Whispers of Fate
Are we ready? Get set, let's gooooooo!! hahah
Been pre-occupied like everyone else, but I've been trying to stay updated! hahah. The costumes and visuals are absolutely breath-taking. So many layers and dangly hair pieces, but the spins and rope work are so tight. Can't wait.
How are the OSTs? Any favorites so far? When I first heard the preview clips, I liked the sound of 2 of the songs, but felt TTEOTM had more variety. But I've listened to TTEOTM a lot leading up to this, so I'm ready for these arrivals! The full versions are growing on me! I feel like when I start watching the show, THEN I will truly be immersed. But where is Alen Fang's song?! ::a little sad::
When you see 从此以后, do you think of Jacky Cheung's song? "The story is plain, but in it, there is you. It is eeeenough." No, just me? Ok. Fine.
Speaking of which, and this has been a while, but didn't people say that there were very little (or no) romance? Then didn't I see TLC almost have a Lost You Forever underwater moment?! Maybe it's late and I'm just confused. I have so many questions. haha
Whispers of Fate: Episode 1
Impressions?
Tang Lici's life? It's complicated. I bet he'd say, "I can explain... Maybe?"
Whispers of Fate: Episode 2
Wowwwwwww, I guess this why he doesn't get a song. He's a baddie! lol (But no worries, Alen will have a concert in mid Nov!!)
[Note from future self: Alen DOES have a character song!! They released a second batch of songs a few days later! His is 难言/Hard to Speak.]
Our geges are literally fighting?! But I guess this is the part about the "tune in the forest" and was in fact a "'dying' tune". But the pop or burst caught me by surprise. [Note from future me: Henceforth, I refer to him as Bubble guy.]
Those were some beefy 'pigeons'. Who are Alen's two underlings? Are they dressed up in wedding attire or just traditional demon red? If wedding attire, are they not a couple either? Why is she all demon seductive with Alen's character?! ::gasp:: Does he have a thing for brides?! More questions...but also kinda feel like the wrong questions....:(
Like, where's the baby? Why the baby? What's the beef?
Whispers of Fate: Episode 3
It could be easy to get caught up in some of this episode's dialogue, so here is a recap:
Tang Lici (TLC) and FCX are having a buddy-buddy time, drinking and chatting to wine, invoking a bit of jealous from Chi Yun (I call him The Flash/Light technique guy). We find out that Chi Yun (CY) is actually TLC's servant (slave), not a friend, and that TLC has an ownership contract on CY, much to CY's embarrassment.
Next thing you know, TLC kicks FCX off the boat, showing some untraditional hospitality. It turns out that TLC did this on purpose to throw off his enemy's plans, while TLC and CY investigate separately. TLC asks [the bride that he had saved] who she thinks is telling the truth (between FCX and the bubble guy). She replies that it doesn't make sense for a dying person to lie, so bubble guy is telling the truth. At the same time, spending a significant amount of time together will reveal a person's true intentions. With such a long friendship, FCX could not be lying. He is also telling the truth.
Therefore, TLC deduces that the real cause must be from misunderstanding. Bubble guy must have been poisoned (hexed) before meeting FCX. While trying to find a cure for his bestie, FCX was trying to keep him alive the only way he knew possible - by continuing to feed him the poison. Unfortunately, bubble guy happened to stumble in one day, and mistakenly concluded that FCX was poisoning him all along.
Meanwhile, we find out how CY became TLC's servant. CY had a fiancé, betrothed to him in gratitude. Her whole mansion was later suddenly wiped out, but her body was never found. CY went to the 13 Floor, in hopes of trading for news of his fiancé. However, he was scammed into servitude (slavery) instead. TLC happened to wander by, and with his usual foxy cunning slyness, whipped out an ownership contract of his own for CY, claiming precedence. Between working for some shady organization and TLC, CY easily, but begrudgingly, chooses TLC. This is how CY hilariously sold himself to TLC and became his servant (slave).
The uncle wants FCX dead.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 4
Some crazy self-chiropractic moves, mystical multiple personality possessions, and some ribbon fighting. You know those bubble packaging wrap? Pop, pop, pop! It feels wrong, but at the same, also satisfying? Ermmm...yeaaahhhh.
Ah Shui. Are they going to end up together? I'm not really feeling it from TLC, at least not this moment. I think he doesn't understand why she's not afraid nor questions him. Instead, she simply accepts him for the person, the monster, whatever he is, as he is. That's just ... weird. Except, TLC would not say "weird". He would say "It's illogical."
Meanwhile, what?! No! Who! "Who?" "Who." "Ah! Who!" "Uhhhh, who?" Mut sui ah?
Whispers of Fate: Episode 5
The Sword King (Yu) seems to be involved. To investigate further, it only makes sense to look into the Sword King's city.
But first, TLC decides that the team needs to recruit someone with strong martial arts and stealth skillset...someone ELSE. They end up at 13 Tower. What? Again?! But when the guy said there was only ONE way out, he didn't know there was a VIP entrance. Anyway, CY was almost lured into a trap that looks and sounds like his fiancé. They meet the boss of 13 Tower, and try to bargain for SLH (the rice hat/coin sword guy). TLC wants to borrow SLH for a year. Boss says he wants TLC in exchange, but TLC laughs and says he is worth more, requesting that Boss split the difference. Boss is intrigued by TLC and wants to get into his head, know all the secrets, etc, as demons usually do. 4 years ago, someone slit TLC and shoved him into a well, left to perish. "How did you survive?" But TLC is like, "So?" (Come on, this is the martial world. People fight. Things happen. As a demon, don't you have any well stories of your own?)
