Episode Summary
Xie Huaian infiltrates the Iron Mo camp by offering to help King Wu Zhongheng find Xiao Wuyang. Wu reveals a cruel backstory about how he rose to power. Meanwhile, Xiao Wuyang uses a local hustler to exchange signals with Xie. They coordinate a trap that lures Wu Zhongheng out into the open for a confrontation.
Spoiler Alert
Into the Lion's Den
Xie Huaian decides to stop playing defense. He knows the only way to get rid of the Iron Mo is to walk right into their camp. He goes directly to the Iron Mo King, Wu Zhongheng. Wu is surprised to see him. He respects Xie’s strategy skills though. He needs someone smart to locate Xiao Wuyang. The search has gone cold. Wu wants to use Xie to flush Xiao out.
A Cruel History Lesson
Wu tries to pull Xie to his side with a story. It is a brutal one. He talks about a time the Iron Mo captured a female Tiger Guard. She knew secrets but refused to talk under torture. So they used her as bait. They hung her up for seven days and seven nights without food. Her allies gave up hope. They stopped watching. But one man kept his eyes on her.
When the guards finally left, this man took her down. He gave her water. She thought he was a friend. She told him everything. He got what he wanted and hung her right back up. He used her intel to win a major battle. That man became the Iron Mo King. Wu is proud of this story. Xie listens quietly. His fists are clenched tight. Wu asks if that woman was Xie’s mother. Xie lies. He says his mother is in Jiangnan. He promises to visit her when this is all over.
The Deal and the Drifter
Wu makes an offer. If Xie helps him find Xiao Wuyang, he will release Xie’s two friends. Xie agrees immediately.
We cut to the city streets at night. A man in rags moves through the shadows. He hides swords in baskets at various spots. He is preparing for a fight. Meanwhile, Xiao Wuyang is hiding in Zangshuichuan. A trusted old man is sheltering him. Xiao meets a local hustler named Lu Xiaobing. Lu looks dangerous, but he is just street-smart. Xiao needs a runner. He borrows money from local banks just so Lu will come to collect. Xiao pays him off and hires him. He needs Lu to find Xie Huaian.
The Signal
Xiao has been in hiding for six days. He suspects something is wrong in the capital. He gives Lu his own boots to wear. It is a signal. Xie Huaian arrives in Zangshuichuan on Wu’s orders. He gets searched and changes clothes. He follows Su Changlin. Xie spots the guy wearing Xiao’s boots. He casually leaves an umbrella near him.
Lu recognizes Xie from a drawing. He grabs the umbrella and runs it back to Xiao. Xiao checks the umbrella ribs. He finds a hidden note. The message is clear. He knows exactly what to do now.
The Trap is Sprung
Xiao pays Lu ten gold taels. Lu is shocked by the easy money. He realizes Xiao is a big player. Xiao walks out into the open. He confronts Su Changlin. He starts taking down Iron Mo soldiers. Lu sees Xiao is outnumbered. He jumps in and helps kill a few guards.
Wu Zhongheng finally steps out. He thinks this is his moment to win. Xiao stares him down. He is glad to finally see the "real fox." Xie’s plan worked perfectly.
