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 22=

The Fire King has fallen.

Li Chenzhou, Liu Suifeng, I'll give you some credit.

What a pity. It's all too late.

The martial world is in chaos.

We're all settled in the North Wasteland.

I have everything under control.

Your plans may be perfect,

but you'll never guess why I'm always one step ahead.

(Liang Residence)

- Qiushui. - Qiushui, you're back.

You just...

You've restored your martial skills?

- Qiushui. - Are you alright?

Keep punching me like that and I won't be alright.

Yuhan.

His meridians are healed and his internal energy has even increased.

This is great.

Buys,

thank you for caring for me.

I have returned from the dead.

Alright.

Where is Master Dayin now?

(Harmony and fortune) Master Liang, Master Dayin.

Thank you for your help.

I'm fully recovered now.

Mr. Xiao, have your meridians recovered?

They seem fine, but please check them, Master.

Congratulations, Mr. Xiao.

Your new meridians are more robust and connected than before,

containing tremendous internal energy.

Seems you've been through a lot after receiving my treatment.

Master Dayin, my internal energy came from the Supreme Elixir.

Shao Liulei force-fed me the elixir,

which surprisingly boosted my internal energy.

Qiushui, you took the Supreme Elixir?

No wonder your internal energy felt immense.

What an extraordinary encounter. Where's Shao Liulei now?

He's dead.

Three people obtained the Supreme Elixir.

Yan Kuangtu, Shao Liulei, and me.

The Power Gang is not the only one coveting it.

Even Heavenly King Zhu has been looking for it.

Even Heavenly King Zhu is involved?

A great turmoil is approaching.

Wudang and Shaolin will clash fiercely with Power Gang.

Power Gang will stop at nothing to dominate the martial world.

They've committed endless crimes.

I believe the day will come

when righteous martial artists will eradicate them.

Qiushui, you've gained internal energy, but your swordplay needs refinement.

Bide your time for revenge.

Don't worry, Master Liang. I agree with you.

Mr. Xiao, our meeting was fated since you saved me.

I'd like to leave you

my Breath-Returning Technique.

It will help you better control your internal energy.

(Breath-Returning Technique)

Thank you, Master Dayin.

Alright.

Since Qiushui is back, let's celebrate tonight.

I appreciate it, Master Liang, but there's no need

to celebrate.

I killed Kang Chuyu in person.

Guys, we've finally avenged Tang Rou.

At last, Tang Rou can rest in peace, Qiushui.

Justice for Tang Rou is served.

I only regret not contributing more.

By the way, I found this on Kang Chuyu.

I suspect he's related to the Power Gang. Look into this.

Consider it done.

Stay cautious.

Mr. Xiao, something perplexes me.

I've been to the Sword Retreat. It was impregnable.

How was it breached?

What happened? Did you discover the truth?

Power Gang besieged us.

We could've held Sword Retreat's defenses,

but Qiu, who had always been loyal, suddenly betrayed us.

He poisoned our water supply, cutting off our resources.

Staying meant death.

So my parents

sacrificed themselves for us to survive.

They told us,

"Fight with all your might to escape."

"Stay alive at all costs."

But when we returned,

Sword Retreat had fallen.

I couldn't find my parents' bodies.

My sister erected a cenotaph.

Qiu's betrayal puzzles me too.

Years ago, I visited Xilou at Xiao Residence.

Qiu hosted me.

He was ascetic and had no family to be threatened with.

Why would he betray you?

I heard Power Gang uses Better-Dead Pills

to torture people beyond endurance.

That's how they forced righteous martial artists to serve them

and established themselves in the martial world.

Better-Dead Pills... Forced betrayal...

Master Liang, Master Dayin,

what you said could be what happened

to Qiu back then.

Let's verify it right now.

Alright.

(Qiu Yuan's grave) Be careful. Hold your breath.

So it's this thing.

This is the Ghost King's corpse beetle.

This beetle must contain the Better-Dead Pill.

That's right. These beetles carry the poison into the victims' blood.

Power Gang controls the beetles to inflict torment.

The victims have to beg them for life

or death.

We must gather all the sects right now.

Otherwise, they'll be taken down one by one.

Power Gang's mind-control method is truly terrifying.

Who knows how many more will suffer this fate?

Qiushui, don't worry. The Xiao family's matters are mine too.

Master Dayin and I will help you.

Qiushui, rest assured.

Liu Suifeng has the Power Gang, but you have us.

Alright.

