Your Highness Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Your Highness Synopsis
Veteran game player Qin Zhan accidentally traveled to the game world of “Xin Tian Long Ba Bu”, which he had played for 10 years, and from then on he had invincible and powerful power.
However, he became a public enemy of the martial arts world due to a misunderstanding at the beginning of the journey.
Subsequently, a series of sieges and conspiracies came, in the face of enormous pressure to survive, Qin Zhan felt that he had finally found a long-lost sense of crisis and blood-boiling feeling.
In the end, Qin Zhan, together with four of his followers with strong skills and loyalty, overcame difficult problems one after another.
In the process, Qin Zhan also met his apprentice Li Qingxue, as well as his enemy and friend Yu Chen and other people, gaining a long-lost friendship and love!
Your Highness Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Qin Zhan, a powerful veteran player and the top-ranked individual on the server of the "Tianlong Babu" game, had established a formidable guild comprising elite duelists. Over ten years, however, his guild dwindled to just himself, the guild leader, and four NPCs. Known as the "Great Demon Head," Qin Zhan earned his fearsome reputation through ruthless play, massacring Lingjiu Palace and killing everyone he encountered.
This reign of terror began with his invasion of Lingjiu Palace, a tranquil locale where its powerful Palace Lord, Xu Zhu, was found playing a zither alongside a white-clad woman. Qin Zhan easily defeated Xu Zhu to increase his strength, then left arrogantly. His combat prowess, including skills like Lingbo Weibu and Liu Mai Shen Jian, made him an unparalleled opponent.
Qin Zhan's primary objective was to acquire a specific 10th-anniversary token, which he sought to exchange for a gift package for his game partners, fulfilling a ten-year promise. Despite having cleared all available dungeons, he had yet to find the coveted token. His search eventually led him to Yu Chen, a low-level new player (or "RMB player") who unexpectedly possessed the item.
Though known for his harsh demeanor, Qin Zhan showed an unusual act of kindness, choosing to commit suicide to allow Yu Chen to become the first player to defeat the server's number one, rather than killing her for the token. Yu Chen, unfamiliar with gaming, agreed to give him the token on the condition that he help her level up. Under Qin Zhan's guidance, she rapidly advanced, reaching level 30 after a single dungeon and later gaining dozens more levels.
Keeping her promise, Yu Chen handed the token to Qin Zhan. Seeing Yu Chen's initial unhappiness (or his own excitement after receiving the token), Qin Zhan took her to the beautiful Forget-Me-Not Flower Sea within the game, where she gradually developed feelings for him. The time for the ten-year promise arrived, but few of Qin Zhan's partners showed up, leaving him disheartened and lonely despite preparing a grand feast at his guild.
A former player, one of the few who did come, advised Qin Zhan not to take the game too seriously. Qin Zhan, after fulfilling his appointment, left Yu Chen at a temple where an old monk began to teach her internal energy, providing her with artifacts as compensation. Later, feeling bored at his guild, Qin Zhan modified the attributes of an NPC named Ming Yue to make her like him.
Suddenly, Ming Yue spoke, reminding him he had been online for eight hours and prompting him to log off, which he was compelled to do. At the very same moment, a series of extraordinary events unfolded across the game world. While Yu Chen was with the old monk at the temple, a heavy rain began, and lightning struck both of them.
Concurrently in Kaifeng City, the downpour caused NPCs to glitch and lag, their overhead markers flickering and disappearing, a phenomenon orchestrated by the villainous Ding Laoguai. As the lag subsided, a group of black-clad men, seemingly possessed, emerged from the rain and began a bloodbath, indiscriminately slaughtering passersby. Qin Zhan suddenly awoke on his throne, realizing he was no longer logged out but had genuinely crossed into the game world, his every action now real.
His four NPC subordinates sprang to life, becoming sentient beings who immediately bowed in worship of his return. Outside, a formidable coalition of various guilds, including six major orthodox sects, had already gathered, acting under the command of the Martial Alliance Leader to eliminate the "Great Demon Head." Despite facing numerous masters, Qin Zhan's immense power made him an unstoppable force. Eventually, the renowned White-browed Hero stepped forward to confront him, unleashing a white mist dragon that engulfed Qin Zhan. However, Qin Zhan defied all expectations by transforming into a gigantic black demonic dragon, ready for battle.
Episode 2 Recap
Qin Zhan, powerful both in the game world and as a transported person, found his formidable martial arts skills had also crossed over with him.
He was accompanied by his loyal bodyguard group: Han Yi, the boss, who, despite a congenital eye disease, could perceive the meridians of all living beings, and was both stubborn and ruthless; Shu Er, the second in command, a man with a gentle, feminine disposition whose lightness skill was considered second to none in the martial arts world; Miao San, the third in command, a giant, burly man whose external martial arts were unparalleled, and who, though usually quiet, possessed a meticulous mind; and finally, Ming Yue, the crucial female housekeeper of the bodyguard group, who, despite having no martial arts, possessed exceptionally agile analytical skills and quick reflexes, and was devoted solely to Qin Zhan.
Initially, the Six Major Reputable Sects gathered outside Lingjiu Palace to eliminate Qin Zhan, known as the "great demon." While the White-browed Hero's seemingly formidable move failed to harm him, Qin Zhan easily defeated the sects' elites. He then transformed into a colossal black demon dragon, intimidating everyone and protecting Lingjiu Palace. After this intense battle, Qin Zhan fell into a seven-day slumber.
Upon waking, he learned that other strongholds had been destroyed, forcing his loyal bodyguard group to relocate him to Lingjiu Palace, their final refuge. He also discovered he was experiencing a strange phenomenon: he would occasionally utter words he didn't intend to say, and despite trying, he couldn't access the in-game menu. Before he could ask what had happened, the sect members had already vanished.
Qin Zhan, resigned to his fate, realized he truly couldn't return to his original world; everything in this game world felt intensely real, a fact underscored when the searing pain of a candle flame confirmed its physicality. Seeking clarity, he asked Ming Yue for a map to analyze their current location and confirm his whereabouts. Unbeknownst to Qin Zhan, Yu Chen, a girl he knew from the game before their transport, had also entered this same game world.
She found herself bewildered, having been transported not to a grand palace or manor as in TV dramas, but to a game world where she was even expelled from Shaolin Temple. At Shaobao Mountain, news had spread that the Four Sacred Monks were in distress, leaving the righteous martial arts world leaderless.
Troubled by affairs of state, Song Dynasty Crown Prince Zhao Xu encountered Yu Chen as she contemplated suicide by jumping into water, hoping it might return her to the modern world. Zhao Xu attempted to rescue her, but Yu Chen, startled by his sudden appearance, effortlessly leapt thousands of feet into the air. She then realized that not only had she been transported, but the martial arts prowess of the game characters had also transferred to her.
Seeing her extraordinary skill, and believing her to be heaven-sent to lead the currently disunited martial arts world, Zhao Xu, expressing his sincerity with promises of a grand mansion and countless treasures, successfully persuaded her to accept the position of Martial Arts Alliance Leader. Yu Chen, though initially wishing to refuse, found herself unable to speak her true thoughts and instead declared it her inescapable duty.
Her ascension to this role, traditionally held by men, met with strong opposition from the patriarchs of various sects, notably the patriarch of Fenxin Pavilion. To quell their dissent, Yu Chen demonstrated her power by effortlessly striking the patriarch of Fenxin Pavilion from a distance, nearly killing him. With no one left to question her abilities, she firmly secured her new role, although it proved to be an arduous one, burdened with numerous trivial responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Qin Zhan discovered a painting he had obtained during a previous siege by the Six Major Sects; it depicted Yu Chen, leading him to suspect she, too, had been transported. Upon seeing a similar image later, explicitly identified as the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, he confirmed it was indeed Yu Chen, a realization that spurred some "wicked thoughts" in his mind. His thoughts were interrupted by Ming Yue, soon followed by Shu Er.
Having gone for an extended period without food or water, Qin Zhan's group was severely hungry. Their granary now empty, they were compelled to descend the mountain to find provisions, effectively needing to "rob." During their journey, Qin Zhan, out of boredom, used his powers to rapidly grow a small tree, which yielded strange, inedible fruits.
Upon reaching a village, they encountered a group of soldiers, identified as bandit troops belonging to the Western Xia Empress, Li Qiushui, who were pillaging the area and attacking villagers. Miao San, using his immense strength, effortlessly defeated the soldiers. Qin Zhan became a savior, not only rescuing the villagers but also healing the wounded.
Learning that this ravaged village fell under Lingjiu Palace's jurisdiction, and that the perpetrators were Li Qiushui's forces, Qin Zhan developed an intense hatred for her, promptly unleashing a torrent of abuse via "thousand-mile sound transmission." Meanwhile, Yu Chen, who was engaged in bandit suppression in the Central Plains, also caught a glimpse of Qin Zhan's transmitted image.
Having heard that this "great demon" was responsible for injuring the Six Major Sects, she swiftly obliterated the image with her sword energy. Qin Zhan, unaware of Yu Chen's actions, continued his journey. Approaching the Imperial City gate, he sought to confront those who opposed him. With a single punch, he toppled a section of the city wall and calmly walked inside.
Episode 3 Recap
Ding Laoguai, of the Xingxiu Sect, developed a poison called Chunqiu San. This colorless and odorless poison, once inflicted, makes the body as hard as rock and invulnerable to weapons, yet causes immense pain, preventing both life and death. Even a divine immortal would perish from it. Originally intended for Yu Chen, a mysterious man deemed Qin Zhan more dangerous, prioritizing him as a target.
Qin Zhan, accompanied by his group of subordinates including Miao San and Ming Yue, forcefully entered Western Xia City, effortlessly breaching its defenses and reaching the main hall. Inside the imperial palace, General Bai Mingqi, sent by the Empress Dowager of Western Xia to intercept them, was easily countered by Miao San. Ming Yue followed Qin Zhan deeper into the palace. Standing before the Empress Dowager, Qin Zhan's intimidating presence left her trembling.
Prioritizing her safety, she offered her throne to Qin Zhan. As she did so, she picked up a painting that had fallen from Qin Zhan's cloak, carefully opening it to reveal a portrait of Yu Chen, inscribed with the words "Martial Arts Alliance Leader, Buttocks Really Perky." Qin Zhan questioned if she recognized the person in the painting or knew of Yu Chen's whereabouts.
Misunderstanding Qin Zhan's intentions, the Empress Dowager believed he sought revenge against Yu Chen and saw an opportunity to ally with him to strengthen Western Xia. She then drew a portrait of her granddaughter, Li Qingxue, proposing a marriage alliance to secure Qin Zhan's powerful backing. A maid quickly conveyed the news to Princess Li Qingxue, who, initially preparing to rescue her grandmother, learned of the impending arranged marriage.
Unwilling to marry the "demon" Qin Zhan, Li Qingxue escaped from the palace with the maid's assistance. In her hurried escape, she jumped over a wall and, by a twist of fate, landed near Qin Zhan, who had just finished urinating. Upon their first meeting, Qin Zhan felt a sense of déjà vu, recognizing a striking resemblance between Li Qingxue and a disciple he had in a game before he "crossed over."
Li Qingxue fled from Qin Zhan but soon faced danger again. First, she was nearly ambushed at a roadside teahouse, from which Qin Zhan promptly rescued her. Despite this, she remained stubbornly determined to escape him and managed to leave by carriage. However, Qin Zhan, possessing a foresight akin to peeking into heavenly secrets, predicted their paths would cross again. Soon after, Li Qingxue and the carriage driver encountered bandits.
