Original subtitles

[Episode 13]

[Tomb of Fan Zhong Yu, The Song Hermit] Fan.

Has the world...

gone mad?

I'm so tired.

Fan.

I haven't been this tired in a long time.

[Shangqing Hall]

Master Ding.

Why are you here, Master Ding?

Mrs. Jing.

I was just taking a walk to clear my head.

If you wish to clear your head,

the front garden would be better.

I see.

You should avoid this area.

If Master Jing sees you,

he will suspect you.

Mrs. Jing.

You said Uncle Jing will suspect me.

Suspect me of what?

Do you know something?

My Lord.

Uncle Jing.

Nephew, why have you come here?

Well, I just came out for a walk.

I'm not familiar with the layout of the Jing house.

I just ended up here while wandering.

Since you moved in, I have been quite busy.

Sorry, I've neglected you.

Uncle Jing, why would you say that?

You let me stay here to help me find someone.

I'm already imposing on you.

Don't say that.

Your family has faced such trouble,

yet you came all this way to celebrate my birthday.

Such sincerity is truly rare to me.

Speaking of which, your father and I are the same age.

As my birthday approaches,

these past few days...

I find myself thinking of him often.

Well, Uncle Jing.

The big day is almost here.

Let's not dwell on sad things.

Alright. Come here.

I've seen you out and about lately.

Any news on Yue Hua's whereabouts?

No news yet.

I've sent men to search the nearby counties, but they found nothing.

I'm just worried that she'll cause trouble at the Shangqing Sect during your banquet,

ruining the banquet.

Forget about the banquet.

Put all that aside.

It would be better if she did show up.

At least then, we would have news of her.

Let's not talk about this anymore.

- I'll walk with you. - Alright.

Uncle Jing, I'll take my leave now.

Alright.

Thank you.

Father.

How long is Ding Zhao Hui...

going to stay at our house?

Aren't you going to send him away?

He's just a fool.

Is he an eyesore to you?

I was just thinking.

With all the trouble the Ding family is in,

he is still in the mood to celebrate your birthday.

Something seems fishy.

I have my suspicions as well.

After he arrived, I sent men to investigate his family.

Ding Zhao Lan is indeed in a coma, just as he said.

Ding Yue Hua hasn't returned home either.

However, we cannot let our guard down.

Since his intentions are unclear,

I must keep him here.

Keep him right under our noses.

If anything goes wrong, we can finish him off immediately.

I've seen him wandering around the backyard lately.

Tell your men to keep a close watch on that small backyard.

Don't let him get near it.

Yes, Father.

That room is currently guarded day and night.

But speaking of which,

Ding Yue Hua's disappearance is strange.

Where could she have gone?

Could she really come for revenge during the birthday banquet?

Why do you care?

If she doesn't come, fine.

If she does, she's a dead woman!

You should focus on managing Zhongxiao Pavilion.

That Hua Chong is one of your men, right?

I only recruited him because he knew so many girls.

That's why...

Remember this.

From now on, you must never use low-life thugs like him again.

Yes.

Now that Hua Chong is in Zhan Zhao's custody,

silencing him will be very difficult.

Also, regarding the matter of the Yicheng County Magistrate,

we didn't succeed there either.

I am truly anxious.

But Zhi Hua isn't worried at all.

He said he has a way to solve the current crisis.

When I asked him how, he wouldn't say.

Father, now is not the time to let him do things his own way.

Since he said he has a way, then let's wait for his news.

He handled things well this time.

But look at you, you're too impulsive.

If you keep this up,

how will you command respect in Zhongxiao Pavilion?

Then so be it.

With Zhi Hua around,

I have no say in Zhongxiao Pavilion anyway.

Shut your mouth!

You are the rightful heir of our Shangqing Sect.

Stop saying such pathetic things!

The trouble Liu Hong Yi caused has only just settled,

and now something's come wrong again.

Pull yourself together and keep a close eye on Zhongxiao Pavilion!

If anything else goes wrong,

you'll have to answer to His Lordship yourself!

Yes, Father.

Bai.

You're awake.

The medicine will be ready soon.

