Original subtitles

[Respect Copyright, Everyone's Responsibility]

[The Eternal Fragrance]

[Adapted from Shisilang's novel, The Eternal Fragrance]

[Episode 23]

You're the maid who took Jingwu away!

I'm Miaoqing. Greetings, Your Ladyship.

Insulting nobility is punishable by death.

Drag her off and flog her to death.

- Yes. - Yes.

Wait!

Tongzhou.

Everyone leave.

- Yes. - Yes.

Tongzhou.

This lowly maid has no sense of rank.

Why keep her around?

Without her,

Jingwu would've fallen into Zong Quan's hands too.

Miaoqing, take the Crown Prince away.

Yes, Your Highness.

Tongzhou.

Tongzhou.

Look.

Aren't these Twin Orbs beautiful?

I've waited so long for this day.

Do you remember when I first came to Duantu?

You taught me calligraphy at Orchid Pavilion

and said my writing was nice.

You said I'd meet a good man

and be happy forever.

Tongzhou,

you're the only man I've ever wanted.

These Twin Orbs were left by my parents.

In a few days, we'll be wed.

I've decided.

One orb will go on my crown.

As for the other, I can...

The Crown Prince ascends in three days.

You want to be the Empress?

I doubt Tonghe would approve from the grave.

Jingwu is ascending the throne?

Why not you, Tongzhou?

It's okay.

It's perfectly fine if you don't want to be

the Emperor. I don't want to be the Empress.

Just being with you

is enough for me.

Lanya.

When did you become so foolish?

A blood debt can only be paid with blood.

Killing you wouldn't quench my hatred.

How could I ever marry you?

Tong...

Tong...

Tongzhou.

But... but you said

once Zong Quan was dead,

everything from the past would be forgotten.

And you know

I...

I love you.

- Shut up! - For...

All you care about is yourself!

No, Tongzhou. That's not true.

After your parents died for the kingdom,

Tonghe and I always treated you like a sister.

We showered you with care. But you?

For your selfish gain,

you betrayed the Yue State and killed my uncle.

No. No.

You're utterly disgusting.

Tongzhou! No. Tongzhou.

Have you forgotten? The Heartbound Gu.

Don't forget, you have the Heartbound Gu inside you.

You are stuck with me for life.

If you didn't love me,

why... why would you have taken the Heartbound Gu,

right?

Tongzhou.

Am I right?

Lanya.

There's a heart-protecting herb from Miaojiang

that can shield one's heart meridians

when the gu burns.

Didn't you know?

Tongzhou. No.

You'll die.

I'd rather burn myself

than let you have your way.

I'll die too! No!

Don't, Tongzhou!

Tongzhou.

Tongzhou.

Does that hurt?

This isn't even a fraction

of what you've done!

Tongzhou...

Are you really going to kill me, Tongzhou?

"What can I give to my beloved?"

"Twin Orbs, hanging

together."

No.

Who's there?

Your Highness.

It's me, Miaoqing.

Your Highness.

Why are you here?

Your Highness, did you have a nightmare?

Dreams aren't real. Don't take them to heart.

They also said dreams weren't real.

But the Yue State fell.

Tonghe was killed. My uncle died horribly.

All of it came true.

No.

That's all in the past.

Things will get better.

No. They won't get better.

They all left me.

I'm the only one left.

All alone.

Your Highness, you're not alone.

I'll always be by your side.

Lu and I are heading back to Wanxian Sect to report.

Next time we meet,

it'll probably be when the Sea Calamity comes.

Tongzhou, I have to go too.

My master and seniors at Zhuiyu Peak are waiting for news.

Besides,

I still need to find my old master.

I really shouldn't stay any longer.

Lifei, stay a few more days.

I can help you find your master.

Lifei has decided to leave.

We should respect her choice.

You...

Ji Tongzhou, are you insane?

Tongzhou, what are you doing?

Is this the mark of demonic possession?

Brahma's Net?

You ignorant fools! Hand over the Divine Tree!

Elder Cuixuan,

we just finished driving out the Wugou army.

We don't know anything about any Divine Tree.

The night before last, the Divine Tree's aura surged straight into the sky.

And the source of that aura was right here.

Back at Chufeng Academy, the Divine Tree's aura also appeared.

All of this is connected to you people.

Today, I'll personally find out

where the Divine Tree is!

Sir,

Zong Quan killed Elder Xuanshan

and slaughtered everyone in Xingzheng Hall.

We nearly lost our lives

defeating him.

Now you're here

demanding some Divine Tree

instead of healing us.

You're leaving us no way out.

Elder Cuixuan!

Where were you when the Yue State fell

and Xingzheng Hall was wiped out?

Where was Wuyue Court

when we fought Zong Quan?