At some point, and I don't know if people were fighting too closely and not respecting personal space or what, but Boss was like "Aha! You have a wound in your abdomen! Did Fang Zhou have anything to do with it?! You used the Rebirth Tome! Why the Rebirth Tome didn't work?" Like, woah woah woah. Seriously, man. Mind your own business... (Note: I'm kidding. SLH was testing TLC when they were fighting. Trying to poke him with his sword. From TLC's breathing and micro-movements/body language, Boss could figure out there was a wound.) We see TLC's powerful bracelet. Boss is like, "Fine. You can borrow SLH, but whether he will obey you is a different story. His rules."
Meanwhile, we find out that Sword King was the one that gave Bubble Boy's uncle the pills. CY's fiancé (Madame B) seems to be serving the Sword King on the surface, but reports to FengLiuDian aka FengLiu Shop. Like, to the Sword King's minions, she might be in a relationship with him. But based on her reaction, both she and the Sword King know that she reports to the FengLiu Shop.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 6
Zhong Chunji (ZCJ) is recollecting her pitiful childhood.
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Some versions were missing translations, so I give slightly more details about the scene for those who want it. Others can skip.
Little ZCJ is seen barely able to carry the heavy wood that she presumably chopped. She struggles to put even the chopping knife on the shelf. She enters the room, where her Mom and brother are.
ZCJ: "Mom! I've returned!", she says enthusiastically.
But Mom doesn't seem to show the amount of enthusiasm.
Mom: "Sit. Eat"
ZCJ: ...It smells so good!
Mom: Your father sold some small things and was able to exchange for it.
ZCJ: What did we have to sell?
Mom: Here. Eat the mantou bun. ::handing to the brother::
::picks up some food, but Mom gives a look, like she doesn't want her to have it. hesitates.::
ZCJ: Here, you eat it. ::give to brother::
Mom: You eat too. Thoroughly eat.
ZCJ:Mom, you are so good (to me)!!
....
ZCJ: Dad, why are selling me?
...
Dad: If we don't sell her, the entire family will starve to death!
She refuses and would rather jump into the lake.
---------------END-------------------------
:: Back to the present. Her teacher enters, literally and figuratively carrying an umbrella over her head to cover the rain
Teacher: How are you? Still mad at your senior martial arts brothers?
ZCJ: Not really. I know they are not afraid of matters.
Teacher: They very much are. Afraid. Don't be like them. But do show your manners too.
ZCJ thinks the Sword King is suspicious and that TLC needs their help. Teacher agrees, and thinks that the task to should be assigned to someone doesn't fear the Sword King and is bold yet careful. Someone capable. Able to uncover the truth for the Sword Society. :)
::he hands her the invitation to the Sword Washing Festival @ Sword City::
Teacher doesn't want ZCJ to travel alone. "I hand her off to you." and passes the umbrella to Gu Xitan?, one of ZCJ's martial arts brothers.
Meanwhile, TLC tries teambuilding with SLH, using the Bixiao Pearl, which can ward of the cold and protect the body. But most importantly...::we are interrupted:: give SLH ultimate concealment/cover. This pearl is one of seven stones that were once from a hairpin, which SLH has being trying to find. But more important than the hairpin, SLH wants something else. [Why can't they finish their thoughts??!!!]
Teacher finds [guy with white-hair and dresses in blue and white.]. They agree that he will go investigate the Sword King case and whether TLC is a bad guy.
SLH wants to kill someone. Someone who can use the Rebirth Tome. (Here we go again..)
SLH can trap enemies within their inner demons. Using the Blood Moon Heart Hunter move, TLC is brought back to his time at the Zhoudi Tower. (Alen/Ah Yan) LY likes to call TLC little Monster. TLC's name is Ajibaner Tang Jia, which is from ancient sanskrit. Fang Zhou taught TLC how to read and even his sect's martial arts, becoming a Zhoudi Tower disciple. One day, he might be able to use martial arts to protect those you care about. "Peerless across millennia. Old vows are cut off. You shall be Tang Lici."
SLH wants to kill the person who shares a teacher with TLC.
LY had witnessed TLC kill Fang Zhou. LY wants to kill TLC.
TLC's bracelet can copy SLH's inner demon ability. We find out SLH's backstory. His wife (Hui) was sick and needed life extending pills. To save his wife's life, SLH joined 13 Tower. In exchange, demon Boss wanted SLH to not be able to see his wife for 5 years. (Demon Boss always names a price that the other party could not afford.) When the contract ended 4 years ago, he encounter Liu Yan (Alen Fang/ Liu Yan / Ah Yan), who basically hated his eyes resembling TLC, tatooed his face, and destroyed the life-extending pills. The wife died.
SLH returns to 13 Tower, to seek revenge and find out the identity of the killer. This time, Demon Boss asked for the wife's body, and placed it in a crystal jade coffin for safekeeping. SLH could see her often, so that each time, he would be reminded of his helplessness in saving her.
TLC: Abbot, what is considered karma?
Abbot: Karma is cause and effect. The doer is the cause. The receiver is the effect.
TLC: If someone kills because of me. If innocents suffer because of me. Is that considered my karma?
TLC needs to find LY to fully restore the Rebirth Tome and heal his wound.
TLC says he killed Fang Zhou. This is why LY wants to kill TLC.
TLC and team head to Sword City.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 7
::gasps:: Alen Fang DOES have an Ost for Whispers of Fate!!! 难言 / Hard to Speak of!
