Original subtitles

[A Forbidden Marriage]

[Episode 18]

Those who join my sect must abide by its rules.

Respect the teacher who passes on knowledge...

Be mindful of the kindness that nurtures your growth.

Speak with respect...

What's wrong?

Scoot over a bit

so I can sit down.

Aren't there chairs over there?

Go sit over there.

I want to be closer to you

so I can listen to your lecture better.

One must be firm in one's principles

and honest when handling money.

Cultivate virtue for greater blessings.

Study classics for a solid foundation.

Broaden horizons for profound discourse.

Care for orphans and widows, respect the elderly, and nurture the young.

Though wise, remain humble.

Benefits are only temporary...

Wake up.

I've highlighted

these key points for you.

Review them carefully later.

They appear frequently on exams.

Mr. Yang, this rulebook is too thick.

I can't possibly memorize it all.

Please help me think of a solution.

Just listening definitely isn't enough.

You need to write it down to deepen your memory.

How long will it take to write all of this?

Write.

Stay humble and open-minded,

modest yet diligent.

Never be arrogant about your talents

or boastful of your virtues.

Stay humble and open-minded,

modest yet diligent.

Never be arrogant about your talents...

Arrogant about your talents!

Mr. Yang, why are these characters so difficult to write?

My hand is getting sore.

Stay humble and open-minded,

modest yet diligent.

♪ Hey, I can't recall when it began ♪

Never be arrogant about your talents

♪ You suddenly broke into my heart ♪

or boastful of your virtues.

♪ Counting stars on the rooftop ♪

Modest yet diligent.

♪ Even the wind carried your breath ♪

Never be arrogant about your talents...

♪ Hey, I want to write it in my diary ♪

♪ The sweet little moments we share ♪

or boastful of your virtues.

♪ Even through time and space ♪

Modest yet diligent.

♪ I'll find you and fall for you ♪

Never be arrogant about your talents...

♪ Passing the bright moon, crossing creekside halls ♪

♪ Two cups of wine are just right ♪

Why are you staring at me?

♪ Asking how deep love runs in the world ♪

Eyes on the book.

♪ Till the last day of my life ♪

These boring rules are nowhere near as pleasant to look at as you are.

Yang Wangyue!

♪ Since I met you ♪

♪ My world's been full of moonlit gleam ♪

♪ In every life ♪

♪ I never wish to part from you ♪

♪ Since I met you ♪

♪ I've been so close to happiness ♪

♪ Every minute ♪

♪ I want to be with you ♪

[Ximo Hall]

♪ Since the day I met you ♪

♪ My world's been full of moonlit gleam ♪

♪ As time slips quietly away ♪

♪ My love for you grows day by day ♪

♪ Since I met you ♪

♪ I've only wished the long nights to be peaceful ♪

♪ No matter how the seasons change ♪

♪ You are the meaning of my life ♪

I've memorized all the sect rules.

Wangyue!

-Hello, Mr. Yang. -Hello, Mr. Yang.

You two go ahead.

We'll go in first.

Mr. Yang.

I have something for you.

A good luck charm for your exam.

Take it with you and do well on your test.

I'll definitely do my best.

Thank you, Mr. Yang.

Go ahead.

Everyone,

at Yunmen, we have always valued discipline,

which is why we take our rule examinations seriously.

Cheating will not be tolerated in today's exam.

If discovered,

one will be immediately expelled.

The exam begins.

Time's up.

Elder Shen!

Miss Lu, what's wrong?

I suspect that someone brought a cheat sheet with them.

-A cheat sheet? -How brazen.

Miss Lu, speak carefully.

Lu Xuanxuan, why are you looking at me?

Elder Shen,

earlier, when I was outside,

I noticed Yang Wangyue kept looking down,

with a suspicious smile on her face.

I suspect that she was using a cheat sheet.

Lu Xuanxuan,

don't make false accusations.

I spent several nights

memorizing the sect rules.

Whether you did or didn't,

just show us what you have.

Just because you say so, I should comply?

This is Yunmen's examination,

not your Biluo Valley's.

You're meddling too much.

This is indeed Yunmen's examination,

but since the guest herbalist

has raised a suspicion,

Wangyue, you might as well show us what you have there

to prove your innocence.