(Exemplary Virtue)

(Breath-Returning Technique)

♪May I borrow the firefly's fleeting light♪

♪To witness heaven and earth and all living souls♪

♪May I borrow winter's bone-chilling frost♪

♪To warm springs yet to come♪

♪When rumors fade♪

♪Destroying fearful spirits♪

♪Leaving withered leaves falling♪

♪If the endless night prevails♪

♪I'll tear through the darkness♪

♪With a flickering flame, lighting a lone lantern♪

♪Using my flesh as a pawn, I enter this tangled game♪

♪And get trapped♪

♪In the storm, may you see a sliver of light♪

♪Though the path is tough♪

♪Though you're alone♪

♪You have no regrets, and follow your heart♪

♪Fear not life's hardships or fate's turbulence♪

♪Cast aside life and death♪

♪If endless darkness lies ahead♪

♪I will light the way♪

♪To mayflies burning bright♪

♪To ants defying scale♪

♪When mists clear, we'll drink beneath sunset♪

Mr. Qiushui, your letters to Lady Tang were returned.

♪For warmer days ahead♪

(To Tang Fang)

(Xiao Residence)

(Huanhua Sect)

- Yiren. - Xueyu.

You've been working too hard lately.

I made you some calming herbal soup.

Thank you.

Rebuilding Huanhua requires substantial resources.

Renovations, weapon forging, recruiting followers...

These matters can't be rushed.

Our savings are nearly depleted. Kaiyan and I are raising funds.

But the deficit remains too large.

Even our former allies in Jin City have abandoned us.

We need new approaches to restore the Xiao family.

We'll figure something out as long as we work together.

Let's talk about something else.

Why are you still awake so late?

I slept briefly but woke from a dream.

Are you also troubled?

Yiren.

Do you know what I dreamed?

I dreamed of my childhood.

I lived with my birth parents

in a spacious courtyard,

flying kites with my brother.

It was such a lovely scene.

Indeed.

You were separated from them young.

But ever since you came, we've treated you as family.

Yeah, I've always felt welcome here.

Father, Mother, you, Kaiyan, and Qiushui...

We shared everything as a happy family.

But since the tragedy,

everyone has become restless.

You and Qiushui both.

But I believe, no matter what,

we're always family.

We should stay united.

You're right.

I didn't mean to quarrel with him.

But I endured humiliation when I reopened our sect.

Yet he accused me of exploiting our legacy.

He spoke rashly in the heat of the moment.

Please calm your anger.

Families fight, don't they?

We always work things out.

Soon I'll gather Kaiyan and Qiushui

for a meal together.

Enough.

Our priority is reviving the sect.

I'm too busy seeking aid from distant sects

to fight with him.

Besides, he's a grown-up now.

He should think about his next move.

Eagle Flute. Corpse beetle.

Power Gang.

Qiushui.

Qiushui.

Something on your mind?

You couldn't tell?

His face says it all. "Tang Fang, why are you ignoring me?"

"Tang Fang, are you still mad at me?"

"When will you finally agree to see me?"

Stop the nonsense. I just want to clear things up.

Any progress on the Eagle Flute investigation?

- We're on it. - Just a few more days.

You only brought one booze?

This is a premium wine. It's for sharing.

Qiushui first.

Sounds good.

- Not bad. Here. - I'll take the second sip.

Isn't it my turn?

(Huanhua Sect)

They said they'd pay the rent at the Si hour.

Now it's past noon, and none showed up.

The Tang Sect is holding an ancestral worship ceremony.

All our guests went there to observe it.

What?

They usually hold that rite mid-month.

Why are they doing it today?

They picked this very day?

They snatched our lands and stole our guests.

I can't stand their constant provocations.

(Tang Sect)

- Bottoms up. - Keep the cups full.

- Sit. - Bottoms up.

Welcome, Mr. Xiao.

We brothers came uninvited, unaware of your grand ceremony today.

Our apologies.

No problem.

We have so many guests today.

It's my fault that I forgot to send you invitations.

Please forgive me.

This is to Master Xiao.

No need.

Since you're having a great time, let me ask you something.

You usually hold the worship rites in the middle of the month.

Why are you suddenly celebrating today?

I'm just following orders.

I have no idea how the elders decided on this date.

Tang Sect never preferred grand gatherings.

Yet now, you host lavishly and invite all these guests.

Is this what your leader decided?

Or did you knowingly host this gathering to obstruct

our fundraising banquet?

Mr. Xiao, are you accusing me?

I didn't know you were raising funds today.

Even if I did it on purpose, would you dare make trouble?

You...

Alright, we'll make you pay for this.

By the way, you're struggling to sustain yourselves.

From now on, we will take over

the disciples studying under you.

Kids.

Bow farewell to your Uncle Xiao.

Farewell, Uncle.

- You took all our disciples? - Ungrateful wretches.

We want no ties with the Xiao family.

Your family's finished. You can't even keep a few disciples.

Times change. People follow the strong.

Xiao Yiren, stop trying to intimidate anyone.

It only makes you look ridiculous.

- You... - They can't even keep their disciples.

What a disgrace.

You're humiliating yourselves.

You rented my family's lands

and received our help, yet you're humiliating us now.

