cyn lynn : Sword Snow Stride | Recap and Review

[Ep1] Xu Feng Nian is a 紈絝子弟 (hedonistic son of a rich parent i.e. useless and only plays). For three years he has been stranded from his family. His father is Xu Xiao, a reputable general of Northern Liang. Currently, he survives on stealing potatoes and rides a horse that won't even trot.

Lao Huang is the servant who accompanies Xu Feng Nian. No one can beat him at eating the fastest. He'd satiate himself before sparing the young master some food. He's loyal, I think. But you never know.

Nangong Pu Ye is a nuxia, a female wuxia hero, who by chance saves Xu Feng Nian from the hands of the enemy (Chu). It was all pure luck that she saved Xu Feng Nian. This was said by the storyteller who summarized the entire episode for us. Why is Show doing my thing? xD She saved him because she knows he’s Xu Xiao’s son, which means he can bring her into Tingchaoting. (I thought she wanted to enter the palace but it's the name of a library).

[Ep2] Our 紈絝子弟 is not a 紈絝子弟. Xu Feng Nian is only acting frivolously to avoid the attention, but still it seems there's someone out for his life. Our General Xu Xiao isn't as fierce as he looks. He's a coward in front of Xu Feng Nian as he runs away from being spanked on the butt by his very own son. Anyway, the father reminds the son why he left the manor three years ago: to avoid marrying the Emperor's daughter (Princess of Suizhu). If the Emperor had believed Xu Feng Nian really was useless, then why bestow him his most precious daughter? There are more questions. Who could have drawn his portrait for Chu enemies to capture him? Why didn't the Chu captive fight till his death? Why give up so easily? Unless he knew Xu Feng Nian was going to die and he didn't need to do it himself. Our Chu captive was just an opening act. Just who is hiding in the lair?

Oh also, Dad is part of sending danger to his son to train him for the past three years. Son knew. Lao Huang knew too. Xu Feng Nian also thinks it’s Dad who keeps making Lao Huang nag him to learn martial arts. Nope. It’s Lao Huang who wants him to learn in order to protect himself. Aw. He’s got two fathers.

Xu Long Xiang (Huang Man'er)
Jiang Ni
Qing Niao
Hong Shu

Xu Long Xiang (nickname: Huang Man'er) loves his older brother, Xu Feng Nian. He can fight unlike his brother and that is an understatement because this boy has superhuman strength. Even when he’s angling his fishing rod, there’s a deep stirring force, powerful enough that it disturbs our nuxia, Nangong Pu Ye. Interesting amount of force he has.

Jiang Ni is Xu Feng Nian's maid, previously the princess of the fallen Western Chu. The moment Xu Feng Nian is back, she tries to assassinate him. It's kinda...cute? He easily stops her and even hides her under his bed when Xu Xiao visits. (Xu Xiao sees her under the bed and ignores her, lol). Every time she fails to assassinate him, she’s gotta pay up, which makes her a penny pincher, meaning she’s easily bought by money (and is also pretty gullible).

Qing Niao (name means 'clear bird'; her clothing matches her name) is Xu Feng Nian’s maid too. She’s quiet and very observant and looks rather disgruntled actually.

Hong Shu (name means 'red potato'; dresses in red; looks like a potato??) is also Xu Feng Nian’s maid. Basically, he’s got twenty maids. She smiles peacefully all the time. Fake.

Xu Feng Nian takes his three maids, Nangong Pu Ye, and Huang Man'er fishing in his backyard. Xu Feng Nian asks Nangong Pu Ye on her opinion of who could want him dead. [Note: Everyone is listening to this conversation.] She thinks it would be whoever wants his position as the heir of Northern Liang, which makes six suspects, all of whom are Xu Xiao’s disciples.

While they’re fishing, a fish is baited. It’s a human, Chu Lu Shan (a general). He offers to take Xu Feng Nian to a brothel house because there’s a pretty dancer in town. Xu Feng Nian gets Nangong Pu Ye (his new bodyguard) and Jiang Ni to accompany him. Nangong Pu Ye doesn’t mind but Jiang Ni pouts and whines. No use. Off to the brothel house the girls go.

[Ep3] While Xu Feng Nian and co are walking their horses to the brothel house because it’s the same horse that won’t trot when ridden on, Xu Xiao has a private chat with Lao Huang. He isn't just a servant. He was a general(?) too. Xu Xiao asks him if he wants to return to his former glory, but Lao Huang drops his weapon (encased in a box) into the water. He says he has dropped his past. But why carry the box in the first place?

Yu You Wei (who carries a cat) is the dancer and an assassin but really, she can’t fight. Xu Feng Nian easily sees through the scheme. This is why he had Nangong Pu Ye protect him (in case Cat Lady can fight). But what about Jiang Ni? Why bring her? Our Cat Lady Assassin is avenging for the fallen Western Chu, while Jiang Ni is the princess of Western Chu. Rumours have it that all of Chu Royals were slaughtered by Xu Family. Seeing Jiang Ni alive, Yu You Wei’s plans of assassination is put to rest. Jiang Ni brings Yu You Wei home and she’s given a room in Xu Manor. Yu You Wei reveals she doesn’t know who trained her to kill Xu Feng Nian. She believes she was trained in a temple.

[History: Western Chu and Xu Xiao] Although it was Xu Xiao who led the army to defeat Western Chu, it was other members of the imperial army who wanted to rape the women. Xu Xiao protected them, but he can only block the doors temporarily. The royal Western Chu committed suicide (to keep their dignity). Xu Xiao adopted the princess for them and on that day, the princess died in the eyes of the public. Only Jiang Ni lives as Xu family’s maid. So this is why she wants to kill Xu Feng Nian but she doesn’t want to kill him.

Chu Lu Shan
Ning E’mei
Chen Zhi Bao

Chu Lu Shan volunteers to be whipped by Xu Feng Nian because this might lure the mastermind who sent the assassin (to clear suspicion on himself). First guy who shows up is our righteous Ning E’mei who attempts to exonerate Chu Lu Shan from unfair punishment. Xu Feng Nian has Ning E'mei locked away. Second guy who shows up is Chen Zhi Bao (aka Chen Bai Yi, Xu Xiao’s #1 disciple, and the stabilizing force of the army). He brought a decapitated head, saying it belongs to the man who drew his portrait. He exposes their act. He’s the last person who would ever want to save Chu Lu Shan anyway. So why is he here? To stop the act. When Chen Zhi Bao speaks privately to Xu Feng Nian, he wants him to let the assassination matter rest (and kill the Cat Lady too). The more he investigates, the more the army will be at unrest. If he wants to investigate, he can but at least don’t investigate so openly.

I think Chen Zhi Bao is a good guy, he’s keeping the investigation under wraps for the sake of the army. Meanwhile Chu Lu Shan, the chubby one is sorta suspicious. I’m pretty sure Xu Feng Nian suspects him too, especially when it was Chu Lu Shan who took initiative in being whipped.

[Ep4] Jiang Ni thought Chen Zhi Bao was going to kill Xu Feng Nian and so she made a noise to distract them. Xu Feng Nian thanks her for that. She denies wanting to save him.

Lin Tan Hua and Lady Fan are the third set of assassins. Xu Feng Nian makes himself vulnerable to give the assassins their chance. He’s only got the maids (Jiang Ni and Qian Niao) and Lao Huang with him. Why is he playing with fire? Xu Feng Nian is luring out the bodyguard that Xu Xiao secretly assigned. Indeed there is one, and it’s Qing Niao. She protects her master with her mighty fingers. She’s a sishi (a guard who will protect Xu Feng Nian until her death). Qing Niao wonders why he doesn’t just ask his father about her. Xu Feng Nian says it’s more fun to find them one by one. Scene switches to Lao Huang who looks around sheepishly, lol. I can’t tell if he’s a red herring or not.

New people:

→ Old Xu (Xu Yong Guan) – a blind man who worked for Xu Family and is kind to Xu Feng Nian but doesn’t know he’s Xu Feng Nian.

→ Grandpa Wei (Wei Shu Yang) – a steward(?) at the library Tingchaoting

→ Li Yi Shan (Master Li) – Xu Feng Nian’s master who doesn’t teach him how to fight but how to play chess.

[Ep5] Qing Niao has taken Lady Fan away. Xu Feng Nian thinks it’s a swell idea to go on a boat ride in his backyard pool with Lin Tan Hua (Jiang Ni rows the boat). Well, now that they’re stranded in the water, Lin Tan Hua has a knife ready to kill Xu Feng Nian and there’s no one to protect him. Xu Feng Nian dives in the water. Lin Tan Hua follows. Jiang Ni follows – not. She won’t save Xu Feng Nian. But then she jumps in the water too. Not saving him. Nope. Turns out, under the water there’s a man who can save Xu Feng Nian. LOL. He’s chained down. Using basic sign language, Xu Feng Nian promises him food in exchange for his help. The Water Man agrees and knocks Lin Tan Hua unconscious. Once again, Xu Feng Nian thanks Jiang Ni for trying to save him and she denies it (again).

Jiang Ni is curious about the Water Man. How did Xu Feng Nian know about the Water Man? When Xu Feng Nian was young, he fell into the water and he was saved by him. From then on, he would bring him food once in a while. How does he breathe underwater? He takes the fishes' swim bladders, which contain oxygen. Uh. Sounds logical. I like how Show was very vague on how the oxygen was “ingested” because it should be inhaled in our lungs and not digested in our stomach. But isn’t that very little oxygen? That little bit is enough given his martial arts skills. Jiang Ni also asks if every single move was calculated. Was Xu Feng Nian also testing her if she’d team up with Lin Tan Hua? He swears on the name of his mother that he didn’t. She doesn’t know whether to believe him and is slightly mad. I mean, girl, you were the one sneaking up on the unguarded sleeping man. Sounds reasonable that he would want to test you.

Lao Huang timely shows up with dry clothes. Skeptical Xu Feng Nian questions why he brought dry clothes and not guards to save him. Lao Huang laughs sillily to get by that question. Since he’s here, Xu Feng Nian has something for him. He dives into the water to retrieve his box of weapons. Xu Feng Nian doesn’t know what’s inside but he knows it’s valuable to Lao Huang.

With the third assassination attempt, Xu Feng Nian knows the motive and therefore the mastermind. It’s Zhao Heng, Prince Jing’An. He ordered/instigated 1) Chu soldiers, 2) Yu You Wei, and finally 3) Lin Tan Hua to murder Xu Feng Nian. The ultimate purpose is to link the Lin Family to the Chus in the assassination of Xu Feng Nian. Once Lin Family is set up, they’ll be accused of rebellion (for the Chus), and their family will be exterminated. The only person who benefits from the removal of Lin Family is Zhao Heng who can then control the money flow in the land and therefore he’ll have control of the entire Qingzhou. Killing Xu Feng Nian was merely the means to the end. Master Li says there’s more. There’s more @_@.

Old Weasel Xu Xiao had a hand in the scheme. He sent Lady Fan to ensure Lin Tan Hua would follow through with his plans. Her real name is Shu Xiu, loyal to Xu Xiao. Weasel’s plan is twofold: 1) His son gets to expose Qing Niao as he wants (omg, cruel dad playing with his son), and 2) Zhao Heng will think that he gets what he wants but the minister who takes over Lin Family is actually loyal to Northern Liang. Xu Xiao needed the third assassination attempt on his own son to anchor his net...

Master Li tells Xu Feng Nian the answer to his questions on why his father would make this gambit lie in the dungeon. Following Master Li’s instructions, Xu Feng Nian finds Ning E’mei imprisoned. But why? Xu Feng Nian had asked his father to release Ning E’mei already so why is he still here? The reason is simple. It’s for the safety of his younger brother. Ning E’mei is the vocal supporter of Huang Man’er to inherit Northern Liang over Xu Feng Nian. Xu Feng Nian is fine with that. Dad isn’t. Huang Man’er is too reckless, too young, and too naive. The people supporting him know that and will use that, ultimately undermining Northern Liang. Xu Xiao wants Xu Feng Nian to kill Ning E’mei to pacify the army and silence the supporters in order to keep his position as heir.

Xu Feng Nian refuses. Plus what excuse will he have to execute a loyal soldier? Easy. Just have him take the blame for the portrait! *Ding* Now it all makes sense to Xu Feng Nian. Dad is the one who drew the portrait, especially when all the various pictures of him are laid out on the table. Turns out the son’s worst enemy is his father.

Xu Feng Nian sees the big picture: his father went along with Zhao Heng’s assassinations to remove moles within his army. Ning E’mei may not be that mole per se, but his death will bring an end to Huang Man’er’s support. Xu Feng Ning doesn’t want to kill Ning E’mei, especially when he’s innocent. Dad gives him a second option. If he doesn’t kill Ning E’mei, then Huang Man’er will have to leave. Xu Feng Nian is disgusted at his father. He’s going to kill his own son?? No. Dad isn’t that cruel. By “leave” he meant literally to send him away, pft. Oh, and Chen Zhi Bao seems to know all of this too.

Complicated episode. Hope you guys got my recap (and hope I got it, ha).

[Ep6] Qing Niao is on her knees to ask Xu Feng Nian for her punishment. She has betrayed his trust. Xu Feng Nian is only interested if there’s any more sishi. There’s a total of four. She’s the third one. To her knowledge the second and fourth have already died. Xu Feng Nian has no idea who they are. Neither does Qing Niao. They work independently of each other. Xu Feng Nian gives her a punishment: a soft flick on the forehead. From now on, she’s no longer a sishi – a guard whose purpose is to die for her master. She’s just a regular maid. Qing Niao smiles.

Xu Feng Nian chummily asks Lao Huang if he’s the remaining sishi. Lao Huang says he’s not but he admits to knowing just a bit of martial arts. Then Xu Feng Nian confides in Lao Huang on his dilemma (to kill Ning E’mei or to send away Huang Man’er). Lao Huang suggests they ask Water Man for help. But he’s chained to the bottom of the lake. Well, that just means they’re missing a sharp sword to break the chain, right? Gee, look who we have, Nangong Pu Ye who’s got not one but two swords! She asks how he’s confident Water Man will be loyal to him, though. “Because Lao Huang said so!” Xu Feng Nian is going along with Lao Huang's plans way too gullibly for his wits.

Chu Kuang Nu (Water Man)
Li Yi Shan (Master Li)
Wei ShuYang (Grandpa Wei)
Xu Yong Guan (Old Xu) [Ep4]

Water Man (Chu Kuang Nu) takes the sword from Xu Feng Nian and frees himself. He’s got a vengeance and it’s directed at Master Li because he chained him underwater. Nangong Pu Ye recognizes Master Li as the Great Militarist Li Yi Shan (and this is why Xu Feng Nian is so intelligent if he’s been learning under this shifu).

With Water Man looking very wild, the chances of winning his loyalty are grim. Someone will have to defeat him, but who? Ah, but we’ve got our Lao Huang (the one who suggested to free Water Man). Once Lao Huang opens his wooden case to reveal his nine swords, Nangong Pu Ye recognizes him. Lao Huang is the legendary Jian Jiu Huang (who actually has another name which is Huang Zhen Tu, but let’s ignore this one). With only using three of his nine swords, Water Man submits to Lao Huang. Water Man will protect Xu Feng Nian while Lao Huang leaves for two months.

Lao Huang is leaving to conquer his weakness. It was Xu Feng Nian’s bravery that gave him the motivation. Xu Feng Nian cannot fight but he never retreated. Lao Huang cannot be such a coward when his young master is so brave, thus he will overcome his fear and defeat the man he couldn’t twenty years ago. Woefully, they bid farewell. Xu Feng Nian will await Lao Huang’s return. At least Lao Huang has a horse that will gallop!

[Ep7] Master Li not only imprisoned Water Man under the lake, but also himself atop the tower. Xu Xiao tries to convince him to return and fight but Master Li refuses. His hands are bloodied and there's no way to clean them. He has rested his sword for peace. Xu Xiao sighs that he has sinned more, but Master Li says it’s different for Xu Xiao. He has a purpose to fight on.

Nangong Pu Ye and Xu Feng Nian chat outside. She knows his shifu (Master Li; Li Yi Shan) is the great strategist, but even so, without any martial arts skills, the army will not pledge him their loyalty. Xu Fen Nian knows, but he doesn’t need to fight. If he was intelligent and powerful, how long could he live? Being useless is the key to longevity. And what is the point of longevity? So you can outwit your assassins your entire life? Tiresome. Nangong Pu Ye smirks.

It’s Xu Feng Nian’s adult ceremony. Xu Xiao tells him the only respect he’ll have to pay is to his mother and no one else, not even the heavens and earth. Xu Feng Nian’s mother is dead. Before she died, she built two statues representing her children. The first one is a large mother dragon taking care of her cubs: Huang Man'er and his two older sisters. Two older sisters?! Drama is just dropping details like this. In the second statue, there's another mother dragon only taking care of one cub: Xu Feng Nian. Dad says that Mom always doted on Xu Feng Nian the most. Skeptical me thinks singling out Xu Feng Nian doesn't mean love. The third and last hat crowned onto Xu Feng Nian was stitched by his mother. I kind of love how Show took its sweet time with the inauguration. It felt simple and grand.

After the ceremony, Xu Xiao reveals he sent Huang Man'er out of the city but not permanently. Since Xu Feng Nian won't kill an innocent man nor banish his brother, Dad can only resort to the third option which is to realign Huang Man'er's bone structure so that he loses his superhuman strength. The one place that can cleanse bones is Wudan Sect. No wonder Dad took his sweet time with the inauguration; so that Huang Man'er can leave far, far away.

Xu Feng Nian asks Nangong Pu Ye to join him in saving his brother. She refuses. Xu Feng Nian thought they were friends. Well, she needs to stay in the library tower (tingchaoting), which means she cannot upset Xu Xiao who can kick her out. She has an oath to fulfill, one that she wrote with her own blood, to take revenge for those who died. This is her one purpose in living and for this purpose, she needs to master her technique from the books at this library. She can't help him but she reminds him he's still got Water Man. She also gives him one of her swords (the big one). It's a gift to a friend. She wants it back when he returns safely (i.e. she wants him to return safely).

Water Man agrees to go, but there's no horse. Dad got rid of all of them. Clever Jiang Ni kept two horses for Xu Feng Nian, but she says it isn’t for free. Because there's a bit of love in there. Xu Feng Nian promises to give her the money when he's back. Afterwards, Yu You Wei asks Jiang Ni if there's something between them. Jiang Ni slams the table, pretending to be annoyed that she can't kill him and every time she fails, she has to pay up. Yu You Wei doesn't get why she wants to kill him, though. Jiang Ni turns solemn. It's for him to adapt to her assassinations. Ultimately, they will stand at opposite ends.

Xu Feng Nian has the horses, but they're now stuck at the gates as ordered by Xu Xiao. Fortunately, the soldiers at the gates are also loyal to Ning E'mei so Xu Feng Nian releases him in order to exit the gates. After they barely exit (like they're literally on the other side of the gate...) they meet Chu Lu Shan who's just returning from sending Huang Man'er to Wudan. By now, Chen Zhi Bao has also caught up to them with a message from Xu Xiao. If Xu Feng Nian wants to save Huang Man'er, he'll have to make a decision: to save or to kill. Ning E'Mei curiously asks, "Kill? Kill who?” You, hun.

Xu Feng Nian hasn’t made the decision yet, but for now, he leaves to Wudan. Meanwhile Ning E'mei and Chu Lu Shan return to their post. Only Water Man accompanies Xu Feng Nian.

Episode Recap From the Storyteller: Xu Feng Nian's mother is Nangong Pu Ye?!?!?! Mom?! Storyteller describes her like so: Mom (Wu Su) would dress like a boy in all white to travel all of jianghu with her Wu sword technique, imperious and valiant but at home she is a caring wife who will treat an adopted son like her own. Xu Feng Nian is adopted? Storyteller is so spoilery!

Wang Chong Lou
Hong Xi Xiang
Princess Zhao Feng Ya
Zhao Xi Tuan

[Ep8] Xu Feng Nian arrives at Wudan. Wudan's Master Wang Chong Lou calms Xu Feng Nian, asking him to reconsider saving Huang Man'er. Only danger will await him if he forcefully returns to Northern Liang with his brother.

Everyone leaves to give Xu Feng Nian some space, except awkward Hong Xi Xiang. He listens to Xu Feng Nian’s woes. Hong Xi Xiang agrees that there are only two options: banish Huang Man'er or kill his enemies. But who are the real enemies? Is it internal or is external...or is the Emperor who wants their powers? Through this conversation, Xu Feng Nian deepens his understanding: leaving Huang Man'er at Wudan isn't safe either if their enemy is truly the palace.

Palace. Zhao Feng Ya (Princess Suizhu) traces down Xu Feng Nian. She hates him for humiliating her by running away from their engagement.