-
TLC + team's boat arrive at Sword King City, which requires an invitation to enter. (The Sword Bathing Festival is being held, and heroes around the world are gathering together in attendance. In competitions, the Sword King is mouthing sportsmanship conduct reminders, while aiming for his competitor's vital points in every move. )
Back at the port, neither CY nor TLC's reputations are enough to garner an invitation. Next thing you know, a much bigger, more ostentatious, and more pretentious ship (Myriad Apertures House) pulls up beside, complete with maidens casually casting out pearls and baubles to onlookers. It is revealed that TLC is actually the owner / master of this Myriad House, who does have an invitation. All the commotion was to get the attention of one person: "If I came, he will also show up too.", TLC says. It begins to snow. That person is Xue Xianzi (XXZ), a master swordsman with well-known reputation. (He has white hair and dresses in blue and white.) XXZ successfully baits Sword King into using his West Wind Slashing Barren Fire move for all to witness. XXZ loses the competition with Sword King on purpose.
The time has come. TLC and SLH see the sword king's intent, the Heavenly Fame Sword Wall, where TLC activates the Sword Phoenix.
"You are not from this realm. Why have you set foot on this land?" (Yesh, friendly, huh?) ... "Enter the space between reality and illusion." The Sword Phoenix recognizes Yingyan's golden pupils and forehead seal on TLC, and attacks, using the same move as Sword King. But why does the move look different? Sword King's is so much darker.
TLC gains Sword Phoenix's trust. ("He is a disciple of Zhou Dilou. Hall Master Fang has good principles. If he took you as a disciple, there must be a reason.") She teaches TLC Sword King's move.
We meet Pu Zhu, a monk, and his chess-playing, umbrella carrying, skilled martials arts friend. [Pu Zhu is the second white haired guy in blue and white. This one is more brooding. And carries a staff. Pu Zhu. Remember.] They met and started playing chess 3 years ago. They meet once a year since.
Some possible lines of foreshadowing:
Pu Zhu: I only act to save others, with a clear conscience.
Friend: It seems that you have made some decisions to make, and it is weighing on you.... I worry that even if you don't kill the innocent, the innocent will still die because of you.
At the end, we only see her dripping umbrella lying down while it is still raining.
Knight Gu is introduced to team.
Pu Zhu arrives to investigate the Sword King. SLH falls into Sword King's trap, chased by Pu Zhu.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 8
In the previous episode, Sword King tried to frame SLH with Bubble's guy's uncle death. (Sword King used Alen Fang's minion, the shapeshifting, 2-spirits-share-one-body guy, pretend to be SLH.) But TLC anticipated this move, and played along, having the real SLH fight Sword King while the fake SLH fight Pu Zhu. The real SLH takes an injury. Because one person cannot be in two places, this was enough to convince Pu Zhu that Sword King is suspicious. Pu Zhu leaves a bead for TLC. They have an appointment to meet up later.
XXZ is actually a friend of TLC, and owes TLC money. lol. XXZ offers to help, for a price, to pay down his debt.
TLC team spreads news that the rich Myriad Aperture House is looking to build a fleet of ships and establish a key hub in Sword City for the water transportation. I guess this is to draw out potential investors who have worked with Sword King before. Liu Yan / LY / Alen Fang appears.
Pu Zhu and TLC meet. Pu Zhu doesn't agree with TLC's methods of investigating who's the mastermind. (His methods can lead to innocent people getting hurt.) Allowing TLC to live today would only mean more damage for the future. They low-key fight. The high-key fight. "Can I feel your pulse?" ???!!!!?? I'm telling you! No personal space! They keep trying to touch him! hahha. Just joking. At least this one asked.
TLC doesn't have long to live. To stay alive, he must find the mastermind behind Fengliu shop. "Can the mastermind save you?" "Save, [he] cannot. Be saved, can."
TLC convinces Pu zhu that their goals are aligned. Desperate times calls for desperate measures. They should work together. To gain trust, TLC propose a bet. He produce two deliverables: 1.) a list of people taking ghost poison pills and 2.) the Sword King's involvement. Both tasks will be completed without hurting any innocent people.
TLC finds himself in an illusion, where a Fang Zhou asks why TLC killed him. ::gasp:: Pu Zhu's chess-playing female friend might be an assassin for the FengLiu Shop!
LY was once a healer, but has long suppressed that side. LY has been spending 4 years along with his own blood and flesh to refine something that will exploit TLC's weaknesses.
SLH disobeys his promise to TLC; If he sees LY, run.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 9
It's so hard to summarize! Every line is so good! The details are so juicy!
There's also floods of information. We're 9 episodes in before the protagonist and antagonist finally meet! In the meantime, new characters were flying out like confetti. Quick! Catch, catch, catch!! AHHHH!!! hahah I love mysteries, but am very bad at remembering names. This is like an orientation day / ice-breaker nightmare for me. But not too bad. Plus, the show presents them well.
LYX and Alen's scenes! Initially, I thought they would be on the same side. Like, these 2 geges seem to have the most affinity compatibility. But I can totally see how he got this role. So good, and must be fun for him. Also loving the fight scenes and costumes.
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SLH survived.
TLC and LY meet in an illusion. They size each other down. TLC tries to explain that that day was not what LY thinks. Although LY says he had killed TLC 4 years ago and kill him again today, TLC calls LY out; If so, then why appear in an illusion? TLC uses his copy powers and finds LY's deepest fear: killing the wrong person -- after going to great lengths, letting the rage consume, ending up not quite human, not quite monster in the process, etc. Does LY have doubts/reservations about TLC then? LY has half of the Rebirth Tome, which means TLC only has half. (Maybe that's why the tome didn't work.)
Unlike before, LY doesn't want to simply kill TLC directly; he wants him ruined. (Thus, the framing.) He wants TLC to reveal his true nature; his nature is not saving people, but destroying them. Everything he comes nears becomes ruined. Zhoudi towers should not have saved you.
TLC says he barely remembers that place, which hurts LY. Furthermore, even though "Fang Zhou who brought me in, it was you, LY, who treated me the best."
