Episode 3 recap: Hu Zi discovered that Zhao Xin Tong was actually a woman disguised as a man.
The elder believed that in order to practice the art, one must first cultivate Qi. This Qi, known as Essence, has four different attributes, each requiring a different method of cultivation. Da Lao Ye felt that Hu Zi had difficulty mastering the techniques of weapon control. Hu Zi complained to Da Lao Ye that the methods taught by Qi Xiao Xuan were incorrect, which was why he couldn't learn them. Following Da Lao Ye's guidance, Hu Zi sat on a stone and attempted to practice the method given to him by Da Lao Ye.
Hu Zi practiced diligently, and Da Lao Ye found Hu Zi's Essence to be peculiar—it was golden in color, a rare talent that comes once in a millennium. Qi Xiao Xuan was also curious as Hu Zi's Essence was different from others'.
While practicing, Hu Zi suddenly realized that the person he had encountered in his dream regained consciousness, and his concentration was disrupted. Hu Zi saw Qi Xiao Xuan in a state of deep meditation and quietly attempted to escape. Qi Xiao Xuan noticed Hu Zi's intention and stopped him, providing some hints. Hu Zi used the words "unity of mind and thought" that Qi Xiao Xuan had told him and managed to calm down and continue practicing.
Qi Yan Ran felt that her younger brother was a bit too weak, and their grandmother showed some favoritism towards him. Their father also sided with their grandmother, which she found unfair. Suddenly, Qi Yan Ran heard her father say that he also trusted her, which made her feel sweet inside, as if she had tasted honey.
Finally, Hu Zi arrived at the arena as agreed. He felt a sinister atmosphere, as the arena was built underground, making him suspect that Yi Mei, the senior, had ulterior motives for setting up the arena. Hu Zi heard that the people there were after a treasure, which he thought was quite normal. As the judge, Xing Zhi explained some rules of the competition, and the competition hastily began.
Yu Ji Zi was the first to step onto the stage and engaged in a fierce battle with Zhu Weng. The two were evenly matched, and the fight was intense. Yu Ji Zi emerged victorious, and the audience erupted in cheers and applause. Hu Zi found the arena competition challenging and considered backing down. Qi Xiao Xuan used provocative tactics to motivate Hu Zi, but Hu Zi found Qi Xiao Xuan's words somewhat annoying. Seeing that Yu Ji Zi intended to seize the opportunity to kill his opponent, Hu Zi thought he was too ruthless and stepped forward to challenge him.
However, Hu Zi was still a beginner and was no match for Yu Ji Zi's refined combat techniques. Seeing Yu Ji Zi brandish numerous weapons and thrust them towards him, Hu Zi quickly dodged and evaded. Da Lao Ye became worried and noticed that Hu Zi cleverly used a magnet he bought from outside to attract and immobilize Yu Ji Zi's sword. Hu Zi didn't expect that this action would enrage Yu Ji Zi, who desperately exerted all his strength to try and kill him. When Yu Ji Zi exhausted his energy, Hu Zi mustered all his strength and struck him down.
When Zhao Xin Tong saw that no one else was stepping forward, he decided to take the stage because his sword had broken and he wanted a chance to obtain a new one. Hu Zi skillfully caught Zhao Xin Tong off guard and unexpectedly discovered that she was a woman. The onlookers began to cheer and make a fuss, which embarrassed and infuriated Zhao Xin Tong. She fled the scene, leaving Hu Zi stunned.
Back at the inn, Hu Zi paced around in circles, muttering to himself. He never expected that Zhao Xin Tong was actually a woman. Qi Xiao Xuan remained calm but tried to dissuade Hu Zi when he heard that Hu Zi wanted to apologize in person. Hu Zi wanted Qi Xiao Xuan to accompany him to apologize to Zhao Xin Tong, but his senior brother was cold-hearted and refused. So Hu Zi went to the market alone, intending to buy new clothes before visiting Zhao Xin Tong's residence. Qi Xiao Xuan caught up with Hu Zi, realizing that Hu Zi planned to steal his insignia and go to the Zhao residence, so he confiscated the insignia and went with Hu Zi to the Zhao residence.
Zhao Hao Tian was surprised to see Qi Xiao Xuan paying him a visit, thinking that he came to see his daughter. He pretended that his daughter hadn't left the house. Zhao Hao Tian expressed deep concern upon hearing that the Sun Pearl had shattered. Zhao Xin Tong subtly hinted to Qi Xiao Xuan and Hu Zi not to reveal that she had gone out, but Hu Zi didn't understand why. Qi Xiao Xuan sensed that there was something untold, but Hu Zi insisted on pressing for more information. Hu Zi felt responsible for Zhao Xin Tong and wanted to give her the opportunity to choose the treasure.
So far, I've watched the first three episodes, and I don't like that woman. First of all, Hu Zi stole things, which indeed caused trouble for an entire village.
After all, the ones who died were ordinary people's close relatives, so it's natural for the people to be angry. Even if he desperately saves everyone, it's a compensation for the consequences of his actions.
Yet, that woman keeps complaining about the villagers driving away Hu Zi, but the ones who died weren't her close relatives. She supports and sympathizes with Hu Zi so much, but she left when it was time to fight because her weapon was gone.
Is someone else's life not more important than her weapon? I hope a new female lead appears later on because I currently don't find this female lead likable.
To be honest, Hu Zi is quite speechless. It feels like he's a bit love-struck, and if it weren't for him stealing that pearl in the first place, wouldn't the whole village have been in disaster? (And you didn't even exchange the pearl for money!
) Setting that aside, he should have returned the pearl to its rightful owner. So why did he suddenly give such a great opportunity to the female lead so selflessly?
Hu Zi's character goes against public morals, and in order to justify his success, the script forcefully labels him as kind-hearted and good. However, there are numerous inconsistencies that insult the viewers' intelligence. He's portrayed as a coward who kneels down as soon as Xiaoxuan catches him, but then miraculously rushes to the arena to save someone.
He deeply regrets causing the death of the villagers by stealing the pearl, but in the next moment, he shifts the blame onto Xiaoxuan and the previous bandits. The screenwriter's thought process is unclear. Jiang Long's performance is earnest, but this character is truly unlikeable.
Even the makeup makes him look messy and old-fashioned. If Jiang Long had a bit more cuteness and handsomeness, he could overshadow everything. Unfortunately, the screenwriter didn't include any scenes to showcase Hu Zi's naive and sweet side.
Why should it be that way? Chi Zhu is doing it for the sake of the world and its people, while Hu Zi swallowed the Chi Zhu to save the villagers. That's why this question arises. So, if Qi Xiao Xuan prioritizes the Chi Zhu over Hu Zi's life, what's the difference between her and a monster?
Moreover, there's a constant emphasis on time, indicating that Qi Xiao Xuan has been controlling it. So, why shouldn't she be held accountable?