Elder Shen, I didn't do anything.

So many eyes are watching me.

Just because she tells me to, I should take something out?

What if she accused me of murder?

Would I have to prove how I killed someone?

Why doesn't she prove how I supposedly did it?

Senior Wangyue is right.

Whoever makes the accusation should provide evidence.

Why should the accused have to prove their innocence?

Yang Wangyue,

your word isn't worth much.

You've done plenty of shady things before.

Enough talk.

Yang Wangyue, hand over what you have.

Miss Lu, are you talking about this?

Not this one.

Let me look again.

Elder Shen, look!

What is this?

She really has it.

What nerve.

Yeah, to think she would be this kind of person.

You're lying.

That's not mine.

The evidence is right here.

Are you still trying to deny it?

This is indeed the exam content.

Yang Wangyue, you actually dared to cheat.

I was wondering why you were so certain.

Turns out you've set a trap

for me to fall into.

Lu Xuanxuan,

looks like you've prepared well this time.

You've even imitated

my handwriting quite well, for instance.

But unfortunately for you,

you still don't know me well enough.

I never use Wujiang ink

because it gives me rashes on my hands.

That's why I always collect Five-Soul Grass

from the back mountain, grind it up, and mix it in

so that I don't break out in rashes.

Get to the point.

Elder Shen, please smell this.

Doesn't it have the scent of Five-Soul Grass?

Indeed, it does smell of Five-Soul Grass.

Elder Shen, look.

There were no rashes before.

If I had smuggled this scroll into

the exam hall from the beginning,

I would've broken out in rashes long ago.

But the rashes have only appeared just now,

which means...

This scroll was

placed near you just now.

Elder Shen, you're perceptive.

I can also testify!

Everything she said is true.

I was outside monitoring the exam the entire time.

Yang Wangyue was writing by herself the entire time,

with no violations whatsoever.

I... I was just expressing my doubts.

It's best that Miss Yang prove herself.

Isn't this...

a satisfactory outcome for everyone?

In that case,

let's end the exam now

and check the results.

Fellow disciples,

15 of you have passed the exam.

I'll read the names

of those who've passed.

First place:

Su Ming.

Congratulations.

-Congratulations. -Congratulations.

Second place:

Yang Wangyue.

Wangyue, you got second place!

Third place:

Jiang Yu.

Congratulations, Jiang Yu.

-Well done! -That's great!

[Tianyu Palace]

Greetings, Chief.

Chief,

I heard that you released Murong Xuan.

Yes.

Why?

Why did you let him go?

In the past, whenever we hall masters were bullied,

you always stepped in and upheld justice for us.

I released him because I wanted to.

Why so many questions?

Chief, what's gotten into you?

Are you under Yao Fu's spell again?

Have you forgotten that Yue was almost killed by her?

Have you forgotten that our sect was defeated

and left in ruins just a few months ago?

If that's the case,

why even bother reviving the sect?

Wouldn't it be better to just let it be destroyed?

You think I don't know

that you were the one who picked the fight first?

Everyone in our Shengyue Sect

has always been a troublemaker.

In the past, you may not have protected us,

but at least you let us do as we pleased.

And now?

Can't you even tell who your own people are anymore, Chief?

Lingyin, don't go too far.

I'm going too far?

Chief, for Yao Fu's sake,

you've abandoned our sect's rules,

yet you say I'm going too far?

Guards!

Take Lingyin away,

punish her with 30 strokes,

and make sure she learns the proper way to speak to me.

-Yes, Chief! -Yes, Chief!

Don't you dare touch me!

I've long had enough of this place.

The Water Hall Master? I don't care!

[Yunmen]

Miss Lu, you've gathered us all here,

saying Chief Lu has matters to discuss.

What are the matters?

News of Yuan Yingxing rebuilding the Shengyue Sect

has been spreading like wildfire throughout the martial world lately.

After hearing this news, my father has been restless.

He feels guilty for not killing Yuan Yingxing,

allowing this demon to threaten the martial world.

On behalf of my father,

I apologize to all of you.

Your sect has already lost many disciples

in the attempt to kill that demon.

No one will blame you for this matter.

Thank you all for your understanding.

The Shengyue Sect is on its last legs

and hasn't truly harmed the martial world in recent times.