LY feels regret, responsible, and betrayed for saving TLC and giving him the opportunity to kill Fang Zhou and destroy Zhoudi Tower.
Wrong! TLC disagrees. "Your regret is: While trying to kill me, you've become [a monster,] something not quite human, not quite ghost. You say you believe what you saw that day, but your heart says otherwise. This is why you keep testing me. ...You are afraid of killing the wrong person."
TLC pleads with LY to give up before it too late. With his temperament, LY would not be able to fully choose a path, accomplishing nothing. LY wants TLC to experience the 7 emotions (joy anger, sorrow, delight, worry, fear, and dread) and burn them into ashes to atone for what he did to Fang Zhou.
TLC reveals Fang Zhou had gifted his beloved qin/zither/string "piano" (Heart Moon's Return) to him. Fang Zhou's successor was not LY; it was TLC.
TLC breaks the illusion/hex, which injures LY. But TLC's old abdomen wound is aggravated. It was a trap. SLH, illusion, and LY's female minion. TLC's body is strong. As long as he doesn't die, he can eventually heal. The only exception is the abdomen wound. LY had prepared a flower mist. When mixed together with female minion's blood, the mixture will irritate the wound.
Ah Shui's blood can heal TLC! [Amazing pills! More than advertised.]
TLC team convinces potential investors into leaving their current accounting books.
CY finds his fiancé, but she is Sword King's concubine now! She even poisons him! TLC tricks CY into an argument and makes CY run off in anger, so that he won't foil TLC plans. (If CY found out his fiancé is connected to FengLiu Shop, he would ignore all consequences, and only focus on rescuing her.) But CY isn't the only one with a mind full of distractions, SLH notes. LY has been on TLC's mind. If this continues, TLC could lose. LY might win, but TLC definitely will not lose.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 10
TLC thinks back to one time in Zhoudi tower. He had broken some of LY's things. Teacher Fang Zhou comes to speak with him. TLC is carving a small figure, intended to be a gift to Fang Zhou, but he was startled and made a wrong cut that was too deep.
TLC: It's ruined!
Fang Zhou: It's still good! Let's take a look. Ah Li (TLC), If a carving is not good, we can fix it. If we cannot fix it, we can always start over and try again. To err is to be human. Recognizing your mistakes and correcting them is a very valuable and commendable thing. Just go and apologize to LY. He will forgive you.
In present, and with SLH:
TLC: Tell me, are people born as they are, never meant to be changed? Or, are they like this figure, shaped by their many experiences, carved through each cut? If the Buddhistva wants to blame me, I won't shirk responsibility.
SLH: Then who is be blamed for SLH becoming SLH? Killing LY is when I can forgive myself.
TLC: You won't. Because it was your own inability [to protect] that caused the death of your closest. Even if you accomplish revenge, you would not forgive yourself...
TLC cunningly wins bet with Pu Zhou, by: 1.) producing a list of people taking ghost poison pills and 2.) proving the Sword King's involvement, both accomplished without hurting innocent people. Pu Zhou doesn't agree with TLC's methods, but has no choice, and cannot get involved.
(I don't know if this is important, so I'll put it in for now.) Sword King has an adult, illegitimate son.
LY wants Sword King to kill someone....everyone.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 11
Sword King and his son try to destroy the evidence. TLC is trapped in his inner demon, but saved by a kiss from Ah Shui. From flashbacks, TLC has golden forehead symbol and eyes. CY finds out his fiance's other identity. Sword City needs to be evacuated.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 12
In this episode, out of desperation, Sword King swallowed all the poison pills he had and supercharged his martial arts abilities. To defeat him, TLC needed to turn into his true form. It turns out that this was part LY's plan all along. LY uses a magical mirror to project TLC's true form for all to see.
The people recognize his resemblance to the Verse of Yin Yang. LY disguise himself as a mortal doctor, and intends to stirs up controversy. 10 years ago, many heroes, people's sons, husbands, etc., sacrificed themselves in order to defeat this Verse of Yin Yang. They do not want the heroes to sacrifice in vain; TLC must be stopped before any Verse of Yin Yang's appear again in the martial world. The people pressure Zhong Chunji's teacher, the leader of the Central Plains, to issue a martial worldwide warrant against TLC.
Meanwhile, Pu Zhou finds an unconscious TLC, and resuscitates him. TLC over-exerted himself in killing the Sword King and protecting the people from the Sword King's poison --- to the point that's it's affecting his healing abilities. In fact, TLC will die within a year if he doesn't remove the heart crystal inside his body. Pu Zhou and TLC argue over the morality and causes and effects. TLC counted on Pu Zhou not keeping his word, and getting involved to save people. Pu Zhou disapproves of TLC's risk-taking and putting people's lives on the gambling table. TLC says he frankly doesn't care. If Pu Zhou had killed the Sword King from the beginning, none of this would happen. Do CY, Zhong Chunji, SLH, etc not count as innocents? If TLC, didn't get involved, there would've been a lot more heroes, [dead heroes], today.
Pu warns TLC to stay into the hut. Otherwise, he won't be able to protect him. SLH and CY find TLC.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 13
Against LY's knowledge, Miss Hong tries to kill TLC herself. CY and SLH are willing to risk their lives to protect TLC and try to stall so that TLC can heal. You get a sense of the brotherhood bond among the three. CY and SLH discover Miss Hong has turned some righteous heroes from the martial arts world into human puppets / zombies, and control them through music. TLC heals in time.
Miss Hong: Master once said that Mr. Tang is skilled at winning people's hearts But for a dead man, even if he could win more hearts, what would be the use?
TLC: They are my men. Of course I need to protect them.
Miss Hong: Hypocrite!
