Sword Snow Stride Episode 8 Recap
> Sword Snow Stride 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.