Perhaps our sect doesn't need to be sworn enemies with them.

I disagree.

As the saying goes,

"Even a fallen giant casts a long shadow."

Among all the heretical sects in the martial world,

only the Shengyue Sect has earned

the title of the "Demonic Sect,"

who could stand alone against our four major sects

in the Central Plains.

Yuan Yingxing's martial arts skills are formidable,

and he is ruthless.

We of Biluo Valley believe

that the Shengyue Sect must be eliminated.

If you wish to eliminate the Shengyue Sect,

why didn't Chief Lu come himself?

Previously, in order to capture Yuan Yingxing,

we set an extensive trap in the valley,

but Yuan Yingxing destroyed three of our branch halls,

leaving us severely weakened.

Your sect is severely weakened,

but aren't the other sects in the same situation?

Our four major sects may have many disciples,

but we cannot

endlessly sacrifice them to the Shengyue Sect.

We all need to rest and recover

to prepare for unforeseen dangers.

The Shengyue Sect is the greatest danger!

Compared to that danger,

our four major sects have lost disciples in battles,

our strength has been depleted, and our legacy is at risk.

Each of those concerns outweighs one Yuan Yingxing.

Are we just going to

let the Shengyue Sect rise again?

Respected elders,

what do you think?

Qing.

That's enough.

Miss Lu,

regarding the matter of hunting down Yuan Yingxing,

we need to consider it carefully.

I believe,

Miss Lu, you should pay more attention to

your own sect's affairs.

You've been with our sect for quite some time now.

It's time for you to return to Biluo Valley.

You can't stay here forever,

attempting to interfere in our internal affairs.

Like

today's examination.

I was just about to report this matter to you, Sect Leader.

Today, Miss Lu

accused one of our disciples of cheating,

but that wasn't the case.

After my investigation,

it was actually Miss Lu who orchestrated the whole affair,

framing our disciple.

The evidence is conclusive.

Well...

Is this how you treat your guests?

Several of you elders are ganging up

to bully a young girl like me.

We always address issues, not people.

Miss Lu, if you're

dissatisfied with my investigation,

we can verify each point one by one.

No need.

Here in Yunmen,

you hold sway over everything anyway.

In our sect,

of course, we have the final say.

Miss Lu, you'd better understand

your place here.

Miss Lu,

please tell Chief Lu for me

that regarding the hunt for Yuan Yingxing,

we'll discuss it some other time.

We won't keep you any longer.

Yes.

Yue, you have to stand up for me.

[Deyue Hotel]

The Chief is completely bewitched by that woman,

putting her before his hall master.

Really?

Indeed.

Miss Lin?

Miss Lin, it really is you!

I heard your voice as soon as I came in.

How have you been lately, Miss Lin?

I'm so glad to see an old friend.

I've come to seek refuge with you all.

Miss Lin,

did you receive

the letters I wrote to you?

I've been waiting for your reply all this time.

It's just...

Enough, enough.

Don't bring that up.

Some letters you wrote.

Yue, let me tell you

what he wrote in his letters.

In his letters, he wrote about things like

what color mushrooms he saw today,

about

how big the fish he saw in the river were,

or about

seeing a group of snakes or something like that.

Well, Jiang Yan,

is this how you write letters to girls?

We girls aren't interested in the color of mushrooms,

the size of fish,

or whether snakes travel in groups.

So, you aren't interested in these things.

I thought these things were interesting

and that you would like them.

How could any girl be interested in such...

Other girls

might not like such things,

but I'm different.

I'm very interested in

what you wrote.

So interested

that I wanted to come see for myself.

Could you take me to see

all the things you wrote about in your letters?

Of course, of course!

As long as you're interested,

I'm happy to show you anytime!

Really?

Really.

That's wonderful.

Alright, alright.

Jiang Yan,

what brings you here?

Look at me, I got so excited

that I forgot the important matter.

Junior Yang,

Mr. Yang is looking for you.

You should go see him right away.

[Yunmen]

Yang Qing, what's so urgent?

You don't seem like yourself today.

What's wrong?

Maybe...

maybe I didn't sleep well.

I've been thinking about stealing the Sun Blade,

but I can't tell you about it.

Really?

Or is there something

you don't want to tell me again?

There is.

