Word of Honor Episode 34 Recap
> Word of Honor Recap
Ye Baiyi appeared at the martial arts conference, where various sect leaders pleaded with him to lead an assault to wipe out the Ghost Valley. Ye Baiyi declared his intention to destroy the Ghost Valley and stated that all its inhabitants deserved to die. However, a monk spoke up, suggesting that Wen Kexing's actions were understandable given his circumstances. Ye Baiyi quickly dismissed this, branding Wen Kexing's crimes as unforgivable.
He confronted Wen Kexing, demanding to know why he, as the Ghost Valley master, had broken the ancient rule of "Once one enters the Ghost Valley, they are forever separated from the mortal world," thus allowing ghosts to wreak havoc. Wen Kexing humbly admitted his guilt. Ye Baiyi then pronounced his sentence: Wen Kexing was to permanently seal the Ghost Valley and ensure that all its ghosts never again set foot in the human realm.
He asked if Wen Kexing could commit to this, to which Wen Kexing readily agreed. Ye Baiyi then urged him to leave immediately. Confusion arose among some, but Ye Baiyi clarified his decision, explaining that by sealing Mount Qingya, the Ghost Valley and its inhabitants would naturally dissipate within a century, eliminating the need for further bloodshed. The Abbot of Shaolin and a nun praised this peaceful resolution, agreeing it was far better than perpetuating a cycle of endless revenge.
While most sect leaders consented, Mo Huaiyang was silently resentful but dared not voice his opposition. Ye Baiyi again instructed Wen Kexing to depart, and he, accompanied by Zhou Zishu and Zhang Chengling, left the conference, which Ye Baiyi then formally concluded. Back in the Ghost Valley, Gu Xiang light-heartedly chastised Wen Kexing for causing her so much grief with his supposed death, to which he playfully submitted to a punitive drink.
She then questioned how Zhou Zishu had seen his body, which Wen Kexing revealed was a meticulously prepared corpse, disguised to resemble himself and strategically left in the deep pool under a waterfall to thoroughly deceive Zhao Jing. When Gu Xiang playfully called him crafty and demanded another drink, Wen Kexing defended his use of such tactics against a villain.
Gu Xiang, realizing the extent of the deception, was surprised, asking Shen Shen when he had allied with Wen Kexing, especially after previously advocating for the destruction of the Ghost Valley. Wen Kexing then explained to Gu Xiang and Cao Weining that he had revealed his true identity to Shen Shen and Zhang Chengling much earlier, allowing them to choose whether to trust him.
He clarified that his "fake death" was an extremely risky maneuver, only possible with their support, particularly Shen Shen's internal assistance, which prevented Zhao Jing from closely inspecting the body and discovering the ruse. Gu Xiang then inquired if Ye Baiyi had also been part of the plan.
Wen Kexing confirmed Ye Baiyi's crucial role, admitting that without his powerful intervention, he would not have been able to expose Zhao Jing's conspiracy and escape with his life, given his identity as the Ghost Valley master. Shen Shen, reflecting on the situation, expressed relief that Wen Kexing had found a way to resolve his deep-seated grievances without further bloodshed, praising Ye Baiyi for achieving a peaceful outcome. Everyone present raised a toast to Ye Baiyi for his instrumental role.
Jing Beiyuan also lauded Wen Kexing's ingenious strategy, acknowledging his brilliance. The discussion then shifted to why Zhao Jing's life was spared. Wen Kexing explained it was a pact with Scorpion King. To prove Zhao Jing's conspiracy, the testimony of Deng Kuan, Gao Xiaolian's senior, was essential. Deng Kuan, whom Scorpion King had kept as an insensible "Drug Man," was the one whose false accusation had initially wronged Chief Gao.
