The Mystic Nine Episode 32 Recap
> The Mystic Nine Recap
Shi Huaichan and her companions approached White Qiao Village, only to find it under strict curfew. A guard questioned their entry, revealing the Clan-Protector's increased power and his fear of Shi Huaichan's return. Shi Huaichan was enraged, exclaiming that the Clan-Protector dared to act as if their village was empty. She explained to Qi Tiezui that White Qiao traditions revered women, and her mother, the previous chieftain, still held significant influence despite abdicating.
This was why the Clan-Protector had been unable to openly conspire against her. However, because his schemes were so covert and he maintained a good public image, her mother remained unaware. Shi Huaichan believed that if she could just reach her mother, the conspiracy could be thwarted, but gaining entry into the heavily guarded village seemed impossible. Qi Tiezui then proposed a clever strategy: since they couldn't go in, they would draw the Clan-Protector out.
Following Qi Tiezui’s plan, the assassin who previously tried to kill Shi Huaichan was ordered to deliver a wooden box, supposedly containing Shi Huaichan's head, to the Clan-Protector at a predetermined location outside the village. Both Shi Huaichan and Qi Tiezui assured the reluctant assassin that his past misdeeds would be forgiven if he completed this "play." The Clan-Protector, upon seeing the box and believing the mission a success, gleefully declared the White Qiao Village his.
To eliminate witnesses, he then stabbed the assassin, who, with his dying breath, questioned the betrayal. Just then, Shi Huaichan, accompanied by her mother and White Qiao guards, appeared, exposing the Clan-Protector's elaborate scheme. She praised Qi Tiezui for his ingenious plan, which involved Lieutenant Zhang sneaking in with a token to alert her mother, and then using the assassin and the false head to lure the Clan-Protector out where his treachery could be overheard.
Shi Huaichan further revealed that the Clan-Protector, who was also her brother-in-law, had colluded with the Black Qiao Clan, even orchestrating her son's death and framing her as an unfit leader. Grateful for their help, Shi Huaichan offered the location of Zhang Qishan. She also insisted that Er Yue Hong, still recovering from his injuries, remain in White Qiao Village to recuperate under her care, having already moved him from the inn.
Lieutenant Zhang expressed concern about Shi Huaichan's apparent affection for Er Yue Hong, but Qi Tiezui assured him that Er Yue Hong’s illness made staying beneficial and Shi Huaichan, as a chieftain, would not force him into marriage. Shi Huaichan reiterated her intention to return Er Yue Hong once Zhang Qishan was found and provided them with Zhang Qishan's address, a farmyard 20 li north of the Great Wall.
Enduring a long and arduous journey, with Qi Tiezui complaining about Lieutenant Zhang's pace and recalling an ominous dream about Fo Ye, they finally arrived at the secluded farmyard. There, they were greeted by Mo Ce and her attendant Jing. Mo Ce explained that Yin Xinyue had chosen this remote location to evade pursuers and ensure Fo Ye's safety in these turbulent times.
When Qi Tiezui asked about Fo Ye, Mo Ce hesitated, causing Lieutenant Zhang and Qi Tiezui to fear the worst. Mo Ce quickly reassured them that Fo Ye was alive and led them to his room. Inside, they found Zhang Qishan in a state of delirium, constantly scribbling and painting, recognizing no one but Yin Xinyue. Mo Ce revealed that Fo Ye's condition had worsened steadily since leaving Changsha; he had initially suffered from narcolepsy, then became incoherent upon waking.
Yin Xinyue was currently back at Xinyue Hotel, desperately searching for a cure, but with no success. Qi Tiezui realized that Fo Ye's illness, like Er Yue Hong's, likely originated from the mine, a grim realization that made him reflect on a previous conversation with Fo Ye where he had brushed off Fo Ye's concerns about his own well-being. He attributed his own immunity to an ancestral breastplate.
Recalling that Shi Huaichan's White Qiao medicine had improved Er Yue Hong's condition, Qi Tiezui suggested that Shi Huaichan might possess the cure for Fo Ye. Despite the ongoing turmoil between the Black Qiao and White Qiao clans, Mo Ce agreed that seeking help from the chieftain was their only hope. She carefully arranged for Zhang Qishan to be transported to White Qiao Village, ensuring all his cherished personal items were brought along, believing it would aid his recovery.
Upon reaching White Qiao Village, Mo Ce immediately attended to Er Yue Hong, whose heartbeat was normal but remained unconscious, mirroring Zhang Qishan's initial symptoms. Shi Huaichan informed them that she had given Er Yue Hong a White Qiao miraculous pill during his last severe episode, which had stabilized him, but a full cure was still urgently needed.
Qi Tiezui, relieved but also aware of the romantic tension, worried whether Shi Huaichan and Mo Ce, both enamored with Er Yue Hong, would clash. However, Shi Huaichan displayed remarkable generosity. Lieutenant Zhang expressed profound gratitude for her help, and she graciously responded that it was merely her way of repaying their past kindness in the swamp and for helping bury her son. She explained that unlike the Han people, White Qiao friendships meant unwavering support.
