Episode Summary
In episode 12 of "To Get Master," Gu Yuan begins practicing the newly found Xiao Yao Jue manual while Li Song'er stands guard. When she ventures out, she discovers Zhou Heng's body and is framed for his murder, which leads to her false identity as Chu Meng Die being exposed. The real Chu Meng Die intervenes, revealing she orchestrated the impersonation to investigate an assassination attempt. After being relocated to a cottage for her safety, Li Song'er is attacked by an old foe but is secretly saved by Gu Yuan, whose health is rapidly declining from his intense training and internal poison. Meanwhile, an emotionally conflicted Baili discovers a second Xiao Yao Jue manual, raising questions about the one Gu Yuan possesses.
Spoiler Alert
To Get Master, Episode 12 Recap: An Identity Exposed
A desperate search for a legendary martial arts manual takes a deadly turn, forcing long-held secrets into the light and pushing alliances to their breaking point. In an episode packed with shocking reveals and emotional turmoil, Li Song'er's life is thrown into chaos, Gu Yuan's health hangs by a thread, and the true nature of their allies and enemies becomes dangerously clear.
A Desperate Gambit and a Deadly Discovery
The episode kicks off with Gu Yuan and Li Song'er hot on the trail of the coveted Xiao Yao Jue manual. They arrive at the artisan's workshop only to find him dead, but their search isn't in vain. Tucked away in the lining of a garment is the secret manual they've been looking for. Wasting no time, Gu Yuan immediately begins the perilous process of cultivating its power. Li Song'er, though terrified, stands guard, committed to protecting him.
The next morning, a simple trip to buy breakfast turns into a nightmare. Li Song'er spots Da Xiong, the junior of the deceased Zhou Heng, searching for someone in the streets. Her curiosity piqued, she follows him, only to stumble upon a horrifying scene: Zhou Heng's lifeless body.
Framed for Murder
As Li Song'er instinctively reaches for Zhou Heng's sword lying on the ground, she's ambushed. Bai Wuxie, Da Xiong, and their men appear, instantly accusing her of murder. Their suspicions are further confirmed when they realize she possesses no internal energy, exposing her as an impostor who has been masquerading as Chu Meng Die. With her cover blown, Li Song'er is captured and taken to Fengyu Valley, her life in imminent danger.
A Shocking Rescue and the Real Truth
Meanwhile, the real Chu Meng Die finally confronts Baili, who has been avoiding her. She reveals her true identity as a woman, leaving Baili utterly stunned. Upon learning of Li Song'er's capture, Chu Meng Die rushes to Fengyu Valley with her own people to stage a rescue.
The truth is finally revealed: Chu Meng Die was the target of an assassination attempt and orchestrated a plan for Li Song'er to impersonate her to investigate the threat from within Fengyu Valley. When Gu Yuan arrives on the scene, he plays his part, acting cold and distant to sell the deception that he has no connection to Li Song'er. Song'er, catching his cue, plays along with the charade. Chu Meng Die's timely intervention and explanation de-escalate the situation, saving Song'er from a tragic fate.
New Alliances and Buried Secrets
With her identity exposed, Li Song'er can no longer stay at her previous residence. Chu Meng Die arranges for her to live in a quiet cottage, where Baili is also staying. Still reeling from the revelation that the person he knew as "Lin Pi" is actually Chu Meng Die, Baili is in emotional turmoil. He retreats to the woods, intending to bury a dagger as a symbolic gesture of burying his feelings.
However, as he digs, he notices a mysterious figure in black burying something nearby. After the stranger vanishes, Baili investigates and unearths an astonishing discovery: the Xiao Yao Jue manual. This raises a critical question—if this is the manual, what has Gu Yuan been practicing?
A Protector in the Shadows
Li Song'er finds a moment of peace in her new home, but it's short-lived. Da Xiong, still seeking revenge for his master's death, tracks her down. Outmatched, Song'er is forced to flee, but Gu Yuan appears just in time, his intimidating presence scaring Da Xiong and his men away. He maintains his harsh facade towards Li Song'er, who understands it's an act and quickly runs back inside.
The episode ends on a grim note. The immense power of the manual he's cultivating, combined with the poison already coursing through his veins, has taken a severe toll on Gu Yuan. Alone, he coughs up blood, his health rapidly deteriorating. He is secretly protecting the woman he cares for, but the cost may be his own life.
