The Legend of Taotie Episode 34 Recap
> The Legend of Taotie Recap
The Golden-Winged Bird returned. Zhu Chengbi noticed that a chef in the military camp was preparing noodles for Yao Pengju, as it was customary for a prisoner to have a full meal before execution. Zhu Chengbi instructed Cui Yan to summon Chang Qing, as she had devised a way to stabilize the soldiers' morale. After Zhao Heng was released from confinement, he immediately went to see Yao Pengju.
The poison wine personally bestowed by the emperor had already been brought to the cell. Zhao Heng stopped Yao Pengju from drinking it, urging him to consider the critical situation. The military camp could not function without its commander during such a dire time. Zhao Heng declared that he was willing to sacrifice himself to protect the safety of Wu Xia and decided to take the risk of freeing Yao Pengju.
As a commander, Yao Pengju could not accept being falsely accused and dying in prison over freeing a bird. He set aside the poison wine and personally took command to oversee the army. With reinforcements yet to arrive, the camp was running low on supplies. Zhu Chengbi personally cooked, using the last of the provisions to prepare a meal reminiscent of the soldiers' hometowns.
The soldiers, many of whom had not been home in years, were deeply moved when they were served steaming bowls of hand-rolled noodles. Some were brought to tears, saying the taste reminded them of home and family. The meal immediately restored morale. Quietly, the soldiers vowed to fight harder, win the battle, and return home as soon as possible. Leading the soldiers himself, Yao Pengju advanced to the front lines.
In the camp, Chang Qing asked Zhu Chengbi if she had figured out a way to save the Golden-Winged Bird and whether she planned to open the Heaven’s Seal. Zhu Chengbi was surprised by Chang Qing’s knowledge of the method to heal the bird. However, she insisted that the Heaven’s Seal must not be opened under any circumstances, as it would lead to disastrous consequences.
Zhao Heng received reports from the front lines, learning that the Northern Di had stationed numerous archers, putting the Wu Xia army on the brink of annihilation. He rushed to Zhu Chengbi’s tent, pleading with her to intervene immediately. As a Taotie, Zhu Chengbi was forbidden from interfering in mortal affairs, a rule she had adhered to for centuries. However, with everyone begging her for help, she could not stand idly by.
Zhu Chengbi finally took action, driving the Northern Di rebels away. The situation temporarily stabilized, but when the surviving soldiers returned with news, it was revealed that Yao Pengju had sacrificed himself in battle. The entire camp was filled with sorrow. Zhu Chengbi handed over Yao Pengju’s entrusted sword to the deputy commander, urging everyone to endure the hardships and strive to defeat the Northern Di as soon as possible.
She then attempted to transfer her life essence to heal the Golden-Winged Bird. However, Bai Ze, disguised as Chang Qing, appeared by her side. Trusting him completely, Zhu Chengbi was caught off guard when Bai Ze suddenly stabbed her in the chest with a dagger. Bai Ze tried to extract the Qilin blood from Zhu Chengbi’s body, but she refused.
The blood was entrusted to her by Master Lianxin, and Zhu Chengbi vowed to protect Wu Xia and prevent the Lianxin Pagoda from being implicated. In her weakened state, Zhu Chengbi was taken back to the palace by Zhao Heng to recover from her injuries. As she regained consciousness midway, she immediately asked about Chang Qing’s whereabouts.
Upon learning that Chang Qing had taken Yuan and Xu Ruoxu to the Northern Di to retrieve the antidote, Zhu Chengbi grew anxious and wanted to help him despite her condition. Zhao Heng stopped her, reasoning that Chang Qing must have his own plans, especially since he left while she was still too weak to intervene.
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