She then acknowledged the difficulty ahead: securing the necessary medicine involved dealing with the Black Qiao Clan, known for their cunning and mysterious ways, with whom the White Qiao had a long-standing dispute. She also suspected a deeply hidden Black Qiao spy within her own village, lamenting that news of their arrival would soon spread. With time of the essence, Shi Huaichan called for a discussion on their next steps.
Mo Ce volunteered to stay behind and care for Er Yue Hong, relieving Lieutenant Zhang and Qi Tiezui. Qi Tiezui, surprised by Shi Huaichan's understanding demeanor, noted her magnanimity. Shi Huaichan revealed that the crucial medicine was called the Flying–Blood Fruit, a sacred and extremely poisonous plant found only on Black Qiao cliffs, blossoming and bearing fruit once every decade.
Despite its toxic nature, it was paradoxically the life-saving antidote for Fo Ye and Er Ye, embodying the principle of fighting poison with poison. However, obtaining it was perilous, as it was guarded by poisonous creatures and the Black Qiao Clan, who used it to refine powerful toxins and were not easily befriended. Qi Tiezui asked if the Black Qiao leader sought fame or wealth, but Shi Huaichan stated they desired something intangible.
She explained that since the emergence of Lady Tribute, a dark sorceress of immense power and prestige, the Black Qiao Clan’s ambition had shifted to conquering all surrounding villages. Lady Tribute had manipulated the Black Qiao chief, Hei Shi. Lieutenant Zhang concluded that a confrontation was inevitable. Shi Huaichan, fueled by vengeance for her son's death, which she now knew was orchestrated by her brother-in-law in collusion with the Black Qiao Clan, declared her resolve to fight back.
She predicted a swift attack from the Black Qiao, possibly that very night, believing they would exploit White Qiao’s perceived vulnerability. To preempt this, Lieutenant Zhang devised a plan: Qi Tiezui would divert Lady Tribute’s attention, while Lieutenant Zhang would lead White Qiao warriors through mountain shortcuts to launch a surprise night raid on the now-empty Black Qiao Village to seize the Flying–Blood Fruit.
Qi Tiezui praised the strategy as brilliant and a "killing two birds with one stone" approach, potentially dismantling the Black Qiao forces entirely. Back in Changsha, Huo Sanniang was immediately confronted by Chen Pi, who accused her of aiding Er Yue Hong’s escape.
Chen Pi pointed out the suspicious timing of Er Yue Hong’s disappearance from the mine while she was present, followed by her prompt departure from the city during his city-wide hunt, leading to Er Yue Hong vanishing without a trace. Huo Sanniang denied the accusations and appealed to Lu Jianxun. Lu Jianxun, feigning neutrality, suggested a misunderstanding, while Huo Sanniang expressed her indignation at Chen Pi's disrespect, reminding them of her standing within the Nine Families.
She asserted her clear conscience and explained that she had only left Changsha to recruit skilled tomb-raiding experts from various sects to explore the dangerous mine, especially since even Zhang Qishan and Er Yue Hong had been gravely affected by it. She claimed these experts were now housed in her manor and invited them to verify her story. Though outwardly placating Huo Sanniang and dismissing Chen Pi's accusations, Lu Jianxun, still harbored suspicions.
He then suavely invited Huo Sanniang for a drink, continuing his manipulative facade. As anticipated, the Black Qiao forces, led by Hei Shi and Lady Tribute, launched their attack on White Qiao Village, confident in their numerical advantage. However, Lieutenant Zhang had already set his counter-plan in motion.
While Lady Tribute and Hei Shi were preoccupied with the main White Qiao defense, Lieutenant Zhang and a small group of White Qiao warriors exploited the mountain shortcuts to raid the now-undefended Black Qiao Village. They quickly overwhelmed the few remaining guards, who were caught off guard by the unexpected assault. After a swift search, they successfully secured the Flying–Blood Fruit from the Sacred Hall.
News of the successful raid reached Hei Shi, who was furious to learn of the stolen sacred fruit and the heavy casualties. He immediately ordered his forces to retreat. Back in White Qiao, Qi Tiezui and Shi Huaichan’s forces apprehended the Black Qiao soldiers and the internal spies. One captured spy confessed to betraying his clan for Hei Shi's promised wealth and power.
Shi Huaichan, though not bloodthirsty, condemned his greed, noting that White Qiao people relied on honest work, and pointed to Hei Shi’s retreat as the consequence of his own evil deeds. She spared the spy's life but banished him permanently from the village. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Zhang had returned with the medicine. Qi Tiezui updated everyone on Er Yue Hong's condition: he had regained consciousness but was still physically weak. Fo Ye, however, was now in a deeper sleep after taking the medicine, a development everyone hoped was a positive sign towards his eventual recovery.