The lands don't belong to you anymore.

Stop clinging to past favors. It's pathetic.

Steward Nangong?

Mr. Nangong is right.

Our training grounds are leased from the Nangong family.

We have no connection to you now.

You've purchased all those scattered lands I sold?

That's right, the Nangong family and Tang Sect have joined forces.

We'll run the martial world in Jin City from now on.

You'd better wake up from your dreams.

Yeah, stop dreaming.

Go home now.

(Tang Sect)

When we were

matching powers with the Tang Sect,

they saw us as rivals.

Now that we're vulnerable,

they colluded with Nangong to take our disciples and lands.

Aren't they clearly aiming to take everything we have?

We know what to expect from them.

But the Nangong family surprised me with their betrayal.

Tang Song is despicable,

but he's right about how time has changed.

Nangong sought our support to establish influence

in Jin City back then.

But now, we need their help.

But they have clung to the Tang Sect.

They don't value us anymore.

They practice the same type of skills. Two of a trade never agree.

Perhaps, they are not as united as they appear to be.

Besides, we have worked with the Nangong family.

If I swallow my pride and collaborate with them,

promising to fulfill their ambitions, they might reconsider their stance.

There's no time to waste. Head home and wait.

(Nangong Residence)

(I told you to behave.)

How dare you dodge it? On your knees.

Kneel properly.

Kneel or die.

Stop dodging. Die.

And you.

(Nangong Wushang) Master Xiao.

Mr. Nangong.

I'll cut straight to the point.

I came hoping your family

could honor our longstanding friendship and help revive the Huanhua Sect.

Once we regain our strength,

I promise that every person in Jin City

who knows the Xiao family will revere the Nangong family.

I'm flattered, Mr. Xiao.

You're the only true martial artist in your family.

Meanwhile, the Tang Sect thrives with numerous talents.

Why should we ally with your declining clan?

The Tang Sect may appear strong now, but their loyalty can't be guaranteed.

Their strength might bring you trouble someday.

But our families share decades of camaraderie.

Aren't we more reliable than some outsiders?

By that logic, we are no kin to you, either.

How can you guarantee

that your family is trustworthy?

Wushang's concerns are valid.

- Mr. Nangong. - Han.

There is a solution.

If the Xiao family shows sufficient sincerity,

we could strengthen ties through marriage.

Xiaoyi already treats you people as her own.

(Nangong Han) Let Xueyu marry into our family.

Xueyu?

This won't work. Marriage is a lifelong commitment.

It should be based on mutual affection.

How can we make it a bargaining chip?

You expect our help when you can't even

offer this meager gesture of sincerity?

My sister shouldn't bear this responsibility.

Fine, you refuse to cement our alliance through marriage?

Then hand over your sword manuals.

We'll keep them.

Then we'll help you.

The Huanhua Swordplay?

No way.

That's our secret technique.

How can I entrust the lifeblood of Huanhua Sect to others?

Nothing works for you.

Do you expect us to beg you for collaboration?

I came here with genuine intent.

I never expected such hostility.

Then we have nothing more to discuss. Farewell.

Very well. Farewell.

The moment you step out,

you have one more enemy other than the Power Gang and Tang Sect.

Mark my words.

The Xiao family will vanish from the martial world.

The Huanhua Sect's century-old legacy will perish at your hands.

This was your choice.

♪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 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♪

(Though I've absorbed most of)

(the Supreme Elixir,)

(it's hard to apply the energy)

(to the swordplay.)

(Your father told me)

(to fully impart the true skills)

(to you).

Mother, Father wants you to teach me the Heavenly Swordplay?

The Heavenly Swordplay is our most profound martial art.

Even your father only grasped its basics.

All the Xiao descendants memorize the swordplay mental principles,

but proper training requires the right circumstances.

(Channel energy through Lingquan to Taiyuan. Keep Danzhong clear.)

What are you doing?

Xueyu hasn't even met Nangong Wushang.

(Huanhua Sect) Nangong Wushang is unworthy.

Yiren, even if you want to arrange Xueyu's marriage,

you should find her someone better.

You think I want this?

They're overwhelming.

I intended to reject it, but they went even further

and asked for the Huanhua Swordplay manual.

Why is the Nangong family being so aggressive?

Yiren, we've watched Xueyu grow up.

We can't do this to her, no matter what.

Right now, we have no choice but to rely on the Nangong family.

But they won't help until they get what they want.

We either become in-laws or enemies. What else can I do?

Everything I do is for the Huanhua Sect and our family.

(Huanhua Sect)

(Melody of the Rain)

(I didn't know you were raising funds today.)

Even if I did it on purpose, would you dare make trouble?

Our training grounds are leased from the Nangong family.

We have no connection to you now.

Mark my words.

The Xiao family will vanish from the martial world.

The Huanhua Sect's century-old legacy will perish at your hands.

