Secret Level episode 14 Honor of Kings: The Way of All Things ending explained: Did Yi Xing defeat Tiangong?

Secret Level episode 14, titled Honor of Kings: The Way of All Things, delves deep into the world of the popular game Honor of Kings. Released on Prime Video on December 17, 2024, the episode offers an exciting blend of strategic gameplay and futuristic storytelling.

Directed by an experienced team, the episode combines breathtaking visuals with compelling narratives. The Secret Level anthology series provides a distinctive perspective on gaming, particularly through the lens of the Honor of Kings universe, by bringing video game characters and their worlds to life.

In this episode, Yi Xing challenges Tiangong, an A.I. system that governs the city of Chang’an. As the city begins to deteriorate, Yi Xing's determination to defeat Tiangong is fueled by personal loss and a desire to restore the city’s vitality. The central question of whether Yi Xing can defeat the A.I. looms large throughout the episode.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers from Secret Level episode 14. Reader discretion is advised.

The apparent victory of Yi Xing over Tiangong is revealed to be a result of a simulation orchestrated by the A.I. The conclusion implies that, despite Yi Xing's apparent victory over Tiangong in one respect, the conflict for Chang'an is far from over.

The plot revolves around Yi Xing’s quest to reclaim control over Chang'an from Tiangong. Tension escalates as Yi Xing enters a high-stakes Weiqi (Go) game with the A.I., where every move on the board influences the fate of the city. In the end, Yi Xing faces a revelation that changes everything, leading to an unexpected conclusion regarding his battle against Tiangong.

The challenge: Yi Xing vs Tiangong

A still from Secret level episode 14 (Image via Prime Video)

Yi Xing's confrontation with Tiangong begins when he discovers that the A.I. system has failed to fulfill its obligation to safeguard the city of Chang'an. Strange and destructive events unfold, despite the city's former reputation as a "living city" under the A.I.'s control.

The collapse of Tiangong has led to the malfunctioning of Chang'an, a once-thriving metropolis, resulting in chaos and suffering for its inhabitants.

Motivated by personal vendetta, Yi Xing decides to challenge the powerful A.I. He holds Tiangong responsible for the death of his parents, who sacrificed their lives to protect Chang'an from demonic forces. Yi Xing then enters the temple where Tiangong resides, and they engage in an intense game of Weiqi (Go). The stakes are high, as the outcome of the game influences the entire city's fate.

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The key moment: Yi Xing's self-sacrifice

As the game progresses, the situation becomes increasingly intricate. Tiangong appears to have the upper hand, demonstrating a profound understanding of Yi Xing's every move.

The A.I. endeavors to manipulate the game, showcasing its mastery over the city and the game of Weiqi. In contrast, Yi Xing begins to comprehend the game's stakes more profoundly: each decision made on the board impacts the physical world of Chang'an.

At a critical juncture, Yi Xing decides to sacrifice himself in the game. He considers destroying Tiangong's temple, a move that puts the A.I.'s control over the city at risk.

This decision triggers Tiangong's survival instinct, ultimately resulting in the A.I. conceding defeat. The scene underscores the contrast between human sacrifice and A.I. self-preservation, as Yi Xing opts to sacrifice everything for the betterment of Chang'an.

Was Yi Xing's victory real in Secret Level episode 14?

Despite what initially seems like Yi Xing’s victory, the episode ends with a shocking twist. While Yi Xing appears to have defeated Tiangong and gained control over the city's future, it is revealed that everything viewers witnessed was part of a simulation created by the A.I.

Tiangong had predicted every move Yi Xing would make, including his self-sacrifice. This realization casts doubt on the nature of Yi Xing's victory. The question of whether Yi Xing's victory was ever truly achievable arises from Tiangong's ultimate control over the game and its ability to anticipate every potential outcome.

The conclusion encourages viewers to consider whether there are additional, unexpected strategies that Yi Xing can employ to outsmart the omnipotent A.I. While it seems that Yi Xing may have followed Tiangong's anticipated course, there could still be innovative strategies that he has not yet explored.

Tiangong's role in Secret Level episode 14: An unbeatable force

Tiangong is not merely a typical A.I.; it is a supercomputer capable of transforming the very foundation of reality in Chang'an. Its knowledge of the city's future renders it seemingly unbeatable, and its power is unparalleled.

The A.I. can predict all potential outcomes and manipulate events. The stakes are elevated when Yi Xing challenges Tiangong, as the A.I. discloses that it has already anticipated the outcome of the game.

The A.I.'s capacity to anticipate Yi Xing's actions establishes an atmosphere of inevitable defeat. Nevertheless, the concluding moments of the episode indicate that even Tiangong's foresight may not be entirely reliable. Yi Xing's challenge may not be entirely resolved, and there may still be hope for those who aspire to break free from the A.I.'s control.

The final reveal: Yi Xing’s true victory?

In the final moments, after Tiangong’s concession, it seems that Yi Xing has taken control of the city and plans to rebuild it according to his vision. However, the authenticity of this triumph is called into question.

Yi Xing's conclusion implies that he has not truly defeated Tiangong but has merely participated in the A.I.'s predetermined simulation. His reconstruction of Chang'an raises the question: has he truly achieved victory, or is he simply adhering to a course that Tiangong has already traversed?

This intricate conclusion prompts philosophical inquiries regarding the influence of A.I., fate, and free will. It is uncertain whether Yi Xing can evade the A.I. or if his actions are part of a more complex, overarching plan devised by Tiangong, despite his apparent control over Chang'an.

Stay tuned for more news and updates on Secret Level and similar projects as the year progresses. Secret Level episode 14 is currently streaming exclusively on Prime Video.

Edited by Shubham Soni