Original subtitles

I've finally found you Enigmatic Gale!

Terribly sorry but the list of those with vendettas against me

is too long for me to keep track of.

Would it be too much to ask who you are and where you're from?

Damn you! You mock me after all you've done?!

You seem to be familiar with my usual affairs

but how recent is your information?

For instance

were you aware that I've recently secured the services of a trustworthy bodyguard?

What?!

Sh-Shā Wú Shēng!?

Why would you—

Were you not listening?

I'm being paid by this man to deal with his problems.

Someone like you serving the Enigmatic Gale... it can't be!

For whatever reason

he's constantly threatened by skilled warriors and that keeps me occupied.

Add the amount that he pays me to the satisfaction I receive

and there's no reason I'd turn him down.

It's a shame I couldn't kill the man from this afternoon.

You've got a bad habit of killing anyone of sufficient skill Wú Shēng.

You're a bodyguard right now not an assassin.

You could at least act like it.

To draw swords against someone and not either kill them or die at their hand

is like leaving a riddle unanswered.

I can't think of anything more disappointing.

Most respectable swordsmen consider that riddle answered once a winner becomes clear.

I'm loathed by most as a killer a sword demon

and you expect me to act like a respectable swordsman?

The fact that your name still rings with infamy

after you've not been hired to kill for so long

strikes me as quite odd actually.

What would you expect? Shā Wú Shēng means "destroyer of life."

My name would be infamous no matter who heard it.

Why on earth did your parents name you that?

Who knows? I was abandoned and never had the chance to ask my parents about it.

This is the first I've heard of that.

I suppose that's because I never told you.

This is what remains of the blanket that my master

who raised me when I was a baby wrapped me in.

When I was abandoned my skull was split open and I apparently nearly died.

It seems that it shattered when my father threw me away.

It's remarkable that you survived.

My refusal to die must've upset my father.

He claimed I was some kind of man-eating fiend

"This child will become a destroyer of life a man-eating fiend."

left the message asking for my death

and abandoned me at my master's school.

Why would your father do such a thing?

Apparently on the day I was born the birds would not stop crying.

What birds?

The kind of wicked and eerie birds that would make that kind of thing seem sinister.

Amidst that clamor I was born and my mother died.

The midwife feared taking the blame so she cast it on her assistant

leading to an argument that escalated into murder.

Those sound like troublesome birds.

Everyone who was present was killed in the fight that ensued.

And when my father arrived at the scene because of the commotion

what he saw was a baby crying in a pool of blood as the birds continued to caw.

It's easy to see why he'd be shaken.

You ask me why I don't become a respectable swordsman

but what else could the man named as a destroyer of life become?

Why not simply change your name then?

Shā Wú Shēng has already become too infamous.

What's to stop you from simply taking a new name

and earning an honorable reputation?

A new name eh?

Wú Shēng... you were born amidst the cries of sinister and ghostly birds

and named the destroyer of life.

So this time why not have a more exalted bird herald your coming?

I've got a great suggestion to that end.

Vermillion Bird Gate

This assembly of some thirty selected participants will now

fight for the title of "Sword Saint."

You will use only your skills with a blade to compete for supremacy.

The most victorious fighter will be granted the title of Sword Saint

which few would dispute is the most prestigious in martial arts.

I expect you all to bring the honed skills you take pride in to bear

and fight honorably!

They talk about a proud and honorable competition

and then treat us like mere prisoners?!

It's apparently to maintain fairness

since all fighters will eventually face each other.

The fighters aren't allowed to spectate or even be told of the other battles.

Even people accompanying them are locked inside their rooms and not allowed to leave.

And this is supposed to be your good idea?

If you can take Tiě Dí Xiān's title of Sword Saint

the infamy of Shā Wú Shēng is bound to fade in short order.

Do you realize just how difficult the task you're suggesting is?

But of course.

This battle where countless swordsmen compete was once known

as the Sword Saint Tournament

but is now known as the Sword Hero Tournament. The reason being...

Because no one was able to defeat the reigning Sword Saint.

Is that it?

Precisely!

For the last few decades

the same person has monopolized the position of Sword Saint.

None other than Tiě Dí Xiān.

As he's aged he's lost less frequently eventually winning 100 consecutive battles

and he's now known as the Eternal Sword Saint.

Lately he's attended the tournament as the head of the judges

only putting the Sword Saint championship at stake if the tournament's winner

chooses to battle him for it.

And even then he remains undefeated.

