Episode Summary
Zhuge Xun reveals his true colors, betraying his brother and nephew. Guei Lao helps Zhuge Heng defeat Zhuge Xun, but is haunted by the past. Gou Lingfeng and others are captured, but later rescued. Political intrigue deepens as Eunuch Deng arrives to clean up the Jianmeng Sect. Family secrets and the sect's future are questioned.
Spoiler Alert
"Hidden Master" Episode 17: Family Secrets and Sect Showdowns
Okay, things are really heating up in "Hidden Master"! This episode is packed with revelations, betrayals, and some serious martial arts action.
The episode kicks off with the mysterious "Guei Lao" (Ghost Man) getting wind of a potential showdown between the Zhuge father and son. He rushes to Gou Lingfeng, looking seriously worried. Gou Lingfeng is confused because his master usually hates the Jianmeng Sect (Sword Alliance), but this concern seems different. Guei Lao doesn't explain, but sneaks into the Gou Family Business and whispers something to Gou Yushu, who immediately heads to Huizhou City. Talk about cryptic!
Meanwhile, Zhuge Xun is escorting Zhuge Yu, but it's all a setup. He reveals his true colors, confessing his resentment over being a second son and his hatred for his brother turning the Jianmeng Sect into a business. Zhuge Yu, despite being powerless, stands tall and declares that Zhuge Heng is the true heir. Zhuge Xun then drops a bomb: he was the one who betrayed A Shun, leading to their death!
Just when things look dire, Zhuge Heng arrives, sword in hand! But he's no match for Zhuge Xun. That's when Guei Lao shows up with Gou Lingfeng and Ma Yingdan, and starts coaching Zhuge Heng on how to use the complete Yuehua Swordplay. Three moves later, Zhuge Xun is defeated. Guei Lao, staring at Zhuge Heng, sees a resemblance to his dead daughter, A Shun, and leaves, heartbroken and calling out her name. Cue the waterworks!
Zhuge Heng is about to finish off Zhuge Xun, but Zhuge Xun throws out "Shen Gui San," which turns internal energy into healing power but makes everyone else weak. Ma Yingdan is fine because she has no internal energy, but Gou Lingfeng and the others are stuck. Zhuge Xun and Zhuge Yu are kidnapped. Gou Yushu finds Zhuge Heng's place and mistakes Ling'er for his daughter-in-law, excitedly pressing her about wedding plans. Ling'er is more worried about Gou Lingfeng and the others, but Gou Yushu is more interested in Ma Yingdan. Awkward!
Linglong Princess hands over evidence of Zhuge Xun's crimes to Eunuch Deng, who recognizes her cunning. Deng Yunfeng is worried about Ma Yingdan, and Ling'er tells him everyone is missing. Back at the Jianmeng Sect, Zhuge Xun threatens Zhuge Heng to force Zhuge Yu to admit to working with the Demonic Sect to assassinate officials. Classic villain move!
Gou Lingfeng and his crew storm the Jianmeng Sect, and Ma Yingdan rescues Zhuge Heng. Deng Yunfeng accuses Zhuge Xun of imprisoning Wulin vigilantes. Zhuge Xun accuses Deng Yunfeng of working with the Demonic Sect to destroy the Jianmeng Sect. Then, Eunuch Deng and Wu Guangming show up and shut down the rebellion. Talk about a power move!
Zhuge Yu invites Eunuch Deng and Wu Guangming to the main hall. Eunuch Deng warns Wu Guangming to be careful, even with his sharp eyes, and says that the Jianghu has changed and the Wulin Vigilante Association needs to be cleaned up. Wu Guangming promises to get rid of the bad elements.
Eunuch Deng tells Zhuge Yu that the Jianmeng Sect's problems are more than they seem and that the Wulin Vigilante Association is involved. Zhuge Yu thanks them and promises that the Jianmeng Sect will work with the government and the Wulin Vigilante Association to protect the Jianghu.
Gou Yushu finds Guei Lao drunk near the restroom. Meanwhile, Zhuge Heng apologizes to his father. They reconcile, and Ma Yingdan wonders why the Jianmeng Sect wants to become a business. A question we're all asking!
