Original subtitles

♪From primal chaos to the starry sky♪

♪In the whole world, we shall hold the balance♪

♪The cauldron tempers divine blades♪

♪The furnace refines the empty void♪

♪The Way is in mystic fate♪

♪Be brave enough to split the primal chaos wide open♪

[Pull Strings]

[Adapted from the novel by Yan Gui Zheng Zhuan]

[Episode 6]

This is

the Ascendance Sect?

What are

all these things?

Your Highness,

they're humans.

So,

this is

human.

Welcome, Prince Ao Jia

of the East Sea.

Dragon Palace Envoy brings a message.

Master of Ascendance Sect.

Come at once to meet.

Who dares be so insolent?

So, you're

the Grandlord of Ascendance Sect?

Have you no manners?

The prestigious Ascendance Sect

isn't for a beast like you to question.

How dare you!

This is the Crown Prince of East Sea.

What are you to disrespect him?

I don't care.

Since you've come to my sect,

you must obey my rules.

Then let me

teach you a lesson.

Come.

If you can even scratch one dragon scale,

I'll immediately kneel and swear fealty.

How about that?

Good.

Your Highness.

So, this is the Human Clan.

No need for you to step in.

Impossible!

Impossible!

I am a Celestial Immortal.

How could a beast defeat me?

Impossible!

Impossible!

You had enough fun?

Now,

it's my turn.

[Detached Master, Grandlord of Ascendance Sect]

Breaths restored. Heavens as one.

Break!

Go.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, are you alright?

The Human Clan is so despicable.

Let's not stoop to their level.

Are you alright?

Let me see.

I'm Detached Master, Grandlord of Ascendance Sect.

Greetings, Crown Prince.

The proud dragon shall know regret.

Strength to the extreme brings disgrace.

I urge you to reconsider.

Mentor.

Mentor.

Mentor, you've emerged from seclusion.

Your Highness,

His Majesty has ordered:

No trifles, no big trouble.

Yes, Your Highness.

We are

outnumbered.

Turn around.

Before so many people?

I don't need you to teach me how to act.

The proud dragon shall know regret, huh?

When you sought

to exterminate us,

did you ever regret it?

For nearly a thousand years,

you've dwelt in the four seas, with strife unceasing.

Under the pretext of the tides,

you stirred up trouble.

For the bond between our clans,

we only gave a light punishment as a warning.

We never tried to exterminate you.

A light punishment as a warning?

If you don't exterminate us now,

you'll exterminate us eventually.

You humans always lie.

I won't fall for your tricks.

You've come with such a crowd,

just to engage in a war of words?

A timely reminder.

Now, let us speak of business.

Some days ago,

you held a Training Assembly.

Many of our soldiers were hurt.

By all rights,

all who struck them should be seized

and punished without mercy.

Unfortunately,

my always speaks

of harmony between our peoples.

He told me not to stoop to your level.

They invite us to the East Sea

to settle this matter in three days.

The courteous words

have now been delivered.

In three days,

we shall meet at Dragon Palace.

Mentor,

we have no ties with Dragon Palace.

I fear this feast bodes ill.

We must go. Courtesy demands it.

Besides,

if the peace between humans and dragons

falls apart because of us,

then in the future,

how can I face our ancestors?

The crisis has passed.

We'll decide the attendees later.

All divisions, you're dismissed.

Understood.

The invitation of the Dragon Palace of the East Sea.

What a great chance!

I must guard the Sea-Calming Pillar for the Celestial Court.

Greetings, Grandlord.

Come.

Quickly, rise.

Yuan.

You've been through a lot.

Look.

Wear it properly.

Yuan?

Who doesn't have a pet name?

Grandlord.

It's fine, it's fine.

Even when Mentor has nothing to do,

he still coughs up bottles of blood daily.

If I could spit up so much,

that would be a true blessing.

To expel the old and take in the new

is the true essence of the Way.

To expel the old and take in the new...

Yuan.

- How enviable. - Grandlord, here.

This...

Coughing blood isn't expelling the old.

His body seems...

A minor injury.

These things happen.

My mentor taught me long ago.

I've gotten used

to spitting up blood.

That's right.

- What teaching is this? - I'm used to it.

Yuan,

if trouble ever finds you,

come to me for help.

Look, tighten your clothes.

You're all disheveled.

It's not proper before the juniors.

I won't look. I won't look.

I won't look. I won't look.

Fix your clothes.

What to do?

Sixty years ago,

you borrowed my Gnatsting Needle

to remove a nagging worry.

From then on, you were enlightened,

advancing by leaps and bounds.

Now, a mere lackey of the Dragon Palace

can hold his own against you.

