Original subtitles

♪Through dust and storms, I press on alone♪

♪Winds arise, sands stretch far and wide♪

♪Trials of the world test my resolve♪

♪Forged in fire, I chase the light beyond♪

♪Facing challenges, fate ever shifts♪

♪A journey through the wilderness of time♪

♪Fearless like armor, through thorns I grow♪

♪Breaking through darkness, my name will shine♪

♪Never in vain♪

♪Guarding my fleeting light, tempered to shine bright♪

♪Cherished past♪

♪A lifetime treasured, through a thousand waves we ride♪

♪To fight with fury, to love with passion♪

♪True to my faith♪

♪I greet the frost and the prize with pride♪

=Love and Sword=

(Adapted from Shen Cangmei's novel Sleeping Beside Yan Shao)

=Episode 2=

The two of you won't last long.

The cold energy inside your body is suppressing it.

You can only use this method to restrain the poison.

You've tried so many ways to save her,

risking your own life.

Does she even know?

I just hope she never finds out.

The martial world never lacks fools in love.

Finding the right person,

even if it means dying, so what?

But dying without knowing the truth

would be a real loss.

Everything has its counter.

I refuse to believe there's a poison in this world

without a cure.

As long as I'm here,

I'll keep drawing the poison for her.

Everything has its counter.

Are you talking about poison or people?

The poison in Miss Rong's body

isn't something accumulated overnight.

You mean...

Someone has been poisoning her all along?

Otherwise, the poison wouldn't have taken so long to act.

What's happening?

Come here!

Everyone, move!

- Hurry up! - Who are these people?

What's going on outside?

Let's go.

Why are you stopping us?

Wait, my legs are numb.

You two...

Why are you completely soaked?

I'm hot.

Who are you people?

Take them all over there.

Move!

Hurry up!

You too, move!

The Ghost Valley Sect is here.

Yeah.

What's wrong?

I think

if I were to die here

in the desert with you,

it might actually be kind of fun.

If it weren't for the smell of camels,

then...

Shut up.

Brothers in arms,

feasting across the lands.

Walking side by side.

May we meet again someday.

Chief.

You lit the fire

and signaled the move.

Since when did Ghost Valley Sect

have a feud with the merchant caravans?

It's just that the leader got a little paranoid.

So we have no choice but to search carefully.

Merchants passing through.

Seeking shelter from the sandstorm at the Immortal Spring.

I haven't seen any unfamiliar faces.

However...

You seem to have a fever.

Heatstroke and exhaustion.

Then drinking cold wine on top of that...

Your energy is weak.

I'm afraid your waist won't hold up.

You shouldn't force yourself.

This is my family's medicine.

One pill a day.

Stay away from alcohol.

You'll recover soon enough.

Merchants come and go through the desert.

We naturally appreciate the Ghost Valley Sect's protection.

Just a small token of gratitude.

All right, that's it for tonight.

Move out.

That was terrifying.

Many thanks to the Master Healer for saving us.

Thank you, Master Healer! Thank you!

That sister may look delicate,

but surviving in

a place like this,

she's remarkable.

She is indeed not an ordinary woman.

You know her?

I know many secrets.

Some secrets in the martial world can save lives.

Some can get you killed.

What about mine?

Do you know my secrets?

Tell me.

Your secrets...

I'll find out.

You're bluffing.

Beyond these mountains lie endless paths,

winds and storms ahead.

Take care.

Thank you, Senior, for your assistance.

I'm deeply grateful.

Miss,

come over here and have some fruit.

You already know,

once I intervene,

I will see it through to the end.

Once you find out what poison was used,

contact me.

I will seek the antidote.

Much appreciated.

If you ever need my help,

I am at your service.

(Tiangang) As expected.

If you weren't from Tiangang,

how could you have schemed so meticulously?

Thank you, Senior.

Miss Rong.

Senior.

The martial world is dangerous.

You must be extra cautious.

Take good care of yourself.

Senior.

Take care.

Come on, let's go.

Watch your step.

Aren't you leaving?

Where to?

The Ruthless Parlor.

Doesn't seem that heartless to me.

Why are we going there?

Have you

ever been there?

Do I seem reckless like you?

I always plan things out.

Leader.

They've headed towards the Ruthless Parlor.

Move out.

Let's go see what all the fuss is about.

(Ruthless Parlor)

(A hundred gold to buy a life, even the heartless have feelings)

Do they sell weapons here?

You just hang your sword like that?

This is the most rule-abiding place.

Though it's filled with the most lawless people.

I, Jin Buyao, Lord of the Ruthless Parlor, welcome.

(Jin Buyao, Lord of Ruthless Parlor)

I ask that you lay down your weapons

before entering the Ruthless Parlor.

So it's Yan Shao.

Your entrance fee has already been paid.