::he wiped his lips! Did Ah shui come again? Or just his cool move before a fight?::
TLC defeats Miss Hong, but Xifang Tao (XFT), Pu Zhuo's well-mannered, chess-playing companion, appears. She is actually the West Palace Master of FengLiu Shop! She stabs TLC with the hairpin from their previous meeting, telling him that he was right. This hairpin is much better at stabbing him in the abdomen.
Chen Yunpao, Earth Sword, ranked second in the Central Plains Society, rescues TLC from Miss Hong and XFT.
XFT: Little Hong, no matter how much you care for a man, sometimes you need understand what he is thinking. Do you know how much he would resent you, if you had kept him from taking his revenge, with his own hands?
Miss Hong: I don't want Respected Master to only have hatred in his eyes.
XFT: Then, how about you direct your feelings to a different man?
Miss Hong: Don't joke about this.
XFT: I say these words with sincerity.
LY: Teaching him flute is one thing. Now the guqin/string piano too? You are not afraid of the student surpassing the teacher one day?
Both Camellia Island and the Central Plains society have sent letters. Not long ago, a strange stone fell from the sky. Rumors say it is a bad omen, foretelling the return of the Verse of Yin and Yang.
TLC: Fang Zhou, are you afraid of me?
Fang Zhou: Why would you ask that? Because you have golden eyes and forehead seal? When I first met you, I already knew. It doesn't mean you are the Verse of Yin and Yang.
TLC: Even if you are not afraid of me, others will be. With the omen appearing, [people will be surely be alarmed].
Fang Zhou: Even if they are afraid and come, as Master of Zhoudi Tower, I would inform them: Is the Verse of Yin and Yang born irredeemably evil? If golden eyes and a forehead seal appeared on my face, does that mean I too am irredeemably evil? You're are a part of Zhoudi Tower now. You are Tang Lici.
Ah Shui saves TLC again. This time he questions her. Her blood can heal. That's a pretty valuable ability, that many people would want to have. How is she able to stay undetected for so long? She lowkey corrects him. Her blood can save HIM. She accidentally discovered this. Well, how convenient; it's like a match made in heaven, TLC says. Ah Shui says she knows that no explanation would satisfy him. That's why she never intended to tell him. Surprisingly, even though he's hurt and she can heal him, TLC tells her to go; he doesn't need her to be by his side.
CYP is also Gu Xitan's senior. Everyone thinks that CYP is out to capture TLC and bring him back to the martial world, which would put TLC in danger. However, CYP is here because in the past, Fang Zhou had sent a letter to CYP, asking him to protect TLC.
We later discover CYP's one weakness; he has no sense of direction. lol. TLC+team easily tricks him to keep him away.
Pu Zhou and Leader of the Central Plains meet. Pu Zhou thinks TLC is not bad enough to be considered evil, but not good enough to be considered walking in the same path.
Leader of the Central Plains seems to root for TLC. After all, they have been trying to lure FengLiu Shop into making a move [for an eternity], but in only half a month, TLC has lured them into a corner. Leader has a feeling that TLC will be able to reshuffle the chaos in the martial world.
Bilou Palace is next destination in Pu Zhuo and TLC's second bet.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 14
TLC and now SLH and CY too are on the run. This is a hilarious wanted posters scene. TLC is a foodie, and mapped out all the good places to eat along the way to Biluo Palace, all the while being chased by both good and evil sects. At one stop, they encounter Ghost Peony. TLC initiates the conversation, which didn't take long to get creepy and weird.
They started out talking about food.
Paraphrased from memory:
TLC: What's life without some indulgences and pursuits?
Ghost Peony: You are absolutely right. Without pursuits, how can one die without fear?
TLC: ::pause:: You seem like a wise man
Ghost Peony: Following the logic, when one finally attains what one pursues, then one should be able to die without regrets.
TLC: Perhaps so
Ghost Peony: But what if one has reached the end and cannot obtain what one pursued? What if one only found a cliff?
TLC: Then one should march forward. Don't look back.
Ghost Peony: I envy you. To have something to pursue. I also hope you have a long enough time. For your pursuits.
...
::yeeahhhh. Speaking of the time, we're on the run. Well, gotta go now!::
(Ghost Peony actually gave his real name when TLC asked! Pretty sure GP already knew TLC name beforehand.)
After TLC+SLH+CY leave, alone, Ghost Peony continues the train of logic with himself. It was along the lines of: what does one do, if one has already done everything he wanted to?
Great. He's one of those entitled, glass-empty people who does bad things out of boredom. Sure enough, he maliciously tests his theory on the restaurant waiter.
We basically see various flawed men behave poorly.
On the good sect side, the seniors in the Sword Society, mock and belittle ZCL, questioning her judgment and calling her too junior. Teacher/lead was no help in public and even took away her leadership position and therefore, her sleeping quarters too, which brings up more bad memories. Later, teacher checks on her.
On the bad sect side, LY basically treats Miss Hong like a doormat that she is. Madame Bai/CY's fiancé gets smacked around by her sect leader. In both cases, XFT intervenes and helps out, because women should help out other women. However, this chess playing Pu Zhou friend is a formidable character. The other FengLiu Shop women are more direct in their approaches. XFT is much more calculating and waits for the opportunity. When she does make a move, it is accurate and maximizes damage. Her hairpin stab on TLC? Enough to sever his meridians. (For a normal person, severed meridians will leave you crippled.) TLC has been in communications with Pu Zhou via pigeon messaging. Poor monk, he's screwed.
Ah Shui meets Stone, a boy found alone and rescued by the Sword Society. They think FengLiu Shop's people were behind it. Stone cannot speak due to trauma. Somehow, Stone reminds Ah Shui of TLC.