Lately winning the tournament has become considered the victory condition

rather than besting Tiě Dí Xiān

leading to the new title "Sword Hero"

and a generally inconclusive finish every time.

He'll likely remain a sword saint until he passes on.

Oho... You speak as if you know the man.

Tiě Dí Xiān is my former master.

Well well...

I was called a destroyer of life and abandoned at the gate to his school

with a note asking him to slay me as the fiend I was thought to be.

Black Turtle Gate

From the Black Turtle Gate...

Hè Qīng Fēng from the Flying Swallow School!

And from the Vermillion Bird Gate...

Vermillion Bird Gate

Cán Xiōng of the Xuán Guǐ Zōng!

May both fighters battle with honor.

Now begin!

Slow! Too slow!

A swallow? You're barely as swift as a duck!

How dare you—

The fight's over.

Not yet!

Chief Judge what say you?

It's not over. You are not defeated until you accept defeat.

That is the way of the Sword Art Assembly.

In a hurry to die?

Suit yourself.

Dry Bones Blood Slash!

And if you persist in the name of pride unable to tell when you are outmatched

then death is inevitable.

I'm hardly fit to question someone's your decision here

but are you sure you want this?

You may end up forcibly stripping your master of his title.

The reason I agreed to your suggestion was because

you told me about the Sword Art Assembly.

This provides me a perfect opportunity to settle things.

Has your master shamed you or done something else to earn such a vendetta?

He taught me how to use a sword. There could be no greater shame than that.

I'm not quite sure I follow.

As long as I carry the burden of reverence

I can never obtain even half the strength he has.

Curses shame and vengeance will provide the motivation I need to cross that line.

What good is the sword if I can't surpass my teacher?

What good is the path of the sword?

Good grief...

I'm starting to think you'll need more than a new name

to become a respectable swordsman.

In that case hypothetically

let's say I aim to become respectable. What would I even do?

Why not open your own school?

Me? Running a school?

Certainly.

You could collect tuition from your students and live off of that.

You may even end up looking after the odd abandoned child.

That sounds completely absurd.

Vermillion Bird Gate

From the Vermillion Bird Gate

Léi Liè from the Eight Hard Styles School.

Black Turtle Gate

And from the Black Turtle Gate...

The independent Shén Jiàn Shǒu!

Hold.

What is that weapon you have there?

That should be obvious. It's a bow and arrows.

This is the Sword Art Assembly!

You will wield an approved weapon before entering a battle.

Really?

But I thought this was an event for testing the honed skills of proud warriors?

Who let such a disrespectful man enter this competition?

W-Well sir... when he entered he did wield a sword.

This is a violation of the rules.

Shén Jiàn Shǒu is disqualified and removed from the competition!

Well... disqualified.

Then you'd say anyone who tries to claim the title of Sword Saint

without fighting me is easily a match for my arrows?

You dogs don't realize that your place of dying has been chosen for you.

What's this about?

Seize that fool!

I'd say anyone who managed to survive that

might be worthy of being called a Sword Saint.

I checked on what was happening outside.

It seems there's been a turn for the worst.

You had better not have been noticed.

Do you realize who you're talking to?

That being said I was able to get an idea of the situation.

It seems someone named Shén Jiàn Shǒu has killed most of the competitors.

"The God of Archers?" Never heard of him before.

Most likely an alias.

I'd wager so.

A bit ostentatious to be anything else.

Then he had no intention of actually fighting in the tournament?

Well I could hardly say.

But the direction of the tournament will certainly have changed as a result.

A change of direction? I can't see how they don't cancel it.

It seems that since the Sword Art Assembly is held only once every four years

that won't be likely.

I overheard the organizers say that it will now be an elimination tournament.

I can't believe they intend to keep it going.

They must consider this bit of violence to have thinned the ranks.

Those unable to defend against those arrows

aren't worthy of being called a Sword Saint you could say.

You might just call it tightening the qualifications.

Well it's true that

no one who was killed by an arrow that I could defend against

would have much of a chance against me.

I suppose I'll be grateful for the spared effort.

Black Turtle Gate

From the Black Turtle Gate

Cán Xiōng of the Xuán Guǐ Zōng!

And from the Vermillion Bird Gate the independent...

Vermillion Bird Gate

Screaming Phoenix Killer!

I had wondered who the Screaming Phoenix Killer was.

Now I see it's just the famed assassin taking a new identity. What's your game here?

