The Great Ruler Episode 8 Recap
> The Great Ruler Recap
Luo Li informed Mu Chen she was heading to Luo's Sacred Mountain to find a replacement for Jiuyou Spirit Blood. Mu Chen offered to go with her, but Luo Li declined, explaining that only members of the Luo God Clan could enter the sacred mountain and assuring him there would be no danger. She promised to meet him in three days, saying she would be fine. Mu Chen, worried, told her to be careful.
Mubai confronted his father, Liu Qingtian, about the suspicious circumstances surrounding his uncle Liu Zong's recent death. Liu Qingtian, claiming deep sorrow, stated that Liu Zong had died from a sudden illness. However, Mubai found it too coincidental that No-Face Taoist had arrived in Liu Territory, and soon after, Liu Zong died, No-Face Taoist took his place, and the army was put on high alert.
He pressed his father for answers, but Liu Qingtian grew angry, insisting it was his decision and that No-Face Taoist was loyal and the best possible replacement for Liu Zong. Mubai continued to voice his suspicions, urging his father to investigate further and warning against trusting a man of unknown origins, lest it dishonor Liu Zong's memory. Furious, Liu Qingtian ordered Mubai to leave. After Mubai's departure, No-Face Taoist complimented Mubai's intelligence to Liu Qingtian.
Liu Qingtian, concerned, questioned if No-Face intended to harm his son. No-Face Taoist reassured him that if both Liu Qingtian and Mubai were obedient, they would enjoy immense wealth and power. However, he warned of Lord Black Dragon's severe repercussions should Mubai disrupt their plans. No-Face Taoist then stated that Mubai's innate kindness was precisely why he would be valuable in executing a significant task for them.
Mu Chen entered his spiritual consciousness and called out to Jiuyou, eventually finding her. He sincerely apologized for previously blaming her, explaining that while he valued her, he needed to rely on his own strength for everything, including hunting, rather than constantly living under her protection. Jiuyou accepted his apology but warned that their bloodline connection meant she would automatically intervene in any life-or-death crisis to protect herself, and thus him.
Mu Chen playfully responded that he would beg for her help regardless. Jiuyou, weary from using much spiritual power to save him, stated she needed to rest, but reminded him to cultivate diligently, emphasizing their mutual agreement. Mu Chen thanked her. Liu Qingtian staged a scene, appearing wounded, and claimed to Mubai that he had been ambushed by Mo Xingtian, Lord Black Dragon's powerful general, while investigating Liu Zong's death.
He told Mubai that No-Face Taoist had bravely rescued him, and that he himself had injured Mo Xingtian in return, forcing him to retreat. Feigning concern about their "plan" being exposed, Liu Qingtian then tasked Mubai with delivering a letter to Mu Feng. This letter, he explained, contained the urgent details of their plan and an immediate call to action. He stressed the importance of caution and secrecy.
Unbeknownst to Mubai, this entire charade was a calculated act orchestrated by Liu Qingtian and No-Face Taoist, who later congratulated each other on their successful deception and their clever scheme. At Mu Territory, Mu Chen first inquired about Luo Li, and his father Mu Feng explained that she was investigating a potential substitute for Jiuyou Spirit Blood and would return in three days. Soon after, Young Master Mubai arrived, bearing a letter for Mu Feng.
The letter, from Liu Qingtian, announced his intention to arrive at the Lake of Dragon by tomorrow night and requested Mu Feng's assistance. Mu Feng, pleased, readily agreed to the alliance and instructed Mubai to relay his commitment to Liu Qingtian. As Mubai prepared to depart, Mu Chen stopped him, insisting he stay for a brief discussion, even dragging him to a room where Tang Qian'er was covertly reading.
There, Mu Chen sincerely apologized to Mubai for "cheating" during their previous match. He confessed that Jiuyou, the Spirit Bird with Phoenix bloodline, had merged with him and unconsciously taken control during the critical moment, leading to his victory. Mubai, relieved to understand the true circumstances, expressed his gladness. As a gesture of apology, Mu Chen presented Mubai with a newly crafted Devil-sealing Fan.
He proudly explained that he had used dark gold and spirit stones, integrating them with his Burning and Freezing Spells to create a durable, ductile fan. He described its unique "Five-element Circle" design, which allowed different spiritual arrays to be cast simply by varying the fan's movements, thus saving time in battle. Mubai accepted the gift with appreciation, acknowledging his own narrow-mindedness. Following their reconciliation, Mu Chen asked Mubai to help him choose a suitable attacking spell.
Mubai initially expressed hesitation in choosing a spiritual spell for Mu Chen, noting the vast variety and how individual natures and physiques dictate suitability. However, Mu Chen, recognizing Mubai's reputation as the "best spell master in Beiling School," persuaded him to help. Mubai ultimately suggested the Senluo Death Spell, describing it as exceptionally dangerous and potent, recounting tales of past practitioners suffering severe meridian damage and near-crippling injuries, leading to its abandonment.