The Grandlord you most wish to topple

has become much more powerful.

Silence!

Only by growing stronger

can one be truly invincible.

We can give you

what your sect can't.

Be quiet! Enough!

There, there.

My dear elder,

why not leave this sea of suffering

and reach the other shore?

You should

simply convert to our side.

Look!

If the last Tribulation Cloud was a false alarm,

then this time,

this Tribulation Cloud seems odd.

A Celestial Immortal becoming an Aureate Immortal

is a grand spectacle.

You don't see this every year.

Who would have thought

Kuai Si would pass first?

[Hall of Virtue] If Mentor makes it,

he could rival the Grandlord.

More than that.

By then, our division

will rise in standing with him.

This...

Congrats on becoming an Aureate Immortal.

Elder Kuai Si quelled evil spirits.

His merit is complete.

Let the 800 divisions celebrate.

What now?

This is...

Had I not lost to the Dragon Clan,

I couldn't have reached this.

I wish to attend the Grand Feast

at the Dragon Palace as well

to cleanse my past shame.

Grandlord, please

grant your consent.

One alone can lead the banquet party.

Okay.

I'll have Wu stay.

You will go in his place.

Yes, Grandlord.

I've helped you become an Aureate Immortal,

and you've become my fellow disciple.

Time to offer a pledge of allegiance.

You must go to the East Sea on a task.

You'll be briefed on the specifics.

You

should just wait.

Who?

Uncle,

let me help you.

Why are you on the ship?

You're not on the roster.

Like you, Uncle,

I was added at the last minute.

I was too scared to come.

But seeing the Dragon Prince so furious,

after much thought,

I still came, thick-skinned.

Really?

I can't hide it from you, Uncle.

I truly have selfish motives.

I want to see the Dragon Palace and broaden my view,

so I could brag to the guys later.

But rest assured, Uncle.

About your reckoning with the Dragon Clan,

I'll stand by your side

and cheer you on.

You are truly an honest man.

But my affairs

are none of your concern.

You insist on wading into this mire.

Just don't regret it later.

Let me help you, Uncle.

Uncle.

Changshou.

I'm here.

Let go.

Stay out of it.

Yes.

Uncle, watch your step.

[Asura Cave]

I've done

what needed to be done.

Kuai Si now obeys me completely.

That should be enough for my report.

You've toiled for sixty years.

Cultivator, what a great service.

What cultivator?

Call me Queen.

Queen, you've done a great service.

I sincerely admire you.

Jin Chan,

don't be so sarcastic with me.

It's not that I'm stalling on purpose.

The Way sects' roots run deep in Central Plains.

Dragging them into this won't be easy.

My blood's almost run dry

from exhaustion.

And you...

You old stink bug.

You've been idling in the East Sea for so long.

You haven't forgotten the real matter, right?

Don't worry.

The hunter has cast the net.

Next,

just listen quietly

to the moment blood is drawn.

[Jin Chan, Guest Official of East Sea]

The pain is gone.

No matter what stubborn illness,

it's no match for your blade, sir.

Your Highness, it's just pent-up emotions.

Even without seeking my help,

a few days' rest will drive it away.

I wish I could.

I don't have the time.

Speaking of which,

those human scum are about to arrive.

Father leaves me

to host them all.

Then I'll give them a warm welcome.

After all,

of all your teachings, sir,

I best remember one thing:

Humans

and dragons

are sworn enemies.

No matter how many past grievances,

the humans are honored guests.

You must not breach etiquette.

Sir, you are truly merciful.

But didn't you teach me the principle

of courtesy before force?

If there's no excuse,

I will give them one.

You are frail, sir.

No need to see me off.

My heart pounds like a drum.

Truly,

most pleasing to the ear.

It looks like extra rations tonight.

Mind your manners!

Are you the esteemed envoys of Ascendance Sect?

Yes.

And who might this seafood be?

Who might you be?

I am Jinli, the Dragon Palace General,

sent by the First Prince to welcome you.

Where is the Dragon Palace entrance?

The Dragon Palace has always had

only one entrance.

Are you afraid of water?

Afraid of water?

Forget it. Too late now.

Open the Dragon Gate.

Fear-mongering.

Hold on tight.

I...

Changshou,

I thought you couldn't touch women.

Good heavens! Hold steady!

Hold on to me, Xuanya.

The Dragon Palace trip is so perilous.

Senior Changshou, Junior Ling'e,

why must you come?

Exactly.

Changshou, are you okay?

Senior.

Are you okay, Changshou?

This is the Dragon Palace!

How many treasures must be inside!

If you grab a handful,

you'll be set for half a lifetime.

We're here to broaden our horizons.

That's right.

[Token]

Senior.

