Episode Summary
Gou Lingfeng, a misunderstood martial artist mistaken for a demonic cultist due to his appearance and unorthodox techniques, saves Ma Yingdan from thugs but ends up being blamed for destruction. Flashbacks reveal his mysterious training and dream of heroism. After a murder linked to demonic powers, Gou is wrongfully arrested, only to be rescued by Zhuge Heng, who believes him to be his master.
Spoiler Alert
If you're into martial arts dramas packed with mistaken identities, flying needles, and one very misunderstood hero, Episode 1 of this Chinese wuxia series kicks things off with a wild ride through bamboo forests, secret martial arts, and a whole lot of chaos. Let’s get into it.
A Hero or a Villain? Meet Gou Lingfeng
The episode opens in a moonlit bamboo grove, where a mysterious woman in purple—later revealed to be Ma Yingdan, aka the “Baihua Xia” (Hundred Flower Hero)—is deep in alchemy. She’s surrounded by swirling energy, working on her elixirs, when two thugs creep through the shadows with very bad intentions. Before she can trap them in a formation, a scruffy man crashes the party with a thunderous punch that lays them out cold.
That man is Gou Lingfeng, our not-so-handsome protagonist with a heart of gold and fists of fury. Unfortunately, he’s always mistaken for a member of the demonic cult due to his unconventional fighting style—and, let’s be honest, his face. Ma Yingdan isn’t impressed. Her precious alchemy furnace is destroyed in the commotion, so she lashes out, throwing poisoned needles at him. He dodges, of course, but not before calling her “old lady,” which earns him a full-on trap formation to the face. He survives unscathed, while she gets blasted away into the forest like a crane on the wind. Gou Lingfeng scratches his head, says, “Wow, great lightness skill,” and strolls off to keep doing good deeds.
A Flashback to Fifteen Years Ago
Cue the dramatic flashback: the world was once consumed by the demonic cult’s reign of terror. The righteous sects were slaughtered, civilians lived in fear, and the world was in chaos. Eventually, the Wulin Hero Assembly—a coalition of martial heroes—struck back, burned down the cult's stronghold, and restored peace. In the aftermath, the martial world united under this new order.
This era inspired a young Gou Lingfeng to dream of heroism. His father, Gou Yushu, hired martial artists to train him, but seven masters turned him down for being too ugly. Even the legendary Baihe Xia (White Crane Hero) refused.
Enter: a ragged old beggar caught stealing food from the kitchen. Hearing about Gou Lingfeng’s struggles, he teaches him a few moves out of pity—only to discover that the kid is a martial arts prodigy. He takes him as a disciple. But here's the twist: the beggar never reveals that he’s teaching secret techniques from the demonic cult.
Fast Forward to Present Day
Fifteen years later, Gou Lingfeng’s swordplay is sharp, but his brain? Not so much. Still, he’s determined to become a true hero. Before he leaves, the old beggar gives him one last piece of advice: “There is no good or evil in martial arts—only the will to protect the innocent makes one a true hero.”
Unfortunately, the world isn’t so understanding. People judge Gou Lingfeng by his looks and strange techniques. Even Zhuge Heng, son of the Sword Saint, becomes obsessed with him, convinced Gou is a high-level cultist. When vigilantes try to capture Gou Lingfeng, Zhuge Heng jumps in, calling him “Master” in front of everyone. Classic case of mistaken identity. The crowd eventually realizes they’ve got the wrong guy and leaves in embarrassment—dropping a Wulin Hero Assembly token that Gou happens to pick up.
Murder, Mayhem, and Misunderstandings
That night, things take a darker turn. Wang Fugui, the lead examiner for the hero assembly, is murdered. Deng Yunfeng, the grim head of the Zhenyu Division, investigates and concludes the killer used demonic techniques. He locks down the city and silences the news. He Changzai, known as the Qingtian Xia (Sky Hero), suspects foul play, but Deng shuts him up with a single glare.
Meanwhile, Gou Lingfeng sneaks into the city (by climbing a wall, of course). At the hero assembly hall, Liu Sanniang (the “Miaoshou Xia” or Miracle Hand Hero) sees his face and immediately screams “Demon!” Before Zhuge Heng can explain, weapons are drawn. Just then, Ma Yingdan walks by, recognizes the man who wrecked her alchemy furnace, and slaps him into the ground. She too declares him a cultist.
Things spiral fast. Deng Yunfeng appears and orders Gou Lingfeng's arrest.
The Cliffhanger: Chaos in the Courtroom
During his trial, an official realizes Gou is the heir to the powerful Gou Merchant Guild and hesitates. A witness points out that the killer had a missing eye and a broken brow—Gou’s face doesn’t match. Just as things begin to clear up, Zhuge Heng throws a beehive into the courtroom (yes, really) and yells, “Rescue mission!” Then he grabs Gou Lingfeng and bolts.
Deng Yunfeng watches them escape and mutters: “That troublemaker… is the missing heir of the Jianmeng Sect.”
Cue the dramatic music.
Final Thoughts
Episode 1 sets the tone for a chaotic, action-packed journey full of misunderstandings, conspiracies, and a lovable underdog who just wants to be a hero. Gou Lingfeng might not look the part, but his fists—and heart—are in the right place. The world just hasn’t figured that out yet.
