Episode 17 recap: The Massacre at Zhangjia Village
In Episode 17, Wuxie returns to the tranquil Zhangjia Village and encounters Zhang Xiaoguo, a fervent fan of Zhang Qiling. This enthusiastic child follows Wuxie around all day, calling him "Master" with eyes full of dreams for the future. Wuxie is touched by the child's innocence and smiles as he accepts him as a disciple, advising him to smile more often.
Overjoyed, Zhang Xiaoguo skips away happily.
Under the big locust tree, Zhang Haike chats with Wuxie and even brings his sister to hand over a key he obtained from a foreigner named Feng. With this, all three crucial keys are finally in Wuxie's possession. Zhang Qiling begins to recount his experiences in the Zhang family ancestral castle, revealing that his sacrifice led to the freedom of his clan, but this freedom also ignited long-suppressed desires among the people.
As a result, the Zhang family is divided: some are content with a mundane life, while others rebel against the clan leader, even straying down dark paths. However, these rebels soon mysteriously disappear, and the clan leader hides the keys in the most secretive places, choosing to retreat and cultivate in solitude.
Upon learning that Wuxie holds the keys and that victory is within reach, the villagers celebrate joyfully. Wuxie and Zhang Qiling take a rare moment to relax and sip some wine.
Just as Zhang Qiling prepares to retire for the night, a seemingly drunken fat man stumbles up, holding a chicken leg and discreetly warns Wuxie to check the authenticity of the keys. When Wuxie tests them, the three keys fit perfectly together, confirming their validity. However, just as he is about to put the keys away, he is suddenly struck in the waist by a sharp blow, a dagger piercing his abdomen as blood pours out.
When the assailant removes his mask, Wuxie is shocked to discover that the man is not a fat stranger, but Zhang Nian!
After successfully attacking, Zhang Nian quickly signals his accomplices, and a group of assassins descends upon Zhangjia Village, launching a bloody massacre. The entire village is engulfed in the shadows of death. Although Zhang Qiling senses something is wrong, it is too late; he has already been poisoned by Zhang Nian’s treachery.
He endures excruciating pain and musters his last strength to hide the severely injured Wuxie.
It turns out that Zhang Nian intentionally spared Wuxie's vital points, intending to use him to locate the Night King. However, they underestimated Wuxie's ability to escape; even amidst the slaughter, he remains undetected.
Feng, the foreigner, learns of Zhang Nian's atrocities and is furious, believing Zhang Nian's actions are excessively extreme and unjustifiable, resulting in the deaths of innocents.
Zhang Nian, however, is unfazed, consumed by hatred for Zhang Qiling and viewing all Zhang family members as his enemies. Without Wuxie as a lead, he turns to the fragmented memories of Zhang Qiling collected by Wang Jinyuan, but still fails to find any trace of the Night King.
After an unknown period, Wuxie awakens amidst blood and silence. He stifles his pain and stumbles out of hiding, only to be confronted by a scene that tears at his heart. The village has become a hell on earth, with innocent lives reduced to mere bones. Wuxie is filled with guilt, regretting how his negligence has brought disaster upon the village. He desperately pounds his head, praying for guidance from the heavens, even if it’s just to rectify a small mistake.
In a daze, he seems to see Zhang Qiling's silent, complex gaze, filled with both anger and deep compassion.
Realizing that only the Zhang family can confront Zhang Nian, Wuxie recalls Zhang Haike mentioning the Dejia Zhang family—home to the purest Zhang bloodline.
With renewed determination, he bandages his wounds and resolutely sets off toward Dejia. He knows this journey is not just for himself, but for the innocent lives lost and the future peace of the Zhang family.
Comments(Episode 17)