Despite Mubai's clear warnings about the risks, Mu Chen, recalling a master's teaching that challenging spells forge character and endurance, insisted on trying it, asserting that he couldn't grow stronger without facing such dangers. Trusting Mu Chen's resolve, Mubai agreed. As Mu Chen began practicing the Senluo Death Spell, he suffered a violent backlash. Qian'er, who had been secretly observing, rushed forward, but Mu Chen warned her to keep her distance, explaining the spell's contagious nature.
Mubai quickly intervened, using a Blood-controlling Spell to contain the spreading Senluo Death energy, explaining it was the only way to control a blood-borne spell. When his spiritual power began to wane, Mubai, to Qian'er's alarm, instructed her to attack him. Her strike helped stabilize the situation, saving both Mu Chen and Mubai from further harm. Afterwards, Qian'er tended to Mubai's injuries. Mu Chen apologized for his impulsiveness, acknowledging it had led to Mubai's spiritual power depletion and wounds.
Mubai, accepting the apology, agreed to rest before continuing his journey. Later, Mu Chen nudged Mubai to speak with Qian'er. Qian'er, expressing her concern, asked Mubai when he planned to return to the academy. He responded that it would be "in quite a while," citing dangers that prevented him from bringing her along. When she pressed him for his true feelings, Mubai faltered, only offering apologies. Qian'er, understanding, brushed them aside, saying she knew he didn't intend to hurt her.
Observing the awkward exchange, Mu Chen discreetly prompted Mubai to simply tell Qian'er that he would marry her once his current mission was complete. Encouraged, Mubai agreed. Mu Chen then subtly drew Mu Feng away, leaving Mubai and Qian'er alone. Mubai, finally, confessed his intentions, asking Qian'er to wait for him at Tang Territory, promising to return and formally propose marriage.
Qian'er, though initially overwhelmed and unsure how to react, was later encouraged by Mu Chen to pursue him, and she eagerly ran off. Luo Li, ostensibly searching for a substitute for Jiuyou's Spirit Blood, had, in fact, gone to meet Xue Shi of the Xue God Clan. Xue Shi urged her to return with him, and Luo Li agreed, but only under strict conditions: the Xue God Clan must cease all harm against the Human Clan, particularly within Mu Territory.
Xue Shi readily accepted her terms. However, he then requested to seal several vital spiritual meridians on her body, explaining it was a precautionary measure to ensure she wouldn't change her mind, as he would face severe consequences if she did. Luo Li consented, but issued a stern warning: should she discover them harming humans, she would refuse to go with them, even at the cost of her life, challenging Xue Shi to explain that to Xue Lingzi.
Xue Shi, deferring to her, agreed, and then led her away. Mu Feng held a council with his subordinates, revealing that Lord Black Dragon had secretly occupied the Lake of Dragon for many years, siphoning spiritual power from all living things. This clandestine act threatened to deplete Beiling's resources and plunge its people into destitution. As the ruler of Mu Territory, Mu Feng declared it his solemn duty to intervene.
Although his subordinates voiced concerns about facing the powerful Dragon Clan and the long-standing mistrust with Liu Territory, Mu Feng announced that Liu Territory had now allied with them. He proposed a preemptive, all-out assault on the Lake of Dragon while Lord Black Dragon was still off-guard, emphasizing that they must approach this battle with a "determination to die."
He stressed that even without Liu Territory's aid, they would fight fiercely, as the very survival of Mu Territory depended on this struggle. He then rallied his forces for the impending conflict. Mu Feng received a report from a scout, detailing a small squad from the Xue God Clan, accompanied by Luo Li, moving from Mu Territory into Liu Territory. Mu Chen immediately concluded that Luo Li had been captured and declared his intention to rescue her.
However, Mu Feng corrected him, explaining that the scout observed the Xue God Clan treating Luo Li with respect and that she showed no signs of distress, suggesting she had willingly chosen to go with them. Mu Feng implied this was Luo Li's sacrifice for the Human Clan. Mu Chen, however, remained resolute. He stated his intention was not to forcibly bring her back, as he knew she would simply return to the Xue God Clan later.
Instead, he wanted to make her understand that marrying Xue Lingzi as a sacrifice would ultimately not save the Luo God Clan from their enemies. Convinced by Mu Chen's reasoning, Mu Feng reluctantly gave his permission but cautioned him that he would be entirely on his own, with no support from Mu Territory. Mu Chen then requested a Truth Pill, which Mu Feng directed him to find on the bookshelf in the practicing room.
Mu Chen promised to return swiftly, but instructed his father to proceed with the Lake of Dragon battle if he hadn't returned by their departure. Mu Feng's wife, Yanjing, voiced her apprehension, fearing their son might be doomed to repeat their own past tragedies. Jiuyou, exasperated, questioned why Luo Li would willingly walk into such a predicament. Mu Chen explained the ongoing war between Luo God Clan and Xue God Clan, where Luo God Clan was losing.