(This was your choice.)

Yiren, I know you're hurting and want to drink.

But Huanhua needs you.

Why are you still here?

The Xiao family doesn't deserve you as allies now.

Follow your father and brother to work with the Tang Sect.

I've heard about what happened.

My family has let you down.

I've sent a letter, severing ties with them.

What?

You...

Martial artists should prioritize righteousness.

How can we take advantage of others' misfortune?

Yeah, I once believed that righteousness came first.

But in fact, profit and power

rule supreme.

I swear I will reclaim everything my family has lost

and make those lowlives regret what they've done.

Miss, bad news. The Nangongs are here.

- Brother. - Don't call me that.

Didn't you want to cut ties with us?

From now on, you're no longer part of the Nangong family.

Never set foot in our manor again.

Mr. Nangong, Xiaoyi has nothing to do with this.

(Huanhua Swordplay)

(Huanhua Swordplay)

The Huanhua Swordplay?

You...

You're too incompetent

to even protect your swordplay manual.

Those former disciples of yours obtained it so easily.

Those lowlives stabbed the Xiao family in the back?

If this manual gets out

and everyone practices the swordplay,

what purpose does the Huanhua Sect serve?

I don't know how you obtained it,

but you would have publicized it if you had wanted to.

Therefore, I believe you came here for a reason.

You're really smart, Xueyu.

You want to force her into marriage?

"Force" her?

The Xiao family stole my sister, so they must

make up for our losses.

Mr. Nangong, do you have to drive us into the corner?

Xiao Yiren, I'll give you a chance.

Make Xueyu marry me, and this manual will be my betrothal gift.

Otherwise...

Otherwise what?

You have five days to decide.

If you don't answer in five days,

we will make sure the Xiao family no longer exists in Jin City.

Wushang.

Qiushui, there's progress on our investigation.

Did you trace that Eagle Flute's origin?

We found some clues.

Power Gang members are also investigating this.

We raided several small outposts.

Their testimonies show that

the Eagle Flute originates from a mysterious group

(Confiscated item) colluding with the Wastelanders.

A token from the Wastelanders?

That's right.

This organization has infiltrated Power Gang.

Two days ago, Fire King of Eight Kings was executed by Liu Suifeng

for collusion with the Eagle Flute.

Power Gang demanded a full investigation into it.

We obtained this from Kang Chuyu.

Kang Chuyu was the Sword King's confidant.

Is Qu Hanshan working for North Wasteland?

But Qu Hanshan's cover is blown

and he's long gone from Guangling.

What a coincidence. He's currently in Jin City.

- He's in Jin City? - Li Chenzhou asked Liu Suifeng

to stage a show to catch the traitor.

Even the Sword King was tricked.

Qu Hanshan and Liu Suifeng never got along.

Now that Liu's fallen,

Qu thinks he would be made the vice gang leader.

But it was a fool's hope. He must be fuming now.

We haven't tracked down the Power Gang.

But someone disclosed Qu Hanshan's address.

He lives on Tongfu Street.

Liu Suifeng and Qu Hanshan have always been at odds.

This is a perfect chance to exploit their rivalry.

Qiushui, if Qu Hanshan has truly

colluded with the Wastelanders,

he must be deeply concerned over the Power Gang's

current crackdown on traitors.

You're right.

Desperate people make reckless choices.

Let's see what I can get out of him.

Take a look. Nice products.

Any other designs?

Let me show you.

This one?

- Master. - Is Kang Chuyu back yet?

Where has he gone?

(His manor is heavily guarded. We'll need to find a way in.)

(Why does this guy look so much like Li Cai?)

I'm sorry.

♪Under the moon and stars♪

♪Life's unfolded♪

♪Memories linger in twilight♪

♪We met and parted♪

♪In heaven and earth♪

♪Mortal world stays constant♪

♪Clouds spread east-west♪

♪Chivalry resides in hearts♪

♪Mortal world is simple♪

♪We talk and laugh♪

♪Be a righteous swordsman♪

♪Going through the storms♪

♪Traveling far with freedom♪

♪Mortal world is intricate♪

♪Slowly♪

♪We got drunk♪

♪Drink a toast♪

♪Let the past just be the past♪

♪Mortal world is simple♪

♪We talk and laugh♪

♪Be a righteous swordsman♪

♪Going through the storms♪

♪Traveling far with freedom♪

♪Mortal world is intricate♪

♪Slowly♪

♪We got drunk♪

♪Drink a toast♪

♪Let the past just be the past♪

♪Mortal world is simple♪

♪The wind is loud♪

♪Soaring like a bird♪

♪The experiences of sadness and happiness♪

♪Make me brave♪

♪Mortal world is intricate♪

♪Full of countless trials♪

♪People live and die♪

♪Among a million lights out there♪

♪There is one for you♪