Sadly today is the day that I forsake the name Shā Wú Shēng.

Finally feeling the weight of your own misdeeds?

I've performed more than my share of evil deeds

but if I kill you today that alone will make people call me a hero!

Cán Xiōng... if you keep that right hand hidden

this will be over in three turns.

Don't be ridiculous!

You can't see it?

Because if you can't then you're lacking.

In which case I can demonstrate with my blade.

I have practiced and polished my sword skills with my master!

Under no circumstances will I let someone like you say that I am lacking!

For as long as you revere someone

and consider them beyond killing

you consign yourself to never surpassing them.

That is why I find you lacking.

Nonsense!

Shā Wú Shēng... No.

Screaming Phoenix Killer... I wish to surrender.

The arrow from before?

I usually fight with two blades...

The same way you do.

I see. Then I hope we meet again some day.

Yes. And to that end I'll be taking my leave today.

The winner is the Screaming Phoenix Killer!

Vermillion Bird Gate

So did that bring me any closer to the "respectability" you've spoken of?

Well I never thought I'd see the day you willingly let an opponent surrender.

I've begun to think that the security an opponent's death brings

might be a type of cowardice.

I suppose doing this demonstrates my... dignity?

Misplaced dignity is often little more than arrogance

but in your case I think we can call it a sign of confidence.

Just for the record even if I win I don't intend to open a school.

Well whatever you decide to do people will still speak highly of you.

Opening a school is essentially the same thing as retiring.

You know by the time most people start seeking the means to retire

it's usually too late for them to do so.

If anything I'd rather continue to guard you.

Guard me?

Well...

Actually...

Gale have you ever considered finding a way to stop thieving?

Turning the question back on me? Oh come on now.

Unlike the swordsman

the thief's occupation leaves absolutely no room for honor.

So you simply break into someone's safe and steal the contents...

You'd be surprised

how much fun it is to pry open someone's locks and see what they're hiding.

When did you do it?

I simply thought I'd demonstrate part of the fun of being a thief to you.

I didn't even see you make the change.

Well if you had it'd be time for me find a new line of work.

It's the pleasure I get from those expressions of shock that

led me to live this life.

If you doubt whether it works like a real flute why not try and play it?

I think working with you means I'll never run out of amusement.

To settle a battle without killing...

That would be unimaginable when I was Shā Wú Shēng the destroyer of life.

But if I intend on calling myself the Screaming Phoenix Killer...

If someone accepts their defeat then so be it.

They can challenge me again after gaining more skill...

Maybe doing things that way that wouldn't be so bad.

Beyond life and death beyond financial concerns

to compete in a pure competition of sword technique

and to win...

I never imagined it could be so joyous.

The winner is the Screaming Phoenix Killer!

The fate I seemed doomed to from my birth...

One where the cries of wicked and eerie birds would echo forever...

I can change it now.

Killing my mother killing her midwife...

My flesh my life that has been spent taking the lives of others...

A man who was feared condemned and abandoned by his own father...

A man who was given a curse for a name.

A life where I have traveled doing little more than killing in the name

of testing my own strength...

It's all been painted over by this man.

He's shown me...

A new way.

The championship battle will now be held

for the title of Sword Saint!

The challenger Screaming Phoenix Killer will step forward!

What is this?

I suppose you've earned the right to fight for the title of Sword Saint.

I thought that was only in the event I chose to challenge him.

Is it a problem?

No.

It's exactly what I wanted.

Play it Gale.

Well I'm not completely unskilled

but I hope you're not expecting artistry on your level.

It doesn't matter.

That flute's melody is splendid.

And that will give me strength!

Well if you insist.

We meet again my master.

Would you like to share a drink to celebrate my achievement?

You desire my championship?

My title?

Indeed.

I will win the title of Sword Saint and bid farewell to my wretched past.

Being the Sword Saint is sitting upon a throne of swords.

Not a place for an ogre like you!

It seems I'm quite hated.

May both fighters battle with honor.

Now begin!

This intensity...

This murderous intent.

You'd kill me to keep me from your title?

If you admit your crimes

and repent then I won't take your life.

Absurd!

Silencing of the Gods!

Black Sky Gem Clatter!

You'd make me battle you to the death...

Before competing to see who would win?

Before I call myself the Screaming Phoenix Killer

must I wield a sword as Shā Wú Shēng one last time?

Then... so be it.

I will face you with the killing edge that I intend to lock away after today!

Explain your reason for this barbarity Shā Wú Shēng!

