The Mystic Nine Episode 38 Recap
> The Mystic Nine Recap
Following the destruction of the mining mountain, Lu Jianxun, supported by his superiors, issued city-wide arrest warrants for Zhang Qishan, Er Yue Hong, and Qi Tiezui, offering a heavy reward for their capture and threatening anyone who dared to shelter them. Realizing that his headquarters was no longer safe and that he would be made a scapegoat for the destroyed mining mountain, Zhang Qishan declared that they must leave Changsha immediately.
He emphasized the importance of self-preservation, stating, "As long as we're alive, there's hope to make a comeback." While one of his companions suggested seeking refuge in Northeast China, Zhang Qishan believed they needed to remain closer to Changsha to monitor developments for their eventual return. Qi Tiezui then proposed White Qiao Village, highlighting its remote, xenophobic nature and their existing friendly ties with its Chieftain.
Er Yue Hong concurred, noting that even Lu Jianxun would not be able to challenge them there. Zhang Qishan then instructed his lieutenant to bring Yin Xinyue from his mansion and sent word to Chieftain Shi Huaichan of their impending arrival. One night, Ya Tou appeared in the former Red Mansion, now occupied by a drunken Chen Pi.
Unaware of the change, she gently chastised him, asking why he was home and telling him to prepare bathwater for his master, implying Er Yue Hong. Overjoyed and in disbelief at her return, Chen Pi declared his undying devotion and vowed to protect her, even if it meant defying natural laws. Meanwhile, Er Yue Hong, having awakened to find Ya Tou gone, searched for her and eventually found her in their old room in the now Chen Mansion.
As he attempted to take her away, Chen Pi intervened, vehemently refusing to let Ya Tou leave with Er Yue Hong, arguing that she had already "died once with you" and he would not let it happen again. A violent confrontation ensued, during which Chen Pi shot at Er Yue Hong. Er Yue Hong, shielding Ya Tou, sustained a minor injury. Witnessing Chen Pi’s act of disrespect, Ya Tou demanded that he apologize to his master, which he immediately did.
Despite Ya Tou's plea, Er Yue Hong, finding Chen Pi incorrigible, took Ya Tou from the mansion, asserting that she belonged solely to him, "whether she is a human or a ghost." On their journey to White Qiao Village, Qi Tiezui expressed his deep discomfort and confusion to Zhang Qishan about Ya Tou's resurrection.
He had expected her to disappear after they left the Copper Meteorite imaginary world, but instead, she was "alive and kicking," a fact that gave him "goosebumps." Yin Xinyue, in a separate carriage, affirmed her sisterly bond with Ya Tou and told Er Yue Hong that she was happy Ya Tou was back, choosing to accept it as "a gift from the heavens" without questioning its origins.
She later confronted Zhang Qishan for not informing her about Ya Tou earlier, which almost led her to lose composure. Zhang Qishan explained he withheld the information, believing she might not have kept it secret. Yin Xinyue defiantly declared that regardless of how Ya Tou returned, she was still Ya Tou, and no one should doubt her.
She expressed profound admiration for Er Yue Hong and Ya Tou's enduring love, openly wishing Zhang Qishan would show her even half as much affection. When Zhang Qishan asked how she wished to be pleased, she confessed her enduring commitment, saying she was accustomed to his military uniform and cold demeanor and would accompany and wait for him whether he went to the battlefield or down a tomb.
Then, she confidently proposed marriage, reminding him that after their shared intimacy, he was hers. Zhang Qishan initially voiced reservations about bringing her into his dangerous life, but Yin Xinyue cut him off, tired of his repeated rejections. He then kissed her, solidifying their decision to marry. Upon their arrival at White Qiao Village, a representative welcomed them on behalf of Chieftain Shi Huaichan, who was currently on patrol.
Shi Huaichan later hosted a celebratory banquet for Zhang Qishan and Yin Xinyue's engagement, offering a beautiful wedding head ornament as a gift. During the banquet, Er Yue Hong introduced Ya Tou to Shi Huaichan. The Chieftain, skilled in medicine, immediately sensed something amiss with Ya Tou. Under the pretext of presenting Ya Tou with a bracelet, Shi Huaichan subtly checked her pulse, discovering it was completely absent, which she deemed "extremely strange."
Later, she discreetly approached Qi Tiezui, who, recognizing her sharp perception, admitted that everyone was aware of the anomaly but had chosen to "feign ignorance" and play along to preserve Er Yue Hong's fragile happiness. Ya Tou was later seen happily preparing plain noodles for Er Yue Hong, who savored the domestic moment. However, her increasingly strange behavior was noted by everyone.
Qi Tiezui attempted to explain the phenomenon to Er Yue Hong, referencing ancient scrolls that detailed the Copper Meteorite's power to "traverse life and death" and "reverse the law of nature." He clarified that the Copper Meteorite's power could create an illusion of a person, but "is also not really a person," making Ya Tou an illusion rather than a true resurrection. Er Yue Hong, despite admitting to knowing the truth, vehemently rejected their attempts to shatter his illusion.
He angrily accused Zhang Qishan and Qi Tiezui of wanting Ya Tou dead, asserting that his life had been blameless except for his beloved wife. He shouted, "What's the difference between that and killing her? !" As the argument intensified, Yin Xinyue and Ya Tou entered the room with tea. Suddenly, Ya Tou vanished before everyone's eyes. Er Yue Hong, once again losing his wife, collapsed into a grief-stricken rage.
He desperately called for Ya Tou, questioning if she was still there. Qi Tiezui, trying to bring him back to reality, reiterated that Ya Tou had passed away and urged Er Yue Hong to let go of his "bitter obsession." Er Yue Hong, feeling deeply wronged and forced, cried out that he had already killed her once and just wanted a simple life with her, questioning their right to decide her fate.
He then pointed a gun at Qi Tiezui, demanding "a life for a life." Zhang Qishan immediately stepped in front of Qi Tiezui, challenging Er Yue Hong to shoot him if killing him would bring Ya Tou back. Er Yue Hong, unable to fire upon his brother, lowered the gun, but, blinded by grief, declared their brotherhood over, stating, "Our friendship has ended. There's no brotherhood from now on."
Qi Tiezui later reflected on the profound pain of "losing something after regaining it," asking for understanding for Er Yue Hong's plight. Zhang Qishan, meanwhile, expressed regret for pushing Er Yue Hong to such a desperate state, worrying that he might not recover and would continue to cause trouble.
Later, Zhang Qishan was seen pondering the profound philosophy of Yin and Yang, their interchangeable nature, and the perplexing idea that "a dead person is a live person" in the context of the mysterious Copper Meteorite.