Wudan. Water Man asks Xu Feng Nian why he beat up Hong Xi Xiang upon seeing him. Hong Xi Xian had forsaken his eldest sister. They loved each other, but he won't leave his sect until he becomes the world's top fighter and so she married someone else. Water Man laughs that Hong Xi Xiang will never leave the mountain then. He’s too weak.

Another princess makes it to Wu Dan first: Jiang Ni! She's carrying bags double her size and she hiked up the mountain by foot. Xu Feng Nian laughs at her; she must be punished by Xu Xiao to be here. She blames it on the horses that she stole for him. Water Man has a knowing smile and sensitively leaves the small little cabin for them to sleep in. It's so small (it's really not that small), there's only room for one bed. After she makes the bed, she goes to sleep by the window. Typical FL has her head dropping and typical ML catches her head. He lets his sword pivot her head so that she can sleep soundly. Carry her to bed, will ya? The next morning, Hong Xi Xiang curiously asks Xu Feng Nian why he didn't just carry her to bed. Because her back is wounded from carrying the large bags. Sitting would be more comfortable than lying. Woah! Thoughtful!

Jiang Ni wakes up and food is ready, but she doesn't eat. Xu Feng Nian tells a confused Hong Xi Xiang to mind his own business. Jiang Ni has her own routine, which is brushing her teeth first (with no toothpaste). She's back and stares at Hong Xi Xiang. She wants vegetables. He points to the two black fungus on the plate. She wants live ones. Surprised, he asks "There are live ones?" Seeds. She wants seeds, but how are seeds living? Jiang Ni, sounding slightly impatient, counters, "How are they not alive when they grow from the soil?” Makes sense. Unfortunately, Hong Xi Xiang has no seeds. They have a garden, though and Jiang Ni wants to go there. She sounds like a demanding Princess that Hong Xi Xiang has to obey even though this is his turf.

Later, the gardener reports to Master Wang Chong Lou that the vegetables have been stolen! The "thieves" (Jiang Ni and Hong Xi Xiang) are strolling past with their wagon full of plantables. The Master helps Jiang Ni distract the gardener.

Xu Feng Nian is in a section of the wood that belongs to Mujian Daoshi (Wooden Sword Taoist Priest, I guess) and he's knocked out immediately for approaching the area. When he wakes up, Huang Man'er tells him, the "Aura of the Sword" and not even a sword made him collapse. Huang Man’er also stresses that Mujian Daoshi is pretty nice.

Xu Feng Nian tells Huang Man’er that if he likes it here, they can stay. Huang Man'er is silent. He knows his brother has to leave. He also knows why he was sent here – to remove his super-strength. This way, Xu Feng Nian will be safe. Aw, you silly boy ): Huang Man'er is fine being silly as long his brother is intelligent (and safe). Being the big brother, Xu Feng Nian promises to protect him. However, there is a someone very powerful seeking for Huang Man'er

This powerful someone is Zhao Xi Tuan (Longhushan's High Priest). He’s here to pick up Huang Man'er to Longhu Mountain. No, not by the hairs of big bro’s chinny-chin-chin! Wait, he’s got no hair, so Xu Feng Nian sends inconspicuous signals to Water Man to kill the High Priest but the signals cannot be more obvious to the blind. The High Priest is aware of Water Man and keeps the attacks civil. Finally, Zhao Xi Tuan reveals he's here at the request of Lao Huang. Dude, if you had said this earlier.

Storyteller Recap: Xu Feng Nian's eldest sister is Xu Zhi Hu. I'm looking forward to seeing her and if her personality is anything like her name then she'll be a "fat tiger" and perhaps ferocious. A match made in heaven with the cowardly scrawny Hong Xi Xiang, ha. The storyteller explains that Hong Xi Xiang fell in love at first sight with her. She was dressed in red, beautiful like an angel. Ha. I'm waiting for the reversal. No one spoil me who the actress will be for the sister.

[Ep9] Zhao Xi Tuan and Xu Feng Nian have a calm and omg such an informative overloaded conversation. Longhushan Sect is #1 in jianghu because they have a #1 dude who is a retired royal (last name Zhao). Therefore... they’re really not that powerful and it’s just his name and status that’s bloating their reputation...? Got it, haha. This Royal Zhao isn’t doing much of anything but “fishing”, but most importantly he wants to be the true #1 and it will require defeating Wang Xian Zhi, an impossible high wall. Here’s where Lao Huang comes in: he's offering himself to duel Wang Xian Zhi so that The Coward and Sneaky Royal Zhao can learn Wang Xian Zhi’s weaknesses (if he’s got any). For this exchange, Lao Huang requested Longhushan Sect to protect Huang Man’er. Aw, Lao Huang did all this to give Xu Feng Nian the third option.

Xu Feng Nian rejects Longhushan's offer but Huang Man’er volunteers to leave for the sake of his brother. Huang Man’er will become Zhao Xi Tuan’s disciple.

Before they leave to Longhushan, they receive a message that Lao Huang has died!!! It’s just a tad funny watching the message being delivered live and Zhao Xi Tuan is like “I just received the message” to Xu Feng Nian. Yeah. I saw that. The letter is very detailed! It documented what Lao Huang ate before the match, the number of moves (117), and finally Lao Huang's death, which is exhaustion. Therefore, Lao Huang didn’t lose to the opponent. Wang Xian Zhi admitted he could have lost to Lao Huang if the battle lasted any longer. Zhao Xi Tuan must be running on 5G for him to read and memorize all that before giving the letter to Xu Feng Nian LOL.

Xu Feng Nian stares at the letter all night. There’s something wrong with it. Nowhere did it mention 'Lao Huang'. Jiang Ni doesn’t get what’s wrong with that. Xu Feng Nian explains mournfully, “Jian Jiu Huang became a legend but my Lao Huang died.” :( I wasn’t that sad because I didn't believe Lao Huang died, but Xu Feng Nian’s reaction to the letter is too somber. Ahhhhh. I can’t be the only one doubting this, right? Right??

Xu Feng Nian is inspired by Lao Huang to learn martial arts. Lao Huang nagged him for it :( His ultimate goal is to challenge Wang Xian Zhi to retrieve Lao Huang’s nine swords. Water Man will teach him, albeit reluctantly. Since Xu Feng Nian only has the sword that Nangong Pu Ye gave him, he trains with that. Water Man’s instructions are for him to balance a rock at the tip of the sword for one hour. He did it. Next, Water Man teaches him four basic sword moves.

Water Man didn’t want to admit Xu Feng Nian is talented with swords but the latter knows, otherwise Water Man would have left by the two month’s deadline, but he’s still here teaching him. However, the problem remains with the lack of zhenqi (I think of this like it's an ‘organ’ in the body that allows one to fly and do martial arts which needs to be trained).

Surprisingly, Hong Xi Xiang doesn’t look as weak as he appears. He seems to have a pretty strong (?) zhenqi. He gives Xu Feng Nian books to study with. (Is his helpfulness in any way related to the “friendly” upcoming duel between Wudan Sect and Longhushan Sect – a duel that Master Wong Chong Lou says they can’t win nor lose?)

There’s another reason Xu Feng Nian is training so hard. He doesn’t want anyone else to sacrifice for him. He had thought wit was enough, but at the end it was Lao Huang who gave up his life for the “third option” while Xu Feng Nian could do nothing.

Sooooo when’s the Princess getting here? xD Show is doing a pretty good job in reflecting time. I guess it takes a while to hike up that mountain.

[Ep10] And Princess Zhao Feng Ya is here! Her neck must be stiff because if she looked down just slightly, she’d realize she’s trampling on someone’s garden. Oh-nos. It’s Jiang Ni’s precious vegetables. Jiang Ni pushes the Princess. Their spat escalates. Neither backs down.

Xu Feng Nian defends Jiang Ni because only he is allowed to bully his girl. In doing so, he’s angering Princess Zhao Feng Ya. For some reason she wants Huang Man’er too. Hm. Then Wang Chong Lou invites himself to the standoff and sides with Xu Feng Nian, which means he’s standing against the Princess, and therefore the palace.

Jiang Ni isn’t happy with the win. It’s meaningless when her garden is ruined; it was the only thing she ever owned. Now that’s gone too, along with her mother, her father, her family, and her entire country. Nothing in this world belongs to her. Xu Feng Nian cheers her up by eating her precious garden's cucumber, ha. Although she’s angry, she’s perceptive enough to know Xu Feng Nian purposely angered the princess to make her belittle him. Jiang Ni knows his tricks now.

Wang Chong Lou siding with Xu Feng Nian isn’t as simple as it appears. While he is pledging his loyalty to Northern Liang in front of Xu Feng Nian, Hong Xi Xiang seems to be plotting with Princess Zhao Feng Ya. He says he doesn’t agree with his Master’s (Wong Chong Lou) plans and secretly brings the princess to eavesdrop on the conversation between his master and Xu Feng Nian. Wang Chong Lou is in the middle of explaining the nine levels in wuxia. At the pinnacle level, there are four divisions which are o.m.f.g :

Jinggang (e.g. Water Man)
Zhixuan (e.g. Lao Huang before the duel)
Tianxian (e.g. Lao Huang after his death, and Wang Xian Zhi)
Dixian (no examples, legendary, future Xu Feng Nian?)

Wang Chong Lou will support Xu Feng Nian in his ambition. In Wudan martial arts, other than realigning bones, they can install zhenqi in bodies with the condition that the recipient has never trained his zhenqi, making Xu Feng Nian the perfect candidate. Doing so, Wang Chong Lou will lose his powers (and shorten his lifespan but he’s already so old...). The sacrifice is worthy for Northern Liang’s protection. Along with Princess Zhao Feng Ya as the (“secret") witness, everyone will know Wudan is shielded by Northern Liang. It’s a lose-win-win, and therefore a win.

During the zhenqi transfer (of dahuangting), Xu Feng Nian falls back into the water that has turned golden. He’s submerged in water and with flashbacks (including young Jiang Ni comforting him for his mother’s death). It’s also confirmed his mother is not Nangong Pu Ye! Phew. That storyteller is misleading!

[Ep11] Still lurking, Hong Xi Xiang informs Princess Zhao Feng Ya that they need to act now to stop the transfer of zhenqi. However, a senior disciple stops them. He’s this one lone guy vs. the Princess' batch of men, clearly outnumbered but the Princess doesn’t even try, lol. Sighing, Hong Xi Xiang is like Ah, we missed the perfect timing. The transfer of zhenqi is complete. The Princess believes it’s only very little, nothing to sweat over. She retreats and asks Hong Xi Xiang if he wants to leave with her since he betrayed his sect. No, he doesn’t. He wants to be elected as leader and as long as he stays, he has hope. The Princess admires his perseverance, not knowing they played her like a fool. It was all an act to not upset the palace.

Alas, this is how Wudan Sect buffed up its defence:

Support Xu Feng Nian (= Northern Liang)
Make the Princess witness the alliance with Northern Liang
Make the Princess believe Hong Xi Xiang was ‘attempting’ to help her, therefore winning her favour
Promote Hong Xi Xiang as the new leader.

As a result, the sect has the protection of Northern Liang, the leader has the support of the Palace, situating the sect in a very comfy spot, offending neither forces, and receiving support from both. If you remember, what started this all was the challenge from Longhushan, but now the Princess calls it off; she doesn’t want to offend Northern Liang.
This is how Wudan Sect survived all these years eh. And this is what Wong Chong Lou meant to not win and to not lose: Don’t fight (which is harder than you think!).

Eunuch Sun who’s loyal to Zhao Feng Ya stops by a shop for hot water, but it’s actually a rendezvous spot, stationed by Chu Lu Shan! The Eunuch reports that there are some surprises: 1) Huang Man’er was taken by Longhushan and 2) Xu Feng Nian received dahuangting (zhenqi). Otherwise, everything was according to plan: the princess believes Xu Feng Nian is barbaric, meaning the palace would ease up on Xu Family.

Chu Lu Shan has a message from his “step-father” to ask if Eunuch Sun wants to return to Northern Liang, but the Eunuch refuses. He’s more useful to Xu Xiao in the palace. Dad! The biggest weasel of them all!! Princess Zhao Feng Ya isn’t all that gullible and has her guard check the shop to see if all is in regular operation. It is. Chu Lu Shan is smarter than that to leave traces. He even burns down the hut once the Princess leaves. Wow. First, Chu Lu Shan is loyal. Secondly, Eunuch Sun is Xu Xiao’s guy! Thirdly, Xu Xiao’s breadth and depth in this world is...boundless...

Water Man bids farewell to Xu Feng Nian.

It is also time for Xu Feng Nian to leave Wudan Sect. He asks Hong Xi Xiang when he plans to go to Jiangnan (where Xu's eldest sister is). His answer is the same: when he’s the world’s number one. Xu Feng Nian scoffs at that, but Hong Xi Xiang believes there will be a day. Wang Chong Lou also assures Hong Xi Xiang that there will be a day he will be number one. But he doesn’t train! How does he plan to be number one? When Wang Chong Lou asks Hong Xi Xiang for a little duel, I thought they were going to fight but it seems like they’re battling on who can pee the farthest. Boys. Funnily, I think they're peeing in the water that Xu Feng Nian fell in. xD Yuck. Is that why the water turns gold? Haha. By any chance, does the 黃 (huang; yellow) in dahuangting have anything to do with yellow pee? Pft.

The maids welcome their master on returning home. Hong Shu compliments Xu Feng Nian's amber print (that glows yellow) on his forehead. Omg, I can’t stop thinking about the pee. Xu Feng Nian is surprised that everyone is waiting outside, even Xu Xiao is. That’s because there’s someone scary at home that even Dad has to avoid. Xu Feng Nian’s second eldest sister is back. Xu Feng Nian knees buckle at that news.

Xu Wei Xiong is the sister who everyone quivers from just her name. She usually studies at Shangyin, but after it’s rumoured that Xu Feng Nian has zhenqi, she returned. She’s furious at Xu Feng Nian for choosing to train for Lao Huang over all of Northern Liang. She asks him when he plans to overcome Xu Zi Qi. Who? Then she reprimands him for abandoning his responsibilities; he has no right to refuse to be the heir. Without batting an eye, she throws away her brother’s present (chess pieces that he carved).

Next on Xu Wei Xiong’s hit list is Jiang Ni. She clutches Jiang Ni by the chin, threatening her to never assassinate Xu Feng Nian again. With that, she finally leaves. In her hand, Xu Wei Xiong has actually kept one black chess piece that her brother made. She cares! She’s just really mean about it.

The one person who doesn’t seem to fear Xu Wei Xiong is Chen Zhi Bao. He tells her that Shangyin suits her and she should just stay there and never return. Xu Wei Xiong smirks and questions, “You think I’m an enemy?” I like their antagonistic energy. Is it just me or do they have chemistry?

Xu Feng Nian pays Jiang Ni to read aloud the martial arts book from Hong Xi Xiang. However, he tells her to stop. She needs to practice on how to read it, and then he’ll listen.

Other than that, Xu Feng Nian has a question for Jiang Ni, “My sister angered you, and so you vowed [in writing] to kill me?” There’s nothing wrong with that logic. The best way to anger Xu Wei Xiong is to harm Xu Feng Nian because she loves him the most. If not, she wouldn’t have travelled for miles to yell at him. Jiang Ni knows Xu Wei Xiong is thoroughly disappointed in him. However, Xu Feng Nian believes there’s more to his sister’s plan. If there’s anyone who hates the traditional father-son inheritance, it’s Xu Wei Xiong. Curiously, Jiang Ni asks Xu Feng Nian why he resists to be heir. He’s silent and pensive until he answers that he doesn’t want any more sacrifices.

Jiang Ni: If you don’t do anything, then aren’t those sacrifices all futile?

Xu Feng Nian never thought of that. He looks at the table, ponders, and then leaves. On the table, there’s the wine bottle from Lao Huang, the hairpin from Huang Man’er, and the chess pieces that were meant for his sister.

[Ep12] Xu Feng Nian confronts his father if his original plans were for Huang Man’er to be sent to the palace because Princess Zhao Feng Yan’s appearance was too coincidental. Indeed, it was. Is the palace safe tho? Xu Feng Nian is angered but realizes the simplest solution is to succeed his father. This way, Huang Man’er can return. Dad is slightly disappointed that’s his only reason. Nonetheless, Xu Xiao is excited, but first, Xu Xiao tells his son to visit Master Li at the tower (Tingchaoting).

And so Xu Feng Nian visits Master Li at his tower but first, he sees Nangong Pu Ye who’s more interested in what’s underneath the tower than the fact that Xu Feng Nian has returned safely. So much for being friends, ha. She hears water trickling and is certain there’s another level. Xu Feng Nian has no idea. Ah, but Xu Xiao does! It’s his underground cell. Nangong Pu Ye is spun around like she’s on a merry-go-round for Xu Xiao to open the door to the basement. I love her smirk. She’s very amused to have discovered a secret.

Once Master Li sees Xu Feng Nian, he’s told to head downstairs where Xu Xiao is. Omg, these men are such girls. If y’all wanted Xu Feng Nian to go down the basement, just tell him from the very beginning! Master Li also tells him that once he’s down there, to be honest with his feelings. Xu Feng Nian is quite obedient. He tells Xu Xiao that all these years he was angry at him for multiple reasons: 1) he sold his eldest sister to Jiangnan for a marriage alliance when she had someone she loved, 2) he shipped his second sister to Shangying for her to spread knowledge and the ways of Northern Liang for people to accept them, and finally 3) he sent away Huang Man’er too. To Xu Xiao, family is something he can sacrifice for Northern Liang.

Xu Xiao and Xu Feng Nian finally make it downstairs. It’s a shrine for the fallen soldiers. There is:

Chen Zhi Bao’s father – He sacrificed himself to save Xu Xiao, otherwise Northern Liang could be his. This is why Xu Xiao never doubted Chen Zhi Bao. To both of them, Northern Liang is equally precious.
Wang Jian – He used his bare hands to keep the doors open for Xu Xiao to escape but he never made it out, and his corpse was split in parts.
Zao Zhang Ling – He was a strategist. He was ten miles away from avenging his family but died from sickness. So close.
Fan Li – He loved to sing
Han Li – He was beheaded by Xu Xiao. His crime wasn’t punishable by death but Xu Xiao needed to discipline the army.

Xu Xiao is known as the Man Slaughter. His hands are bloodied. To others, he is a devil. However, if he hadn’t fought in the war, disciplined his soldiers, then everyone would still be living in hell under the previous aristocratic rule. Xu Xiao tells his son to think of the world like it’s a large tree. The aristocrats are the large branches. They take all the sun. The peasants are the weeds who struggle to survive. This comparison does not work. Weeds are so competitive, they can live anywhere and also murder other plants. Slaughterer of Plants. Only in killing the aristocrats, will there be peace and restoration. These are the dreams of the fallen soldiers. This is Xu Xiao's dream.

Xu Xiao reveals that the sisters left on their own free will. They risked their lives to help Northern Liang spread its roots. It’s not for the soldiers. It’s for Xu Feng Nian. They’re clearing his path so that he can safely succeed Northern Liang. All along his siblings were sacrificing themselves for him. I didn’t see that until now when it made so much sense.

Xu Xiao: Have you ever wondered why I, Xu Xiao, who hate the aristocrats, will continue to let our Northern Liang be Xu? (I might just be a little confused here. Xu Family is the aristocratic family? Xu Xiao took down his family/relative? And this “aristocrat” is....Xu Zi Qi???)

He keeps the name of Xu for the reputation it holds. The palace is wary of the Xus because they are like fierce tigers. The army looks up to the Xus for the very same reason. If they don’t have hold of the army then all the dreams of everyone here will be crushed.

Xu Feng Nian understands his grave responsibility. It’s for all the sacrifices and all the dreams. He solemnly bows to every corner in the room but at the end he tells Xu Xiao, “I don’t agree.” It’s good that he’s protecting the civilians, ensuring there’s peace, but Xu Feng Nian does not approve of his ways. To kill and to scheme is tainting everyone’s dreams. Xu Xiao laughs at his naivety. To protect is to be cruel. Xu Feng Nian disagrees. He will protect everyone's dreams and his family in his way. And so be it, Xu Xiao will give him the chance to try.

Xu Xiao has a quest for his son. He will go to Wudi City just as Xu Feng Nian had wanted (to retrieve Lao Huang’s swords). It remains elusive why Xu Xiao wants him to go. However, Dad promises that Xu Feng Nian can bring his sisters back home, but it will depend on the decision he makes.

Xu Feng Nian: What decision?
Xu Xiao: The method to bring them back. Feng Nian, if in the process of bringing them home, there will be many deaths, how will you choose?
Xu Feng Nian: I’ll find a third option.
Xu Xiao: There aren’t that many Lao Huang’s in the world and if there is, it’s a death route.
Xu Feng Nian: With effort, I can achieve it (idiom)
Xu Xiao laughs heartily: I will anticipate it.

