Original subtitles

♪Let this long river boil, forging new mountains and seas♪

♪Let the blade cut through the dust♪

♪At the end of the other shore, the long night finally pales♪

♪Only then is this oath not sworn in vain♪

♪Let the torrents drench me, frost and snow embrace me♪

♪My resolve has never wavered♪

♪Even after millennia, I'll cleave mountains asunder♪

♪I'll wait for the fog to clear, the dawn to break, and for you to come♪

♪Storms and turmoil rage♪

♪Turbulent waves surge♪

♪Trampling the dawn's light♪

♪Let us venture together♪

♪Let this long river boil, forging new mountains and seas♪

♪Let the blade cut through the dust♪

♪At the end of the other shore, the long night finally pales♪

♪Only then is this oath not sworn in vain♪

♪Let the torrents drench me, frost and snow embrace me♪

♪My resolve has never wavered♪

♪Even after millennia, I'll cleave mountains asunder♪

♪I'll wait for the fog to clear, the dawn to break, and for you to come♪

=The Journey of Legend=

=Episode 12=

They say the First Cave Demon resides in the forest ahead.

We'll find him as we search along the riverbank.

They say he lives in a cave like a rat. I wonder if it's true.

Why are you both so determined to join the Power Gang?

For glory. The martial world trembles at the Power Gang's name.

That's a bit shallow. My thought goes deeper.

First, to obtain fame and prestige,

we have to join the Power Gang, as it's so famous.

Second, our unique skills make us valuable assets to Power Gang.

I've even chosen my title.

The poisons up my sleeves are impossible to guard against.

Henceforth, I'll be known as the Poison Demon. Impressive, huh?

Impressive.

The Power Gang is infamous for its evil deeds.

Would you comply even if they ask you to kill innocent people?

- We didn't think about it. - We only want the prestige.

We never intended to do harm.

Listen, I'll scout ahead.

Stay vigilant. Don't alert anyone.

Alright.

We can't hurt innocent people.

- That's right. - That's unthinkable.

Young hero, help.

Help, young hero.

Let me down.

Qiushui.

Qiushui.

- Qiushui. - Zuoqiu, Yuhan, why are you here?

This is the gateway to Huanhua of Guangling.

Qiushui, I didn't get reinforcements from my family.

My father...

Had I not resisted, he'd have locked me up at home.

I've failed you.

Don't apologize.

Here you are, being on my side.

That's a true brother's act.

Qiushui, we heard about Feng Lang.

Don't be upset. We're here for you.

Qiushui, meet the sisters from the Qu family.

(Qu Mushuang, Qu Minmiao) Qu Mushuang and Qu Minmiao.

Greetings, Qiushui.

The Qu family stands ready for action.

Everyone in martial world heard you'll head to Guangling with Hero Token.

They joined us to contribute their strength.

We'll find Yiren and go to the Sword Retreat together.

Sounds good. Unity strengthens our chances.

That's right.

I hope Father is safe.

Don't worry. The Xiao family's Sword Retreat is impenetrable.

No enemy can breach its defenses.

We just have to go to the Xiao family's Guangling Villa as soon as possible.

By the way, Tang Fang was captured by the Power Gang.

- Lady Tang? - What?

Ahead lies Guangling, Sword King's territory.

Don't worry, Qiushui.

We'll definitely find your friend.

Guangling is not such a small place.

It's a bit challenging to find one person here.

The Sword King leads the Eight Kings. He's going to be a formidable opponent.

But have you heard of Qu Hanshan, Guangling's Pillar of Justice?

Why don't we ask him for help?

Qu Hanshan?

Father said that Master Qu's Forest of Justice

and Mr. Liang Dou's Platform of Reflection

epitomize martial world fairness.

I'm sure Master Qu will help us.

I'll approach Master Qu to see if he's willing to help.

If he agrees to help,

we don't have to worry about the rescue so much anymore.

Guangling Villa lies half a day's journey ahead.

Time is tight. Let's split up.

Please relay this piece of news to my brothers in Guangling Villa.

We need to work together to speed up progress.