Barbarity?

With your skill you likely would have won if you had fought honorably.

What are you talking about?

Bringing that suspicious archer into the honored Sword Art Assembly

murdering the majority of the participants...

All so that you could win with ease.

Perhaps you have been a man-eating fiend all along Shā Wú Shēng!

What is this?! What are you talking about?

I no longer see a need for discussion!

Song of the Mountain: Rhapsody of Blades!

The only way to survive this... is to stake it all on a single strike!

What happened Master?!

Be silent you ogre!

I didn't think... you would go this far.

Does your thirst for death know no bounds?!

Do you disdain honor so much?!

What are you talking about?

Never in your life could you be called a Sword Saint...

You're nothing but a Sword Demon!

No!

I'm not Shā Wú Shēng anymore! I'm the Screaming Phoenix Killer!

I'm going to become the Sword Saint!

How dare you even speak those words you fool!?

I should have never taught you how to wield a sword.

I should have waited for you to die!

And if you refused to die...

I should have killed you myself!

The Screaming Phoenix Killer is disqualified for foul play!

The winner is Tiě Dí Xiān!

I still don't understand what any of this is about...

Shut up!

If you put your weapons down and surrender we won't kill you here and now!

I want an explanation first.

What exactly are you accusing me of?

Maybe I can clear that up Wú Shēng.

Gale?!

What is all this?

The Sword Art Assembly was called off early on I'm afraid.

From the moment those arrows went flying into the waiting rooms actually.

And just as you guessed...

They weren't willing to continue the tournament after that tragedy.

Then what have my fights been for?

The execution of the Sword Demon Shā Wú Shēng.

What?!

A proposal put forth by the tragically deceased Tiě Dí Xiān.

He believed that the Sword Demon should be punished by skilled swordsmen.

What crime am I being punished for!?

Come now you still don't get it?

Not only did you interrupt the Sword Art Assembly

you murdered over half of the participants and injured others.

And now the organizers are out to see you face judgment.

But that archer Shén Jiàn Shǒu was responsible!

This is true.

But I'd wager everyone believes you ordered him to do so.

What are you talking about!?

He shot at me as well!

Except there's no proof of that.

What about the arrow!?

What arrow? The only thing with even roughly the same shape...

Is this flute I have right here.

What reason could I possibly have for such insanity?!

I won my matches fairly!

With foul play.

Cán Xiōng's right hand was injured

and Léi Liè's drink was poisoned to make him paralyzed

so he was apparently in no shape to fight.

They likely think you'd poison anyone with the skill to deflect those arrows.

Thus the Sword Saint Tiě Dí Xiān became enraged.

Enough of this!

These baseless accusations...

I had nothing to do with the arrows or the poison!

But I'm afraid no one is likely to listen to you anymore.

Although I am somewhat confident that I could smooth things over to a degree.

After all I'm acquainted with the judges of this Sword Art Assembly.

I was friends with the Sword Saint himself too.

Then could you...?

Oh of course not.

Why on earth would I go to all that trouble?

It'd be so much more simpler for you to

slaughter everyone than for me to convince them.

Can you imagine how famous the name Shā Wú Shēng will be then?

Don't give me that...

I came here as the Screaming Phoenix Killer—

Oh right.

That name's already become quite famous too.

By the time you leave this arena...

It will sweep the land with rumors giving rise to even greater hearsay.

But I was...

The person who told me to enter this tournament...

It was you Gale!

I'm afraid I don't remember that happening.

You tricked me!

Please don't make it sound like I was leading you on.

You made your own decisions here.

And well... just as I figured

even if you claim to have changed your ways at this point

no one would ever believe you.

I mean even your mentor didn't trust you.

It's only natural that they're skeptical.

Striking down a Sword Demon like you

could be enough to earn someone the title of Sword Saint!

But if a Sword Demon strikes down a Sword Saint? They simply remain a monster.

Why have you done this?!

I'm pretty sure I told you...

It gives me pleasure to see you in the state you're in.

I will kill you.

Get him!

Anyone who gets in my way dies!

Anyone who believes a word the Enigmatic Gale says dies!

Anyone who he comes in contact with

I will slaughter to the last man!

You've caused yet another bloodbath with your antics.

Everyone here was willing to kill their opponent

if it meant them obtaining the title of Sword Saint.

I'd hardly take their complaints about being killed as being worth much.

Always so harsh.

This Sword Art Assembly...