Xu Xiao stays alone in the basement to chat with his comrades, his friends. He vows that he will train his son to be the king of Northern Liang who is worthy of guarding this land for everyone here and himself.

Elsewhere in the cell, there is a prison. Xu Xiao throws a key to the prisoner. Xu Xiao rambles that Xu Feng Nian might be killed at Wudi City by Wang Xian Zhi who is soooooo powerful. Xu Xiao is very clearly taunting whoever is inside the prison. It works. This mysterious person frees himself with the key. S/he will protect Xu Feng Nian.

After the conversation with Xu Xiao, Xu Feng Nian understands that Chen Zhi Bao isn’t a suitable heir. He may look icy on the surface, but underneath he has a burning passion and if he takes the lead, he could easily wage war. There would be no peace.

Shu Xiu (who was “Fan Lady”) introduces herself to Xu Feng Nian and gives him keys to free Ning E’Mei. She warns Xu Feng Nian that Ning E’Mei is holding a grudge because he returned alone without Huang Man’er. Xu Feng Nian frees him anyway and asks if he would join the trip to Wudi City because on the way, they can visit Huang Man’er at Longhushan. Ning E’Mei takes his offer and they will depart after New Years.

Other happenings:

→ Zhao Kai swims his way to pick up Xu Wei Xiong who’s returning by boat. He likes her. They’re classmates.

→ Hong Shu protects Jiang Ni from an attempted assassination from servants who are loyal to Xu Wei Xiong (but I don’t think Xu Wei Xiong ordered it).

→ Xu Feng Nian and Jiang Ni visit Old Xu (blind man) to give him a New Year’s present.

→ Xu Feng Nian gives Jiang Ni a red string bracelet for New Years. She scoffs at the cheapness. He’s like anything more expensive doesn’t suit her. If she doesn’t want it, he’ll take it back. She wants it and wears it immediately. Even if it’s a penny, it’s still money! She likes it. It’s something that belongs to her now.

[Ep13] For the New Year’s, Xu Xiao visits Old Xu who recognizes the former by touching his hand. He immediately bows to him. He asks Xu Xiao how many soldiers survived the war. Xu Xiao is silent for a moment.

Xu Xiao: As long as our army doesn’t fall, then they will live on.

On New Year's Eve, Xu Feng Nian visits Nangong Pu Ye. They drink together. She gives him both her sabres for his quest. Once again, she’s only lending it. They enjoy the music – the lyrics are written by Xu Wei Xiong while the song is composed by Xu Feng Nian. Nangong Pu Ye compliments the lyrics but the song is so so. I really like this music. Not the type I would listen to on a regular day. It’s traditional Chinese martial art music, the good energizing kind.

Xu Feng Nian will depart on his quest! Exciting! I’m really anticipating this trip! His team includes:

Ning E’mei and his Fengzhi Battalion
Qing Niao
Grandpa Wei (Wei Shu Yang) – A martial arts expert.
Shu Xiu – (was Fan Lady) Xu Xiao tells his son to be wary of her.
Cat Lady (Yu You Wei) – She’s going only because her master is going, which means Jiang Ni is going!
Jiang Ni – She seems pretty excited to join. Xu Xiao thinks his son needs a maid, y’know. Or is that really the reason?
Mysterious Man (the one from the dungeon) – Xu Feng Nian is instructed to not give this man a sword.
Lv Qian Tang – Who is Lin Tang Hua!!! Omg as if there’s not enough names already! He is joining the trip because they will pass by Qingzhou and he can be helpful. Also, if Lv Qian Tang wants to save his family, he’ll need to obey.

Han Diao Si
Zhao Kai
Xu Wei Xiong

Zhao Kai is instructed by his Master Han Diao Si to assassinate Xu Feng Nian (I wonder if Master Han is related to Han Li...). Zhao Kai asks if this is an order from the Palace. It isn’t. Then what’s in it for him? He intends to marry Xu Wei Xiong and killing his brother-in-law isn’t the way to win her heart. Well, killing Xu Feng Nian will be destroying Northern Liang, and destroying Northern Liang will be turning the world into chaos, and then he can shine. Sold!

The trip barely started, and we’ve got our first obstacle: (not Zhao Kai) Dian Xiong Chu, who’s wearing a helmet so I can’t see his face. He works for Chen Zhi Bao and asks Xu Feng Nian to wait for his commander; Chen Zhi Bao will personally send him out of the city. Chu Lu Shan’s battalion arrives first to support Xu Feng Nian. Then Ning E’mei points his spear; his troops brace for attack too. Dian Xiong Chu holds his ground. We’re gearing up for a battle. Omg, the trip hasn’t even started! Boys, calm down. Chen Zhi Bao finally arrives, laxly. He plans to assign Dian Xiong Chu to protect Xu Feng Nian, but the latter rejects. He can’t trust Chen Zhi Bao. However, Chen Zhi Bao swears that he doesn’t want him dead – yet. Xu Feng Nian is useful to Northern Liang, but right now he’s too weak. He doesn’t have the cruelty, the calculative schemes, nor the connections. Xu Feng Nian returns the question, asking him if he’s got them all. Chen Zhi Bao rides away without answering.

It’s night time. Xu Feng Nian is quite entertained that Jiang Ni can order Mysterious Man around. Also, Jiang Ni finally gets to read the martial arts book she’s been practicing for days, but Xu Feng Nian wants her to read another new book. She’s annoyed. Could he be making her read it to train her? Just like how Lao Huang wanted him to learn martial arts to protect himself. As Jiang Ni reads the book aloud, Mysterious Man has a critique for each book. It’s like he knows them backwards (and they all suck). Xu Feng Nian’s curiosity peaks. Just how powerful is this Mysterious Man?

[Ep14] Northern Liang. Xu Xiao is off to the imperial city – it might be a dangerous trip, but no one will dare to hurt him, he says. Chu Lu Shan is instructed to stand guard for a signal (a hawk with a sword tassel). Once he gets it, he is to deploy his Bai Battalion to Qingzhou. Chu Lu Shan asks who will guard Northern Liang while Xu Xiao is away. Obviously, the commander will be Chen Zhi Bao. Chu Lu Shan looks grumpy...but somewhat loyal as well. I don’t know! He’s very serious about waiting for the tassel though. He’s going to sleep outside. Loyal. Ha. I hope so.

Xu Feng Nian’s quest. Second day, second obstacle! A lone soldier stands in Xu Feng Nian's way, donning what looks like an invincible armour. He is part of the Fujiang Hongjia, one of the Four Great Armies, but due to their mutiny against the previous empire, they should have been executed. The armour and corpses were hung for all to see. Is he really part of Fujiang Hong Jia? Grandpa Wei says he isn’t. He’s too weak. Mysterious Man says he is. With a flick of his fingers, Mysterious Man sends a droplet of water surging forward in super slow-mo and we see the pellet aggregating with other water particles, forming an icicle that pierces through the armoured man. He’s down. The invincible armour is preamble to liquid. Not good. Xu Feng Nian asks the question we’re all asking, “Is this it?” The armoured man rises again, but it’s not actually alive. It’s a living corpse. Mysterious Man says there should be five of them. He flies over with his umbrella, steps on the living corpse, summons a tornado as he levitates. Drops of water that have been suspended in the air start to rise with the Mysterious Man. Then with full force, he drills downward and splits the armour. Amazed, Lv Qian Tang wonders if Mysterious Man is a man or divinity.

Mysterious Man senses Zhao Kai’s presence and flicks a drop of water at him. It turns out, the living dead soldier is under his control. He retreats with the remaining three living corpses.

Mysterious Man returns to the carriage to pick his nose again. Jiang Ni says he’s not bad, but Nangong Pu Ye is better. She’s prettier! Anyway, Mysterious Man asks Jiang Ni to consider learning from him. She doesn’t want to. With her identity, if she’s powerful, she’d die faster. A Xu Feng Nian logic. He says she’s got a good potential, which isn’t far off from Xu Feng Nian’s (ou) and she’s not as devious as him. Mysterious Man likes her personality.

Xu Feng Nian asks Mysterious Man about the armour the soldier was wearing. The armour has patterns within it that can channel zhenqi directly to the brain to control the soldier against his will. Mysterious Man killed the soldier to free him.

If you’ve been doing simple math, you may have noticed by now there should be five living corpses. One just died; Zhao Kai took three away. What happened to the fifth one? It attacked Ning E’mei who was trailing Xu Feng Nian. He reports that he lost forty men and, unfortunately, the living corpse still escaped. He asks for his punishment because he failed his orders of protecting the young master. Xu Feng Nian asks if any soldiers retreated. Ning E’mei declares not one man backed down. Without a second's hesitation, Xu Feng Nian praises Ning E’mei. Faced against such a powerful enemy, everyone remained resilient and fought on. Shu Xiu and Lv Qian Tang smile at hearing this. Xu Feng Nian has more orders for Ning E’mei: to send the fallen soldiers back home to be laid to rest. Xu Feng Nian will slow down his quest to wait for Ning E’mei to return. Aw. Ning E’mei is grateful for that, right?

Mysterious Man compliments Xu Feng Nian for buying the hearts of his followers (Shu Xiu, Lv Qian Tang, and Ning E’mei’s Fengzhi Battalion). I like Show for knowing my reaction. This is exactly what I was thinking. Xu Feng Nian doesn’t look like he cares (and neither is Fengzhi Battalion that easy to bribe). Xu Feng Nian is more curious about Mysterious Man’s identity. Jiang Ni already knows. He’s the Legendary Swordsman Li Chun Gang (if you remember, Nangong Pu Ye had mentioned him). His skills are above Lao Huang in the swordsmanship world. However, even he is not Wang Xian Zhi’s match. Jiang Ni scrunches her face and points a question at Xu Feng Nian, “And you want to challenge Wang Xian Zhi?” Pft. Jiang Ni also thinks Li Chun Gang hid in the dungeon all these years because he lost in a battle. But that’s not it. He locked himself because he realized he was an idiot.

Our team spends the night at the cabin; it’s the place he used to live with Lao Huang. While they’re eating, mountain bandits hustle in. Is it that hard to spend a day in this drama? Shu Xiu beats them up. Xu Feng Nian interrogates the mountain bandits on how they overtook the previous ones. They didn’t. The previous bandits disappeared after trying to save a little girl (Xiao Que’er). Xu Feng Nian keeps the bandits hostage until he investigates the truth. These bandits aren’t lying entirely but they have tortured the women who remain. Xu Feng Nian orders their execution. Grandpa Wei asks Xu Feng Nian why he didn’t send them to the court. Because the court will keep Northern Liang’s enemies alive.

It is Qingyang Sect who kidnaped Xiao Que’er. Xu Feng Nian doesn’t want to ruffle this group. They're palace spies on Northern Liang. Since Xiao Que’er has already been kidnapped two months ago, it’s too late. Xu Feng Nian will seek revenge later. But! What if Xiao Que’er is still alive? Grandpa Wei is uneasy and reminds Xu Feng Nian to look at the bigger picture. “I may not be someone who can.” Pft. Off to Qingyang Pact!

[Ep15] Qingcheng Mountain. Our team is stopped at the entrance by the disciples of Qinyang Sect. Lv Qian Tang fights them alone. Shu Xiu snickers that he'll need help. He hears and levels up on the spot.

Li Chun Gang scoffs at Lv Qian Tang’s martial arts. It's nothing powerful, in fact it's foolish. Whenever he powers up, he uses his blood as energy. Each use shortens his lifespan.

Lv Qian Tang knows he will die using this technique. It was Xu Xiao who gave him the book to learn and it was Lv Qian Tang who accepted it. If his life can exchange for the livelihood of his Lin Family, then he can die a thousand times.

Lv Qian Tang continues to fight alone in order to win a chance to enter the sect. Shu Xiu snickers again, betting that he'll die in two hours. Xu Feng Nian hears it and orders her to help Lv Qian Tang. I don't know why no one was helping him to begin with. Also, Shu Xiu's continuous commentary in a way is like volunteering herself to be next. Did she want to help him? Shu Xiu obeys. However, the disciples reform into a new zone.

It seems only Li Chun Gang can break through the zone but he isn't interested in helping. Xu Feng Nian isn't dying yet. He offers to help if Jiang Ni becomes his disciple, though. Jiang puckers. Not happening.

Xu Feng Nian takes it on himself and challenges Qingyan Sect. Grandpa Wei joins. Then Ning E'mei arrives with his battalion. It's the ladies' vs. the battalion. Finally, one of the lady asks who Xu Feng Nian is and his purpose. Gee, if only they talked first and maybe Lv Qian Tang could have kept a few years of life. Xu Feng Nian asks for the mountain bandits and the little girl, Xiao Que'er. The lady denies seeing them. Well, no more talking is needed. Battle! But! The little girl appears. She’s smiling. Next to her is Wu Ling Su, the Master of Qingyang Sect. He welcomes Xu Feng Nian to tour their place, but only Xu Feng Nian and no one else.

Everyone is worried for Xu Feng Nian except Jiang Ni. She knows he can make it out alive without any help. She makes a bet with Li Chun Gang and they head up to the roof to witness. She’s right. Xu Feng Nian barely needs to lift a pinky and Wu Ling Su can’t kill him. He can’t afford to kill him, the heir of Northern Liang. His family will be in ruins to be their enemy.

Wu Ling Su heartily laughs, saying "she" was right. Who is "she"? It's Zhao Yu Tae, who Xu Feng Nian calls "gugu" (Auntie). She trained his mother and they're more like sisters. She's also married to Wu Ling Su. They didn't kidnap the bandits; they were protecting Xu Feng Nian's friends because friends are his weaknesses. The Zhao and Wu couple sent the bandits away safely, giving them jobs and lands. As for Xiao Que'er, she's got talent and so she's a disciple at Qingyang Sect.

Hold up, but isn't Wu Ling Su a spy from the palace? He's a double agent! Xu Xiao knows this too. @_@

Auntie Zhao Yu Tai reveals to Xu Feng Nian that she's also investigating his mother's death. If anyone knows a single detail, then it will be a catastrophe rattling the world. Perfect timing – Jiang Ni makes a noise, rattling their attention. Catastrophe! Li Chun Gang ditches Jiang Ni on the roof; he’s uninterested in family gossip. Jiang Ni cutely smiles and asks for a ladder to come down. Intermission: our gang is still outside holding their formation, lol.

Auntie Zhao Yu Tai recognizes the red string bracelet on Jiang Ni’s wrist and continues her damned story that shouldn’t be told to outsiders. Oh, is the red string from Mom? But I’m not entirely sure if it’s the bracelet that caught her attention or it’s Xu Feng Nian holding her wrist. Before Mom died, she suffered a mortal injury. She wouldn’t identify the culprit. Xu Feng Nian knows it’s to prevent anyone from avenging. All these years Auntie has failed to solve the mystery but that in itself is an answer. This person is that powerful. Auntie puts in some kind words for Xu Xiao that he wants to avenge Mom but this matter is far more complicated.

Auntie Zhao Yu Tai also tells Xu Feng Nian the mountain bandits were a plot set up by Xu Xiao. For their crimes, they deserve to die. They were led to the mountain by Xu Xiao for Xu Feng Nian to punish. In the end, Xu Feng Nian is following his father’s path. He says he doesn’t want to kill, but at the right moment, he will kill. Auntie tells Xu Feng Nian that he and his father are the same. Xu Feng Nian rejects the notion immediately. He won’t sacrifice his family. All this while, he’s clutching tightly on Jiang Ni’s hand.

Auntie Zhao Yu Tai excuses herself to retrieve the evidence but reminds Xu Feng Nian to loosen his grip on Jiang Ni’s wrist. She's got to be hurting but she didn’t say anything. Jiang Ni knows someone is hurting more. She assures Xu Feng Nian she will avenge his mother with him. His mother was the first person who was kind to her.

Auntie Zhao Yu Tai has a son, Wu Shi Zhen, who’s in the palace but he’s more like a hostage in order to keep Wu Su Ling loyal. Auntie assures Xu Feng Nian that as long as her identity and association with Mom are kept a secret, they’ll be fine. However, it seems their son will be in danger, at least Wu Ling Su is worried for him. He sends a messenger pigeon to the palace which is shot down by Auntie. Xu Xiao has already departed to the palace and if he doesn’t save their son, she will. And if Wu Ling Su insists on sending the message, then she will die at Mom Xu’s tomb. Wu Ling Su obliges.

Xu Feng Nian finishes reading the evidence. The book is so thin for all these years of investigations. He concludes the culprit is the palace (Liyang) from two points: 1) Mom suffered the injury when she was pregnant with Xu Feng Nian and, 2) Xu Xiao was just about to be crowned as the Lord of Northern Liang. The palace had to give the title to Xu Xiao for his victories but they didn’t want Xu Family to have an heir and tried to kill Mom. But Mom had a second son too! Such a simple logic, Xu Xiao must have known too, but he couldn't attack the palace. There would be too many lives lost. Neither can the palace openly kill Mom Xu. They must have hired multiple assassins since Mom was no easy target. Xu Feng Nian vows to find them one by one.

Auntie Zhao Yu Tai has one more thing to give Xu Feng Nian. It’s Mom’s sword. Back then, Mom went against Wu Family’s wishes to marry Xu Xiao. She had to leave behind her sword. Auntie kept it for Mom. It’s for his son if he decides to learn sword. It can also be her betrothal gift to her future daughter-in-law.

Xu Feng Nian hands the sword to Jiang Ni who takes a big step back. He explains that his maid should be holding his master’s belongings. Correct? Correct. She also has to take the backdoor because they can’t be seen carrying a sword out of Qingyang Sect. Thus, Jiang Ni is alone in the woods where a monster (Hu Kuai; a tiger beast) lives. Will she be okay?

[Ep16] While Xu Feng Nian, Qing Niao, and Grandpa Wei search for Jiang Ni, Shu Xiu and the rest stay behind. She makes an analysis: those who are here (Shu Xiu, Lv Qian Tang, Ning E’mei, Cat Lady Yu You Wei, Li Chun Gang) are the ones Xu Feng Nian doubts. Shu Xiu thinks they should watch for each other’s backs. She openly asks Li Chun Gang about this certain technique and if he knows, she’s willing to be loyal to him instead of Xu Xiao. Li Chun Gang yells at her to scram. He's busy cleaning his toes. The same fingers he probably didn’t wash that went in his nose and vice versa.

Jiang Ni is perfectly fine! The 'Hu Kuai' (a tiger beast) is dead. Jiang Ni barely witnessed the murder – it was too fast. The other beast zoomed past her and it looked like a human was riding its back.

The Hu Kuai still has a last breath, though. Xu Feng Nian feels its uterus. She’s pregnant. Xu Feng Nian delivers the baby tiger twins. Grandpa Wei excitedly shares that whoever the baby tigers see first will have their love and loyalty like a child to a mother. Undoubtedly, Xu Feng Nian lets the mother see her babies. No one should strip a child from their mother. It’s also obvious the mother did everything she could to save her baby – she’s wounded everywhere but her uterus. Show cannot be more obvious with the parallel to Xu Feng Nian and his mother.

I do have a theory that Xu Feng Nian isn’t Wu Su and Xu Xiao’s son. Just like the saying goes for baby tigers, the first person they see is their mother, Xu Feng Nian saw Wu Su as his mother and never doubted it. Who would doubt their mother isn't their mother anyway. I don’t think Xu Xiao stripped Xu Feng Nian from his mother maliciously, though. Perhaps it was circumstantial.

The mother tiger looks longingly at Xu Feng Nian, and dies. He understands. He’s to take care of her twins. Xu Feng Nian names the older sister, Pusha, and the younger brother, Jingang (names of deities). As for the mother tiger, she’s buried whole. Xu Feng Nian could have dissected the tiger (e.g. nails for armour) but she already gave him her precious children.

Our team is back en route to Zhao Heng’s territory: Qingzhou.

Qingzhou. Zhao Heng has visitors. 1) Wang Lin Quan reports to Zhao Heng of Lin Family’s assets (Ah, the minister loyal to Northern Liang!). He's also in charge of killing the Lins. 2) Zhao Xun greets his father (Zhao Heng) to bring him another visitor. 3) The new visitor is Zhao Kai. He knows of a way to make Zhao Heng the new ruler: send the world into chaos by removing Northern Liang and the key to that is to kill Xu Feng Nian. (Show, is it so hard to just introduce one new guy per episode?)

Qingyang Sect. Auntie Zhao Yun Tai sends a hawk with a sword tassel towards Northern Liang (Chu Lu Shan’s signal!). It was Xu Xiao’s order to send the signal only if Xu Feng Nian visited. If he hadn’t, then he’s the type to avoid danger, and therefore he wouldn’t need Chu Lu Shan's protection in Qingzhou. This Show is always 50 steps ahead. Auntie is proud of Xu Feng Nian and she’s certain Wu Su (Mom) would be proud too.

