The Legend of the Condor Heroes Episode 43 Recap
> The Legend of the Condor Heroes Recap
Guo Jing enthusiastically followed his Seventh Master upstairs at Zuixian Tavern to greet his other masters. It had been many days since they last met, and their reunion filled everyone with joy. Guo Jing recounted his and Huang Rong’s experiences over the past few months, including how Hong Qigong (Chief Hong) had asked Huang Rong to succeed him as chief of the Beggars Sect, but it hadn't gone smoothly, and Huang Rong had almost lost her life.
He shared how they found Master Yideng, who saved Huang Rong, considering it a blessing in disguise. Now that Guo Jing had grasped the essence of the Nine Yin Manual, his masters believed Chief Hong's powers would soon be restored. Guo Jing explained they had come to Jiaxing specifically to find Hong Qigong.
Over hearty drinks, his masters reminisced about their legendary battle with Taoist Qiu (Qiu Chuji) at Zuixian Tavern eighteen years prior, mocking the poor quality of his wine. They recounted how they, as sworn brothers led by Ke Zhen'e, had fought Taoist Qiu on behalf of Master Jiaomu, even finishing a large bronze tripod full of wine that Taoist Qiu had used to intimidate them.
This led to their famous bet to raise Guo Jing and Yang Kang for a duel after eighteen years. They also recalled their carefree youth over thirty years ago, often getting into fights with bullies and celebrating their victories at the tavern. Guo Jing felt a pang of guilt, regretting that his masters had to leave their hometown for Mongolia for eighteen years because of him.
However, his masters quickly reassured him, expressing their happiness at seeing him grow into a fine young man and stating they expected nothing in return. A server interrupted, announcing that their boat was ready. When Guo Jing inquired about their destination, Ke Zhen'e explained they were sailing to Peach Blossom Island. They had heard that Tan Chuduan of the Quanzhen Sect was killed by Heretic Huang (Huang Yaoshi), and the Seven Masters of Quanzhen were seeking revenge.
His masters intended to mediate the conflict. Guo Jing, however, urgently clarified that he and Huang Rong had witnessed Ouyang Feng (Western Venom) murder Taoist Tan inside a secret chamber at Qu San Tavern, framing Lord Huang to sow discord. Realizing the truth could resolve the conflict, Ke Zhen'e asked Guo Jing to accompany them to explain.
But Han Xiaoying reminded them that Guo Jing was scheduled to meet Princess Hua Zheng in Lin'an on August 6 to return to Mongolia for their wedding, making it impossible for him to join them. Han Xiaoying sighed about fate’s cruel joke on Guo Jing and Huang Rong, acknowledging they couldn’t attend his wedding because of the upcoming duel at Zuixian Tavern.
Guo Jing, understanding their dilemma, promised to return to Jiaxing after his wedding, as he still had many things to accomplish. Han Xiaoying offered parting advice, urging him to be a responsible husband, care for his family and wife, emphasizing that his happiness was all that mattered to them. After a final toast, his masters departed, with Zhu Cong playfully warning Guo Jing to eat well or risk a spanking.
Guo Jing bade them farewell, promising to meet again in Jiaxing. Meanwhile, Zhou Botong (Old Urchin) and Hong Qigong (Old Beggar) were by a river. Zhou Botong, proud of catching a fish, was disappointed when Hong Qigong dismissed it as a bland, muddy grass carp. Zhou Botong retorted he only fished for fun, not like Hong Qigong who only thought of eating.
Hong Qigong then mischievously suggested Zhou Botong go off and play by himself, adding that if he met Huang Rong, he would tell her Zhou Botong had taken excellent care of him. Realizing Hong Qigong was subtly using Huang Rong to keep him from leaving, Zhou Botong conceded and promised to stay with Hong Qigong until August 15, when Huang Rong was scheduled to meet them at Zuixian Tavern.
Hong Qigong, seizing the moment, firmly declared that Zhou Botong was "stuck" with him and couldn't go anywhere he pleased. Not far away, Sha Tongtian, Lingzhi Shangren, and their group were discussing Yang Kang (Young Prince), noting his recent grumpiness and how he commanded respect at Zhoujing Hall, even over his father. They were on a scouting mission for Yang Kang around Zuixian Tavern. Suddenly, Zhou Botong appeared, swiftly striking their acupoints.
He then fed them mud balls, claiming they were the world's deadliest Central Plains poison, which would take effect in forty-nine days, and only he had the antidote. Liang Ziweng, a poison expert, mistakenly confirmed the taste matched descriptions of such venoms. Terrified, the group agreed to do Zhou Botong’s bidding, which was to find him a sedan chair. Hong Qigong praised Zhou Botong's cleverness in acquiring five coolies and compared his "poison" to that of Ouyang Feng.
