Sword Snow Stride Episode 20 Recap
> Sword Snow Stride 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."
