Original subtitles

[Pangzhou Huangsha Station]

Someone's dead!

[A Prophet]

[Episode 4]

Is it done?

It's done.

What's wrong?

You don't look happy.

Whether it's Old Madam Zhu

or Lyu Ruhui,

they got what they deserved.

But hurting someone completely innocent...

I'm afraid

I'll become more and more like them.

Once we decided to go after the Tianxiang Sect,

there was no turning back.

I know.

We've been preparing for this day

for far too long.

[Eight years ago]

Mentor,

I just can't make heads or tails of the incantations in the Yingyao Rhapsody,

no matter how many times I read them.

It's all coded language.

No wonder you can't make sense of it.

This first line:

"upon meeting a client, discern their intent;

when you speak, don't hesitate."

It means that when you're telling someone's fortune,

you should listen more than you speak,

then seize the right moment to hit the nail on the head,

right?

Exactly.

But the next four lines...

These next four lines

are all about the wisdom of life.

You need to look and reflect—

to look at all things,

understand life's joys and sorrows,

and observe.

Observe?

Bamboo baskets!

Check it out.

Freshly woven bamboo baskets!

Big ones, small ones—

take a look!

Come get one!

Upon meeting a client, discern their intent;

when you speak, don't hesitate.

If a father asks about his son, he wants to know if his son will prosper.

If a father asks about his son, he wants to know if his son will prosper.

If a son asks about his father, he's worried about his father's health.

If a son asks about his father, he's worried about his father's health.

If a parent comes to have their child's fortune told,

they're usually asking whether the child will make something of himself

and lead a life of wealth and success.

When a child comes to have their parent's fortunes told,

it's always because the parent is in poor health—

whether they're ill or nearing death.

Those are the things children worry about most when it comes to their parents.

A wife asks about her husband.

A wife asks about her husband.

Those who come happily hope to share in their husbands' success.

Those who come happily hope to share in their husbands' success.

Those who come sorrowfully are truly worried about their husbands.

Those who come sorrowfully are truly worried about their husbands.

When a wife

comes to ask about her husband's future,

if she comes in high spirits,

it means her husband

may soon rise in rank or make a fortune.

But if she looks troubled,

either her husband has lost his position or fortune,

or he's thinking of leaving her.

A husband asks about his wife.

A husband asks about his wife.

If the matter doesn't involve the wife,

If the matter doesn't involve the wife,

it must be about difficulties having children.

it must be about difficulties having children.

A man

who comes to have his wife's fortune told

does so for only two possible reasons.

Either

he suspects she's been unfaithful,

or they're having trouble

having children.

Otherwise, a man would never have his wife's fortune told.

A scholar asks about his future.

A scholar asks about his future.

A wealthy man asks about his remaining years.

A wealthy man asks about his remaining years.

This means

scholars usually ask about their prospects—

whether they'll pass the exams

and whether they'll become officials.

As for the wealthy,

they always ask about their longevity.

They have plenty of money

and fear nothing

except not living long enough.

Those high-ranking officials...

Those high-ranking officials...

Claim to have their hearts set on the mountains and forests.

Claim to have their hearts set on the mountains and forests.

Those high-ranking officials

actually have greater ambitions

and stronger desires for personal gain.

If I tempt them with wealth and power,

they'll surely be delighted.

You're a quick learner.

So you must observe carefully

and read the present situation accurately.

Tomorrow, I'll set up my stall and tell fortunes.

You come along and watch.

[Legendary Fortune Teller]

Fortune-teller,

how much do you charge for a reading?

No charge if I'm wrong.

And if you're right?

Pay whatever you think is fair.

All right.

Please.

How do you interpret this reading?

Your surname is Zhang,

Z-h-a-n-g.

That's right.

My name is Zhang Feng.

How did you know?

Who are you

asking about?

My wife.

Your wife's condition isn't serious.

How did you know my wife was ill?

Go north to seek medical treatment.

That should do it.

I just went to see a doctor north of the city.

You...

You figured all that out from the reading?