After you drink it, we'll go meet Zhan as soon as possible.

The rain is getting heavier.

Don't keep him waiting.

Since I arrived in Xiangzhou,

I've heard many stories about the Yaksha.

They have told me a lot,

and taught me many lessons.

Just drink the medicine first.

We can't send Fan off just like this.

To pay respects to Fan,

we still need some offerings.

Offerings? Zhan has prepared everything.

No.

We're still missing the most important one.

Bai!

Step aside.

You're no match for me.

He can't die.

If Fan were still here, he wouldn't want--

But he's gone.

I'm sorry.

Your acupoints will release on their own.

Master Bai, please don't!

Don't worry. I won't kill you.

You don't deserve to die by my hand.

And I won't let you off that easily.

Zhi Hua!

Zhi Hua!

Come out!

Our appointed time hasn't arrived yet.

Why are you in such a hurry to find me?

I know.

You're anxious to kill him to keep him quiet.

I've brought the man to you.

Consider it a gesture of sincerity for the antidote.

A scoundrel like you...

I'm afraid that when you fell into Zhan Zhao,

you'd spill everything about Zhongxiao Pavilion.

He didn't say a word.

Before he could open his mouth,

I fed him something.

Good.

Your medicine was given just in time.

Now that he's mute,

I have no choice but to believe you.

You've already killed Clerk Fang and Fan.

Now that I've brought him here too,

are you still not satisfied?

Give me the antidote.

From the very beginning, I never asked you for Hua Chong.

What I want is information on Zhan Zhao's investigation.

Hua Chong didn't confess anything before I brought him here.

This has already blocked Zhan Zhao's path of investigation.

Not enough.

You want to fight?

Fine.

Come on.

I'll trade my one life

for the lives of your two sworn brothers.

See if you think it's worth it.

Zhan Zhao is here.

Bai Yu Tang is here too.

You don't have to make a move.

You're a step too late.

Hua Chong is already dead.

I didn't come here to save Hua Chong.

I came to save you!

Save me?

I don't need your saving.

No one in this world can tell me what to do.

Whatever I set out to do, I will see it through to the end.

Dealing with the devil

will not end well.

Come back with me.

Regarding Fan's matter,

I will definitely give you an answer!

I'm not the one you need to answer to!

Zhan Zhao, if you still insist on following your ridiculous official rules,

then from now on, we have nothing to do with each other!

Step aside!

Zhan Zhao,

don't force my hand.

Step aside!

Have you had enough?

Wait for me at Fan's grave.

Fan.

[Tomb of Fan Zhong Yu, The Song Hermit] I brought Hua Chong to atone for his crimes.

He died a very painful death.

If you can hear me from the afterlife,

you can rest in peace now.

Once the case is closed,

Hua Chong would have naturally faced the judgment he deserved.

Why couldn't you just wait?

Wait?

Why should I wait?

Wait until when?

He had to die right now!

To pay for Fan's life.

For Hui Dai, and for all the girls in Zhongxiao Pavilion!

My only regret now is that I didn't kill him while Fan was still alive.

In Xiangzhou, everyone worships Yaksha as a god.

Do you know why?

Because the government can't give the people justice.

They can only place their hope in Yaksha.

Kaifeng Prefecture is indeed different from those corrupt offices.

But what's the use?

Even if Lord Bao is known as Justice and judges cases like a god,

can he handle every injustice in this world?

The corruption in Xiangzhou's officialdom didn't just happen overnight.

Lord of Xiangyang has dominated Xiangzhou for over ten years.

I don't believe that no word of this ever reached the imperial court.

After ten years of this mess,

they sent only you, Zhan Zhao.

Do they believe a fourth-rank officer like you can completely wipe out his power?

Or do they just not value your life?

Don't you understand yet?

They sent you here just to go through the motions.

It's all just a show for the people.

Of all these matters,

how much do you see clearly?

People living in the world

mock you as a dog of the imperial court.

The court ministers look down on you for your humble origins.

The world is vast, and the court is wide,

but is there any place for you?

I think Yaksha might truly exist.

But he is not a god.

He is a hero who slays all evil.

