The Flame's Daughter Episode 28 Recap
> The Flame's Daughter Recap
At Youqin Hong's residence, Youqin Hong revealed to Lie Ruge that he had lost all his martial arts. This was his sacrifice: he had used his martial arts to save the Grand Teacher, who, despite severe internal injuries from a recent battle, had nearly lost his own life. Youqin Hong emphasized that this sacrifice was for the sake of Lie Ruge, Yu Zihan, and the coastal citizens.
The Grand Teacher proposed that Lie Ruge accompany them to Ethereality Clique, stating it was the only place safe from Dark River Palace. However, Lie Ruge refused, asserting that Flaming Manor's perilous situation prevented her from abandoning it. Youqin Hong warned her of the formidable strength of Dark River Palace's Third Sect Leader and Anye Luo, but Lie Ruge remained steadfast. The Grand Teacher then revealed he had anticipated her refusal and offered an alternative: seeking Yu Zihan's assistance.
Lie Ruge agreed, outlining her plan to openly escort Lei Jinghong to a ship in Ping'an Town. She believed that a public departure would deter overt attacks and ensure that their fate, unlike a secret disappearance, would not go unnoticed. She reasoned that her status as a sect leader, coupled with Lei Jinghong's position and the uncertain state of Thunderbolt Clique, would make any open assassination unthinkable.
The Grand Teacher cautioned her about potential assassins and pointed out that such an obvious plan could also be anticipated by their enemies. He suggested that Yu Zihan was likely being monitored, making a direct meeting unsafe; instead, they should establish a meeting point and let Yu Zihan find them. Lie Ruge disclosed that Yi Lang was already aware of their methods for exchanging messages.
Huang Cong immediately volunteered to deliver the message to Yu Zihan, but the Grand Teacher declined, explaining that with Youqin Hong having lost his martial arts, himself possessing only three-tenths of his power, and Lei Jinghong injured, Huang Cong was indispensable for Lie Ruge's and Lei Jinghong's protection. Youqin Hong then offered to go in Huang Cong's stead, arguing he would only be a burden if he stayed. He promised to ensure Yu Zihan's safety, and the Grand Teacher accepted.
Later that evening, as Lie Ruge sat in contemplation under a large locust tree, the Grand Teacher approached, questioning why she wasn't resting before their early departure. Lie Ruge asked him to tell her about Yin Xue. The Grand Teacher inquired if she deeply missed him, a notion Lie Ruge dismissed, stating instead a profound sense of indebtedness. She explained that Yin Xue knew everything about her, yet she knew nothing about him beyond his widespread reputation.
She yearned to learn about his childhood, his path to becoming a disciple, his reasons for leaving the mountain, the establishment of the Flower Tasting Brothel in Luoyang, and any family he might have had. The Grand Teacher gravely revealed that Yin Xue was once a ruthless demon, responsible for countless killings. Lie Ruge was stunned, initially thinking he was joking.
The Grand Teacher clarified that Yin Xue had been his most promising disciple but succumbed to arrogance, strayed from the righteous path, and even became the leader of Dark River Palace, noting that Anye Luo was of a younger generation than Yin Xue. When Lie Ruge pressed for further details, the Grand Teacher explained that Yin Xue had suffered heavenly retribution.
After realizing his errors, he returned to Ethereality Clique, climbing the one thousand and eighty Heaven Stairs by kowtowing and kneeling all the way to the great hall, begging for readmission. The retribution, he revealed, was the death of Yin Xue's greatest love, a consequence of his actions. Lie Ruge inquired more about this love, but the Grand Teacher simply stated that since Yin Xue was now dead, there was no need to dwell on past gratitude or grievances.
The following morning, Youqin Hong said his goodbyes to Yin Xue, who remained disguised as the Grand Teacher. Youqin Hong questioned why Yin Xue would not reveal his true identity to Lie Ruge. Yin Xue explained that Youqin Hong's sacrifice of fifteen years of his martial arts had only extended Yin Xue's life by a few months, and that after this period, Yin Xue would cease to exist.
He did not wish Lie Ruge to know and witness his death once more. Youqin Hong, now without martial arts, was warned by Yin Xue to be cautious on his journey to the East China Sea. Yin Xue also asked Youqin Hong to take care of himself in his absence. Youqin Hong then left to make preparations.
Lie Ruge, accompanied by the Grand Teacher, Huang Cong, and a severely injured Lei Jinghong, arrived at Xue's Sesame Seed Cake shop in Ping'an Town. The owner, Ms. Huang, welcomed them warmly. To explain Lei Jinghong's condition, Lie Ruge playfully claimed he had dallied with someone's wife, received a beating, and was now seeking her protection to return to Jiangnan, a story Lei Jinghong quickly refuted.
