The Flame's Daughter Episode 18 Recap
> The Flame's Daughter Recap
In the early morning, Lie Ruge, feeling nervous about the upcoming sect meeting concerning her succession as the new leader of Flaming Manor, decided to avoid it. She sought refuge in the Bamboo Courtyard, where she found Lei Jinghong. When asked about her presence, she candidly admitted she was hiding from the meeting. Lei Jinghong teased her about being scared of inheriting the position, also voicing his doubts about her readiness given her inexperience with sect affairs.
He suggested that Zhan Feng, Ji Jinglei, or even Chief Steward Yi might be more suitable. Lie Ruge defended her father, Lie Mingjing, asserting his upright character and dismissing the idea that he would conspire with Dark River Palace, a concern Lei Jinghong had raised. Meanwhile, at the morning meeting, the hall leaders were expressing their strong reservations to Lie Mingjing. Hall Leader Ling was particularly vocal, urging Lie Mingjing to retract the order for Ruge to become sect leader.
He argued that Ruge lacked prestige and achievements, had no support within the sect, and was ill-equipped to manage the manor or establish a foothold in Jianghu, going so far as to call her a "witless young girl." Another disciple added that Ruge indeed lacked the experience for such a weighty position. When Lie Mingjing asked Ji Jinglei for his opinion, Ji Jinglei merely stated he had no objection and neither supported nor opposed.
The Hall Leader of Azure Dragon Hall, Zhongli Wulei, declared his unwavering loyalty to the Sect Leader's wishes. Chief Steward Yi Lang then openly advocated for Zhan Feng, highlighting Zhan Feng’s years of managing sect affairs, his established prestige, and his marriage alliance with World Swordless City, arguing that it would be inappropriate to pass the leadership to anyone else at this juncture.
When Lie Mingjing finally turned to Yu Zihan, the latter calmly announced that he had already sought an imperial decree from his Royal Father for his marriage to Lie Ruge. He stated that as the future Princess Consort of Jingyuan, Lie Ruge would have him as her backer, making her eminently worthy of leading Flaming Manor. Yu Zihan even offered to reside permanently in the manor to support her, if she wished.
With this, Lie Mingjing decisively declared that the sect leader position was unequivocally Lie Ruge's, dismissing any further discussion. After the morning meeting, Xun Yi was very angry upon hearing that Ji Jinglei had not supported Lie Ruge, blaming him for openly siding with Zhan Feng. As a couple, their opinions on Lie Ruge's succession differed.
Ji Jinglei chased after her and attempted to explain, emphasizing his loyalty to Ruge while asserting that, for the greater stability of the sect and considering the complexities of Jianghu, Zhan Feng's experience made him a more suitable successor. Xun Yi countered, highlighting Zhan Feng's past questionable actions concerning Ying Yi and Dao Liexiang.
Ji Jinglei recounted instances of Zhan Feng's past kindness and protection towards Ruge, like transferring his energy to save her from a cultivation deviation when she was ten. Xun Yi, however, remained worried that Zhan Feng might pose a threat to Ruge if he became sect leader, to which Ji Jinglei reiterated his unwavering commitment to Ruge. Xun Yi pressed him further, questioning why he, a renowned martial artist, never considered the sect leader position himself.
Ji Jinglei dismissed the idea, content with her high regard for him. Later, in a private conversation, Lie Mingjing spoke with Yi Lang, acknowledging Yi Lang's intelligence and courage. He asked if Yi Lang resented being overlooked for the sect leader position. Yi Lang shook his head against his will, denying any such feelings.
Lie Mingjing then reaffirmed his decision, stating that Flaming Manor ultimately belonged to Lie Ruge, subtly hinting at deeper reasons tied to Zhan Feitian's legacy and sacrifices. Lie Ruge, in turn, sought out her father to question his unwavering decision. She pointed out Zhan Feng's superior qualifications, his abilities, and martial arts skills, wondering why her father insisted on her, an inexperienced daughter, taking the helm. She feared that this decision would be seen as biased.
Lie Mingjing explained that Flaming Manor, built with his brothers through immense hardship and sacrifice, influenced the entire Martial Arts Society, and only by entrusting it to her could he feel at ease. He contrasted Zhan Feng's cold personality with Ruge’s newfound resilience and determination, assuring her that she was no less capable than Zhan Feng. He promised to guide her slowly into managing Jianghu affairs, helping her gain acceptance.
