Episode 21 recap: Xiang Liu Assassinates Feng Long

In episode 21, Xi Lingyu was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of the villagers in Chi Shui Town. Chi Shui Feng Long reassured her that the townspeople had been well taken care of and could freely choose when to return home after the war. The two of them took up residence in a place called Yu Manor, which had a very elegant environment. However, Lingyu's heart was still heavy with the grief over Tu Shan Jing's death.

Xiang Liu was perceptive and could sense Lingyu's melancholy. He quietly remained by her side. In the midst of this chaotic world, their bond grew even more precious as they weathered many difficult moments together.

One day, Xi Yan Qiang Xuan asked Chi Shui Feng Long why he took such a risk and ended up falling into Xiang Liu's trap. But Feng Long refused to say, as if he had some unspoken secret.

Qiang Xuan didn't press him further, giving him the space he needed. Suddenly, the sky grew dark, and Xiang Liu appeared, firing an arrow at Qiang Xuan. Seeing the situation was dire, Feng Long rushed to intervene, taking the fatal shot himself.

Xiang Liu left the scene, leaving behind the chaos. Lingyu hurried to treat Feng Long, but discovered the poison on the arrow was untreatable, as Xiang Liu had coated it with his own blood. Knowing his time was short, Feng Long revealed to Qiang Xuan the truth about Chen Rong Xin Yue's assassination of Tu Shan Jing, and asked him to forgive her.

He also explained his true reason for protecting Chenrong Mountain over Xi Yan Mountain years ago. Qiang Xuan was conflicted, but agreed to protect Chen Rong Xin Yue.

After Feng Long's passing, the Chenrong Righteous Army launched an attack. Qiang Xuan personally led the defense against the invaders, while the enraged and bewildered Lingyu ran to the seaside, calling out to Xiang Liu, demanding an explanation.

When Xiang Liu appeared, the two got into an argument. Ultimately, Lingyu decided to repay Xiang Liu's kindness with her own blood, fainting from blood loss. As Xiang Liu held her, he was filled with anguish and regret.

Upon awakening, Lingyu found herself in the embrace of Hao Ling Yi, who had come with Ru Shou to bring her back to recuperate.

Qiang Xuan also planned to return Feng Long's remains to Chenrong Mountain, as a show of respect.

Though Chen Rong Xin Yue now held great power, the pain of losing her loved one was unbearable. She smashed the jade flute, a shared memory with her brother. She vowed to become a wise and capable queen for Chenrong Mountain and the Chiwater clan.

Deeply troubled after learning the truth about Tu Shan Jing, Qiang Xuan turned to drink to drown his sorrows. He ordered his men to find Tu Shan Jing, dead or alive, no matter what.

After safely returning Lingyu to Yushan, Hao Ling Yi went to confront Xiang Liu about his intentions. Xiang Liu revealed that he had deleted his own image from Lingyu's demonic mirror, and that the soul-binding curse between them was inescapable. He could help Qiang Xuan break the curse because Qiang Xuan's was not voluntary, while Lingyu had willingly bound her soul to him, so he bore it willingly.