Compared to the calamity that threatens to ruin the Central Plains,

the fate of one kingdom means nothing.

As for Zong Quan,

he's fallen to demonic arts and has abandoned the immortal path.

He has nothing to do with Wuyue Court!

I suggest you see reason

and hand over the Divine Tree.

No more useless words.

We really don't know where the Divine Tree is.

What can we give you?

You're a revered master of an immortal sect.

Yet you hound disciples over something

that may not even exist.

Do you not fear losing the hearts of your people?

There is no Divine Tree here.

If Wuyue Court insists on bullying the weak,

I will fight you to the death!

Fight to the death!

Ignorant fools.

With you people?

Cuixuan,

we came here to find the Divine Tree,

not to fight.

Isn't that right?

Since Zong Quan once occupied this place,

could he have hidden

the Divine Tree somewhere here?

Have you done

a thorough search?

Sir,

we've been busy cleaning up the mess,

and we're all wounded.

We haven't done a full search yet.

See? There are still gaps.

Cuixuan, the Sea Sect has just settled down.

We can't afford more conflict within the Mountain Sect.

If we let our fellow cultivators down,

the demons will take advantage.

Ji Tongzhou just lost his entire family.

It's understandable

he spoke out of turn.

How about this?

Let's give the young ones some time

to find the Divine Tree.

Is that acceptable?

Cuixuan, you're wise.

The Divine Tree concerns the safety of the Central Plains.

Everyone here bears responsibility!

I'll give you twenty-four hours...

Twelve hours.

You have twelve hours

to hand over the Divine Tree!

Or I'll take matters into my own hands!

Alright. Your life isn't in danger,

but your energy is unstable.

You need to rest well during this time.

Master,

- my spirit aura... - I don't want to hear it.

And I don't want to know.

All I know is you're my disciple.

So I have to say something.

You've got some nerve.

With your skill level,

how could you go head-to-head with Zong Quan?

Silly girl.

Well, none of you sect elders

lifted a finger.

I was just following your teachings

to be discerning and sacrifice myself for what's right.

I wasn't about to stand by

and do nothing like you.

We weren't standing by.

The immortal sects aren't supposed to

interfere in disputes between kingdoms.

And

when exactly did I teach you to sacrifice yourself?

I've always taught you to stay alive.

I'm doing pretty well at that.

Sir.

You're just in time.

I was going to find you.

They say you're exceptionally gifted.

Where exactly is this gift of yours?

You've had my disciple for three months.

Look at her now.

She's broken and battered.

Can you even protect anyone?

Sir, you're right.

I didn't protect her well.

Is this the same defiant brat

Guangwei used to complain about?

I trained him.

Impressive, right?

Why do I feel so out of place

and unwanted?

So awkward. I'm leaving.

Sir, let me see you out.

In six hours,

at first light, when the sun and moon meet,

the Brahma's Net

will be at its weakest.

I'll do everything I can to hold Cuixuan off.

What do you mean?

Take her away.

Go far away.

Never return to Wuyue Court.

But...

Sir.

If we don't find the Divine Tree,

Cuixuan won't let this go.

Lu, have you ever seen the Divine Tree?

Legend says it was born from the spirit energy of heaven and earth

and grows on Divine Tree Island.

But after the last Sea Calamity,

it vanished without a trace.

It hasn't been seen in centuries?

Then who knows where the Divine Tree is?

He's clearly making things impossible.

The Yue State just ended one war,

and now we're stuck with this mess.

Sorry to drag everyone into this.

Tongzhou.

Here.

I had some snacks made.

Try some.

Here.

Tongzhou.

Once the twelve hours are up,

what's your plan?

I've already had Mingli scour the entire area.

If we find it, we find it.

If not,

I'll take full responsibility.

You all

risked your lives to help me.

No matter what, I'll make sure you're all safe.

I came here to protect you.

How could I let you face this alone?

If it comes to it, we'll fight Cuixuan.

We might not lose.

Lu, as for you...

Gelin's friends are my friends.

Unless the barrier is lifted,

everyone inside the imperial palace is trapped.

No one else should be dragged into this.

When the barrier weakens,

I'll draw Cuixuan away.

You take Lifei and get out.

No.

You make it sound simple.

Cuixuan is cunning and sly.

How will you draw him away?

Cuixuan wants the Divine Tree.

Actually, the Divine Tree...

The Divine Tree is on me.

This is... the Divine Tree?

Where did you get it?

From the Outcast Tomb at White Cliff.

I thought you destroyed it.

At the time, I sensed its unusual spirit energy

and brought it back to study.

It was only when Cuixuan came

that I realized it was actually the Divine Tree.

Would handing it over to Cuixuan

draw him away?

Absolutely not.

That night, the Divine Tree's aura surged straight into the sky.

He'll never believe it came

from just a piece of bone.

