Episode Summary
In the Grand Tournament finals, Deng Yunfeng tries to convince Gou Lingfeng that Wu Guangming is manipulating him. Accusations fly, revealing Eunuch Deng's past connection to Gou Lingfeng's father and his alleged corruption. Gou Lingfeng wins the tournament but is revealed to be the new Sect Leader of the Demonic Sect. When Wu Guangming orders him to kill the sect members, Gou Lingfeng refuses. Finally, Ling'er exposes Wu Guangming as the Demonic Sect leader, Liu Guang, leading to a final confrontation.
Spoiler Alert
"Hidden Master" Episode 29: Recap & Spoilers
The highly anticipated Grand Tournament finals are here, and the tension is THICK. Deng Yunfeng and Gou Lingfeng face off in the arena, the wind whipping around them like something out of a classic wuxia film. Deng Yunfeng, all steely gaze and righteous indignation, tries to get through to Gou Lingfeng, warning him that Wu Guangming is just using him as a pawn. Gou Lingfeng isn't buying it, though. He's convinced Wu Guangming is a stand-up guy, definitely not the manipulative type. Deng Yunfeng scoffs, basically saying, "Dude, you wouldn't even be able to stand against me without resorting to dark magic!" Then, BAM! They're at it, fists flying, the wooden stage cracking under the force of their blows.
Just when things are heating up, some goons from the Demonic Sect's Pill Hall show up and grab Liu Sanniang. Wu Guangming takes them down with ease, but then Eunuch Deng steps in, accusing Wu Guangming of orchestrating the whole thing. Wu Guangming throws the accusation right back, claiming Eunuch Deng is the one pulling the strings and even implicates Deng Yunfeng. Gou Lingfeng, seeing Deng Yunfeng's silence, starts to believe Wu Guangming.
Deng Yunfeng tries to warn Gou Lingfeng not to listen to Wu Guangming, but Wu Guangming drops a bombshell: Eunuch Deng was behind the assassination attempt on the Gou family! Eunuch Deng denies it, but then he throws a curveball, claiming he knew Gou Lingfeng's father way back when. Apparently, Gou Lingfeng's dad was down on his luck, and Eunuch Deng's family took him in. Gou Lingfeng is visibly shaken, refusing to believe it.
And then, plot twist! Prince of Chang pulls out an imperial edict, revealing Eunuch Deng's corrupt dealings. He orders the guards to arrest both Eunuch Deng and Deng Yunfeng. As he's being dragged away, Deng Yunfeng shouts at Gou Lingfeng to wake up and see that Wu Guangming is playing everyone!
The tournament ends, and Gou Lingfeng is standing there, the new champion. Wu Guangming hands him the Grandmaster Token, but before anyone can celebrate, Hu San'er and a bunch of his old crew show up, hailing Gou Lingfeng as their Sect Leader! Apparently, Liu Guang (who disapeared for a while) planned for this, and sent them to make Gou Lingfeng the head of the Demonic Sect.
The crowd goes wild, and Gou Lingfeng looks at Wu Guangming, confused. Wu Guangming's face darkens, and he denounces Hu San'er and his followers as remnants of the Demonic Sect, ordering Gou Lingfeng to kill them all! The Prince of Chang chimes in, adding pressure. Gou Lingfeng, holding the Grandmaster Token, refuses. He argues that Hu San'er and the others are just survivors, they haven't done anything wrong, and shouldn't be condemned for their background. Wu Guangming is furious, saying the only way to ensure peace is to wipe out the Demonic Sect completely.
Ma Yingdan steps in front of Hu San'er and the others, defending them. Gou Lingfeng, seeing no other way, puts on the Sect Leader robes, declaring that he is now the Sect Leader of the Demonic Sect. Wu Guangming loses it and orders his men to attack. Gou Lingfeng sees Hu San'er and the others getting hurt, and Hu San'er begs him to protect the sect members.
In the chaos, Ling'er appears and attacks Wu Guangming, her sword slicing through his face... revealing that Wu Guangming is actually Liu Guang! Everyone is shocked, especially Gou Lingfeng, who can't believe the man he admired is the leader of the Demonic Sect.
Ling'er, in tears, explains that Liu Guang is her adoptive father and that he helped her and her father set up their clinic. Liu Guang, touching his injured face, accuses Ling'er of betraying him. Ma Yingdan confronts Liu Guang, asking why he deceived everyone, and saying he's a terrible father and husband.
Liu Guang, completely unhinged, says his grand plan is about to succeed and he'll make it up to everyone later. He grabs Ma Yingdan, threatening Gou Lingfeng. Gou Lingfeng finally snaps, his faith shattered. He, Deng Yunfeng, and Zhuge Heng team up to take down Liu Guang.
