Sword Snow Stride Episode 38 (Ending) Recap
> Sword Snow Stride 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.
