The Great Ruler Episode 28 Recap
> The Great Ruler Recap
Mo Xingtian and the North Cang Spiritual Academy's teachers and students were engaged in a fierce battle. Xuantong, cautioning Luo Li to be careful in the dangerous fight, urged her to protect herself. Meanwhile, Black Dragon confronted Mu Chen, accusing him of repeatedly thwarting his plans and vowing not to let him escape this time.
Black Dragon was astonished to sense Lord White Dragon’s power within Mu Chen, disparaging White Dragon as "stupid" for bestowing such sacred power upon a mere human. Mu Chen declared his intention to settle Lord White Dragon’s score with Black Dragon today, avenge Headmaster Ling Xi, and eliminate evil for the common people.
Despite Black Dragon’s dismissive remarks about Mu Chen’s "insignificant tricks" and his own undefeated record against White Dragon, Mu Chen launched a powerful attack, proclaiming his fight was for Headmaster Ling Xi, Lord White Dragon, the people of White Horse City, and North Cang Spiritual Academy. Black Dragon, asserting his need for "nourishment" to revive his Dragon Clan, activated the Grand Sumeru Demonic Pillar to drain the spiritual energy of everyone present, declaring it their "honor" to be sacrificed.
Mu Chen, seeing the imminent danger to the students and teachers, challenged Black Dragon, vowing to end his life. As Black Dragon’s power surged, Luo Li realized they had to lead him away to save everyone. She and Mu Chen split up. Mu Chen drew Black Dragon’s attention while Luo Li seized an opportunity to stab Black Dragon’s eye. Mu Chen was injured in the process.
Luo Li observed that the Grand Sumeru Demonic Pillar was rapidly absorbing spiritual energy, threatening to drain everyone dry. Northern Sea Dragon Roc approached Mu Chen, explaining that only the Dragon Clan could control the Grand Sumeru Demonic Pillar, but since Mu Chen now possessed White Dragon’s spiritual power, he might be able to wield it. Mu Chen revealed he had a plan that required everyone's assistance. The North Cang Spiritual Academy members lent their spiritual energy to Mu Chen.
Empowered by the Dragon Clan's energy, Mu Chen faced Black Dragon again, declaring that since Black Dragon had devoted himself to darkness, he would be annihilated by it. Mu Chen's power killed Black Dragon, and the Grand Sumeru Demonic Pillar ended up in the Eastern Sea. This also resulted in the destruction of three of the Evil Deity's Nine Evil Eyes, hindering his smooth revival. Simultaneously, Cangsheng personally defeated Mo Xingtian.
Mo Xingtian, accepting his fate, acknowledged that with his Lord dead, he had nowhere to run. Cangsheng remarked that this was the inevitable consequence of choosing the path of evil. With Black Dragon defeated, Cangsheng surveyed the destroyed North Cang Spiritual Academy, lamenting the devastation but asserting that as long as they lived, they could rebuild and carry on the hopes of their lost companions.
He expressed confidence that their unity would restore the glory of the Five Academies, a sentiment echoed by the surviving students. Tan Qingshan raised the question of leadership, as Headmaster Ling Xi was no longer with them. Northern Sea Dragon Roc declared it was time to select a new headmaster from their ranks, proposing Cangsheng, citing his role as their senior fellow and his inspiring leadership during their darkest hour.
Though Cangsheng initially hesitated, recognizing the immense responsibility, he ultimately accepted the position, vowing to live up to everyone's expectations and personally lead the revival of North Cang Spiritual Academy. The students enthusiastically cheered their new headmaster. Elsewhere, the Evil Deity reacted with fury to Black Dragon’s death and the destruction of three of his Nine Evil Eyes, expressing frustration over the repeated setbacks inflicted by the "small Beiling Region."
Wen Qingxuan inquired if he would now open the remaining six Eyes. The Evil Deity affirmed that he no longer needed to maintain a low profile and intended to unveil his "real power." He then commanded Wen Qingxuan to personally retrieve Mu Chen’s head from North Cang Spiritual Academy, sternly stating that the successor of the Great Futu Spell had already disrupted his plans once and could not be tolerated further.