He added that Xue Lingzi, the leader of Xue God Clan, had threatened to annihilate Luo God Clan if Luo Li refused to marry him. Mu Chen believed Luo Li was foolish to think her sacrifice would appease Xue Lingzi, seeing her and her clan as mere prey.
Jiuyou then berated Mu Chen for being so easily duped by Luo Li's "poor lie" about searching for a substitute for Jiuyou Spirit Blood, emphatically stating that Jiuyou Spirit Blood was unique and utterly irreplaceable in the vast world. Mu Chen, now frustrated, asked why she hadn't informed him earlier. Jiuyou retorted that she simply didn't know, and when he pressed her on how she could be unaware while residing within him, she coolly replied that she needed to sleep.
She ultimately concluded that Mu Chen was responsible for failing to keep Luo Li and shouldn't vent his frustration on her. Mu Chen, defeated, admitted it was his mistake. As Mubai returned to Liu Territory, Liu Qingtian, under the watchful eye of No-Face Taoist, had his guards intercept Mubai and escort him to the study via a secluded entrance. There, Liu Qingtian locked Mubai inside, announcing that he would not participate in the impending Lake of Dragon battle.
Mubai, stunned and outraged, demanded to know why his father was imprisoning him. Liu Qingtian claimed it was for Mubai's own good and the future of Liu Territory. However, Mubai quickly pieced together the sinister truth: his father had used him from the very beginning, faking an alliance with Mu Feng to gain their trust, only to betray them.
He accused Liu Qingtian of colluding with the Black Dragon, condemning his disloyal and treacherous actions, and questioning how he could ever face Mu Territory or the other clans of Beiling again. Liu Qingtian silenced him, asserting that as Young Master of Liu Territory, Mubai's loyalty was only to his own clan. He scornfully dismissed Mu Feng's challenge to the Dragon Clan as foolish and declared that seizing this opportunity to eliminate Mu Territory was the most advantageous path.
Mubai, horrified, realized the Lake of Dragon was nothing more than a trap—a diversion tactic. He continued to protest his father's deceit, but Liu Qingtian remained unyielding, confirming that Mubai would remain locked away and unable to escape. No-Face Taoist met with Liu Qingtian, who confirmed that Mubai was now confined and would no longer interfere. No-Face Taoist praised Liu Qingtian's decisive action, assuring him that Mubai would eventually understand when Liu Territory achieved dominance in Beiling.
As they discussed preparations for the next day's departure, No-Face Taoist subtly reminded Liu Qingtian not to reveal the true cause of Liu Zong's death, emphasizing the importance of maintaining troop morale. Liu Qingtian, however, confidently declared that he had already addressed this during a recent mass pledge, informing his soldiers that Liu Zong had been tragically killed by Mu Territory in collusion with the Dragon Clan.
This fabrication, he boasted, had united his troops in a shared hatred for the enemy, boosting their morale significantly. No-Face Taoist commended Liu Qingtian's cleverness. Xue Shi's group continued their journey with Luo Li. Along the way, Xue Shi's subordinates grew weary, complaining about the arduous two-to-three-day trek to the Transmitting Circle in West Land and the lack of proper rest stops.
Xue Shi agreed to a halt, but Luo Li suggested they avoid staying overnight in any towns to prevent unforeseen complications, a suggestion that was heeded. Meanwhile, Mu Chen was relentlessly searching for Luo Li and the Xue God Clan. After exhaustively checking numerous cities, he arrived at the last possible town, feeling disheartened at the thought of the vast wilderness beyond.
Jiuyou, sensing his wavering resolve, sharply admonished him, urging him to either fully commit to rescuing Luo Li with all his might or return to assist his father. Her words galvanized Mu Chen, who renewed his efforts to gather information. His persistence paid off when a tea house owner, after receiving a gift, confirmed seeing a beautiful girl in a blue dress accompanied by five fierce-looking men earlier that morning. The owner overheard them discussing the "eastern border's Transmitting Circle."
Mu Chen immediately deduced their destination was the Transmitting Circle, likely to return to West Land. He thanked the owner and set off in pursuit. Later that night, as Xue Shi offered Luo Li food, which she refused, a disturbance was heard.
Xue Shi dispatched his men to investigate, and they returned with a Taoist—Mu Chen, who had cleverly used a Disguising Pill (a new concoction from his father, whose efficacy he was still uncertain of) to alter his appearance and was now "brewing wine." Mu Chen, having ingested a Disguising Pill recently made by his father, had successfully transformed himself into an elderly Taoist priest.
He was "brewing wine" when he was discovered by Xue Shi's men and brought before their leader. Xue Shi questioned why the Taoist was brewing wine in the dead of night. Mu Chen corrected him, claiming he wasn't brewing mere wine, but "celestial liquor from heaven." He presented himself as a wandering cultivator, fond of drink, who had grown bored of all earthly wines and thus decided to concoct his own superior brew.
