Episode Summary
Yan Fengshan falls into a trap and is killed by Xie Huaian, who uses his death to disband the enemy army and free the puppet emperor. However, the true mastermind reveals himself as an Iron Mo operative who manipulated the entire conflict to weaken the state. Xie discovers his mentor, Uncle Long, is a traitor working for the Iron Mo. Xie escapes capture, while Gu Yu is brutally beaten by the powerful Iron Mo King.
Spoiler Alert
The Vendetta of An Episode 20 Recap
Yan Fengshan Bites the Dust
Yan Fengshandefinitely didn't expect to go out like this. He spent years scheming, only to end up stumbling back to his courtyard with a chest full of stab wounds. He sees Wang Pustanding there. But then Wang Pu peels off a mask. It’s a fake. Yan realizes he walked right into a trap.
To his credit, Yan takes the loss like a pro. Xie Huaianshows up and stares him down. Yan admits defeat. He actually seems impressed that Xie is a better strategist than his father was. We get a bit of history here. Years ago, Liu Ziwenknew Yan was planning a rebellion. But Yan was his student, so Liu showed mercy. That mercy backfired hard and got the entire Liu family wiped out. Xie isn't making that mistake.
Cleaning Up the Mess
Xie doesn't waste time. He takes Yan's severed head straight to the army stationed outside the city. These guys were preparing to fight the White Kiss Tiger , but they have zero loyalty. They see their boss is dead and immediately call off the attack.
Xie sends word to Xiao Wenjing . The guy breaks down in tears. He’s been hiding like a rat for years, terrified of being found. Now that Yan is gone, he finally understands what freedom feels like.
Next stop is the palace. Xie walks in alone. The puppet emperor—just an orphan Yan picked off the street—is wearing dragon robes and surrounded by candles. The kid thinks he's about to die. Xie surprises him. He promises to spare the kid's life and send him somewhere safe where nobody knows him.
The Real Villain Steps Out
Just when you think it's over, a new threat pops up. Over at Yulong Ridge, a mysterious master has been chilling in prison. He reads some omens and realizes Yan is dead. It’s time to move.
This guy is from the Iron Motribe. It turns out he played everyone. He helped get rid of Liu Ziwen. He helped Yan rise to power. He caused all the chaos in the court. Now that the government is weak and Yan is dead, he plans to sweep in and take over.
Uncle Long's Betrayal
Xie runs into his old mentor, Uncle Long, on the street. It seems like a happy reunion until Xie notices Long is holding an Iron Mo horse. The pieces click into place. Long is a spy. He’s been deep undercover this whole time. He even made the masks Xie used.
Long admits his master wants a meeting. They get into a carriage together. Xie learns that Xiao Wuyangis missing. He realizes Wuyang hid his recovery because he knew Long was dangerous. Xie isn't about to let himself get kidnapped. He catches Long off guard, pops a smoke bomb, and bails out of the carriage.
The Iron Mo King is a Beast
Things are looking grim for Gu Yu . He was trying to head north to regroup with his White Kiss Tiger squad. Instead, the Iron Mo King intercepted him. The King dragged Gu Yu behind a horse to bleed him out. He dumps a half-dead Gu Yu in front of the house where Bai Wanused to live. Gu Yu tries to throw a hidden weapon, but the King dodges it like it's nothing.
Meanwhile, Xie is walking down a very empty street. A shopkeeper waves him over. Xie is paranoid, and for good reason. The shopkeeper grabs a machete. Xie fights him off. He realizes this guy is another Iron Mo agent. He holds the guy at knifepoint and demands to know where the Iron Mo King is hiding.
