Tiger and Crane Episode 1 Recap
> Tiger and Crane Recap
A long time ago, the Oriental Continent was overrun by rampant demons, causing widespread suffering. To restore peace, five young demon slayers, leading an army of demonologists, journeyed to Peak Valley, the birthplace of demons. There, they slew the Demon Emperor, sacrificing themselves to save humanity. The Demon Emperor's blood transformed into the Netherworld Sea, a fiery expanse that cleaved the unified continent into three distinct lands: Fulong, Qianyu, and Julun.
To combat the encroaching Netherworld Sea, the demonologists of these three nations forged an alliance, crafting a vast formation using sacred Red Pearls to hold back the sea and safeguard the people. Five centuries later, peace reigns in the capital of Fulong, where storytellers recount the ancient tales to captivated children.
In the capital, Qi Xiaoxuan, the Commander of the White Camp of the Imperial Demonologists, waits patiently at Ju Xian Building for a cunning demon that has eluded his men for three blocks. The demon seizes a woman and her baby as hostages, but Qi Xiaoxuan calmly informs it that with the Imperial Demonologists' headquarters, Tiangang Hall, to the south and the demon prison, Yanluo Hall, to the north, there is no escape.
Qi Xiaoxuan swiftly eliminates the demon, and the Great Master, a being whose true form is a Purple Gold Wolf Hair brush, rescues the infant. Meanwhile, a grave incident unfolds at the Fulong Bay tower: the Red Pearl has fractured, causing the great formation to flicker. Elder Cheng Shu of the Elder Council dismisses the report, but the Chief of Disha Hall, Jiang Xici, and the Chief Commanding Master of Tiangang Hall, Qi Zilu, confirm the severity of the situation.
They discover a crack more than a finger long and conclude the pearl will not last more than ten days. A new Red Pearl must be found to prevent the formation's collapse. Qi Zilu initially considers sending his daughter, Qi Yanran, on the mission. However, Qi Xiaoxuan's grandmother, Jiang Xici, suggests that the newly appointed Xiaoxuan should go for the experience.
She presents him with a Traction Talisman, an artifact that resonates with the Red Pearl, and warns him that Jiuqu Mountain is treacherous and the new pearl will attract evil forces. Upon arriving at Jiuqu Mountain, Qi Xiaoxuan's team is ambushed by Huzi, a young man from Ruyun Village. He uses a trap with sleeping incense to incapacitate Qi Xiaoxuan’s men.
Calling himself "Master Hu of Jiuqu Mountain," Huzi boasts of his prowess but quickly dissolves into tearful pleas for mercy when he realizes Qi Xiaoxuan's strength. Qi Xiaoxuan dismisses him, but as he leaves, Huzi secretly snatches the Red Pearl. Huzi returns to Ruyun Village, a place where he is a beloved, helpful figure. As a reward for a child named Doggie who has been diligently taking his medicine, Huzi gifts him the stolen Red Pearl.
Elsewhere, Zhao Xintong, a bounty demonologist from Babao Town, drives customers out of a teahouse to confront its demon owner, but the creature escapes. That night, Ruyun Village is engulfed in flames. Huzi awakens and rushes to rescue villagers, including his Granny. Qi Xiaoxuan arrives and declares the fire is demon magic, noting the scattered, simultaneous ignitions and a distinct demonic aura.
He explains that Huzi's theft of the Red Pearl has attracted a demon seeking its power, which started the fire as a distraction. The village chief, learning Qi Xiaoxuan is a descendant of the legendary demonologist Qi Wuji, urges Huzi to help retrieve the pearl. A terrified Doggie confirms he no longer has it, leading Huzi to suspect it was dropped at his home.
They find the Red Pearl in Huzi's foul-smelling shoes; Huzi jokes that his "manly scent" must have masked the pearl's aura. However, as Qi Xiaoxuan prepares to leave, a demon disguised as Huzi ambushes him and steals the pearl. Qi Xiaoxuan mistakes the real Huzi for the demon and is about to strike when Zhao Xintong intervenes, having tracked the demon to the area.
The Great Master identifies the culprit as a Blood-sucking Demon, a creature known for its red eyes, fire magic, and ability to create clones. He explains that the demon needs time and human life essence to absorb the Red Pearl's power, meaning it is likely still in the village. If it fully absorbs the pearl, it will become unstoppable, and the only way to kill it is with a single strike to the heart.
They soon find the villagers, including the chief and Granny, entranced and having their life force drained by the demon. As the Blood-sucking Demon taunts them, boasting of its plan to destroy Fulong's three great halls and all demonologists, Huzi pleads with the others not to harm the innocent, controlled villagers.