Scorpion King agreed to restore Deng Kuan's consciousness in exchange for Zhao Jing's life. Gu Xiang, perplexed by Scorpion King's complex relationship with Zhao Jing, inquired further. Amidst the joyous celebration of Wen Kexing's vengeance, Zhou Zishu sat quietly, a poignant sadness weighing on him, as he reflected on his own dwindling time now that his friend's purpose was fulfilled.
After the revelation of Wen Kexing's alliance with Scorpion King and the surprising decision to spare Zhao Jing's life, Scorpion King frequently visited the incapacitated Zhao Jing, who was left unable to speak or care for himself. Scorpion King meticulously arranged for Zhao Jing's care, all while delivering a scathing monologue. He bitterly accused Zhao Jing of betrayal, stating that he would have done anything for his foster father had he simply asked, eliminating the need for deception.
Scorpion King reflected on the numerous people who had perished due to Zhao Jing's machinations, including those who genuinely loved him, confessing his own constant fear of meeting a similar end. He acknowledged that he had willingly allowed himself to be deceived for years, which sustained their illusion of a harmonious father-son relationship. Scorpion King then scorned Zhao Jing's ambition to become the supreme leader of the martial arts world, dismissing it as utterly ridiculous.
He pointed out Zhao Jing's hypocrisy, recalling how he had always condemned Scorpion King's research into "Drug Men" as evil, yet now found himself in such a vulnerable state. With a triumphant air, Scorpion King revealed that the Window of Heaven had become his ally, and even Prince Jin now accorded him respect. He questioned why Zhao Jing had always underestimated and disdained him, even attempting to betray him for mere subordinates.
He wondered if his unwavering devotion and love for Zhao Jing had inadvertently made him seem worthless. Scorpion King explained that his cooperation with Wen Kexing had a singular purpose: to orchestrate Zhao Jing's downfall at the pinnacle of his pride, thereby proving that he, Scorpion King, held ultimate control over Zhao Jing's destiny. He emphasized that he had extended numerous opportunities to Zhao Jing, but his foster father had squandered them all.
Scorpion King concluded by telling Zhao Jing to enjoy a life of passive existence while he, Scorpion King, embarked on a grander ambition: to kill Prince Jin, seize the throne, and make Zhao Jing a mere retired emperor, declaring this to be his "real cause." Wen Kexing and Zhang Chengling approached Zhou Zishu to offer a toast, acknowledging their deception regarding Wen Kexing's fake death.
Zhang Chengling, however, turned the tables, playfully "punishing" Zhou Zishu with a drink for withholding Wen Kexing's past and their plan from him, questioning if Zhou Zishu doubted their bond. Wen Kexing admitted his part in the scheme, praising Zhang Chengling's newfound mastery of Longyuan Cabinet mechanics, which was crucial in modifying the "Piercing Rain Needles" to facilitate the fake death.
Zhou Zishu, still visibly upset, sternly questioned why he was kept in the dark, forcing his own disciple to "kill" Wen Kexing with a self-defense weapon he had personally given him. He challenged Wen Kexing's trust. Shen Shen intervened, explaining that the fake death was essential to lower Zhao Jing's guard, allowing Wen Kexing to present all human and material evidence at the martial arts conference, publicly expose Zhao Jing's crimes, and clear the names of his victims.
He also relayed the Grand Wizard's advice to Wen Kexing against informing Zhou Zishu due to his severe injuries, emphasizing the need for rest and avoidance of any further physical or emotional strain. Zhou Zishu, dismissing their excuses, asserted his authority and demanded if Wen Kexing deserved punishment. Wen Kexing agreed, and Zhou Zishu ordered him to drink three large pots of liquor in rapid succession.
Later that night, a heavily inebriated Wen Kexing sought out Zhou Zishu, finding him in his room. He gleefully announced having out-drunk everyone and confessed the deep sorrow he had felt previously when drinking with Ye Baiyi, fearing Zhou Zishu's impending death, his potential rejection, and his own unworthiness of their brotherhood. All those anxieties, he declared, had now vanished. Wen Kexing poured out his heart, revealing his past desire to destroy both the world and himself.
