Episode Summary
Tang Lici proves his worth by summoning a legendary dragon during a duel, securing his position as Guest Master of the Central Plains Sword Association. He pledges a massive sum of gold to fight Fengliu Hall, winning public support. At his welcome party, he passes a drinking test set by the other masters. Meanwhile, a secret mission to find a lost princess is revealed, and Liu Yan grows angrier when he fails to find Fang Zhou's body, believing Tang Lici deceived him.
Spoiler Alert
Tang Lici Makes an Entrance
So, Tang Lici wants a seat at the big kids' table. He shows up at the Central Plains Sword Association. He wants to be their Guest Master. You'd think they'd be thrilled to have him. You would be wrong. The six leaders of the association are not having it. They hand him a joint letter basically telling him to get lost. Chi Yun is furious. These guys do nothing but sit on their thrones. Now they want to shut out someone who can actually get things done.
The whole situation gets pretty tense. Just as things are about to boil over, Pu Zhu arrives. Pu Zhu is a big deal. Everyone in the Central Plains knows he's a top-tier fighter. He steps up and challenges Tang Lici directly. His logic is simple. Talk is cheap. If you want respect, you have to earn it with a fight.
The Dragon on the Mountain
Tang Lici has no choice but to accept the challenge. Now, there's a local legend about this mountain. It says a divine dragon has been sleeping at the summit for a very long time. Only a truly powerful master can wake it up and command it.
Tang Lici makes his first move. His sword energy is incredible. And just like that, the legend comes true. A massive, silver-white dragon bursts out from the clouds. It circles around Tang Lici, looking excited to be awake. Everyone is completely stunned. Even a local government official who's watching falls to his knees and starts praying. He says he dreamed of a dragon the night before. Now he thinks Tang Lici is some kind of god. The sword masters who just rejected him look completely embarrassed.
Putting Money on the Table
The Emperor hears about the dragon incident. He immediately appoints Tang Lici as the Guest Master of the Sword Association. He also gives him a thousand taels of gold. The money is meant to help fund the fight against Fengliu Hall.
Tang Lici's Generosity
The Emperor thought his gift showed serious support. But Tang Lici has his own plans. He announces that he, as the leader of the Wanqiao Sect, will contribute his own money. He pledges one hundred thousand taels of gold to the cause. He's not just offering to help fight their enemies. He's bringing his own massive war chest to do it.
He also makes a public promise. All the money will be used to support the warriors fighting Fengliu Hall. If any soldier dies in battle, their family will get a generous payment. This move earns him a lot of respect. People are lining up to support a leader who rewards bravery and takes care of his people.
A Strange Welcome
Shao Jianzhu shows Tang Lici to his temporary quarters. A'Shui has stayed here before, so the place feels familiar. In the courtyard, Tang Lici spots a little boy stacking stones.
The Boy with the Boulders
Chi Yun accidentally bumps into the stone pile. The boy gets incredibly angry. He picks up a giant boulder and shoves it toward Chi Yun. Luckily, Chi Yun is fast enough to dodge it. That rock was heavy enough to kill a normal person. The boy tries to throw another one. Tang Lici grabs his wrist to stop him. He can tell the kid has amazing potential. His temper is just really strange. A'Shui sees something else. She thinks the boy is just pure-hearted and can be taught. With time, he could become a great asset.
The Drinking Test
That night, the Sword Association throws a welcome party for Tang Lici. Some of the leaders are still trying to cause trouble. They claim the wine from the Wanqiao Sect isn't strong enough. So they bring out their own special brew. They call it snake bile wine. It smells absolutely awful.
Chi Yun tries to stop Tang Lici from drinking it. But Tang Lici knows this is a test. It's their way of trying to intimidate him. He grabs the cup and drinks it all in one go. After that, every single leader lines up to offer him a toast. He accepts every single one. Eventually, he just starts drinking straight from the jug. His bold and fearless attitude finally wins them over.
Hidden Agendas
The Emperor's right-hand man pulls Shao Jianzhu aside for a private chat. He has a secret mission. While they are fighting Fengliu Hall, the Emperor wants him to find someone. He needs to find the Empress's daughter, who was lost many years ago.
The princess was only three years old when she disappeared. She would be in her early twenties by now. The only clue they have is a butterfly tattoo somewhere on her body. They know nothing else.
Liu Yan's Anger
Liu Yan is injured and has returned to Zhaodi Lou. He's thinking about his past. Fang Zhou found him when he was a child and was about to die. Fang Zhou saved him and brought him to Zhaodi Lou, giving him a safe home. For Liu Yan, Fang Zhou's life is more important than anything.
He was told that Fang Zhou's "heart crystal" is inside Tang Lici. He was also told that Fang Zhou's physical body is hidden somewhere in Zhaodi Lou. He came back to find it. He searches everywhere, but the body is gone. Liu Yan is furious. He believes Tang Lici has lied to him yet again.