We need to find a way to end this once and for all.

Then we'll make it impossible to prove.

Blame it all on Zong Quan!

I was thinking the same thing.

We could use the demonic energy

on the Altar of Heaven.

But how do we make it impossible to prove?

I'll disguise myself as Lifei. You play the demon.

Stop right there.

Do you think he's blind?

I'm warning you two, don't take any risks.

Let me think of something else.

Can't go by air.

What about underground?

Water.

What about going by water?

What are you doing here?

Your Highness, I want to share your burden.

You're just a maid. What can you do?

Take care of yourself.

The late emperor and Elder Xuanshanzi entrusted you with everything.

You must not put yourself in danger

and worry the Crown Prince.

I would do anything for you,

without a single regret.

I know your loyalty.

But this time, you can't help.

If we don't try,

how do we know a way won't open up?

Your Highness,

just let me try.

Time is running out.

Hand over the Divine Tree now,

or don't blame me for resorting to force!

Sir,

I don't know where the Divine Tree is.

Even if it exists,

it must be with the demons.

Why are you pushing us so hard?

The Divine Tree's aura.

Close your eyes.

Go!

Don't run!

It really is the Divine Tree.

If you hadn't used the Xuanhua Sacred Fire,

the Divine Tree wouldn't have been destroyed!

You're the one who scared them off.

That black-clad demon must be Zong Quan's accomplice!

Sir, if you hadn't been pushing so hard,

Tongzhou would've found

the Divine Tree that Zong Quan hid in the palace.

Now we have nothing.

Outrageous!

Cuixuan.

I think Zong Quan's situation is complicated.

He's practicing evil arts now

and has ties to the Divine Tree.

What a pity

we only got

a fragment of the Divine Tree.

Do you think a mere fragment

has weaker spirit energy than the whole thing?

Even if it's just a fragment,

I need to refine it as soon as possible.

Where are Jiang Lifei and Lei Xiuyuan?

Jiang hasn't healed from her injuries.

Lei has been looking after her.

How convenient.

The moment a demon spy appeared,

those two vanished.

Sir, with you and Elder Chongyi here,

we wouldn't dare overstep.

We don't want to give anyone more reason to talk.

Besides, we weren't even there when the demon was chased.

Right. Lifei was badly hurt this time.

Perfect.

I'll go see

just how badly hurt she is.

Mas...

Lifei, I brought Elder Cuixuan to see you.

Maybe we should skip it?

Out of my way!

How is she? Is she alri...?

Master.

What are you two doing?

Sir, they've been close since their academy days.

They're in love. Couldn't help themselves.

It's a good thing!

Good thing, my foot!

This brings shame to our sect!

Never expected Mountain Sect disciples

to be so passionate.

Admirable.

Enough! Don't make things worse.

No wonder the three of them have such tangled ties.

The Divine Tree's spirit aura has weakened.

I need to return and refine it.

All of you, go back.

We've had enough embarrassment today.

Please.

Save some face for Zhuiyu Peak.

Just go back. Alright?

A fine disciple you have.

I'll leave her to you.

Pack up.

Go back to where you belong.

Exactly. There's always time.

The elders...

The elders already know anyway.

Xiuyuan!

It's a Fire-Releasing Pill. It neutralizes the Xuanhua Fire toxin.

Feeling better?

Feeling any better?

We'll settle the score for knocking me out later.

Now take me to the one who posed as me.

Miaoqing!

How did this happen?

I failed to protect her.

She was badly wounded by a demon spirit and Xuanhua Fire.

Remember, don't open your eyes.

I managed to protect her heart meridians, but...

The Fire-Releasing Pill. Give it to her.

Her soul has scattered. The pill won't work anymore.

Let me try.

Her soul is already lost.

No amount of spirit power will help.

But we can't just watch her die.

I can call her soul back.

Lifei, stay calm.

Lu and I will help here.

You go deal with the elders.

Do you really have

a way to bring her soul back?

Many fishermen in the East Sea go out to sea.

Strange things happen out there.

It's not uncommon for souls to go missing out there.

So there's an ancient soul-calling method in the East Sea.

But this method

comes with a strict condition.

It requires the person who matters most to her

to personally call out her name.

I'll do it.

Your Highness.

Miaoqing.

Miaoqing.

Your Highness.

This...

What do we do?

How do we ease her pain?

Miaoqing, I'm here.

Let me heal her.

You may all leave.

Let's go.

Miaoqing.

Miaoqing is truly devoted.

Duanming City's situation is shifting.

Return at once.

Lifei, Duanming is unstable.

Lu and I have to return to Wanxian Sect.

Take care, everyone. Hope we meet again soon.

You take care too.

♪I trade all the mortal world's splendor♪

♪For a fleeting moment with you♪

Lifei!

