Episode 8 recap: Zhang Chu Lan's winning method is scorned.
Zhang Zhi Wei, as the organizer of this extraordinary gathering, announced the rules. Among the 128 participants in the gathering, only one champion would be determined. The competition followed an elimination format, where everyone had to scan a code to form groups of four. The winner from each group would advance to the next level. Zhang Chu Lan drew the White Tiger, but he felt that the White Tiger gave off an ominous and fierce vibe. He wanted to redraw, and Feng Bao Bao was willing to exchange with him.
However, the competition required participants to use their real names, so they couldn't make the switch. Zhang Zhi Wei sat with his old friends on the high platform, and Jin Zhong couldn't help but mock Zhang Xi Lin for having such a grandson with a respectable appearance, wondering how good it would be if he were still alive. Zhang Zhi Wei felt a strong sense of self-blame upon hearing this, regretting that he had allowed Jin Zhong to go alone to find Zhang Xi Lin back then, as things might not have turned out this way.
The first match of the gathering was between Liu Fang, Zhang Cai, Guan Ling Er, known as the "Peach Garden Trio," and Feng Bao Bao. Liu Fang, Zhang Cai, and Guan Ling Er were once fellow disciples who were expelled from their sect together. Their cooperation and understanding were profound, causing Zhang Chu Lan to worry for Feng Bao Bao. Just as Liu Fang, Zhang Cai, and Guan Ling Er made their appearance, the audience on the platform immediately shouted about there being some inside information. They believed that these three individuals wouldn't have grouped together otherwise.
The trio explained that it was simply fate, but as they were contemplating how to defeat their opponents, they were surprised to see Feng Bao Bao stepping onto the stage, causing them to lose their arrogance instantly. They recalled the lesson Feng Bao Bao had taught them by locking them in a container and tossing them into the Pacific Ocean, and they promptly surrendered. As a result, Feng Bao Bao won the first match.
Jia Zheng Liang effortlessly dealt with his three opponents on the field while talking on the phone, showcasing his incredible control over the manipulation of objects. His opponents believed that Jia Zheng Liang was using underhanded tactics and, in their anger, they unleashed their full power. However, they were taken aback when Jia Zheng Liang demonstrated his ability to control twelve flying blades simultaneously. With this display, he easily won the competition, and the supernatural community recognized him as the new genius from the Jia family.
Xiao Xiao practiced a technique called "Nasal Qi," which could cause a person's spiritual essence to dissipate, leaving them powerless. He became the victor in the next round. Xu San advised Zhang Chu Lan to be cautious of Xiao Xiao's attacks and maintain a distance to avoid being hit by the Nasal Qi. Bai Shi Xue possessed the ability to absorb other people's energy, which conveniently countered Zhang Chu Lan's Golden Light Spell. If Zhang Chu Lan encountered Bai Shi Xue, he would have to use lightning-based techniques for a swift and decisive battle.
In the following match, Zhang Chu Lan knew that his fame as a Qi practitioner would make him a target for the other three contestants. He had a clever idea and instructed someone to set up thunder traps while he wore the black robe of a robot and entered the stage. As soon as Zhang Chu Lan appeared, dark clouds gathered in the sky, leading the commentators to believe that he effortlessly summoned the thunderstorm with his lightning techniques, greatly admiring his abilities. Zhang Chu Lan used his eloquence to deceive the three opponents who had initially targeted him, and they competed fiercely for the chance to challenge him. The winner would have the opportunity to challenge Zhang Chu Lan himself. Pretending to let his opponents rest, Zhang Chu Lan took advantage of their distraction to don the black robe and ruthlessly beat them down, securing his victory. The commentator had never seen such shamelessness and couldn't help but want to scold Zhang Chu Lan, but his companion held him back.
Zhang Chu Lan was able to summon thunderclouds so effortlessly because he had someone else perform lightning techniques just before he entered the stage. This person's lightning techniques only targeted Zhang Chu Lan himself. Feeling great shame after witnessing Zhang Chu Lan's match, that person deeply regretted accepting the job. Zhang Chu Lan, on the other hand, faced the disdain of the supernatural community for his lack of integrity. Feng Bao Bao bought grilled meat at the night market and, upon spotting Shan Shi Tong, she immediately lost interest in waiting and snatched the meat from the vendor before disappearing, completely forgetting to pay.
Zhang Chu Lan always felt that Zhang Ling Yu held ill will towards him. Accidentally discovering the reason behind Zhang Ling Yu's behavior, he invited him to have a drink together. Zhang Chu Lan learned that Zhang Ling Yu practiced a dark variant of the Five Yin Thunder technique because he was no longer a virgin when he began practicing lightning techniques. Tears involuntarily streamed down Zhang Chu Lan's face as he felt like a failure, especially since Zhang Ling Yu had experienced love while he had not. Just as Zhang Chu Lan was pouring out his heart to his deceased grandfather, Feng Bao Bao approached him, intending to cheer him up. Seeing couples everywhere, Zhang Chu Lan mistakenly believed that Feng Bao Bao wanted to start a romantic relationship with him. However, she actually took him to see Shan Shi Tong. Witnessing Shan Shi Tong being tied up and buried by Feng Bao Bao, Zhang Chu Lan quickly intervened. But as soon as he untied the ropes and tried to explain, Feng Bao Bao struck him unconscious with a shovel.
I've reached the eighth episode, and I've been watching it together with a friend who hasn't read the original work. I didn't expect her to have such a positive reception to this urban fantasy drama with a touch of second-hand embarrassment. She understands and laughs at almost every humorous moment. My initial expectation for the show was that it wouldn't be awkward and would be enjoyable to watch, and now with the current pace of the plot, it's definitely living up to that! "Under the Power of the Otherworldly" - your fortune has arrived!
I talked with friends who have watched this drama, and because of Xu Hao's presence, most of us are more interested in their opinions about the character Gong Qing.
Although she started off as an innocent girl hiding in Longhu Mountain, her character evolves significantly later on, both in terms of appearance and personality.
Xu Hao has done a great job in portraying this role. We truly admire Xu Hao!