The driver abandoned her, leaving her to be captured, tied to a tree trunk, and subjected to harassment. Suddenly, a "pale-faced young man" appeared, disarming the bandits without physical contact, causing them to collapse and die. While Li Qingxue initially believed herself saved, this very rescuer proved to be a "flower thief" who subsequently attempted to assault her, having lured her to a temple for this purpose. Qin Zhan once again intervened, saving her.
He then forcibly took her as his disciple, much to her continued resentment, as she wrongly suspected these events were all part of Qin Zhan's elaborate scheme for a heroic rescue. Ming Yue inquired about Qin Zhan's strong interest in Li Qingxue, prompting Qin Zhan to reveal his true motivation. He explained that before his "crossing over" into the game, he had a disciple who looked very much like Li Qingxue.
In his haste to become stronger, he had neglected his former disciple's feelings, leading her to become disheartened and leave the game. He now sought to make amends and compensate Li Qingxue for his past actions. With the money acquired from the Western Xia palace, Qin Zhan now had the funds to repair his Lingshou Palace.
However, his immediate plan was to eat a good meal with his group, as they had been traveling for days without proper rest or food, before heading to Kaifeng, where Yu Chen was rumored to be. During their journey, Li Qingxue repeatedly tried to escape, but all her attempts were thwarted by Miao San. Upon arriving at an inn in the market, they found Shu Er and Han Yi already waiting.
Shu Er, noticing the addition of Li Qingxue to the group, became openly jealous and accused Qin Zhan of being a philanderer. Miao San quickly intervened, clarifying that Li Qingxue was Qin Zhan's newly accepted disciple, thereby diffusing the brewing argument. As food and drink were served, the group ate with great enthusiasm. Under the influence of alcohol, Qin Zhan candidly reiterated his intention to take Li Qingxue as a disciple.
However, unbeknownst to them, Ding Laoguai had poisoned the food and drink. As chaos ensued, Li Qingxue seized the opportunity to escape. Meanwhile, Qin Zhan, whose tolerance for alcohol was low, was already feeling the effects of three cups and began to waver. Ming Yue, realizing Li Qingxue's disappearance, then discovered the anomaly, confirming that the wine had been poisoned and Qin Zhan and his group had been captured by Ding Laoguai.
Episode 4 Recap
Qin Zhan and his companions, including Ming Yue and other members of his bodyguard group, were poisoned with Ding Laoguai's Spring Autumn Powder and brought to a mysterious grand hall by Ding Laoguai, who shivered intermittently. As Qin Zhan was brought forward, drowsy from the poison, he vomited wine, not blood, onto Ding Laoguai when his pressure point was poked.
Upon seeing his subordinates, including Ming Yue, lying unconscious, Qin Zhan quickly became alert, realized the crisis, and demanded an antidote from Ding Laoguai. However, Ding Laoguai found an opportunity and escaped, along with a masked man in black who was seated on a high platform and his accompanying female attendant.
The masked man's female attendant, who had attacked Qin Zhan earlier with a drawn sword, and other guards (some identified as dead samurai or having consumed invigorating salt pills) stayed behind to stall Qin Zhan. Although these guards' power was greatly enhanced by the pills, they were no match for Qin Zhan. He effortlessly defeated the female attendant and others, deciding not to kill the loyal female attendant.
Out of gratitude for Qin Zhan sparing her life, she revealed that the poison was unique and could only be cured by Doctor Xue. To find Doctor Xue, one must solve the Exquisite Chess Game on Drum Mountain. Qin Zhan also learned from the remaining defeated guards, whom he spared and recruited into the Spirit Vulture Palace, that Doctor Xue was the sole cure.
Qin Zhan attempted to expel the toxins from his subordinates, including Miao San, using his internal energy, but it was futile. Time was crucial as the poison deepened with each passing moment. To save his "brothers," Qin Zhan gathered his four poisoned companions and embarked on a difficult journey to Drum Mountain, pulling a cart himself. During their arduous travels, Ming Yue and Shu Er mistakenly ate poisonous fruits for hunger, exacerbating their condition.
Upon reaching Drum Mountain, Qin Zhan discovered that Yu Chen, Zhao Xu, and members of the Six Major Sects had already arrived. The White-Browed Hero, who had previously been humiliated at the Spirit Vulture Palace, recognized Qin Zhan. Incited by him, the crowd swarmed and attacked Qin Zhan, but he easily defeated them with just a few moves. Qin Zhan and Yu Chen, both having "transmigrated" into the game, finally met.
A peculiar phenomenon occurred where they could not control the words they spoke, though they understood each other's predicament, bewildering the surrounding martial artists. Zhao Xu attempted to solve the Exquisite Chess Game with a white-haired old man but lost due to his poor chess skills. Qin Zhan, confident from his decade of exploring the game, challenged the old man, only to discover it was Gomoku (five-in-a-row) instead of Go, and lost disastrously due to not knowing the rules.
Zhao Xu then encouraged Yu Chen to try for the sake of the martial arts world. Despite having no understanding of chess, Yu Chen inexplicably solved the game. With the chess game solved, Doctor Xue appeared. He learned there were many patients needing treatment and discovered that Qin Zhan possessed the rare Six Yang Fruit, an essential medicinal primer for the cure.
This fruit had grown on a large tree cultivated by Qin Zhan's internal energy, and his poisoned companions, including Ming Yue, had eaten it to satisfy their hunger. With over 700 people now poisoned by Ding Laoguai's toxin, Qin Zhan, though speaking words he couldn't control but which reflected his true feelings, proposed to use the Six Yang Fruit to save the lives of these 700 people in exchange for dual cultivation with Yu Chen.
Yu Chen, after some deliberation and ignoring others' advice, accepted the Six Yang Fruit. Doctor Xue then proceeded to save Qin Zhan's subordinates. As Qin Zhan was widely regarded as a demon lord and Yu Chen as the respected martial arts alliance leader, Yu Chen had to maintain distance from him in front of the others, despite their prior acquaintance. To account for the martial artists, Yu Chen promised a duel with Qin Zhan in three days outside Kaifeng City.
Meanwhile, in a grand hall, the masked man in black reprimanded Ding Laoguai, questioning why Qin Zhan remained unharmed despite the powerful poison. The White-Browed Hero reported to the masked man that Yu Chen had injured Qin Zhan, but they had subsequently made up and shaken hands due to Qin Zhan possessing the rare Six Yang Fruit. Upon hearing this, Ding Laoguai became agitated, suggesting that since Yu Chen could injure Qin Zhan, they should kill Doctor Xue and frame Qin Zhan for the deed.
Episode 5 Recap
Physician Xue took action, and the poison suffered by the bodyguard group members was cured, which also relieved Qin Zhan's great worry. The only regret he had was that Physician Xue could not heal Han Yi's eyes. Yu Chen and Qin Zhan parted ways. They could not forget the decisive battle outside Kaifeng City three days later.
In front of fellow martial artists, it was called a decisive battle, but between them, it was merely an opportunity for them to meet alone. Things had come to this, and Qin Zhan had seen through it: since he couldn't be a good person, he would be a bad person to the end, uniting the evil factions and confronting the righteous sects of the martial arts world until the very end.
He would start by targeting the Star Constellation Sea; once Ding Laoguai was captured, everything else would be easy. The leader of the bodyguard group volunteered to go to the Star Constellation Sea to investigate the situation for Qin Zhan. In Qingfeng Town, Li Qingxue had already escaped here. The unusual crowd in front of a teahouse piqued Li Qingxue's curiosity.
Observing the strange behavior of the customers entering and exiting the teahouse, Li Qingxue concluded that there must be something wrong with this teahouse. Spending a large sum, Li Qingxue was ushered directly into the teahouse by the owner without waiting in line. She took out a silver needle to test, but there were no signs of poison in the tea.
Quietly following into the back courtyard of the teahouse, Li Qingxue discovered that the owner was actually burying customers who had fainted from drinking tea directly in the open space behind. Li Qingxue went to report to the authorities, but unexpectedly, the government had already colluded with the teahouse owner. Li Qingxue was tricked into drinking poisoned tea, losing her voice and unable to speak.
The county magistrate conveniently shifted all the murder charges onto Li Qingxue and ordered her execution at noon, intending to silence her. Qin Zhan's first stop in his search for Ding Laoguai was Qingfeng Town. By a stroke of luck, Qin Zhan encountered Li Qingxue, who was about to be executed, in this place. Noon arrived. Unlocked from her shackles, kneeling on the execution platform, Li Qingxue closed her eyes tightly.
Although unwilling in her heart, her inner fear could only make her await the arrival of death. As the blade was raised and about to fall, Qin Zhan arrived just in time, firmly grasping the great saber that was about to descend. Meow San threw a punch, knocking off the executioner's head. Holding Li Qingxue in his arms, Qin Zhan's emotions could not calm down for a long time.
Killing corrupt officials, rectifying Qingfeng Town, and destroying all of Ding Laoguai's strongholds, Qin Zhan claimed Qingfeng Town for himself. Now, Li Qingxue finally understood Qin Zhan's feelings for her; she was even more willing to stay by Qin Zhan's side, not only to learn things but also because staying by Qin Zhan's side was extremely safe. Yu Chen, Zhao Xu, and their group rested in a tavern, but unintentionally overheard two drunkards making lewd remarks about Yu Chen.
Zhao Xu, angered by what he heard, wanted to stand up for Yu Chen but was stopped by her, who advised him not to stir up trouble. The son of the local seventh-rank county magistrate, having heard of Yu Chen's renown, brought men and took over the entire tavern, ordering everyone else out and allowing only Miss Yu Chen to remain.
Looking down on people with dog's eyes, this dissolute young master actually dared to be disrespectful to the current Crown Prince and was severely beaten by the four masters accompanying Zhao Xu. With a token in hand, Zhao Xu revealed his identity, and even the dissolute young master's father had to kneel to apologize to Zhao Xu. To atone for the offense, the seventh-rank county magistrate graciously invited Zhao Xu to stay at his residence.
Unexpectedly, this old man, who acted one way to their face and another behind their back, secretly colluded with the Star Constellation Sect, intending to eliminate Zhao Xu. Walls have ears; Yu Chen overheard their conversation outside the window and immediately returned to the room to tell Zhao Xu about it. Yu Chen stayed behind to cover their retreat, while the four masters escorted Zhao Xu to leave overnight. Time was urgent.
Physician Xue complained for a long time after tripping on the road, and due to the delay, Ding Laoguai had already caught up with Zhao Xu and his group. The leader of the bodyguard group, Han Yi, after a rough journey, finally arrived at the Star Constellation Sea, but it was too late; the Star Constellation Sea no longer existed, and Ding Laoguai was not there either. Qin Zhan carefully instructed her to return quickly.
Episode 6 Recap
In the deep forest, a late-night battle ensued. The four masters beside Zhao Xu fought a decisive battle against Ding Laoguai. The Four Elders of Vajra Leg, the Great Elder of Iron Head Skill, Elder Gao of Golden Bell Shield, and Elder Shou of Grappling Hand, these four elders joined forces, working together to confront Ding Laoguai in a hand-to-hand combat. They intended to use the Great Elder's Iron Head Skill to repel Ding Laoguai.
One against four, the four renowned masters of the martial arts world were no match for Ding Laoguai alone. After a hundred rounds of intense fighting, dust flew everywhere, and Ding Laoguai actually defeated all four masters. Zhao Xu fled overnight with Divine Doctor Xue, only hoping that the four masters could delay Ding Laoguai for a longer time, thus buying them time to escape.