He tearfully thanked Zhou Zishu for changing him, for showing him the profound ease and joy of living as a dignified man, a feeling he had never experienced before. He expressed a newfound sense of peace, believing his parents and master would be smiling at him if they could see him now.
Finally, Wen Kexing made a heartfelt request: after Gu Xiang's wedding, he wished for Zhou Zishu to accompany him back to the old farmhouse where he had lived with his parents. He lamented that his parents' bodies lay unburied for over two decades, and he had never dared to revisit the place alone. With Zhou Zishu by his side, he felt he could finally do it. Zhou Zishu, deeply moved, readily agreed.
The Ghost Valley was adorned with lanterns and vibrant decorations for Gu Xiang and Cao Weining's wedding. It was Zhou Zishu's first visit to the valley, and he found himself amused and slightly irritated when the ghosts greeted him as "Uncle Zhou." Gu Xiang clarified that Cao Weining had suggested the title, as Wen Kexing preferred to avoid the nicknames "Sick Dude" or "Ah Xu." After a light-hearted exchange, Zhou Zishu accepted "Brother Zishu" from Gu Xiang.
He then playfully chided her for her mischievousness, mentioning that Luo Fumeng was diligently preparing her dowry. Gu Xiang insisted that a bride should never prepare her own dowry. Cao Weining, in his nervous groom's attire, joined them, reminding Gu Xiang that the couple shouldn't meet before the ceremony, to which she retorted good-naturedly. Zhou Zishu teased Cao Weining, promising to support him against Gu Xiang's antics once they settled in Four Seasons Manor.
Zhou Zishu then decided to explore the Ghost Valley, with Zhang Chengling offering to accompany him. Gu Xiang then expressed her reluctance to move to Four Seasons Manor, wanting to stay with Wen Kexing. He gently reminded her that a married woman should not remain in her maiden home. Gu Xiang, in a mock tantrum, threatened to cancel the wedding if she couldn't stay by his side.
Wen Kexing, while touched, firmly but kindly chided her, reminding her of Cao Weining's profound sacrifices for their union. He then declared his intention to permanently seal the Ghost Valley after the wedding, fulfilling his promise to Ye Baiyi to restrain all ghosts within its confines. He framed this decision as a personal reconciliation with fate, accepting both the hardships and the invaluable gifts life had bestowed upon him.
Seeing her sadness, Wen Kexing quickly reassured her that he would still "sneak out" to visit them regularly, promising that in a few years, once true peace settled in the valley, everything would be well. Wen Kexing then turned to Zhang Chengling, asking him to decide the fate of Changing Ghost and his followers, who were imprisoned in the Chill Lake Jail. Wen Kexing admitted he had confined them because he no longer wished to shed blood.
Zhang Chengling, echoing his master's wisdom, decided to keep them in the Chill Lake Jail for reflection, emphasizing that killing them wouldn't undo the past and that "eyes are at the front of our head, so we are supposed to look ahead." He added that it would be inappropriate to cause death on Gu Xiang's wedding day. Gu Xiang playfully called Zhang Chengling a "little sage," much like Zhou Zishu.
Zhang Chengling then recalled Ye Baiyi's philosophy that the Ghost Valley's original purpose was to offer a path to redemption for lost souls. When Gu Xiang inquired about Ye Baiyi's whereabouts, Zhang Chengling explained that Ye Baiyi had taken Rong Xuan's remains to Mount Changming to be buried alongside his parents.
Meanwhile, in a quiet scene, Ye Baiyi was seen eating noodles, contemplating his extended life and the unique peace found in a "living death," vowing to eat more in memory of Changqing and Rong Xuan. For Gu Xiang's wedding, Wen Kexing had Luo Fumeng and Liu Qianqiao oversee the preparation of a lavish dowry, which left Gu Xiang beaming with joy. The other ghosts in the valley were also delighted, commenting on Gu Xiang's beauty and the festive atmosphere.