Sea. Our team is travelling by boat. Li Chun Gang is fishing without a rod, and without one arm. Confession: I just noticed Li Chun Gang is missing an arm. x_x. With time to chill, Li Chun Gang tells Jiang Ni that she reminds him of a girl who followed him just like how she follows Xu Feng Nian. He wants to train her so that she’s more powerful than Xu Feng Nian and if he ever turns manic, she’s strong enough to stop him. The reason Li Chun Gang doesn’t wield a sword anymore has nothing to do with losing a battle, it's because he killed this girl.

Qingzhou. Zhao Heng rejects Zhao Kai. Zhao Heng is wary of him whose eyes look thirsty and whose last name is also Zhao.

Sea. Jiang Ni gives Li Chun Gang her pocket knife and wishes him victory if he were to fight Wang Xian Zhi. The knife is a Chu Treasure (and also her go to weapon to kill Xu Feng Nian). Li Chun Gang accepts the valuable present and stabs it through his bun. For such a precious present, he will repay with a favour. Jiang Ni points to Xu Feng Nian and asks Li Chun Gang to teach him. Li Chun Gang smirks at her.

Qingzhou. Zhao Kai couldn’t convince Zhao Heng, but he can manipulate Zhao Xun, the son.

Sea. Li Chun Gang teaches Xu Feng Nian to use the force of the sabre (and not the blade of the sabre). So why are we using a sharp object in the first place? The goal is to only break a walnut and leave no trace of damage on the boat. When Li Chun Gang reminds him of the finger he used to defeat the Armoured Man, methinks Li Chun Gang gave Xu Feng Nian the middle finger, lol. In one evening, Xu Feng Nian mastered the move. Xu Feng Nian can even do it with two walnuts stacked on top of each other. However, he struggles with three walnuts. The one at the bottom always cracks. Li Chun Gang demonstrates the difference between “Sword Technique” and “Sword Essence”. Without moving the sabre at all, Li Chun Gang succeeds with three walnuts. But how? Li Chun Gang teaches him "Sword Gang”. I don’t know what gang means. It's the same gang as his Li Chun Gang. And I still don’t get the difference between Sword Technique and Essence. What matters is: Xu Feng Nian gets the difference. He learns it immediately. Li Chun Gang is rattled at his improvements as he picks his nose.

(A note going forward: Li Chun Gang makes a clear distinction between the weapons they’re using. Xu Feng Nian uses 刀 (dao) while Li Chun Gang uses 剑 (jian). They both mean swords in English. 剑 is the traditional one in sword fighting, the long and thin kind. 刀 is something I would associate with kitchen knives nowadays, but I think the appropriate translation would be ‘sabre’ for this drama.)

Northern Liang. Chu Lu Shan did sleep outside to wait for his signal. Without combing or grooming, he deploys his Ba Army to Qingzhou.

Sea. Two boats are making their way to Xu Feng Nian. One belongs to Zhao Kai and Zhao Xun. The biggest one belongs to Wang Lin Quan. He bows to Xu Feng Nian. Zhao Xun retreats, thinking it’s under his father’s orders. If they had stayed any longer, then they would have heard Wang Lin Quan shouting his allegiance to Xu Feng Nian and Northern Liang. Xu Feng Nian thinks Wang Lin Quan was too rash. It isn’t rash at all. The day Xu Feng Nian is in Qingzhou is the day Wang Lin Quan can return to Northern Liang. He’s so emotional he cries.

[Ep17] Qingzhou. Zhao Heng learns of Wang Lin Quan’s betrayal. He also knows this is a truce from Xu Xiao. Revealing Wang Lin Quan (the hidden card) is an exchange for Xu Feng Nian’s safety on his turf.

Island near Qingzhou. Wang Lin Quan allows Lv Qian Tan to visit Lin Family. However, upon seeing Lv Qian Tang, his mother slaps him. She'd rather he be dead than be loyal to Xu Xiao the ruthless, man-slaughterer general. (And he'd rather be dead in exchange for the safety of his family...). Wang Lin Quan has two conditions for Lv Qian Tan if he wants his family safe: 1) Find all the Lin relatives to gather information on Zhao Heng for Xu Feng Nian and 2) guard Xu Feng Nian with his life. Lv Qian Tang agrees to both. Before he dies, he won’t let anyone hurt Xu Feng Nian. I cannot like this guy for the sake of my heart. He’s going to die, isn’t he?

Sea. The next morning, Xu Feng Nian is back en route to Qingzhou. Zhao Xun (and Zhao Kai) launch a naval battle against Xu Feng Nian. Zhao Xun has a fancy contraption that can send multiple wrecking balls swinging in their direction.

Ning E'mei beats the wrecking ball by breaking the handle. Easy. All that effort to set up the wrecking ball is destroyed by one move, pft. Also, Ning E’mei is creeping up my list of faves. Very hard to go wrong with a loyal, serious, powerful guy.
Grandpa Wei is strong too! His weapons are his bell sleeves. *Swoosh swoosh swoosh*
Under Xu Feng Nian’s orders, Ning E’mei takes over one of the two ships that are attacking them. Grandpa Wei takes over the second ship. He doesn’t fly over like the brute Ning E’mei, but anchors it close enough. However, it’s too big for him. Lv Qian Tang substitutes. He powers up with his blood. Ah, lifespan! HP! The enemies try to cut the rope from their boat but Qing Niao throws her javelin, killing whoever approaches the anchor. When the boat is close enough, she jumps over. I like how she tells Lv Qian Tang, it’s alright now. (Save your blood!) Lv Qian Tang only stops until Xu Feng Nian tells him to rest.
Shu Xiu helps Ning E’mei in overtaking the first boat.

Both boats have been overtaken, but there’s more enemies.

Zhao Xun is on a third boat that’s farther away. He takes his bow and arrow to shoot at Xu Feng Nian who seems vulnerable. Xu Feng Nian immediately senses the arrow and blocks it with his Sword Gang. Zhang Ruo Yun has pretty much mastered sheathing his sword. I like his effort xD.
Then on the vast sea, there is a lone paddler. He’s Wu Liu Ding (an (ex) Qingyang Sect disciple). He’s here to avenge his sect whose reputation was ruined by Xu Feng Nian’s mother. With a single bamboo rod, he lifts an entire navy to drop it on Xu Feng Nian. It’s finally Li Chun Gang’s turn to combat! He flies to the boat that’s being lifted and gravitates downward with full force, like he’s surfing. Wu Liu Ding is at his limit and drops the boat. He retreats. O-kay. See you later?
Seeing that everyone failed, Zhao Kai secretly summons his Armoured Men but the corpse fails too.
I like the teamwork in this battle. Shu Xiu helping Ning E’mei; Qing Niao telling Lv Qian Tang that he can rest; Li Chun Gang sending a drum to Xu Feng Nian to balance on the sea; Ning E’mei throwing his spear for Xu Feng Nian to grasp on, etc.

Now that all attempts at assassinating Xu Feng Nian have failed, how is Zhao Xun going to clean up his mess? He blames it all on a soldier and beheads him in front of Xu Feng Nian.

Other happenings / New characters:

→ Pei Nan Wei is Zhao Heng’s wife, stepmother of Zhao Xun. She doesn’t look very happy with either husband or stepson.

→ Wang Chu Dong is Wang Lin Quan’s daughter. Her father offers her to Xu Feng Nian for the night. Xu Feng Nian fears there’s a reason Wang Lin Quan is pushing his daughter to him.

→ During the battle, it seems everyone has forgotten Cat Lady Yu You Wei, who’s having a battle of her own to keep her cat alive with hungry baby tigers growling at her.

Cliffhanger: Wang Chu Dong can summon a sea turtle monster...? As if there aren’t enough characters already….

[Ep18] Our team is on the streets of Xiangfan, Qingzhou. Lv Qian Tang maunders melancholically – his family used to govern here. He’s not alone; Jiang Ni is upset too. Xiangfan was previously under the sovereignty of the fallen Western Chu. Xu Feng Nian recounts his father’s words of how the city was haunted by loyal Chus. But ghosts don’t exist. The real ghost is in his father’s heart that haunts him and motivates him. He will protect the world from war as long as he rules. This is why he needs his army to be strong.

Xu Feng Nian: I will be different from Xu Xiao. If I can’t even protect the people I love, the world, the big picture, what is the meaning of it all?

Zhao Heng’s manor. Zhao Heng lectures his son that he’ll need to read more Buddhist scriptures; his killing aura is too strong (remember: Zhao Xun killed a soldier to shoulder his crime). To demonstrate the teachings of Buddhism, Zhao Heng killed the soldier’s entire family to have them reunite in hell. Oh Zhao Heng, you didn’t have to... In Buddhism, nothing is valid except compassion. Thankfully, The compassionate teaching is over when a guard reports that Lv Qian Tang is here with a message from Xu Feng Nian. Instead of catching Lv Qian Tang, Zhao Heng lets him go (grudgingly). Show just made him eat his own words. Zhao Heng, what happened to being compassionate and reuniting the Lins in hell? Zhao Heng has a second visitor: Zhao Kai. Zhao Heng knows Zhao Kai is the Emperor’s son, but an illegitimate only. Only in chaos will he be needed. Zhao Heng is uninterested in killing Xu Feng Nian for Zhao Kai and imprisons him.

Palace. Xu Xiao arrives at the palace. He’s right outside and reminisces at the tree where he and his wife (Wu Su) made a marking. There’s a branch that died. Zhang Ju Lu, a minister, receives him while gargling his ice tea. He orders his servants to chop the tree. Xu Xiao submits and walks away. Are they actually chopping a real tree?

Once within the gates, Xu Xiao is told to wait while a eunuch announces his arrival to the Emperor. Great actor! Xu Xiao has been limping from the long journey. Age is catching up to this once invincible general. An unknowing (almost-)third-rank minister (Liu Ti Ren) thinks Xu Xiao is easy to bully and mocks his attire. Xu Xiao beats him with the flat end of the sword.

Rewind. Why is there such a difference between Xu Xiao’s reaction to the two ministers? Is it just because Zhang Zu Lu is a higher rank? No. Xu Xiao somewhat respects Zhang Ju Lu’s bravery for risking his life. As for Liu Ti Ren, he’s just brainless and asking for death.

Instead of the Emperor, Yang Tai Sui meets Xu Xiao. He’s a monk? Tai Sui shouldn’t be his real name but a title. Jupiter? God of the Year? Not sure. He says the Emperor is sick. After Xu Xiao swipes his bald head a bit more, Yang Tai Sui reveals that whether the Emperor will see him will depend on Qingzhou (Zhao Heng and Xu Feng Nian). Xu Xiao is such a rascal at times, and unreadable most of the time.

Zhao Heng’s Manor. Zhao Heng’s eyes are everywhere; he knows why Zhang Ju Lu instigated Xu Xiao and why Xu Xiao kept calm. Zhang Zu Lu wants to eliminate all barriers for the palace. Northern Liang is one of them. If Xu Xiao kills him then the Emperor will have a reason to kill Xu Xiao. Then his army without a leader will implode. (The Emperor has no idea about Xu Feng Nian’s capabilities.)

A note from Zhang Ju Lu arrives. It’s a cryptic message but clear to Zhao Heng. Zhang Ju Lu wants him to kill Xu Feng Nian. Zhao Heng is also certain that his own head will be brought to Xu Xiao for apology.

Zhao Heng is caught in a death trap. Killing Xu Feng Nian is guaranteeing his own death sentence. Not killing Xu Feng Nian means that they have an alliance.

What will Zhao Heng do?

Zhao Heng visits Xu Feng Nian and brings along his wife (Pei Nan Wei).

Xu Feng Nian’s. Xu Feng Nian had long predicted Zhao Heng would arrive when he sent Lv Qian Tang as his messenger. Xu Feng Nian also asks Wang Chu Dong about Pei Nan Wei – there isn’t one person in the city who doesn’t know Zhao Heng loves his wife. With that information, he’s off to meet Zhao Heng, alone, as requested.

*A note on the names: A lot of them refer to real places. If there’s an added meaning to them, it’s over my head.

[Ep19] The visit from Zhao Heng appears peaceful, but they’re both gauging each other’s reaction. I like how Xu Feng Nian keeps up his flirty boy act with Zhao Heng’s wife. The meeting ends when Zhao Heng receives news that Wang Lin Quan is at his manor. As the Zhaos leave, Xu Feng Nian grabs Pei Nan Wei’s wrist and promises he will give her a bracelet as a present.

Both Xu Feng Nian and Zhao Heng are aware of Wang Lin Quan’s intention: he’s offering his entire family as sacrifice, which is Xu Xiao’s order. This is the third option. The past two episodes are about killing families, isn’t it? Or is the entire drama about killing families. Executing the Wangs (who have professed their loyalty to Northern Liang so obviously) is a clear indication that Zhao Heng’s allegiance is with the palace and not Northern Liang. Zhao Heng wouldn’t have to kill Xu Feng Nian.

Xu Feng Nian rushes back to Wang Chu Dong to explain her father’s desire. However, Xu Feng Nian will conjure his own third option, one that doesn’t require killing families.

Zhao Heng’s Manor. Wang Lin Quan asks Zhao Heng to spare his daughter. Compassionate Zhao Heng will not. Wang Lin Quan relents. He will bring everyone to the city for the execution. Zhao Xun asks whether he hates Xu Xiao for his cruelty. Wang Lin Qian laughs. “You don’t understand the army of Northern Liang!”

Zhao Heng slaps Pei Nan Wei for enjoying it when Xu Feng Nian flirted with her. Then he tells her to get up to slap her again. Zhao Xun is outside. He looks pained. He tells her that if she begged his father, he’d be kinder. Zhao Xun tries to touch her face (I can’t tell if it’s to wipe the blood, or to brush her hair from her face). She steps away. His arm hangs in the air. When she leaves, he clenches his fist. He likes her too...???

Wang’s Island. Xu Feng Nian needs a way to arrive on the island before Wang Lin Quan, but all the ships are controlled by him. Wang Chu Dong has an idea. She can summon a sea turtle (Da Hai) to bring them back. He warns her to keep this a secret or she’ll be in danger. She knows. If it wasn’t an emergency, he wouldn’t have known either. Wang Chu Dong asks why he’s helping her family when he could have followed Xu Xiao’s path. Simple. Xu Feng Nian won’t kill. She thinks he's silly but she anticipates the day he creates this world. I still don’t think this is a traditional wuxia, but Xu Feng Nian has the heart and mentality of a wuxia hero. By the time Wang Lin Quan makes it home, Xu Feng Nian and Wang Chu Dong have already shipped his family to Northern Liang. Then Xu Feng Nian hits Wang Lin Quan to make him faint so that he’d leave without a fuss.

Zhao Heng’s Manor. Pei Nan Wei receives Xu Feng Nian’s present (a cheap bracelet in a fancy box). There’s also a letter, asking her to meet him tomorrow so that he can see her wear the present. Then Zhao Heng receives news that the Wang Family has fled. Zhao Heng realizes Xu Feng Nian’s letter to his wife is for himself. Is it a challenge? Bring it on.

Zhao Heng also releases Zhao Kai, allowing him to kill Xu Feng Nian.

[Ep20] Wu Liu Ding has a sword trainer and a partner in crime: Cui Hua. She cooks blind, but once she senses danger, she can see. I’m confused too. They’re challenged by another man, Wang Ming Yin (#11 in the world). It was only a test. Wang Ming Yin finds them worthy as teammates to kill Xu Feng Nian. And guess who his other teammate is. Zhao Kai.

Xu Feng Nian receives news of Wang Ming Yin’s arrival. It was said that a smiling girl sent the message. Jiang Ni laughs at Wang Ming Yin being stuck at #11. That must suck. However, the name strikes a chord. Wang Ming Yin is Wang Ming Yang’s younger brother. He is the #1 protector of Western Chu and died to protect it. Wang Ming Yin is seeking revenge for his brother. If it’s not obvious, they’re the Yin and Yang brothers.

Actually, Wang Ming Yin had no intention of avenging his brother because his brother’s death was a prideful one for his country but now that Xu Feng Nian dares to step foot in Xiangfan, then he might as well never leave. To cement his desire for revenge, Zhao Kai gives Wang Ming Yin his brother’s eyeballs. Gracious and benevolent Zhao Heng kept it because Wang Ming Yang had once said he wanted to see the future of Western Chu.

This episode isn’t all about enemies. Xu Feng Nian reunites with a friend: Wen Hua. They eat and poop together. Then they make their perverted jokes about girls. Wen Hua leaves, but promises they will meet again.

Tomorrow is D-Day (the showdown with Zhao Heng). Xu Feng Nian tells Lv Qian Tang to leave. His family is safe now. There’s no reason for him to stay. He looks lost. The look in his eyes looks so empty ): His mother already disowned him. Neither does he know what’s right from wrong. Xu Family was always evil but it was Xu Family who saved everyone he loved. He’s not strong either, but at least, he wants to be a man of his words. He won’t leave. He promised to protect Xu Feng Nian with his life.

Xu Feng Nian also wants Jiang Ni to leave. She will stay. If Xu Feng Nian is to die, he will die in her hands. Li Chun Gang promises no one will die and asks the couple to stop the PDA.

Once alone, Li Chun Gang informs Xu Feng Nian that Xu Xiao had special orders. If Xu Feng Nian wishes, Li Chun Gang can help him escape Qingzhou but only him. The man only has one arm. Xu Feng Nian rejects. And so, they train. Xu Feng Nian has been practicing 一佥仙人跪. It’s Li Chun Gang's levitation technique. Xu Feng Nian can only make leaves rise. Li Chun Gang can control an entire wagon. He explains 仙人(celestial being) are those whose vitality is forever stationary. Everyone believes that to become celestial is to defy the natural order, but he will prove that as long as he exists (within natural order), there is no celestial being. And he can’t defeat Wang Xian Zhi?Side note: I needed this whole scene to get his elaborate title (一佥仙人跪). His one sword (一佥) can make celestial beings (仙人) kneel (跪) to him. This arrogance. Li Chun Gang is confident Xu Feng Nian can master the haughty technique because he's got Dahuangting’s zhenqi and arrogance equal of his own, ha. I also have a wild theory. Could Li Chun Gang be his father? Or related to his father. I don’t see why Xu Xiao’s taunting could have worked if Li Chun Gang doesn’t care about Xu Feng Nian.

D-Day. No one knows why Xu Feng Nian is certain Zhao Heng would send Pei Nan Wei, but indeed, she’s here alone with a letter from Zhao Heng: “To send nephew a thousand miles away” Xu Feng Nian explains there’s two meanings. A thousand miles is exactly the distance down to hell (a Chinese saying).

The attacks begin. Armoured Corpses and Wang Ming Yin are here.

[Ep21] Who’s battling who?

Armoured Corpses

Shu Xiu fights the Grass Armoured Corpse who can spit vines from its hands.
Lv Qian Tang battles the Fire Armoured Corpse who burns at every touch.
Meanwhile, Grandpa Wei is looking for weaknesses. He’s found one in the Grass Armoured Corpse! It’s in the armpit! Yeah, a guy totally wrote this.
Shu Xiu is taking her sweet time powering up for the final blow. Fire Corpse is making his way to help Grass Corpse. Lv Qian Tang uses all of his HP to kill Fire Man. And wth, Xu Feng Nian is just standing around somewhere, watching with a very intense pair of eyes.
Shu Xiu summons enough energy to kill the Grass Armoured Corpse. It’s too late for Lv Qian Tang. He destroyed the Fire Armour by destroying himself. I’m very bothered by Shu Xiu’s buffering speed. She never did that anywhere else and at this critical moment, Show decides to turn her into a slowpoke.

Wang Ming Yin

The man’s just strolling, and all of Ning E’mei’s soldiers are bulldozed. Ning E’mei is also not a match. He’s down (but he’ll be okay).
Qing Niao is up next. She defends for a while until she’s mortally injured.

Wu Liu Ding (and Cui Hua)

Li Chun Gang fights with his wooden sword. Wu Liu Ding loses. Cui Hua isn’t much of a help. They flee. See you later?

Earth Armour tunnels his way to kill Xu Feng Nian but he’s mastered 一佥仙人跪 and finishes the Corpse with one kick. Plus a cool pose. Can’t forget that!

Wang Ming Yin is up next to kill Xu Feng Nian but he’s saved by a girl. She must be the smiling girl who gave him the message from earlier. She kills Wang Ming Yin with a sword – nope, it’s a hand that pierces like a sword. Then she disappears. Wang Ming Yang’s eyes did not want to see his brother die.

