The Legend of the Condor Heroes Episode 46 Recap
> The Legend of the Condor Heroes Recap
Hong Qigong intervened in the escalating conflict, announcing that the duel at Zuixian Tavern was scheduled for August 15th, making today, August 14th, too early for a full-blown fight. He expressed annoyance at the commotion disturbing his rest, describing the morning's chaos as a "slaughterhouse" with various absurd fighting formations like night stool and urinal formations, and even a man beating his wife and father-in-law.
Ke Zhene confirmed that Master Hong was right about the date, stating they should not cause a disturbance before the appointed time. Hong Qigong then warned everyone to cease fighting for the day, promising to remain neutral during the official duel the next day. Ouyang Feng, despite complaining about Hong Qigong's meddling, reluctantly agreed. Hong Qigong, feeling sore, asked Huang Rong for a massage.
Later, Ouyang Feng attempted to form an alliance with Huang Yaoshi, claiming they were "birds of a feather" due to their shared disdain for "loyal and good people," recounting how he once killed a teacher for promoting patriotism and filial piety. Huang Yaoshi, however, vehemently rejected this, stating that while he might be an eccentric "Eastern Heretic," he deeply respected loyal officials and filial children, emphasizing that all men bore responsibility for the fate of their country.
Guo Jing, overhearing Huang Yaoshi's words, was deeply moved. He pondered the conflict between avenging his five masters and the greater importance of the Wumu Manual he carried, unsure how to reconcile his personal vendetta with his national duty. The next day, August 15th, arrived, and Yang Kang, accompanied by Wanyan Honglie, journeyed to Zuixian Tavern by boat. Qiu Chuji immediately confronted Yang Kang for siding with the Jin.
Yang Kang defiantly declared himself a descendant of the Jin and rejected Qiu Chuji as his master. The conflict quickly erupted, with Ouyang Feng, Sha Tongtian, and Peng Lianhu launching the initial attack. The Quanzhen Sect, Guo Jing, and Ke Zhene bravely fought back. Yang Kang, having learned martial arts from Ouyang Feng, gained an advantage over Ke Zhene.
Seeing Ke Zhene in danger, Huang Rong secretly assisted him, but Ke Zhene angrily refused her help, viewing her father as the murderer of his brethren. Yang Kang seized the opportunity to taunt Ke Zhene, remarking that the "Seven Freaks" were now reduced to one, who even needed assistance from an enemy. This comment made Huang Rong suspicious about how Yang Kang knew the fate of the Seven Freaks.
As Yang Kang prepared to strike Ke Zhene again, Huang Yaoshi intervened, preventing the blow. Zhou Botong then arrived, excitedly joining the fray. Huang Rong quickly urged him to confront Ouyang Feng. Suddenly, numerous Jin soldiers appeared, deploying poisonous smoke that enveloped Zuixian Tavern. The gas quickly weakened everyone inside, forcing them to retreat further into the tavern.
Peng Lianhu reported to Yang Kang that the tavern was completely surrounded, and Ouyang Feng boasted that his poisonous gas would ensure no one escaped. Huang Rong realized that the Jin intended to exploit their internal divisions. The assembled martial artists, acknowledging the dire situation, agreed to put aside their personal grievances and unite against the Jin. Guo Jing then presented the Wumu Manual, explaining its profound significance as General Yue Fei's military treatise, essential for the Song Dynasty's defense.
He suspected that the manual was Yang Kang's true objective and sought guidance from the elders on its safekeeping. However, before a decision could be made, Yang Kang ordered a volley of arrows, and Ouyang Feng unleashed a swarm of venomous snakes into the tavern. Yin Zhiping of the Quanzhen Sect was bitten, but Huang Yaoshi provided a Nine Flower Dew Pill to sustain him.
Zhou Botong, ever pragmatic, suggested giving the manual to Yang Kang, arguing that they would all die anyway, and the Jin would seize it regardless. However, the other heroes vehemently opposed this, emphasizing the manual's critical importance for the Song Dynasty's future. Hong Qigong swore that even if they all perished, they would ensure Guo Jing and the Wumu Manual escaped unharmed. Ma Yu proposed that instead of waiting for death, they should fight their way out.
At that moment, Ke Zhene remembered a secret passage in Zuixian Tavern, a long-unused route leading to the back alley. Guided by Ke Zhene, everyone managed to escape through the secret passage to the back alley. The Quanzhen Sect members and Huang Yaoshi's group prepared to depart. Huang Yaoshi tried to talk to Ke Zhene about the events on Peach Blossom Island, but Ke Zhene remained unforgiving, and Huang Yaoshi, seeing his resolve, decided against further explanation.
Hong Qigong led Huang Yaoshi away. Huang Rong, however, refused to leave with her father, insisting on staying with Guo Jing. She then asked Zhou Botong to confront and kill Qiu Qianren, ostensibly to avenge Ying, but also to remove a significant threat to Guo Jing. Even though Guo Jing had declared their ties severed, Huang Rong was still determined to help him.
Guo Jing and Ke Zhene had not gone far when they were ambushed by Hou Tonghai and his men. Guo Jing, struggling against multiple opponents, found it difficult to protect his master. Huang Rong, arriving just in time, used her "Bone-Penetrating Needles" to disable Hou Tonghai and rescued Ke Zhene. She decided to take Ke Zhene to safety, confident that Guo Jing could escape on his own.
Huang Rong and Ke Zhene sought refuge from the pursuing Jin soldiers in a deserted Iron Spear Temple. Ke Zhene wondered how she knew about the place, and Huang Rong explained it was a childhood haunt where she played with her six brethren. He asked about the temple's statue, and she identified it as Wang Yanzhang. Ke Zhene dismissed Wang Yanzhang's legacy, pointing out his eventual capture and beheading.
Huang Rong then removed the metal spearhead from the statue's iron spear, transforming the shaft into a sturdy walking staff for Ke Zhene, lamenting that she couldn't replace his broken one. She challenged him to recover and then face her and her father in a duel. Exhausted, Huang Rong eventually fell asleep. Ke Zhene, consumed by his desire for revenge for his masters, contemplated killing the sleeping Huang Rong and then taking his own life.
However, he was conflicted, remembering that she had just saved him and provided the staff. Just then, Wanyan Honglie's party, including Yang Kang, arrived at the Iron Spear Temple. Huang Rong and Ke Zhene quickly hid behind a yellow curtain draped over a large statue. Yang Kang began searching the temple, nearing their hiding spot, but was suddenly interrupted by Shagu, who playfully ran into the temple, having snuck away from the boat where she was left alone.
Wanyan Honglie expressed frustration to Yang Kang, complaining that their "perfect plan" had failed, allowing Guo Jing to escape and alerting the Lin'an officials. Yang Kang, however, remained unfazed, declaring that they did not need to fear the officials. He further asserted that with Guo Jing and Huang Rong now at odds, capturing them would be much easier. Wanyan Honglie, though still apprehensive, agreed to rest there for the night.