How's that matter you promised me going?

I've brought it up with the Sect Leader many times.

He's about to agree.

Just give me a little more time.

I'll facilitate the reconciliation as soon as possible.

Why is Sect Leader Feng so stubborn?

I don't know what he's holding onto.

Yuan Yingxing is getting impatient.

I know Yuan Yingxing is anxious,

but the Sect Leader must consider not only our sect

but also the entire martial world,

so naturally, he's more cautious.

Wangyue, give me a little more time,

okay?

I can wait,

but can others?

Fine, I'll wait for you.

Okay,

I'll walk you back first.

I'd better do it myself.

No, no, no.

I can't betray Yang Qing's trust.

But if I don't do it,

what if Yao Fu bewitches Yuan Yingxing again?

There are still so many members in that dungeon.

I am the Saintess.

I must protect them.

Yang Qing, you can understand me, right?

[Langhuan Pavilion]

Senior Su!

Junior Yang, what brings you here?

I heard it's your first day on duty,

so I came to see you.

That's so nice of you.

The senior who was supposed to be on duty with me called in sick,

so I'm here all alone.

I'm still getting used to it.

Thankfully, you're here now.

So, it's just you today?

Yeah.

That's perfect.

I mean,

since you're alone,

I can keep you company.

Junior Yang,

you're being a bit too forward.

Senior, I have a wish.

Could you help me with it?

Junior Yang, just say it.

If it's within my power,

I'll definitely help you fulfill it.

Senior,

I...

I want to go inside the Langhuan Pavilion

to broaden my horizons.

Junior Yang, that might not be possible.

Elder Wang specifically instructed me

that if I fail in my guard duty,

I'll be expelled from the sect.

Senior Su, you know

I come from a humble background,

and everyone always mocks me for being unsophisticated.

I just want to see

what is inside the Langhuan Pavilion.

Just one glance.

I won't cause any trouble.

Please let me in.

But...

How about this?

Your martial arts skills are better than mine,

so you take me inside.

Junior Yang,

if the Elders or the Sect Leader find out,

we're done for.

If you don't tell and I don't tell,

no one will know.

But...

No more buts. Let's go.

Hold on!

Mr. Yang, what a coincidence.

Why are you here?

I heard it's Senior Su's first day on duty,

so I came to check on him.

Is that so?

Of course, it's true.

If you don't believe me, ask him.

Mr. Yang,

Junior Yang did come to check on me.

Senior Su,

since Mr. Yang is here to check on you,

I'll take my leave now.

Why are you in such a good mood today

to play chess with me here?

I'll speak plainly

and not beat around the bush.

Senior Wang, today I'd like to talk with you

about negotiating peace with the Shengyue Sect.

I have more contact with the Sect Leader,

and as you know,

he's not someone who enjoys bloodshed.

The repeated conflicts with the Shengyue Sect

have weakened us all.

Peace talks would benefit everyone.

I've discussed it with him several times,

and he's not opposed to it.

He's just constrained by...

Senior, I hope you'll prioritize the greater good.

I, Yang Qing, would be deeply grateful.

You're overestimating me, Junior Yang.

My support is of little weight.

Thank you.

Junior Wang,

you also believe that the Shengyue Sect still has a conscience,

and we can negotiate peace with them?

Indeed.

I had contact with Yuan Yingxing's father in my early years.

The former Chief Yuan was actually

a noble visionary.

He just wasn't good at raising his son

and, unfortunately, died too early,

which caused chaos within the Shengyue Sect.

Yuan Yingxing quelled internal strife at such a young age,

so naturally, he's no ordinary soul,

but he became increasingly extreme,

which led to a deadlock in our relationship.

I object.

After peace is made,

our martial world and the Shengyue Sect would no longer be divided,

and we could share in an era of prosperity?

Foolishness.

Actually, Yuan Yingxing also wishes to make peace.

After reconciliation,

if we establish a treaty to bind them,

the martial world will see far fewer conflicts.

Qing, we understand what you're saying,

but it's useless for just our sect to understand.

This path to reconciliation

can be initiated by Biluo Valley, the Cangtong Sect,

or even the Qingcheng Sect,

but absolutely not by our sect.

Exactly.

Don't forget, the Moon Blade has become the Shengyue Sect's token,

and we still don't know its whereabouts.