Along the way, Divine Doctor Xue stopped and rested frequently, delaying much time, and was finally caught up by Ding Laoguai, who blocked their path. Ding Laoguai relentlessly pursued Divine Doctor Xue, not just because Divine Doctor Xue had deciphered Ding Laoguai's 'Spring and Autumn Powder'. One loved to poison, the other loved to save people; as rivals destined to meet, the two were bound to have a showdown here to determine who was superior.
The pitiable innocent Zhao Xu naturally became a tool for their comparison. Ding Laoguai poisoned Zhao Xu, and Divine Doctor Xue used silver needles to detoxify Zhao Xu. However, being outmatched, Ding Laoguai unleashed his most potent poison. Divine Doctor Xue, having no other recourse, transferred the toxins to his own body, saving Zhao Xu but causing his own death by poison. Just as Ding Laoguai was gloating, Qin Zhan suddenly appeared behind him.
Ding Laoguai had been committing evil deeds everywhere, and Qin Zhan took this opportunity to subdue him. Yu Chen was intercepted and pursued by a female guard of the black-clothed masked man. This female guard also slandered Qin Zhan, claiming she was acting under Qin Zhan's orders to pursue Yu Chen. As a result, the two, already on opposing sides, developed an even greater misunderstanding.
The female guard consumed a pill that greatly enhanced her power and engaged Yu Chen in battle. Her broken sword signified defeat; how could the female guard be a match for the Martial Alliance Leader? A flare signal rose in the dense forest. By the time Yu Chen rushed over, Qin Zhan and Ding Laoguai were no longer there, leaving behind only the deceased Divine Doctor Xue and the gravely wounded Zhao Xu, whose body was covered in silver needles.
Inside the dilapidated temple, Qin Zhan brought Ding Laoguai there. Under duress and temptation, Ding Laoguai finally told the truth. He admitted that he had committed all sorts of evil deeds before, and had framed Qin Zhan for all these crimes. However, he also had his own difficulties; the masked man of the night had threatened Ding Laoguai, stating that if he didn't comply, all his subordinates would be killed.
The members of the guard group demonstrated their skills in front of Ding Laoguai, who was impressed and willingly pledged allegiance to Qin Zhan. Returning to the Alliance Leader's Mansion, martial arts figures were in an uproar. In a few days, it would be the Emperor's birthday. If Qin Zhan were to launch a sudden attack at this time, it would surely incur the Emperor's wrath. Yu Chen ordered all soldiers to intensify their vigilance and be cautious recently.
It turned out that Xiao Naihe, who had been dwelling beside Yu Chen, was the black-clothed masked man who had previously kidnapped Qin Zhan and his group. However, he was now lurking beside Yu Chen, discreetly plotting evil deeds that would harm the entire martial arts world. Qin Zhan, along with Ming Yue and Shu Er, easily infiltrated Kaifeng City. As soon as they entered Kaifeng City, they discovered that someone was impersonating them and doing unknown things.
To investigate the whole matter more thoroughly, Qin Zhan humbled himself, humbly hoping that the fake Qin Zhan would take them in, thus allowing them to infiltrate and gather more information. By a strange coincidence, Qin Zhan actually brought back the item that the fake Qin Zhan had intentionally left for the Martial Alliance Leader.
Ming Yue and Shu Er secretly investigated and discovered that the several carts of items the fake Qin Zhan had brought into Kaifeng City were all fireworks prepared for the Longevity Festival. However, hidden within these fireworks were the poisons that Ding Laoguai had previously made for the black-clothed masked man. The black-clothed masked man's plan was to turn the Longevity Festival into chaos, endanger the lives of all citizens, and then pin all the blame on Qin Zhan.
Upon learning of this, Ming Yue and Shu Er immediately reported the full details of the matter to Qin Zhan. Just as the three were preparing for their next move, Qin Zhan encountered the White-Browed Hero here.
Episode 7 Recap
The White-Browed Swordsman discovered Qin Zhan, and the fear in his heart completely distorted his features as he fled in a panic. He quickly reported Qin Zhan's arrival in Kaifeng to Xiao Naihe. Xiao Naihe smiled calmly, thinking that Qin Zhan was already a turtle in a jar and he had his own way to deal with him. In the Alliance Leader's Residence late at night, Yu Chen was also restless.
She still couldn't understand what Qin Zhan was truly up to. Her inner unease made her prepare to meet Qin Zhan in person to clarify everything. A cat's meow outside the window revealed that Qin Zhan had already taken a step ahead, sending Shu Er to the Alliance Leader's Residence to find Yu Chen. The fake Qin Zhan seemed to have seen through Qin Zhan's identity and dispatched his subordinates to surround Qin Zhan and Ming Yue, demanding their surrender.
Qin Zhan did not resist. In the confusion, Qin Zhan unintentionally dropped Li Qingxue's Western Xia Princess token from his person. The fake Qin Zhan picked up the token, pondered it carefully, his brows furrowed, and his expression became tense. It turned out he had mistaken Qin Zhan for a Western Xia prince, and quickly ordered his subordinates to retreat.
Taking advantage of the situation, Qin Zhan genuinely disguised himself as a Western Xia prince and came up with a plan, using the excuse that he was there to find a consort for the Western Xia princess. In order to become the Western Xia consort, the fake Qin Zhan showed off his skills, performing various martial arts from different schools to prove himself. When the time was right, Qin Zhan no longer needed to continue his disguise.
With an angry roar, Qin Zhan used his aura to send everyone flying out of the room. Kneeling and begging for mercy, the fake Qin Zhan confessed the truth, saying that he had been instructed by the White-Browed Swordsman to impersonate Qin Zhan and act recklessly in Kaifeng city.
The fake Qin Zhan explained that there were a total of eighteen carts of fireworks, and with less than an hour until they were set off, it was simply impossible to evacuate all of them. Just as everyone was frowning in distress, the sound of fireworks exploding suddenly echoed in the sky. Before the appointed time, someone had actually lit the fireworks prematurely. Poisonous gas spread in the sky.
Yu Chen went to the streets to disperse the common people, while Qin Zhan stood atop the pavilion, using his internal energy to form a palm strike and dissipate the poisonous gas in the sky. The beauty of the fireworks was captivating. Despite Yu Chen's hoarse shouts that poisonous gas was spreading within the fireworks, the common people were unwilling to leave.
Finally, Qin Zhan unleashed a powerful move, shaping a human face from the clouds in the sky, frightening everyone away and saving their lives. Now, fires broke out everywhere in Kaifeng city, and residual poisonous gas still floated above. Shu Er dealt with the last stronghold for lighting the fireworks, and Qin Zhan also rescued a child from the blaze.
At the gates of Kaifeng city, the leaders of various martial arts sects and Yu Chen, the Alliance Leader, were already waiting. Now, the crime of poisoning and arson had been completely framed upon Qin Zhan. The persistence of the common people and the aggressive pressure from the sect leaders created a conflict between her personal feelings and her current position. Only Yu Chen herself understood what kind of person Qin Zhan truly was.
Facing the doubts of the common people, Yu Chen found it impossible to lay a hand on Qin Zhan. Thinking back to their time together in the game, when Qin Zhan had taken Yu Chen to level up, fight monsters, and admire the most beautiful places in the game, how could she bear to harm Qin Zhan? Qin Zhan couldn't bear to let Yu Chen continue to be embarrassed, so he voluntarily took the blame.
Even with Qin Zhan's abilities, no one could stop him from leaving, but if he were to leave, Yu Chen's position as the Alliance Leader would certainly be threatened. Weighing the pros and cons, Qin Zhan launched an attack, controlling the sword in Yu Chen's hand and making her stab it into his chest. Qin Zhan's blood flowed from the blade, and in his eyes, there was no blame, but instead a gaze full of tenderness. Yu Chen, on the other hand, felt extremely guilty towards Qin Zhan.
Episode 8 Recap
After Qin Zhan set fire to Kaifeng city, the matter reached the imperial court, leading the enraged Emperor to order Qin Zhan's immediate execution. The martial arts world's famous righteous sects rejoiced, with some sect leaders vehemently criticizing Qin Zhan in front of Yu Chen. However, Yu Chen was greatly dissatisfied with the Emperor's rash decision, believing Qin Zhan to be innocent. She prepared to argue with the Emperor, holding an imperial edict, but Prince Zhao Xu intercepted her.
Concerned for her safety, Zhao Xu warned that her reckless actions would be detrimental to both her and Qin Zhan, and promised to intercede with the Emperor on Qin Zhan's behalf. Yu Chen maintained that it was an unwritten rule for the court not to interfere in Jianghu affairs. She angrily condemned the "righteous" sects for ignoring the suspicious circumstances, such as a witness being killed and the White-browed Hero fleeing, all of which indicated Qin Zhan was framed.
Meanwhile, Xiao Naihe, a high-ranking figure in the martial arts world and a key associate of the Liao King, anticipated Yu Chen's intervention if Qin Zhan were to die, believing it would only strengthen their relationship. He proposed imprisoning Qin Zhan in the Demon Trapping Tower, a place that could only be opened with the Martial Arts Alliance Leader's token and which even the Emperor avoided.
Yu Chen, deeming it the best way to keep Qin Zhan alive since directly freeing him was impossible, accepted the proposal, intending to investigate the truth and rescue him later. Qin Zhan and Ming Yue were already confined in a dark dungeon. Yu Chen visited Qin Zhan, who easily shattered his chains but, to avoid embarrassing Yu Chen, willingly agreed to be imprisoned in the Demon Trapping Tower.
Qin Zhan requested that Ming Yue be released, taking sole responsibility for the trouble. Ming Yue, however, refused to leave, determined to stay with Qin Zhan, especially after finally getting an opportunity to be alone with the Palace Lord. Despite Yu Chen's reluctance, Ming Yue's stubborn insistence led Yu Chen to agree to let her accompany Qin Zhan into the Demon Trapping Tower. Overnight, Qin Zhan's injuries largely healed.
Yu Chen took his purse, which Qin Zhan stated contained all his belongings and must be carefully preserved. The next morning, Qin Zhan was placed in a cage, and Yu Chen personally led the escort party to the Demon Trapping Tower. During a rest stop, Qin Zhan called Yu Chen aside, wishing to see her more before his imprisonment. He gave her a life-saving amulet, described as a necklace, asking her to take care.
En route, a small boy named Ling'er, whom Qin Zhan had saved during the Kaifeng fire, obstructed their path with a wooden sword, intending to rescue Qin Zhan out of gratitude. Moved by his sincerity, Yu Chen temporarily released Qin Zhan from the cage. Qin Zhan assured Ling'er that he was merely going to handle some business, his martial arts were unmatched, and no one could harm him.
He then taught Ling'er the lost "Armor Breaking Style" from the "Dugu Sword Art" using a wooden stick. As they continued, Yu Chen worried about Qin Zhan's injuries, but he casually waved his arm and yawned, causing the entire cage to burst apart. Upon arriving at the Demon Trapping Tower, everyone was astonished. Qin Zhan, who had explored the "Tian Long Ba Bu" game for ten years, was unaware of such a place.
The tower was surrounded by an evil aura. After Qin Zhan's attempts to flatter her at the entrance, Yu Chen kicked him into the tower. Ming Yue, complaining, jumped in after him. Yu Chen promised to rescue him once the truth was uncovered. Yu Chen was unaware of the tower's origin or its builders, knowing only that people entered but never left, and that it could only be opened with the Martial Arts Alliance Leader's token.
