The ongoing wuxia Chinese drama Dashing Youth, starring Neo Hou and He Yu in the lead roles, released its first set of episodes on July 19, 2024. As seen in the official trailer, the drama tells the heroic story of a group of young men who fight to prove their worth. Episode one focuses on the introduction of the character Baili Dongjun (Neo Hou).
In this episode, Beili’s history is revealed. The narrator reveals that the story takes place in the fifteenth year of the Taihe era. About fifteen years ago, Beili captured Beique and Western Chu and brought them under its rule. While the remainders of Beique moved to the North to rebuild their country, the Western Chu became a part of Beili.
Two of the noble families rose to power: the Yan family of the Xinan circuit and the Gu family. After the death of the Gu family’s head, the Yan family has been wanting to seek a marriage alliance with Gu Jianmen, the second young master of the family.
Dashing Youth episode 1 spoilers
Gu Jianmen stands still in his palace when he receives instruction from the Fifth Master, who orders him not to go against the Yan family. He recalls the time a fortune teller read his fate and told him that he would fail in achieving his goals. But he is not a person who believes in fate. Gu Jianmen understands that Yan’s family wants to use the marriage alliance to swallow his family. He picks up his sword, ready to draw the blood of the enemies.
Meanwhile, Baili Dongjun sits at Donggui Tavern of Chaisang City on a lazy day. He is sad that no customer has been visiting his place. He regrets his decision to leave his city to move to such an unlucky place. To top it off, the residents of the town also look quite strange. Sikong Changfeng works as a waiter at the tavern. His train of thoughts is interrupted as an army of soldiers arrives at his doorstep.
The episode shows Neo Hou as a mischievous young man
Yan Bietian, the master of the Yan family, leads the group. Dongjun impresses him with his knowledge of various types of liquors. Yan Bietian invites him to return to Tianqi, but Dongjun mentions that his family would not allow him to return. A brawl breaks out between Yan Bietian and Sikong Changfeng. While Yan’s carriage gets ready to leave, Yan Liuli catches Dongjun’s eyes.
Changfeng informs him that they have accidentally involved themselves in the fight between Yan and Gu families. Dongjun decides to visit the Gu mansion. When they arrive at the venue, the sky suddenly turns dark, and a ghost-like entity appears in front of the mansion.
The entity introduces itself as a representative of the organization Dark River. They are a feared presence in the world of martial arts. He offers an alliance with Gu Jianmen and promises to help him avenge the death of his brother.
What happens in Dashing Youth episode 1’s ending?
When Jianmen turns down his offer, a terrible fight breaks out between them. The assassin asks Jianmen why he wanted to fight him when he had no intention of cooperating. Jianmen wanted him to use his dreadful move on him and kill him.
Astonished by his answer, the assassin finally introduces himself as Su Muyu. He promises to wait for Jianmen at Qingsong Inn for seven if he changes his mind.
After returning to their tavern, Dongjun is viciously attacked by the shopkeepers. Changfeng successfully shields him. It is evident that they have been using disguises to keep an eye on them. He can recognize one of the attackers who belongs to the Yan family.
Dashing Youth is available to stream throughout the week on Youku.