I quite like the title of Yaksha.

Zhan Zhao,

become Yaksha with me.

Let's be the judges of this filthy world together.

I like your title of Yaksha.

No matter what I do,

if it's done by the Yaksha,

everyone says "Well done" and "You did the right thing."

Since this title of Yaksha is so convenient,

then anyone can use it.

You have truly gone mad!

Is it you who's mad, or is it me?

I kill evil men. What have I done wrong?

Fighting violence with violence is not justice.

And slaughter is never a virtuous act!

Blood for blood, an eye for an eye.

That has always been my way!

Only because I met my sworn brothers that I--

Forget it.

Since Lord Zhan, you despise my methods,

then we shall go our separate ways.

From this day forward,

we shall mind our own business.

Zhan Zhao, remember this.

At least for now,

the one who made Hua Chong kneel and repent at Fan's grave

was not the government.

It was I, Bai Yu Tang.

In this world,

if justice truly existed,

how could someone like me...

have become a government official?

Lord Zhan,

you insist on seeking justice.

Let me give you some advice.

Don't be like your short-lived brother,

only realizing when death is near that the road ahead...

is a dead end.

The corruption in Xiangzhou's officialdom didn't just happen overnight.

Lord of Xiangyang has dominated Xiangzhou for over ten years.

After ten years of this mess,

they sent only you, Zhan Zhao.

Do they believe a fourth-rank officer like you can completely wipe out his power?

Or do they just not value your life?

People living in the world

mock you as a dog of the imperial court.

The court ministers look down on you for your humble origins.

The world is vast, and the court is wide,

but is there any place for you?

Zhan Zhao,

become Yaksha with me.

Let's be the judges of this filthy world.

Are you all right, Zhan?

To be honest,

in all my years,

I've never seen such a terrifying case.

Nor have I ever seen such terrifying human hearts.

Last night,

I even thought about returning to Linglong Manor.

But I thought about it all night and I understand now.

Everything I'm facing now

is a necessary experience for my journey in the world.

Zhan,

no matter how hard the road ahead is,

we will eventually reach the end.

This case has vast implications.

The further we investigate,

the more dangerous it will become.

- Miss Huo, you should-- - Zhan.

What I meant just now was,

no matter how difficult it gets,

I will see this through with you.

Look.

My skills aren't bad either.

I can protect others,

and I can protect myself.

I'll investigate the case with you

and protect you by your side.

Isn't that good?

Enough.

If you keep going,

I'll think you're underestimating me, just like Shao Ji Zu did.

Tell me,

everything we're doing now...

Liu...

Fan...

and the girls who died in Zhongxiao Pavilion...

can they see it?

I'm just afraid.

I'm afraid that the justice we seek is a justice that has come too late.

Everything we're doing now...

is actually too late.

Zhan.

Let me take you somewhere.

Wonderful!

Wonderful!

Look at this street. How is it different from before?

When we first came here, it was empty.

I suppose the embroidery shop owner didn't allow them to set up stalls here.

But now that the shop is closed.

Look.

That old lady can sell her silk threads here now.

Tell me,

if the embroidery shop hadn't closed,

would those two girls have walked into that shop?

And would they have become Zhongxiao Pavilion's next targets?

Just by closing the embroidery shop,

such a big change has occurred.

If we completely eradicate the power of Zhongxiao Pavilion...

what would happen then?

If we give up now,

perhaps,

in a matter of time,

this Ruzhen Embroidery Shop would be kidnapping people in broad daylight.

Zhongxiao Pavilion wouldn't need Fenglai Pavilion as a cover anymore.

They could operate openly on the street.

I believe

Constable Liu and Fan must have considered

that they might fail.

But they still went ahead because they believed

that someone would continue to investigate this case.

That someone...

would eventually get justice.

When you took this case,

you weren't certain that it would end with you, were you?

For the two of them,

this justice...

came too late.

But for the common people,

it's never too late.

Your inner conflict is resolved,

but I still have one.

What is it?

It's Bai.

I feel like his recent actions are a bit strange.

Before he left,

did he say anything to you?

Bai Yu Tang said...

he wanted to be a Yaksha.