Lie Ruge then cautiously brought up rumors surrounding Uncle Zhan Feitian’s death, suggesting they slandered the brotherhood between Lie Mingjing and Zhan Feitian. Lie Mingjing took her to Zhan Feitian's spirit tablet and asked if she, too, believed these rumors. She admitted to moments of doubt but pledged her unwavering trust in him from now on.
When she attempted to voice her concerns about Zhan Feng’s possible beliefs, Lie Mingjing interrupted her, sternly forbidding her from speaking ill of her senior brother and urging her to maintain faith in him, convinced that Zhan Feng would eventually understand the truth. The following day, Lie Ruge attended the main hall meeting, formally announcing her intention to begin learning to manage the sect's affairs.
She then proposed holding the annual martial arts duel, which had been postponed, on the very next day. To everyone's surprise, she declared her intention to participate alongside her three senior brothers. Lie Mingjing, though taken aback, agreed, playfully cautioning her to accept defeat gracefully if she lost. Before the competition, Xun Yi noted Ruge's remarkable improvement in martial arts, suspecting guidance from Yu Zihan.
Ruge clarified her motivation, stating that as her father's chosen successor, she needed to prove her capabilities and gain everyone's conviction. She also revealed her desire to duel Zhan Feng, especially after having faced An Ye Jue. The martial arts competition took place at Feipu Cliff. Lie Ruge's Flaming Whip technique was indeed masterful, quickly overpowering Ji Jinglei. Her subsequent duel with Zhan Feng was fiercely contested, with both demonstrating formidable skill and being evenly matched.
Observing Ruge's profound martial arts progress, Lie Mingjing was struck by her striking resemblance to An Ye Ming. Following the impressive display, Lie Mingjing announced that Lie Ruge would formally enter Azure Dragon Hall the next day. During a celebratory meal, he urged Zhan Feng, Yu Zihan, and Ji Jinglei to remain united and assist their junior sister in her new role.
The next day, Lie Mingjing escorted Lie Ruge to Azure Dragon Hall, explaining its critical function: it was his personal creation, with a global network, and only he and its hall leader could command its disciples. Hall Leader Zhongli Wulei greeted them, explaining that Azure Dragon Hall processed thousands of messages daily, burning them after urgent ones were delivered to the sect leader.
Lie Mingjing instructed Zhongli to deliver important sect correspondence to Yu Zihan's Manor for Ruge to review, thus initiating her training to eventually oversee Azure Dragon Hall. After her father departed, Lie Ruge immediately questioned Zhongli Wulei about a letter she had sent from Luoyang that her father had seemingly not received. Zhongli revealed he had given the secret letter to Chief Steward Yi Lang.
Suspicious, Lie Ruge then issued new directives: from that day forward, all information from Azure Dragon Hall, both internal and external, was to be delivered "directly" to either her or Lie Mingjing, bypassing everyone else, including Chief Steward Yi Lang and Young Master Feng. She also tasked Zhongli with a thorough investigation into Dark River Palace, demanding detailed reports on all its activities. Zhongli promptly agreed to her commands. Soon after, news of Lei Hentian's death reached Flaming Manor.
Rumors quickly spread that An Ye Jue was poised to take over Thunderbolt Clique. Upon hearing this, Dao Liexiang swiftly penned a letter, including a jade pendant, and dispatched her maid to deliver it to Lie Ruge. Lei Jinghong, deeply distraught by the news of his father’s death and the subsequent discovery of his body, expressed his grief to Lie Ruge.
He declared his intention to leave Flaming Manor the next day and return to Jiangnan, asserting his duty as the young master of Thunderbolt Clique to prevent his father's life's work from being ruined and the sect from falling into the wrong hands, especially with Madam Yan, An Ye Jue, reportedly taking control. Lie Ruge then presented him with Dao Liexiang's letter and the jade pendant, which Lei Jinghong recognized as very precious.
He also approached Yu Zihan, requesting that he temporarily suppress any government actions against Thunderbolt Clique, and his knowledge of An Ye Jue's true identity, promising to prove the sect had no ties to Dark River Palace once he returned. Yu Zihan agreed to his request. Meanwhile, Xun Yi, upon hearing of Lei Hentian's death, dropped a fruit platter in shock and appeared deeply distressed, displaying an unusual level of emotional turmoil.
Die Yi tried to comfort her, but Xun Yi voiced her grave concern that Thunderbolt Clique would fall under the control of Dark River Palace. It was revealed that Xun Yi was, in fact, the daughter of Lei Hentian and An Ye Jue, her profound grief stemming from the tragic loss of her father.