Xu Feng Nian finds Lv Qian Tang. He’s dying. His last wish is only for his family to be safe. He doesn’t deserve to be buried as a Lin. He destroyed his family and it’s only right they don’t want him anymore. He asks Xu Feng Nian if at least he kept his word. Is Xu Feng Nian hurt? No. Did he protect him well? Yes. Xu Feng Nian assures him that he is worthy of the name “Tan Hua”. 探花 is a term that means the position for those ranked third in the Han-lin imperial examination. Show made sure his name matched his character. He’s a scholar and came third in the assassination. Using his last breath, “Lin Tan Hua” swears at Xu Feng Nian. On the sand, he had written Lin, his family name.

Alrighty, have you been doing math? Because there's one more Armoured Corpse: Gold. Xu Feng Nian takes out his sword ready to fight, but Lady He He (or Lady Haha; the smiling girl) saves Xu Feng Nian for the second time....only to kill him with her own hand. If she kills him, she’s promised 1000 taels. Xu Feng Nian should have died with her two kicks but he's still standing. He spars with her using some of Lao Huang’s techniques, but that’s not enough to defeat Lady He He. Then Li Chun Gang arrives, sending sonic waves through the grass to prove how powerful he is. Lady He He retreats.

Li Chun Gang saved Xu Feng Nian but tells him he will die. On cue, Xu Feng Nian spits blood. He’s not dying yet. He wakes up from fainting and now he’s in the carriage with a grumpy Jiang Ni (who’s worried) and an unconscious Qing Niao (who will be okay once Li Chun Gang finishes treating her). Xu Feng Nian asks Li Chun Gang if there’s a way he could live. There is because there always is! Xu Feng Nian had the protection of dahuangting against Lady He He’s attacks but it is also dahuangting that is killing him, it’s destabilizing his qi flow. The cure is to remove it, which means he’ll be powerless.

When our team is halved is when Zhao Heng is here! Ah, a clever coward, isn't he? So kind of him to clean up the mess.

Lv Qian Tang’s death could have been emotional, but Show went for some high morality and everyone’s reaction seemed so distant. His death also feels unnecessary. Xu Feng Nian killed the Earth Armour with one kick. That’s all it took. If he wasn’t so busy standing around with those intense eyes and cool postures, I think there’d be less casualty.

[Ep22] The Great Zhao Heng is so great, he always hid until the very last moment. Here’s the catch. If he alway hid, why did he let everyone know Pei Nan Wei is his weakness? The one woman he loves.

Xu Feng Nian: If we only look at the weakness on the surface, then we'll overlook the real danger that lies underneath.

Zhao Heng has no weakness. He’s a heartless man through and through. Xu Feng Nian deciphers the second meaning to his message (送侄千里). Oh. I thought the two meanings were already deciphered. Show got me on this one. Nice. The first interpretation (to send him to hell) was for everyone to know. The second message is their third option and only for the two of them to know. “To send his nephew a thousand miles away” is to send him away with a present. This present and third option is to kidnap his “precious” wife, Pei Nan Wei. Furthermore, with the obvious showdown (much thanks to Zhao Kai, gotta give credit where it’s due!), the palace will believe that Zhao Heng tried to kill Xu Feng Nian. Now they can both walk off and keep their lives. To top it off, Xu Feng Nian offers an alliance with Zhao Heng against the palace. “Don’t you want that spot?” (He does.)

Elsewhere Zhao Kai offers an alliance with Lady He He. She rejects with her sweet smile. From the meadows, a panda-grizzly appears. Zhao Kai and his Gold Armour backs off (like cowards). Is it Lady He He and Panda who killed the tiger mom? Why? And who is she working for?

Before departing, Zhao Heng gives Xu Feng Nian a real present. It’s a sabre score which is from Wudi City. In the wooden case, there’s also 木馬牛 (Li Chun Gang’s wooden sword). Although snapped in half, it’s a legendary sword nonetheless. Preparing this sword also means that Zhao Heng was well aware of Li Chun Gang’s presence which means he already had plans to set them free. Zhao Heng has an advice too: do not bring Pei Nan Wei to Wudi City. There’s something wrong with her. He only married her because she was approaching his son. Hmm. Is he the creepy man or is she the creepy woman?

Pei Nan Wei has questions for Xu Feng Nian but it’s not about her husband abandoning her. She asks for his guilty conscience. He freed Wang Lin Quan but it's Fengzhi Battalion who suffered the casualty. People died. It’s different, Xu Feng Nian says. Wang Lin Quan’s family are regular civilians. Fengzhi Battalion are soldiers. Their blood and sword are to protect regular civilians. But soldiers are regular people too..... :( Xu Feng Nian bears the same fate as his soldiers. He will fight with them and die with them. Ning E’mei is moved by the speech and so are his soldiers. It’s their glory to fight alongside Xu Feng Nian.

Our team departs to Wudi City. Li Chun Gang has another way to save Xu Feng Nian. Because there’s always a way! Instead of removing dahuangting, let it aggregate with his blood. The injuries from Lady He He managed to deepen dahuangting’s absorption from 30% to 50%. However, the process will be painful and he could die from that. Xu Feng Nian isn’t afraid. He needs to be powerful for Lao Huang and his mother.

Shu Xiu doesn’t think Xu Feng Nian can survive. She wants to ditch. But he survives! And so she stays! Ning E’mei doesn’t like traitors. Xu Feng Nian ignores his warning and promises Shu Xiu that he will give her the martial technique too.

Xu Feng Nian has absorbed 40% of dahuangting. That’s pretty good because even Wang Chong Lou only had 60%. When Xu Feng Nian asks Li Chun Gang to teach him more, the latter calls the former greedy. A sabre fighter is learning sword techniques. (Btw, Li Chun Gang threw away his legendary sword)

Zhao Xun arrives to save his “step-mother" Pei Nan Wei. Simultaneously, Chu Lu Shan arrives to protect his young master. Zhao Xun retreats as he’s outnumbered. Xu Feng Nian orders Chu Lu Shan to retreat too, and escort Pei Nan Wei and the injured Qing Niao to Northern Liang. Qing Niao wakes up immediately and wants to stay. Only Pei Nan Wei leaves. It seems even Xu Feng Nian is wary of Pei Nan Wei.

Zhao Kai sighs that it's too hard to kill his brother-in-law. Master Han Diao Si instructs Zhao Kai to go to Longhushan to find the man who fishes. This (royal) “fisher” can beat Li Chun Gang. He is Zhao Huang Chao.

Xu Feng Nian knows that with Chu Lu Shan’s arrival, it means everything is still within Xu Xiao’s calculation. Until when can Xu Feng Nian escape his father’s web? Never! Muahaha.

[Ep23] Palace. Yang Tai Sui and Xu Xiao play Go. Yang reveals that the Emperor is delighted at the intensified animosity between Zhao Heng and Xu Feng Nian. More like an alliance. To make it worse for Xu Family’s reputation, Xu Zhi Hu is rumoured to have cheated on her husband. Yang Tai Sui tuts that Xu Xiao is also losing this game of Go as he checkmates.

Xu Xiao: Do you know what type of player is the most dangerous?

Is it the type who thinks 10 steps ahead? More like 50, but Nope. It’s the type who disrupts the board. The ones who are unreadable. The ones who are crazy.

Jiangnan. Xu Feng Nian sends Shu Xiu to investigate Liu Li Ting, the married man involved in Xu Zhi Hu’s cheating rumours. Using Jiang Ni’s dagger, Shu Xiu pretends to be the Western Chu’s Princess. Liu Li Ting is convinced she’s an ally and shares with her the letter from Jin Lan Ting who works under Han Lin Yuan with orders to seduce Xu Zhi Hu. He’s part of the team that wants to ruin the marriage alliance between Northern Liang and Lu Family (weakening Northern Liang’s powers).

Xu Feng Nian humiliates Liu Li Tang by dragging him with a horse across the street. He announces to everyone he’s Xu Feng Nian of Northern Liang. It’s deliberately obscene.

Elsewhere, Grandpa Wei and Qing Niao knock on Lu Family’s door. Well, Grandpa Wei is knocking. Qing Nian is knocking down the door. Lu Bai Jie apologizes for the rudeness of his servants when his doors are knocked over. He has the title of Tangxi JianXian (Sword Celestial Being whatever). He’s modest about his title, especially in front of Li Chun Gang (who’s existence defies celestial beings). He wants to challenge Li Chun Gang but it’s interrupted when Xu Zhi Hu appears. They’re in-laws. Lu Bai Jie is her late husband’s younger brother. (Her husband was dying when she married him.)

Longhushan. Zhao Kai meets a boy, learns that he has a brother, asks for his last name and realizes he’s Xu Long Xiang, Huang Man’er. That was easy... Zhao Kai is beaming, O’rly? Goldie makes a move. Will Huang Man’er be okay?

[Ep24] No need to worry about Huang Man’er because Zhao Xi Tuan shows up and Zhao Kai recoils. Boo. I want to see Huang Man’er fight. Zhao Kai is told to apologize. He immediately bends over his waist and then drops to his knees. Goldie kneels too. Zhao Kai asks if they need a kowtow too. So obedient. Zhao Zi Tuan thinks Zhao Kai is a wise one. Wise...sure.

Yang City, Jiangnan. On the way to Lu Manor, Xu Feng Nian is assassinated by Lady He He. Scene skip, and he’s fine! Liu Li Ting is dead on the ground, though. Xu Feng Nian hugs his sister, but that’s when he drops to the ground too. He’s injured.

Palace. Han Diao Si has a dossier on Xu Feng Nian for Xu Xiao but the father isn’t interested even if his son is injured. No death certificate means Xu Feng Nian is alive. Han Diao Si is irked by his calmness, but continues to share that the injury is rather timely. Now the Lus are forced to protect the injured Xu Feng Nian otherwise everyone will assume they hired the assassin.

Lady He He must work for Xu Xiao, amirite? Only Crazy Dad would hire an assassin to kill his son to protect him. Each time she made a move, it benefited Xu Feng Nian. I say killing the Tiger Mom was Xu Xiao’s orders too – for him to take the babies and perhaps also to see if he would strip the mother of everything.

Yang City, Jiangnan. Xu Feng Nian is injured, but he’s fine, not dead. Both siblings are aware Lu Family’s protection is a double edge sword. Under their influence, Xu Feng Nian will not be tried for killing Liu Li Tang but it doesn’t look good on Lu Family to be associated as Northern Liang’s ally. Neither does Xu Xiao want this alliance. Xu Feng Nian knows his purpose here in Jiangnan is to upset Lu Family and appease the Emperor. However, Xu Feng Nian cannot be that irresponsible and neglect Xu Zhi Hu’s predicament. She married into this family. She will have to suffer the aftermath of the chaos he creates.

Sometimes the Show is so complicated that when I pause and think of the bigger picture, I can’t. What is the purpose of this trip? Why are we making enemies left and right, or at least making the palace believe that? To gain their trust? But each move makes the palace uneasy. Xu Xiao seems to be the only one who knows the end game, and Show plans to keep us in the dark until the very end, whenever that is. Season 2? Season 3? I’m not sure I like being baited like this.

Palace. Han Diao Si and Zhang Ju Lu have teamed up but it doesn’t look like Zhang Ju Lu completely trusts Han Diao Si. The enemy of your enemy is your friend. It’s a temporary alliance. They want to kill Xu Feng Nian (against the Emperor’s orders).

Longhushan. Zhao Kai’s Goldie falls asleep when it tries to attack Zhao Huang Chao who’s fishing. Other than fishing, he specializes in hallucinations. He knows Zhao Kai wants to covet the throne during the chaos. However, he won’t help because he will not leave Longhushan unless he catches a Millennium Legendary Dragon Salamander. Go with the engsubs.

Palace. Xu Xiao isn’t playing Go with Yang Tai Sui for naught. He’s waiting for Yang Tai Sui’s updates on Wu Su’s assassins. Yang Tai Sui was hesitant to share because this news isn’t confirmed yet and it may bring danger to Xu Xiao. Twenty years ago, when Wu Su (Mom) was injured at the palace, someone else happened to be in the palace as well. Scene skips to Zhao Huang Chao telling Zhao Kai how he was injured by Wang Xian Zhi twenty years ago.

[Ep25] Longhushan. If Zhao Huang Chao hadn’t bumped into Wang Xian Zhi then Wu Su wouldn’t have been able to leave the palace alive. The way he said this sentence, I don’t think it’s clear whether it was Zhao Huang Chao or Wang Xian Zhi who attempted to kill Wu Su. Zhao Kai doesn’t get why Xu Xiao hasn’t revolted yet. This is a puzzle to the palace as well and the reason the palace fears Northern Liang.

Palace. Xu Xiao promised Wu Su to not revolt with his army (for the sake of his family and children). But he never promised to not avenge her death. He won’t let a soul off. Yang Tai Sui knows his resolve. He reluctantly tells him the man who appeared in the palace twenty years ago was Wang Xian Zhi. Yang Tai Sui is also afraid that it’s a trap because Wang Xian Zhi is too powerful.

Longhushan. Zhao Huang Chao is against killing Xu Feng Nian and neither will he leave the mountain but he gives Zhao Kai a hypnotic book. It will only work on Xu Feng Nian, reminding him of his mother, and on the final page, it will make him relive his mother’s death. If Xu Feng Nian’s mortal weakness is his mother, then he's bound to break down. I’m reminded of Xu Feng Nian’s line in Ep21: “If we only look at the weakness on the surface, then we'll overlook the real danger that lies underneath.” Xu Feng Nian might just be as unreadable as his father.

Jiangnan. Lu Bai Jie learns of Jiang Ni’s identity as a Western Chu, their arch nemesis. He cannot outright kill Jiang Ni and risk upsetting Northern Liang, and so he collaborates with Madam Liu (whose husband was dragged to death by Xu Feng Nian).

Qian Niao assures Jiang Ni that Xu Feng Nian will protect her despite Xu Xiao’s desire of sacrificing her (to upset Lu Family). Jiang Ni isn’t worried about Xu Feng Nian. She points a question at Qing Niao: Do you follow Xu Feng Nian or Xu Xiao’s orders?

Elsewhere, Grandpa Wei receives a message from Xu Xiao and then asks Li Chun Gang to borrow Jiang Ni’s dagger.

Shu Xiu hovers around the area, cleverly testing Grandpa Wei on what he borrowed from Li Chun Gang. I think Xu Feng Nian managed to buy Shu Xiu’s loyalty while Grandpa Wei, Li Chun Gang still operate under Xu Xiao. As for Qing Niao...hm.

Xu Zhi Hu won’t leave Lu Family. She believes staying in Jiangnan is beneficial to Xu Feng Nian. Moreover, she also has a terminal disease. It’s not quite a disease. It’s just her health deteriorates faster than regular people. Gee, doesn’t it suck being human?

[Ep26] Jiangnan. Cat Lady asks Qing Niao if she ever liked Xu Feng Nian. Qing Niao answers, “A Death Guard has no right to love.” But, she just said that she’s only Xu Feng Nian’s maid right now (and not a Death Guard).

Xu Feng Nian wants Jiang Ni to escape but she wants to stay. She has to kill Xu Feng Nian first. So...do it? Against the forever obstinate Jiang Ni, Xu Feng Nian gives up. He will protect her.

Xu Feng Nian and co attend a scholarly debate. A little girl is bullied by the wanton privileged. Xu Feng Nian protects her and in the process upsets more people. Chen Xi Liang (a poor scholar) heeds Xu Feng Nian to stop unless he can kill the bully’s entire family because once Xu Feng Nian leaves the city, it’s the little girl who will suffer. This drama is definitely about killing entire families. To better protect the little girl, Xu Feng Nian attends the debate with Chen Xi Liang. Once everyone knows Chen Xi Liang is shielded by Xu Feng Nian, no one will hurt the little girl.

This scholarly debate isn’t that simple. It’s a trap laid by Lu Bai Jie to kill Jiang Ni. He has the place surrounded but says Madam Lu organized the assassination. The scapegoat. Then Lu Bai Jie offers his family’s loyalty in exchange for Jiang Ni’s life. Xu Feng Nian accepts the deal only if Lu Bai Jie can kill Chen Zhi Bao, who Xu Feng Nian says is an obstacle. (That’s a near impossible task, which means Xu Feng Nian isn’t giving up Jiang Ni.)

Xu Feng Nian and Lu Bai Jie fight. Xu Feng Nian defends with Li Chun Gang’s Two Snake technique, but that is his maximum. He’s unable to block Lu Bai Jie’s next move which is directed at Jiang Ni’s throat. But he’s not needed – a pebble deflects the sword.

Cao Chang Qing is the pebble flicker. He is loyal to Western Chu, and #3 in the world. He can also summon the wind and turn it into a tornado. He’s so powerful, he can even predict Lu Bai Jie’s every move. Annoyed, Lu Bai Jie purposely takes one extra step just to prove his opponent wrong, but that extra step is the mortal move that makes him vulnerable. He loses. Lu Bai Jie will accept his death, but Cao Chang Qing only makes him faint. The danger is over. He walks over to Jiang Ni and kneels to her. Then Pebble Flicker attacks Xu Feng Nian. How dare he take Princess Jiang Ni as a maid. Jiang Ni tries to stop Pebble Flicker, saying that Xu Feng Nian treats her well. With all that wind Pebble Flicker is summoning, it’s doubtful he can hear her.

[Ep27] Cao Chang Qing actually hears the girls over the tornado and stops his attack. Five minutes later, the tornado starts again because Xu Feng Nian won’t allow Jiang Ni to leave with Cao Chang Qing to the Chus. The attack stops once again because obviously, Cao Chang Qing can once again hear Jiang Ni’s quiet pleas over the tornado. All this prep and no fight once again. I’m so used to it by now. Everyone agrees to talk inside.

Chen Xi Liang (the poor scholar, if you forgot) thinks he will die because he heard too much but Xu Feng Nian believes in him for keeping their secret. He will wait for Chen Xi Liang in Northern Liang once the little girl’s grandfather is treated.

There’s two benefits for Northern Liang if Jiang Ni leaves with Cao Chang Qing: 1) reestablishing Western Chu will give the palace a real enemy to fear rather than focusing on Northern Liang, and 2) reestablishing Jiang Ni's princess status will give her the rightful status to marry Xu Feng Nian. Jiang Ni chooses to leave with Cao Chang Qing. It’s for neither benefit. It’s her responsibility as the Princess of Western Chu, to give hope and light to her people.

Jiang Ni has a condition. She will leave after Xu Feng Nian safely arrives at Longhushan. There’s two problems. 1) Cao Chang Qing has already exposed himself and therefore Jiang Ni’s identity. They cannot travel with Xu Feng Nian or the palace will think there’s an alliance. Solution: follow secretly. 2) Since Jiang Ni’s identity is exposed, Northern Liang will be suspected of protecting her. Already solved: All these years she’s been assassinating Xu Feng Nian. But isn’t it weirder for Xu Feng Nian to keep an assassin at his side? Cat Lady reveals the real reason behind Jiang Ni’s failed assassinations. She had thought Xu Xiao only kept her to sacrifice her, there’s bound to be a day she dies and she didn’t Xu Feng Nian to cry like he did for his mother, which is why Jiang Ni wanted Xu Feng Nian to hate her. This drama has no proper relationships. Lovers aren’t like lovers. Families aren’t like families.

Feeling awkward, Jiang Ni changes the conversation: Cao Chang Qing’s appearance sure is a coincidence! Nothing is a coincidence. Duh. Everything is orchestrated by Xu Xiao. Duh. Grandpa Wei received instructions to borrow Jian Ni’s dagger from Li Chun Gang, which lured Cao Chang Qing to this site. This also means that for ALL these years Xu Xiao had planned for this very moment and indulged her to try and kill his son.

To complete the act, Cao Chang Qin and Li Chun Gang pretend to battle it out. And ladies and gentleman, here is the real origins of the leaning tower of Pisa. And obviously, we don’t see the fight.

Xu Zhi Hu had a hand in planning everything too. I find this so extra. I get it, already, Xu Family is extraordinary. Yawn. She’s also very sick and might not live the day to return to Northern Liang.

Li Chun Gang explains his Two Snake technique to Xu Feng Nian. Rather than naming it Two Dragons when dragons are the godly form, it’s to remind oneself to always fight and to never surrender to the desires and weaknesses of the heart. To accomplish the technique is to cut off the heart from fear. Xu Feng Nian asks the obvious: but how do you stab your own heart? Li Chun Gang did it with his most powerful technique. Another one? How many ‘most powerful’ techniques does he have? It’s called ‘One Sword Opens The Heavenly Gates’. *headdesking*.

With all these powerful techniques, Xu Feng Nian doesn’t understand how Li Chun Gang would have lost to Wang Xian Zhi. Li Chun Gang says he could have won, ye ye ye. However, he hesitated because he didn’t want to kill Wang Xian Zhi with his technique. He only wanted to defeat him. That moment of hesitation is when he lost. He was going to perfect his technique and rechallenge but then he lost in life. He lost the woman he loved by killing her with his own hand(s). From then on, nothing was important anymore.