[Plaza outside the Crystal Palace, Token]

Are you all right?

Everyone, what happened?

Are you seasick?

We're here with goodwill

for the feast.

Why make things difficult, Crown Prince?

Elder, please don't take offense.

I'm the Turtle Minister of the East Sea.

It's quite obvious, isn't it?

The Water Dragon Spout is known as the Dragon Gate.

Only our Dragon Gate Token

and the Dragon King's direct descendants

can open it.

I have sent

your little boat to the surface.

It'll stay there.

When you ride the Water Dragon Spout out,

you'll see it.

That's right.

Everyone,

leaping this Dragon Gate

is a tremendous honor.

Without leaping it to enter or leave the East Sea,

you'd have to dive through unfathomable depths.

So, I hope you all

can relax and open your hearts.

After all,

the ground beneath your feet today

is the Dragon Palace.

Enough, Turtle Minister.

Don't make everyone stand while talking.

I prepared today's banquet

especially for the Ascendance Sect.

Come.

Please take the seats.

Kids don't drink.

The Dragon King called us to the East Sea

to clear up the misunderstanding.

But where is the Dragon King?

Father

is indisposed.

He bade me act in his stead

and receive you all.

The East Sea abounds in treasures

and rare delicacies.

Everyone,

please enjoy yourselves.

I'll take them back.

Senior,

you won't eat any of these, right?

If not, it'd be a waste.

I'll take them back for Mentor.

Seven.

Eight.

- Nine. - What are you counting?

Junior,

when we entered the Dragon Palace,

how many of us were there?

Our group had eight.

And you and I sneaked in.

That makes ten.

Ten from Ascendance Sect,

one Dragon Clan General.

So, the total should be...

Eleven.

No,

there are twelve.

Senior,

who taught you to count?

It should be eleven people,

but there are twelve spiritual senses.

Don't look around; it's conspicuous.

What does that mean?

It means

someone secretly tailed us

into the Dragon Palace.

Who?

Where is he?

I'm going to pass out now.

Pass out?

Senior.

I'll pass out too then.

How is it?

Our poison

is no worse than yours in the human world, right?

You poisoned us?

Why did you poison us?

Why so harsh?

This isn't poisoning.

It's a test for all of you.

A test?

Pah!

This poison

isn't exactly lethal.

It won't be fatal.

At most, just a deep sleep.

Those with high cultivation

will neutralize it with their own power.

Lower cultivation means faster sleep.

This elder

seems to have decent cultivation.

Did you eat differently?

The same.

My wine and food also have poison.

Then, why are you...

I am a dragon.

I was born with a sacred body.

Different from you humans.

I'm not afraid of this poison.

So you see,

compared to dragons, human bodies

are truly weaker.

Turtle Minister,

quickly present the antidote.

Yes.

Zhenzhen, Ai'ai.

Lianlian, Qiezi.

Apply the medicine.

It hurts.

And you are?

She is Jiang Si'er, Princess

[Jiang Si'er, Mermaid Clan] of the Mermaid Clan.

The First Prince's bride-to-be.

Honored guests, please don't misunderstand.

The Dragon Palace must stay guarded.

All newcomers must face this trial.

- I'll go. - We meant no harm.

The antidote was ready all along.

Please forgive us.

You released it too soon.

I was just getting started.

At this point,

the banquet may now come to an end.

Honored guests, please follow the palace guards

to your chambers and rest.

Once the Dragon King recovers,

he will receive you all.

Wait.

[Ao Yi, Second Prince of East Sea]

Your Highness,

you've returned.

Ao Yi, hurry.

Your Highness?

That's the First Prince; that's the Second Prince.

Everyone,

allow me to introduce him.

This young man

is Ao Yi, Second Prince

of the Dragon Palace

and my brother.

Good.

Good.

If his brother is this arrogant,

what might the younger one be like?

He likely comes with ill intent.

Jia, about this rare banquet today,

I have a request.

Between us, no need for requests.

What is it?

I grew up in the Dragon Palace.

But

I've always heard that the Human Clan

has powerful magic and many heroes,

Jia.

Isn't this mocking us?

Even you caught the mockery.

Even?

So, Yi, what do you mean?

I want to take this chance to test

how strong human Qi refiners really are.

That's my brother.

The true intention is revealed.

Everyone,

the Second Prince wishes to spar.

Surely, no one will object.

Senior,

you're so tall that you might catch attention.

No, no, Your Highness.

That won't do.

Turtle Minister,

it's a just match for amusement.

His Majesty won't agree.

Father gave me full authority.

If I say a match, then a match it is.

I'll follow your lead.

This height is about right, isn't it?

We're about the same now.

