The Legend of the Condor Heroes Episode 30 Recap
> The Legend of the Condor Heroes Recap
Yang Kang, soaked from the rain, visited Mu Nianci. She offered to mend his cloak and asked if he had missed her, to which he replied she was always on his mind. He informed her of his plan to retrieve the Wumu Manual from the Forbidden Palace the night after tomorrow, and that he would send her back to Niu Village the next day to await his return.
When Mu Nianci offered to accompany him, expressing concern for his safety, Yang Kang, feeling she didn't trust him, dismissed her offer and left for a walk, appearing dejected. Later, Yang Kang sought solace by drinking with Ouyang Ke, who was still suffering from his leg injury.
Ouyang Ke, noting Yang Kang's low spirits about women, then advised him on romantic pursuits, downplaying martial arts as something beneath a prince destined for greater things like the Wumu Manual, before offering him a potent concoction that he claimed would make a woman compliant. Mu Nianci, who had come to find Yang Kang, sadly overheard this entire exchange, her eyes welling with tears before she discreetly departed.
Shortly after, Yang Kang returned to Mu Nianci's room and apologized for his earlier behavior. Sensing his distress, she asked about his drinking. He admitted to drinking with Ouyang Ke due to his low spirits. Yang Kang then presented her with the drug Ouyang Ke had given him, confessing its intended purpose. Though Mu Nianci initially reacted with disdain, Yang Kang sincerely declared his love and admiration for her unwavering honor, distinguishing himself from Ouyang Ke's lecherous ways.
He recounted their first meeting, praising her as a heroic woman in red, and reminded her of her steadfast loyalty through his various trials, including his parents' deaths and his captivity, where she risked her life to get Mei Chaofeng to save him. He also respected her decision to wait for their wedding. His heartfelt words moved Mu Nianci deeply, and her demeanor softened.
The next day, as Guo Jing and Huang Rong were searching for Wanyan Honglie, they unexpectedly met Yang Kang and Mu Nianci on the street. Huang Rong initially expressed her lingering distrust with a sarcastic remark. However, Mu Nianci quickly intervened, explaining that Yang Kang had rejoined Wanyan Honglie's side solely to obtain the Wumu Manual for the Song Dynasty.
Yang Kang elaborated that personal misfortunes after their separation in Baoying led him to this decision, and he couldn't reveal his true intentions earlier due to the presence of Wanyan Honglie's adepts. Guo Jing, feeling foolish for his misjudgment, apologized for misunderstanding his sworn brother.
Huang Rong then pressed Yang Kang for details on the manual's hiding place and Wanyan Honglie's plans, but Yang Kang claimed he did not yet know the specific time or location, promising to inform them as soon as he had information. This meeting was observed by Lingzhi Shangren. Meanwhile, Tolei and Jebe celebrated the successful alliance with the Song Dynasty, scheduled to be formally signed the following day.
Despite their joy, Princess Hua Zheng remained dispirited, still upset with Guo Jing. Tolei, understanding her feelings, reassured her that Guo Jing was an honorable man who would uphold his promise to her, believing their issues were merely a misunderstanding that Guo Jing would clarify upon their reunion. Huang Rong presented Hong Qigong with a lavish meal, but he showed no appetite.
He confessed that his internal injury had dulled his cravings, and he yearned for a rare delicacy called "Poached Five Treasures," a dish so intricate—requiring specific ingredients, a 49-day marination, and steaming in a century-old stock—that it could only be prepared and enjoyed within the Imperial Palace. Hong Qigong was convinced this dish would cure his injury.
Seizing on the impending Song-Mongol alliance ceremony, which would feature a grand palace feast, Huang Rong proposed taking him to the palace the following night. Hong Qigong, previously lethargic, immediately became animated. Guo Jing expressed concern about Hong Qigong, who had lost his martial arts, entering the heavily guarded palace. Huang Rong assuaged his fears by noting that palace security would be relaxed during the celebrations, and Zhou Botong would be there to ensure Hong Qigong's safety.
Zhou Botong, overhearing, eagerly asked about "fun things" to do in the palace. Lingzhi Shangren reported to Wanyan Honglie that he had seen Yang Kang with Guo Jing and Huang Rong. Undeterred, Wanyan Honglie sent Yang Kang to invite Ouyang Feng for a meeting to discuss their palace infiltration plan. Yang Kang found Ouyang Feng deeply preoccupied with Ouyang Ke, who was in agonizing pain from his leg injury.