Grandpa Wei receives a book (evidence on Wu Su’s death) and delivers it to Xu Feng Nian. It’s that book from Zhao Kai and Zhao Huang Chao. What gramps? We’re just receiving random evidence now? Is this part of Xu Xiao’s plan too? To test his son? Xu Feng Nian reads it and arrives at the page with the dragon.

[Ep28] The dragon on the last page swallows Xu Feng Nian’s consciousness into a dream world constructed by Wang Xian Zhi. Mom (Wu Su) dies to protect Xu Feng Nian from the fire breathing dragon. Xu Feng Nian’s soul shatters but – Wait a minute! Surprise, surprise – he taps into his potential and uses Li Chun Gang’s 'One Sword Opens The Heavenly Gates' technique. From nowhere, a magical sword materializes and he slays the dragon with one move. His mother reforms and smiles at him. The dream is over

Lady He He jumps into view after Xu Feng Nian wakes up. She’s injured because she beat up Zhao Kai and Goldie because Girl totally wants to assassinate Xu Feng Nian. Xu Feng Nian sits there, impassive that she’s going to kill him. Instead, he asks her to admire the sunrise with him. But she’s gotta kill him! Oh, but the sunrise is pretty and so why not admire it? Makes sense. She smiles and sits down next to him. Then he cries. He always thought his mother lived in his heart but after this dream, Mom has truly left him. This dream was a goodbye. Lady He He also bids her farewell. In exchange for the beautiful scenery, she won’t kill him today. Until next time.

Palace. Yang Tai Sui urgently informs Xu Xiao that the Emperor will see him because of Jiang Ni’s identity. Xu Xiao prefers to lounge in bed. Guy knew already. He orchestrated everything. Finally he gets his lazy butt to the palace to see the Emperor but he’s ghosted. Betting 100 DaddyDoge that the Emperor will never show his face in this entire drama (S1). The Emperor organized the meeting to have Eunuch Han Diao Si deliver an edict to Xu Xiao with Zhang Ju Lu as witness. It’s the Emperor’s approval of Xu Feng Nian as the successor of Northern Liang (all because of Western Chu’s potential uprising). Zhang Ju Lu adjourns, loudly clearing the phlegm in his throat. Get this man his ice tea.

Xu Xiao and Han Diao Si are left alone in the room. Xu Xiao chuckles vacuously as he recalls Han Diao Si’s real name: Han Sheng Xuan. With an unreadable smile, Xu Xiao reminds him that one cannot forget their roots or overstep the boundaries (e.g. usurp).

Xu Xiao is headed back to Northern Liang. He’s got what he wants.

Zhang Ju Lu hasn’t given up, though. The Emperor may have approved Xu Feng Nian’s succession, but it doesn’t mean he’ll live to succeed it. Neither will he let Zhao Kai, the illegitimate son of the Emperor, succeed the throne as Han Diao Si wants. Zhang Zu Lu wants Zhao Dan Ping of Longhushan to kill both sons. Zhao Da Ping is afraid of enraging the Emperor, but Zhang Ju Lu isn’t. If it’s all for the Liyang Empire, then it’s worth it. The fact that Xu Feng Nian and Zhao Kai are clumped together strengthens my theory of Xu Feng Nian as an illegitimate son.

Storyteller Recap: Storyteller clearly said Huang Man’er is the third child. Someone please explain if I misunderstood this.

Xuanyuan Qing Feng
Yuan Ting Shan
Xuanyuan Jing Cheng (Dad)
Mom Xuanyuan

[Ep29] En route to Longhushan. Xu Feng Nian saves Xuanyuan Qing Feng from Yuan Ting Shan, who’s stopping her from returning home on orders from her father. “Qing Feng” is a man’s name, but rather suitable for her given her aura.

Xu Feng Nian and XY Qing Feng have met during the three years he roamed as a hobo. He “flirted” with her if the definition of flirting includes making lewd comments at her. Rightfully, she savagely chased him across the street. Xu Feng Nian blames it on Lao Huang and Wen Hua. They said it. XY Qing Feng drops her guard and also notes how her mother would love his appearance given he takes after Xu Xiao.

Since Huishan, XY Qing Feng's home, is on the way to Longhushan, everyone travels together.

Shu Xiu, Ning E’mei, and Grandpa Wei chase down Yuan Ting Shan. Grandpa used a technique that surprised Shu Xiu who wonders if it’s a proper sword or assassination technique. She’s also curious why he uses a jade sword. During this short conversation, Yuan Ting Shan disappears. He’s saved by Flash Goldie. Zhao Kai wants to make an alliance to kill Xu Feng Nian. Yuan Ting Shan refuses.

Xuanyuan Family is a complicated one. The leader is Xuanyuan Da Pan who is at Tianxian level (which includes Wang Xian Zhi, Lao Huang, Li Chun Gang). XY Da Pan wants XY Qing Feng home but Dad doesn’t. Dad is Xuanyuan Jing Cheng, the eldest son of the family who no one cares about. Everyone knows he’s useless. Well, isn’t that the same trick Xu Feng Nian loves? Mom XY also finds Dad XY useless and will allow anyone to visit her manor except him.

At the harbour, XY Jing Cheng picks up his daughter. He locks eyes with Xu Feng Nian. Later, when Dad XY and XY Qing Feng are alone, he asks her if Xu Feng Nian is reliable. I’m reminded of Wang Lin Quan wanting to give her daughter to Xu Feng Nian too.

Xu Feng Nian and Huang Man’er reunite too! Huang Man’er is no longer afraid of water. He’s here with Zhao Xi Yuan who thinks Longhushan is too complicated of a place for innocent Huang Man’er.

The question of the episode: Why doesn’t XY Jing Cheng want his daughter to succeed XY Family?

[Ep30] Xuanyuan Da Pan isn’t related to Xuanyuan! Does that mean the current Xuanyuan is his bloodline (i.e. the real Xuanyuans don’t exist anymore)? No. Xuanyuan’s Da Pan children have all died, killed by XY Family. So why does he stay in that family? No one knows. (What’s the lesson we all learn from this drama? If you kill one member, you need to murder the entire family or that person will murder you. #LifeProTips) Now he has achieved a level where he can procreate (aha, he reactivated his sperms! He invented a powerful Viagra, I see.) which is why he has summoned XY Qing Feng to “mutually cultivate” (Gross. And he’s +100). The uncles all knew. Even Yuan Ting Shan knew. He purposely withheld the information from her. Mom XY is like Your Xuanyuan family is disgusting. Dad promises that he will protect their daughter. Later Third Uncle scoffs at Dad for attempting to resist. All he does is read. Can he beat XY Da Pan’s tianxian level from just reading? Ha ha ha. Well, jokes on you, uncle! It seems like he can.

XY Jing Cheng leisurely hop-strides across the lake to meet Xu Feng Nian. He provokes Xu Feng Nian by noting his similarity to his mother, who he knows and even has a picture of. Offended, Xu Feng Nian attacks. Huang Man’er isn’t worried. By pure instinct, he knows XY Jing Cheng means no harm. Li Chun Gang is pleasantly surprised at Huang Man’er’s natural talent.

Back to the picture of Wu Su. It was drawn by Mom XY who thought Wu Su was a male. She fell in love with Wu Su and by the time she realized Wu Su was a female, it was already too late.

What’s the deal with Yuan Ting Shan? Yuan Ting Shan admires XY Da Pan as a role model. He, an outsider, also wants XY family’s technique, no longer wanting to be second-rate. He’s forcing XY Qing Feng into a dead end: either “mutually cultivate” with the old creep or marry him, the young jerk. Yuan Ting Shan is certain XY Da Pan won’t want a married woman for his reputation. He promises her they'll only be married by name. Begrudgingly, XY Qing Feng accepts. The wedding will be tonight.

With this Show, always know that there’s more than two options. XY Jing Cheng plans to kill XY Da Pan, it’s the only solution. XY Da Pan won’t care if XY Qing Feng is married. Asking Longhushan for help isn’t a solution either. Their territories are too close, asking them for help is giving up XY Family to them. The only problem is XY Jing Cheng will have to sacrifice his life.

Xu Jing Cheng asks Xu Feng Nian to protect his family, the only regret he has. Xu Feng Nian rhetorically asks why he should help. XY Jing Cheng offers her daughter as his puppet (since she’s too young and naive to govern) and thus, Huishan will belong to him.

The death match is today. XY Jing Cheng invites Xu Feng Nian as witness. Jiang Ni deduces it’s a trap. Once Xu Feng Nian attends, he’ll have no choice but to meddle in Xuanyuan’s matters. But Xu Feng Nian’s curiosity is piqued. He’ll go!

XY Jing Cheng makes it home right as Third Uncle was about to chop off XY Qing Feng’s arm for attacking him (when he was the one openly flirting with Mom XY saying nonsense like marrying the mom after he takes over the family). XY Qing Feng’s attacks also use water. This Show really likes water. But poor goldfishes, though. What did they do wrong? Dad saves his daughter by summoning rain, but first, let’s put the goldfishes back into their home. Dad, I suddenly really like you. The final blow is one touch to the forehead. Thus, Third Uncle dies with a tap.

Xu Feng Nian arrives at the gates of Huishan. Second Uncle blocks his path. Qing Niao and Ning E’mei fight their way through.

[Ep31] The battle. Xuanyuan Jing Cheng summons lightning to strike the old creep, XY Da Pan. This move is inspired by 昙花tanhua, a plant. There’s a saying, 昙花一现 tanhuayixian, the night blooming cactus shows (only) once. Dad becomes a dixian with this technique but it’s his final mortal attack because he will die by this move. Dad holds down XY Da Pan to stop him from dodging, and they’re both struck by lightning. This Dad is so sad. His daughter barely loved him. His wife loved another woman. His family never respected him. No one ever cared about him. And now he dies for this family.

2nd Uncle will take control of Huishan now. Hold up! Xu Feng Nian is in support of XY Qing Feng to be the successor. 2nd Uncle challenges his niece that if she takes over, Xuanyuan will be dependent on Northern Liang. On the sidelines, Li Chun Gang and Jiang Ni chatter that this is hard to answer; she’s bound to offend one party. Cao Chang Qing joins the chatter with his “secret voice” (man, I don’t know) asking Jiang Ni the same question: will she choose Western Chu or Xu Feng Nian? (Cao Chang Qing has never left her side.)

XY Qing Feng promises that the alliance with Northern Liang will protect them given that they’re without a master at tianxian level. She also promises they won’t always be Northern Liang’s chess piece because their family is bound to have another tianxian level. Right as XYQF talked about “chess pieces”, Show focused on Ning E’mei and Qing Niao....

2nd Uncle scoffs but that’s his last reaction. The man behind him plunges a sword through his body, again and again. He dies. The rest of the men kneel and pledge their allegiance to XY Qing Feng, the rightful heir. She stares up at Xu Feng Nian, looking for answers. Xu Feng Nian had nothing to do with it. “Your dad ain’t simple.” Oh, look who’s talking. Your dad is crazy complicated.

Zhao Kai once again saves Yuan Ting Shan from being captured by XY Qing Feng. He’s at it again in offering his useless alliance to kill Xu Feng Nian.

XY Feng reads the letter from her father. The first line: “If Xu Feng Nian is a bully, ditch him and rely on Longhushan.” Dad also tells her it’s okay if Mom doesn’t want to give him incense. Ouch. How much does it hurt to write that? Each year on her birthday, he buried a pot of wine under the osmanthus tree. There’s 23. They’re called 女兒紅. It can loosely be translated as “Daughter’s Wine” or more literally “Daughter Red”. I heard of the wine (a yellow wine that exists today) but never bothered to understand its origins. Baidu (Chinese Google) tells me 女兒紅 is for fathers to drink on the day their daughter marries and leaves home. It’s also buried under the osmanthus tree. He regrets leaving without seeing her married and with children. He even has names for them: son will be Fu Yao and daughter will be Ya Song. He ends the letter, partly apologizing for being annoying if he wrote too much (omg T____T) and wishes her safety and happiness. XY Qing Feng finally understands why her father always looks out the window when there’s nothing there. Beyond the nothingness is the direction of her and her mother’s manor. He was always thinking of them. The Dad is too tragic. Bawling for this man.

XY Jing Cheng also has a note for Xu Feng Nian, asking him to spare his daughter's life if he decides to monopolize Huishan. He also offers their family’s hand-me-down book on their family’s martial arts technique. It’s in XY Da Pan’s chamber. Xu Feng Nian wants neither. Instead, he asks ‘two’ favours from XY Qing Feng: her ship to protect Jiang Ni on her naval voyage, and another set of her ships to receive people at multiple points. He has a grand plan and at the right time, she will know the details on who to receive and to where.

[Ep32] Xu Feng Nian did not retrieve XY’s family book, and thus a second letter from XY Jing Cheng is delivered. It is to thank Xu Feng Nian for living up to his promises and now he has Huishan’s loyalty, says a dead man, but okay. With the letter, he’s also given another book. This time, it’s XY Jing Cheng’s dixian technique. Xu Feng Nian refuses it. He doesn’t need it (because I don’t think he wants to be struck by lightning anytime soon). He has his own path. Li Chun Gang smirks because that’s his Two Snake Technique, isn’t it? Don’t chase the godly form, choose your own path.

XY Qing Feng also receives another letter that’s just never-ending, lol. There would be no letter if Xu Feng Nian was greedy. Through the letter XY Jing Cheng tells his daughter, Xu Feng Nian is a worthy ally.

Xu Feng Nian reveals to Jiang Ni his grand plan is to avenge. Also, along this trip, he gained new fears – fears of his father. Jiang Ni snorts, he’s the only one in the whole world who isn’t afraid of Xu Xiao. Xu Feng Nian’s fear is different. He's afraid of Xu Xiao aging.

Our team leaves Huishan. Li Chun Gang is proud of Xu Feng Nian for applying his Two Snake philosophy when refusing XY Jing Cheng’s book. Xu Feng Nian laughs that he only wanted XY House to owe them a favour. Lol. Show made me eat my own words so fast. Fine. This sounds more like Xu Feng Nian, lol.

XY Qing Feng visits Mom. She also received a letter! But it’s blank. As expected. They don’t have anything to say to each other anyway. XY Qing Feng’s heart hurts for her Dad who died so pitifully. He sacrificed everything to give them peace. Why doesn’t Mom seem to care for him at all? Mom changes the conversation to Xu Feng Nian and whether he’d take XY Qing Feng as his wife. Upset, XY Qing Feng says that’s not happening. She’s going to protect Huishan without begging anyone. She storms off.

Once Mom XY is alone, she takes down the picture of Wu Su and burns it. She leaves her chamber, taking only the cup XY Jing Cheng left behind. With the cup in her hand, she jumps off the cliff. She’ll stop being angry at him now. Omg T_T. Wow. All this while she kept Wu Su’s picture, hung it at the centre of her room for everyone to see wasn’t because she loved Wu Xu, she wanted to make XY Jing Cheng angry. But he’d never be angry at her and this is why they stop talking all these years. Mom always loved XY Jing Cheng...T_T. This realization hurts. Woman, why are you so foolish?

Zhao Xi Tuan is summoned back to Longhushan. He leaves a note another note! for Xu Feng Nian, telling him to quickly continue his journey (速速上路) . However 上路 can also mean ‘on the way to death’. So is Zhao Xi Tuan telling him to quickly die? Didn’t Zhao Heng give him a cryptic letter of this nature too, lol. Speaking of Zhao Heng, when are we getting the rest of Pei Nan Wei’s story??? Xu Feng Nian can’t quite continue his journey. A Longhushan disciple invites him to their sect. After some deliberate baiting, Li Chun Gang is voluntold to accompany Xu Feng Nian.

Ning E’mei is also told by Xu Feng Nian that he could leave now since they have found Huang Man’er. Ning E’mei looks unhappy.

Longhushan. Zhao Dan Ping informs Zhao Xi Tuan they are to kill the illegitimate prince and Xu Feng Nian. But Xu Xiao would certainly avenge his son! This is why they don’t have to really kill Xu Feng Nian. They just have to remove his dahuanting. Xu Feng Nian’s powers lie in his brain. Remove that too, will ya? It’s not just about obeying Zhang Ju Lu’s orders, there is benefit to their sect too. They have Huang Man’er, the next man up after Xu Feng Nian is down. Xu Xiao would be grateful to them. Zhao Xi Tuan remains unconvinced, but he has no choice. Zhao Dan Ping has the area surrounded.

Xu Feng Nian and Li Chun Gang arrive at Longhushan’s gates. Li Chun Gang points out the obvious that bringing Jiang Ni would be a wise choice. If she sees Xu Feng Nian in danger, she’d protect him, and Cao Chang Qing would protect her. Xu Feng Nian knows. He doesn’t want to endanger her. Li Chun Gang reminds him that one of these days Xu Feng Nian will have to choose between Northern Liang or her. Xu Feng Nian won’t choose. He wants both.

Li Chun Gang is misty-eyed; he never thought of having both. He had killed the woman he loved (Lu Pao), which is why this isn’t the first time he’s been at Longhushan; he was here to ask for a pill to save her but it was too late. Instead, he challenged Qi Xuan Zhen at Longhushan, suffered an utter defeat, lost his mind and heart, made his way down the mountain and bumped into some thugs who chopped his arm off. It’s not losing the battle that destroyed him. It was losing the woman he loved. He killed her because she tried to kill him. They were star crossed lovers; their families were enemies. She couldn’t kill him and so she made him kill her. She chose the best time to provoke him, right after he lost to Wang Xian Zhi. Li Chun Gang doesn’t want Xu Feng Nian to follow his path.

At Longhushan, Zhao Dan Ping derides Li Chun Gang, the legendary swordsman, of being a mere bodyguard. Li Chun Gang retaliates, “Are you my son?” [Insert of a scene of Xu Feng Nian looking proud and snobby.] “It’s none of your business what I do”. And what he does next shocks everyone. Li Chun Gang summons a sword, not just a sword but every single sword in the vicinity. Like a magnetic field, all the swords hover above him, pointing forward at the Zhaos. This move proves that Li Chun Gang is now at the level of dixian. Looks cool, but no fight again.

I think Li Chun Gang chose to recover his dixian status because of the conversation with Xu Feng Nian. He gave up ascending the ranks for the woman he loved, but Xu Feng Nian reminded him he can have both. That’s what Lu Pao would want, for him to pick up his sword again.

Zhao Kai’s plan (of luring Xu Feng Nian to Zhao Huang Chao) takes the backseat again. Zhao Huang Chao is no match for Li Chun Gang who’s a dixian now, and even if he is, it’s a death match. Zhao Kai isn’t without hope, though. There’s still Wudi City. Once Wang Xian Zhi defeats Li Chun Gang, then Xu Feng Nian is vulnerable.

Master Zhao of Longhushan apologizes to Li Chun Gang that everything is a misunderstanding. Only his voice is audible. He says he has to train. I’m assuming the original master is Qi Xuan Zhen...but somehow it got changed to Zhao. Hm. I wonder if the palace was part of the changeover. With a twirl of a finger, Li Chun Gang drops the floating swords to the ground. Clang clang clang. Bratty Xu Feng Nian copies the finger twirl, lol.

Other happenings: There’s two hand-drawn posters on Longhushan’s door. One is a big headed monk kid and the other says 東西最好 which means “‘Thing’ is the best”. The sentence doesn’t make sense because 東西 – meaning “thing” – is used as a name Dong Xi instead. Dong Xi is the maid of the big headed monk.

[Ep33] Zhao Dan Ping hasn’t given up! He seeks help from Master Zhao who is Zhao Xuan Su (i.e. the mysterious, deep voice behind the closed doors). He’s so powerful, he’s aging backwards and now he’s a kid. Little Fang Xian from JoL. If he attacks Xu Feng Nian, no one will know Longhushan did it because he’s unrecognizable. Oh, and while he’s at it, could he also kill Zhao Kai too? Thx, xoxo.

Zhao Kai is opposed to Zhao Huang Chao’s plan of not killing Xu Feng Nian. He starts bribing people left and right. For Yuan Ting Shan’s help, he gives him XY’s family book. For Shu Xiu’s betrayal of Xu Feng Nian, he promises to give her the book she wants too. He knows she needs the technique or she will be consumed by her martial arts technique (and die). Zhao Kai needs her to meet Li Chun Gang.

While the potential betrayal is happening, Ning E’mei apologizes to Huang Man’er. He wants to follow Xu Feng Nian. Huang Man’er is delighted.

Our team is departing Longhushan by boat. Huang Man’er sends his brother off. They hug. Jingang (tiger boy) stays with Huang Man’er.

