The Journey of Legend Episode 4 Recap
> The Journey of Legend Recap
Upon the introduction of Tang Fang, Tang Rou mediated the tense situation concerning the Drunken Styx and the Silver Butterfly Dart in Xiao Qiushui's body. Tang Rou suggested that she would use part of the Drunken Styx to save Mr. Feng, and the remainder could be given to Tang Fang as a gift, noting that a full jar might not be necessary. Xiao Qiushui readily agreed to this arrangement, but Tang Fang warned them against any tricks.
Tang Rou then instructed Chaoran and Yuhan to take Mr. Feng upstairs for detoxification, while asking Tang Fang to remove the dart from Xiao Qiushui. Before removing the dart, Tang Fang initiated a conversation with Xiao Qiushui. She sternly warned him to stay away from her younger brother, Tang Rou, in the future, stating that Tang Rou was naive, easily influenced, and seemed to have been thoroughly misled by Xiao Qiushui's constant calls of "Boss."
Xiao Qiushui agreed to distance himself, but clarified that whether Tang Rou chose to follow him was Tang Rou's own decision, not his. Tang Fang dismissed this, simply demanding he keep his promise. Tang Fang then began displaying her array of tools, including a three-inch long instrument, unnerving Xiao Qiushui. She mockingly implied such tools were for those who didn't die instantly from a single dart. Despite his fear, Xiao Qiushui urged her to proceed.
Using her internal energy, Tang Fang successfully expelled one Silver Butterfly Dart from Xiao Qiushui. However, Xiao Qiushui immediately sensed another dart still lodged within him. Tang Fang confirmed his suspicion, declaring she would only remove the second dart a month later, and only if Xiao Qiushui had no further association with Tang Rou. Xiao Qiushui, frustrated, cursed her under his breath, attributing the unfairness to fate's unpredictability.
Shortly after, Chaoran, Yuhan, and Tang Rou descended, announcing that Mr. Feng had been detoxified, but the entire jar of Drunken Styx had been used. Tang Fang fixed Xiao Qiushui with an angry glare, accusing him of betraying their agreement. Xiao Qiushui retorted that she was the one who broke their trust first, again blaming fate. In response, Tang Fang activated the remaining Silver Butterfly Dart inside Xiao Qiushui, causing him excruciating pain.
She explained that her darts were interconnected, allowing her to exert control. She then demanded that Xiao Qiushui replicate the Drunken Styx for her to present to the Clueless Gate that night, threatening him with continued pain if the imitation was not convincing. Xiao Qiushui's friends pleaded with Tang Rou to remove the dart, but Tang Rou explained that each Tang Sect member's hidden weapon style was unique, and her reckless intervention could cripple Xiao Qiushui's arm.
Resigned, Xiao Qiushui prepared to brew the wine. Meanwhile, Liu Suifeng, disguised as Mr. Feng, met secretly with Song Mingzhu of the Power Gang. Song Mingzhu immediately knelt, apologizing profusely for failing to reinforce him in time and for his poisoning, offering to accept any punishment. Liu Suifeng, deeming her loyalty sufficient, chose not to kill her. He questioned her about Purple Phoenix, given their close association, and if she had noticed any suspicious activities.
Song Mingzhu swore her unwavering loyalty to him. The scene then flashed back to a few days prior, showing Purple Phoenix leading Power Gang members in an assault on the Everjoy Escort Agency. They demanded that Zheng Kaiyang, the agency head, surrender the Hero Token and reveal Madam Wu's whereabouts. Despite a valiant fight, Zheng Kaiyang and his guards were overwhelmed. Liu Suifeng then arrived, chastising Purple Phoenix for her incompetence.
He ordered Zheng Kaiyang's family to be brought forward and threatened to execute his eldest son if Madam Wu's location was not revealed within the time it took for an incense stick to burn. Under duress, Zheng Kaiyang confessed that they had encountered Madam Wu during an escort mission and had intended to seize the Hero Token, but Zhang Linyi, the Yin-Yang Swordsman accompanying her, had grown suspicious.
