Episode 23 recap: Qu Zheng Wins the Final of the Martial Arts Competition
In episode 23, preparations for the duel between Qu Zheng and Qing Yun are in full swing, with a bustling crowd gathered to watch. However, there is no sign of Bai Wan or Jin Mu Qiu. It turns out that Bai Wan has just woken up, and Jin Mu Qiu is surprised by her early awakening. She has no choice but to admit that Qu Zheng concealed the truth because he was worried about her safety.
Despite the warnings, Bai Wan resolutely heads to the Martial Arts Competition. As the duel is about to begin, Qu Zheng is astonished to discover that Qing Yun is proficient in the Pu Yuan Zhen Jing. He quickly adjusts his strategy to counter her skills. Meanwhile, Jing Yuan watches from the sidelines, increasingly convinced that Qu Zheng is behind the attack on the Hidden Snow Village, and he is shocked by Qu Zheng’s ability to decipher the Pu Yuan Zhen Jing.
Just when everyone believes Qu Zheng has the victory in hand, Qing Yun unexpectedly loses. Although Qu Zheng wins, he realizes he has fallen under a love poison. While appearing calm on the surface, he is actually anxious inside. After comforting Bai Wan, he decides to seek out Jing Yuan to obtain Ling Yao grass to cure the poison.
Bai Wan, feeling elated to leave with Qu Zheng, is stopped by Jing Yuan. He publicly accuses her of being Ah Chu, who betrayed her sect five years ago, and implicates Qu Zheng, claiming that the couple has betrayed the martial arts community.
This statement incites outrage among the crowd, leaving Bai Wan speechless, while Su Zhuo Zhuo and others are filled with anxiety. Qu Zheng remains calm and, using the smoke as cover, quietly leaves with Bai Wan.
Inside the carriage, Bai Wan feels confused and helpless over Jing Yuan's accusations; she longs to regain her memory to prove her innocence. Qu Zheng takes her to a special place—the Spirit Tree, where Bai Wan's wishes are hidden. Understanding the significance of this journey, Qu Zheng is internally prepared for a farewell.
Under the Spirit Tree, they share their feelings. Bai Wan is filled with hope, while Qu Zheng silently resolves to safely return her to the Jin family escort agency before facing Jing Yuan's accusations alone. Unaware of Qu Zheng's thoughts, Bai Wan changes into a red dress and proposes to him again, hoping to make up for their previous regret.
Though Qu Zheng feels reluctant, he understands the weight of his mission and responsibilities. In this moment, they embrace deeply, as if wanting to merge all their love and reluctance into this fleeting warmth.
Meanwhile, Jin Mu Qiu and her father have returned to the Jin family escort agency, firmly believing in Bai Wan and Qu Zheng. Jin Mu Qiu even decides to give up writing for their sake, leaving Lin Feng, who has been eagerly awaiting her new work, feeling disappointed, though his affection for her remains unchanged.
Bai Wan and Qu Zheng finally arrive at the Jin family escort agency, where she takes the antidote Qu Zheng personally concocted and falls into a deep sleep. Qu Zheng stays by her side, feeling a mix of emotions. At this moment, news arrives from Song Jian Shan about trouble at the Listening to the Qinqin Courtyard. Qu Zheng knows it’s time to leave. When Bai Wan wakes up, she faces the double blow of Qu Zheng's departure and the crisis at the Listening to the Qinqin Courtyard. Without hesitation, she decides to search for Qu Zheng to confront the unknown challenges together.
Comments(Episode 23)