Sword Snow Stride Episode 37 Recap
> Sword Snow Stride 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.
