Episode 10 recap: Zhang Qi Ling Decides to Sacrifice Himself for the Villagers
In Episode 10, Zhang Qi Ling, after much hardship, finally retrieves the legendary Celestial Staff. Upon returning to the village, news spreads like wildfire. Villagers of all ages flock to the chief's doorstep, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope, as if they are looking at a savior. Although Zhang Qi Ling feels uncertain, his gaze reveals determination. He knows he must unravel the mysteries that have burdened him for years, even if the path is fraught with challenges.
He heads straight to the old ancestral hall behind the village, where the chief is already waiting. The chief informs him that, according to the Zhang family tradition, whoever retrieves the Celestial Staff becomes the next chief. This position is not merely ceremonial; it comes with the responsibility of bearing many secrets and hardships. The past is behind them, and the future will be a dark road that he must navigate alone.
The chief asks Zhang Qi Ling if he is ready. Without hesitation, Zhang Qi Ling nods in agreement. The village harbors a significant secret: everyone is born with a disease known as "Heavenly Gift," which only manifests in adulthood and can be excruciating. Strangely, drinking the village's water alleviates the pain, leading villagers to fear leaving the area, worried they might not survive without it. It is said that only by finding the Celestial Staff and activating certain mechanisms can the disease be cured. However, if a cure is found and the villagers leave, the village could be left empty, so this matter has been kept hidden.
Now, the chief hands the choice to Zhang Qi Ling, asking if he wants to grant the villagers their freedom. Understanding the weight of this decision, Zhang Qi Ling resolves to sacrifice himself so that others may live freely. He puts on the chief’s robes and hat, and when someone brings him a cup of wine as part of the ritual, his adventure companions notice something is off and desperately try to stop him from drinking. However, without consuming the wine, he cannot enter the ancestral hall. With a deep breath, Zhang Qi Ling takes the cup and drinks it all.
After finishing the wine, he collapses and wakes up to find himself locked in a coffin and thrown into a well.
Time passes, and he struggles to climb out of the coffin, only to see devastation all around him. He quickly takes out the Celestial Staff and inserts it into a mechanism, causing a brilliant flash of light, like fireworks. The villagers outside see the well water bubbling and boiling, and they rush to gather it, filled with joy as if celebrating a festival.
Zhang Qi Ling, in excruciating pain, feels himself fading away. Suddenly, everything goes dark, and he finds himself in another world—a bright place free of suffering, where children play. He sees his younger self, standing alone, watching others play. At that moment, young Zhang Hai Ke approaches and asks if he wants to see his mother. Zhang Qi Ling shakes his head and walks away, marking perhaps their only conversation in this lifetime.
Later, Zhang Hai Ke grows up and drives with his friends, Fatty and Wu Xie, sharing stories about Zhang Qi Ling. As Wu Xie listens, he begins to understand the struggles Zhang Qi Ling faced. Zhang Hai Ke also mentions that besides him, only Mr. Wang Jinyuan from the village knows Zhang Qi Ling’s secret.
Upon arriving in the village, the scene resembles a concert, with everyone crowding around. Initially, the chief is reluctant, but upon hearing that Wu Xie can deal with the Night King, he becomes very enthusiastic. Wu Xie is assigned to the room where Zhang Qi Ling once stayed and meets Mr. Wang Jinyuan. The old man straightforwardly states that if Wu Xie can answer three questions, he will prove he is a friend of Zhang Qi Ling and will reveal all the secrets.
And so, the plan is set. Wu Xie feels an excitement akin to meeting a celebrity, eagerly awaiting Mr. Wang's questions.
Comments(Episode 10)