Sword Retreat's defenses won't hold forever.

Let's get going. Qiushui, stay cautious.

Alright. Be careful.

Let's go.

(Forest of Justice)

How dare you accuse us of murder?

We demand justice.

How dare you accuse us of murder?

(Forest of Justice) Master Qu, do us justice.

Please do us justice.

State your case with reason.

Stop pointing fingers.

How dare you?

You started the Blood Blade Sect as a butcher.

Now you let your disciples kill people in my turf.

Master Qu won't tolerate this.

You're obviously provoking us.

Stop spouting nonsense and let Master Qu speak.

(Qu Hanshan, Guangling's Pillar of Justice)

Do you know why this is called the Forest of Justice?

It symbolizes ultimate fairness.

Whoever comes,

martial artists or commoners, noble or bankrupt,

receives equal judgment.

I shall never compromise impartiality for anything or anyone.

Master Qi, your disciples murdered people for no reason.

Deliver the killers to the victims' kin. Let them choose the punishment.

- Master Huo. - Yes.

Put an end to this

after the culprits are punished. No further disputes.

Otherwise, you'll plunge into endless bloodshed and vendetta.

If innocent lives are lost because of your dispute,

I will intervene for those victims.

Do you understand?

We defer to your judgment.

Alright. Martial sects should unite against injustice.

With Wastelanders outside and Power Gang here,

we must unite more than ever.

Today, you two shall take a vow.

Violators shall meet this fate.

You are truly the martial leader.

We heed your wisdom, Master Qu.

- We heed your wisdom. - We heed your wisdom.

Master Qu.

Master Qu, I'm from the Huanhua Sect's side branch.

I urgently seek your help.

No problem.

(Qu Residence)

Master.

This young man and I have matters to discuss. Don't disturb us.

- Yes. - This way.

Mr. Xiao, this way.

You claim affiliation with the Huanhua Sect's side branch

and that you came to seek help against the Power Gang's siege?

My friend was captured

by Power Gang's First Cave Demon and taken to Sword King.

I implore you to rally local heroes

for my friend's rescue as soon as possible.

I won't stand idle.

But why would the First Cave Demon take your friend?

As far as I know, the Power Gang never acts without purpose.

They're hunting the Xiao family's third son, Xiao Qiushui for rumors

of him carrying the Hero Token.

Why don't you tell me the truth, Qiushui?

Your father Xilou and I once had fun debating over swordsmanship.

Your resemblance to him proves your lineage.

Forgive my caution, Uncle Qu.

I should have been forthright.

It must have been a dangerous journey

from Huanhua Sect to Guangling. That's why you're cautious.

Or is it because of the Hero Token you carry?

You don't trust anyone, including me.

But it's understandable.

Uncle Qu, that's not it.

It's just that...

It's just that...

(Could he be...)

Truth is, about the Hero Token,

I am really ashamed.

Madam Wu entrusted it to me,

yet I failed to protect it.

What happened?

My friend was captured,

and I panicked.

I came to Guangling and ran into Song Mingzhu from the Power Gang.

I barely escaped her ruthless attack.

She snatched the Hero Token from me.

Uncle Qu, I sought help from all the sects I've come across,

but none dared oppose Power Gang.

Thus,

I implore you...

Qiushui, the Hero Token affects all martial circle.

Being snatched by criminals may cause serious damage. So I'll intervene.

But Uncle Qu, I don't know

where Song Mingzhu hid the Hero Token.

Don't worry.

Since I'm honored as Guangling's Pillar of Justice,

I'll surely locate Sword King and your friend.

I won't let Song Mingzhu

leave with the Hero Token.

Wait here while I dispatch searchers.

(Tang Fang was taken to Sword King, yet she showed up here.)

(Since Sword King and Liu Suifeng clash,)

(I'll exploit their rivalry.)

Song Mingzhu, you can't come and go in Guangling as you please.

You'd better surrender the Hero Token.

I don't understand.

Since I can't reason with you, let me see your master.

Long time no see.

Sword King, your insolence persists.