Liu Qianqiao remarked on the extensive traditional requirements for a dowry and subtly noted that Wen Kexing seemed to have prepared everything in a rush. Gu Xiang, however, expressed that having Luo Fumeng and Liu Qianqiao there for her was the greatest happiness. Luo Fumeng then presented Gu Xiang with a special gift: a pair of hairpins, which her own master had given her for her wedding.
She reassured Gu Xiang that the pins carried no ill omen, as her master had enjoyed a harmonious marriage and a full family, and she herself had never worn them. Gu Xiang, touched, wished for Luo Fumeng to escort her on her wedding day, dismissing any superstitious taboos. However, Luo Fumeng gently but firmly refused, explaining that matters of marital happiness were too significant to disregard tradition.
She informed Gu Xiang that she would go into seclusion in the back mountains and thus would not attend the ceremony, leaving Liu Qianqiao to manage the wedding arrangements. Luo Fumeng expressed her sadness, knowing that with the valley soon to be sealed, their next meeting would be far in the uncertain future. Despite her disappointment, Gu Xiang asked Luo Fumeng to place the hairpins on her head.
Liu Qianqiao stepped in, urging Gu Xiang to comply, emphasizing that all their actions were for her well-being, and promised to remain by Luo Fumeng’s side. Liu Qianqiao then gracefully adorned Gu Xiang's hair with the pins. As the wedding preparations continued, Gu Xiang inquired if Liu Qianqiao was also choosing to remain in the Ghost Valley, then casually asked about Yu Qiufeng. Liu Qianqiao responded with a blank "Who is Yu Qiufeng?"
, indicating she had completely moved on from that past. Wen Kexing then arrived, bearing a special wedding gift from the Grand Wizard: a unique, blessed red thread, of which only one pair existed in the world. He explained that it was believed to ensure lovers would meet in all their future lives.
Having already tied one on Cao Weining, Wen Kexing personally tied the other on Gu Xiang, who, despite joking about wanting a different partner in her next life if she grew tired of Cao Weining, eagerly accepted it. In his crimson wedding robes, Cao Weining was overwhelmed with nervousness, constantly sipping water. He confessed that he had always envisioned his wedding day with his master and fellow disciples present, never imagining he would marry in the Ghost Valley.
Zhang Chengling then remembered a message from Cao Weining's Senior Master, Fan Huaikong. Mimicking Fan Huaikong's stern yet heartfelt tone, Zhang Chengling relayed the message: Fan Huaikong urged Cao Weining to remember that "before right and wrong, there's good and evil," and expressed hope that he and Gu Xiang would lead a life of good deeds. Fan Huaikong promised to gradually persuade Cao Weining's Master, Mo Huaiyang, and asked for his grand-disciple to be brought to visit him someday.
Cao Weining was deeply moved by his Senior Master's unexpected blessing and forgiveness. Gu Xiang, witnessing his profound reaction, affectionately called Cao Weining a "big white rabbit," contrasting his innocence with Mo Huaiyang, the "old fox." Just then, an attendant announced the arrival of guests from Cao Weining's sect. Cao Weining was ecstatic, believing his Master, Mo Huaiyang, had come to accept his marriage after receiving the good news that he'd brought lavish betrothal gifts.
He eagerly moved to welcome them, and Gu Xiang, full of hope, wished to join him. Wen Kexing initially hesitated, but Zhou Zishu gently persuaded him, arguing that since the guests had come in good faith, they should be welcomed. Wen Kexing reluctantly agreed. Hand-in-hand, Gu Xiang and Cao Weining stepped out to greet Mo Huaiyang and his contingent. Cao Weining immediately knelt to kowtow to his Master.
However, Mo Huaiyang, looking directly at Gu Xiang, delivered a chilling insult, "So she is the siren who lured you to elope with her?" This accusation, meant to denigrate Gu Xiang, shattered the hopeful atmosphere of the wedding day.
