Episode Summary
- Transmigration Trope: The episode establishes the female lead, Rong Shu Kuang, as a modern woman who has transmigrated into an ancient WuXia world.
- Heroic Rescue & Budding Romance: Yan Shao's daring rescue of Rong Shu Kuang sets the stage for a potential romance between the two characters.
- Poison & Sacrifice: Yan Shao's selfless act of absorbing the poison from Rong Shu Kuang highlights his heroic nature and deepens the mystery surrounding his character.
- Intrigue & Mystery: The episode introduces several mysteries, including the treasure at Yu Chi Manor, the motives of the Gui Gu Alliance, and the true identity of Yan Shao.
Spoiler Alert
The premiere episode of "Love and Sword" kicks off with a bang! We're immediately thrown into a desert landscape where Yan Shao (played by Gao Wei Guang), a skilled and somewhat arrogant warrior, is speeding towards the ominous Ghost Valley Alliance. He's intercepted by some black-clad baddies who mock his solo rescue attempt, but Yan Shao, ever confident, boasts about his ability to break any formation. True to his word, he swiftly dismantles their trap with some impressive moves.
Meanwhile, we're introduced to Rong Shu Kuang, who's been strung up for three days and nights near Yu Chi Manor. She's clearly a female warrior of some renown, as evidenced by the arrival of three members of the "Happy Four Immortals" (though only three remain, as Rong Shu Kuang apparently took out their leader). She doesn't recognize them, but they clearly know her, and it's established that she's a respected swordswoman.
Just as things look dire, Yan Shao swoops in, literally. He attempts a dramatic rescue by throwing a spinning blade to cut the ropes, but ends up nicking Rong Shu Kuang's arm instead. She faints at the sight of her own blood, leaving us wondering if Yan Shao is more of a hindrance than a help. Nevertheless, he easily defeats the remaining "Immortals" and rides off with the unconscious Rong Shu Kuang.
Yan Shao tends to Rong Shu Kuang's wounds, discovering she's not only injured but also poisoned. As she drifts in and out of consciousness, Rong Shu Kuang experiences flashes of modern life. It's revealed that she committed suicide in the modern world, feeling she had nothing left to live for. Waking up in this new, ancient setting, she initially assumes her rescuers gave up on her, leading her to believe she's been transported to a parallel universe.
She cautiously questions Yan Shao, fearing he might be another enemy, but he assures her he's simply acting out of a sense of justice. Rong Shu Kuang then spots a familiar jade on Yan Shao's sword hilt – the very same jade her grandmother placed in her hand before her "rescue" (or, perhaps, her death). Yan Shao produces a bounty notice, revealing he was paid 300 gold to rescue her. He's puzzled by the discrepancy between her rumored stoic demeanor and her surprisingly talkative nature, attributing it to the effects of the "Mystic Ice Palm" poison.
Rong Shu Kuang, embracing her new reality as a time traveler, takes a swig of Yan Shao's wine, reasoning that her modern-day alcohol allergy might not apply to her ancient counterpart. She finds it delicious, and Yan Shao helps apply ointment to her wounds, a gesture she accepts without the typical modesty expected in this era.
Through Yan Shao, Rong Shu Kuang learns about her current identity. She's the intended bride of Lin Shao Ci, the master of Yu Chi Manor, though she had previously rejected his proposal. The villainous Shen Zui Tian, leader of the Ghost Valley Alliance, seeks a treasure supposedly hidden in Yu Chi Manor and has captured Rong Shu Kuang to force Lin Shao Ci's hand. With Lin Shao Ci away, he issued the bounty that brought Yan Shao to the rescue.
As they gaze at the stars, Rong Shu Kuang finds herself surprisingly content with her new life, free from the troubles of her past. She leans against Yan Shao for warmth, a moment that stirs something within him.
The next day, they face a sandstorm, and Yan Shao protectively shields Rong Shu Kuang. They continue their journey, eventually reaching a desert town. Rong Shu Kuang, ever the resourceful modern woman, decides to capitalize on a business opportunity. She buys all the local bread and meat, has Yan Shao chop the meat, and creates "Rou Jia Mo" (a kind of Chinese burger). It's an instant hit, selling out quickly. Yan Shao is curious about her quick thinking, but Rong Shu Kuang simply smiles, enjoying her success. However, her joy is short-lived as she suddenly collapses.
Yan Shao seeks medical help, discovering Rong Shu Kuang is suffering from the effects of the Cold Ice Palm. The healer claims to be unable to cure her, but Yan Shao reveals the healer's true identity: Tang Wu of the Tang Clan. Yan Shao shows a token from the Tang Clan leader, proving his connection. Tang Wu, recognizing Yan Shao, teaches him a method to draw out the poison. Yan Shao uses his own internal energy to transfer the poison to himself, a selfless act he hopes Rong Shu Kuang will never discover.
