The Legend of Taotie Episode 28 Recap
> The Legend of Taotie Recap
Zhu Chengbi and Chang Qing arrived at an inn, where the owner had a rough and peculiar appearance: one eye was functional, while the other was a white, lifeless orb. Chang Qing inquired about the Floating Fish Inn, and the innkeeper feigned terror, claiming the place was overrun by beasts. He warned that everyone who went there for a meal never returned and became food for the monsters instead of enjoying fish soup.
Chang Qing felt a chill run down his spine, but Zhu Chengbi immediately saw through the lie. She pointed out that the innkeeper was simply jealous of the other inn’s thriving business and had spread these rumors out of spite. Chang Qing handed the innkeeper some money and decided to stay the night. That evening, Chang Qing asked Zhu Chengbi if her determination to go to Yaoguang Sea was truly just to taste the fish soup.
Zhu Chengbi nodded, explaining that after surviving the ordeal with Lord Wuchang, she needed to replenish her energy with some delicious food. She jokingly added that if the old innkeeper refused to provide them with a boat the next day, she would simply give him a beating. Seeing Zhu Chengbi return to her mischievous self, Chang Qing felt relieved. When morning came, Zhu Chengbi and Chang Qing headed to the riverside.
The weather was clear and sunny, the air crisp and refreshing. The beautiful scenery lifted their spirits. Along the way, they encountered Liu Zhongxian and his wife. Having only read about Liu Zhongxian in books, seeing him in person was a surreal experience—he exuded an ethereal and approachable demeanor. After exchanging greetings, the four parted ways. Seeing such a talented and beautiful couple left Chang Qing feeling envious. The river was so clear that one could see the bottom.
Zhu Chengbi and Chang Qing found a small boat to take them to the Floating Fish Inn. Since they hadn’t eaten breakfast, Chang Qing was feeling quite hungry. Zhu Chengbi reassured him that they’d soon enjoy fresh fish stew. As they admired the surrounding scenery, water suddenly began leaking into the boat. Chang Qing quickly used his hands to scoop out the water, while Zhu Chengbi inspected the damage.
Realizing the boat couldn’t be repaired quickly, she took Chang Qing and ascended into the sky, flying through the clouds to their destination. For the first time, Chang Qing experienced walking on clouds, free from Earth’s gravity, and marveled at the river scenery from above. When they arrived at the inn, they found that many others had come to try the fish soup, each seemingly with their own agenda.
Among the patrons was a self-proclaimed experienced Taoist who enthusiastically shared the story of the inn’s owner, Ji Hairu. The Taoist explained that Ji Hairu once had a close sister who tragically drowned in an accident. Heartbroken, Ji Hairu vowed to stay and guard the inn, never marrying. Decades passed, and she remained true to her promise, running the inn with a helper who served as a waiter. Over time, the business flourished.
Ji Hairu ordered her staff to start preparing fish, while the diners continued chatting. Suddenly, it began to rain. A woodsman arrived, claiming he had passed by while hunting. Zhu Chengbi, however, was immediately suspicious. What woodsman would venture into the mountains during rain and then come to the inn to taste fish soup, even paying a high price for it? She noticed he carried a weapon, clearly indicating he was in disguise.
The woodsman took out a few flower mushrooms from his basket, boasting about how rare and valuable they were, with incredible medicinal properties. Zhu Chengbi treated his claims as a joke but kept a close eye on him without revealing her suspicions. Outside, dark clouds rolled in, and the air was filled with a strong smell of the sea. Someone cried out, “A monster is coming!
” As a shadow moved beneath the water toward the inn’s railing, the patrons grew nervous and urged the Taoist to catch the monster. The Taoist made a show of hanging up talismans and wielding a peachwood sword, chanting spells over the river. However, after all his bustling efforts, no monster appeared. The Taoist quickly found an excuse, claiming the fish bait was not to the monster’s liking, and suggested the woodsman offer his mushrooms as bait.
The woodsman directly proposed a trade: he had his eye on Chang Qing’s large calligraphy brush. If Chang Qing agreed to exchange it, he would reveal the mushrooms’ value. Hoping to fulfill Zhu Chengbi’s wish to enjoy the fish soup, Chang Qing reluctantly agreed to the deal.
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