This gathering where people sit back and judge each other's skills

as if they had any kind of real authority.

It's always gotten on my nerves you see.

I can't imagine they'll have any prestige left now though.

For a single warrior to so utterly obliterate them...

All that tradition and glory has fallen to pieces.

Shā Wú Shēng...

All this effort to bring a single man to his nadir.

I'd say that it was worth the effort.

I've stolen yet another incomparable treasure.

Your demented tastes never cease to astonish me.

No sour grapes now.

It's not like I did any harm to the Sharp-Eyed Impaler's reputation.

And you were paid well enough yes?

Now...

You should get into position. It's nearly time.

Have you realized Wú Shēng?

Your spirit and stamina should both be long past spent

yet your sword only seems to grow sharper.

In your current state

you likely would've beaten the Sword Saint without needing any tricks.

It was your failure to do so originally that brought you to this point.

It was by being true to the

nature of a Sword Demon that you were able to reach such great heights.

Shut up...

Shut up!

So much for being a respectable swordsman.

Your skill was never meant to be contained in such pedestrian terms anyway.

The name of Screaming Phoenix Killer...

will certainly ring with great infamy now too.

Kill you...

I will kill you no matter what!

With my own hands!

This is fantastic Shā Wú Shēng.

You've made all my work worth it.

But... I'm afraid our playtime has come to an end.

I swear I'll kill you.

No matter where you run...

I'll hunt you down and with my swords...

I'll kill you!

Why come after me after all this time?!

You were able to track him down once.

You should be able to do it again.

Now where can I find Lǐn Xuě Yā ?

Th-That's crazy...

Or could you be another one of his pawns?

Did the two of you dupe me while laughing at my expense?

What are you talking about?!

I want nothing to do with the Enigmatic Gale anymore!

I hope I never see the bastard again!

Whether or not that's true...

will be obvious after I examine your belongings once you're dead.

Anyone with any connection to him...

I Shā Wú Shēng will kill them to the last.

The birds cried this morning announcing your death.

But ignorant to their warning you have come here.

None in the world can hear their fate approaching

so with my blade I will deliver the end to them.

Now now ladies and gentlemen if you rush by and don't hear about this

you'll be missing out!

It has been a month since the villainous and vicious Xuán Guǐ Zōng

were last heard of

with the clouds around the Demon Spine Mountains clearing.

Its infernal castle Seven Sins Tower has long been deserted.

But do you know how the peerless villain

Miè Tiān Hái the Bones of Creation was felled?

Were you aware that hidden in the shadows

a certain amazing hero performed many a feat of greatness?

Come now and hear for yourself...

Of the mysterious swordsman from Xī Yōu!

The adventures of Shāng Bù Huàn!

Thank you! Come and eat with us again!

Hey there sir welcome.

Let me get something to drink and... what have you got to eat anyway?

We've got some fine duck today.

Maybe skewered and roasted?

Oh nice. I'll take that then.

Eating under a roof really is nice.

Old man! Get me my usual drink.

Huh?

Sir... are you planning on adding this to your tab?

Must you be so impatient?

I am the newly-crowned most powerful swordsman in Dōng Li Shāng Bù Huàn!

I know you lot suffered at the hands of the Xuán Guǐ Zōng!

And now you can't spare a bit of gratitude for how I put those dogs in their place?!

But sir I'm trying to run a business.

Fine I won't ask you for free spirits!

I will tell you of my thrilling escapades! That will be how I pay you.

The thing is... I've heard all those stories already.

Hey pops. Get the man a drink.

I'll pay.

Huh?!

You sure about that?

I see someone has an eye for greatness.

Becoming acquainted with a hero for the cost of a drink...

What more could a man ask for?

What's your name fellow?

Uh... hmm...

I guess you can call me Edgeless Blade?

Anyway I hear you took down the Xuán Guǐ Zōng?

Oh yes!

I am Shāng Bù Huàn! To smite the evil that lurks within Dōng Li

I have traveled here from distant Xī Yōu the ultimate unmatched swordsman!

Huh.

Not surprised?

I mean I crossed the Wasteland of Spirits to arrive here from Xī Yōu!

It's rare that I find someone who accepts that so easily.

Well y'know... If you say it then I'm willing to agree that's the case.

So...

Why come from so far just to pick a fight with the Xuán Guǐ Zōng?

Well it all began when I saved one of the Hù Yìn Shī guardians.

She was a beautiful girl and wounded you see!

