Episode Summary
In this episode, Xiao Kaiyan and the emperor make a secret deal to sideline Wu Zhe. Yan Kuangtu forces a meeting between Shaolin and Wudang, which results in Xiao Qiushui being named the new martial arts alliance leader. Yan Kuangtu then transfers all his power to Xiao Qiushui, which nearly kills him. At the same time, Tang Song and Tang Qing murder their way to the top of the Tang Clan.
Spoiler Alert
The Emperor's Shady Plan
So, Xiao Kaiyan goes to the palace for a chat with the emperor. The court's war faction is apparently throwing a fit about Wu Zhe being called back. Xiao Kaiyan reads the room and figures out the emperor is stuck. He comes up with a pretty sneaky plan. He offers to "intercept" Wu Zhe on his way back to the capital.
This delay would give the war hawks a reason to shut up. The emperor is all for it. He has just one condition. Xiao Kaiyan isn't to actually punish Wu Zhe. Once he has him, he should just let the guy retire and go home. Problem solved. For now.
A Field Trip to Wudang
Yan Kuangtu's Big Idea
Xiao Qiushui is in his room, just trying to practice his martial arts. Suddenly, Yan Kuangtu shows up and basically kidnaps him. Next thing he knows, they're in a carriage. Xiao Qiushui is confused, obviously. Yan Kuangtu, who has already decided he's Xiao Qiushui's master, explains the situation. He wants to unite the entire martial world of Da Xi. To do that, the long-standing beef between the Shaolin and Wudang sects has to end.
As it happens, the new abbot from Shaolin is visiting Wudang at that very moment. Yan Kuangtu thinks it's the perfect time to pitch his big idea.
The Old Guard Steps Up
Yan Kuangtu gets in front of the new leaders, Tianxiang and Taifeng. He tells them they need to share their secret martial arts techniques with each other. It's the only way to stand against the chaos brewing in the world. Taifeng immediately pushes back. He argues that martial arts styles are meant to be exclusive and that merging them is a huge taboo.
Yan Kuangtu doesn't waste time arguing. He fights both of them and wins without breaking a sweat. He makes his point crystal clear. Combining hard and soft styles is the only path to becoming truly unbeatable.
Just then, three old masters from Wudang appear. Their names are Jiusheng, Jiusi, and Jiuyi. They want a rematch with Yan Kuangtu. They lost to him twenty years ago and think they have a better shot now. Yan Kuangtu gets annoyed, and they start a battle of internal energy. Before it goes too far, Xiao Qiushui steps in. He tells them that using kung fu just for bragging rights is completely meaningless.
Xiao Qiushui's Test
Everyone calms down and agrees that Xiao Qiushui has a point. Tianxiang and Taifeng offer him a deal. They'll consider his proposal to merge the styles if he can withstand three of their palm strikes.
The test begins. Xiao Qiushui handles the first two attacks pretty well. For the third strike, the three old masters team up. Xiao Qiushui looks for a way to counter their combined attack but can't find one. He openly admits defeat.
But the masters tell him he didn't really lose. They explain that his final, desperate move already showed the essence of blended Shaolin techniques. Because of his courage and righteous spirit, they are willing to support him as the new leader of the martial arts alliance.
A Transfer of Power
That night, Yan Kuangtu takes Xiao Qiushui to a mountain peak. He shows him an old monument from a past battle. He points out a turtle he carved on it years ago to mock his old rivals, Tianzheng and Taichan, for not being true leaders. He feels like this trip to Wudang has finally settled some old business for him.
Xiao Qiushui then confesses a problem. The Shaolin and Wudang energy inside his body are in conflict, one hard and one soft. Yan Kuangtu gives him some advice. Then he does something drastic. He transfers his entire internal energy to Xiao Qiushui. The effort is immense, and Yan Kuangtu immediately starts coughing up blood.
Carnage at the Tang Clan
Things get ugly over at the Tang Clan. Tang Fang has been healing Tang Yaoshun, and the process has left her exhausted. Tang Song, who wants to be the clan leader, sees his opportunity. He murders Tang Yaoshun right in front of a weakened Tang Fang. Then he uses Gu sorcery to take complete control of her mind.
The Old Madam arrives and furiously scolds Tang Song for his actions. But Tang Song was prepared. He had already bribed her personal guard, who stabs her in the back. Though gravely injured, she tries to fight back. But then Tang Qing hits her with a hidden weapon, and the Old Madam falls for good. The brother-sister pair then take the clan's leadership token for themselves.
An Old Wound Resurfaces
Xiao Qiushui rushes the bleeding Yan Kuangtu to Xiao Xueyu's clinic. Xiao Xueyu examines him and says the energy transfer isn't the main problem. An old wound has reopened. There's an iron nail lodged deep in Yan Kuangtu's back.
Yan Kuangtu explains that years ago, at Wuxing Mountain, Tang Yaoshun hit him with a "Soul-Piercing Nail." Xiao Qiushui tries to use his own internal energy to pull the nail out, but it's no use. He suggests they go to the Tang Clan for help. Yan Kuangtu forbids it, warning him to stay away from the Tang Clan no matter what.