Purge all injustice with his sword.

He also said...

Forget it.

Though Bai Yu Tang and I...

haven't known each other long,

he has already become a true friend to me.

So, when Bai Yu Tang...

said those things,

to me...

Bai was lying.

Huo Xiao Mei!

Do you know why I had you follow Zhan Zhao to find that clerk?

Why?

Because that clerk might be one of those responsible for Liu Hong Yi's death.

And Zhan Zhao is Liu Hong Yi's sworn brother.

I was afraid that once he knew the truth, he would act on impulse.

That clerk's life is worthless, he deserves to die.

But Zhan Zhao works for the government.

If he were to face charges for such a man, wouldn't it be a waste?

I understand.

I think he was just blinded by rage at what He Bo had done.

That's why he spoke so recklessly.

As for the Yaksha matter...

I think...

Bai acted out of indignation.

He is desperate to right the wrongs and restore justice in Xiangzhou.

Indignation aside,

the path of the Yaksha is one that must never be taken.

I've heard many rumors about the Yaksha on my way here.

People say he is a hero who punishes evil and eliminates villains.

If he were a hero,

why would his statue be in Zhongxiao Pavilion,

guarding the gates for the wicked?

When the Yaksha first appeared,

he did intend to use his sword to wipe out all injustice in the world.

But can right and wrong

be decided by one person's judgment?

When there is too much killing,

and he can no longer tell if the sword is drawn for justice

or for the thrill of playing god,

how can he distinguish...

whether the Yaksha's existence...

is right or wrong?

Zhan,

you seem...

to know a lot about the stories of the Yaksha.

I've heard others speak of it.

But you were right just now.

Though Bai Yu Tang is hot-tempered and impulsive,

his anger usually passes after a short while.

He is rarely like this,

acting without considering any consequences.

I fear there is more to this.

Let's go.

- We should go to-- - Wait a moment.

The sun is about to rise.

Zhi Hua's Great Compassion Palm,

and what happened to the Ding family...

I suspect...

Zhongxiao Pavilion and Jing Yi Ming are inextricably linked.

He Bo is the Master of the Shangqing Sect,

Jing Yi Ming.

What a sanctimonious titan.

But we have no evidence.

How can we convict him?

The Yicheng County Magistrate said

the rule of concealing guests' identities at Zhongxiao Pavilion

is a facade for the officials.

He Bo has...

a ledger specifically for recording dealings with officials.

So, if we can get that ledger,

then the corrupt officials in Xiangzhou can be rooted out.

Yes.

If the officials on the ledger

and the girls in Zhongxiao Pavilion

have seen He Bo's true face,

they can serve as witnesses to testify against him.

Then He Bo's crimes

can be revealed to the world.

That's great.

The officials in Zhongxiao Pavilion...

the missing martial artists...

Where exactly is Yu Lian?

Has she seen He Bo's true face?

We don't know any of this yet.

Zhongxiao Pavilion...

We must go there once more.

But right now,

they must have tightened security.

I'm afraid it won't be easy to get in.

Perhaps there's another way.

I discovered something today.

In front of Miss Hui Dai's grave,

there's a new nameless headstone.

In Zhongxiao Pavilion,

they gave you the name Hui Dai.

But I thought...

you wouldn't want that name on your headstone.

So I set up a nameless one for you.

Once I find out your real name,

I will add it for you.

As a fellow woman,

you saw her being humiliated every day,

yet you had to obey He Bo.

In your heart...

you must have been suffering as well.

What choice do we have?

He Bo and his death squad's moves

perfectly counter our Hanshui Palace.

With Chang Hong Bi in their hands,

we are forced to be under his control.

If there were a chance...

to escape He Bo's clutches,

would you be willing to take the risk?

I, Zhan Zhao, venture to ask the Moon Envoy.

Help us re-enter Zhongxiao Pavilion.

If we can take down He Bo and rescue the suffering girls in Zhongxiao Pavilion,

it will also free Hanshui Palace.

Zhongxiao Pavilion reopens tonight.

Now is the perfect time to re-enter Zhongxiao Pavilion.