We have too many grievances with them.

It's precisely because of the Moon Blade

that we should reconcile with the Shengyue Sect.

This way, we can find the Moon Blade faster,

reunite the Sun and Moon Blades,

and finally resolve the issue of the Alliance Leader's Token

being incomplete for so many years.

If someone

demands to see the token again,

like Chief Lu did last time,

we may not be fortunate enough

to get away with it again.

I think Junior Yang's proposal makes sense.

Until we find the Moon Blade,

the Alliance Leader's Token will remain incomplete,

and we'll never have peace.

This matter is of great importance.

Qing,

no matter how highly I regard you,

I cannot make a decision based solely on just a few words from you

without careful consideration.

The matter of peace negotiations

needs thorough deliberation

to find a better opportunity.

Yes, Sect Leader.

By the way,

the new disciples have been here for quite some time now.

They should go down the mountain for training.

Okay.

Right, they should gain some experience.

Then...

which one of you will lead the team this time?

It should be my turn to lead this time.

As it happens, villagers from Yunyin Village came seeking help,

saying their village has been haunted these past few days.

I believe it's just someone pretending to be a ghost.

I'll take the disciples there for training.

Good.

Let's do that,

but you must ensure our disciples' safety.

Yes, Sect Leader.

[Ximo Hall]

Have you guys heard

that training outside the sect is scheduled for three days from now?

What? Three days from now?

This time,

Elder Shen will lead us.

Then...

I thought that after dealing with Su Ming,

I could enter Langhuan Pavilion.

Why do I have to leave again now?

The elders shook their heads when they saw you.

You want to join the training this time?

You'll need another six months on the plum blossom stakes!

Senior Su!

Junior Yang.

Senior Su, are you going on

this training trip?

Mr. Yang has assigned me another task,

so I won't be going this time.

What task did he assign to you?

I don't know either.

Let's go.

We should go practice martial arts now.

-Okay. -Okay.

Let's go.

Why do you keep avoiding me?

Junior Yang, please conduct yourself properly.

Why all this talk about training?

Do you just not want me to stay here?

I wasn't aware

that you'd suddenly become

so fond of Yunmen,

wanting to stay here as my junior disciple forever

and refusing to even leave the mountain.

You know that's not what I meant.

I just...

don't want to be apart from you.

I finally passed the test

and could have a few peaceful days.

W-Why are you sending me away again?

Is it really me you can't part with,

or is there something else here

that you're eager to obtain?

I...

How could that be? Of course not.

Listen,

you need to prepare quickly.

You also need to be quick.

Okay.

Alright.

Training outside the sect is Yunmen's tradition.

It'll only be a few days anyway.

Why aren't you leading us?

I led the team last year.

This year, it's Elder Shen's turn.

I'll miss you.

Can't you come with us?

I need to go to Biluo Valley.

Why do you need to go to

such a cursed place as Biluo Valley?

To investigate some matters.

Anyway,

during your training outside,

behave yourself.

Be good

and wait for me to return.

Got it.

[If not for this arrangement,

I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to resist stealing the Sun Blade.]

[And when that happens, how will we face the consequences?]

[Wangyue, don't let me down.]

[Yunyin Village]

Mr. Shen,

this is Yunyin Village.

That's right.

The villagers here have sought our help.

Mr. Shen,

how long has it been since anyone lived here?

There's dust everywhere, and no one's been cleaning.

Since they're asking for help,

something unjust must have happened here.

Jiang Yan, Jiang Yu,

take all the disciples and knock on every door.

-Yes! -Yes!

Is anyone home?

Hello? Anyone?

What's going on?

I don't know.

There's nobody here, Senior.

What's happening here?

Let's keep looking.

Alright, Senior.

How is there not a single person here?

Anyone there?

No one.

Is anybody home?

Weird.

Did you find anyone over there?

Not a single person.

Same here.

Where could everyone have gone?

Mr. Shen,

we've searched the whole way

and found nothing.

This place was never bustling,

but whenever we passed by before,

there was always smoke rising from the chimneys.

How come there's not a single person now?

The village shows no signs of fighting,

yet there's no sign of life either.

Yes, it is strange indeed.

Wangyue.