Inside, Qin Zhan discovered "demon heads" confined in cages, looking dispirited. Some well-meaning prisoners advised Qin Zhan to enter a cage quickly to avoid suffering. As the tower guard approached, other prisoners scattered, but Qin Zhan walked towards him. Xiao Naihe, who was a Liao sinner but was pardoned after finding the 'Divine Corpse' for the Khan, sought to unify the world. The Khan believed this Divine Corpse could help sweep away armies.
To revive the Divine Corpse, a special pill was needed: one summary called it the "Treasure Pill from Lingjiu Palace," while another identified it as Qin Zhan's "Soul Returning Pill," which was now in Yu Chen's purse. Xiao Naihe, who had cultivated several, specifically five, invulnerable strong men or "dead soldiers" by refining the Divine Corpse, led the Liao King into the Demon Trapping Tower to revive the Divine Corpse. Yu Chen was no match for these five invulnerable individuals.
After Qin Zhan and Ming Yue entered the tower, they lost contact. Elsewhere, in Lingjiu Palace, Li Qingxue and others decided to unite the evil sects. Following Ding Laoguai's analysis, Li Qingxue successfully persuaded the other three major evil sects to yield without bloodshed. Their plan was to retaliate if the righteous martial arts sects acted against Qin Zhan. Upon returning, Yu Chen began investigating the White-browed Hero. Although she didn't find him, she quickly located his apprentice, Geng Zhi.
Episode 9 Recap
Yu Chen was framed, as imperial soldiers suddenly arrived at her residence and discovered letters indicating her collusion with the Liao Kingdom. Meanwhile, Zhao Xu, Yu Chen, and Beggar Gang Leader Xu discovered the lifeless body of Geng Zhi, the junior apprentice of the White-Browed Swordsman, tied to a tree.
On Geng Zhi's person, they found a token from Zuihua Zhai in Taohua Town, which Beggar Gang Leader Xu recognized as a brothel waist token, leading them to infer that the White-Browed Swordsman was likely there and in grave danger, as Geng Zhi had been killed. As they prepared to head to Taohua Town, an army led by General Liu blocked their path, intent on arresting Yu Chen, the martial arts alliance leader.
Despite Zhao Xu's status as the Crown Prince, General Liu disregarded his plea, citing imperial orders and evidence of secret letters exchanged by Yu Chen with Liao. To protect Yu Chen, Zhao Xu desperately cut himself with a dagger, but General Liu remained persistent, ordering Zhao Xu's arrest and the capture of Yu Chen. Yu Chen instructed Beggar Gang Leader Xu to go ahead, and she then vanished in a puff of white smoke, disappearing from the soldiers' sight.
Separately, Qin Zhan found himself imprisoned in Kunmo Tower. He initially remained at ease, believing he would only stay a few days, and waited for Ming Yue, who had been separated from him, to send a telepathic message. However, a fellow prisoner disabused him of this notion, revealing that in a century, no one had ever escaped Kunmo Tower alive, despite many attempts ending in death.
Qin Zhan learned that the tower, built to hold various demonic figures, also held the loved ones of loyal individuals, and even an alliance leader's token had failed to secure a rescue. Each cell contained a stone designed to absorb internal energy, requiring prisoners to contribute regularly. Qin Zhan, refusing to comply, was eventually confronted by the tower guard who opened his cell door.
Ming Yue, meanwhile, was also in Kunmo Tower, unable to find Qin Zhan or send her telepathic messages through. Back on the outside, Li Qingxue, Miao San, and Hao Dongzhu of an evil martial arts sect were discussing plans to rescue Qin Zhan. Beggar Gang Leader Xu, after escaping the imperial soldiers, experienced an unfortunate incident of urinary incontinence while riding, infuriating Li Qingxue. She ordered Miao San to stop him.
To get away swiftly, Beggar Gang Leader Xu promised a fight against Miao San by the Taohua Town river that night, vowing to return Qin Zhan to Li Qingxue if Miao San won. Yu Chen, too, rode at full speed towards Taohua Town. Along the way, she was intercepted by invulnerable giants, who were Xiao Naihe's death warriors cultivated within Kunmo Tower. Yu Chen, a top-tier martial artist, engaged them with her sword.
Despite her skill, she was severely beaten, even spitting blood, within a hundred rounds. Gathering her resolve, Yu Chen gripped her sword, unleashed a swift attack, breaking the giant's weapon and forcing him to his knees. Though she killed one, she sustained injuries herself. Beggar Gang Leader Xu arrived at Zuihua Zhai in Taohua Town ahead of others, where Xiao Naihe's subordinates were also searching for the White-Browed Swordsman.
Beggar Gang Leader Xu located the White-Browed Swordsman, who was disguised as an ambiguously gendered person, appearing female, to evade capture. The White-Browed Swordsman revealed to Beggar Gang Leader Xu that Xiao Naihe was the true colluder with the Liao Kingdom, having seen Liao's unique totem and admitting he was once misguided into helping him. When informed of Geng Zhi's death, the White-Browed Swordsman expressed deep regret for his only apprentice's demise.
Soon after, Xiao Naihe and his subordinates arrived at Zuihua Zhai. By the time Yu Chen reached the brothel, she found the place a bloodbath, with hundreds massacred, and the White-Browed Swordsman among the dead. Xiao Naihe, having anticipated Yu Chen's arrival, had not left. He orchestrated a scene to frame Yu Chen for the massacre and for colluding with Liao. Enraged, Yu Chen plunged her sword directly into Xiao Naihe's chest.
This act was witnessed by various martial artists arriving on the scene, solidifying the false accusation of Yu Chen's collusion with Liao. Xiao Naihe, with four death warriors standing behind him, quietly told Yu Chen to consider the lives of the martial artists present. Understanding that if she escaped, Xiao Naihe would kill everyone there, Yu Chen, for the greater good, laid down her sword and surrendered. Xiao Naihe's true intention in these events was to retrieve Qin Zhan's brocade pouch.
Episode 10 Recap
Qin Zhan, confined in the Demon Trapping Tower, grew impatient and increasingly worried about Ming Yue's safety. Having refused to contribute his inner energy to a giant stone hanging on his cell wall, Yang Lidi, the Tower Master of his floor, came to investigate. Yang Lidi challenged Qin Zhan, promising a meeting with Ming Yue if Qin Zhan could defeat him. Qin Zhan swiftly attacked, striking Yang Lidi and using his formidable inner energy.
However, Yang Lidi, identified as a former Ming Cult leader from fifty years ago who had mastered the "Heaven and Earth Great Shift," possessed the ability to transfer any damage inflicted upon him to others. As Qin Zhan seized Yang Lidi's neck in a powerful move, Ming Yue, located on an upper level of the tower, was simultaneously choked and suspended in mid-air.
Through a telepathic message, Ming Yue managed to inform Qin Zhan that all the harm he inflicted upon Yang Lidi was being redirected and inflicted upon her. Fearing for Ming Yue's well-being, Qin Zhan returned to his cell, where his cellmate, Old Wang, confirmed Yang Lidi's identity and his powerful, damage-transferring ability. Concurrently, by a stream in Peach Blossom Town, Li Qingxue and her companions were awaiting the arrival of Beggar Gang Leader Xu for a duel.
After a long wait, they discovered Gang Leader Xu severely injured and floating in the stream. Upon being revived, Gang Leader Xu urged them to flee, as one of Xiao Naihe's bulletproof burly death warriors, cultivated in the Demon Trapping Tower, arrived in pursuit. Miao San attempted to intercept the burly man but was swiftly defeated. Gang Leader Xu, claiming a broken arm, initially resisted fighting, but Qingxue, utilizing bone-setting skills previously taught by Qin Zhan, healed his arm.
In a sudden move, Gang Leader Xu grabbed Qingxue's arm and ran. The giant burly man then knocked both Gang Leader Xu and Qingxue off a cliff, with Miao San and the death warrior jumping down after them. Meanwhile, Alliance Leader Yu Chen awoke to find herself bound by millennium profound iron chains in a dark dungeon.
Xiao Naihe appeared, confiscating a brocade pouch Qin Zhan had given Yu Chen, only to find it empty of the treasure pills from Spirit Vulture Palace. Xiao Naihe, noting a strange necklace Yu Chen wore but dismissing it, explicitly stated his demand for a treasure pill, but Yu Chen remained defiant and silent, unable to break her unbreakable chains with inner energy.
Frustrated, Xiao Naihe decided to contact the major righteous sects and publicly dispose of Yu Chen at a "sword discussion conference" in a few days. Prince Zhao Xu subsequently arrived, intending to retrieve Yu Chen from her captivity. However, the cunning Xiao Naihe shrewdly exploited Zhao Xu's weaknesses, citing the standing agreement between the martial arts world and the imperial court against mutual interference. This forced Zhao Xu to depart reluctantly without Yu Chen.
On his return journey, Zhao Xu's sedan was intercepted by Yu Chen's close assistant, Xiao Bing, disguised in black. Xiao Bing informed Zhao Xu that Xiao Naihe was specifically after Qin Zhan's brocade pouch and that no other sects were willing to help Yu Chen, leaving Zhao Xu as their only hope.
Unable to directly stage a prison break, Xiao Bing proposed seeking assistance from the Spirit Vulture Palace, highlighting the strong personal relationship between their leader, Qin Zhan, and Yu Chen. Following this suggestion, Zhao Xu, escorted by his Four Elders, dramatically visited the Spirit Vulture Palace, offering countless gold and treasures in exchange for their aid in rescuing Yu Chen.
The Spirit Vulture Palace, having unified all evil sects, was already mobilizing to rescue Qin Zhan from the Demon Trapping Tower, but initially seemed indifferent to Yu Chen's plight. At this critical juncture, Ming Yue discovered that the unique horn-shaped structure of the Demon Trapping Tower could amplify telepathic messages. Utilizing this "telepathic message" technique, she managed to connect Qin Zhan with the members of the Spirit Vulture Palace, including Han Yi and Ding Ding, and also reached Qingxue.
Eventually, Zhao Xu also joined the telepathic conversation. After everyone exchanged information regarding their respective situations, Qin Zhan, upon learning of Xiao Naihe's impending public disposal of Yu Chen at the "sword discussion conference," issued an urgent command for all Spirit Vulture Palace guard members to assemble their forces and prioritize Yu Chen's rescue.
Qingxue added that Beggar Gang Leader Xu, who was still alive, was a crucial witness to prove Yu Chen's innocence, and that Miao San had been seriously injured in his earlier fight with the burly man. Enraged, Qin Zhan swore to kill Xiao Naihe. Recognizing that further imprisonment was futile, Qin Zhan began violently stomping his feet, causing the entire Demon Trapping Tower to tremble precariously. This drew Yang Lidi to his cell.
Qin Zhan skillfully trapped Yang Lidi using the iron bars of his cell. Knowing Yang Lidi had no offensive capabilities and only transferred harm to others, primarily Ming Yue, Qin Zhan took the tower keys from him. He then, with his initially hesitant cellmate Old Wang, proceeded to the upper level to rendezvous with Ming Yue.
Old Wang's reluctance transformed into resolve upon Qin Zhan's mention of a dog on the upper level, which Old Wang identified as "Brother Huang," a dog Yang Lidi had used to threaten him. Meanwhile, on the upper floor, Ming Yue had already discovered a large yellow dog, which led her into an excavated tunnel.
