Tiger and Crane Episode 28 Recap
> Tiger and Crane Recap
The Qianyu people held a longstanding disdain for the Julun people. This tension escalated into an open conflict when the Julun people, known for their large appetites, consumed all the food, leaving nothing for the Qianyu. This triggered a heated argument, with Xiao Yunzi of Qianyu and Ben Shanxian of Julun engaging in a fierce physical altercation.
Hu Zi intervened, urging them to stop fighting over something as trivial as food, but the animosity between Xiao Yunzi and Ben Shanxian continued to simmer, marked by mutual accusations of vulgarity and arrogance. Despite attempts at mediation, their resentment was palpable. Meanwhile, Qi Xiaoxuan led a group to the Qi family ancestral hall, where they successfully unearthed the long-lost ship's bow. With collective effort, the Julun people constructed the magnificent Chenghuang, an ingeniously designed vehicle.
A Julun representative explained that they had significantly improved its power system and weight, allowing it to travel several times faster than its predecessors. Though its exterior appeared compact, the Chenghuang was equipped with the legendary Xuanhuang Universe Formation, a centuries-old technique that expanded its interior space, enabling it to comfortably accommodate up to one hundred people, far exceeding initial estimates. Even Xiao Yunzi, previously critical of the Julun people, acknowledged their impressive feat, expressing his gratitude for their ingenuity.
To foster unity between the two factions, Zhao Xintong arranged a banquet. She appealed to Xiao Yunzi and Ben Shanxian to set aside their differences, emphasizing the importance of cooperation. However, their deeply entrenched animosity resurfaced, leading them to overturn the feast. Everyone present recognized the dire implications of this continued discord; if the sorcerers of both nations could not unite against external threats, they would surely face devastating defeat at Peak Valley against Yi Mei and the demons.
Jiang Xici proposed a solution, suggesting that the chieftains of Julun and the kings of Qianyu should temporarily relinquish their authority. He advocated for the appointment of a single commander-in-chief to unify all sorcerers. Zhao Xintong was unanimously deemed the most suitable candidate due to her widespread reputation and the fact that her leadership would not favor one nation over the other.
Though initially hesitant, citing her unfamiliarity with the customs of both the Julun and Qianyu sorcerers, Zhao Xintong accepted the critical role with the support and assurances of Wang Yuqian and Ben Shanxian, along with others. Zhao Xintong then addressed the crucial matter of personnel for the journey to Peak Valley. She explained that due to the Chenghuang's capacity limits, only one hundred individuals could embark.
These chosen few would need to be elite, capable of fighting ten demons simultaneously, given the vast number of demons inhabiting Peak Valley. She urged those who would not be selected for the dangerous expedition not to be disheartened, emphasizing that safeguarding their families in the capital and maintaining the weakening magical formations along the Netherworld Sea were equally vital contributions to their nations.
She stressed that whether on the front lines or defending the homeland, everyone would be a hero. Before their departure, Qi Xiaoxuan's grandmother instructed him to show no mercy to Yan at Peak Valley. She reminded him of Yan's past collusion with Yi Mei in the destruction of the capital, asserting that such grave errors were unforgivable.
Qi Xiaoxuan, still burdened by past guilt towards Yan, solemnly vowed to remain resolute, strengthened by the sacrifices made by Hu Zi and others to save his life. Meanwhile, Qi Yanran arrived and was visibly surprised to encounter Mo Lingzhi, raising questions about their presence together. Wu Lidan also stepped forward, resolute in his desire to join the expedition, stating his intention to complete his ancestors' unfinished work, though clarifying his motives were not rooted in old grudges.
Cheng Jinian, who had previously caused significant trouble, also sought to join. Despite initial skepticism from Hu Zi, Zhao Xintong believed in Cheng Jinian's sincerity, recognizing his determination to redeem himself and secure his father's release from exile. She granted him permission to enlist, hoping this perilous journey would inspire a genuine change in him. Zhao Xintong and Hu Zi then went to purchase ingredients for a pre-departure feast.
Upon recognizing Zhao Xintong as their commander-in-chief, the local citizens enthusiastically offered their produce for free, eager to contribute to the grand farewell banquet. Zhao Xintong expressed heartfelt gratitude for their generosity but insisted on paying, promising that she would remember their kindness and return safely from Peak Valley. In the midst of preparations, Ben Shanxian and Xiao Yunzi, true to form, engaged in a competitive chicken-catching contest, their rivalry persisting even in trivial tasks.
Qi Yanran, wishing to remain out of sight, helped discreetly in the back kitchen. Hu Zi, eager to assist with the cooking, was gently but firmly dissuaded by Zhao Xintong, who was well aware of his dismal culinary skills. That night, Zhao Xintong gathered everyone for the solemn farewell banquet. She reminded them of their ancestors' unity five centuries ago, when they crossed the Netherworld Sea to defeat the Demon Emperor.
She declared their unified goal: to block the Netherworld Sea and protect the continent, asserting that while the future journey was uncertain, inaction would lead to certain death. Inspired by her words, the crowd chanted their shared objective. Under the camaraderie of the feast, Xiao Yunzi and Ben Shanxian, after a spirited drinking contest, finally reconciled, acknowledging each other as brothers and letting go of their past prejudices.
Zhao Xintong also shook hands with Wu Lidan, signaling an end to their past conflicts and a new beginning as comrades. Qi Yanran, also present, privately desired to join the expedition, realizing her only way to board the Chenghuang was to incapacitate one of the selected individuals and take their boarding token. Mo Lingzhi, among the company, declined alcohol, stating her sole focus was to reach Peak Valley and personally avenge the loss of Miaomiao by defeating Yi Mei.
Later, under the starlit sky, Qi Xiaoxuan, Hu Zi, Wang Yuqian, and Zhao Xintong shared their thoughts on the impending journey, expressing a mixture of calm and excitement. Wang Yuqian spoke of his father's guidance, while Hu Zi reflected on the passage of time and the idea of fallen souls becoming stars. He tried to express a deeper sentiment to Zhao Xintong, but she gently deferred the conversation, suggesting they save it until after their safe return from Peak Valley.
The following day, with everyone assembled, the Chenghuang embarked on its journey. Zhao Xintong, leading the expedition, utilized the Phurba with the aid of a companion to maximize its power. After traveling for about three hours, the vehicle unexpectedly halted. With the Netherworld Sea rapidly closing behind them, Ben Shanxian and Xiao Yunzi volunteered to investigate the issue at the rear of the vehicle, where Red Pearls provided acceleration.
Despite the grave danger, both insisted on going, acknowledging the critical situation and their respective expertise in the Chenghuang’s mechanics. Upon reaching the rear, they discovered that simply placing the pearls was insufficient; each required the precise guidance of spirit essence to function. Working together, they channeled their powers to activate the Red Pearls, racing against time as the Netherworld Sea continued to close.