Please, enter the Ruthless Parlor.

We're together.

A hundred gold to buy a life,

even the heartless have feelings.

What does that mean?

Do I have to pay a hundred gold just to enter?

That's robbery.

Not at all.

A life is worth a thousand gold.

So this place

is a sanctuary for people in the martial world?

Follow the contract, and hang up the truce plaque.

Turn swords into peace.

That's the idea, right?

You're quite sharp, Miss.

So if I go in,

do I really have to pay a hundred gold?

You are exceptionally clever.

Fine. Then I'll just

be here and wait to die.

Someone will pay for you.

Jin Buyao.

This is Rong Shukuang from Yuchi Manor.

So you brought her here

to claim the bounty?

Huo Xiang. Chai Hu.

Please.

(Huo Xiang. Chai Hu.)

(Those names)

(sound soothing.)

Chinese motherwort mixed with pearl powder for a bath

can nourish the skin.

While peach blossom powder combined with black-bone chicken blood

can enhance the complexion.

More. I want more.

(Exactly.)

(This is how you truly live the martial world dream.)

(Looks like I made the right choice.)

I could stay here for a long time.

Miss, you're from Yuchi Manor?

Then, naturally, your things

are different from ours.

You sure know a lot.

What else do you know about Yuchi Manor?

Tell me.

Yuchi Manor?

It's the number one manor in the martial world.

From the Manor Lord down,

there are four divisions.

Each is ruled by the heads of Hai, Feng, Lu, and Song.

The four great hall masters.

Their businesses stretch far and wide.

They are wealthy beyond measure.

After you were taken by Ghost Valley Sect,

Yuchi Manor placed the reward

in Ruthless Parlor to secure your rescue.

That hero who brought you here

must have already collected the reward.

Miss, that tattoo on your body

is quite unique.

It's rare for a woman

to have such a tattoo.

A tattoo?

Where?

What is this?

A moth?

Does it still hurt?

No.

But, Master,

what does this tattoo mean?

Yan'er.

You'll understand when you grow up.

Swear to me,

no matter what happens in the future,

you must protect Fang Yi with your life.

Protect her for life

and keep her safe.

(Feng Ming)

Who injured Yan Shao so badly?

(Fei Wu) How could this happen?

With his skills,

how is this possible...

Did the letter to Yuchi Manor get delivered?

Yes.

I need a few days to recover my internal energy

before I can set out.

There's no need for you to stay.

Carry out my instructions.

Yes.

I'm not leaving.

I don't feel safe leaving you here alone.

A few days of rest will do.

Besides, this is the Ruthless Parlor.

There is no place

safer than this.

Your mission is just as important.

Are you really willing to make an enemy

of Ghost Valley Sect for a woman?

Do I need a reason

to oppose the Ghost Valley Sect?

(Ruthless Parlor)

(Each time you channel your energy to draw out the poison,)

(the damage to your body worsens.)

(Your martial strength will also weaken.)

(Can the poison be completely expelled?)

(It's unlikely.)

But at the very least, it can slow the effects.

She could last another three to five years.

That's good.

No matter what,

expelling even a little of the poison

gives her a better chance to survive.

But the poison will also seep into your bloodstream

and it could cost you your life.

Two people

bearing it together is better than her facing it alone.

We endure for as long as we can.

Why?

A promise.

To protect her for a lifetime.

(Ruthless Parlor)

Boss Jin.

Just go.

Where is Yan Shao?

Yan Shao?

Are you there, Yan Shao?

I know you saved me for the money.

But you've protected me all this way.

I am still grateful.

If you ever visit Yuchi Manor in the future,

I will repay you properly.

♪The night turns cold♪

The journey is long,

but farewell for now.

♪By the lakeside♪

Yan Shao...

At this moment,

I fear he is in no state to meet you.

Do not dwell on it.

You will meet again in due time.

There are many amusements in this parlor.

Why don't

let me show you around?

Come.

♪In this fleeting world, yearning remains♪

(Now that I've lost all my martial skills,)

(Yan Shao has taken the reward,)

(so I guess he won't bother with me anymore.)

(I need to find a way to protect myself.)

That's it. A bodyguard.

I need to hire a skilled fighter to protect me.

That one.

That fair-faced man.

They call him Wailing Phantom,

a notorious bandit.

Once he leaves Ruthless Parlor,

his head will be worth more than you.

That won't do either.

What about him?

Master Jiang Leiting.

Master Jiang.

A blade master from southwestern region.

But...

He's expensive?

A few years ago at the Martial Arts Assembly,

his junior was defeated by your blade

and unable to bear the shame,

so he took his own life.

Forget it.

Master Jiang is not an option.

What about that lady?

(Yu Linglong, Spirit Fox Sect) Yu Linglong, the Twin Autumn Swords

of the Spirit Fox Sect.

