The Great Ruler Episode 34 Recap
> The Great Ruler Recap
Sun'er confronted Elder Luo Xiu about his secret agreement with Xue Lingzi. Luo Xiu argued that the Xue God Clan's immense power and brutal methods necessitated his alliance to prevent the annihilation of the Luo God Clan, claiming it was an indirect way to protect his people. Sun'er remained skeptical. Suddenly, Xuan Tong appeared, throwing Luo Tianlong's severed head before Luo Xiu. Terrified by this gruesome display, Luo Xiu immediately agreed to cooperate with their plan to rescue Luo Li.
Xuan Tong and Sun'er then met with Cang Sheng, who explained the complex situation surrounding Elder Luo Qingya. Cang Sheng noted that Luo Qingya was neither a self-serving opportunist like Luo Tianlong nor an indecisive fence-sitter like Luo Xiu. Instead, his opposition stemmed from a deep-seated disagreement with Leader Luo's strategy, believing it selfish to sacrifice the entire clan's future for Luo Li's freedom.
Leader Luo, having overheard their conversation, decided to confront Luo Qingya himself, dismissing their concerns about the danger and trusting Luo Qingya's honorable nature. During their meeting, Leader Luo accused Luo Qingya of holding a grudge. Luo Qingya retorted that Leader Luo was too stubborn to admit his own mistakes. Leader Luo then revealed a crucial truth: the Xue God Clan's sudden surge in power and aggressive invasion were due to their alliance with the Evil Deity.
He reminded Luo Qingya of Luo Li's public assassination attempt on Xue Lingzi at the altar, confirming the Evil Deity's involvement. Convinced by this revelation, Luo Qingya pledged his support to save Luo Li and drive out the Xue God Clan. Leader Luo offered him the position of clan leader, but Luo Qingya, known for his rationality, declined, asserting that the position rightfully belonged to Luo Li and he would serve as her loyal assistant.
Leader Luo, acknowledging Luo Li's emotional nature and Luo Qingya's rationality and restraint, accepted Luo Qingya's dedicated support. Meanwhile, Qingshan arrived at Mu Territory, informing Mu Feng of the Luo God Clan's plight and the North Cang Spiritual Academy's full mobilization to rescue Luo Li, with Mu Chen already en route. Qingshan requested reinforcements. Mu Feng ordered Zhou Ye to guard the territory and dispatched fifty top masters to the Luo God Clan.
Mu Feng himself set off immediately with Qingshan. Mu Chen, Qian'er, Sun'er, and Cang Sheng reunited. Mu Chen sadly reported Bai Tong's death by Wen Qingxuan in the Land of Beasts. Cang Sheng updated him, confirming that two Luo God Clan elders were now on their side, and the traitor Luo Tianlong had been dealt with. However, Cang Sheng delivered the grim news that Luo Li was set to marry Xue Lingzi the very next day.
Leader Luo then approached Mu Chen, acknowledging his feelings for Luo Li. He sternly reminded Mu Chen of the sacred rule prohibiting human-god romance and stated that even if Luo Li was rescued, the Luo God Clan would never allow their goddess to marry him. Despite this, Mu Chen affirmed his unwavering commitment to rescuing Luo Li, willing to face any risk. On the wedding day, Mu Chen and his allies, cloaked in disguise, infiltrated Luo City.
Xue Lingzi, believing Mu Chen was a coward who wouldn't dare show his face, boasted of his "kindness" and mocked Mu Chen's "lies." Sun'er, disguised as a tea server, brought tea to Luo Li, who recognized her. Luo Li then discreetly spotted Mu Chen and the North Cang Spiritual Academy members among the guests. Luo Li confronted Xue Lingzi, urging him to see that he was merely a pawn of the Evil Deity, leading his own clan to destruction.
Xue Lingzi, claiming his absolute devotion, declared he would abandon the Great Thousand World and even the Evil Deity for her, as she was his only concern, if only she would marry him. As Xue Lingzi prepared for the ceremony, Mu Chen dramatically intervened. He asserted that the day was not over until sundown. He acknowledged Xue Lingzi's "dirty tricks" but thanked him for not harming Luo Li, then passionately vowed never to give up on her.