Ghost Peony (GP) and LY have a partnership understanding. GP is impressed by LY's ability to revive the Ghost Pills. This helps GP's FengLiu Shop thrive and expand its reaches. In return, GP allows LY to use the FengLiu Shop's resources at his disposal to exacts revenge on TLC. However, LY was getting sloppy, and putting FengLiu Shop at risk. This is why GP showed up. GP didn't try to kill TLC b/c he wanted to leave TLC for LY.
It was part of TLC plan. He expected Ah Shui to alert and inform the Sword Society of their journey.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 15
There are two roads to BiLuo Palace: west or south. One road will have bounty hunters hot on their trail, but the other requires passing through Skull Desert. TLC spent all day whittling gathered wood into a long walking stick, which will help support his walking. TLC has been too Biluo palace before and managed to survive. Why did he go there the first time? To steal a coffin...for himself, he jokes.....
We learn the back story of Bilou Palace and its master, Wanyu. I guess Wanyu was trusted and held a position with the king. He was also the one who recommended Yique Yin Yang (YYY) to the king. Ironically, YYY later replaced Wanyu, taking over his position, and even framed Wanyu Mora for treason. YYY went on to do a bunch of bad things (convincing the king to pursue immortality, ghost pills, etc). How will Wanyu treat TLC this time, when he stole from them before, is breaking in again, and will remind him of YYY?
Meanwhile, LY and Miss Hong visit Ghost Peony to speak to Qiaoyi Qiankun (QQ), who doesn't take orders from Ghost Peony. QQ is the second most talented architect. He killed the first, Gui Fusheng (GFS), out of jealousy. LY convinces QQ that even though the first is dead, QQ is still only second. The only way he could truly be #1 is too destroy GFS's works. GFS's greatest work is the Bilou Palace....
Ghost Peony has taken on the hobby of adopting pets, a cat in particular. Because people say pets provide emotional support. You can entrust your emotions to them. They won't hurt you. ::How can LY leave Miss Hong alone with this guy??!! What kind of small talk would she have with him??!::
TLC+SLH+CY cross the desert in a very...sci-fi/stars wars?-looking... aircraft. Yes, aircraft. Anyway, then they survive the desert only to cross an ice region, where they cross paths with CYP, Ah Shui, and Gu Xitan. ::gasp:: TLC has feelings for Ah Shui!!!? He was happy to see her, but looked away quickly! ::double gasp::
Everyone arrived in time for the ice to merge together to form a bridge. This only happens once so often, and you need to wait until the ice is strong enough. During this time, CYP cannot use his sword attacks. CY is lightest because of his abilities, and has best advantage in this environment. SLH doesn't like this environment because there are no shadows.
The ice cracks. TLC pushes CY and SLH to safety, telling them it's ok; the palace master only wants to chat/test TLC. TLC falls. Ah Shui jumps in after TLC, and wakes up with the Bixiao pearl in her hand, which keeps her warm. She finds TLC. There are pretty red flowered trees, but they are senstive to sound. If the flowers break, the pierce and are deadly. TLC comments that pretty things are often deadly. TLC is suspicious of Ah Shui, thinks she might be a FengLiu Shop/LY spy, ever-calculating and doing thing to earn his trust. TLC bets with palace master that he can leave alive with Ah Shui. The pearl barely has enough power for Ah Shui alone; it will not have enough power for two. ::princess carry!!::
Whispers of Fate: Episode 16
TLC+Ah Shui need to break through an ice wall with shooting icicle shards. TLC was one step away from defeating it, when a shard came shooting at Ah Shui's face. To save her, TLC catches it with his bare hand. The shard cuts him, and begins turning him into ice. "Oh well, at least I can repay you for saving my life before," were his last words. Ah Shui is sad, gives him the Bilou pearl to warm him, and tells him she will find help. Of course, she doesn't make it far. She wakes up to have the pearl in her hand again. TLC trusts her? It's b/c TLC deems her too weak to have malicious intentions. She sasses TLC back; her sharp tongue only learned from the best.
We see the young master of Bilou Palace. He was born blind but is like a human mood ring, and can detect people feelings/energy. (Did we think of Ming Ye from TTEOTM though?) Ah shui bears a gentle nature,and is easy to read. TLC, on the other hand, might need to worry about this one.
Team TLC+Sword King's song+Fengliu Shop - all 3 groups from all sides - have caught up and are at the doorstep of Bilou Palace. It turns out that TLC had stolen the master's father's coffin before. Sure, master must want his father to be buried properly. He bargains with the master to first let his team inside the palace before they freeze (they've been outside for 2 days now). TLC had a bet with Pu Zhou to use the coffin as way to get the master to talk to TLC. TLC would then convince the master to help the Central Plains, and fight against FengLiu Shop. That was the plan anyway.
However, master probably sees this coming. He doesn't like the idea of being a pawn to TLC. He first lets the "good" guys inside (2 of the groups: TLC team + Sword King's revenge-seeeking son). Then, with little convincing from XFT, master also allows the FengLiu Shop group in as well---although everyone must abide by the rules and customs: 1.) Fight and you die. 2.) Change clothes. Afterwards, everyone finds out that they have been split up from their groups. However, everyone get one roommate. They must race against other groups to reassemble their teams. This is SLH's speciality. He beats everyone and quickly found and reunites the TLC team members.
Meanwhile, XFT is able to deduce that the master and TLC may not be on the same side. She is also able to figure out what's going, even without one of the instructions. (Her partner had angered the master's servant, who was giving out the instruction/clues.)
Whispers of Fate: Episode 17
The master of Bilou Palace separated everyone into pairs and dressed them up the same way because he wanted to test all parties, to see who can come out victorious. Whoever gets CAUGHT fighting will be eliminated. (I won't go into details of the actual gameplay; it's more fun to watch.)