Episode 11 Recap
Shu Er, renowned for his peerless Qinggong, independently infiltrated Xiao Naihe's heavily guarded dungeon, easily escaping to scout Xiao Naihe's schemes. Although he attempted to rescue Yu Chen, he found it impossible to bypass four or five assassins, forcing him to slip away. Enraged by Shu Er's trick, Xiao Naihe vowed to kill everyone at the upcoming sword-fighting convention. Meanwhile, after jumping off a cliff, Li Qingxue and Xu Bangzhu found Miao San severely injured and unconscious.
Following Xu Bangzhu's advice, Li Qingxue fed Miao San water until he choked awake. However, Xiao Naihe's trained assassins pursued them. Xu Bangzhu, the sole witness who could clear Yu Chen and Qin Zhan's names, was critically important to protect. Miao San, enduring pain, desperately tried to hold off the assassins while Xu Bangzhu attempted to pull Li Qingxue away. Remembering Qin Zhan's powerful words about brothers united and sharing life and death, Li Qingxue refused to abandon Miao San.
Despite her shallow internal power, she bravely fought, eventually strangling one assassin but was knocked down and incapacitated by a fierce impact. Qin Zhan, accompanied by Lao Wang, progressed through the Demon-Trapping Tower, reaching an upper floor described as a women's prison. The guardians of this level were twin sisters, clad in blue and red, who had been fiercely fighting for beauty for fifty years, with no clear victor for the past ten.
Qin Zhan discovered their ability to mimic others' kung fu, which explained their prolonged stalemate. Each sister held half of the key to the upper floor. The sisters then spotted a brocade pouch on Qin Zhan's waist, recognizing it as belonging to Xiang Nan, a martial artist whom both women had loved. Qin Zhan had found this pouch among a pile of white bones in the dungeon. The sisters mistakenly believed Xiang Nan had returned to save them.
Lao Wang sadly informed them that Xiang Nan had died of lovesickness a decade ago. The sisters, who had struggled for so long over Xiang Nan's love, finally ceased their dispute. The pouch, when opened, was found to contain their favorite food. Willing to help Qin Zhan, they each gave him their half of the key and requested the key to the next floor so they could mourn Xiang Nan's body.
On this same level, Ming Yue suddenly descended from the sky and converged with Qin Zhan. The following day, Xiao Naihe commenced the sword-fighting convention, intending to publicly execute Yu Chen and eliminate the members of Lingjiu Palace. Those Yu Chen had previously aided now stood by her side, prepared to eliminate the Liao Kingdom spy, considering it their duty.
Han Yi, Shu Er, Xiao Bing, and Ding Laoguai arrived to rescue Yu Chen, adhering to Qin Zhan's orders despite any past disagreements. A battle between good and evil thus erupted, much to Xiao Naihe's amusement. Zhao Xu, as a prince, could have stayed out of martial arts affairs and protected himself, but he instead stood on the city wall, threatened the city guard general with a sword, and forced him to dispatch troops to aid the Lingjiu Palace guards.
Yu Chen, realizing Xiao Naihe's true intention was to destroy the entire martial arts world, urged everyone to leave, but her warning went unheeded. Qin Zhan, Ming Yue, and Lao Wang then ascended to the tower master's levels, ultimately reaching the highest floor of the Demon-Trapping Tower, paradoxically described as a ground-level area. Upon opening the door, they beheld a giant, glowing object encased in countless iron chains.
As the chains dispersed, an old bald monk, the tower master, floated down. This formidable individual had guarded the tower for over a century, absorbing internal energy for a hundred years, and possessed extraordinary skill. Lao Wang, eager to re-enter the martial world and prove his worth to Qin Zhan, volunteered to test the tower master's strength.
However, using his long-unused martial art "Capturing Hand" in a frantic display, Lao Wang was instantly drained of all his internal energy in less than one round. With this formidable enemy now facing him, Qin Zhan stepped forward to confront the tower master. Ming Yue observed that the tower master's internal energy was strikingly similar to Qin Zhan's, making it Qin Zhan's challenge to break the Demon-Trapping Tower's infamous reputation of being a place "one-way-in, no-way-out."
Episode 12 Recap
In the Confined Demon Tower, Qin Zhan engaged in a fierce battle with the Tower Master, a bald, fat man who possessed the ability to condense internal force, a skill akin to Qin Zhan's own. The Tower Master attacked with countless sharp swords, which Qin Zhan barely managed to counter with sprays of blood-red and black qi, resulting in a stalemate.
Qin Zhan discovered that the Tower Master could neutralize and absorb his internal force with every strike, feeling an "unprecedented comfort" from Qin Zhan's "centuries-worth internal force" despite his youth. This absorption process also caused a scar hole, or monk's scar, on the Tower Master's head to emit white smoke or steam.
Qin Zhan, hailing from the modern world, along with Ming Yue, deduced that this scar hole served as a vent for excess internal force, preventing the Tower Master from exploding due to overload. Deciding on a risky strategy, Qin Zhan intensified his attack, confronting the Tower Master directly and allowing his power to be absorbed.
At this critical moment, Ming Yue, who had previously discussed the plan with Qin Zhan and announced her intent to handle the remainder of the fight, appeared beside the Tower Master. She applied a medicated plaster, which had been left by the Sister Flowers and was typically used for back pain, to the Tower Master's head, effectively blocking the scar hole.
Trapped and unable to release the absorbed energy or escape, the Tower Master's internal force accumulated to a critical point, causing him to explode and die. Following the Tower Master's defeat, the Sister Flowers and other prisoners, now freed, expressed their gratitude and offered their allegiance to Qin Zhan. However, Qin Zhan, pressed for time, bid them farewell and departed alone.
Meanwhile, at the Sword Discourse Assembly, tensions were high as both righteous and evil factions prepared for an impending conflict, with Xiao Naihe plotting to manipulate the situation for his own gain. Ding Laoguai of the Xingxiu Sect, identified as one of the four major evil faction leaders, initiated a treacherous plan by setting traps and releasing poison smoke, specifically the Spring-Autumn Powder, which swiftly poisoned many prominent righteous martial artists.
Han Yi and her subordinates arrived to aid Yu Chen, joined by other evil faction leaders, quickly gaining the upper hand as the righteous members were rendered powerless by the poison. At this critical juncture, Li Qingxue arrived with Leader Xu of the Beggar Gang, who was previously presumed dead.
Leader Xu valiantly exposed Xiao Naihe's intricate conspiracy, not only clearing Yu Chen's and Qin Zhan's names but also revealing Xiao Naihe as the true Liaodong spy, marked by a wolf totem on his chest. Leader Xu further detailed Xiao Naihe's atrocities, including setting Kaifeng ablaze and murdering witnesses. His high standing in the martial arts world ensured his words were believed, forcing Xiao Naihe to shed his disguise and reveal his hideous true face.
In response, Xiao Naihe unleashed his cultivated fighters: four powerful Liaodong strongmen, also referred to as dead soldiers, whose formidable skills rendered even Ding Laoguai's Spring-Autumn Powder ineffective. These elite fighters overwhelmed both the poisoned righteous faction and the robust evil faction, leaving Han Yi and Ding Ding severely wounded. Just as the situation became dire, with Ding Laoguai critically wounded and about to be executed by Qian Dai, Xiao Naihe's personal guard, Qin Zhan made a dramatic entrance.
The sky darkened, forming a gigantic human face from black clouds, and with a roaring sound, Qin Zhan descended, appearing directly before Yu Chen. He effortlessly dispatched Xiao Naihe's four strongmen with a mere wave of his hand, turning them into dust, which was met with thunderous cheers from the assembled martial artists, leaving Xiao Naihe utterly helpless. Qin Zhan then severed Yu Chen's shackles, and an enraged Yu Chen seized a sword, striking directly at Xiao Naihe.
Qian Dai, Xiao Naihe's loyal subordinate, intercepted the attack, saving Xiao Naihe, but was instantly killed by Qin Zhan's palm strike. Xiao Naihe, clutching Qian Dai's body, wept uncontrollably. Moved by his grief, Yu Chen, feeling pity, asked Qin Zhan to revive Qian Dai. Qin Zhan, displaying his inherent kindness, used a Soul-Returning Pill, a treasure elixir from Lingjiu Palace, to bring Qian Dai back to life. Yu Chen then allowed Xiao Naihe and Qian Dai to depart.
However, shortly after leaving, Xiao Naihe betrayed Qian Dai, using a dagger to cut open her abdomen and retrieve the Soul-Returning Pill, vowing vengeance against Qin Zhan. Finally, Zhao Xu arrived with imperial troops. With the battle concluded, he declared an imperial decree that reinstated Yu Chen as the Alliance Leader and established peace, uniting the righteous and evil factions. As a result, Qin Zhan's renown spread throughout the martial arts world, transforming him from a reviled demon into the revered Master of Lingjiu Palace.
Episode 13 Recap
Following a period of peace between the righteous and evil factions, Yu Chen continued her role as the Ally Leader, while Qin Zhan assumed leadership of Lingjiu Palace, presiding over the entire Evil Sect. Qin Zhan, whose primary motivation was to be close to Yu Chen and achieve "dual cultivation" with her, openly occupied the Xixia envoy's station, transforming it into his King's Mansion.
He boldly replaced its plaque, which was inscribed with either "Ally Leader's Male Residence" or "Ally Leader's Husband's Residence," sparking public discussion and drawing criticism from Yu Chen's personal assistant, Xiao Bing. Qin Zhan claimed the Xixia Empress had gifted him the station, a claim which Zhao Xu viewed with suspicion and later used to accuse Qin Zhan of forceful occupation through Officer Liu, an official from the Xixia envoy's station.
However, Officer Liu, visibly frightened of Qin Zhan, dared not speak in his presence. Despite his efforts, Yu Chen remained too busy to meet Qin Zhan daily. Li Qingxue, unhappy with Qin Zhan's choice of residence, initially wished to return to Lingjiu Palace to roam the jianghu with him. She visited an injured Miao San, who was being tended to by Ding Laoguai.
After dismissing Ding Laoguai, Li Qingxue questioned Miao San, who revealed that Qin Zhan had bought the house directly opposite the Ally Leader's Residence for the convenience of meeting Yu Chen. This revelation angered Li Qingxue, causing her to accidentally hurt Miao San, who cried out in pain.
Later, while strolling through the market, Li Qingxue learned from Miao San that the Empress Dowager had, in the past, intended to betroth Yu Chen to Qin Zhan, a detail Li Qingxue had been unaware of. Li Qingxue's heart swelled with joy upon this news, as she mistakenly believed that "she herself" was the one originally intended to marry Qin Zhan, confirming her deep feelings for him as more than just a master-disciple relationship.
She subsequently began to behave as if she were Qin Zhan's wife. Qin Zhan, however, quickly perceived her intentions and immediately discouraged this notion, stating he did not wish for a master-disciple romance. He even scolded her to go practice martial arts under the guise of him needing to focus on his own "lifelong matters" and finding her a suitable husband, despite Li Qingxue being of marriageable age.
On a day when Yu Chen was scheduled to return to the Ally Leader's Residence, Qin Zhan, having just finished renovating his new house—including a back garden with a fountain which Ming Yue showed him and which he found satisfactory—prepared to go out but encountered Zhao Xu at his doorstep. Zhao Xu was also there to welcome Yu Chen.