Hurry and get the medicine.

Once she takes it, the Zhang family will have an heir.

Master,

you're incredible!

My wife hasn't gotten pregnant

in two years!

It's all fate.

What is meant to come will come in time.

Let me congratulate you in advance.

Thank you, Master.

Thank you, Master.

Master, here's just a little token of my appreciation.

Thank you! Thank you!

Congratulations, congratulations.

Thank you, Master.

Let's have the Master read ours, too.

Master,

read ours too, please.

How did you get it all so right?

I didn't tell his fortune. I observed.

You could even tell his surname through observation?

There was something

embroidered on his money pouch:

"Bairen Hall."

Everyone from Bairen Hall

is surnamed Zhang.

Then how did you know

he was having his wife's fortune told,

and that she was the one who was ill?

I saw the prescription he was holding.

Then how did you know he was asking about having children?

A husband asks about his wife.

If the matter doesn't involve the wife,

it must be about difficulties having children.

Then how did you know

he was going north to seek medical treatment?

The wind was blowing from the south when it rained.

The front of his body was already dry,

but his back and shoulders were still wet.

So he must have been traveling from south to north.

You just got lucky and happened to guess right.

The tickets are already booked.

We're leaving today.

Now that we've finally built up a bit of a reputation,

why not keep setting up our stall instead of leaving?

Whether our readings are accurate or not,

the future will tell.

Maybe if we set up our stall again tomorrow,

someone will come and wreck it.

Qianshan?

Yes, Qianshan.

Qianshan.

[Qianshan Station]

Looking for Blind Du?

No.

Wait for him to come find you.

Slow down.

All right,

put it down here.

Here it is.

Master,

you're finally back.

The whole courtyard has been cleaned up.

Have a look.

Come here.

Coming.

This place is truly blessed.

Over the next few days,

I'll invite all kinds of immortals to descend to the mortal world.

Seven days from now, we'll hold a ritual to honor the immortals.

When the time comes,

bring your friends and relatives

and come pay your respects.

All right.

We'll all come.

We definitely will,

Master.

Purple smoke!

Is this the auspicious purple qi coming from the east?

This is a great omen!

The immortals have answered our prayers!

The immortals have answered our prayers!

The immortals have answered our prayers!

The immortals have answered our prayers!

During these days of inviting the immortals,

the auspicious sign of purple qi coming from the east

can be seen every day.

There's nothing unusual about it.

The purple smoke

will dissipate in an hour,

and then it will rain.

You'd better head home soon.

The weather is so nice today.

How could it rain?

It definitely will.

You have to trust him.

He's a deity descended to the mortal world.

If he says it will rain, you can bet it will.

It's raining!

It really is!

It really is!

I'll ask Master to read my fortune first.

When will I be able to get married?

Come on,

let's have Master read ours too.

Come on,

come on.

I'm going too. Let's go!

[Yongzhen Taoist Temple]

Come on, everyone. This is Yongzhen Taoist Temple.

A celestial being has descended to the mortal realm.

The purple smoke is a great omen of good fortune.

It's truly miraculous. Hurry and go see for yourselves!

♪ A, B, C, D, E ♪

♪ Spouting nonsense endlessly ♪

♪ Smoke and breath, drawn in and out ♪

♪ Yellow paper charms, half mad, half divine ♪

♪ Heaven's Stems and Earthly Branches, he waves them about ♪

♪ Five Elements, Eight Trigrams, all smoke and mirrors ♪

♪ The fortune-teller's tongue is full of lies ♪

♪ Blows from the front, arrows from behind, dark thoughts strike ♪

Break!

-It moved! -It moved!

Immortals, take your places.

-It's lit! -It's lit!

Today, I gather with the immortals for a feast,

offering them Penglai longevity noodles.

May the immortals bless the people

of this land with peace and prosperity.

I heard only a grandmaster

with boundless powers

could dine with the Immortals.

Who is this kid?

Look,

he has finished eating.

Can he really summon the Immortals?

Just watch.

Look, look!

