The Moon Brightens for You Episode 29 Recap
> The Moon Brightens for You Recap
Xiao Lan eagerly prepared to attend the Wulin assembly, but Huo Yang suddenly blocked her path. After an argument where he declared he didn't want her to witness what was coming, he knocked her unconscious and carried her back to her room, seemingly concealing a secret. At the Wulin assembly, the various martial arts factions, long coveting the Seven-star Swordsmanship, seized the opportunity to turn against Lin Fang.
They loudly demanded he surrender the swordsmanship and step down from his position as director. A monk reminded Lin Fang of the sacred rules governing the Seven-star Swordsmanship, which stipulated it could only be held and practiced by the Wulin director and never transferred to others.
When questioned about breaking this rule, Lin Fang attempted to redirect the discussion, but he was interrupted by a representative from the Tianying clan, who, despite acknowledging Lin Fang’s past contributions, insisted that the Wulin rules could not be broken. Qiu An also expressed his disappointment, accusing Lin Fang of secretly colluding with the court and handing over the swordsmanship for personal gain, even suggesting he might offer it to the imperial court.
Lin Fang confessed he had indeed given the Seven-star Swordsmanship to Zhan Qinghong, but explained he did so under dire circumstances to save Mianyang City and its hundreds of thousands of inhabitants from rebel forces. He stated he had no regrets for his actions. The crowd, however, dismissed his explanation as glib and continued to demand his resignation and the return of the swordsmanship.
Zhan Qinghong vehemently defended Lin Fang, pointing out that the others were merely using the rules as an excuse to seize the leadership and the coveted swordsmanship for themselves. In a shocking turn, Huo Yang presented a ledger, publicly accusing Lin Fang of deceit. The ledger purportedly detailed crimes committed by the Yixuan and Qinglong clans, including the murder of Huo Yang’s parents by Li Muzhong, the Qinglong clan leader.
Huo Yang revealed he had initially submitted to Lin Fang because of this false ledger, but claimed he had endured humiliation to uncover the truth. He then declared that his only true master was the leader of the Qinglong clan, Li Muzhong, stunning Zhan Qinghong who expressed her disbelief and hurt, questioning if his discipleship was merely a pretense. Huo Yang confirmed his allegiance lay elsewhere and dramatically severed all ties with both Lin Fang and Zhan Qinghong.
Following these revelations, Lin Fang chose to abdicate. He admitted to breaking the rules and expressed his readiness to take responsibility. He handed the director’s token to Qiu An, appointing him as the interim director and urging him to resist any alliance with the imperial court. Lin Fang also stated he was not the right candidate for the position and had long wished to step down.
He then entrusted the Seven-star Swordsmanship to Master Yuanhui of Jiming Temple, declaring that he no longer had the right to possess it. Ji Xiaoran, however, was not satisfied. He insisted that because Zhan Qinghong had learned the Seven-star Swordsmanship, she had violated Wulin rules and must pay with her life. He rallied the other martial artists to demand her death as penance.
Lin Fang interjected, offering his own life instead, but Zhan Qinghong refused, declaring that they would both be killed regardless. She announced her intention to fight her way out using the Zhan Family swordsmanship, rather than the Seven-star Swordsmanship, to clearly show that she was severing ties with the Wulin community that had turned against them out of greed. At that critical moment, Wen You intervened.
He proclaimed himself the deputy director and asserted that the director’s position should have been his. He accused Lin Fang of manipulating him with eloquent words to surrender his claim to leadership, and further claimed that Zhan Qinghong had exploited his feelings. Overwhelmed by Wen You’s apparent betrayal, Zhan Qinghong became despondent and resigned herself to punishment, only asking Wen You to spare Lin Fang.
Wen You then ruthlessly moved, expertly deflecting Ji Xiaoran's attack and severing Zhan Qinghong’s hand and foot tendons, crippling her martial arts. As she collapsed, Lin Fang caught her, cradling her as he slowly walked out, vowing to end all relations with Jiangdong Wulin.
Ji Xiaoran attempted to pursue them, but Xiahou Ying loudly warned the assembled martial artists against further bloodshed, reminding them that Lin Fang and Zhan Qinghong had already relinquished their titles and the swordsmanship, and Zhan Qinghong’s martial arts were now crippled. Qiu An, as the interim director, intervened to stop the pursuit, bringing an end to the tragic scene. Wen You turned away, unable to bear witness, his heart filled with sorrow which he struggled to conceal.
Meanwhile, Xiao Lan awoke in her room. Huo Yang untied her, explaining he had prevented her from witnessing the assembly to spare her distress. She demanded to know what had happened to Zhan Qinghong and Lin Fang. Just then, Ji Xiaoran burst in, asserting his intention to take over Lin House, claiming it no longer belonged to Lin Fang. Huo Yang firmly resisted, refusing to yield the residence to him. Outmatched in martial prowess, Ji Xiaoran eventually left.
Xiao Lan, confused and distraught by Huo Yang’s earlier actions, accused him of betraying his master. Huo Yang then revealed that his actions at the assembly were part of a contingency plan orchestrated by Lin Fang himself, designed to help Lin Fang escape. He swore that everything he had told their opponents was false, except for one truth: his genuine desire to marry Xiao Lan.
He also explained that Lin Fang had assigned them tasks and instructed them to remain at Lin House, awaiting further contact. Lin Fang, carrying the severely injured Zhan Qinghong, decided against immediately leaving the city, choosing instead to seek help from Wen Rou for treatment. Upon examination, Wen Rou found Zhan Qinghong’s injuries to her hands, feet, and tendons to be extensive.
She admitted her expertise did not lie in mending bones and tendons and was further alarmed by a strange pulse, revealing Zhan Qinghong had been poisoned. Lin Fang deduced the poison came from Ji Xiaoran's sword. Wen Rou could only provide a strong wound-healing medicine, stating that the long-term healing of her tendons and the detoxification would require alternative methods and rely on Zhan Qinghong's own recovery capabilities.
Lin Fang, burdened with guilt, blamed himself, believing his intricate plans had led to Zhan Qinghong's suffering. Zhan Qinghong, however, reassured him, urging him not to despair and confirmed her complete disillusionment with Wen You. Despite the urgency, Zhan Qinghong expressed a profound desire to leave Jun'an and return to the Zhan Family villa, seeking a peaceful life away from the martial world.
Unbeknownst to them, Ji Xiaoran met secretly with Zhong Buming, confirming that Yuanhui of Jiming Temple now held the Seven-star Swordsmanship. Zhong Buming immediately dispatched his men to Jiming Temple to kill Yuanhui and retrieve the swordsmanship. However, they soon discovered the book was blank, realizing Lin Fang had tricked them. Enraged, Zhong Buming immediately set off in pursuit of Lin Fang and Zhan Qinghong.
As they were being pursued, Shen Yanzhi, realizing Zhong Buming’s formidable martial arts skills, knew they could not all escape. She urged Lin Fang to take Zhan Qinghong and flee, while she stayed behind to cover their retreat. Despite Lin Fang's pleas for her to come with them, Shen Yanzhi, weakened by poison, explained she wouldn't live much longer. She implored Lin Fang to live well, like a sister protecting him one last time, before sacrificing herself to hold off Zhong Buming.
