian as a waste of time and proposing a more viable path.
He informed Zhao Kai that Cao Changqing and Jiang Ni, the West Chu Princess, were now in West Shu, stirring up Chu remnants, leading the court to anticipate significant unrest. Han Diaosi explained that the imperial court needed someone to quell this potential rebellion.
Xu Xiao was unsuitable as his control over West Shu would grant the Xu family too much power; Gu Jiantang was deemed too dangerous to be entrusted with military command; and other princes were hesitant to confront Cao Changqing. Han Diaosi then dramatically presented Zhao Kai with a secret imperial edict, granting him the authority to lead the campaign in West Shu.
Han Diaosi further elaborated that Cao Changqing and the Princess's true aim was not to remain in Shu but to gather their forces and return to Chu. Once they left West Shu, Zhao Kai would be the rightful commander, becoming the new King of West Shu. Inspired by this vision, Zhao Kai spoke of expanding beyond West Shu into the wildness area to establish an unshakable foundation for himself.
Han Diaosi then fixed a chilling gaze upon Yuan Tingshan, who immediately knelt and vowed to be Zhao Kai's loyal blade, ready to eliminate all enemies. Yuan Tingshan viewed this as his long-awaited opportunity for a monumental rise. As Xu Fengnian's party continued their journey, Li Chungang mused on the intricacies of Deng Tai'e's flying swords. The Fengzi Battalion soon rejoined them. Zhao Kai, still traveling with Han Diaosi, questioned their circuitous route, fearing interception.
Han Diaosi assured him he had spies tracking Xu Fengnian's movements, making an interception impossible. He then revealed his manipulative scheme: he had sent a message to Zhao Yi, the notorious Lord of Guangling. The message conveyed the imperial court's displeasure regarding Xu Fengnian's smooth departure from Wudi City, and crucially, mentioned the "beauty" accompanying Xu Fengnian.
Han Diaosi calculated that Zhao Yi, being lustful, would dispatch his Guangling Army to intimidate Xu Fengnian, thereby appeasing the court, and then attempt to seize the woman for himself. As the vast Guangling Army, numbering over two thousand, appeared before Xu Fengnian's carriage, Li Chungang voiced his annoyance at the inconvenience. Without Xu Fengnian needing to disembark, Li Chungang launched a single, devastating sword strike that routed over two thousand Guangling soldiers, leaving them utterly terrified.
Meanwhile, back in North Liang, Xu Xiao descended into Tingchao Pavilion's secret chamber, where countless armored spirit tablets of fallen soldiers stood. Accompanied by Li Yishan, Xu Xiao reflected on his annual visits, noting the dwindling number of living companions and the increasing number of spirit tablets. He acknowledged the hard-won peace but lamented that his fallen comrades could not witness it.
Despite having meticulously planned Xu Fengnian’s journey, Xu Xiao revealed his son had subtly defied his arrangements, choosing a different path—one Xu Xiao himself had never dared to tread. Filled with pride, Xu Xiao proclaimed that Xu Fengnian would break the shackles placed upon him, face the world in his own way, and become the next Lord of North Liang, safeguarding their banner and the world they had built. He wondered aloud if the spirits of the fallen were satisfied with this future and their new king, signaling the end of his own era.
Episode 38 (Ending) Recap
The group, continuing their journey northward after Li Chungang had single-handedly repelled the Guangling Army, halted by a river to rest. A messenger arrived with astonishing news: Li Chungang, with a single sword, had defeated over two thousand Guangling soldiers, effectively clearing their path. Meanwhile, Han Diaosi, accompanying Zhao Kai, felt a rare sense of peace.
Believing their journey to West Shu was now unhindered, Han Diaosi decided they should switch from horseback to water travel for greater safety, as riding horses would draw too much attention. They constantly changed routes while traveling along the river. Unbeknownst to Han Diaosi, Xu Fengnian had already confirmed with Wang Xianzhi that Han Diaosi was indeed in the capital city on the night of his mother Wu Su's ambush, and thus had planned this interception.
Xu Fengnian revealed that his past actions, including saving Zhao Kai in Wudi City, were all part of a meticulous plan to draw Han Diaosi to this very location. Han Diaosi, bewildered by how Xu Fengnian knew his exact movements despite being so far away, listened as Xu Fengnian explained that he had investigated Han Diaosi's fake orders and questioned survivors, confirming Han Diaosi's presence during his mother's ambush.