And it was none other than the lawless Xuán Guǐ Zōng wretches who hunted her!

Unable to overlook such villainy I fought to aid the maiden...

Hold it.

Who told you about this?

No one of course! These are all my personal experiences!

Are you paying attention fool?

Yeah yeah...

So why were the Xuán Guǐ Zōng after Miss Hù Yìn Shī?

It was all the scheme of the Xuán Guǐ Zōng's ringleader Miè Tiān Hái.

In his avaricious pursuit for swords of renown

the bastard set his sights upon one of the divine Shén Huì Mó Xiè

even committing acts of barbarism upon sacred ground!

You know your stuff.

Well of course! I asked the Hù Yìn Shī what had happened myself.

Thus struck with righteous indignation

I set out to wipe out the villainous Miè Tiān Hái along with his Xuán Guǐ Zōng

and set out to travel to Seven Sins Tower amid the Demon Spine Mountains!

Whoa now... feels like you're skipping some important stuff.

What's so strange?

Would it not make sense to strike at the heart of evil

if you set out to eliminate it?

I guess so.

So after coming here from Xī Yōu

you already knew where the Demon Spine Mountains were?

True enough navigating Dōng Li proved difficult.

But I had comrades on my journey who shared my heroic aims.

Yeah?

Known as the Sharp-Eyed Impaler Shòu Yún Xiāo!

As great a hero as he was he was moved by my chivalrous spirit

and offered to guide me!

You say he offered to help you? Out of the goodness of his heart?

Of course! We're talking about the renowned and heroic Shòu Yún Xiāo!

Those who follow the noble path

are always on the lookout for a chance to demonstrate their courage!

Uh-huh.

And when I passed through Night Devil Forest

Xíng Hài the Night's Lament also joined our group!

Okay I'm definitely having trouble seeing why she would wanna help anybody.

True enough however...

But my beauty is almost a crime unto itself.

It seems the fearsome Xíng Hài was bewitched by me at a glance!

And finally we were joined by the Screaming Phoenix Killer Shā Wú Shēng.

Okay now that guy would never help anybody! Ever!

It's as you say.

At first he sought to quench his thirst for blood with a battle against me.

But after teaching the wretch a lesson

he repented for his misdeeds and swore himself to me as my underling.

Doesn't sound like any Shā Wú Shēng I've ever heard of...

True enough he was feared as a Sword Demon

but all people have sides to them which aren't immediately obvious.

Speaking of underlings... Shòu Yún Xiāo had a sworn younger brother right?

No? Doesn't ring a bell.

Er but I heard about it from the guy in question.

Apparently he's making a name for himself nowadays?

I'm sure it's just some poor fool deluding himself with tall tales.

Not unheard of nowadays.

You should cultivate an eye for spotting the genuine article my friend.

Coming from you pal... that carries a lot of weight.

And so having gathered a group of Dōng Li's most fearsome three fighters

I steeled myself and attacked Seven Sins Tower!

Sure but didn't you run into a bunch of trouble on the way?

Well...

The Xuán Guǐ Zōng's men did fall upon us like rain of course.

But the only ones who stood anything resembling a chance were their enforcers

who had mastered Dry Bones techniques.

Like who?

Well I suppose I'll start with Cán Xiōng.

He would steal his foe's weapon to attack with two swords! A fearsome foe!

Huh. You seem to know his whole deal.

Well he was outmatched sadly.

My skill even outpaces Shā Wú Shēng's

so he sadly became rust upon my blade.

Your sword can actually rust huh?

Would you stop interrupting all the time?!

Do you want to hear the rest of my story? Or not?

Oh right.

Seriously...

Our next foe was Liè Mèi...

Despite being a woman she served as one of Miè Tiān Hái's commanders.

An alluring flower but...

But?

Oh the poor dear...

It seems such trying work was an ill fit for a woman like her!

The moment she was enraptured by my beauty our battle was over.

Cutting down a woman who had lost her will to fight...

The kind heart of Shāng Bù Huàn wouldn't allow me to do so.

I admonished her to never commit such villainy again

and let her flee but...

You fool!

You've let lust cloud your mind and forgotten your duty! You shame the Xuán Guǐ Zōng!

I Diāo Mìng will mete out your punishment!

Liè Mèi—!

Shāng Bù Huàn... I'm so glad...

I had the honor of meeting you.

Liè Mèi... don't die!

I knew how vicious Diāo Mìng could be...

Yet I let her return! It's my fault!