TLC's bet with Pu Zhou involves TLC introducing Chen Yunpao (CYP) to the master of Bilou Palace. CYP needs to secure the master's alliance with the Central Plains. However, the master is heavily disappointed by the CYP's offer, the sword from the Leader of the Central Plains. The master wishes to speak to Xifang Tang instead. Of course, she can read into his heart and proposes a significantly better offer. The people haven't forgotten that the Wangyu family was the one who recommended the Verse of Yin Yang to the king, essentially opening the pandora's box. If he sides with Fengliu Shop, he can use their power to restore his family's honor. TLC notes that the master is not simply an extraordinary person; he is destined for greatness, likely to lead the martial world.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 18
Leader of the Central Plains had purposely sent CYP on the alliance talk, fully knowing that he would fail; leader wanted to give TLC an opportunity to return as a valuable guest, as opposed to a wanted outlaw. As expected, TLC successfully convinces the master of Bilou Palace, Wanyu Yuedan (WYD), to form an alliance.
TLC's bracelet (Bone Cleansing Silver Bracelet) reacts to the Wanyu's Divine Inquiry Platform. This phenonmen has only happened once before... TLC wonders if the Divine Inquiry Platform has a connection to the Celestial Realm.
We get the backstory to YYY. He was called Ye Mo, and encountered WYD's father one day, WYM, giving him all the knowledge he ever wanted, opening his eyes and making him feel what he knew before was nothing but a drop of water in the ocean. Impressed, WYM introduced Ye Mo to the king, and the rest is history.
WYM once said: If YYY survives, he will surely return to the Divine Inquire Platform to fulfill a greater conspiracy. ::turns to TLC:: TLC tells WYD that until today, he didn't think he was related to YYY. He doesn't have his full memory. However, he is not YYY.
Although all BiLou Palaces guests are allowed to leave freely and safely, FengLiu Shop decides to attack BiLou Palace. LY also comes with the mad, 2nd best architect YYY, who brings a giant, mechanical Qilun. (See the epic battle against icy landscape, Nine Star Dragon Array, and TLC's powers.)
Whispers of Fate: Episode 19
I KNEW it!!!!!!! haha. Massive spoilers below.
Fang Zhou is not dead! haha TLC made LY feel his tummy. lol. Who's in there? Fang Zhou's heart crystal. TLC is using his own body to host the heart crystal, while using Bilou Palace's stolen, but empty coffin to host Fang Zhou's body. If LY and TLC combine the Rebirth Scoll, they can save Fang Zhou!
However, LY recalls Ghost Peony's logic, and thinks TLC is lying, and continues trying to kill TLC. Before, TLC always thought he was wrong for leading to LY's downfall. However, after telling him truth, and LY still continues to on the wrong path, TLC feels he only has one choice: stop LY from doing more harm. When TLC could have killed LY, Fang Zhou's heart crystal started to react. At the end, SLH appears, LY is flung somewhere, SLH is first angry with TLC for not wanting to kill LY, but then forgave him for not stopping SLH from trying.
TLC is wounded. Ah Shui saves him, giving him extra blood as he was extra injured, and carries him halfway through the forest before help arrives. After TLC wakes up 3 days later, he and Ah Shui have this conversation. He doesn't like her hurting herself to save him. She's all like: I have no special skills, no talents, no worth, basically. But after I met you sir, I now understand that my place in life is to help you. You help the world, but I can help you. ..... ::Li Susu, YXW, even Clam Princess!! Where are you??? Come here!!!::
Leader of the Central Plains came all the way to Bilou Palace. TLC meets with him and leader warmly welcomes him, inviting him to the Sword Society as an honored guest. However, when TLC+SLH+CY arrives, leader and Ah Shui (who left ahead) are no where to be found. Meanwhile, the snooty and unreasonable seniors treat their guest poorly, wanting them to leave.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 20
With (separately) the help of Pu Zhou, Leader of Central Plains, and TLC's royalty godfather, TLC successfully becomes an honored guest of the Sword Society. May even have gotten some honest drunk confessions, even at the expense of some health, with the Sword Society seniors.
TLC meets Stone. Flashback to old days at the tower. Fang Zhou teaches TLC that at birth, men are born inherently good.
LY travels back to the Zhoudi tower, thinking back to the day that Fang Zhou found him and welcomed him as a brother. Fang Zhou teaches the men are born inherently good. LY asks Fang Zhou "What about me? Am I inherently good too?" LY decides to trust TLC once more and searches for Fang Zhou's body.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 21
LY uses magic to locate Fang Zhou's body, but finds clothes in the coffin. LY thinks TLC tricked him once again. Ghost Peony eggs LY on, saying that TLC doesn't have his name ruined and is thriving in the Central Plains while LY is infamy and FengLiu Shop's secret locations are being exposed one by one.
TLC sees a younger version of himself in Stone, and tries to teach him like Fang Zhou did.
Riley Wang appears!! Ohhhh! He was the masked demon Boss back in 13 Tower! Now, he's telling everyone that he's a fortune teller and that his name is Fang Zhou (sounds the same, but different characters)! TLC recognizes him; he's interested in the Rebirth Tome. Zhong Chunji seems to have a crush on TLC.
::squirm:: [I don't know why TLC gave her that figure in the earlier episodes, which started this whole crush thing!!! I was hoping I misread her reaction and that she was only touched by his gesture. BUT SHE HAS A CRUSH ON HIM. WHY TLC would you whittle a figure of a female that you barely know and give it to her??! It means that you studied her face enough. Don't you think that's weird?! I mean, if was a figure of yourself, it would be only be obnoxious. UGH. Now what are you going to do??