She also has ties to you.

She does?

She once publicly declared

her love for Yuchi Manor's Young Master Lin Shaoci.

Said he was hers to take.

But rumor has it

she's a notorious seductress.

Many young men have lost their innocence

at the hands of that devil.

What a playboy.

That's a girl.

What are you talking about?

Well...

Either way, she's bad news.

Definitely not an option.

This one looks good.

He looks capable. He'll do.

I have a job.

Are you interested, young hero?

You don't know who I am?

That doesn't matter.

If you escort me to my destination,

name your price.

I'm expensive. You can't afford me.

You've heard of Yuchi Manor, haven't you?

What are you getting at?

I am none other than Yuchi Manor's own warrior,

Rong Shukuang.

If you escort me to Yuchi Manor,

you will be handsomely rewarded.

What, are you being hunted?

Shen Zuitian of the Ghost Valley Sect

and his lackeys

have been chasing me relentlessly.

Well, hero.

Do you have the guts to take the job?

I heard

you took a hit from Shen Zuitian's Mystic Ice Jade Palm.

How does it feel?

Chills to the bone.

Sleepless nights.

Not pleasant at all.

That sounds about right.

It also messes with my head.

Sometimes, I lose control and do unexpected things.

That explains a lot.

I haven't asked. Who are you?

Ghost Valley Sect,

(Shen Zuitian, Leader of Ghost Valley Sect) Shen Zuitian.

Excuse me!

Rong Shukuang.

What happened to you?

You can't even walk straight?

You're a disgrace to Yuchi Manor.

H... Hey.

That's a bit harsh.

Leave some room for dignity.

We might meet again.

Sister Rong.

Seeing you safe and sound,

it's such a relief.

Don't worry.

Brother Shaoci told us

to keep you safe.

(Tang Yingluo, Tang Clan)

Rong Shukuang never cared for you.

Does she appreciate

your kindness?

I do.

When I see Brother Shaoci,

I'll make sure he thanks you properly.

Tang Yingluo.

I warned you.

Don't call him Brother Shaoci.

Some people have lost their prime

and faded with age.

They can't call the "brother" anymore,

yet they just won't give up.

- Ow... - So pathetic.

You wench!

Looking for a beating?

Who are you calling old?

Ow!

Stop!

Stop.

You two can argue all you want.

Just don't drag me into it.

Go on, keep at it!

Hey!

What do you want?

You already need a lesson?

Yan Shao!

Help!

Save me! Someone's going to die!

I asked Boss Jin to find me a bodyguard,

and guess what happened?

I ran into Shen Zuitian.

Then I bumped into two strange women.

I nearly drowned in their endless chatter.

The one with dual swords and a nasty temper,

that's Yu Linglong.

The other is Tang Yingluo, the Tang Clan's thirteenth lady.

She's skilled with poison.

They're both love rivals.

You'd better keep your guard up.

They said

they were here to protect me.

But something feels off.

They claim it's for your safety,

but they're really here for Lin Shaoci.

You don't matter to them.

I've already sent word.

People from Yuchi Manor will be here soon.

You'll have to go back eventually.

Why rush it?

(After all this time,)

(Yan Shao's knowledge,)

(martial skills, insight,)

(are all impressive.)

(Why should I look elsewhere?)

(I need help, and he needs money.)

(Isn't this the perfect solution?)

All right.

Smart thinking.

Fine, I'll be back to Yuchi Manor.

But,

you're coming with me.

Why should I go with you?

You're the only one I know.

It's not like I have many choices.

And I've lost my martial arts.

I can't survive the martial world on my own.

I need someone,

a personal bodyguard.

I've looked around outside.

None of them seem reliable.

You're the only option.

Barely trustworthy, but passable.

Relax.

I'll pay you.

Leaving Ruthless Parlor is dangerous.

You won't survive out there.

How much do you want?

You saw it yourself.

This is a life-risking job.

Two hundred a month.

Not a coin anymore.

Forget it. You're on your own.

Wait!

Name your price, hero.

I changed my mind.

I'm not taking this job.

No, wait!

Shen Zuitian is in Ruthless Parlor right now.

Are you just going to let him take me out?

Ruthless Parlor has its rules.

He won't touch you here.

You can just wait for Yuchi Manor

to fetch you.

No way.

Even if I return,

Yuchi Manor isn't entirely safe either.

Hero,

after all we've been through,

risking our lives together,

don't we share a deep bond?

Do I look like I share a bond with you?

Fine.

Heartless and ruthless.

You win.

Coming at night, clearly unfriendly.

Show yourself.

In Ruthless Parlor, there are no enemies or friends.

Why the need to meet?

Do you think my room is open to everyone?

Barging in uninvited?

Meeting someone unclothed would be improper.

Would you allow me to put on some clothes first?