There is another departure on the boat. Jiang Ni's. The trip to Longhushan has ended, which means Jiang Ni is to leave. Xu Feng Nian is silent, sad that she’s leaving. But he has something to give her: his mother’s sword. Jiang Ni understands the meaning of it. It’s a proposal; she’s the woman he will marry. She accepts it. (She also gave him a present which he finds later: her family heirloom, the dagger, which was in Li Chun Gang’s hair bun all this time.) A promise to marry to each other, eh.

Surprise, there's another girl who likes Xu Feng Nian: Cat Lady Yu You Wei. Huh? That was random. I think there’s also another girl who likes him: XY Qing Feng. The way she wouldn’t look at Jiang Ni seems like jealousy to me.

Zhao Xuan Su (the kid) has his own agenda. He may look young, but he’s dying. He thinks the only way he can live is to become celestial (= god), which requires opening the Heavenly Gate. The epic battle between Li Chun Gang and Wang Xian Zhi is the key. For his life, Zhao Xuan Su needs to join Xu Feng Nian’s trip to Wudi City. But how? Be shameless, of course.

Shameless Kiddo Zhao Xuan Su self proclaims he’s Xu Xiao’s illegitimate son. He holds this sign: “Xu Xiao is my father. Big bro, nice to meet you.” Well, that’s a swell way to catch Xu Feng Nian’s attention. But Xu Feng Nian is skeptical. Obedient Shu Xiu punches Zhao Xuan Su to test if he can fight. He can’t. Xu Feng Nian permits the boy to stay. Zhao Xuan Su plays the cute kid and snuggles up to Shu Xiu. How old is this kid, again? Xu Feng Nian doesn’t believe the kid but it’s better to keep the enemy close, according to him.

Storyteller adds depth to the coin that Xu Feng Nian gave Jiang Ni. It’s not just a promise to meet again. The coin was the hope he gave her to live on when she was his maid, and now it represents the hope he’s giving her to lead her people as the Princess of Western Chu. The coin was her light when her life was dark and lonely. Now she is the light to her people. The coin is her reminder that she can do it. Xu Feng Nian is there with her.

[Ep34] Before our team arrives in Wudi City, they stop at Shangyi, where sweet second sister, Xu Wei Xiong, studies at. Pst, no one can call her “second” because she hates being inferior. She also hates Jiang Ni. Perfect! Li Chun Gang provokes her with her ticks. How dare she bully his precious Jiang Ni! Xu Wei Xiong confesses she was playing the part of the evil sister-in-law. Since their mother isn’t here, someone had to discipline Jiang Ni or else how would she know to cherish Xu Feng Nian. Feeling a sense of defeat, Li Chun Gang at least rubs it in that she can’t compare to Jiang Ni. But why would Xu Wei Xiong compare herself to Jiang Ni?

Xu Wei Xiong has family matters to discuss with Xu Feng Nian. She’s not asking Li Chun Gang to join but if he wants to, she can’t stop him anyway. Li Chun Gang is uninterested, but asks Xu Feng Nian to borrow Jiang Ni’s heirloom dagger. He transfers his powers to the dagger, and now it has life of its own as it follows Xu Feng Nian.

Along the way, the Xu siblings bump into Zhao Kai. This is the first time the boys officially meet. Zhao Kai introduces himself. Xu Feng Nian comments on the absurd amount of Zhaos in this world. The Emperor planting his seeds everywhere. Booya! Meanwhile Xu Wei Xiong is working on murdering Zhao Kai who self proclaims himself as her husband. Gotta love her. I really wanted this actress to blow up after The Message. Her aura is formidable. Zhao Kai excuses himself. He doesn’t want to be a dead-brother-in-law. Because Zhao Kai wants his brother-in-law dead.

Xu Wei Xiong has two things to tell her brother. (1) Deng Tai’e (the other sword master mentioned in Ep6 by Nangong Pu Ye, which reminds me, where is she? And what happened to Water Man?) is on his way to Wudi City too (on his donkey with some peach blossoms). During the battle, Li Chun Gang would be too busy to protect Xu Feng Nian among all the potential danger. Xu Feng Nian isn’t worried. He believes in Li Chun Gang. (2) Jiang Ni and Cao Chang Qian's itinerary is known to the world. Perfect! Because that’s what Xu Feng Nian wants. Xu Wei Xiong glares at her brother, worried.

Xu Feng Nian offers to wash her sister’s hair. She smiles, knowing his intentions. With her hair wet, she won’t hit him. As a girl, I don’t get the connection, but I guess it’s kinda true that I don’t like walking around with my hair dripping wet.... She realizes Xu Feng Nian’s plan is to force the palace’s hand. Someone needs to lead an army to Western Shu (where Western Chu is currently residing). But who? Not Northern Liang. The palace wouldn’t want to give Northern Liang a chance to grow their forces. Xu Wei Xiong suspects it’ll be General Gu Jian Tang.

Palace. Zhang Ju Lu was thinking just that, sending Gu Jian Tang, but he’s suddenly down with a flu and the Emperor sent medicine wishing him well. (According to Xu Wei Xiong, the Emperor is wary of setting Gu Jian Tang free from the palace.) Zhang Ju Lu is upset, but he has one last candidate: Chen Zhi Bao.

Northern Liang. Chen Zhi Bao rips the letter Zhang Ju Lu sent.

Xu Xiao has just returned to camp. He looks up at where Chen Zhi Bao stands, wondering why he’s so high up.

Will Chen Zhi Bao be tempted to overtake Xu Xiao?

Palace. Yang Tai Sui thinks not. Xu Xiao is still alive. Chen Zhi Bao will not rebel. The easiest solution for them is to kill Jiang Ni. The same question remains: Who? Zhang Ju Lu can think of someone: Han Diao Si.

(But who is the one Xu Feng Nian predicted to lead the army to Western Shu? Is it really Chen Zhi Bao? Or is it Han Diao Si? Or is there a third guy?)

Shangyin. Okay, so someone needs to go to Western Shu. But what does Xu Feng Nian gain from this? And how is he able to predict the Emperor’s move? Does he have a spy in the palace? Omg. He does! And Xu Xiao doesn’t know of it. Xu Wei Xiong asks how she can help. Xu Feng Nian is surprised she’s not asking him what his plans are. She can predict the rest of it. I can’t D: Tell me!

En route to Wudi City. Xu Feng Nian boards the ship (from XY Family). Shameless Zhao Xuan Su runs out to greet his sister. She kicks him into the water. The kid screams that he can’t swim but no one cares. Xu Feng Nian gives Pusha (the tiger girl) to Xu Wei Xiong. For their farewell, he asks for a hug but she walks away, carrying the little pet in her arms. The only sibling who won’t hug Xu Feng Nian.

Whilst the Xu Siblings were talking, Zhao Kai had invited Li Chun Gang for a meeting via Shu Xiu. He asks Li Chun Gang for a chance to kill Xu Feng Nian at Wudi City and will offer anything he wants. And he happens to know what he wants: information on Lu Pao’s relatives/sect. Li Chun Gang accepts the book. We don’t see the rest of the exchange but according to Zhao Kai, Li Chun Gang has agreed to his terms.

Zhao Kai: I think Xu Feng Nian and I are similar. Unwilling to submit to destiny. Deep and shrewd.

Storyteller Recap: Han Diao Si supports Zhao Kai because of his mother. Han was starved on the streets. It was Zhao Kai’s mother who gave him food and warmth. Also, Han Diao Si is the one who blocked all three of Cao Chang Qing’s assassination of the Emperor. Isn’t Cao Chang Qing “#3” in the world?

(What happened to the dagger that followed Xu Feng Nian?)

[Ep35] Li Chun Gang reports to Xu Feng Nian the meeting with Zhao Kai. Li Chun Gang willfully misled Zhao Kai of his cooperation with his silence. Our nose-picker knows the way of jianghu and can pick out any unwanted boogers. The booger Zhao Kai thought he could buy Li Chun Gang’s cooperation with the whereabouts of Lu Pao’s kins but Li Chun Gang is repaying a debt to Xu Xiao. When Li Chun Gang needed to be isolated from the world, Xu Xiao built Tingchaoting for him. When Li Chun Gang self quarantined himself, Xu Xiao burnt incense for Lu Pao. Li Chun Gang cared about Lu Pao only, not for her kins. He wanted peace and it was Xu Xiao who recognized that.

However, throughout the conversation Li Chun Gang never mentioned Zhao Kai’s name, and yet Xu Feng Nian knew. Actually, Xu Feng Nian knew from the very beginning. Of course. Shu Xiu never betrayed. She was always operating under Xu Feng Nian. Although she wants the technique to save herself, she also wants to live after that. Xu Xiao would kill her, and so would Xu Feng Nian. The other way to buy loyalty: fear. Or who knows, maybe she likes him too. Currently, she’s in the cabin to help Xu Feng Nian send his messenger pigeons. He’s got quite a lot of pigeons.

Li Chun Gang pointedly asks if he was being tested (to see if he would betray). No. He is free to do whatever he wants. For all his help, Xu Feng Nian owes him that much. He's not the centre of the world. No one is obligated to help him. Uh, Xu Feng Nian, you are the centre of our drama world. Everyone is helping you. Li Chun Gang looks satisfied with that answer.

Li Chun Gang tests Xu Feng Nian on his techniques. Initially, he’s shaking his head in disappointment but ends up complimenting him. If anything happens at Wudi City, Li Chun Gang wants Xu Feng Nian to pass down his techniques.

Northern Liang. Xu Xiao scoffs at The Master Li who says he can’t read the pieces on his Go board. Is Chen Zhi Bao’s potential betrayal bothering him? Ever since Chen Zhi Bao received the letter, he hasn’t left his cabin for days. Who knows if he’s still inside. However, it’s not Chen Zhi Bao who Master Li cannot read. It’s Xu Feng Nian. He’s been tracking Xu Feng Nian’s voyage and only now he realizes his plans. Xu Feng Nian outsmarted Master Li and Xu Xiao. Under their schemes, he made his own plan. This is the next King of Northern Liang. Oho, Xu Feng Nian outwitted his master and dad. Atta boy. But I wish I got to see the process instead of being told of it. Also, could Chen Zhi Bao be off to help Xu Feng Nian?

Wudi City. There are twelve guards (all defeated by Wang Xian Zhi) who secure each level of the tower from every challenger but today they’re all on the streets, awaiting Xu Feng Nian’s arrival. Xu Feng Nian doesn’t care. He follows the path Lao Huang walked, eats the peanut he ate, and drinks the wine he drank. This episode is a tribute to Lao Huang. It’s a little sad when the waiter only knew of Jian Jiu Huang, the legend, and not Xu Feng Nian’s Lao Huang. But I think it’s enough that the one person Lao Huang cares about remembers him.

Big headed monk is in the city as well and has vandalized its walls. Who is this???

Zhao Kai bumps into Deng Tai’e who’s outside the gates with his donkey. He’s not entering yet. He’s waiting for the grand showdown to commence.

Xu Feng Nian declares his challenge loud and clear: he’ll mash up Wang Xian Zhi into a yam. I love how the boys are proud of the yam insult, and the girls don’t care, because I relate. Not funny.

Wang Xian Zhi accepts the yam challenge. Li Chun Gang summons his swords (or other people’s swords). There’s a lot. But actually, one is enough; having a lot is just to look powerful. Yup. Basically the whole show.

Xu Feng Nian departs to retrieve Lao Huang’s swords at the top of the tower. The twelve guards have been waiting.

Storyteller Recapper: Wang Xian Zhi wasn’t born a genius. coughXuFengNiancough. He worked hard. And he was sneaky. He studied many battles, learning (or stealing?) techniques left and right. Since he self proclaims himself as second, no one dares to be first. You’d think he was modest, but no, he’s like those annoying classmates who aces the test and pretends they never study. Or the people who are like, omg I didn’t do that great and you see a 98%. And since he’s 2nd, poor #10 is forced to be #11 (Wang Ming Yin). Pft.

[Ep36] Six of the twelve guards wait at the bottom of the tower. Xu Feng Nian throws his kiddo scam of a brother, Zhao Xuan Su, to the enemies. None of the guards believe it when kiddo says he’s Xu Feng Nian’s foe. Ha. This young actor is so good with his fighting expressions. A+++. Kiddo takes on four guards rather mundanely. Grandpa Wei and Shu Xiu fend off one guard each. Xu Feng Nian, Qing Niao, and Ning E’mei head up the stairs.

Zhao Kai waits for the golden opportunity to assassinate Xu Feng Nian. Forever and always. Finally, he makes a move right when Xu Feng Nian reaches the top of the tower. The rest of the six guards are waiting with their cool poses. Xu Feng Nian ignores the cool poses and finds Lao Huang’s hat and bottle. Ah, emotional! Then Zhao Kai is like, “Hello, I am your brother-in-law.” No one asked. However, his opportune moment is thwarted (again! And it’s not like he was attacking anyway. He was waiting for the six guards to act first). Deng Tai’e saves Xu Feng Nian.

Deng Tai’e sends six mini swords (each with a name) to make all twelve guards surrender. Gawd. Every time I want Xu Feng Nian to fight, he’s always saved by someone. And then there's still Lady He He who’ll pop out of nowhere. Deng Tai’e is repaying a favour to Xu Feng Nian's mother, Wu Su, who is also his distant cousin. A fake kiddo brother and now we have an uncle! Zhao Kai whines that Xu Feng Nian sure chose the right womb to be born in. Pft. But isn’t Zhao Kai the same, receiving the benefits from Han Diao Si because of his mother? It was Wu Su who gave Deng Tai'e food to save his life. Yup. The same weep story as Han Diao Si. He always felt bad for the way Wu Su died. It took Auntie Zhao years to investigate and she got 'nothing'. This guy who is a distant (unrelated) relative traveling jianghu knows...because...?

To repay the rest of his debt, Deng Tai’e gives Xu Feng Nian all twelve mini swords and the technique to use them. Xu Feng Nian thanks the swordmaster but leaves the wooden case on the ledge. There’s another wooden box that’s more important right now: Lao Huang’s. Keeping inventory: Xu Feng Nian has two sabres, one sword from his mother (that he gave away), 12 mini swords, and 9 swords from Lao Huang. He’s going to be the man with the most weapons. Oh and he’s got two tigers too, but he gave those away. Oh, and a lot of girls like him. Boy has it all.

Zhao Kai is such a gentleman to wait for Xu Feng Nian to finish paying his respect to Lao Huang. More like he’s being “smart” about it. Although Deng Tai’e said his debt is repaid and he won’t interfere with assassinating Xu Feng Nian, he had also said he was helping Xu Feng Nian retrieve Lao Huang’s swords. Zhao Kai will wait until then to kill Xu Feng Nian. Dude, just face it, you can’t.

Time for Li Chun Gang and Wang Xian Zhi’s epic battle, which is a battle on who can float the longest without moving their lower half. Li Chun Gang opens the Heavenly Gates! From a hole in the sky, a sword pierces through the thunderous clouds. It’s his One Sword Can Open the Heavenly Gates move.

Wudan. Hong Xi Xiang drops to the ground when he notices the oddity towards the east. The Heavenly Gate opened for him?!?! Wang Chong Lou orders everyone to set up a tent for Hong Xi Xian – he’ll be sitting there for a while. Wang Chong Lou mutters, "What happened in the east to have awakened you." OH?!?!!? The #1 in jianghu?!?!

Wudi City. Now is the chance for Zhao Kai to kill! But wait! Zhao Xuan Su is here. He drops his act since Deng Tai’e recognizes him. He wants to kill Xu Feng Nian but not when Deng Tai’e is watching and seemingly protecting Xu Feng Nian. He changes his target to Zhao Kai. However, Xu Feng Nian saves Zhao Kai. It seems Xu Feng Nian needs Zhao Kai alive for something. Hm. Zhao Xuan Su pulls back. Zhao Kai runs away for his life without ever touching Xu Feng Nian, ofc.

Zhao Xuan Su is more inclined to ascend to the heavens. He’s waiting for the eye in the sky to enlarge, but it stops. Deng Tai’e presumes Li Chun Gang and Wang Xian Zhi want to stay on Earth. Well, kid doesn’t. He’s got no time left on Earth. His insides are rotting from operating for two centuries. He will forcefully open the gates.

Deng Tai’e stops Zhao Xuan Su with his (uh, no longer his) miniswords. He is here to wait for the Heavenly Gate too, but not for it to open. He wants to close it. Deities arriving on Earth will only bring bloodshed and death. Humans don’t need to be at the whim of deities. Life and death on Earth should be decided by humans alone. Xu Feng Nian wholeheartedly agrees.

Kiddo vehemently disagrees. Zhao Xuan Su would rather throw away his humanness to be powerful. But his insides are rotting! He can’t win over Deng Tai’e and so he chooses an easier target: Xu Feng Nian. Xu Feng Nian summons “6000 Miles”, Lao Huang’s sword that Xu Feng Nian named (reminder: it represents the distance they travelled together). I was confused if Xu Feng Nian also summoned the miniswords in his first attack. Zhao Xuan Su regresses to his original grandpa form. He’s dead. But kid-ghost is alive! Wut. Kid-ghost taps Xu Feng Nian's yellow dahuangting. It turns red. Oh no, we’re seeing red. Not a good sign for men.

Storyteller Recap: Deng Tai’e self proclaims himself to be Xu Feng Nian’s uncle. He’s an illegitimate son (or orphan) of the Wus. Wu Sect forces him to train day and night without food. “Deng Tai’e almost became Deng Tai’e.” Homophone. First one is his name. Second one means “Deng is too famished.” It was Wu Su who gave him food and helped him train.

Random thought. Xu Feng Nian is invincible by connections alone. Slaughterer of Man is his father. Legendary Militarist is his shifu in strategy. Legendary Swordmaster Li Chun Gang is his shifu of swords. Legendary Swordmaster Deng Tai’e is his “uncle”, Legendary Swordmaster Lao Huang is like his father. Infamous Water Man taught him too. Nuxia Nangong Pu Ye lent/gave her sabres to him. Hong Xi Xiang – pending legendary status – is his future brother-in-law. He’s got an alliance with Zhao Heng who has control of Qingzhou. He’s got an alliance with XY Qing Feng who has control of the sea. He’s also has alliances with Mount Qingcheng, Wudan, and Longhushan. I think I’m still missing some...

[Ep37] What other connections was I missing? Well. Lady He He saves Xu Feng Nian. Kid-Ghost / Ghost-Kid / Whatever Zhao Xuan Su was thrusting his qi into Xu Feng Nian’s forehead to ruin his qi. Lady He He redirects the absorption into herself. She’s no assassin. She’s his protector. Because. Guess what! Mom Wu Su saved her too. Omg. Kill me. This repetition. Years ago, it was Young Xu Feng Nian and Wu Su who gave her a hairpin for money to bury her mother. (It seems Wu Su died on that day too.) Ever since then she vowed to kill whoever tried to harm him. (By the way, RIP Kid-Ghost)

Could Lady He He’s name be Dong Xi?? The little girl the big headed monk dotes on?? Could big headed monk be Yang Tai Sui?? @_@. I think I’m confusing myself. Don’t take me seriously. The repetition killed me. Or Kid-Ghost did. Whatever.

Deng Tai’e leaves. The epic battle is over (I assume he’s referring to Li Chun Gang and Wang Xian Zhi’s battle). This actor...all he had to do was ride a donkey, say a few lines, and wave his hand, lol.

Xu Feng Nian wakes up after fainting. He’s fine. Lady He He should be fine too. She probably has a very strong master who taught her the absorption technique.

Li Chun Gang is fine as well. The battle was a tie, but he admits he would have lost if it was any longer. They stopped because the Heavenly Gates was about to open, which means he knows about the Heavenly Realm. Xu Feng Nian is flabbergasted. Li Chun Gang says it’s nothing special, it’s just filled with idiots who think they’re celestial. Li Chun Gang, go touch wood!

Xu Feng Nian bravely challenges Wang Xian Zhi in a future duel for the sake of Lao Huang and Li Chun Gang (who’s still alive... Let the one handed-man do it himself.), but for now he has questions about Wu Su. Who injured her? Xu Feng Nian doesn’t suspect Wang Xian Zhi because if he had attacked her, Wu Su would have died immediately. Xu Feng Nian wants to know who else was there. Wang Xian Zhi confirms a name on a paper that Xu Feng Nian gives him. Who! He can’t recall the other names, but he remembers someone from Northern Mang. Now that’s rotten. The palace colluded with the enemy (Northern Mang) to kill Wu Su, the wife of a loyal general.

Lastly, Xu Feng Nian asks Wang Xian Zhi for Lao Huang’s last words. Didn’t he die from battling? He had time for last words? He was sitting on the ledge saying, "Come here, give Young Master his wine.” Lao Huang was looking to the north, towards Northern Liang.