♪Our fates intertwined, embracing yet fighting♪

♪The hardest bond to balance♪

Your spirit power isn't limitless.

If you keep channeling it, you'll collapse.

♪Love sprouts again in this lifetime♪

Miaoqing ended up like this because of me.

I'm the one Cuixuan was after...

Jiang Lifei!

You're just like me. Just an ordinary person.

A mortal.

♪With you, through mountains falling and seas turning to sand♪

But...

Whatever happened, it's in the past.

Alright?

♪Hand in hand on the Naihe Bridge. Past the pagoda♪

♪In fine robes on galloping horses♪

♪Always, at the very end of obsession♪

♪Comes that one moment of softness♪

♪Betrayed by all, I still♪

Let's go back to Qingqiu together.

♪Reign supreme♪

We'll go somewhere no one can find us.

♪With you, we melt into mist and haze♪

Just us.

But I still haven't found my master.

All this time,

not a single word from him.

And I don't know where Jiaping is.

Let things take their course. Don't force it.

Elder Chongyi meant the exact opposite of what he said.

Don't you get it?

♪Pierced by countless arrows, pain and illness pile on♪

♪Yet I remain silent♪

Lifei, listen to me. Go back to Qingqiu.

♪Deep love and long yearning, a kiss falls into a dream♪

♪In the distant night, bitterness blooms♪

Remember the first time we went back to Qingqiu?

You said you wanted to build a big house.

I've already planned it.

A courtyard with rooms on all sides,

filled with flowers

blooming all year round.

♪In fine robes on galloping horses♪

♪Always, at the very end of obsession♪

You said you love radishes.

We'll plant radishes in the front and back yards.

♪Betrayed by all, I still♪

Alright?

♪Reign supreme♪

♪If the seal can't be broken, then let it go♪

Besides radishes,

we should keep some chickens and ducks too.

With some meat,

the stewed radish will taste better.

Whatever you say.

♪Always, at the very end of fate♪

♪Comes that one moment of defiance♪

♪In the human world or above, like flowing water♪

With vegetables and meat, once we have it all set up,

maybe my master will come back.

♪Let this fleeting life be whatever it may♪

[Miniature Realm]

You hid the Divine Tree by every means possible.

But I still found it.

Qingcheng,

you lost after all.

Let me see.

Fine.

You!

What have you done?

Things that shouldn't exist in this world.

Better to destroy them.

Qingcheng.

You forced my hand.

Gelin and Lu have returned to report.

We should be going too.

Tomorrow is Jingwu's coronation.

Can you stay a little longer?

If we stay,

we might just cause you more trouble.

You have to guide the Crown Prince and restore the Yue State.

Don't wear yourself out for me.

Next time we meet, I hope we're all doing well.

Where are you going?

We're going...

Master is at Hushe Peak.

Jiaping's distant-sensing talisman?

He's in danger.

[The Eternal Fragrance]

[Adapted from Shisilang's novel, The Eternal Fragrance]

♪I trade all the mortal world's splendor♪

♪For a fleeting moment with you♪

♪Our fates intertwined, embracing yet fighting♪

♪The hardest bond to balance♪

♪Obsessed and struggling, a thousand thoughts arise♪

♪Love sprouts again in this lifetime♪

♪No calamity can rival the lingering thread of a fragrance♪

♪With you, through mountains falling and seas turning to sand♪

♪Withered branches burst into bloom♪

♪Hand in hand on the Naihe Bridge♪

♪Past the pagoda, in fine robes on galloping horses♪

♪Always, at the very end of obsession♪

♪Comes that one moment of softness♪

♪Betrayed by all, I still reign supreme♪

♪With you, we melt into mist and haze♪

♪I trade the highest heaven and endless clouds♪

♪For a fleeting moment with you♪

♪Pierced by countless arrows, pain and illness pile on♪

♪Yet I remain silent♪

♪Deep love and long yearning, a kiss falls into a dream♪

♪In the distant night, bitterness blooms♪

♪The grand chapter is rewritten, startling the whole world♪

♪With you, through mountains falling and seas turning to sand♪

♪Withered branches burst into bloom♪

♪Hand in hand on the Naihe Bridge♪

♪Past the pagoda, in fine robes on galloping horses♪

♪Always, at the very end of obsession♪

♪Comes that one moment of softness♪

♪Betrayed by all, I still reign supreme♪

♪If the seal can't be broken, then let it go♪

♪Where the heart finds peace, there is home♪

♪Side by side, we fly through seas of clouds♪

♪Break through the waves; the heart's ocean knows no shore♪

♪Always, at the very end of fate♪

♪Comes that one moment of defiance♪

♪In the human world or above, like flowing water and falling petals♪

♪Let this fleeting life be whatever it may♪