The sect rules stipulate

that we, fellow disciples, must not bully others when outside.

Besides, there's nobody in this courtyard.

What are you doing?

If this were truly an abandoned village,

the houses wouldn't have their doors and windows tightly shut,

but rather broken windows and missing doors—

nothing left.

The villagers are still here.

They've asked for our help,

yet they won't receive us.

Where's the sense in such deception?

-Yeah. -That's right.

You...

You...

You...

You...

what do you want?

Mr. Shen.

There really is someone here.

Ma'am, we're disciples of Yunmen.

We heard that in the village...

I don't care who you are.

You need to leave...

leave right now.

Ma'am, please don't be afraid.

We're here to help you.

We heard that someone from the village asked us for help.

No, no,

I've never heard of Yunmen before.

I've never heard of it before.

How could you not have heard of it?

Your village sits right at the foot of the mountain, beneath our sect.

Ma'am,

has someone threatened you?

We can help you.

Our village isn't what it used to be.

There is nothing left here.

Please leave now.

Wait, what's going on here?

Are they possessed or something?

Yue!

No wonder Granny wouldn't take you in.

See?

You're still as reckless as before.

Unlike our Mr. Jiang, who's refined and courteous

with his sweet words.

Lin Yin, why are you here?

Granny, they're all my friends.

Don't worry.

The curse won't harm them.

Please let them stay.

Miss Lin.

Miss Lin, since you've spoken,

I can rest easy.

Mr. Jiang, it's been a long time.

Who are you?

Mr. Shen, this is Miss Lin.

She's not a bad person.

Elder Shen.

Miss Lin is not a bad person.

You are...

What? You know me?

Come to think of it,

whether you know me or not,

you've been staring at me so intently

since we first met.

You're making me nervous.

Mr. Jiang,

look at your elder!

Well, Mr. Shen,

when we were in Qinglai City,

we were poisoned by the Shengyue Sect's Ghost Scent.

It was all thanks to Miss Lin, who saved us with the antidote.

Miss Lin and Miss Yang are old acquaintances.

She may seem... straightforward,

but she has a kind heart.

Elder Shen, Lin...

Yin seems to have some connection with Yunyin Village.

Perhaps she can help us with our training.

Since you're an old acquaintance of Junior Yang

and have taken such good care of our fellow disciples,

not to mention being a savior to the people of Yunyin Village,

I must apologize to you, young lady,

and hope for your forgiveness.

It's fine.

Yin,

have you noticed anything unusual lately?

If I told you that this village is cursed,

would you believe me?

Cursed?

I've been here for several days now.

From my observation,

this village is very strange,

making one stay vigilant.

I heard

that just over half a month ago, this village

was thriving with men farming and women weaving—

nothing like the ghostly state it's in now.

In just half a month,

this once-flourishing village

has turned into this?

Yes, just half a month.

Miss Lin,

this is a serious matter.

Please tell us in detail

what exactly happened.

Granny said

that the village chief's son, Qiang, went hunting in the mountains,

hunted a mountain fiend, and provoked a mountain ghost.

That was more than half a month ago.

How could there be some mountain ghost?

-Qiang, I just… -Out all day and found nothing!

Qiang.

Did something just pass by?

I think I saw a shadow over there.

Maybe we should...

we should go back.

Coward.

We agreed to catch the mountain fiend together.

If you're scared,

go back by yourself.

No. I really saw a shadow.

Why is there nothing?

There's something.

Mountain ghost! Mountain ghost!

Yunmen?

Why did that mountain ghost tell them to find our sect?

At that time, no one

took the mountain ghost's words seriously.

The young people in the village refused to bow to superstition

and went up the mountain to investigate.

Five days later,

some of them died, while others went mad.

They even went to your sect for help at that time.

Who would've thought

that half a month passed,

and none of you showed up?

So the so-called curse

had already spread unchecked.

Many young people in the village have died.

The villagers hate us because of that,

so they kept driving us away this morning?

It's like the house has already burned down

by the time the firefighters get there.

Understandably,

they should be quite angry.

If you ask me,

this has nothing to do with your sect.

Saving people is a kindness,

not an obligation.

Besides, the villagers

aren't unreasonable people.

The key is that this village is just too strange.