A power struggle ensued between the two men; four masters set up a welcoming display for Zhao Xu, but Qin Zhan, with a subtle three claps, used his internal energy to knock Zhao Xu and his masters to the ground. The two men sat opposite each other, unyielding, until Yu Chen arrived, exhausted, and paid little attention to their competitive displays. Inside the Ally Leader's main hall, Zhao Xu brought Officer Liu to accuse Qin Zhan of forceful occupation.
Desperate to separate Qin Zhan from Yu Chen, Zhao Xu devised a plan to offer Qin Zhan a piece of land, intending to send him as far away as possible. However, upon hearing that Qin Zhan had occupied the Xixia station, Yu Chen surprisingly invited him to reside in the Ally Leader's Residence, which distressed Zhao Xu as his plan had inadvertently brought Qin Zhan closer to her.
Zhao Xu quickly countered by offering Qin Zhan a piece of land in Wangchuan. On his way out, Zhao Xu encountered Li Qingxue and Miao San, reiterating the need for Qin Zhan to move from the Xixia station, and curiously asked Miao San why the Xixia Empress would have gifted the station to Qin Zhan. Zhao Xu acted swiftly, sending an official to show Qin Zhan the designated land.
After a long journey, they arrived at a desolate wilderness, identified as Wangchuan. Here, Qin Zhan encountered three individuals—described as one man and two women—who were practicing evil cultivation with the explicit goal of defeating him. However, upon Qin Zhan's sudden appearance, they were terrified, their evil cultivation techniques broke, causing them to spit blood and flee.
Qin Zhan, seemingly satisfied with the wilderness, rewarded Zhao Xu's subordinate and began planning how to develop the area, all while racking his brains to pursue his own happiness and devise an indirect approach for a confession to Yu Chen, instead of directly proclaiming his feelings when making troublesome gangs confess to Yu Chen and offer her treasures to help resolve her problems.
Meanwhile, in the Liao Nation, Xiao Naihe fed a special pill—variously referred to as a Resurrection Pill from Lingjiu Palace or a Soul-Returning Pill—which Xiao Naihe had taken from Qian Dai's body, to the Divine Corpse. Xiao Naihe had expected the Divine Corpse to fulfill its promise to help expand the Liao Nation.
However, after consuming the pill, the Divine Corpse transformed from a decaying state to having smooth skin and then stood up, only to swiftly decapitate Xiao Naihe with a mere flick of its robe or a wave of its hand, rendering Qian Dai's sacrifice in vain.
Episode 14 Recap
Qin Zhan accepted a piece of wilderness specially approved by Zhao Xu, though Zhao Xu remained perplexed by Qin Zhan's true intentions for taking it, yet was not surprised given Qin Zhan's unconventional nature. Qin Zhan, however, was satisfied with his acquisition. As the Qixi Festival, which was also Yu Chen's birthday, approached, Zhao Xu resolved to win Yu Chen's heart by preparing a grand surprise.
His four guards opposed this decision, arguing that while Yu Chen was the Wulin Alliance Leader, her martial arts background made a union with Prince Zhao Xu potentially disagreeable to the Emperor. Despite their fervent dissuasion, Zhao Xu's mind was made up. Qin Zhan, meanwhile, was busy on the land Zhao Xu had awarded him.
He led his guards to clear and transform the barren land, assigning tasks such as planting trees and flowers, aiming to complete the work before Qixi. His secret intention was to create a picturesque, beautiful flower sea for Yu Chen, where he could surprise her and confess his love, planning to host a special banquet there. Yu Chen, curious about Qin Zhan's recent activities, paid him a visit, even bringing him heat-relief pills.
Qin Zhan, concerned about revealing his grand surprise, quickly dismissed her with an excuse about too many mosquitoes. During one interaction, Qin Zhan gave Yu Chen a note confessing "I love you," to which Yu Chen responded with a love letter, greatly motivating him. Li Qingxue, who harbored a secret affection for Qin Zhan, grew visibly upset whenever Yu Chen's name was mentioned.
Ding Laoguai, discerning her feelings, advised her that to capture a man's heart, she must first capture his stomach. Taking this advice to heart, Li Qingxue began learning to cook and even prepared an iced fruit platter for Qin Zhan, though her mood still soured at the mention of Yu Chen. Han Yi later confirmed Li Qingxue's dislike for Yu Chen to Qin Zhan, but he, engrossed in his upcoming date, paid little heed.
As Qixi drew closer, Yu Chen underwent a surprising transformation, changing from her usual valiant attire to a more ethereal appearance, so much so that even her bodyguard, Xiao Bing, initially failed to recognize her, dropping her tea in shock before Yu Chen revealed her identity. Shortly after, Zhao Xu, acting under the guise of the Emperor's imperial decree to reward Yu Chen, invited her to his residence, an invitation she could not refuse.
At Zhao Xu's residence, after a sumptuous feast, he unveiled his Qixi surprise. Thousands upon thousands of Kongming lanterns ascended into the night sky, instantly illuminating the darkness. Initially, Yu Chen found this traditional display of affection boring, but she was soon awestruck as the sheer multitude of lanterns filled the heavens. Zhao Xu then waved his hand, and his four guards presented a giant Kongming lantern.
Yu Chen and Zhao Xu then ascended together within its wooden trough, soaring high above to overlook the entire city of Kaifeng. On the giant lantern, Zhao Xu confessed his love for Yu Chen. Ming Yue, having learned of Yu Chen's earlier departure with Zhao Xu, informed Qin Zhan. Upon seeing the multitude of Kongming lanterns lighting up the city sky, Qin Zhan became consumed by intense jealousy and frustration.
The usually all-powerful Qin Zhan found himself helpless, merely wishing that Yu Chen would reject Zhao Xu. Yu Chen, from atop the giant lantern, told Zhao Xu that he was the finest prince she had ever encountered, but her heart already belonged to another, and she could not accept his proposal. With that, she opened her arms and dramatically jumped out of the wooden trough, gliding gracefully downwards through the air.
Meanwhile, Qin Zhan, alone amidst the beautiful peach blossom landscape he had meticulously crafted for Yu Chen over several days, felt deep sadness as he drank. His solitude was broken by Yu Chen's call. She had come directly to him, fulfilling their promise to meet for a "life-and-death battle" on Qixi night. They wandered through the enchanting peach blossoms, surrounded by the soft glow of fireflies.
Yu Chen realized that this scenery was remarkably similar to the Forgetfulness River Flower Sea where they had first met in the game "Tian Long Ba Bu," understanding that Qin Zhan had recreated their meeting place. Without needing further words, they embraced and kissed. Watching from beneath a nearby peach tree, Li Qingxue, secretly in love with Qin Zhan, wept silently, her heart aching. Separately, the Divine Corpse awakened and threatened the King of Liao, compelling him to order a southern attack on Western Xia.
Episode 15 Recap
Qin Zhan successfully proposes to Yu Chen and decides to "marry into" her family. This impending marriage, between the Martial Arts Demonic Leader and the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, sparks widespread controversy and anger from both righteous and demonic factions. A young man named Su Shi, upon hearing the news, admires their love despite public opposition and wishes to document it. Elders from various righteous martial arts sects kneel before Yu Chen, pleading with her to reconsider.
However, Yu Chen, angered by their interference, defiantly declares that she will marry whom she loves, that her marriage is nobody's business, and that she will no longer serve as the Martial Arts Alliance Leader after the wedding. Elder Xu, leader of the Beggars' Sect, stands out by being supportive of Yu Chen's pursuit of love.
In Lingjiu Palace, Qin Zhan's subordinates, including Shu Er and Ming Yue, are distraught and cry over his impending departure, though they dare not speak much in direct opposition. Qin Zhan, annoyed by their distress, reminds them that he is simply getting married, not leaving forever. Qin Zhan is troubled by the unexpected complexity of their wedding due to widespread public discussion. Yu Chen visits him, and they bond over their shared frustration that their wedding lacks public blessings.
Yu Chen expresses a longing to return to her modern world, but Qin Zhan assures her that their feelings for each other will remain strong, regardless of whether they return or where they are. Li Qingxue is deeply heartbroken by Qin Zhan's impending marriage and attempts to drown her sorrows in alcohol by a river, only to find herself more miserable. Ding Laoguai eventually collapses from drinking.
Prince Zhao Xu, also nursing unrequited feelings for Yu Chen, arrives at the river to vent his own unhappiness, but also collapses after just one drink. Finding themselves in similar situations of unrequited love, they share a moment of solace. The next morning, Zhao Xu wakes up disheveled in his bed, with three of the Four Grand Masters having been guarding him for some time.
He is then informed that the Liao army has advanced south, and the Emperor has commanded him to immediately proceed to the military camp for discussions. While Qin Zhan and Yu Chen are sharing affectionate moments, Han Yi observes a figure resembling Qin Zhan, possibly linked to his "inner core," and follows it into the forest.
She soon realizes this is not Qin Zhan, but the resurrected Divine Corpse, who lures her away with a golden butterfly from the Forgetfulness Flower Sea. Divine Corpse then uses a spell to exert control over Han Yi, making her kneel and declare him "master." The resurrected Divine Corpse begins to exert his influence, threatening the Liao Emperor and compelling him to launch a southern invasion to destroy other countries, plunging Western Xia into crisis.
Yu Chen and Qin Zhan embark on extensive shopping for their wedding. Upon their return, they receive a gift and a farewell letter from Li Qingxue. She had encountered General Bai of Western Xia, who sought her due to the Liao army's pressing invasion, as the small and weak Western Xia nation could no longer resist. Li Qingxue sends Yu Chen a beautiful golden hairpin as a wedding blessing.
Hearing of Li Qingxue's departure, Yu Chen suggests that as her master, Qin Zhan should ensure her safe return. Qin Zhan agrees and intercepts Li Qingxue's carriage. There, he sees General Bai and learns Li Qingxue is the Princess of Western Xia, and was, in fact, the girl the Western Xia Empress Dowager had previously betrothed to him.
Surprised by this revelation, Qin Zhan decides not to stop her, reflecting on their short master-disciple relationship and promising to help her resolve her nation's troubles after his marriage. Li Qingxue sheds tears in the carriage, reminiscing about Qin Zhan. Meanwhile, Prince Zhao Xu, despite his unsuccessful confession to Yu Chen, sends her a grand wedding gift, befitting his status as a royal prince. With the wedding day approaching, Han Yi is missing.
Ming Yue uses long-distance communication to find her. Han Yi responds, falsely claiming she has encountered Xiao Kangjian, who is secretly planning to disrupt Qin Zhan's wedding. Ming Yue, upon confirming Han Yi's location, immediately sets out with Shu Er and Mao San to meet her. However, they discover that Han Yi was lying and is under Divine Corpse's control.
Divine Corpse appears, making Shu Er and Mao San kneel and declare him "master" using what Ming Yue recognizes as the "Soul Devouring Technique." Deeming Ming Yue useless, Divine Corpse then simply flicks her away. On the day of the wedding, Qin Zhan, having put aside all dignity and face for Yu Chen, proceeds with the tradition of "marrying into" her family. Yu Chen rides a horse, while Qin Zhan is carried in a sedan chair, wearing a red veil. Their wedding ceremony commences amidst the sound of firecrackers and the curses of the villagers.
Episode 16 Recap
In a field of Wangchuan flowers, Qin Zhan and Yu Chen, dressed in wedding attire, awaited Ming Yue and the others, who were late. With time running out, Ding Laoguai officiated their wedding. Meanwhile, in Kaifeng, the Divine Corpse, revealed to be Xiao Tianzhen, a former rival of Qin Zhan from the "Tian Long Ba Bu" game, arrived. He froze everyone in the city, including Xu Huaizi, the Beggar Clan leader, with a dark energy.