Why did you travel a great distance and sneak into my territory,

Master Liu?

(Qu Hanshan, Power Gang's Sword King) We're ordered to track the Hero Token.

Naturally, I'm here to pursue Xiao Qiushui.

Doesn't the Hero Token rest with you?

Is that what Xiao Qiushui told you?

I knew he'd lie about that.

Now you've known his cunning firsthand.

You're such a great schemer,

yet you failed to capture Xiao Qiushui.

Are you waiting for me to clean up your mess?

Worry about yourself, Sword King.

After two decades masquerading as a hero here,

you're about to be exposed.

I almost pity you, Sword King.

I've established myself here.

A brat like Xiao Qiushui hardly poses any threat to me.

He'd better be prepared for the consequences of his uninvited visit.

Farewell.

Qu Hanshan tracked us down so quickly.

Young Master, our whereabouts have been exposed.

What's our next move?

(So many guards are here. Something is fishy.)

Enemies cross paths.

You've improved considerably since we last met.

(Xiao Residence)

Yiren, what did Father say?

Father asked us to halt

the Marching Pill investigation and stop acting recklessly.

Otherwise, the Huanhua Sect will face calamity.

Face calamity?

Did Father truly say that?

This is his writing.

I don't doubt your word.

But Father always prioritizes the greater good.

It doesn't sound like what he would say.

Perhaps Father has his reasons.

His idea of the greater good differs from ours.

After all, protecting a sect requires more than mere passion.

Sometimes, adapting to circumstances and lying low isn't cowardice.

Let's suspend the investigation for now.

(Halt the Marching Pill investigation)

Yiren, something is wrong with this letter.

What is it?

Look at the ink.

Father always uses pine-soot ink made from jinsong.

But this letter uses common oil-soot ink.

Their scents are completely different.

You think this is a forgery?

That's right.

But it was delivered by our family carrier pigeons,

passing through all our communication posts.

If you're right, this means serious trouble.

Huanhua Sect might be in grave danger.

Young Master. Terrible news.

Mr. Qiushui's friends are at the gate,

saying the Sword Retreat is besieged by the Power Gang.

What?

How dare the Power Gang attack us?

So, all letters from Jin City

have been intercepted and replaced.

Yiren, the Power Gang dares to assault us.

We won't take this lying down.

Master Xiao says the Sword Retreat can hold briefly.

But the constant ambushes along the way

seriously delayed us.

We'll face tougher resistance as we rush to save them.

Yiren, we must act swiftly.

- Qin. - Here.

Mobilize all Huanhua forces in Guangling to reinforce the Sword Retreat.

Yes.

Kaiyan, Xueyu, you two stay.

Yiren, why?

The situation remains unclear in Jinzhong.

It's too dangerous for you to leave.

Stay here to coordinate and seek aid.

You're very considerate, but you should be the one who stays.

As acting Huanhua leader, your authority carries weight.

The sects in Guangling will more likely heed your call for aid.

Fair point.

- Lady Weng. - Lady Weng.

(Weng Yueying, Bishan Sect)

Have you also heard about our sect's siege, Lady Weng?

I understand your eagerness, but crisis demands composure.

Don't worry. Our leader has sent pleas to Shaolin and Wudang for help.

We appreciate it.

But those distant sects can't aid us fast enough.

You're Huanhua's pillar now. You must stay

and personally rally allies in Guangling to save those at the Sword Retreat.

You are right.

Then I'll have Uncle Kong lead the forces

toward Sword Retreat.

We'll join them after securing reinforcements.

Qiushui is seeking Qu Hanshan's help.

If they manage to rescue Tang Fang,

Qiushui will surely ask Master Qu to help

rescue those at Sword Retreat.

Master Qu upholds justice in the martial circle in Guangling.

If he convenes Guangling's heroes

for justice, the Huanhua Sect shall be saved.

Yiren.

Qiushui is reckless. I'm worried about him.

I'll visit Master Qu right away.

Yiren, let me come with you.

(Qu Residence)

Qiushui, my nephew, what a unique greeting you've arranged.