He further revealed that Han Diaosi, as the palace's top martial artist, had been stationed there by the royal family, who then created a false order to cover his presence, fearing North Liang's retaliation. However, Wu Su managed to escape and, for the sake of the newly established peace, chose to conceal the truth to prevent further turmoil and war. Han Diaosi admitted his involvement in Wu Su's assassination.
Xu Fengnian declared his intent to avenge his mother, asserting that he was different from Xu Xiao, who prioritized the greater good and the sacrifices of North Liang soldiers for peace. Xu Fengnian refused to compromise or endure injustice, stating he would not let personal grievances be put aside for the sake of grand principles, and he intended to achieve both justice for his family and the well-being of the realm.
Zhao Kai, realizing the meticulous planning, suspected that Yuan Tingshan was behind their intercepted journey, much to his surprise that Yuan Tingshan served Gu Jiantang. Gu Jiantang, once hailed as the premier blade master and the Liyang Dynasty's final defense, had been crucial in unifying the realm, conquering two states during the Spring and Autumn strife. However, Liyang could only have one King with a different surname – Xu Xiao.
Consequently, Gu Jiantang was relegated to guarding Liyang's eastern front with hundreds of thousands of troops, forbidden to leave the capital for life. Aware of the imperial family's tendency to discard allies, Gu Jiantang plotted his escape. He instructed Yuan Tingshan, who was operating within the Xuanyuan Family, to relay information to Xu Fengnian. Killing Han Diaosi and Zhao Kai would create an opportunity for Gu Jiantang to leave the capital.
Xu Fengnian’s journey from North Liang to retrieve a sword was a ruse, allowing him to meticulously plan at each stop. He later met Yuan Tingshan at Shangyin Academy, where they conspired to ensnare Zhao Kai, deliberately saving him to lure out Han Diaosi. Xu Fengnian revealed that someone within the imperial court had pushed events to ensure Zhao Kai was dispatched to West Shu and that Han Diaosi would be his escort.
Yuan Tingshan confirmed his allegiance to Gu Jiantang by stating he "used a blade." Yuan Tingshan admitted to misleading Zhao Kai at Shangyin Academy, where he was ostensibly observing Xu Fengnian for Gu Jiantang, but was in fact facilitating the connection between Xu Fengnian and Gu Jiantang. Xu Fengnian knew about Han Diaosi's presence during his mother's ambush and what Gu Jiantang desired, leading to this alliance.
This cooperation allowed Gu Jiantang to not only not impede, but actively facilitate Zhao Kai's journey to West Shu, providing a means for Xu Fengnian to intercept him. Xu Fengnian clarified that Jiang Ni was not a pawn, as other means existed to draw Zhao Kai out of the capital. To expose his mother's killers, Xu Fengnian had long presented himself as a carefree young master, allowing others to underestimate him.
This moment, when his true capabilities would be revealed, marked the reunion of the four Xu siblings to personally avenge Wu Su. Han Diaosi prepared to take Zhao Kai onto a boat, only to be met by Xu Zhihu and Xu Weixiong arriving by ship. Xu Longxiang also arrived from Mount Longhu, completing the reunion. Golden-armor intervened to stop Yuan Tingshan. Han Diaosi, still confident, scoffed at the idea that the four siblings alone could defeat him.
He acknowledged that while the Immortal-on-Earth realm was almost invincible, the Void Realm, where he stood, was second only to Deng Tai'e. Han Diaosi's formidable strength was matched by his cruel "Red Snake Shedding" technique, which involved three thousand red threads wrapped around his hands, inflicting agonizing pain and death upon his victims.
Han Diaosi then realized that Xu Fengnian's every stop along his journey—including Jiangnan, Shangyin Academy, Mount Longhu, and the Xuanyuan Family—had been a careful setup for this very day, leveraging the Xuanyuan Family's control of waterways to gather his forces. He challenged Xu Fengnian, doubting he could summon North Liang troops, as only Chu Lushan among Xu Xiao's adopted sons would follow him, and Chu Lushan’s forces remained in North Liang.
Han Diaosi's overconfidence shattered when Chen Zhibao appeared with his troops. Han Diaosi then understood Xu Fengnian’s true intent in helping Xuanyuan Qingfeng become the family head: to use the Xuanyuan Family's water routes and ships to transport the North Liang Army. This revealed the formidable cunning of the seemingly frivolous young master. Chen Zhibao clarified he was there not for Xu Fengnian, but to avenge his adoptive mother.