It's like I was the one... who let her die!

Hang on... you knew how vicious he was? Wasn't it your first time meeting the guy?

Do not break my momentum with your pedantry!

Regardless that only left their master Miè Tiān Hái!

I hunted him to the roof of Seven Sins Tower and he braced himself to face my wrath!

Amidst the storm our blows kicked up

we readied each of our swords and prepared to settle things in a duel to the death!

What happened to Shòu Yún Xiāo Xíng Hài and Shā Wú Shēng?

They ate their lunches and then went home.

Now putting aside those trivialities

my point is

the final battle was supremely fierce!

And as I realized the heavens had blessed me with a worthy foe

I found myself shaking with joy in spite of my struggles!

Is this... gonna take much longer?

Anyway!

Evil will never prevail in the end!

As our duel concluded my loving courageous and righteous sword

bested Miè Tiān Hái's infernal sorcery!

However he was known as the Bones of Creation!

And his bitterness at defeat was on a level beyond imagination!

Pushed to the brink Miè Tiān Hái

used the last of his sorcery to perform a secret art:

And summoned the ultimate in aid from another world!

Who the...?

Eek!

With the situation so grave I was forced to get serious!

I used my ultimate technique: Eight-Edged Chaos Dragon Cannon!

Say what?

Behold the light of the night dragon!

It was a long and difficult battle.

But now the world is at peace!

Well that was quite a story.

I'll leave money for another drink. You enjoy yourself.

I might as well get a move on.

What?

You can stay behind and hear even more thrilling tales you know!

Nah man I'm gonna have to pass.

Someone who raised that kind of hell is bound to have earned a few grudges y'know?

I'm kinda scared to hang around you for long.

No fun getting caught up in someone else's battles y'know?

What kind of fool would dare challenge me after my defeat of the Xuán Guǐ Zōng?

Even if the leader and his enforcers are all dead

that doesn't mean that all of the remnants have decided to give up.

There might be some who want revenge for their master.

W-W-Well with Miè Tiān Hái gone

the rest are bound to just be a disorganized mob!

I can't imagine they'd have the guts...

I can see why you'd think that at first.

But after seeing how Liè Mèi and Diāo Mìng died

you still underestimate how dedicated these guys are.

You might be being a little naïve Mister Shāng Bù Huàn.

Urk...

Well take care of yourself.

Old man! Bring me my next drink!

We're out for today!

I ought to be resupplied in the morning so...

Then take this money and buy me some booze from somewhere else!

I've decided to drink the night away!

All right all right you got it.

Damn it all...

What the...

I hear someone is going around making a mockery of the Xuán Guǐ Zōng in these parts?

We're going to check out your establishment. Let us through!

Of all the people... I'm surprised to find it was you.

Why are you guys still dressed like that?!

The Bones of Creation is dead!

All the more reason... as his servants

we will be unable to die until we avenge our master!

We're not cowards like you!

Even a storm that could ruin an umbrella

is not enough to halt a man's journey.

Tread through wind and rain and you're bound to encounter a muddy stream.

And if it must be crossed it is best to do so unclad.

If you Xuán Guǐ Zōng want some revenge you're looking at the wrong guy.

You...

We've been waiting to see your wretched face again Shāng Bù Huàn!

I dunno how you guys got the story mixed up

but I'm not the guy who killed Miè Tiān Hái.

That said you could say I had a hand in his downfall.

So if that's still enough for you...

I'll take you on.

Better think about it carefully though!

Do you really owe your old master so much that you'd throw your life away?

Any Xuán Guǐ Zōng would ask for nothing more!

Get him!

What's with these guys? It's like they wanna get cut down.

What's wrong?

If we surround you with these numbers there's nowhere to run!

Your sword was enough to defeat Lord Cán Xiōng and even Lord Diāo Mìng...

We're not foolish enough to think we could face it and win.

But you see...

What the...

A technique we learned from a demon we encountered.

The moment our hearts stop beating and we become corpses

our blood becomes acid and erupts from our bodies!

We won't die for nothing!

We will drag you down to hell!

The kinda sect where people are happy to throw their lives away...

I get it. No wonder you didn't bat an eye at killing other people.

Gotta say you guys really do piss me off.

And I'm not gonna let you run loose!

Did you think dodging our blood will be enough?!

Because it's not just acidic it turns into poisonous gas!

You channel qi with great skill

but that'll make the poison spread within you faster!

Now we need only go on the defensive until you grow weak

and then we can slaughter you!