They lost track of Madam Wu upon entering Jinzhong but heard she had boarded a Huanhua Sect carriage. It was also reported that Marching Pills were found during the raid, rumored to be intended for the North Wasteland. Liu Suifeng then confronted Purple Phoenix directly, demanding to know who had bribed her to poison him. Purple Phoenix, taken aback, asked how he knew. Liu Suifeng explained that her meticulous preparation, including his favorite Qishan Cuimei Tea, had given her away.
He revealed his immunity to most poisons but noted his habit of inspecting Marching Pills, which led him to discover the deadly Tian Jue Shi Mao poison coating the pill she offered. Purple Phoenix defiantly claimed she wasn't the only one in the Power Gang who desired his death. Amidst this confrontation, pursuers suddenly attacked. Liu Suifeng seized the opportunity to escape, stumbling into a room in the Qunfang House, killing the real Mr. Feng, and adopting his identity.
Liu Suifeng, now disguised as Mr. Feng, reflected on the surprising trust Xiao Qiushui placed in him, especially with the nickname "Lucky Bag." He inquired with Song Mingzhu if "Lucky Bag" was a recognized title in the martial world, to which she replied she had never heard of it, speculating it might be an official position.
Liu Suifeng mused over the deeper meaning of Xiao Qiushui's persistent use of the term but ultimately saw his new identity as a fortuitous step. This disguise would allow him to enter the Xiao family and access the Xiao Family Sword Tomb ahead of Sword King, whom he suspected of orchestrating Purple Phoenix's assassination attempt to claim the Hero Token.
He noted to Song Mingzhu that Xiao Qiushui bore a slight resemblance to their gang's leader, but reminded her that only the eight kings in their gang knew his and the leader's true identity, so there was no risk of exposure. Liu Suifeng instructed Song Mingzhu to keep his whereabouts secret from Sword King and await his instructions near Huanhua.
Later, Mr. Feng, still disguised as Liu Suifeng, expressed his profound gratitude to Xiao Qiushui and his friends for saving him, noting his swift recovery. He apologized for any prior rudeness and vowed to repay their kindness. Xiao Qiushui, downplaying the rescue, emphasized their newfound friendship. Mr. Feng reciprocated this sentiment. He then mentioned that the Ironclad Constable had entrusted his master with a letter to be delivered to him in Huanhua, suggesting he could travel with Xiao Qiushui.
Concerned about Mr. Feng's lingering toxins, Xiao Qiushui graciously invited him back to Huanhua, promising to have someone help cleanse any remaining poison. Mr. Feng readily accepted the offer. Back at the inn, Tang Fang arrived, demanding the Drunken Styx. Xiao Qiushui presented the makeshift concoction he had brewed. Tang Fang, however, immediately detected it was fake by its scent and angrily shattered the jar, accusing him of deception.
Xiao Qiushui, losing his patience, retorted that he had tolerated her for Tang Rou's sake and that, but for their interference, he would have already "knocked on the Clueless Gate." Tang Fang, unyielding, ordered him to continue brewing until he got it right, threatening him with sleepless nights. Observing Tang Fang's red rope bracelet, Mr. Feng recognized her as a childhood acquaintance who used to bring him food when he was imprisoned.
He offered his jade pendant, explaining that it held enough sway to make Yu Zhiliao of the Clueless Gate speak once. Tang Fang was skeptical, initially accusing Mr. Feng of being another fraud. However, she accepted the pendant, reasoning that if it was a trick, she could easily find him at the nearby Huanhua Sect with Xiao Qiushui. Tang Rou, witnessing Xiao Qiushui's ongoing pain, pleaded with her sister to remove the remaining dart.
Tang Fang, though still critical of Xiao Qiushui's "disreputable" character, reluctantly removed the second Silver Butterfly Dart. She then advised Tang Rou to avoid such companions and promised to take him home once her business was concluded. After Tang Fang's departure, Xiao Qiushui confided in Mr. Feng about his ambition to become the Young Leader of Huanhua, a position currently favored for his elder brother.
Mr. Feng explained that in Jinzhong, a young hero could challenge the designated successor if they secured an endorsement from a respected martial artist. Xiao Qiushui, inspired, expressed his eagerness to seek such recommendations. Tang Fang then proceeded to the Clueless Gate and presented the jade pendant to Yu Zhiliao. Recognizing the craftsmanship as Liu Suifeng's, Yu Zhiliao agreed to answer one question.