But to uncover all the secrets of Zhongxiao Pavilion,

just entering the underground palace is far from enough.

I am aware of the situation regarding my two elder brothers.

The antidote will be obtained soon.

Do not worry, everyone.

Sir.

Same as last time,

deliver it to Xiankong Island, Songjiang Prefecture.

Understood. Rest assured.

- You stay here. - I'm going too.

I knew you would say that.

From the moment the Moon Envoy said how dangerous the secret chamber was,

- you've been planning this, haven't you? - It's dangerous.

It's dangerous, so I must go with you.

With me by your side, I can at least look out for you.

No.

Since you know it's dangerous,

why should we both take the risk?

If something were to happen to me,

someone must remain to continue the investigation.

Don't you want the same thing as me,

to rescue those girls?

That's not right.

You almost talked me into a corner.

I'm not part of the government.

Why would I be investigating a case?

But you,

you are the one with the imperial decree.

I must ensure your safety so that this case can be solved properly.

I'm afraid that with you following me...

I won't be as focused as if I were alone.

You're even more blunt than Shao Ji Zu.

You think I'm a burden,

and you say it so openly.

I...

How could I mean that?

I meant, if you come with me, I will be constantly worried about you.

Do you understand?

A...

A little bit.

Then I'll wait in the shop's backyard.

That is my final offer.

Thank you, Master Huo.

Zhi Hua knew you would come tonight.

He is waiting for you inside.

Give me the medicine.

Give me the medicine.

Give me the medicine.

Give me the medicine.

Give me the medicine.

Give me the medicine.

Give me the medicine.

Hurry, give me the medicine.

Give me the medicine.

Give me the medicine.

I was afraid you weren't aware of your sworn brothers' current state.

So I brought you here to see for yourself.

I want you to see what happens when the Yemotian poison takes effect.

Master Bai is indeed unyielding.

Coming here with such aggression...

You don't look like you're begging.

It seems you're here to take my life.

You gave me a few lashes back then.

I will return the favor in full today!

As long as you hand over the antidote,

you can do whatever you want with me.

Master Bai is such a talent.

It would be a pity to kill you.

Since you won't stay by Zhan Zhao's side to gather information for me,

I won't force you.

Drink this.

Go kill someone for me.

Afterward, I will give you the antidote.

Don't worry.

I won't ask you to kill the innocent.

Zhan Zhao doesn't appreciate your chivalrous heart,

but I am happy to help you fulfill it.

If Bai Yu Tang finds out that there is no antidote for Yemotian,

he might turn back to find Zhan Zhao.

That is why...

before he learns the truth, we must make sure he can't turn back.

The one you want him to kill is the Yicheng County Magistrate?

Exactly.

Zhan Zhao wants to protect him,

so I'll have Bai Yu Tang kill him.

The two will surely clash again over this matter.

In all the martial arts world,

there are few who can rival Zhan Zhao.

Bai Yu Tang is one of them.

I am truly curious to see if the two of them fight,

who will ultimately win.

If they fight each other,

no matter who gets hurt, it will be of immense benefit to me.

That Bai Yu Tang...

he is quite shrewd.

If he figures out the trick,

I'm afraid he won't act.

Don't worry, he will definitely kill him.

By then, killing him won't even be enough to satisfy his hatred.

He will want to tear him limb from limb.

Si Ming sent someone to inform me of something.

He said Bai Yu Tang and this magistrate...

actually have quite a history.

15 years ago,

the Yicheng County Magistrate was a clerk at the Tanxi Town county government office.

There was a major case that everyone knew about and passed through his hands.

Bai Yu Tang.

Who hurt you?

It's none of your business.

Where did you hide the Yicheng County Magistrate?

Are you really determined to work for Zhi Hua?

Where did you hide the Yicheng County Magistrate?

Bai Yu Tang.

Don't do something you can't turn back from.

Fine.

If you won't tell me,

I'll find him myself.

Let's go. Don't let anyone see us.

I spiked the water I gave to the guard.

He won't be coming around soon.

Once you go in, I will stand guard at the door for you.

Fu Feng.

Thank you for taking the risk to help me.