Lie Ruge then introduced the Grand Teacher as her "husband's teacher," and Ms. Huang offered to cook for them. In Flaming Manor, a maid informed Zhongli Wulei that Lie Ruge had discreetly departed two days prior with Lei Jinghong in a carriage, heading towards Jiangnan. They had reportedly encountered many assassins and were believed to have reached Swordless City. Zhongli Wulei then gathered his most trusted men from the Azure Dragon Hall.
He expressed his grief over the Old Sect Leader's tragic death and Lie Ruge's current predicament. He proposed a dangerous plan: to betray Zhan Feng and Chief Steward Yi. He offered his men a choice: expose him or pledge their lives to protect Lie Ruge and Flaming Manor. All his men swore their unwavering loyalty.
Zhongli Wulei then outlined their strategy: externally, they were to use all means necessary to protect Lie Ruge's journey; internally, they were to intercept and suppress all news regarding Lie Ruge and Thunderbolt Clique, effectively rendering Zhan Feng and Yi Lang "deaf and blind" to her whereabouts. He cautioned them about their numerical disadvantage compared to other halls and urged them to avoid direct confrontation, instead preserving their strength for future battles.
Meanwhile, Dao Wuhen, the Deputy City Leader of Swordless City, learned of Lie Ruge's arrival in Ping'an Town with Lei Jinghong, Huang Cong, and an unidentified old man. He noted Lie Ruge's open presence and, abandoning his initial plan for a quiet assassination, decided that overt action was now impossible given Lie Ruge's status as a recognized sect leader.
He resolved to let Zhan Feng and Yi Lang handle her, instructing his men to politely request Lie Ruge to leave their territory, thereby creating an opportunity for their rivals. Back at Xue's shop, the Grand Teacher observed that they were being watched, a fact Lie Ruge acknowledged. Huang Cong was dispatched to discreetly handle the situation without causing alarm.
Soon after, Lie Ruge was confronted by Deputy City Leader Dao, who explained that Zhan Feng had issued a martial arts decree for Lei Jinghong's capture, and Lie Ruge's protection of him placed Dao Wuhen in a difficult position. Lie Ruge assured him of their brief stay, and Dao Wuhen subsequently ordered his men to escort them out of Swordless City territory.
As they continued their meal, Lie Ruge mused on the simple peace of the moment, fearing such tranquility might soon be a rarity. The Grand Teacher, lost in contemplation, gazed at the bed, recalling a tender memory of gently putting shoes on Lie Ruge, a time when she denied having him in her heart. He silently mourned the impending end of his life, saddened by the thought of never again sharing such peaceful moments with her.
At Flaming Manor, a maid informed Zhan Feng of a handsome man in red, claiming to be his uncle, Anye Luo, waiting in Maple Courtyard. The maid confirmed that Zhan Feng's wife had been sent away from the courtyard. Anye Luo greeted Zhan Feng as "Feng'er," and Zhan Feng apologized for Lei Jinghong's escape. Anye Luo dismissed Lei Jinghong's significance, calling him merely a scapegoat.
Surveying the manor, Anye Luo remarked that while the place remained the same, the people had changed, and he could now stand there openly, attributing this to Zhan Feng. He then addressed Yi Lang, acknowledging his intelligence, and ordered him to kill Lie Ruge. Zhan Feng was horrified, pleading with Anye Luo and reminding him of his promise not to harm Lie Ruge.
Anye Luo, however, was unyielding, arguing that by allowing Lie Ruge to escape, Zhan Feng was giving her an advantage and effectively surrendering the sect, thus undermining all their efforts to reclaim what rightfully belonged to Zhan Feng's parents. He reiterated his command for Yi Lang to kill Lie Ruge, promising him the title of Deputy Sect Leader. Yi Lang readily accepted.
Anye Luo then informed Yi Lang that Lie Ruge would arrive in Xiangyang Town in three days, and the territory beyond that belonged to Thunderbolt Clique, making it Yi Lang's final opportunity. Yi Lang vowed to find her and ensure she would "stay in Plum Courtyard forever and never leave again." Anye Luo concluded with a stern warning to Zhan Feng, reminding him of his previous disappointment and stating he would not tolerate another.
The following day, Lie Ruge, Lei Jinghong, and Huang Cong departed Swordless City, escorted to the border by Dao Wuhen's men. On their journey towards Xiangyang Town and Thunderbolt Clique, they faced numerous ambushes from skilled assassins. However, they received clandestine assistance from members of the Azure Dragon Hall, who had sworn to protect Lie Ruge. Despite the dangers, they eventually reached the vicinity of Thunderbolt Clique's territory.