The situation was now clear: the four Xu siblings, Qing Niao, and Chen Zhibao's army were united against Han Diaosi and Zhao Kai. Xu Fengnian’s challenge declared a battle to the death within a thousand miles outside Wudi City. Han Diaosi, with no further words, immediately began to kill the surrounding soldiers, attempting to create an opening for Zhao Kai to break through. Han Diaosi single-handedly confronted a thousand soldiers, then quickly engaged Chen Zhibao in a relentless struggle.
Zhao Kai attempted to flee, but Xu Weixiong blocked his path. When Golden-armor moved to assist, Xu Longxiang tore off his left arm. Xu Longxiang and Xu Weixiong then tag-teamed Zhao Kai, while Yuan Tingshan deliberately drew Golden-armor away. Though Chen Zhibao had reached the Celestial Realm, he was still no match for Han Diaosi. Had Han Diaosi not been concerned for Zhao Kai's life, Chen Zhibao would not have managed to wound him with a spear.
Meanwhile, urged by Han Diaosi, Zhao Kai attempted to leap across the river, only to be intercepted by Nangong Puye, who struck him back. Surrounded by numerous masters, Han Diaosi unleashed his lifelong power, repelling everyone again with his Three-thousand Red Thread. He then prepared to strike Xu Fengnian, believing capturing him was paramount.
Xu Fengnian, who had been observing the entire battle, calmly performed Li Chungang's "Snakes in Sleeves" technique, then executed "Open the Heaven's Gate" with a single sword stroke. All combatants sustained injuries in the fierce battle. Han Diaosi boasted that without Li Chungang and Deng Tai'e's sword intent, they could not have killed him with just that one sword.
True to his infamous "Human Cat" reputation, Han Diaosi swiftly closed the distance and choked Xu Fengnian, his eyes fixed greedily on the Dahuangting energy within Xu Fengnian. As Han Diaosi prepared to absorb the Dahuangting with his internal energy, Xu Fengnian, with a sliver of remaining strength, seized the opportunity to open Deng Tai'e's sword box. Twelve flying swords, powered by the pinnacle of the Void Realm, burst forth.
Han Diaosi heard Zhao Kai's warning, but it was too late; the twelve swords pierced him from behind. Zhao Kai watched in despair as Han Diaosi fell dead, knowing his cause was lost. Wounded by the combined assault of the Xu siblings, Zhao Kai ordered Golden-armor to end his life.
In his final moments, Zhao Kai seemed to relive a memory of Han Diaosi, holding his hand as a child in the palace, advising him to strive for what he desired, rather than accepting his current circumstances. Zhao Kai bitterly reflected that Xu Fengnian's success was simply a result of being born the heir apparent of the Xu family, with everything handed to him.
In contrast, Zhao Kai felt he was born with no hope and had to fight for every chance to survive, embracing change no matter where it led him, without regret. He acknowledged that Xu Fengnian, too, had found hope for revenge against impossible odds, and grudgingly admitted Xu Fengnian was stronger. Zhao Kai stated his regret that he never wanted to start a war for personal gain, acknowledging his fate was a direct consequence of his actions.
With Han Diaosi and his disciple dead, Chen Zhibao’s mission to avenge his adoptive mother was complete, and he led his army away. Yuan Tingshan also conveyed Gu Jiantang's gratitude, stating their cooperation had ended and hoping their next encounter wouldn't be on the battlefield. Xu Fengnian wished for his siblings to return to North Liang with him. However, Xu Zhihu felt that returning now would publicly confirm their involvement in Han Diaosi and Zhao Kai's deaths.
Instead, she and Xu Weixiong decided they should return to their respective homes and wait for Xu Fengnian to officially assume the title of Lord of North Liang. Xu Longxiang gave his brother some hawthorn berries, reminding him to practice his blade skills to uphold the Xu family's honor, and promised to wait for Xu Fengnian to become the Lord of North Liang before he would come home.
Xu Fengnian bid a reluctant farewell to his family, holding back his tears as they departed. Nangong Puye, learning of Xu Fengnian’s upcoming journey to North Mang to find more clues about his mother’s killers, also took her leave to return to Tingchao Pavilion, looking forward to their next reunion in North Liang. Qing Niao carefully put away the sword box gifted by Deng Tai'e and accompanied Xu Fengnian as they set off again.
Xu Fengnian acknowledged that the path ahead was long and difficult, and he would need to learn to wield flying swords independently for his journey to North Mang. Despite the uncertain future, they remained hopeful, knowing that North Liang awaited their return.