Anyway, Riley, being the demon boss that he is, will try to exploit her crush on TLC to his advantage. Zhong Chunji is able to resist this first attempt.
-----
Note: Due to holidays rapidly approaching, may not be able to provide recaps as frequently. But I noticed there are others doing it.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 22
TLC recalls the time when he convinced Fang Zhou to learn the Rebirth Tome. TLC had asked if the technique wasn't evil, then why doesn't FZ refuse to use it? Because TLC knows this technique, does it mean that he is a monster? B/c FZ believes everyone is fundamentally good, and that his student isn't evil, he chooses to learn the technique - on the condition that TLC won't tell the others. Why? Because they are ordinary human beings, and won't be able to accept this. When TLC travels the world and gains more experience, he will understand one day.)
Riley is sewing discord into the ears of the Sword Society disciples, trying to get them to doubt not trust TLC. TLC first tries to amicably ask him to stop, by disclosing that he knows Riley's real identity; Riley was the 6th prince of the previous dynasty. Ironically, b/c the Ghost Pills caused the fall of that dynasty, yet the prince chooses to work with Fengliu Shop. If known, surely the martial world would try to take down the 13 Tower and ahem, it's master, first. Riley is too interested the Rebirth Tome and even TLC's invincible body/potential shell. Woah, woah, woah. TLC tries the hard way, and forces Riley to leave---asking CY to tail him.
TLC tells Zhong Chunji he can relate, and so can understand her. He tells her that in these circumstances, it's important to have patience. Otherwise, it's easy for someone to manipulate you. Does that mean he KNOWS she has crush on him? Is it mutual???? I...don't...see it. But at this point, I feel my relationship radar is so broken! First, it was Ah Shui and now ZCY??! Is TLC manipulating her feelings as well in one of his master plans? I don't know! I don't want to know!! NEXT!!
Ooo!! Pu Zhou and XFT!! Yeah! This is a much better CP!!! ...What? He hasn't shaved his head; there are still some ties to this dusty world. Everyone deserves love. Let's see what happens! hahaha. Even TLC agrees. OMG! Yu F...., Sword King's son, don't be a third wheel!! PZ doesn't need saving! Go fight your zombie, puppet, demon father Sword King.
XFT lures PZ to a cliff, with a cave.... She falls. "I can't let you die because of me..." These too. So convenient. hahaha. "You're laying of broken leg." ROFL.
Whispers of Fate: Episode 40
Yes. As you can tell, someone had a little binge session. lol.
(Will probably go back fill in with comments.)
Overall, I loved this drama! The characters, costumes, fighting, and visuals were out of this world. The story-telling unfolded layer by layer.
You spend the first half captivated by the visuals while sorting through and piecing together the introductions of various characters, cases, and information. In the second half (especially the last 1/3 of episodes), it was straight addiction. And I loved it this way! I'm glad they aired the original cuts first. This version is for the diehards, who are already familiar with the world, its style, and lingo, and want to jump straight into the sleuthing. The second cut is to explain things better/more detailed and bring in the rest of the audience.
Also, they answered my question at the end! Even when they were doing the announcements last year, I was dying to ask this question! lol. Like, what kind of divine beast is a fox dragon? There are many tales of various dragons. There are also many tales of the nine-tailed foxes or even just foxes in general. But WHAT is a fox dragon??! Is this pulling from some the gaming world? Lost mythology? But it was probably rude to ask at the time.
In terms of the actual episode, why do all roads lead to LYX having this outcome? Alennnnnnnn!! So Ghost Peony is just a crazy cat lady. Why did his cat suddenly appear out of nowhere?! Who is this cat?! Was it trying to help him or get him killed?! Because...one of those options worked... Humans will lie and deceive, but your cat directly got you... Meanwhile, Ghost Peony couldn't care less about his godchild, but was willing to sacrifice himself for the cat.... ::tear::
...Did they have domestic cats there back then?
I'm thinking, and I feel like I understand the overall big themes, but there are certain details that I could use more elaboration on...just to know if I am overthinking, whether I shouldn't binge, etc. lol
When LYX was talking to grownup Stone, he noted 'You look (grew up) like him.'. Who is 'him'? B/c grown up Stone looks like Ghost Peony, no?
Did Ye Mo knew he couldn't win? Xifang Tang wondered why Ye Mo chose this meeting place. TLC mentions that Ye Mo understood the concept of impermanence, but was just too scared to accept it.
I thought the whole theme of 'who is the teacher and who is the student' melded well with the karma theme. In the process of following, you experience growth, and somehow, with the right time, place, and person, you wanted to share what you were taught, and in essence, become a teacher . As you teach, you learn through your students' eyes. So now, you both are teachers and students at the same time.
The "right" person isn't necessarily the first, the most senior, the strongest, the most talented, or the most righteous. In fact, it seems to be the opposite in many of the sects and characters. The good sometimes behave worse than the bad, while the bad wasn't always bad. In the whole cycle of life, experiences, karma, and reincarnation, in the whole scheme of things, things will come out to a wash. Even the heaviest offenses and grievances are a mere infraction in this moment. If you can understand that principle, your heart can accept and forgive, and you can pass on the compassion that was once exercised on you. The effect from that action can change a person and/or can change the landscape.
Admittedly, as an impatient, mere mortal, I'm all about about exacting immediate justice. I mean, Buddha is busy! If you're being a jerk, we don't need to wait for Buddha and karma! hahah. So while I've often come across compassion and Buddhist principles, this is probably the hardest principle for me, and I've never been satisfying convinced that this is the way to live life. Sorry, sorry!! ::bites nails:: But I would say in this drama, the acceptance and forgiveness theme is very inspiringly carried out well, and I am very impressed by the argument.