I Am Nobody Episode 12 Recap
> I Am Nobody Recap
Now that Xu Xiang was dead, the entire Outsiders' world was in chaos. The protection on Mount Longhu was gone, but the Outsider Martial Arts Contest was still ongoing, causing concern that villains from the Sinister Pleasure might infiltrate and cause trouble. The Chief Celestial Taoist, however, remained calm, assuring everyone there was no need to worry. He explained that the company had dispatched new persons in charge: Xu Xiang's two sons.
Others present expressed disdain, believing the sons were incapable of shouldering their father's heavy responsibilities, especially after their veteran father fell prey to the Sinister Pleasure. Xu Xiang's sons admitted they were far inferior to their father but asserted they possessed a sense of righteousness and would act decisively within their capabilities to manage affairs within their reach. They promised that no accidents would occur during the contest, which seemed to reassure those present.
Zhang Chulan and Feng Baobao were then brought to meet Grandmasters Tian Jinzhong and Mr. Lu Jin. Upon seeing them, Zhang Chulan immediately adopted an overly obsequious attitude, kneeling before both. This behavior elicited scorn from onlookers who witnessed his 'boot-licking'. Zhang Chulan praised Mr. Lu Jin, noting his reverence was deserved because Lu Jin had made the tournament exciting by bringing out the Tongtian Lu.
Mr. Lu Jin dismissed the formality but offered Zhang Chulan a favor as compensation for having "pitted" him somehow, provided it wasn't harmful or immoral. Feng Baobao was present but remained quiet. Later, the Chief Celestial Taoist asked the younger disciples who were eavesdropping to leave, keeping only Zhang Chulan and Feng Baobao for a private conversation. He confirmed that past incidents were true and that Zhang Chulan's grandfather, Zhang Huaiyi, had indeed been associated with the Sinister Pleasure.
It was revealed that Zhang Huaiyi, along with members from other prominent sects, including Zheng Zibu from Maoshan Shangqing Sect (who created the Tongtian Lu) and Feng Tianyang (a predecessor of Feng Zhenghao), had become sworn brothers. This group of thirty-six individuals was later known as the Thirty-Six Thieves.
Though their pact was secretive, it was discovered, leading the prominent sects to issue a kill order against them without stating specific reasons or crimes, simply to protect their reputations and hoping the thirty-six would vanish. Grandmaster Tian Jinzhong recounted that he and Zhang Zhiwei (the Chief Celestial Taoist) were sent by their master, the former Celestial Master Zhang Jingqing, to pursue Zhang Huaiyi. They split up but ultimately couldn't find him.
Tian Jinzhong was ambushed by unknown attackers who interrogated him about Zhang Huaiyi's whereabouts. Because he truly didn't know, they damaged his meridians and chopped off his limbs, leaving him severely injured. Tian Jinzhong explained that this injury prevented him from practicing physical martial arts but allowed him to focus intently on static qigong, leading to great progress, even making him no longer require sleep due to being full of spiritual energy. Hearing this, Zhang Chulan became emotional, shedding tears.
Tian Jinzhong explained that Zhang Huaiyi chose to remain in hiding rather than return to the sect because he feared bringing trouble upon them. He urged Zhang Chulan not to blame his grandfather, stating that he and Zhang Zhiwei had never resented Huaiyi. Overcome with emotion, Zhang Chulan expressed his desire to ask his grandfather why he hid the truth and acknowledged his grandfather's hardships, kowtowing to the Chief Celestial Taoist and Tian Jinzhong.
The Chief Celestial Taoist and Tian Jinzhong warmly accepted Zhang Chulan as their shared grandson, offering him the Celestial Taoist Mansion as his home and promising to look after him. Suddenly, Feng Baobao left the room. Outside, she was stopped by some individuals who spoke to her. She reacted violently, attacking them, and Zhang Chulan rushed out to intervene but was hit during the altercation.
Later, after the Zhang Lingyu vs. Lu Linglong match (which Zhang Lingyu won, prompting comments from the elders about their compatibility), Mr. Lu Jin playfully accosted the Chief Celestial Taoist, who dodged his advances, showing the two patriarchs' long-standing, boisterous friendship. Zhang Chulan then had a match against Tang Wenlong. Tang Wenlong declared he was there to seek revenge because Zhang Huaiyi had killed seven members of the Tang Sect years ago and intended to defeat Zhang Chulan.
Tang Wenlong was known for his dangerous poisonous miasma, which made close combat impossible. The match began, and Zhang Chulan displayed surprising speed. When Tang Wenlong unleashed his miasma, Zhang Chulan used numerous remote lightning attacks, wrapping Tang Wenlong in electrical currents and causing black smoke to appear, defeating him quickly without needing to get close. Zhang Chulan was declared the winner. That evening, many participants gathered, drinking and socializing. The atmosphere was lively and friendly.
Zhang Chulan, encouraged by the atmosphere and having resolved the immediate conflict with Tang Wenlong through conversation, offered to show everyone his Forbidden Seal (Jinzhi Sha), which is a rare and nearly lost technique. People gathered around eagerly to observe it up close, expressing interest in the ancient technique not recorded in modern manuals. Zhang Chulan used his qi to make the seal's symbols more visible, revealing intricate, classical patterns. He playfully described the aesthetic as "Bohemianism."
Later, Wang Ye sought out the Chief Celestial Taoist late at night. Wang Ye stated he came to inform the Chief Celestial Taoist that he intended to prevent Zhang Chulan from winning the contest and inheriting the Tianshidu. He explained his purpose was the opposite of what the Chief Celestial Taoist seemed to want, and that stopping Zhang Chulan might require defeating formidable opponents like Zhuge Qing or Zhang Lingyu. He also mentioned he had multiple teachers, including Chief Yunlong.
The Chief Celestial Taoist offered to test Wang Ye. Wang Ye used the "Chaos Golden Lock" technique, which briefly affected the Chief Celestial Taoist, making him feel detached from his surroundings. The Chief Celestial Taoist acknowledged Wang Ye's skill, noting the technique's effect on time and rhythm. He told Wang Ye to pursue his goal, stating that Zhang Chulan's fate in the tournament rested solely on himself, not the Chief or Wang Ye. Wang Ye then took his leave.