Tang Fang inquired about the whereabouts of the Book of Oblivion, to which Yu Zhiliao revealed it was with the Xiao family of Huanhua. This confirmation solidified Tang Fang's belief that the rumors of Madam Wu hiding with the Xiao family were true. Meanwhile, at the Huanhua Sect, Xiao Xilou and Sun Huishan were hosting Madam Wu. They discussed her impending departure, as Xiao Xilou had received a secret letter from General Wu Jie.
They planned to discreetly escort Madam Wu to the Tongfu Inn in Lingliang Town in seven days to rendezvous with the General's men. Madam Wu expressed deep gratitude for their protection but voiced concern about potentially bringing disaster to the Xiao family, acknowledging that secrets rarely remain hidden in the martial world. Xiao Xilou reassured her that he would manage all arrangements, urging her not to worry.
Xiao Qiushui returned home with his companions, only to be immediately confronted and reprimanded by Xiao Xilou for disobeying his grounding and being idle. Xiao Xilou threatened him with corporal punishment. Sun Huishan quickly intervened, shielding Xiao Qiushui and reminding her husband of his own youthful escapades, including a memorable fall into the river during the Dragon Boat Festival. However, Xiao Xilou remained furious about Xiao Qiushui having lost his sword.
Sun Huishan then diverted Xiao Qiushui, telling him to assist his sister, Xiao Xueyu, implicitly urging him to help prepare for his friends' arrival. As Xiao Qiushui and his friends were about to leave, several martial arts seniors arrived. Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Qiushui boldly declared his ambition to compete for the Young Leader position and requested their recommendations. The seniors expressed their surprise, noting that his brother was the established successor and suggesting Xiao Qiushui wait five years.
Xiao Qiushui, however, insisted on his serious intent and immediate need for an endorsement. Xiao Xilou was mortified by his son's "unruly" behavior in front of esteemed guests. Sun Huishan quickly escorted Xiao Qiushui away, gently chiding him for his rashness but also expressing a quiet pride in his ambition. She checked his shoulder wound, reminding him to admit pain, to flee when outmatched, and to always prioritize his own life over any display of bravery.
Xiao Qiushui, touched, remembered his mother's childhood noodles and vowed to change the Xiao family's fate. Sun Huishan then informed him that she had ordered chicken soup and planned a celebratory dinner with his friends. Later that evening, the martial arts seniors, including Xiao Xilou, examined a Marching Pill. They confirmed it was identical to the pills used by the North Wasteland to harm the Daxi Era a decade ago, which caused users to become violent and frenzied.
They suspected that remnants of the previously eradicated Herbal Valley sect had recreated the pill, likely to conspire with the North Wasteland for an invasion. Meng Xiangfeng suggested sending people to investigate Guangling, where the Xiao family maintained an estate. Xiao Xilou agreed to make arrangements for the investigation the following day. At dinner, Sun Huishan hosted Xiao Xilou's friends and Xiao Qiushui's companions. She praised Xiao Qiushui's friends for encouraging his spirited nature.
She also complimented Mr. Feng, referencing his famed "Rain Sword" lightness skill and a race against a fine horse. Mr. Feng subtly corrected her, clarifying that in the watery southern regions, he had raced against a small boat, not a horse. Sun Huishan, probing for information, inquired about the rare Tian Jue Shi Mao poison he had suffered and the Power Gang's motive for inflicting it.
Mr. Feng reiterated his fabricated story: he had inadvertently witnessed something he shouldn't have during the Everjoy Escort Agency massacre. He claimed he had been there to arrange for a delivery, stumbled upon the Power Gang's atrocity, and was poisoned while narrowly escaping. He then cleverly turned the conversation, asking if anyone present had heard any rumors about the "important person" the Power Gang was searching for during the massacre, specifically asking Sun Huishan, given her extensive connections in Jinzhong. Sun Huishan, however, stated she had not heard anything. The group then collectively agreed to set aside such somber topics and enjoy the feast.