He then bestowed upon Wen Qingxuan the Power of Whisper. Bai Tong watched over a sleeping Jiuyou, expressing profound worry. He reflected on the danger she faced by giving all her spiritual power to Mu Chen, fearing that if she failed, she would be permanently trapped within Mu Chen's consciousness, unable to escape. He wondered if she would do the same for him.
As if in response, Jiuyou called out Mu Chen’s name in her sleep, causing Bai Tong, who harbored feelings for Jiuyou, to leave, visibly saddened. Mu Chen confided in Luo Li, stating that by using Lord White Dragon’s power to unseal the Grand Sumeru Demonic Pillar and defeat Black Dragon, he believed White Dragon could finally rest in peace. Luo Li acknowledged the brutal reality of their experiences.
Soon after, Qian’er approached them, asking about Mubai’s whereabouts, noting his absence from their return. Luo Li subtly exchanged a look with Mu Chen. Mu Chen, to spare Qian’er further pain, fabricated a story: he claimed Mubai had gone to White Horse City to help Qian’er against the Evil Spirit Clan and had sacrificed his life to save Mu Chen. Distraught and refusing to believe the news, Qian’er cried and left, vowing to find Mubai within seven days.
Luo Li questioned if it was right to deceive Qian’er, but ultimately agreed that revealing the painful truth would only cause her more sorrow. As the new headmaster, Cangsheng addressed the assembled students and teachers, proclaiming that the disaster was over and a new era of rebuilding North Cang Spiritual Academy had begun. He pledged to lead by example and live up to their expectations. Shortly after, Domain Lord Mu Feng and Teacher Mo arrived for a visit.
Mu Feng informed Cangsheng about unusual energy fluctuations that had occurred across the Great Thousand World the previous night, expressing concern that these anomalies were connected to the Evil Eyes. Northern Sea Dragon Roc elaborated on the legend of the Nine Evil Eyes, explaining that they were manifestations of the Evil Deity’s spiritual power.
During the ancient war between the Evil Deity and the Heavenly Emperor, the Evil Deity had partitioned his vast domain into nine territories, each governed by one of these eyes. Northern Sea Dragon Roc named them: the Eye of Azure Sky, the Eye of Tranquility, the Eye of Gathering Source, the Eye of Bliss, the Eye of Flowing Sand, the Eye of Tyranny, the Eye of Vigilance, the Eye of Void, and the Eye of Whisper.
These nine eyes were the source from which the Evil Deity drew spiritual energy from all living things. After the Evil Deity was sealed, the eyes vanished, only to reappear now for unknown reasons. Northern Sea Dragon Roc clarified that although three eyes had been destroyed in Beiling Region and White Horse City, this only served to delay the Evil Deity’s revival. To truly defeat him, all nine eyes must be annihilated.
Mu Chen confirmed that he had used the Grand Sumeru Demonic Pillar to destroy the Eye of Bliss outside White Horse City in the Eastern Sea during his battle with Black Dragon. Mu Feng, surprised by the location of the Eye of Bliss, expressed relief at its destruction and inquired how Mu Chen was able to wield the Grand Sumeru Demonic Pillar, a sacred relic of the Dragon Clan.
Mu Chen explained that Lord White Dragon, sensing this destined confrontation, had transferred his spiritual power to him before his death, believing it was destined. When asked, Mu Chen stated the Grand Sumeru Demonic Pillar was now in the sea. Mu Feng instructed Mu Chen to depart immediately for White Horse City to retrieve the Grand Sumeru Demonic Pillar from the sea.
He stressed the pillar's immense power and the urgency of securing it before the Evil Deity could claim it, noting that Mu Chen, with his newly acquired Dragon Clan power, was uniquely capable of this task. Mu Chen accepted the mission. Mu Feng then proposed a broader strategy: uniting all possible forces to confront and defeat the Evil Deity.
He suggested forming an alliance with the God Race, specifically the Luo God Clan, as the Tailing Ancient Clan was either missing or the Futu Ancient Clan was in seclusion. Luo Li announced her intention to return to the Luo God Clan the following day to persuade her grandfather to form this alliance.
She acknowledged that the Luo God Clan was currently embroiled in a difficult war with the Blood God Clan but felt it was her duty as their goddess to fight alongside her people. Teacher Mo expressed concern, reminding Luo Li that her grandfather had entrusted her to him specifically to keep her out of such conflicts. Luo Li, however, firmly stated that she could not abandon her clan in their time of need.