I'm not your nephew.

Even the Pillar of Justice kneels to the Power Gang.

Your reputation is nothing but a joke.

I stand for justice.

I'll expose your true nature to the world.

You have to survive the Sword King's attack first.

When the time comes, what can people do even if they find out?

I'm a fair person, and I don't want to give you youngsters a hard time.

Hand over what I want,

and you may leave unharmed with your friends.

You want the Hero Token.

I didn't know

you'd believe such baseless rumors.

How could the Hero Token possibly be on me?

If you don't believe me, search me then.

Master.

We have a visitor.

Let him wait.

(Liu Qianbian, Power Gang's Shadow Demon) He's an old acquaintance.

He barged past the gatekeeper.

They say you're practicing calligraphy. Is it a bad time?

Let's go.

You'll witness firsthand

how a righteous martial artist walks into a trap.

Master Qu.

(Gu Junshan, Divine Wanderer) Mr. Gu, forgive me

for not greeting you properly.

Have a seat.

It's urgent, so I skipped formalities.

Please forgive my abrupt visit.

Mr. Gu.

Is Mr. Kang also visiting?

He came two days earlier. No need for formality among friends.

Take a seat.

Very well.

Master Qu, have you heard the Wu Army suddenly appeared in Jinzhong?

Really? I haven't heard.

We heard that they rescued Madam Wu from Power Gang's ambush.

We rushed there and tracked down those Power Gang thugs.

Then we ended up in Guangling.

Are you saying that Power Gang members lurk in Guangling?

That's right. I've long been investigating the Power Gang.

I figured out that Sword King might be residing in Guangling.

Now that I'm led here,

I must stay cautious.

You should be careful, indeed.

Wu Army said that someone from the Xiao family escorted Madam Wu.

Mr. Kang, if I recall correctly, you're friends with Xilou, right?

You should be at Huanhua's annual Dragon Boat Festival.

How come you're in Guangling?

Unfortunately, obligations prevented me from visiting Xilou this year.

Had I known that the Huanhua Sect would rescue Madam Wu,

I'd have contributed my efforts.

Who's behind the screen?

A young guest with skin sores, too unsightly to appear.

Didn't you say Sword King might be in Guangling?

Yeah, I investigated the massacre of Guangling's prominent family

and found sword marks resembling Sword King's.

How can mere sword marks confirm the Sword King's involvement?

It's not just that. I also found white hair.

The killer might be an elderly swordsman by chance.

Everybody knows that Sword King possesses unique protective energy,

which is meant for dire crises.

Such energy expands meridians and whitens hair.

It's nothing like normal white hair.

Also, it happened that we found something nearby.

Take a look, Master Kang.

Is this yours?

Don't tell me it's another coincidence.

You got me wrong, Mr. Gu.

I have my jade pendant with me.

Senior, watch out.

Senior, Qu Hanshan is the Sword King.

You're the Sword King?

Mr. Gu, we've been friends for 20 years as the Great Three of Guangling.

I didn't want to hurt you.

But you came at a terrible time.

What's this stench?

Kang Chuyu, you're poisoned.

You'll die in an hour without the antidote.

(Tang Fang.)

Get going. Master Gu Junshan is holding off Sword King.

Xiao Qiushui.

You're Xiao Qiushui?

You're not Xiao Donghuo. You lied to us.

Forget about it. Get going.

Let's go.

Where are you going?

Let's kill them first.

Lady, I came up with this idea. Don't hurt my brother.

Kill me.

- Kill me. - Shut up.

Tie kidnapped you because of me. Kill me if you want, and let him go.

- Kill me. - Kill me.

- Stop arguing. - Kill me.

Tang Fang, they don't deserve death.

It's too dangerous here. Let's get out first.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Mr. Gu, why are you doing this?

Divine Wanderer Gu Junshan once shook the martial world.

It's a pity you'll perish here today.

Qu Hanshan, I was wrong about you.

Why...?

Why?

Everyone pursues three things in life: wealth, status, and followers.

Combined, they make power.

Power Gang offers all.