Not only the young people who went up the mountain,

but also the elderly, the weak, and the disabled who didn't go

have fallen seriously ill.

The villagers went mad

upon hearing some flute music...

Could this flute music be similar

to the one played by Yuan Ying... the Demon Yuan,

which can injure people's internal organs?

That's impossible.

Others heard it too.

Miss Lin, do you really believe there's a curse?

Well...

I have no choice but to believe it,

given how many people have fallen ill here.

Except for me, of course.

Then I must ask, Miss Lin,

why do the people of Yunyin Village think

we will surely die?

Isn't it obvious?

Naturally, the mountain ghost appeared in their dreams and told them.

They all say

that at the foot of Yunmen's mountain lies Yunyin Village,

hated by men and despised by spirits,

and that no one who enters ever returns.

Nonsense!

What mountain ghost and no return?

It's nothing more than someone

playing the ghost to rob and kill people.

Every scheme is targeting our sect.

Those who know would say we're being framed,

but those who don't

would say our sect

doesn't deserve its position as the Alliance Leader,

unable even to protect the people living at the foot of our mountain.

Elder Shen, don't be angry.

Leave this small matter to us to investigate.

Investigate. We must investigate.

Using these fabricated supernatural tales

to slander our sect.

This is outrageous!

I don't believe

a single word about this curse.

Mr. Shen!

Jiang Yu?

Senior Qin was fetching water in the mountains,

and when he returned, he was foaming at the mouth

and unconscious.

What?

Junior Jiang!

Quickly find a room to lay her down.

I'll examine her.

Hurry.

Okay.

Miss Lin, can Junior Jiang and Junior Qin

still be saved?

It really is a curse?

Miss Lin,

have you found anything?

Let me put it this way.

In the southwest, there's a strange kind of insect.

If accidentally ingested,

it can cause confusion,

madness, and stupor.

At worst,

mere contact can be fatal.

Your disciples weren't so lucky.

They've run into those poisonous insects.

What kind of insect could be so deadly?

Why have I never seen it before?

This kind of harmful, poisonous insect

lives in colonies and is extremely tiny,

resembling powder,

and is called the rove beetle.

Elder Shen, since you haven't seen them,

you can count yourself lucky.

However...

I cannot cure this insect's poison.

Aren't you skilled at treating poisons?

If it were just poison,

I might be able to treat it,

but these rove beetles...

First, you need to find out

where you encountered them.

Only then can we find the queen beetle.

Because the queen will constantly produce male beetles,

usually near where the rove beetles gather.

Only by finding the queen

can we make an antidote.

But now,

you don't even know

where you encountered these beetles,

so how can you possibly find the queen?

That's true.

So my advice to you:

just give up

and forget about it.

No wonder

Mingyang and I recently searched the entire village

but found nothing.

Turns out it was these

small poisonous beetles that pick on the weak.

I wonder who your sect has offended

that someone would use rove beetles

against you.

It's quite a ruthless move.

Excuse me, I'll be going now.

She's just leaving like that?

Miss Lin. Miss Lin.

Miss Lin, thank you.

Elder Shen, what are you doing?

Elder Shen,

why are you doing this?

I was kindly helping you.

Instead of thanking me,

why are you sealing my acupoints?

Mr. Shen, is there some misunderstanding?

Kindly helping us?

Bah.

Lingyin, the Demonic Healer.

Your Shengyue Sect is truly ruthless.

Jiang Yan may be ignorant,

but do you think I'm equally clueless?

The rove beetles are from your sect's Mount Yin.

How did they end up at the foot of Yunmen's mountain?

Not only do you harm our fellow disciples,

but you also try to ruin our reputation.

And all that talk about

your Shengyue Sect seeking peace with the Central Plains' martial world

was just a facade.

Tell me,

what sinister scheme are you plotting?

Jiang Yan!

Stay away from her.

Be careful not to fall for this demoness's tricks.

Mr. Shen, could you be mistaken?

The Demonic Healer Lingyin is supposed to be an old woman,

yet Miss Lin is so young and beautiful.

And she doesn't look like some old woman who would devour children

to preserve her youth and prolong her life.

Lin Yin, Mr. Shen is wrong,

isn't he?

Elder Shen, this is all a misunderstanding.

A misunderstanding?

Let go of Lingyin!