Lei Jinghong grew anxious when Feng Huang, whom he expected to meet them, did not appear. He feared something had befallen her and her loyal followers. Huang Cong soon delivered grave news: the sub-chiefs of three Thunderbolt Clique branches, loyal to Lei Jinghong, were surrounded and trapped by various martial arts sects, enduring days without food and unable to defend themselves. Lie Ruge despaired, feeling there was no safe haven left for her.
Meanwhile, at Thunderbolt Clique, Feng Huang knelt before the chief helmsmen, desperately appealing to them to rescue Lei Jinghong and their comrades from the three embattled branches, emphasizing their heavy casualties. The helmsmen agreed to mount a rescue mission for Lei Jinghong and retrieve their trapped brothers, lamenting the internal division of Thunderbolt Clique and the dishonor it brought to the Old Sect Leader's memory. They resolved to gather other chief helmsmen and proceed to the headquarters the following day.
Heartened by their promise, Feng Huang immediately rushed to inform Lei Jinghong, unaware of the tragic events that were about to unfold at the headquarters. At the Thunderbolt Clique headquarters, the elders discussed Lei Jinghong's perilous situation when Anye Jue, referred to as "Second Madam," arrived. The elders pleaded with her to order a rescue for Lei Jinghong, the Old Sect Leader's sole descendant, and their trapped brothers.
Anye Jue coldly refused, declaring that those who followed Lei Jinghong were no longer considered members of Thunderbolt Clique. The elders vehemently objected, reminding her that they could not face the Old Sect Leader if his only bloodline perished, and urged her to put aside personal grudges. Anye Jue retorted that they themselves had been the ones to force Lei Jinghong out and choose her to lead. She warned that Lei Jinghong would undoubtedly seek retribution if they saved him.
Despite her warnings, the elders insisted on saving Lei Jinghong, asserting it was a matter of conscience and loyalty to the Old Sect Leader. Anye Jue then challenged them, asking if Thunderbolt Clique could accommodate two leaders, herself and Lei Jinghong. The elders unequivocally declared Lei Jinghong as the rightful Young Master.
One elder, referring to Anye Jue as "Madam Yan," insulted her by reminding her of her past as a maidservant, stating that without the Old Sect Leader, she was nothing. Enraged, Anye Jue dramatically revealed her true identity as Anye Jue, the Third Sect Leader of Dark River Palace. She declared that disloyal individuals were worse than dogs and vowed to take their lives to be buried with the Old Sect Leader.
She then unleashed a brutal attack, slaughtering all the dissenting elders of the Jiangnan Thunderbolt Clique and chillingly stating that the very person they had forced to abandon the sect, Lei Jinghong, was the only one who could have saved their lives. Unaware of the massacre at headquarters, Feng Huang hurried to meet Lei Jinghong. Huang Cong, cunningly disguised as Lie Ruge in a striking red outfit, was escorting Lei Jinghong and Feng Huang towards Thunderbolt Clique territory.
On a rugged mountain path, they were ambushed by a group of skilled assassins. Suddenly, Zhan Feng appeared and valiantly intervened, battling the attackers and saving the group. Just then, a contingent of Thunderbolt Clique men arrived, warmly greeting Lei Jinghong. Lei Jinghong confronted Zhan Feng, asking if he expected to be spared that day. Zhan Feng stated he did not wish to fight but demanded the red-clad woman be returned to him, a request Lei Jinghong refused.
Huang Cong, still in disguise, thanked Zhan Feng for her rescue. The Thunderbolt Clique men, seeking vengeance for Lei Jinghong's injuries, moved to attack Zhan Feng, but Lei Jinghong ordered them to desist, stating he was sparing Zhan Feng's life "in consideration of Ruge." He then told Zhan Feng to leave, reiterating his gratitude for "saving Ruge." As the Thunderbolt Clique men celebrated Lei Jinghong's return, Zhan Feng attempted to pull the red-clad woman away.
However, Huang Cong dramatically removed her veil, revealing her true identity and shocking Zhan Feng, who realized he had been deceived. Distraught and realizing he had been misled, Zhan Feng rushed back to Xue's Sesame Seed Cake shop in Ping'an Town. He found the doors locked and Lie Ruge nowhere to be seen. He frantically asked the shop owner about Lie Ruge's whereabouts, but she replied that Lie Ruge and Young Master Lei had not returned since their last departure. In despair, Zhan Feng called out Lie Ruge's name, wondering where she could possibly be.
