Word of Honor Episode 8 Recap
> Word of Honor Recap
Zhang Cheng Ling was questioned by Gao Chong, Zhao Jing, and Shen Shen at Yueyang Sect. Gao Chong immediately asked about the Glazed Armor, but Zhang Cheng Ling claimed to know nothing. Zhao Jing tried to intervene, explaining that Zhang Cheng Ling was traumatized and had temporarily lost his memory, urging Gao Chong to be patient. However, Gao Chong refused, relentlessly pressuring the boy. Shen Shen also sided with Gao Chong, adding to the pressure.
Zhang Cheng Ling, frustrated, repeatedly stated he had no knowledge of the Glazed Armor's whereabouts, but Gao Chong dismissed his words and resorted to threats. Zhao Jing again tried to mediate, but Gao Chong, incensed, transferred his long-held resentment towards Zhang Cheng Ling's father, Zhang Yu Sen, onto the boy. After much persuasion, Zhao Jing managed to get Gao Chong to leave. Shen Shen expressed dissatisfaction with Zhao Jing, believing he was too lenient with Zhang Cheng Ling.
Meanwhile, Cao Weining's purse was stolen, leaving him unable to pay his bill at the tavern. He apologized profusely to Zhou Zi Shu and Wen Ke Xing. Zhou Zi Shu, finding Cao Weining straightforward and pleasant, invited him to share a drink, and the two quickly bonded. Wen Ke Xing, however, was annoyed by Cao Weining and subtly instructed Gu Xiang to send him away. Gu Xiang saw an opportunity to use Cao Weining to gain entry into Yueyang Sect.
Wen Ke Xing remained adamant, demanding that Gu Xiang go apprehend Fang Bu Zhi, the thief who had stolen his purse. Aware of Fang Bu Zhi's formidable martial arts, Cao Weining offered to help Gu Xiang find him. Gu Xiang, delighted by Cao Weining's knowledge of local cuisine, eagerly accepted his offer to explore Yueyang's food scene.
Zhou Zi Shu remarked that it was surprising for the cunning leader of the Gentle Wind Sword Sect to have such a pure-hearted son as Cao Weining. Wen Ke Xing, noticing Zhou Zi Shu's warmth towards Cao Weining, made sarcastic remarks. Zhou Zi Shu admitted he intended to use Cao Weining to gather information about Zhang Cheng Ling's situation in Yueyang Sect.
Wen Ke Xing then revealed he had already instructed Gu Xiang to follow Cao Weining and find a way into Yueyang Sect to keep an eye on Zhang Cheng Ling for Zhou Zi Shu. Zhou Zi Shu, however, suspected Wen Ke Xing had ulterior motives.
Wen Ke Xing, calling himself "Philanthropist Wen," explained that he traveled the world to perform good deeds, believing that the darkest evils often hid beneath human guises, and he was there to expose and destroy them. Zhang Cheng Ling attempted to return to his room, but Gao Chong's disciple, Xie Wu Yang, insisted on escorting him. Zhang Cheng Ling, feeling like a prisoner, argued with Xie Wu Yang.
Fortunately, Gao Xiaolian arrived and dismissed Xie Wu Yang, reassuring Zhang Cheng Ling that her father, though strict, was kind-hearted. She then led Zhang Cheng Ling to the second-generation disciples' compound, instructing him to practice martial arts with them. Shortly after, Cao Weining arrived, looking for Gao Xiaolian. Gao Xiaolian, leaving Zhang Cheng Ling among the other disciples, went to meet him.
Cao Weining explained to Gao Xiaolian that Gu Xiang's purse had been stolen by Fang Bu Zhi and asked her to temporarily host Gu Xiang. Gao Xiaolian readily agreed, even offering Gu Xiang a room in her own courtyard's west wing. While Gu Xiang was settling in, a disciple informed Gao Xiaolian that Gao Chong intended to take Zhang Cheng Ling to worship the Five Lakes Monument.
Seizing the opportunity, Gu Xiang discreetly slipped away to report this to Wen Ke Xing. Zhou Zi Shu had learned from a tavern waiter about a group of "government-like people" operating outside the city, leading him to suspect the involvement of the Window of Heaven. As he left the tavern, Wen Ke Xing followed him.
They both noticed several sky lanterns being released, confirming Zhou Zi Shu's fear that Prince Jin had deployed the Window of Heaven to infiltrate Yueyang Sect. Gu Xiang hurried to report to Wen Ke Xing. Upon hearing that Gao Chong was taking Zhang Cheng Ling to worship the Five Lakes Monument, Zhou Zi Shu immediately rushed off to rescue him, fearing for the boy's safety.