After the wedding, as Qin Zhan and Yu Chen embraced, Ding Laoguai, overcome with emotion, was also frozen. Xiao Tianzhen appeared, revealing his true identity and history with Qin Zhan. He feigned congratulations and presented a wooden box as a gift. Inside, a radiant pearl emitted a blinding light, and when the light subsided, Yu Chen had vanished. Qin Zhan pursued Xiao Tianzhen to Duanxin Cliff, the location Xiao Tianzhen had revealed to him through telepathy.
This was the same cliff from which Qin Zhan had once knocked Xiao Tianzhen in their "Tian Long Ba Bu" days, a memory that fueled Xiao Tianzhen's burning hatred. Their conflict stemmed from their differing philosophies within the game: Xiao Tianzhen wanted a fun-loving, girl-filled guild, while Qin Zhan focused on building the strongest guild in the server. This rivalry extended to the real world, giving Xiao Tianzhen the perfect opportunity for revenge.
He had Yu Chen suspended over the cliff edge, her thirty-six vital acupuncture points sealed. If they were not unblocked within five minutes, her meridians would reverse, leading to her death. Xiao Tianzhen, having learned he was also a member of Tingchao Pavilion, admitted he only wished to enjoy life but Qin Zhan always stole the girls he courted, leading to the bad blood.
Qin Zhan, knowing Xiao Tianzhen's deceptive nature, refused to give in to his demands to cripple himself. He swiftly attacked, freeing Yu Chen and embracing her as he sat down to unblock her acupoints by transferring his internal energy. Xiao Tianzhen, seizing the opportunity, struck Qin Zhan, crippling one of his arms. Despite the injury, Qin Zhan continued to focus on saving Yu Chen, knowing any interruption would be fatal.
He expended all his power to clear her meridians, leaving himself severely wounded and coughing up blood. With her meridians cleared, Yu Chen stabbed Xiao Tianzhen in the abdomen. Enraged, Xiao Tianzhen knocked them both to the cliff's edge, and Qin Zhan fell over the side. Yu Chen collapsed from her injuries. Zhao Xu and his soldiers arrived, forcing the injured Xiao Tianzhen to flee. Zhao Xu caught the unconscious Yu Chen.
Ming Yue, loyal to Qin Zhan, leapt off the cliff in search of him. Zhao Xu took Yu Chen to treat her wounds. Later, Zhao Xu dreamed of Qin Zhan falling, but he did not worry as he heard Qin Zhan made it to the Xixia border.
Episode 17 Recap
Despite being gravely wounded by Yu Chen, who wielded Qin Zhan's Xuan Tie Treasure Sword, Xiao Tianzhen's status as Grand Tutor of Liao remained unaffected. He leveraged his position, threatening the Liao king to launch invasions of neighboring countries with the aim of unifying the world under Liao rule and collecting princesses from the conquered nations. The obsequious General Jiang Shuai eagerly volunteered to lead the initial expedition against Xixia, which was Qingxue's country.
Qingxue, however, continued to mount a fierce resistance with her troops. Within two months, the Liao army, significantly strengthened by Xiao Tianzhen's "Transmission Power Pills" and "Death Warriors," had rapidly expanded its territory, plunging many regions into widespread warfare. Princesses from the various conquered nations were subsequently sent to serve Xiao Tianzhen. The Liao expansion soon posed a severe threat to the Song Dynasty, prompting Zhao Xu to deploy his forces in a desperate attempt to resist the invasion.
During this period, Yu Chen, having gradually recovered from her own injuries, remained heartbroken by the thought of Qin Zhan. She refused to believe he was dead, visiting the cliff from which he fell. After jumping into the water below, she discovered a piece of his red wedding attire on the shore, which convinced her that Qin Zhan had not only survived but successfully escaped. Her conviction remained unwavering despite Zhao Xu's implicit hopes that she would forget Qin Zhan.
Yu Chen actively participated in the resistance against Liao, assisting Zhao Xu and the Beggar's Sect leader, Xu Huazi, in repelling Liao forces from Song territory. She then ordered Xu Huazi to gather martial artists from across the land to form a united front against Liao. Later, while still holding the red cloth and deeply missing Qin Zhan, Yu Chen received news from Xiao Bing that Qin Zhan's traces had been found in Niujia Village.
Rushing there on horseback, Yu Chen discovered it was a carefully laid trap by Xiao Tianzhen. Shu Er and Han Yi, under Xiao Tianzhen's control, ambushed and captured her. Xiao Tianzhen then deliberately spread the news of Yu Chen's capture far and wide, intending to demoralize the populace and force their surrender.
Meanwhile, after falling from Duanxin Cliff, Qin Zhan and Ming Yue were saved by Tan Taiziyu, a white-haired old man associated with the Linglong Chess Formation, who brought them to his residence for healing. Ming Yue later ventured into a city, disguised, to buy medicine. Qin Zhan eventually awakened after a two-month coma, but he was completely paralyzed and in immense pain. Filled with hatred for Xiao Tianzhen, he initially yearned for a swift recovery.
However, upon seeing news of Yu Chen's capture, which he believed to be her death, he was utterly heartbroken and fell into deep despair, spending his days drinking heavily. When Ming Yue attempted to prevent him from buying more wine, Qin Zhan went to the city alone, where he was brutally beaten by Liao soldiers at the city gates.
A young boy named Ling Er, who was skilled in the Dugu Sword Art and whom Qin Zhan had once saved in Kaifeng, witnessed the bullying and intervened, single-handedly defeating the Liao soldiers. Ling Er recognized the drunken Qin Zhan, but Qin Zhan vehemently denied his identity, calling himself a "waste." Ling Er insisted he wasn't mistaken and brought Qin Zhan back to their residence.
Ling Er's actions, however, attracted the attention of the Liao army, who quickly converged on their location. Ming Yue confronted the soldiers and could have easily fended them off, but the Liao soldiers, captivated by her beauty, attacked and knocked her unconscious. Ling Er bravely fought again but was no match for a Liao leader who had consumed a Transmission Power Pill.
Seeing the escalating danger, Qin Zhan, unable to bear watching, rushed out from the house, only to be immediately surrounded and beaten by the soldiers. Ling Er desperately urged him to stand and fight, reminding him that he was the one who taught him the Dugu Sword Art. Qin Zhan, although devoid of internal energy, suddenly remembered that the Dugu Sword Art did not require it. He then grabbed a broom and began to fight the Liao army using his sword art.
Episode 18 Recap
Having lost all his internal energy, Qin Zhan, still possessing his intellect and memories, engaged several Liao soldiers. Armed with a broom and a wine bottle, he utilized a drunken form of Dugu Swordplay. However, a broom proved to be an ineffective weapon against the Liao forces, particularly their leader who had consumed a 'transmission pill'.
Qin Zhan was ultimately kicked into a room, where Tantai Ziyu, who had been trembling and hiding under a chair, emerged to hand Qin Zhan a treasured sword. This sword, left by Xue Shenyi, was originally intended by his master solely for warding off evil and was said to rust upon seeing blood. Disregarding the warning, Qin Zhan wielded the sword effectively, striking with lethal precision, killing the Liao leader, and causing the remaining Liao soldiers to flee.
He then changed into his old clothes and departed with Ming Yue. As they left, a youth whom Qin Zhan had previously saved (or Ling'er) informed him that Yu Chen, whom Qin Zhan had believed dead, was actually alive, a fact that greatly excited him. He learned that Liao forces had spread false rumors of her death, and that Yu Chen was currently in Kaifeng with Zhao Xu, actively fighting against the Liao and searching for his whereabouts.
Qin Zhan, eager to reunite with her, advised the youth to evacuate the area, warning that Liao soldiers would soon return. Meanwhile, Zhao Xu's plan was to retreat to Kaifeng to preserve their strength and deplete the Liao forces, urging Yu Chen to prioritize healing there before continuing her search for Qin Zhan. Elsewhere, Xiao Kangjian led Liao forces to besiege Li Qingxue and the last remnants of Xixia soldiers.
Li Qingxue, having mastered the "Twisted Arm Divine Skill" (also known as "Tianshan Zhemei Hand") taught by Qin Zhan, adeptly broke the arms and legs of over 30,000 Liao warriors. However, during the fierce battle, she was distracted by Miao San and ultimately overpowered and captured by "dead soldiers," who may have been trained by Xiao Naihe.
The Liao army then penetrated the Xixia Imperial Palace, forcing the Xixia Empress Dowager (or Empress) to submit a surrender document, rendering Xixia a puppet state. Xiao Tianzhen issued an outrageous command, demanding Li Qingxue be brought to him alive and forced to marry him as a concubine. To protect Xixia and its people, Li Qingxue nobly sacrificed herself and agreed to the marriage.
Qin Zhan, having parted ways with the youth and "someone" (Tantai Ziyu), then headed to Lingjiu Palace. He had heard rumors that Ding Laoguai had allied with the Liao, but he disbelieved them. Indeed, Ding Laoguai, guarding Lingjiu Palace, had only feigned allegiance to the Liao, acting as their lackey by collecting rent from the people in order to protect the palace.
This was an elaborate ruse, coordinated with Hao Dongzhu and several other "evil faction cave masters" to deceive the Liao soldiers. Ding Laoguai used his own dwindling funds to pay the rent for the villagers, saving their lives. However, Liao greed and his limited resources made this unsustainable. Knowing the trick would eventually be exposed, Ding Laoguai forcefully sent the other evil faction cave masters to Dali for refuge, preparing to make a final stand alone at Lingjiu Palace.
Ding Laoguai, who had been mourning Qin Zhan's presumed death at Duanxinya Cliff, was greatly surprised and overjoyed when Qin Zhan and Ming Yue suddenly appeared at Lingjiu Palace, rushing to him like "long-awaited rain." Having learned of Li Qingxue's capture, Qin Zhan, despite his lack of internal energy, immediately devised an inside-outside rescue plan with Ding Laoguai for the following day, instructing Ding Laoguai to maintain his "undercover" status should their plan fail.
The next morning, a Liao leader (or Xiao Kangjian) escorted Li Qingxue, chained and unconscious, in a carriage towards Xiao Tianzhen's residence (or the Liao royal family). Along the journey, Ding Laoguai's people secretly set up a temporary tea house where the Liao soldiers paused to rest and unknowingly drank tea laced with a potent sleeping drug. As they continued their journey, Qin Zhan suddenly appeared, blocking the army amidst what seemed like "evil winds."
Ming Yue, hidden in a rocky cliff behind Qin Zhan, actively fanned a fan to create "special effects" and the illusion of Qin Zhan's immense power. Ding Laoguai, eager to prove his worth, rushed forward but was "fanned back" by Qin Zhan, spitting blood and theatrically claiming his internal energy was suppressed, all part of their deception. When Liao "dead soldiers" attempted to charge, they inexplicably fell to their knees, powerless, due to poison secretly administered by Ding Laoguai.
Qin Zhan then waved his hand, and Hao Dongzhu, one of the evil faction cave masters, used explosives to create the illusion of a mountain collapsing in the distance. Overwhelmed by this incredible display, the Liao leader and his troops fled in fear, allowing Li Qingxue to be successfully rescued. Waking up, Li Qingxue instinctively seized Qin Zhan's arm, who was guarding her. Coming to her senses, she recognized the man as her long-admired master.