Bare honesty reflects true sincerity.

We're all people of the martial world, so no need for formalities.

With such fair skin,

why are you acting like a woman?

Barging into a man's room while he bathes,

does that make you a hero?

Leader Shen, impressive skills.

But it seems Yan Shao has the upper hand.

To receive your praise,

what an honor.

Are we really going to waste the night

exchanging such meaningless pleasantries?

Leader Shen, have you come tonight

to uncover the identity of the one

who rescued Rong Shukuang?

Sharp as ever.

I'm just in it for the money.

You don't expect me to believe that, do you?

What if I say it's for the person?

Rong Shukuang does have a certain charm.

Heroes think alike.

To win a woman's heart,

you must first place her in danger,

and then be the one to save her.

If it were really about her,

you wouldn't have brought her here.

You'd have taken her far away instead.

I changed my mind.

Is that a crime?

The name Yan Shao

didn't just appear in the martial world without reason.

I suspect

you're using Rong Shukuang

to get close to Yuchi Manor.

Targeting Yuchi Manor

means targeting its treasure.

Since that's the case,

why not join forces with me?

We could storm Yuchi Manor,

take the key to the treasure,

and split the spoils.

Wouldn't that

be better?

I'm not fond of sharing.

Women, wealth...

I prefer to keep them to myself.

Being an ally of Ghost Valley Sect

is far better than being its enemy.

Yan Shao,

think it over.

If you ask me,

you've never seen him wield that staff.

It's like a work of art.

I'll drink to that.

When will we

get a chance to see it in action?

What are you looking at?

Look.

If he catches me,

the next meal for that dog will be my flesh.

To Shen Zuitian,

Lie is more than just a dog.

Does it matter?

Isn't my life

more important right now?

Fine, I get it.

You don't care whether I live or die.

Beg me.

Maybe if I'm in a good mood,

I'll take your job offer.

Keep dreaming.

Young Master Lin, this way.

Young Master Lin is here?

Is it really him?

Young Master Lin!

(Lin Shaoci, Yuchi Manor) Let's go take a look.

All right.

Young Master Lin.

This gentleman has quite an extraordinary presence.

Could he be

the young master of Yuchi Manor himself,

Lin Shaoci?

Young Master Lin

is a true gentleman.

Among the younger generation of martial families,

he's considered a role model.

Admired by all,

I suppose it's no surprise.

You seem quite familiar with him.

Yuchi Manor has been famous for years.

Everyone knows of it.

Looks like my cover won't be easy to maintain.

Aren't you going down to greet him?

He already rejected my marriage proposal.

If I rush over to him now,

wouldn't that just make me look desperate?

Fair point.

By the way, Brother Shaoci,

look!

♪Spinning through my heart, my dreams, the endless Jianghu♪

♪A fateful turn, where love and hearts collide♪

♪Ah, such a blissful tide♪

♪A journey long, yet life is but one ride♪

♪Blades in chaos, the world in turmoil, tangled ties♪

♪A fleeting warmth to shield me from the ice♪

♪Ah, as spring awakens love's delight♪

♪One single glance, my heart takes flight♪

♪I've heard tales of love and vengeance, left forgotten in the tide♪

♪And whispers of desert stars and rain, where love at first sight fades to cries♪

♪But I don't know, I don't know, how long this moment will abide♪

♪Yet here and now, for this one soul, I stand beside♪

♪I understand, love and longing, how much truth, how many lies♪

♪Yet my swift blade cannot sever, cannot sever these endless ties♪

♪I have known, the lonely journeys, wandering years without goodbyes♪

♪Yet this moment stirs the ache inside♪

♪One turn through this dream of Jianghu, one heartbeat lost in time♪

♪No dream compares to a fateful meeting so divine♪

♪Love needs no hero, only a foolish mind♪

♪Trapped in Jianghu's ruthless tides, once, let me defy♪

♪A single touch, a fleeting smile, is enough to shake the sky♪

♪Stirring the stillness, where the winds rise high♪

♪Though fate may part our paths, we walk the same road♪

♪A crescent moon, a crimson glow, a love untold♪

♪Like passing winds, like aching souls, never to meet once more♪

♪Then what is fate even for♪

♪Just once, to fall into your arms, not lost, nor torn, nor bound to strife♪

♪Amidst the storm of masters' might, hidden deep, a love so bright♪

♪Standing apart from all the fight, only one embrace so right♪

♪A dream of Jianghu's light♪

♪One turn through this dream of Jianghu, one heartbeat lost in time♪

♪No dream compares to a fateful meeting so divine♪

♪Love needs no hero, only a foolish mind♪

♪Trapped in Jianghu's ruthless tides, once, let me defy♪

♪A single touch, a fleeting smile, is enough to shake the sky♪

♪Stirring the stillness, where the winds rise high♪