As Sha Tongtian’s group grumbled about their misfortune and the impossibility of finding a sedan chair in the wilderness, they spotted a wedding procession and appropriated the bridal sedan chair. Hong Qigong and Zhou Botong rode comfortably, drinking wine, while the five men strained under the weight. Upon reaching Jiaxing, Hong Qigong and Zhou Botong indulged in delicious eight-treasure duck, tantalizing the hungry carriers, who were too afraid to eat due to the supposed poison.
Zhou Botong, reveling in his trickery, accidentally let slip that his "poisonous dead skin pills" were made from dirt he rubbed off himself. The group was enraged at being fooled and tried to leave, but Zhou Botong effortlessly stopped them. Recognizing they couldn't overpower Zhou Botong, Sha Tongtian proposed a "Divine Contemplation Skill" contest between Zhou Botong and Lingzhi Shangren—a meditation duel where the first to move or even blink would lose. If they won, Zhou Botong would release them.
Zhou Botong eagerly accepted the challenge, confident he couldn't lose. As the two sat in deep concentration, the other members of Sha Tongtian's group quietly slipped away. Meanwhile, Huang Rong and Guo Jing arrived in Jiaxing, remembering Hong Qigong's fondness for its eight-treasure duck. They went to a restaurant, only to find Zhou Botong and Lingzhi Shangren locked in their motionless contest. Huang Rong quickly deduced it was a concentration competition.
Deeming it a waste of time, she discreetly touched their laughter acupoints, declaring the first to laugh would lose. Zhou Botong quickly burst into laughter, conceding defeat, while Lingzhi Shangren remained impassive. Huang Rong realized Lingzhi Shangren's acupoints had already been struck by Sha Tongtian's group, making him unable to react, and that Zhou Botong had been tricked. Zhou Botong, understanding he was cheated, indignantly demanded a rematch. Upon seeing their master, Huang Rong and Guo Jing rejoiced.
Hong Qigong, noting the Dog Beating Staff in Huang Rong's hand, knew she had become the chief of the Beggars Sect and expressed his pride. He then instructed her that her most important duty was to prevent conflict between the Clean Clothes and Dirty Clothes Factions, suggesting she lead fairly by having them take turns wearing different attire each year. Zhou Botong, eager to resume his carefree life, attempted to leave after entrusting Hong Qigong to Huang Rong.
However, Huang Rong playfully recited lines from the "Four Stanzas on Weaving," a poem associated with Yinggu. Zhou Botong, recognizing the verses, panicked and fled in terror at Huang Rong's teasing confirmation that Yinggu was on her way. Hong Qigong, puzzled, asked Huang Rong how she knew about Zhou Botong and Yinggu. Huang Rong explained that they learned of the history between Zhou Botong, Yinggu, and Master Yideng when Master Yideng healed her injuries, and they had even encountered Yinggu.
Hong Qigong was relieved that Emperor Duan (Master Yideng) and Yinggu had finally found peace. Guo Jing then shared the true secret of the Nine Yin Manual: the Sanskrit text, translated by Master Yideng, contained the complete principles for restoring martial arts on one's own. He recited the core tenets about Yin and Yang, which deeply impressed Hong Qigong, who realized his powers could be restored in no time.
Relieved, Hong Qigong then lightheartedly requested Huang Rong cook him many delicious dishes for the next ten days until the duel at Zuixian Tavern. However, Huang Rong's expression turned sorrowful as she revealed that tomorrow, August 6, Guo Jing would be leaving to marry Hua Zheng in Mongolia. Hong Qigong expressed his sympathy, acknowledging that fate had its own way despite his hopes for them.
It was their last day together, and Guo Jing promised to indulge Huang Rong's every wish. To ensure privacy for their final meal, Huang Rong rented out the entire restaurant, dismissing all other patrons. She then lovingly prepared a feast for Guo Jing.
As she served each dish, she recounted the memories they shared: the "Zhangjiakou Beggar’s Chicken" reminded them of their first meeting when she was disguised as a beggar; the "Eighteen Dragon-subduing Palms" recalled their time with Hong Qigong; and the "Sunset Glow Island" brought back memories of their adventures there. Huang Rong encouraged Guo Jing to eat, lamenting that she wouldn't be able to cook for him again.
Through tears, she apologized, acknowledging that no one cared for her as he did, but she couldn’t marry him. She confessed her pain and that her father had taught her everything but how to say goodbye to her love. Guo Jing, his voice thick with emotion, told her that despite the brevity of their time together, it had been the happiest of his life.
He admitted that he never truly understood the word "unforgettable" until now, for every moment with her was etched in his heart, never to be forgotten even in death. Huang Rong, equally heartbroken, assured him that was all she wanted to hear. Guo Jing then embraced the tearful Huang Rong, their love and sorrow filling the small room.