Overwhelmed with joy, she wept uncontrollably. Their immediate priority was to awaken the guards currently controlled by Xiao Tianzhen to bolster their own small team. Meanwhile, in the Liao Imperial Palace, Xiao Tianzhen's injuries were gradually healing, and he was preparing to personally lead an imperial expedition to subjugate the remaining border nations and unify the world.
Episode 19 Recap
Liao leader Xiao Tianzhen commanded his army to invade and plunder Kaifeng City, deciding to personally lead the campaign. Concurrently, he dispatched Shu Er, Han Yi, and Miao San to Lingjiu Palace with orders to kill Qin Zhan. Qin Zhan, anticipating this, had set up an ambush on the path to Lingjiu Palace. Utilizing a strategy he called "Heart Shooting Technique," Qin Zhan aimed to awaken their memories and help them break free from Xiao Tianzhen's control.
During the ambush, Ming Yue and Ding Laoguai used an illusion to reawaken Shu Er's consciousness. Separately, Qingxue fought Miao San, and though initially knocked down, she reawakened him using the power of friendship. Qin Zhan then successfully reawakened Han Yi. Back in the Liao Imperial Palace, Xiao Tianzhen, while being served by maids, suddenly sensed that Shu Er, Han Yi, and Miao San had broken free from his control, causing him to angrily dismiss his attendants.
Xiao Tianzhen's motivation for invading Kaifeng was not solely for conquest; he was disappointed to learn the Song emperor had no daughters, as he had a strong preference for women. His subordinates quickly informed him that capturing Kaifeng would open the path to Dali, whose emperor was known for his many wives, concubines, and illegitimate daughters, providing plenty for Xiao Tianzhen's enjoyment.
Overcome by the allure of beautiful women, Xiao Tianzhen became impatient and decided to seize Kaifeng that very night. Despite his formidable martial arts skills that allowed him to travel extremely fast, the main Liao army was still far behind, making a night assault on Kaifeng impractical. Consequently, Xiao Tianzhen chose to lead just three Liao death warriors, hoping to conquer Kaifeng with only four individuals.
Meanwhile, various evil sect members had gathered at Lingjiu Palace, uniting under Qin Zhan's leadership to defeat Xiao Tianzhen. Qin Zhan, after rescuing Qingxue and reawakening Han Yi and the three other guardians, brought them back to Lingjiu Palace. He assembled all the evil sect members, declaring his intention to fight Xiao Tianzhen, but decided to only bring members from Lingjiu Palace, leaving the others behind.
At Kaifeng, Yu Chen stood atop the city wall, lost in thought, the vivid memory of Qin Zhan falling off a cliff still fresh in her mind. Zhao Xu approached her silently. After a brief chat, Yu Chen suddenly embraced Zhao Xu's waist. Zhao Xu, his heart stirring, mistakenly thought Yu Chen had changed her mind and developed feelings for him. However, Yu Chen's action was merely to intercept an arrow aimed at Qin Zhan's back.
As they recovered, Xiao Tianzhen and his three Liao death warriors appeared below the Kaifeng city wall. Xiao Tianzhen soared into the air, using his ultimate technique, "Torrential Pear Blossom Blade," to attack Kaifeng. Yu Chen remained to entangle Xiao Tianzhen, while four masters escorted Zhao Xu to safety. Below the city gate, Zhao Xu's path was blocked by a dwarf wielding a saber, who proclaimed himself the leader of the Liao warriors.
The four masters protecting Zhao Xu were surprisingly no match for the dwarf and were struck down, spitting blood. As the Song prince, Zhao Xu resolved not to retreat, deciding to face the dwarf alone. He pulled out a chess piece and attempted to use his "Finger Flicking Skill," but failed due to insufficient strength. As the dwarf approached, drawing his saber, the four masters desperately tried to intervene.
In that critical moment, Zhao Xu concentrated and successfully executed his "Finger Flicking Skill," sending the chess piece through the saber's blade and then through the dwarf's body. By dawn, Xiao Tianzhen was poised to launch a full assault on Kaifeng City. Yu Chen flew down alone, engaging Xiao Tianzhen in a protracted struggle that had lasted all night. After much entanglement, Xiao Tianzhen unleashed a powerful strike, sending Yu Chen flying.
As Yu Chen fell, a black-clad figure descended from the sky, catching her tightly. Turning her head, Yu Chen realized it was Qin Zhan. Qin Zhan's simple "long time no see" conveyed more than a thousand words, and Yu Chen, tears wetting her clothes, lay quietly in his embrace. After a display of affection, they prepared to face the formidable Xiao Tianzhen. Qin Zhan wielded the "Great Saber" from his former gang.
Xiao Tianzhen scoffed at the ancient weapon, but Qin Zhan charged forward. Though old, the saber remained sharp. Despite having no internal energy, Qin Zhan managed to inflict multiple cuts on Xiao Tianzhen. From the gate tower, Ming Yue understood that Qin Zhan had now mastered the "Nine Solitary Blades" technique. Xiao Tianzhen moved swiftly, but Qin Zhan's gaze remained fixed on him. At this critical juncture, Yang Lidi appeared at the city tower, offering assistance.
He unleashed his "Cosmic Shift" technique, redirecting any damage he incurred onto Xiao Tianzhen. Qingxue, seeing this, forcefully struck Yang Lidi's face, and Xiao Tianzhen simultaneously suffered the blows, unable to even speak. Qingxue, feeling satisfied, encouraged Yu Chen to try. Yu Chen, marveling at the magical technique and seeing Xiao Tianzhen utterly helpless, felt a surge of satisfaction and kicked Yang Lidi's groin with all her might. Yang Lidi cried out, "Not here, no!" but it was too late.
While Yang Lidi felt pain, Xiao Tianzhen suffered even more intensely. Enraged by the kick, Xiao Tianzhen coldly declared he had "played enough for today." Just then, the main Liao army arrived. Xiao Tianzhen then channeled his internal energy to launch thousands of darts at Qin Zhan. With no other option, Qin Zhan was forced to use his limited internal energy for defense. Yang Lidi and Yu Chen realized the dire situation.
Yang Lidi quickly initiated a backup plan, dashing to the city gate and connecting an iron chain to the ground and to Qin Zhan. He urged those around him to transfer their internal energy to Qin Zhan. Ming Yue, the four guardians, and Yu Chen placed their hands on Yang Lidi, allowing him to absorb their internal energy and transmit it to Qin Zhan.
Qin Zhan felt a continuous flow of internal energy entering his body, but it was far from enough to resist Xiao Tianzhen's onslaught. Quickly, everyone's internal energy was depleted, with only Yu Chen continuously transmitting hers.
Episode 20 (Ending) Recap
Yu Chen falls from the sky outside Kaifeng City and is caught by Qin Zhan, leading to a tender reunion where Yu Chen questions his long absence. Xiao Tianzhen then confronts Qin Zhan, mocking his severed meridians and lost internal energy, claiming Qin Zhan is no threat. A large Liao army under Xiao Tianzhen's command marches towards Kaifeng City.
Han Yi and Ding Laoguai intercept them, with Ding Laoguai using wind-borne poison to incapacitate a large portion of the Liao army. The gates of Kaifeng City open, and Li Qingxue and Miao San lead a charge out, followed by Yang Lidi, the first-floor master of the Demon Trapping Tower. Yang Lidi, a highly skilled martial artist, uses his ability to transfer external damage via iron chains wrapped around him. He connects the chains to Xiao Tianzhen.
Li Qingxue slaps Yang Lidi repeatedly, causing Xiao Tianzhen to be hit with dozens of slaps, leaving him disoriented and bewildered. Ding Laoguai then poisons Yang Lidi, which makes Xiao Tianzhen foam at the mouth, collapse, twitch, and laugh manically on the ground. Xiao Tianzhen, enraged, slams his hands on the ground, leaps into the air, breaks free from the chains, and escapes his bindings.
Fortunately, Yang Lidi has a contingency plan: he reconnects the chains to Qin Zhan, intending to absorb and transfer the internal energy of everyone present into Qin Zhan. Xiao Tianzhen unleashes his "Rainstorm Pear Blossom Blade." Qin Zhan struggles to defend with his treasure sword. The bodyguard members collapse from exhaustion, and Yu Chen is left to use all her internal energy to help Qin Zhan withstand Xiao Tianzhen. Their internal energy is exhausted.
Zhao Xu tries to help Yu Chen but is instantly drained of his internal energy upon touching her. Xiao Tianzhen, gloating, retracts his flying darts, but then uses his most powerful move: a massive sword condensed from internal energy appears in the sky, threatening to destroy all of Kaifeng City. Qin Zhan desperately tells Xiao Tianzhen that he is the true opponent, not the city's people, but Xiao Tianzhen disregards him and sends the sword plunging down.
Qin Zhan, in a panic, tries to summon a small dragon from his palm, but his limited internal energy prevents him from fully manifesting it. Just as Qin Zhan's internal energy is at a critical low, the Kaifeng City gates open again. Xu Huazi arrives with various orthodox martial arts sects, and Ding Laoguai arrives with the Four Evil Sects, uniting to fight the enemy.
All the soldiers and martial artists in the city unite, forming a long human chain stretching through Kaifeng City, with each person connecting shoulder to shoulder. Yang Lidi absorbs the continuous stream of internal energy and rapidly transfers it all into Qin Zhan. Qin Zhan feels a powerful surge of abundant internal energy coursing through him. The small dragon in his hand instantly transforms into an enormous, sky-reaching giant black magic dragon.
With a wave of his hand, the giant dragon charges into the sky, bites through the plummeting great sword, and defeats Xiao Tianzhen. After the dark clouds dissipate, the sky clears, and Qin Zhan suddenly appears behind Yu Chen, embracing her tightly again. Following Xiao Tianzhen's defeat, peace returns to the world, and Qin Zhan becomes a celebrated hero, renowned for his victory. Tales of his valor spread far and wide.
The Liao Emperor regains his throne and pledges peaceful coexistence with other nations. Lingjiu Palace becomes a hub of activity, with people seeking favors and attempting to curry favor with Qin Zhan, filling the palace. Various martial arts sects, including orthodox and evil factions, gather for lavish celebrations. Ding Laoguai is extremely busy hosting, maintaining order, and inspecting the countless impressive gifts, including specialty sweet potatoes from Hao Dongzhu which contain hidden secrets.
After guests have arrived, Ding Laoguai goes to invite Qin Zhan and Yu Chen, but Qin Zhan is not in his room, his whereabouts unknown. Meanwhile, Li Qingxue, restless in the Xixia Imperial Palace, secretly begins planning to win Qin Zhan back. Zhao Xu has also infiltrated Lingjiu Palace, seeking an opportune moment to take Yu Chen. In a serene deep mountain location, where the new Lingjiu Palace is situated, Qin Zhan and Yu Chen enjoy a moment of peace.
They sit on a balcony, with Qin Zhan playing a zither while Yu Chen listens quietly and they exchange sweet nothings, immersed in their affection. Qin Zhan's internal energy has not only fully recovered to its former level but has reached an unbeatable state, with the potential to surpass his past power. The bodyguard members guard them. As they are immersed in this sweet moment, Ming Yue spots someone intruding into the sacred grounds of Lingjiu Palace from afar.
A man in a black cloak then appears before them. It is Xiao Tianzhen, who, despite being imprisoned and restrained by iron chains on his hands and feet, reveals an evil smile, proclaiming that this is absolutely not the end, hinting that the conflict is far from over. Qin Zhan widens his eyes, finding the scene strikingly similar to when he used to run the "Lingjiu Palace dungeon" in a game.