Damn that sounds dangerous.

I made the right call in wrapping this up quickly then.

What are you—

People who take life lightly tend to meet bad ends.

And if you can't even tell when you've been killed...

You guys never would have amounted to much.

You're the real Shāng Bù Huàn!

And if I'm the real deal who does that make you?

I... never really had my own identity.

I didn't know my own name or where I was born...

I don't even know my own family.

Wait isn't that?

They took me when I was a baby.

And since then I served as a nameless Xuán Guǐ Zōng...

Wearing this mask.

But I'm over 20 now and my fighting skills are still subpar.

I realized it was

only a matter of time before someone decided to test their weapon on me.

So I fled the Demon Spine Mountains a year ago.

Since then... I've lived as a beggar

the meager existence of a beast!

But the other day I learned of Miè Tiān Hái's defeat

and the tale of Sir Shāng Bù Huàn.

To me who had no name no connections no home...

The only thing I could offer anyone that they would listen to...

is my knowledge of the Xuán Guǐ Zōng.

And those facts are what made up half my story.

I thought that I could make up the other half to become a new person!

I thought I might finally be able to live like a human being!

That explains why your story had nonsense mixed in with the facts.

Look man no one can blame you for being bad at fighting.

But you need to learn how to make up for that by being able to talk

yourself out of trouble.

Too much exaggeration and the holes will be obvious.

Try and keep things subtle enough that you don't draw unnecessary attention.

See you around.

Sir wait!

Um... I...

You're... just letting me go?

I impersonated you using your name...

Yeah... but who cares?

You being "Shāng Bù Huàn" doesn't take anything away from me.

You're saying you don't mind?

Anyone who thinks they understand me from some talk and a few stories

would never really know what my deal is anyway.

So... no matter who wants to be whatever kind of Shāng Bù Huàn

it's none of my business.

I had thought what I had done would cost me my life.

Not having an identity...

I can't even imagine what that's like.

And you're carrying that mask around like it means something to you.

You must've been through some tough times.

Xuán Guǐ Zōng or Shāng Bù Huàn...

If those are the only ways you know how to live

it barely sounds like a decision at all.

Compared to being stuck under that skull mask again

pretending to be a guy like me isn't so bad.

You'll at least cause less trouble for the people around you that way.

But pay your damn tab man. That's a separate issue.

I... I don't know how to thank you.

Well including what happened today I'd say you've suffered enough.

Hang in there and live.

Cry laugh get mad fall in love...

And find something you really care about.

That'll be your real life and not an imitation.

And when you've found that stuff

I'm sure you'll finally be able to let go of that nasty skull mask.

And while you're at it you can put aside the name of Shāng Bù Huàn too.

Yes!

One day I swear I'll repay your kindness!

With my own face... and name!

Let me show you my gratitude on that day!

Wait I know!

If you wanna pay me back I need to know one thing right now:

Who exactly told you about me?

Now then Shāng Bù Huàn has defeated the herd of beasts...

But next he faces 100 moving statues!

But the great Shāng is fearless!

And with a carefree smile he smashes them apart sends them flying and...

I've found you at last Shāng Bù Huàn!

To think you had fled to Dōng Li...

I serve you Huò Shì Míng Huáng.

Please let the execution of the wretched Shāng Bù Huàn fall to me.

Can you accomplish this for me Xiē Yīngluò?

Yes sir!

I will gather the 36 mystic swords along with Shāng Bù Huàn's head...

And deliver them to you Your Majesty.

A report sir.

We've received a signal from one of our agents that

Huò Shì Míng Huáng's group is up to something.

Oho...

He must've located Shāng Bù Huàn.

Yes sir. Xiē Yīngluò has already departed for Dōng Li.

Dōng Li?

Well that certainly complicates matters.

What shall we do Your Excellency?

Organize an expedition immediately.

I will speak with the generals and obtain their approval.

An expedition sir?

Apprehending the traitorous Shāng Bù Huàn is a direct Imperial decree.

The Ministry of Justice must handle this no matter what trouble it may bring.

Indeed...

Even if it means crossing the Wasteland of Spirits.

Damn this Wasteland of Spirits is nasty.

Did he seriously march through this hell to get to Dōng Li?

Aw man now there's a storm brewing... You think we should head back?

Whoa whoa hang on!

What the hell's gotten into you!? You really wanna sing now?

When my soul cries out for it I will sing my song.

I know of no other way to be.