Cangsheng offered the North Cang Spiritual Academy’s assistance, but Luo Li reiterated that their primary focus should remain on destroying the Evil Eyes. She expressed gratitude for everyone’s care and concern. Mu Chen intervened, asking Luo Li not to rush her departure, declaring his intention to accompany her to the Luo God Clan. Luo Li reminded him of his urgent mission to White Horse City.
Mu Chen assured her he would return quickly from White Horse City and that this journey would be different, without the need for secrecy.
He explained that his desire to go was two-fold: "in public," his newly acquired White Dragon’s power could significantly aid the Luo God Clan in resolving their current difficulties, thus enabling them all to join the fight against the Evil Deity sooner; "in private," he alluded to the Luo God Clan’s strict prohibition against intermarriage with humans, subtly suggesting that by rendering a great service to the clan, he might gain favor and make it difficult for Luo Li’s grandfather to refuse a future marriage proposal.
Luo Li was visibly pleased by his words. Their intimate moment was interrupted by Jiuyou, who, upon seeing them holding hands, became visibly annoyed and departed. Mu Chen later tried to explain to Jiuyou that he intended to travel to White Horse City alone, and that she should await his return at the academy. He also stated that she would not be accompanying him and Luo Li to the Luo God Clan.
Jiuyou reacted angrily, accusing him of considering her a burden. Mu Chen clarified that his concern was for her safety, fearing that other members of the Luo God Clan might attempt to take her Spirit Blood, a situation in which Luo Li might be unable to protect her. Jiuyou, however, insisted she could defend herself and accused Mu Chen of being afraid for himself or that she would implicate him.
Their argument concluded with Jiuyou storming off, claiming she preferred the peace and quiet without him. Later, Jiuyou confided in Bai Tong about her anger towards Mu Chen for going with Luo Li. Bai Tong suggested she might be "jealous." Jiuyou, unfamiliar with the term, asked for clarification. Bai Tong described jealousy as a "sour seasoning," and Jiuyou admitted to feeling a "sour and bitter" sensation, "like an under ripe berry."
Bai Tong then concluded that it was because she loved Mu Chen. Meanwhile, Mu Chen had a conversation with Mu Feng, revealing that Headmaster Ling Xi was his mother’s adopted daughter, making her his sister. He confirmed that Mu Feng had known this all along and had maintained contact with Ling Xi. Mu Chen then sought his father’s permission to accompany Luo Li to the Luo God Clan after retrieving the Grand Sumeru Demonic Pillar from White Horse City.
Mu Feng, understanding his son’s intentions, consented but cautioned him to act respectfully and avoid excessive intimacy with Luo Li while in the Luo God Clan's territory. Mu Chen promised to maintain proper decorum, emphasizing that his visit was for serious business, not personal affections. Jiuyou also spoke with Luo Li, clarifying that her anger was directed at Mu Chen, not at Luo Li.
Luo Li suggested Mu Chen’s actions were "for your good," a phrase Jiuyou vehemently disliked, arguing that Mu Chen didn't treat Luo Li with the same restrictive concern. This conversation led Luo Li to realize that Jiuyou had fallen in love with Mu Chen. Jiuyou, still grappling with the concept, asked Luo Li to define love.
Luo Li explained it as constantly thinking of the person, sharing their joys and sorrows, and being willing to sacrifice one’s own eyes or even life for their well-being, recounting her desire to give her own eyes to Mu Chen when he was blinded. Jiuyou, however, found herself unable to fully embrace this definition, noting that as they are bound to co-exist and co-die, if she were to perish, Mu Chen would also perish.
Later, Xuantong had a private conversation with Luo Li, urging her to acquire Jiuyou’s Spirit Blood. He warned that if she returned to the Luo God Clan empty-handed, the elders would use it as an excuse to target her, as they had always opposed her endeavors. Luo Li, however, refused, stating that she had always faced their disapproval and that only by achieving the status of a Saintess would their criticism cease.
Xuantong, unwavering in his loyalty, swore to protect her and even offered to obtain Jiuyou’s Spirit Blood himself, regardless of the moral implications. This last part was overheard by Jiuyou. Meanwhile, Qian’er traveled to White Horse City in search of Mubai. She eventually found him unconscious. As she began to heal him, her hair unexpectedly turned white.
