Episode Summary
Xiao Qiushui intentionally loses the second leadership trial to protect his father, postponing the final decision for six months. The Power-wielding Gang, aided by the scheming Liu Suifeng, uses Fu Tianyi's death as a pretext to launch a full-scale assault on the Xiao estate. After a brutal battle, the family is forced to retreat into the Sword Hut. Inside, Qiushui realizes there is a mole in the family, who is revealed to be the butler controlled by Liu Suifeng. The episode ends with the mole creating a diversion.
Spoiler Alert
The Second Trial Goes Sideways
So, the contest for the next leader continues. This time, it's a mid-air challenge. Xiao Qiushui tries out a new trick Sun Huishan taught him. It's called the "Three Forms of Thick Skin," which sounds about right for him. He dodges a couple of attacks but gets to the final one and just... stops. He takes the hit and loses the match.
Why? Because his father, Xiao Xilou, and Sun Huishan were sitting right behind him. If he had dodged, they would have been in the line of fire. He chose to lose rather than risk their safety. For his part, Xiao Xilou gives the leadership token to Xiao Yiren for now. He doesn't officially name a successor, though. He says they'll have another competition in six months, partly because he was moved by Qiushui's act of loyalty.
The Power-Wielding Gang Makes Its Move
Watching from the sidelines is Liu Suifeng. He sees the whole thing go down. He realizes Xiao Qiushui is a natural talent. The kid could surpass both his father and older brother if given enough time. Liu Suifeng decides he can't let that happen.
A Body Appears
The Power-wielding Gang is already mobilizing. Song Mingzhu has moved their disciples to the city of Jindou. Their plan is to provoke the Xiao family using Fu Tianyi's death as an excuse. Liu Suifeng is all for it. He wants the Xiao family wiped out completely and says he has a way to get into their fortress, the Sword Hut.
Meanwhile, Tang Fang is in town looking for the Hero's Token. He stumbles upon a grisly scene on the street. The Power-wielding Gang has dumped Fu Tianyi's corpse out in the open. Next to the body is Xiao Qiushui's personal sword. The message is clear. They're coming for the Xiao family. Qiushui gets a message of his own. It warns him that the gang is about to attack and that he needs to get Old Madam Wu to safety.
An Unwanted Reunion
Qiushui is understandably confused. He knows for a fact that Fu Tianyi's body was burned. Where did the gang get another one? He rushes to warn his parents, trying to convince them to leave for a while. But Xiao Xilou just thinks his son is up to his old tricks again.
Just then, Tang Fang bursts into the house. He's here to get Tang Rou because the gang has placed a "blood coffin" at the Xiao family's front door. Things are getting serious.
All-Out Attack on the Xiao Estate
Everyone gathers in the main hall. Meng Xiangfeng recounts the gang's history of violence, guessing they won't show any mercy. Xiao Xilou isn't scared. He reveals he has evidence that Fu Tianyi was a traitor working with the Northern Wilderness. He says the Xiao family stands for justice and won't be intimidated. He just doesn't want to involve his guests and asks them to leave.
They all refuse. Qiushui's sworn brothers, Tang Rou and the others, declare they will stand with him. Even Liu Suifeng chimes in, pledging his support.
Poison Fog and Demands
The attack begins. A servant runs in to report what's happening outside, but he collapses and dies from poison before he can finish. The family and their allies go to the front gate. The Power-wielding Gang has unleashed a thick, poisonous fog. A man named Kong Yangqin, the "Three-layered Sword Demon," demands they hand over the Hero's Token. Xiao Xilou tells him it's not there.
That's when the fight breaks out. While everyone is engaged, Qiushui has a moment of clarity. He remembers from the "original story" that another enemy, the "Hundred Poisons Divine Demon" Hua Gufen, is hiding somewhere. He finds Hua Gufen and manages to wound him badly.
Retreat to the Sword Hut
Despite Qiushui's quick thinking, the gang launches another wave of attacks. Xiao Xilou uses all his strength to block a massive blow, leaving the family's forces depleted. With no other choice, he orders everyone to fall back to the Sword Hut.
A Mole in the House
Inside the supposedly impenetrable Sword Hut, they regroup. Xiao Xilou confirms the hut can withstand a siege for months. He also finally admits where Old Madam Wu is hidden. She's in the Zhenmei Pavilion. Qiushui immediately suspects a mole is in their midst. How else would the gang know their plans and where to strike?
Later, during a small banquet to honor their courage, the elders praise Qiushui's growth. For the first time, seeing everyone risk their lives for each other, Qiushui feels like he understands the true meaning of being a hero.
But the danger isn't over. While Qiushui is outside sharing a drink with his brothers, Liu Suifeng makes his move. He uses a small bell to control the Xiao family's butler. The butler is his mole, planted in the household years ago. As they're talking, a servant runs up shouting that the woodshed is on fire. Tang Rou gets up to help, but Qiushui realizes what's happening. It's a diversion.
