The Journey of Legend Episode 3 Recap
> The Journey of Legend Recap
After his previous encounter with the Power Gang, Xiao Qiushui revealed to his companions, Deng Yuhan, Tang Rou, and Zuoqiu Chaoran, that his true ambition was to become the leader of the Huanhua Sect. Tang Rou reminded him that his father, Master Xiao Xilou, had already chosen his elder brother, Xiao Yiren, as the successor, and Xiao Yiren commanded immense respect in Jinzhong.
With the Succession Ceremony just days away, Xiao Qiushui sought their help to make his father change his mind. Acknowledging his lack of reputation compared to Xiao Yiren, Xiao Qiushui proposed a plan to "create hype" for himself. He suggested inventing impressive nicknames and spreading them, making people know his name before seeing his face, then challenging influential figures in the martial world.
Deng Yuhan diligently compiled a list of over a dozen formidable names, many of whom Xiao Qiushui had never heard of, making the task seem daunting. Another method discussed was acquiring the legendary Hero Token. Deng Yuhan explained it was a supreme treasure, forged from meteorites by the leaders of the Emei, Wudang, and Shaolin sects, rumored to contain the Book of Oblivion, a martial arts masterpiece. Obtaining it would instantly grant Xiao Qiushui widespread fame.
However, Tang Rou revealed that the Hero Token was in the possession of Madam Wu, the mother of General Wu Zhe at Xianren Pass, and her whereabouts were a mystery. Xiao Qiushui despaired, realizing he was in a "dead end"—he couldn't become sect leader without the manual, and he couldn't get the manual without being sect leader. Seeing his frustration, Zuoqiu Chaoran suggested they go out and relax.
They found themselves at the lively Qunfang Hall and settled into a private room. When Xiao Qiushui went to buy wine, he saw a group from the Power Gang storming into the hall. Fearing they had discovered his involvement in Fu Tianyi's death, he quickly ducked into a nearby room. Inside, a man was meditating, attempting to expel a potent poison from his body.
Xiao Qiushui was stopped by a network of silver threads woven across the room and was then thrown out, inadvertently drawing the Power Gang's attention to the room's occupant. The Power Gang members quickly entered the room to apprehend the man, but they too were temporarily ensnared by the silver threads. As the threads eventually lost their effect and the Power Gang advanced, Xiao Qiushui realized they weren't after him.
The injured man inside seemed overwhelmed, so Xiao Qiushui intervened to uphold justice. He identified the man by a jade pendant on his belt as Feng Lang, the Rain Sword, a character he had created in his novel as a "Lucky Bag" NPC. Feng Lang tossed him his Rain Sword, and Xiao Qiushui, with his newly awakened muscle memory, swiftly defeated the Power Gang.
His companions soon arrived and, assuming he was deliberately building his reputation, loudly praised his name to all the patrons of Qunfang Hall. Xiao Qiushui took Feng Lang to Qingzhu Inn. After confirming Feng Lang's identity through his jade pendant and the Rain Sword, Xiao Qiushui tried to bond with him. In his novel, Feng Lang was loyal and resourceful, but the real Feng Lang did not recognize Xiao Qiushui and seemed confused by his savior's enthusiasm.
Xiao Qiushui speculated that Feng Lang’s "Lucky Bag" abilities might not yet be activated. He left Feng Lang to rest and went to find a physician. The physician diagnosed Feng Lang with Tianjue Shimao poison, a rare toxin that required another "poison without toxicity" as an antidote, typically controlled by the Power Gang.
Xiao Qiushui considered taking Feng Lang to Xiao Xueyu for treatment, but Tang Rou cautioned that with only three days before the poison fully manifested, they wouldn't have enough time. Deng Yuhan then recalled a special wine at Brewer Manor called Drunken Styx, which was renowned for its ability to cause instant intoxication and could be considered a "poison without toxicity."
Xiao Qiushui immediately decided they would travel there, rationalizing to his questioning companions that he needed loyal followers in these turbulent times. On their journey, Feng Lang asked why Xiao Qiushui was so generous towards a stranger. Struggling to explain his "Lucky Bag player" concept, Xiao Qiushui simply stated his desire to make friends and mutual support in the difficult martial world. Feng Lang, in turn, promised his unwavering friendship if Xiao Qiushui could save him.
Upon arriving at Brewer Manor, Xiao Qiushui sent Tang Rou to find an inn for Feng Lang. He, Deng Yuhan, and Zuoqiu Chaoran proceeded to the manor entrance, where the steward was announcing the conditions for acquiring Drunken Styx: only rare treasures would be accepted, not gold or property. Just as Xiao Qiushui was about to offer something, a masked woman appeared, claiming to possess a treasure.
She presented a gourd containing Sheye Bloody Wine, a legendary, long-lost wine from a fallen kingdom, which the steward recognized as truly rare. As the steward prepared to accept the Bloody Wine, Xiao Qiushui interjected, proclaiming he had an even more extraordinary "wine unprecedented in history," though it would take another half a day to brew. Despite the masked woman's scoffing, Xiao Qiushui convinced the steward that his master would regret missing such a unique wine.
The steward, wary of missing out, agreed to have the master personally judge both wines in half a day. Xiao Qiushui quickly dispatched Deng Yuhan and Zuoqiu Chaoran to gather various ingredients like bamboo tubes, mint leaves, sugar, and salt, while he himself procured some common liquor. Half a day later, they presented their wines to the Manor Master. The masked woman offered her Sheye Bloody Wine first, which the master praised for its rich flavor and lingering aftertaste.
Then it was Xiao Qiushui's turn. He dramatically mixed his ingredients on the spot and presented his creation. After tasting it, the master was overwhelmed with praise, declaring it the most delicious wine he had ever encountered. Xiao Qiushui named his concoction "No More Sorrows," explaining that "worldly sorrows drown in a single sip." The masked woman dismissed his method as a "lowly trick," but the master was deeply impressed, feeling his own understanding of brewing had been profoundly expanded.
When the master's grandchildren clamored to try, Xiao Qiushui thoughtfully prepared a non-alcoholic "Soy Milk Qilin" for them, much to their delight. The Manor Master, recognizing Xiao Qiushui's ingenuity, declared him the winner and awarded him the Drunken Styx, returning the Sheye Bloody Wine and a thousand taels of silver to the masked woman. As Xiao Qiushui and his companions left, the masked woman, enraged by her loss, ambushed him from behind to seize the Drunken Styx.
Just then, Tang Rou rushed forward, revealing the masked assailant was her elder sister, Tang Fang. Tang Fang rebuked Tang Rou for her choice of friends and insisted on taking the Drunken Styx, citing an "Iron Command" from her sect that required her to use it as a gift to open the Clueless Gate, a mission she considered more important than any individual life. Xiao Qiushui, holding the bottle precariously, threatened to smash it if she persisted.