The trip to Wudi City is over. Lao Huang’s swords are retrieved. Everyone is headed home to Northern Liang.

Elsewhere, Han Diao Si delivers an edict to Zhao Kai. He is to lead an army to Western Shu. All the other legitimate princes are afraid. This is Zhao Kai's chance. But Cao Chang Qin is a formidable opponent. Han Diao Si will accompany him. Plus, who said he had to be Cao Chang Qin’s enemy? He can help Cao Chang Qin and Jiang Ni restore their home in Western Chu. Then Zhao Kai will be Lord of Western Shu with the army at his control.

Zhao Kai, Han Diao Si, and Yuan Ting Shan head west on their horses. They’ve been changing up their routes to make it hard to trace them. Poor Goldie is running after them with his heavy armour. All of them are confused why Xu Feng Nian would save Zhao Kai. Yuan Ting Shan thinks that Xu Feng Nian could be betting on an alliance with the future king of Western Shu. I was thinking that too. Han Diao Si and Zhao Kai dismiss that idea. There’s no way Xu Feng Nian could have known Zhao Kai was to battle Cao Chang Qing before they did. *Snickers*.

Han Diao Si currently has spies on Xu Feng Nian. Who! He also informed Zhao Yi (another royal uncle) of Xu Feng Nian’s arrival on his territory with two messages: 1) the palace isn’t happy Xu Feng Nian left Wudi City alive, and 2) there’s a beautiful maid accompanying Xu Feng Nian. Since Zhao Yi and his son are preverts and they would want suck up to the palace, Han Diao Si is certain Zhao Yi would block Xu Feng Nian. Zhao Yi. He sends two thousand soldiers against Xu Feng Nian.

One swipe from Li Chun Gang annihilates all of them.

Northern Liang. Master Li and Xu Xiao are at the basement of Tingchaoting, paying their respects. Two old men chat on the new Heir of Northern Liang. Xu Xiao had thought he planned all of Xu Feng Nia’s trip only to realize he paved his own path. Now he’s doing something Xu Xiao never dreamt of. Indeed, he is the new King of Northern Liang. At what point did Xu Feng Nian pave his own path?

Master Li noticed two things. No one has seen Xu Feng Nian since he entered the carriage. The same goes for Chen Zhi Bao at his cabin. Are these two still where everyone thinks they are?

Also, who’s the spy that Han Diao Si has on Xu Feng Nian?

[Ep38] En Route to Western Shu. Han Diao Si, Zhao Kai, and Yuan Ting Shan have been making detours. Now they ditch their horses and travel by boat and ou, is that a Xuanyuan boat? Oh wait, no, it's better than that! Xu Feng Nian and Qing Niao are chilling there, waiting for Zhao Kai. I like Xu Feng Nian’s new hairdo so much better. Even though it’s the last episode, it’s never too late. Xu Feng Nian is waiting for Zhao Kai to lure Han Diao Si, the one who attacked his mother, as confirmed by Wang Xian Zhi.

Han Diao Si admits he is one of them and compliments Xu Feng Nian for outwitting his father in identifying him. On the contrary, sir, Xu Feng Nian assures that Xu Xiao knows. Xu Xiao restrained himself for peace that his brothers and comrades sacrificed their lives for. Xu Feng Nian is different though. He will avenge his mother. Does that mean he will abandon world peace? No. Xu Feng Nian is different. He wants both: Mom and peace. And woman and father and power...

Since when did Xu Feng Nian plan this trip?

Han Diao Si is confused that Xu Feng Nian knows their route. Well, here’s why Show has been giving Yuan Ting Shan all these solo shots. Yuan Ting Shan works for General Gu Jian Tang who’s known to be a sabre-master and surprise! Yuan Ting Shan uses a sabre. Going off this logic, Nangong Pu Ye uses sabres so she works for Gu Jian Tang too…. Killing Han Diao Si is one less obstacle for Gu Jian Tang who is barricaded behind palace walls.

Yuan Ting Shan received instructions at Shangyin when Zhao Kai was speaking with Li Chun Gang. Although Xu Feng Nian never tested Li Chun Gang on his loyalty, he used him in creating a chance to meet with Yuan Ting Shan.

Goldie attacks Yuan Ting Shan, who’s doing pretty well defending himself. Meanwhile Han Diao Si and Zhao Kai pretend to keep their cool and walk past Xu Feng Nian towards their ship.

Xu Feng Nian sits there, motionless.

The reason Xu Feng Nian is calm: Xu Wei Xiong, Xu Zhi Hu, and Xu Long Xiang are here (via Xuanyuan’s ships)!! The siblings have gathered for their mother’s revenge.

Ah, but there’s one more...Chen Zhi Bao! He’s here for his stepmother of Northern Liang.

Play by play! (I try.)

Chen Zhi Bao and his battalion are up against Han Diao Si. Poor soldiers aren’t a match for Spider Man Han Diao Si’s red strings. Chen Zhi Bao battles him head on.
Xu Wei Xiong vs. Zhao Kai Round 2!
Goldie protects Zhao Kai
Huang Man’er rips Goldie’s arm off.
Where is Xu Feng Nian at this very moment? Probably sitting. Okay fine, maybe standing.
Han Diao Si ditches Chen Zhi Bao to protect Useless Zhao Kai.
Han Diao Si vs. Huang Man’er (who is a natural but too young and inexperienced for Han Diao Si) and so..
Qing Niao protects Huang Man’er.
The rest of our team gathers around Han Diao Si. Sensing danger, he sends Zhao Kai flying to the ship, and while that’s happening, Chen Zhi Bao pierces a spear into his back.
Useless Zhao Kai doesn’t land in the boat because Nangong Pu Ye sends him flying right back. No wonder Nangong Pu Ye wasn’t at the library! When Xu Xiao was going merry-go-round to open the basement door in Ep37, I was half expecting to see her smirk again. It turns out she was flying her way here.
Spider Man Han Diao Si uses his Tornado Red String! Making up names now. Qing Niao and Huang Man’er spit blood from the blow.
And now Xu Feng Nian makes a move. About time.
It’s “A Lot of Strings” vs. Only “Two Snakes” (One swipe!).
They both fall back, and both brace for another attack.
Xu Feng Nian summons “One Sword Opens Heavenly Gate” (Second swipe!)
Red Strings are more powerful.
Qing Niao grumbles, “And who said they didn’t need a death guard.” Lol. I like how she’s pissed off.
Nangong Pu Ye and Qing Niao attack together, but fail. Could Nangong Pu Ye be the other Death Guard? Maybe not.
Han Diao Si grips onto Xu Feng Nian's throat, and tries to extinguish his dahuanting. Xu Feng Nian uses Two Snakes (One finger move!), which is blocked by Han Diao Si.
Xu Feng Nian redirects his Two Snakes to control Deng Tai’e’s mini swords for a one time use (Second finger move!).
Han Diao Si dies.
Summary: Han Diao Si died by two swipes and two finger moves.
Xu Wei Xiong pierces Zhao Kai with her sword. Zhao Kai’s dream in the beginning of the episode was prophetic. Is he still smiling blissfully?

Zhao Kai is dying. He doesn’t regret his choices. He even compliments Xu Feng Nian for winning and for being stronger. Show’s message is this: Xu Feng Nian won with the better mentality. Zhao Kai would turn the world upside down for his uprising. Xu Feng Nian would never. From the beginning, Zhao Kai already lost. Xu Feng Nian says he won’t kill him. Zhao Kai smiles, snaps his finger to summon Goldie, and is killed by Goldie. One swipe! That’s for putting your feet on Goldie as your leg rest!! Okay, but seriously, can someone explain why Goldie betrayed? Because his arm was ripped? Because Han Diao Si died and the hypnosis no longer worked?

Nangong Pu Ye picks up her sabres and tells Xu Feng Nian to stop dropping them. The blades are his now?

Yuan Ting Shan bids farewell. Their alliance ends. They hope to not meet as enemies.

Chen Zhi Bao says this is their last time collaboration.

By intuition, Xu Wei Xiong thinks Chen Zhi Bao will never submit to Xu Feng Nian as the King of Northern Liang. Spot on? Never doubt a girl’s intuition. If this series had a second couple, I’d root for Xu Wei Xiong and Chen Zhi Bao.

Xu Feng Nian wants his siblings to return home with him. However, they can’t because that would be admitting to the world they killed Zhao Kai and Han Diao Si. This is why Chen Zhi Bao and Xu Feng Nian pretended to be in their lair. Xu Zhi Hu will wait for the day Xu Feng Nian is the King of Northern Liang. Xu Wei Xiong tells him to train well. Xu Long Xiang will keep his hawthorns for him.

What Will Xu Feng Nian do? He will return to Northern Liang but afterwards, he will depart to Northern Mang. After his mother is avenged, he will reunite with all of them at home.

The siblings depart. I like how they all have matching hairstyles with the white band to remember their late mother.

Nangong Pu Ye departs as well. She’s going back to the library to finish her readings. “See you again in Northern Liang.”

To Xu Feng Nian, no matter where his future is headed to, Northern Liang will always be waiting for him to come home.

Season One Ends.

Hong Xi Xian is still sitting under his tent, growing a beard, and maybe an ulcer. He wakes up!

The end.

Remarks

[First Impression (Ep1-5)] Cautiously impressed. It's not the action packed type of exciting. It's a little more brainy with layers of scheme that can be borderline convoluted but makes sense in its own logical ways. It's quite intriguing to chew on. I'm in, intellectually. Emotionally, I'm not there yet.

Everyone thinks our ML is a slacker, but he's the smartest young lad there is, that is if you don't consider his father (such a weasel). Our wacky father and son pair have an enemy lurking somewhere in their Northern Liang Army Camp, waiting to dismantle their hold. They don't know who the real mastermind is. To protect the people he loves, our ML has to choose to save or to kill. If he chooses to save, he needs to be strong.

I won't call this a wuxia yet. Currently, it has strong wuxia elements but leans more towards a political intrigue. So far, I like the setup. It's laid out both very clearly and very confusingly, but rather comprehensively. I do have questions.

Why not make Chen Zhi Bao the heir? He looks smart and loyal (unless Xu Xiao doesn't think so...)
Why is Xu Xiao forcing his son to take his position when he's alive and healthy? Unless he's not.

Romance-wise, I know not to have hope for it. I’m familiar with Joy of Life (I didn't finish; no one should convince me; I don’t plan on giving that a second chance until S2 airs) and I don’t believe romance is this scriptwriter's forte nor priority. No matter how cute Jiang Ni is around Xu Feng Nian, I won't fall for it. Right now, I like that the romance serves purpose, adds humour and intrigue, and doesn't overpower the bigger story.

At the end of (each?) episode there's a storyteller who recaps everything. Don't skip it. He adds extra details that can be very surprising.

Also, I’m ready for a cliffhanger ending. The poster says this is Season 1.

Update (Dec27): Drama is based on a novel and so it’s not entirely on the scriptwriter (Wang Juan) for writing the romance/female characters the way it is.

[Actors/Actresses] So many characters! The show is pretty good at making it as simple as it can despite how complicated everyone is. I’ll just be slightly touching on actors I'm familiar with:

Zhang Ruo Yun (as Xu Feng Nian). He's similar to his Joy of Life character (of whatever I've seen in the beginning) – still that smartass but less annoying of a smartass, imo.
Li Geng Xi (as Jiang Ni). I can't unsee the tomboy in her, especially with how she bobbles her head sometimes, but she impresses me with this whole new character. A little naughty and a lot more feminine. She's more like her Truth or Dare character but with a way smarter plot (but that was a romcom made for fun, shouldn’t be comparable).
Rong Zi Shan (as Xu Long Xiang / Huang Man'er). Cute brother. Let's hope he doesn't turn into the bad kid.

[Behind the Scenes]

[Ending] Happy in that it is a satisfying ending to an arc. I really like that the drama ends climactically and with the message that we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg.

Romance is reciprocated.

I say if there is a S2, we’d be focusing on Villain #2, and so on...

Things I’m still interested in: 1) Who is Big Headed Monk? 2) Does anyone remember about Pei Nan Wei and Chu Lu Shan? 3) We still haven’t seen the Emperor! 4) Hong Xi Xian is so interesting. 5) Who’s spying on Xu Feng Nian for Han Diao Si? I bet Xu Feng Nian knows. 7) Did it matter that Han Diao Si changed his name, as noted by Xu Xiao? 6) Who’s the last death guard?

[Review & Rating]

I think I know what to call this now. It’s jianghu politicking. Our ML is amassing and fortifying connections all across jianghu to become the king that he wants to be. It’s a slow journey but expansive beyond imagination with an ultimate destination that’s mysterious until the very end.

I don’t think SSS is a masterpiece but it’s an impressive attempt. There’s obvious flaws, and some are really indigestible, but I guess I just gotta live with some discomfort to enjoy the unraveling of this wuxia intrigue.

(It’s a long review where the further down you read, the more I digress. If you’re wondering whether to start the drama, you can ignore anything below “The Neutral Flaws”.)

The Good.

Drama is brilliant. No doubt about that. Watching this makes me feel like a fool (and I just love feeling like a fool…). I can never predict how Xu Feng Nian will solve his problems.

Drama is a thoroughly planned wuxia journey. It amazes me how all the pieces fit together at the end and how every stop contributed to the final execution. Very impressive writing.

Drama ends well! I am floored by the ending but it’s also thanks to my beyond low expectation. Like I said, I was ready for a cliffhanger ending – there’s just too much story and too many characters to end this in 38 episodes. However, the ending completes an arc and does it climatically(!). The best thing is that it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Satisfying!

The Bad.

Drama’s climactic action scenes are like sneezes that disappear. It tingles and tingles, but it just never happens. It’s not about impressive choreography (I mean, that would be great to see, but it’s too much to expect from this drama). The buildup for that exciting moment is so often waved away by a single move, or they’re like hey, why don’t we just talk, or like oh yo, we can’t open that door. So much tease with nothing to deliver. Drama, why set up yourself like that?

(That being said, I liked the team battles where everyone had a role. I just wished Xu Feng Nian fought more. Gr!)

Drama sucks at being emotionally captivating. Xu Feng Nian has an invincible ML halo. No enemy is ever too strong. Although I can’t predict the direction of the drama, I’ll always know their problems are under control either by Xu Xiao or Xu Feng Nian (or Mom’s kindness). It took me a while to accept that I’m watching a ML own the world with no real threat in this slow thrill.

Drama is so repetitive, oi! I was captivated by Ep5 (Zhao Heng’s plans that were subverted by Xu Xiao’s plans). The problem is the whole show is like that. Schemes that are subverted by schemes that are subverted by more schemes. If this drama wasn’t so intelligent and perceptive, I’d be pissed off. Okay, fine I am pissed off, but I’m also more impressed than I am pissed off.

The Neutral Flaws: Not detrimental to my drama experience. If it was done better, it would be that much closer to a masterpiece.

The non-existent fight choreography. I’m not huge on action scenes, but even I am miffed that they aren’t better. (When I am bothered about action scenes, I think it’s pretty bad for everyone who cares, ha.)

The romance is tolerable. I’m not interested in it at all. ME, not interested in romance! There’s no chemistry. Is it the actress? Is it both of them? Is it the buildup of the romance? I think it’s a bit of everything with Li Geng Xi bearing most of the responsibility. It hurts saying that because I like her. At the same time, I’m happy it didn’t derail the story so I was fine with it existing.

(I like the non-romantic CPs better: Xu Feng Nian and Xu Xiao, Xu Feng Nian and Lao Huang, Jiang Ni and Li Chun Gang, and even Zhao Kai and Goldie.)

The female characters suck. Oh yeah, I said that. The girls are all style and no substance. Except for maybe one. I cannot speak to the novel because I haven’t read it. Just because our girls look powerful at fighting means nothing to me. Hear me out:

Xu Feng Nian vs Jiang Ni. They’re both successors, the next generation’s hope. Initially, they appear dumb, but they’re not. However, Jiang Ni will always be a step (or a lot of steps) behind Xu Feng Nian except for a rare moment or two. There is one time she completely outwitted him and that was in the way she hid her love. Everything outside of love, Xu Feng Nian wins. In Ep27, he orchestrated her departure to benefit his own revenge. Although he loves her, Jiang Ni is a tool, part of his web to capture his enemy. Their relationship isn’t equal. But of course Xu Feng Nian is the main hero. It’s hard for anyone to be his equal, let alone compare to him, so let’s move on to the rest of the examples.
Ning E’mei vs. Qing Niao. Both initially protected Xu Feng Nian out of their personal commitment either as a Northern Liang soldier or a death guard. It took episodes 5-33 for Xu Feng Nian to gain Ning E’mei’s loyalty. It took a single episode (6) to gain Qing Niao’s devotion and it was with a flick to her forehead as her “punishment”. From then on, she’s his faithful maid. Yeah, let’s see Xu Feng Nian flick Ning E’mei’s forehead in Ep14 to get those heart eyes from Ning E’mei.
Li Chun Gang vs. Nangong Pu Ye. A swordmaster and a sabre-master. She’s got style, but he’s got substance. She gave Xu Feng Nian the sabres but he gave him knowledge and technique. He gets to be Xu Feng Nian’s master. He also gets a full backstory with high emotional moments. Nangong Pu Ye gets to look cool. That’s pretty much it.
Dad Xuanyuan vs. Mom Xuanyuan. In Ep31-32, Dad’s death was tremendously tragic. He received nothing but gave everything. A worthy hero. In Ep32, Mom’s death was tremendously foolish. She gave him nothing, and left her daughter nothing. Dad at least paved his daughter’s path after his death. Mom chose love and went bye-bye (actually, not even a bye). Dad wins.
Lv Qian Tang vs. Shu Xiu. The outsiders. Lv Qian Tang and Shu Xiu have personal gains in helping Xu Feng Nian. [Spoilers!] Throughout the trip, Lv Qian Tang gets the big emotional journey where we see he’s disdained by his family, still sacrificed his life for his family, and died to be a man of his words. Respect! Shu Xiu is morally grey. She's loyal because of a book and stays loyal because she fears for her life. Respect? Or maybe she fell in love. Boo. [/Sp]
Grandpa Wei vs. Cat Lady Yu You Wei. Both are loyal subordinates of their master (Xu Feng Nian and Jiang Ni respectively). Grandpa Wei's big sleeves are useful. Cat Lady... her cat is cute.
The one girl I like is Xu Wei Xiong. I don’t know who to compare her to. Chen Zhi Bao? Huang Man’er? I think the guys get the cooler moves, but Show gave her intelligence and a no bs attitude. Show also gives her an emotional appeal in Ep11 (chess piece) and Ep34 (the little spat with Li Chun Gang). Other than Xu Wei Xiong, there’s no girl I really like. Xuanyuan Qing Feng and Lady He He are mainly convenient tools for the ML.

The girls’ stories are just too thin in comparison. The guy equivalents have fleshed out backgrounds/ambitions and better character developments. Sure, the girls have all the looks and the guys are mostly old, but I much prefer substance. In Ep14, Li Chun Gang asked Jiang Ni who’s better, him or Nangong Pu Ye. Jiang Ni chose Nangong Pu Ye. Why? Because she’s prettier. Jiang Ni was joking, but everyone inside and outside of the Show knows who’s really better.

I wouldn't be surprised if the scriptwriter already did the author a favour in enhancing the females in the drama. I get the impression the original source is male oriented and the female characters are made to satisfy male audiences. (For fairness, I also think there’s a sleuth of female oriented dramas with unrealistic males just to satisfy female audiences. There’s somewhat of a balance in this universe.)

In summary! (Catching a breath here) I just cringe a little when the girls are praised for being awesome... but otherwise I’m not offended. I don’t see intentional malice and it doesn’t seem like lazy, thoughtless writing. Hopefully, Season 2 (if that’s happening) is a bit more balanced.

Drama, are you a wuxia or not?

I say it has to be a wuxia, but it’s uncomfortable calling it a wuxia. I don’t know if it’s just because of the obvious lack of hand combat or actually, the lack of any physical combat. Mostly, it feels like a wuxia parody. Our wuxia hero trains by talking, or y’know absorbing some of that yellow energy. It’s also more about politics, jianghu politics. This might just be a new style of wuxia I have to accept.

Lastly! Valuable Lessons From Drama:

How to be compassionate 101: If you kill one person, kill their entire family while you’re at it. The least you can do is reunite them in the underworld. Only applies in jianghu! (please...guys...)
How to win in life 101: Choose the right womb to be born from. If your parents didn’t save anyone, you’re outta luck. Try again next life. If you still get in the wrong womb, just keep trying. That’s the only way.

And that’s a wrap to this mind-throbbing journey. May we all be born to the right parents!

Rating: 4/5

December 18, 2021

Sword Snow Stride | Recap and Review

Mini Recaps

Remarks

No comments:

Post a Comment

Recent Comments