Tiger and Crane Episode 27 Recap
> Tiger and Crane Recap
Hu Zi and Wang Yuqian, observing the Julun people's camp, found their position to be highly defensible. Wang Yuqian initially suggested a sneak attack after dark, as the Julun people's vision would be weaker then. Meanwhile, Xintong, held captive, attempted a softer approach with Xiu Damen. She feigned affection, praising him and agreeing to be his wife, hoping to buy time. She first convinced him to untie her, claiming she needed to use the toilet.
Xiu Damen, flattered and touched by her apparent change of heart, indeed untied her, believing her sincerity. Xintong then further stalled by insisting on a proper wedding ceremony, including bowing to heaven and earth, drinking Hejin Wine, and tying strands of hair, which were customs from her homeland. However, before she could gain full control or escape, a commotion outside the camp, caused by Wang Yuqian's protective detail launching a diversionary attack, alerted Xiu Damen's men.
They quickly subdued Xintong and secured her. As Wang Yuqian's detail engaged the Julun people in a fierce fight, Hu Zi, Wang Yuqian, and Xiao Yunzi attempted to sneak into the main camp to rescue Xintong. They were soon confronted by Julun warriors, who taunted them, claiming Xintong was already marrying their chieftain. Hearing this, Hu Zi, distraught, insisted on finding Xintong immediately.
He and Wang Yuqian withdrew from the direct confrontation and sought another path, only to run directly into Xiu Damen. Outnumbered, Wang Yuqian quickly pulled Hu Zi away, but in the chaos, neither of them noticed a subtle resonance between Hu Zi's Phurba and Xiu Damen's large machete. Meanwhile, Xintong, while being guarded by Ya, cleverly deduced that Ya harbored feelings for Xiu Damen.
Xintong engaged Ya in conversation, even pretending to consider becoming a concubine to Xiu Damen to further distract her. Seizing the opportunity, Xintong broke free, restrained Ya, dressed her in a red wedding gown, and placed her on the bed. When Xiu Damen returned, mistaking Ya for Xintong on the bed, Xintong appeared from the shadows and held a knife to his neck.
Wang Yuqian, who had been caught by the Julun warriors during the earlier skirmish, was identified by one of Xiu Damen's men as the "prince of Qianyu State." Xintong, holding Xiu Damen hostage, demanded Wang Yuqian's release. Just then, a nearby structure collapsed, and Xiu Damen, despite being held captive, instinctively saved Xintong from the falling debris, injuring his arm in the process.
Xintong's guard lowered, and Xiu Damen then explained his people's custom regarding his unique mask: if a woman touches it, he must marry her. He also revealed that his Julun State was devastated by the overflowing Legendary Sea, and their attempts to seek refuge in Qianyu State were rejected, leading them to become bandits out of desperation. Xintong, in turn, confessed that she was not from Qianyu State, but Zhao Xintong, the Chief Commander of Royal Sorcerers of Fulong State.
Recognizing their shared plight and Xiu Damen's honorable nature, Xintong proposed they become sworn siblings, a bond she felt would unite them as family while respecting her existing commitment. Xiu Damen agreed, and they performed the ritual. Unaware of these developments, Qi Xiaoxuan and Hu Zi arrived at the Julun camp, expecting to find a battle or a trapped Xintong. To their surprise, the camp seemed empty, but joyful laughter emanated from the main tent.
Cautiously, they entered, only to find the Julun people celebrating, with Xintong happily dancing among them. Xintong then explained the situation, much to the initial shock of Hu Zi and Qi Xiaoxuan. Xiu Damen and his brothers, noticing Hu Zi's clear affection for Xintong, playfully teased him, which prompted Hu Zi to challenge Xiu Damen to an arm-wrestling contest.
During the match, Xiu Damen's ancient machete began to hum, and an unexplained surge of divine power allowed Hu Zi to unexpectedly win. Later, Xiu Damen revealed that his machete, a family heirloom, was crafted from the bone of the Demon Emperor. Wang Yuqian explained that Hu Zi's Phurba was the very weapon used to slay the Demon Emperor, thus explaining the resonant connection between the two artifacts.
Wang Yuqian then arranged for a message to be sent to the Imperial Preceptor of Qianyu State, urging them to accept the Julun refugees, emphasizing the shared threat of the Legendary Sea. After an emotional farewell, where Xiu Damen entrusted Xintong's safety to Hu Zi, the group departed.
However, their journey back brought tragic news: upon returning to their post, they found only the purple-gold wolf brush, the original form of Eldest Master, indicating he had sacrificed himself to protect Qi Xiaoxuan. Qi Xiaoxuan, heartbroken, resolved to find a way to revive Eldest Master, recalling his master's words that he was born in Peak Valley and a solution might be found there. Following this revelation, the group prepared to venture to Peak Valley.
They tested the Phurba's ability to split the Legendary Sea, but Jiang Xici confirmed it could only keep the sea open for a mere half an hour, far too short for their large group to cross. Traditional boats were deemed unsuitable as they could not withstand the Legendary Sea's flames. Just as they pondered their limited options, Xiu Damen and his brothers arrived in a massive "Julun vehicle," a migratory transport used by their people.
Xiu Damen explained that the Julun people, renowned skilled craftsmen, could modify the vehicle's internal power system to significantly increase its speed, allowing it to traverse the Legendary Sea within the brief window the Phurba could create. He explained they would need more Demon Emperor's bones and special Red Pearls for the modification.
Qi Xiaoxuan then recalled that the Legendary Ship's bow, a source of Demon Emperor's bones, had been kept in his family's ancestral hall, and Wang Yuqian revealed he had a supply of Red Pearls. With this new hope, the Julun people pledged to help modify the vehicle for their perilous journey.
