Sword Snow Stride Episode 32 Recap
> Sword Snow Stride 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.