Cover me, help cover me.

Come, Yi.

Pick someone.

Him.

It really is you.

Me?

No, he's too weak.

You'll fight me.

Xuanya will fight in Senior Changshou's place.

I'll go too.

She can.

Me, me!

- Choose me! - I can too!

Me! I'll go too!

What a racket!

It's up

to Yi.

No substitutions.

You're the one.

Come here.

So, I can't get away with it.

I'm Li Changshou of Ascendance Sect.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Li Changshou?

My destined opponent.

Destined?

Have you picked the wrong man?

You are exactly who I seek.

You'll be the first stepping stone

for my grand cause.

It's a trap. I can't get drawn in.

When he strikes,

I'll fake getting hit and fly back.

Catch me.

Rest easy.

But what if you

land right on top of me?

I'm using the One-Way Voice Transmission.

I can't hear a word you're saying.

Then why did you reply to me?

Don't shame our sect.

Strike him!

On my signal.

Now!

Such formidable skill!

Well done, Changshou!

Pummel him!

Kick him!

Changshou is so weak.

How did he suddenly become strong?

Senior,

why did you fight back?

I didn't.

I thought you couldn't hear me.

I didn't touch him.

Why is he acting

as if I defeated him?

Could it be...

He repelled the Dragon Clan's Second Prince?

Could he be hiding his cultivation?

Could he have really killed Yuan Qing?

It's a trap.

Has he seen through my hidden cultivation?

And he wants to expose my true cultivation?

I won't let you succeed.

Such a strong hidden force.

He really is still quite weak.

I didn't touch him at all.

The Dragon Clan power is truly formidable.

Without touching me, it wounded me so.

The Second Prince

clearly took my attack

yet is lively and unharmed.

I'm impressed.

Good.

Care to test my resolve too?

So, this is the legendary spell

of releasing power from the eyes?

Amazing!

Our sect has no such move.

My arm...

is broken.

See? It's broken.

You're going this far with me?

Don't doubt my resolve.

Fine.

You forced my hand.

♪Close eyes to sense the world♪

♪Years splash ink♪

♪Trekking far and wide♪

♪Silent in subtleties♪

♪The task descends on me♪

♪Though millions block, it echoes loud♪

♪Transcending gods and demons above♪

♪Plain and unremarkable♪

♪From the start, plan for storms♪

♪Seek refuge, survive, hide my skill♪

Save me, Uncle.

♪Unyielding, who fates good and evil♪

I can't bear to watch.

Uncle,

save me.

Changshou!

Changshou!

First Prince,

the outcome is clear. Stop this.

Please, show mercy.

Yes, yes.

Since the human is coughing blood,

I declare...

The fight isn't over yet.

No, I'll declare the Dragon Clan wins!

I never imagined that I

would meet an opponent like you today.

As expected,

accomplishing great things

always requires the toughest trials.

Stop it!

I'll lose my life if you keep fighting!

Compared to the Dragon Clan's future,

my life

is insignificant.

Could this be

the Human Clan's legendary Sword Flight?

I

hope my death

can awaken the Dragon Clan.

Bro,

you're trying to kill me!

Let's see you keep this act up.

Your Highness!

Take him!

Your Highness!

- Senior! - Changshou! - Yi!

Changshou, Changshou.

Come on, help him up.

Sure.

Hurry, hurry!

Why did it just happen again?

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Yi.

Yi.

Li Changshou, how are you?

I gave it everything I had

but still couldn't defeat the Second Prince.

I've brought shame to our sect.

But he's already unconscious.

You,

just put on a good show.

The Second Prince won so easily.

He was overjoyed, which caused a stitch.

Is that so?

Yes, yes, that's right.

Exactly so.

I declare

the Second Prince wins.

Junior.

Senior.

You...

Junior,

help me give the Second Prince

a thumbs-up.

What does this mean?

To pay my highest respects to the greatest rival

of my acting career.

Senior.

Senior.

Senior.

I couldn't make out a word.

♪See mortal joys and sorrows♪

♪Reunions and partings, as fate unfolds♪

♪Alas, love has many twists and turns♪

♪Memories filled with sorrow♪

♪Slowly, wishes turn to regret♪

♪You've gone afar, like mist fading♪

♪Tearfully, this life's bond is not over♪

♪Past fragments vanish into night♪

♪Down a few more cups of wine♪

♪Through land and sea, I ask you to come♪

♪For honor's sake, upright and grand♪

♪Alas, our story is short♪

♪Slowly, wishes turn to regret♪

♪You've gone afar, like mist fading♪

♪Tears fall, this fate's not done♪

♪Past fragments vanish into night♪WEBVTT

♪Past fragments vanish into night♪