Ouyang Feng was consumed with deciphering the "odd words" in the Nine Yin Manual, convinced that only Guo Jing and Huang Rong held the key to understanding them and thus finding a cure for his nephew. He curtly dismissed Yang Kang, stating he was unavailable and would join Wanyan Honglie tomorrow.
Despite Ouyang Feng's refusal, Wanyan Honglie, unwavering in his resolve, decided to proceed with the palace mission the following night, asserting that the Wumu Manual was hidden precisely 200 paces east of Cuihan Hall. Guo Jing later expressed his lingering concern to Huang Rong about bringing Hong Qigong, who had lost his martial arts, into the dangerous Imperial Palace.
Huang Rong, however, reaffirmed their mission: the Wumu Manual was hidden within the palace walls, and Wanyan Honglie's forces would undoubtedly attempt to steal it. She emphasized that allowing the manual to fall into Jin hands would bring immense suffering to the Song people. Therefore, they had to seize the manual before Wanyan Honglie, and Zhou Botong would ensure Hong Qigong's safety during the celebration.
The next morning, as Huang Rong's group prepared to depart for the palace, they bid farewell to Shagu, who wished to join them. Huang Rong gave her some silver to buy treats, promising they would return to play with her once their mission is complete. To further ensure Hong Qigong's safety, Huang Rong purchased several frightening masks for Zhou Botong, knowing his playful nature would be appeased, making him more likely to protect their master in the palace.
Meanwhile, back in Niu Village, Mu Nianci gazed at a red dress, consumed by a profound sense of foreboding about Yang Kang's fate. She longed for his triumphant return with the Wumu Manual, envisioning a peaceful future where they could grow old together, away from all conflict. However, her unease grew, fearing she might lose him forever, especially given Wanyan Honglie's ruthlessness.
Concluding she could not allow him to face such dangers alone, she resolved to secretly follow him into the Imperial Palace to protect him. As night fell, both parties successfully infiltrated the Imperial Palace. Hong Qigong, his senses sharp, immediately located the royal kitchen, where he indulged in various delicious dishes from the rafters, though not the coveted Poached Five Treasures.
Zhou Botong, initially eager to explore for fun, was reminded by Huang Rong of his responsibility to protect Hong Qigong before she and Guo Jing departed to search for the Wumu Manual. However, once Guo Jing and Huang Rong departed, Zhou Botong, impatient with Hong Qigong's quiet enjoyment of his meal, decided to seek out his own entertainment, slipping away with a warning to Hong Qigong not to tell Huang Rong.
Guo Jing and Huang Rong explored the imperial garden, expressing dismay at the lavishness amidst public suffering. They saw Wanyan Honglie's group approaching Cuihan Hall and, having already suspected the Wumu Manual was hidden nearby, laid an ambush, catching them off guard. Wanyan Honglie, convinced the manual lay 200 paces east of Cuihan Hall, specifically at a waterfall, dispatched Yang Kang to retrieve it.
As Wanyan Honglie's men cautiously approached the waterfall, one was ambushed by Guo Jing and Huang Rong, who were already concealed there. Realizing their adversaries were nearby, Huang Rong and Guo Jing decided to split up: Guo Jing would search for the Wumu Manual, while Huang Rong would create a diversion. Huang Rong, adopting the persona of an assassin, successfully drew the attention of the palace guards.
She also encountered Zhou Botong, who, having wandered off, was delightedly joining in the chase. Huang Rong sternly reminded him of his duty to protect Hong Qigong, prompting him to reluctantly return to his post. Meanwhile, Guo Jing confronted Yang Kang, who had arrived at the waterfall with Ouyang Feng. Guo Jing accused Yang Kang of betraying his heritage by serving the Jin and reminded him of their oath and his parents' tragic fate.
Yang Kang, however, openly embraced his identity as "Wanyan Kang, Young Prince of Jin," mocking Guo Jing for his allegiance to the Song. Ouyang Feng then engaged Guo Jing in combat, primarily interested in the martial arts Guo Jing had learned from the Nine Yin Manual. As they fought, Yang Kang located the Wumu Manual. When Guo Jing attempted to stop him, Ouyang Feng continued to distract Guo Jing, allowing Yang Kang to treacherously stab Guo Jing in the back. Guo Jing fell, stunned by the betrayal. Hidden in the shadows, Mu Nianci witnessed the entire heartbreaking scene.