At the Five Lakes Monument, Gao Chong recounted its history, explaining how it symbolized the unity of the Five Lakes Alliance. He then revealed that other sects deemed Zhang Cheng Ling unfit to lead and wanted to install a successor from their own ranks to the Zhang family. Gao Chong encouraged Zhang Cheng Ling not to betray his deceased father's legacy and to uphold the Zhang family name. Zhang Cheng Ling listened intently.
On their return journey, Gao Chong's group was ambushed by Han Ying, a commander from the Window of Heaven, who had captured Zhu Yaozhi and other Yueyang disciples. Han Ying, backed by crossbowmen, demanded Zhang Cheng Ling. Gao Chong refused to yield, drawing his sword, leading to a tense standoff. From the nearby forest, Zhou Zi Shu and Wen Ke Xing observed the scene.
They donned masks and swiftly intervened, overpowering Han Ying and forcing him to command his crossbowmen to retreat. Han Ying immediately recognized Zhou Zi Shu's distinctive "Flowing Cloud Nine Palace Steps" and, falling to his knees, acknowledged his former master. Han Ying, whose life Zhou Zi Shu had once saved, swore unwavering loyalty. Zhou Zi Shu, not wishing to further endanger him, advised Han Ying to proceed cautiously.
Zhou Zi Shu deduced that the Five Lakes Alliance would surely coerce Zhang Cheng Ling into revealing the Glazed Armor's location before the Heroes Conference. Meanwhile, Fang Bu Zhi, delighted with his stolen loot, was examining a pouch containing two identical Glazed Armors. As he pondered their mystery, an intruder suddenly appeared and poisoned him to death. Wen Ke Xing, now more intrigued than ever by Zhou Zi Shu's true identity, pressed him about his connection to Zhang Cheng Ling.
Zhou Zi Shu admitted that he had once been a high-ranking member of the Window of Heaven but had since left the organization. He explained that he had promised an old fisherman to protect Zhang Cheng Ling's safety, and seeing the boy constantly surrounded by danger, he could not stand idly by. He considered his actions a form of "charity," hoping it might lessen his suffering in the afterlife.
Wen Ke Xing, feeling relieved, sought final confirmation that Zhou Zi Shu had no ties to the Five Lakes Alliance. Zhou Zi Shu then turned the question back, hinting at Wen Ke Xing's own potential grudge against the alliance. Wen Ke Xing also confessed that his presence at Mirror Lake Manor during its extermination was not a coincidence, as he had been actively following Zhou Zi Shu.
He explained that he did not believe in waiting for fate and preferred to take initiative in their "acquaintance." Zhou Zi Shu stated that he questioned Wen Ke Xing directly because he considered him a friend. Wen Ke Xing, with a hint of longing, commented on their shared experiences and implied a deeper connection than mere friendship. As they descended the mountain, Zhou Zi Shu quietly acknowledged Wen Ke Xing as his soulmate.
Back on the street, Wen Ke Xing continued to act like a glutton, sampling various foods, with Zhou Zi Shu reluctantly following behind, paying for everything. Zhou Zi Shu urged him to prioritize finding his stolen purse and jade amulet, but Wen Ke Xing playfully promised to repay him later, even offering to be at his command. Their attention was then drawn to a Western Regions magic show.
As the performance concluded, ten human heads tumbled out of a prop box. A chilling voice from the stage declared that the Ghost Valley had delivered this "goodwill gesture" for the upcoming Heroes Conference. The scene quickly descended into chaos. Yueyang Sect disciples rushed in to restore order, publicly assuring the panicked crowd that Gao Chong would ensure justice for the victims.
Wen Ke Xing suggested they go to Yueyang Sect to witness how Gao Chong would handle the audacious provocation. Inside the sect headquarters, numerous sect leaders, including Mu Yun Ge's father and Elder Sha, were already present, demanding justice for the recent murders. Wen Ke Xing and Zhou Zi Shu arrived to find Zhao Jing and Shen Shen scolding them for their abrupt departure from Sanbai Manor, even hinting at their involvement in a theft.
Wen Ke Xing smoothly deflected their accusations with a clever excuse. When Gao Chong emerged, Wen Ke Xing asked to visit Zhang Cheng Ling. Gao Chong stated that Zhang Cheng Ling was unwell and resting, thus unable to receive visitors. Gao Chong then scrutinized Wen Ke Xing, inquiring about his identity.
Wen Ke Xing, without missing a beat, introduced himself and claimed to be from no particular sect, having only learned rudimentary martial arts from his late, ordinary father, who was long forgotten by the martial arts world. Just then, a disciple rushed in to report that another body had been discovered during patrols.
