Episode Summary
The duel between Su Muyu and Liu Yunqi ends with Liu Yunqi's defeat after a mysterious force intervenes. Su Muyu reveals Liu Yunqi's past massacre of Wujian City, but spares his life at Song Yanhu's request. With Liu Yunqi dying, Song Yanhu becomes the new lord of Unrivaled City and agrees to a duel with Su Muyu in four days. This sets off a chain of events involving political plotting from the princes and Song Yanhu asserting control over his own ambitious disciples.
Spoiler Alert
The Duel We've Been Waiting For
So, the big fight between Su Muyu and Liu Yunqi is finally here. And it gets personal. Fast. Liu Yunqi knows Su Muyu is out for blood. He can feel the killing intent in every single sword strike. He calls Su Muyu out on it. He says this isn't the style of a swordsman. It's the work of a hired killer. Then he twists the knife. He starts trashing Su Muyu's father and his so-called "righteous" path.
This obviously sets Su Muyu off. He's ready to end this old man right then and there. We get a quick flashback to his father's teachings. The path of the sword has three stages. The final stage is about finding a real reason to draw your weapon. It looks like Su Muyu just found his.
A Battle of Wills
Liu Yunqi is a crafty one. He knows Su Muyu is furious. He's trying to provoke him into using his deadliest, most brutal moves in front of everyone. He wants to expose him as a simple murderer. But Su Muyu isn't falling for it. He refuses to take the bait. He decides he's going to win this fight honorably. He'll use the techniques his father taught him. He wants to clear his father's name with a clean victory.
The Ghost in the Sword
Just as the fight is raging, something strange happens. A sword in a nearby scabbard starts to move on its own. In the next instant, Liu Yunqi is on the ground. He's completely defeated. I have no idea how that happened, but it was decisive.
Su Muyu moves in for the kill. But Song Yanhu jumps in to stop him. He doesn't use his full strength, though. Su Muyu even admits that if Song Yanhu had really tried, he would have lost. His killing intent was already out in the open, leaving him vulnerable. Song Yanhu says he knows. He just doesn't believe in taking advantage of a situation like that.
The Aftermath and a New Challenge
This is where things get really interesting. Su Muyu looks at Song Yanhu and sees a bit of honor in him. But he makes it clear that his master, Liu Yunqi, had none.
A Dark Past Comes to Light
Su Muyu drops a bombshell. He tells everyone that Liu Yunqi is a monster. Years ago, he slaughtered every single person in Wujian City. He didn't even spare the children.
Song Yanhu doesn't deny it. He admits his master's actions were unforgivable. But he's still his master. He can't just stand by and watch him get executed. He begs Su Muyu for understanding. He also points out that Liu Yunqi's meridians are shattered. The old man only has a few days left to live, even with internal energy helping him. Su Muyu realizes he's already won. He destroyed Liu Yunqi's "sword heart," the very core of a swordsman. That's as good as killing him.
A New Duel is Set
Song Yanhu is now the acting lord of Unrivaled City. He takes the city's legendary sword. He and Su Muyu agree to face each other in a proper duel in four days.
Su Changhe hears about this and gets sarcastic. He complains that Su Muyu is being too generous to Song Yanhu. But then he admits that maybe this is what Su Muyu needs. A real fight might help him finally get over his inner demons. Su Muyu then has a vision of his father. He feels his father wants him to forge his own path, separate from the past.
The Pieces Move on the Board
With the duel set, everyone else starts making their moves. The First Prince sees this as a perfect opportunity. He wants to use Su Muyu to wipe Unrivaled City off the map. The Prince of Langya is more cautious. He senses there's a bigger game being played here. He decides to just watch and wait. He figures if someone wants to create chaos in Unrivaled City, maybe he'll add a little more chaos of his own. It might just draw the real mastermind out of the shadows.
A Master's Final Moments
Elsewhere, Zhao Yuzhen hears that Su Muyu won. He gets very emotional. He knows "that person" will show up for the next duel. He wants to go, and his own master gives him a nod to leave. At the same time, Mu Yumo is shaking down people from Bai Xiao Tang. She's trying to find out where Tang Lianyue is.
Back in Unrivaled City, Liu Yunqi has a final talk with Song Yanhu before he dies. He knows his student resents him for trapping him in the city. Song Yanhu admits he has one last move. It's a technique that will cost him his life, but he's willing to use it. After his master passes away peacefully, Song Yanhu is heartbroken. But he knows he has a duty as the new lord. He has to shoulder this responsibility and prepare for his fight with Su Muyu.
A Test of Loyalty
After the funeral, Song Yanhu finds his two disciples, Lu Yuzhai and Haoyue. He overhears them plotting. They want to ambush and kill Su Muyu to "help" their master win. Song Yanhu is not having it. He steps in and shuts them down immediately. He warns them not to get any stupid ideas. When Haoyue tries to make a move, Song Yanhu stops him with a single, effortless block. He's making it clear who's in charge now.
