Episode Summary
In this episode, Pu Zhu reveals he is the former crown prince and gives some of his power to Xifang Tao. At the Sword Association, Tang Lici comforts a guilt-ridden Zhong Chunjie. The group shares a happy family meal, but Tang Lici is secretly hiding the severity of his injuries. The episode ends with the shocking revelation that his hair has turned completely white overnight, showing how much his body is failing.
Spoiler Alert
Whispers of Fate: Episode 25
A Confession at the Cliff
The episode opens with Pu Zhu and Xifang Tao. They're stuck at the bottom of a cliff. Pu Zhu finally breaks the silence. He asks her why she chose Fengliu Hall. She just scoffs. She points out they've been playing chess for years. Why is he asking this now? She tells him if he wants her secrets, he has to share his own first.
So he does.
Pu Zhu admits he is the former crown prince. He says he failed to stop his father's tyranny. That failure led to suffering across the land. He carries all that guilt. He went to Tianjing Pavilion to atone for his sins. He even almost lost control of his powers multiple times because of his self-blame. But the abbot told him everyone deserves a chance to change.
He thinks Xifang Tao deserves that chance, too. He knows she just wants to die. But he believes she should have the opportunity to repent. So he transfers some of his own power to her. He wants to help her get free. This is a huge reveal. I did not see the crown prince thing coming.
Guilt at the Sword Association
Back at the Central Plains Sword Association, Sword Master Shao is safe. He's very grateful to Tang Lici for the rescue. He knows Tang Lici is badly hurt. Shao is determined to find the best doctors to heal him.
But not everyone is doing okay. Zhong Chunjie is a wreck. She has locked herself in her room since returning from Peony Pavilion. So many disciples died in that battle. She blames herself for all of it. She thinks if she hadn't been captured by Liu Yan, no one would have had to risk their lives to save her.
Sword Master Shao is worried. She hasn't eaten anything. He asks Tang Lici to talk to her. He hopes Tang Lici can help her get past the guilt.
Tang Lici's Pep Talk
Tang Lici goes to Zhong Chunjie's room. He knows she's a kind person. Her guilt comes from that kindness. He knocks on the door. She quickly wipes her tears before opening it.
Tang Lici tells her he understands how she feels. He talks about his own past. He says he once made a mistake that sent him down a dark path for a long time. He tells her that the harder things get, the more determined and brave you have to be. That's the only way to reach the light at the end. His words seem to get through to her. She finally starts to feel a little better.
A Moment of Peace
Wan Yu is getting ready to leave. He did his part in taking down Peony Pavilion. The Sword Association is finally calm for a bit. He tells Tang Lici that he seems different. He's smiling more. He looks more at peace.
Wan Yu then sees Chi Yun and A'Shui setting up for dinner. Xiao Shi is reading a book. The kid insists they wait for Tang Lici to get back before they eat. Wan Yu realizes this is the reason for Tang Lici's change. He has a family now.
Xue Xianzi smells the food and pops in. Chi Yun, A'Shui, and Shen Langhun all grab their chopsticks. Everyone eats together. It's a genuinely happy, chaotic family meal. Tang Lici looks completely content. He's hiding his pain well.
The Body Keeps the Score
After dinner, Tang Lici struggles back to his room. He's barely holding it together. He shuts the door and immediately leans on a table for support.
He carefully takes off his clothes. The wounds underneath haven't healed. This is bad. Tang Lici used to have a body that was practically immune to blades. Now, even a small cut won't close.
The next morning, it's time to leave. Chi Yun and Shen Langhun wait outside Tang Lici's room. He's always early. But today, he's late. The door finally opens. Chi Yun starts to tease him about being late. Then he sees it.
Tang Lici's hair has turned completely white overnight.
Tang Lici just brushes it off. He quickly changes the subject and tells them it's time to go.
