Episode 26 recap: Yun Tian He and others are looking for a fox demon.
Yun Tian He arrived at the tavern and coincidentally met Su Shen. Su Shen sensed Yun Tian He's worries and his jealousy towards Han Ling Sha having a secret relationship with another man. Yun Tian He came back and informed them that Han Ling Sha mentioned the mysterious person would be in the eastern forest tomorrow. Mu Rong Zi Ying and the others didn't fully believe it, thinking the mysterious person would not appear so openly.
Yun Tian He stated that regardless of their belief, he would still go and see for himself. Liu Meng Li believed that since they were friends, they should go together. The next day, Yun Tian He and Liu Meng Li prepared to go, and Han Ling Sha and Mu Rong Zi Ying joined them, expressing their intention to go together.
Indeed, the mysterious person was there and had captured Su Shen, intending to confront Yun Tian He and the others. In a moment of urgency, Mu Rong Zi Ying unleashed the Four Directions' Cold Frost technique. Su Shen gained control over the mysterious person and expressed his relief. It turns out that Su Shen had witnessed a benevolent demon saving someone before, but that person ended up killing the benevolent demon. Su Shen was deeply affected by this incident, so he created a puppet and infused the benevolent demon's soul into it. Su Shen knew that Mu Rong Zi Ying and the others would come to search for the Three Cold Artifacts, so he devised this method, hoping that Mu Rong Zi Ying could overcome his inner demons and save Liu Meng Li, who was actually his sister.
Yun Tian He and the others inquired about the second Cold Artifact, and Su Shen mentioned that he had heard of it before. It should be located by the seashore in Jimo. Since they had arrived in Jimo, there were a few people searching for the Lotus Treasure in that area. However, the father of the Lotus Treasure, Xia Yunchen, didn't want anyone to search for it, so they had to return for now.
Mu Rong Zi Ying revealed his identity and assured Xia Yunchen that he could discuss any issues with him. Xia Yunchen then took them to his home and explained the situation to them. Xia Yunchen revealed that the fox demon had made a contract with the Light Cold Record and became a spirit of the artifact, cultivating an immortal body and causing trouble. A hundred years ago, Xia Yunchen had captured the fox demon when it escaped once before. However, now the fox demon's power had greatly increased, and it had broken free from his control.
Xia Yunchen noticed Yun Tian He's bow and handed the Open Cloud Chasing Moon Bow to him, stating that only someone who stays true to their heart can draw the bow.
Xia Yunchen explained that the fox demon recognizes his aura, so if he were to go with Yun Tian He and the others, the fox demon would surely flee. Therefore, they had to go on their own.
Yun Tian He and the others arrived and found the fox demon. The fox demon proposed a bet to them. The Lotus Treasure was currently inside the Light Cold Record, and if they could enter the Light Cold Record and maintain their true intentions, the fox demon would agree to let them take the Lotus Treasure. Yun Tian He and the others all agreed to the bet.
They entered the Light Cold Record and discovered a vast galaxy within. The fox demon explained that the Light Cold Record could reverse time. Inside the Light Cold Record, time could be reversed. The fox demon recounted the past and present life of the Lotus Treasure. Previously known as Jingxin, even though she was critically ill, Xia Yunchen still married her and took care of her throughout her lifetime.
After Jingxin's death, she reincarnated as a little dog and stayed by Xia Yunchen's side, although he was unaware that the dog was his wife. Jingxin went through six cycles of reincarnation, at one point even becoming just a raindrop. Finally, she became a human but with an intellectual disability. Yun Tian He and the others returned to their initial meeting place. When Mu Rong Zi Ying reached the moment of accepting disciples, he refused and asked Yun Tian He and the others to leave.
Liu Meng Li returned to the moment when she was supposed to go out with them but decided not to seek the truth this time and instead stayed at home to accompany her parents. Yun Tian He and Han Ling Sha returned to the place where they first met on Qingluan Peak. This time, Yun Tian He stated that his father asked him to stay there, so he wouldn't descend the mountain.
It turned out that the fox demon was still quite pleased. Although Yun Tian He and the others initially made different choices, they eventually chose to stay true to themselves and made the same choice as before.
I've only watched Immortal Sword Four, so I'll discuss the issues with this analysis based on the plot of Immortal Sword Four.
1. Unity of "Immortality" and "Chivalry":
I don't know when it started, but whenever it comes to Immortal Sword dramas, people always have to say "lack of chivalry," as if that's the only way to understand it.
In the first half of Immortal Sword Four, you can definitely see the "chivalry." Yun Tianhe is inherently kind-hearted and willingly sacrifices his own life for the people of Chenzhou. Han Lingsha is deeply affectionate and selfless, willing to sacrifice herself to find medicine for her sister, treating even puppets as friends.
Liu Mengli doesn't easily blame others even when there are misunderstandings, and she has the courage and wisdom to seek the truth. Mu Rong Ziyin has taken it upon himself to slay demons and protect the world.
Yun Tianqing insists on equality between demons and humans, striving for a harmonious coexistence. Are any of them not chivalrous? Do any of them lack righteousness?
As for "immortality," it is a setting, a constraint, and a state of mind.
If you claim to have watched Immortal Sword dramas but still get hung up on where the immortality is, then there's really nothing more to be done. If you lack the imagination to appreciate immortality, you naturally won't see the scenery you desire.
2. Values in Immortal Sword Four:
Based on the current main and subplot of Immortal Sword Four, its values are not outdated, but rather in line with the mainstream. The viewpoint presented by Dili, the owner of the disguise shop in Baoxian Town, is that women can certainly dress themselves up, but it should not be to please men; it should be for themselves.
The image of independent and self-reliant women, such as Liu Mengli, who is willing to help others even in passing encounters, deserves respect for their generosity and goodwill. Although Qinhui and her cousin are bound by their identities, both girls have emotions, principles, and flesh and blood.
The drama doesn't convey a rivalry between them or praise one while belittling the other. Isn't this concept progressive? Mingzhu shed tears, but Ouyang Mingzhu, trapped by love, breaks free courageously without hesitation for revenge.
These are just a few selected characters, and Immortal Sword Four is filled with such characters.
3. The Essence of the Game in Immortal Sword Four:
I can only say that you're too impatient; the remaining half will surely provide you with a profound experience.
Underneath the shell of seeking immortality in the game, you can find deeper meanings. One flower, one world; one leaf, one bodhi. Whether my fate is determined by myself or by heaven, whether overcoming destiny or being powerless against it, these might be the best outcomes.
Dealing with fate is a choice, and struggling against it is also a choice. Offering one's gentle answer is the most heartfelt gift to oneself.