Shame we shared the title as the Great Three of Guangling.

Mr. Gu, why are you so pessimistic?

The Power Gang values talent.

Haven't you always hated the chaos in the martial circle?

Only the Power Gang can unite the martial circle.

Our leader Li Chenzhou appreciates talent.

If you join the Power Gang, we can dominate the world together.

Even if we have to do evil deeds?

Do you still think the Power Gang is just a mob of brutes?

Let me tell you. You're wrong.

Our leader pursues a great cause,

perhaps even greater than what the Emperor could achieve.

- If you join us... - I regret being your friend.

You want me to conspire with you? Not a chance!

Mr. Gu, you're so short-sighted.

The Sword King needs no sword

because he can turn anything into a sword.

Even his bare palms unleash sword energy.

I never thought I would learn something

from you before dying.

One last question.

Where's Du Yueshan, once our equal

among the Great Three?

Senior.

Why did you return?

Don't worry, senior.

I swear

I will protect you.

Alright.

Xiao Qiushui, surrender the Hero Token and join the Power Gang.

Glory and success will surely follow.

As a renowned swordsman,

how can you abandon justice for wild ambitions

and serve the Power Gang?

Even if I had the Hero Token,

I'd never give it to you.

Stubborn fool.

Then you shall die here.

Senior.

No.

Go.

Escape and expose

this Demon's secrets. Go!

Senior.

Go.

Let's go.

Xiao Qiushui, don't you run away.

Let me go.

Senior.

Go.

Go.

Xiao Qiushui.

Someone is here.

Dead end.

Xiao Qiushui.

How dare you trick me?

Go ahead.

Let's see how far you can get.

It's a dead end. What do we do now?

Fight our way out.

Even if just one escapes,

remember to expose Qu Hanshan's true nature.

Alright.

Try to stop me.

And you shall perish.

Come on.

Idiots.

- Qiu. - Tie, what are you doing?

- Qiu, are you okay? - You're crushing me!

Qiu.

Qiu.

- Are you alright? - I'm fine.

Did you bite my face?

It was an accident.

Where are we?

Listen, I hear flowing water nearby.

Since there's water,

there must be a way out.

Let's spread out and search.

Alright.

Let's head that way.

Qiu, easy now. We're okay.

This cave goes on forever.

We're okay.

What's inside?

Master, down in the cave...

Doesn't matter. They chose their doom.

I'm blessed by heaven.

Are you a human or a ghost?

Why does he look so familiar?

- Yeah. - Let's go.

- Let's go. - Don't go.

Is he dead or alive?

Wait.

♪As waterside blossoms wither♪

♪How brief this mortal journey goes♪

♪The bleak wind starts to blow♪

♪Like a mournful farewell ode♪

♪When zither breaks, who'll sing along♪

♪How deep does sorrow flow♪

♪Gazing at the moon beyond horizons♪

♪Let tears fall where maple leaves stay calm♪

♪Regret remains wordless♪

♪Broken spears sink in sand♪

♪Yesterday's like an elusive dream♪

♪So many moments♪

♪Turned to endless miles♪

♪Wild weeds overgrow what was home♪

♪Love, hatred, and debts unpaid♪

♪Grudges fall like rain♪

♪Endless regrets tangled like hemp♪

♪Missed chances at time's crossroads♪

♪This inescapable fate♪

♪A touch ripples the moonlit water♪

♪What remains♪

♪The broken sword wails, trapped in despair♪

♪This heart-piercing punishment♪

♪As waterside blossoms wither♪

♪How brief this mortal journey goes♪

♪The bleak wind starts to blow♪

♪Like a mournful farewell ode♪

♪When zither breaks, who'll sing along♪

♪How deep does sorrow flow♪

♪Gazing at the moon beyond horizons♪

♪Let tears fall where maple leaves stay calm♪

♪When zither breaks, who'll sing along♪

♪How deep does sorrow flow♪

♪Gazing at the moon beyond horizons♪

♪Let tears fall where maple leaves stay calm♪

♪As flowers fall, so does the heart♪