The Mystic Nine Episode 29 Recap
> The Mystic Nine Recap
Yin Xinyue made careful preparations for Zhang Qishan's departure from the mansion, expressing her worry about Chen Pi's imminent vengeance. She confirmed that arrangements were made, with guards and Mo Ce ensuring Zhang Qishan's safety. She insisted on staying behind herself to buy time, believing her presence would deter Chen Pi more effectively than accompanying Zhang Qishan, as her departure with him would arouse suspicion. She promised her subordinate that she would contact him once Zhang Qishan was settled.
Her subordinate also urged her to be careful, as Fo Ye wouldn't want anything to happen to her. After a failed search for Zhang Qishan at the mansion, Chen Pi's subordinate reported his absence. Enraged, Chen Pi confronted Yin Xinyue, who defiantly stood her ground, hinting at her special identity.
Despite a warning from his subordinate, who reminded him of Lu Jianxun's warning about her unique status and the unfinished revenge, Chen Pi vowed to find Zhang Qishan and make him pay. Separately, Lu Jianxun erupted in anger upon learning that Zhang Qishan had escaped, blaming his men for their incompetence. He suspected Yin Xinyue had taken Zhang Qishan back to Beiping and immediately dispatched men to pursue them.
To avoid further complications, Lu Jianxun also instructed Huo Sanniang to proceed with taking Er Yue Hong to the mine that very day. Er Yue Hong was subsequently forced into the mine by Lu Jianxun's men. During their descent, Er Yue Hong cleverly caused a distraction, prompting everyone to extinguish their lamps in the sudden darkness. Seizing the opportunity, he escaped from the mine.
This escape was facilitated by Huo Sanniang, who, swayed by her affection for Er Yue Hong, secretly assisted him, ensuring it looked like he got away without her direct help. Outside, Lieutenant Zhang was waiting in an agreed-upon secret passageway, a method previously instructed by Zhang Qishan and put into action by Qi Tiezui in anticipation of Lu Jianxun's moves.
Lieutenant Zhang swiftly took the injured Er Yue Hong to Qi Tiezui’s home, as Er Yue Hong was now wanted throughout the city and was unwell. At Qi Tiezui's house, Lieutenant Zhang expressed his gratitude for the secret passageway that Fo Ye had arranged, which Qi Tiezui had put into action. Qi Tiezui also revealed his prediction that Huo Sanniang would aid Er Yue Hong due to her feelings for him.
With Er Yue Hong recovering but unable to travel, Qi Tiezui and Lieutenant Zhang decided to search for Zhang Qishan, prioritizing finding Fo Ye and curing his illness. Qi Tiezui performed a divination, which indicated Zhang Qishan was likely in the south. They agreed that Er Yue Hong should stay and recuperate, while they would leave markings for him to follow once he was well enough. Disguised as beggars, Lieutenant Zhang and Qi Tiezui set out to gather information.
They learned from a passerby that cars matching Zhang Qishan's description had been seen heading towards White Qiao Village. Upon arriving at the village, they encountered immediate hostility from the locals towards Han people, witnessing a man, whom they later knew as Fatty, being rudely expelled from a shop. Tired and hungry, the duo sought shelter in a derelict house. Soon after, the same Fatty joined them.
After some initial bickering and a brief demonstration of Lieutenant Zhang's martial prowess, the three bonded and became friends. Fatty explained that the villagers' animosity stemmed from Han people migrating and exploiting their land during turbulent times. He mentioned a Han leader in the village who might have information, but warned them of his cruel and cunning nature. Despite the warnings, Qi Tiezui and Lieutenant Zhang decided to join the Han leader's camp, pretending to be men seeking work.
Lieutenant Zhang's skills impressed the leader, securing their place at the Han Camp's relay station. They were warned to be obedient and not harbor any ulterior motives, or they would face a fate worse than death. Inside their shared accommodation, Qi Tiezui insisted on choosing a bed closest to the wall for safety, citing his lack of martial arts and poor sleeping habits.
Meanwhile, Zhang Qishan was resting in a house within White Qiao Village, under the care of Mo Ce. His body temperature was normal, yet he remained in an inexplicable coma. The Han leader announced a dangerous mission to the recruits, including Qi Tiezui and Lieutenant Zhang, to enter Death Valley for the tree burial of the Great Chieftain's prematurely deceased child. Many expressed apprehension due to the valley's notorious dangers.
Fatty, however, urged them to focus on the monetary reward and assured Qi Tiezui and Lieutenant Zhang of their strong abilities. He also confided in them about the Clan-Protector's unusual insistence on personally selecting the porters for this mission, implying a deeper, more sinister plot, especially given the rumors that the Clan-Protector was responsible for the Great Chieftain's deceased husband. As they discussed the foreboding rumors of Death Valley and the Great Chieftain’s arrival was announced, Fatty quickly urged them to silence.