Xue Lingzi responded by tightly embracing Luo Li and offering Mu Chen's life if Luo Li would simply ask. The situation escalated into a fierce battle, with Cang Sheng and the other allies joining the fray. Xue Lingzi, using Luo Li as a shield, wounded Mu Chen. Distraught, Luo Li pleaded for Mu Chen to leave, falsely claiming she was marrying Xue Lingzi willingly, hoping to spare his life.
Yet, Xue Lingzi broke his promise, continuing his assault with intent to kill Mu Chen. Xuan Tong valiantly shielded Mu Chen and was injured. Cang Sheng quickly extracted the wounded Mu Chen from the chaotic scene. Back at their temporary refuge, Cang Sheng collapsed from his injuries. Qian'er, seeing Mu Chen's deep despair, asked what had happened. Overwhelmed by guilt, Mu Chen repeatedly blamed himself, reliving Luo Li's tearful plea for him to leave.
He secluded himself to cultivate, refusing to come out. Qian'er tried to comfort him, but Mu Chen, distraught, confessed his feelings of failure—unable to protect his friends, his academy, or even prevent Liu Mubai's defection. He agonized over Luo Li's sacrifice, calling himself a "loser" and "good-for-nothing." Mu Feng found Mu Chen in his isolation and, sending Qian'er and Qingshan away, spoke with him privately.
Mu Feng shared his own past sorrow, admitting his inability to save Mu Chen's mother, Qing Yan Jing, but emphasized that he never abandoned hope. He urged Mu Chen to stop wallowing in self-pity if his love for Luo Li was true. He reminded Mu Chen of his past strength in defending their city alone and impressed upon him that with greater power came greater responsibility.
Mu Feng stressed that Mu Chen had no retreat; he must confront and overcome his challenges. Inspired by his father's words, Mu Chen found renewed purpose and dedicated himself to healing. Once his injuries were fully recovered, Mu Chen presented a detailed plan to Mu Feng, Qingshan, and Qian'er. Despite their initial hesitation about him going alone, Mu Chen explained he would infiltrate Luo City to destabilize the Xue God Clan's forces.
Once they were in disarray, he would activate a spirit array, signaling their allies to launch a full assault on the city gates. Mu Feng, convinced by the well-thought-out strategy, gave his full support, with Qingshan adding that they would handle the rest while Mu Chen brought Luo Li back. Separately, Liu Mubai requested more time from the Evil Deity before taking command of the Tuling Guards. Wen Qingxuan interceded, suggesting leniency.
The Evil Deity, deciding to shift strategy, declared that with his imminent revival, he would postpone dealing with Mu Chen. He confidently asserted that once he returned to the Great Thousand World, a mere Mu Chen, or even a hundred of him, would be utterly insignificant. Later that night, Liu Mubai secretly visited Qian'er.
Pained by her white hair, a sacrifice she made using the Soul Ferrying Art to save him, he transferred his spiritual vein back to her while she slept, believing it was the only way to repay his immense debt. Qian'er awoke the next morning to find her spiritual vein restored and her white hair gone. Realizing Liu Mubai's act, she shed silent tears.
Mu Chen later told Qian'er he had sensed Liu Mubai's presence and observed that if Liu Mubai had intended harm, he could have inflicted it upon Mu Chen, but chose not to. Mu Chen interpreted this as a glimmer of Liu Mubai's former conscience and renewed his vow to bring his friend back. Jiu You traveled to the seashore to bury Bai Tong.
Overwhelmed with grief, recalling their time together, she finally understood the depth of her feelings and her love for him. Meanwhile, Luo Li, furious at Xue Lingzi for breaking his promise, refused to believe anything he said. Xue Lingzi, attempting to sway her, declared his sincere love and explained that the humans were mortal enemies of the Evil Deity; their survival was a threat to the Xue God Clan.
He promised that after their marriage, he would secretly release Mu Chen and his allies. Luo Li remained unconvinced, warning him simply to "keep your word." Xue Lingzi vowed to prove that being with him was her "optimal choice." As Mu Chen enacted his plan and infiltrated Luo City, Jiu You, now recovered and accompanied by Mandala, arrived to join Mu Feng, Qingshan, and Qian'er outside the city.
Jiu You expressed concern for Mu Chen's dangerous solo mission, but Qian'er reassured her that they were waiting for his signal to launch their coordinated attack. Mu Chen found Luo Li amidst the wedding celebrations. He confronted Xue Lingzi, and amidst the ensuing battle, skillfully rescued Luo Li from the wedding.