Thank you, Immortals, for gracing us with your presence.

The Immortals have finished the noodles

and bestowed sacred water upon me.

The Immortals

really did finish them.

Where did the noodles go?

The sacred water falls to the earth,

blessing generations to come.

The noodles are really gone.

Unbelievable!

The noodles vanished

in the blink of an eye.

He is the only one on that altar.

Exactly, it's just him.

Today, I've prepared

some herbs for all of you.

Don't worry about it.

They're completely free.

The Immortals have manifested themselves!

The Immortals have manifested themselves!

The Immortals have manifested themselves!

Thank you.

May I ask what manner of hero I'm dealing with?

Let's talk it out.

There's no need for this.

Turf?

Pei County, Xuzhou.

Who is your grandmaster?

No gang. I work alone.

Years in?

Woof.

Ever killed anyone?

Never.

[Blind Du, Grandmaster of the Longxuya Branch, Tianxiang Sect]

That trick of yours—

the one where the Immortal eats the noodles.

How does it work?

Tell me about it.

A man doesn't give away the secrets of his trade.

You've got some nerve,

setting up shop on my Longxuya turf.

You think you're walking out of here alive

without leaving something behind?

I don't understand a word you're saying.

Forget it.

Drag him out

and chop him up for the dogs.

Yes.

Six clashes turn into the noble Tianyi;

stepping on Abao, untouched by dust.

Hold on.

So you're one of our own.

Tell me,

what brings you to see me?

I just arrived in Qianshan from Pangzhou.

With no one to turn to,

I came to seek shelter with the Longxuya Branch.

Pangzhou?

What's your name?

I'm a 33rd-generation disciple of the Muzilian Branch,

Lyu Ruhui.

I pay my respects, Master Du.

Well.

I was just looking for you.

Look who came knocking.

Hu Guangyuan,

Song Bingzhang,

Du Gui—

you know them?

I do.

After stirring up such a commotion,

you still dared to come to Qianshan?

You've certainly got guts.

With your tricks of making the Immortals eat noodles

and conjuring up purple smoke,

you're quite the talent.

If we'd met a few years earlier,

I might really have taken you on as a disciple.

What a shame.

Chief Du,

I can explain what happened in Pangzhou.

Four people are dead,

and we lost so much money.

How do you explain that?

I have a way to make the money back.

Please, Chief Du,

give me a chance.

A chance to do what?

Do I tell you here?

Everyone, leave us.

Were you scared?

Terrified.

I nearly ended up as dog food.

You weren't scared at all.

Now tell me,

what really happened with that setup in Pangzhou?

At first, everything went smoothly.

That old man Chen Jiarong fell for our story,

and we got our hands on the 50,000 silver dollars.

But

Master Hu and the others got greedy.

They insisted on running another scheme,

and that's when they slipped up.

Chen Jiarong invited the two masters to the mine

under the pretext of signing a contract.

Du Gui went with them.

After that,

we couldn't reach any of them.

Then why didn't you go?

The day it happened,

I was out shopping with Miss Chen.

My identity as Lin Shengxiang hadn't been exposed,

so I was still safe for the time being.

Later,

when I heard something had happened at the mine,

I fled Pangzhou that very night.

Then why didn't you go back to Pujiang?

I heard

that your Longxuya Branch

has been thriving here in Qianshan.

So I took the liberty of offering my services.

I hope you'll take me in, Chief Du.

Even if those four good-for-nothings

botched the job and it had nothing to do with you,

plenty of people want to join my branch.

Why should I take you in?

Forgive me for speaking out of turn,

but the Pangzhou operation failed

because Hu Guangyuan and the others

overestimated themselves.

If you let me join the Longxuya Branch,

I promise I won't disappoint you.

Then I'd like to see

what you're really capable of.

Ruhui,

you just joined the Longxuya Branch,

and the Chief has assigned you to me.

From now on, you're with me.

Wow, not bad.

[Silly Liang, Tianxiang Sect]

You can't even handle spicy food, yet you add that much of it.

You don't understand.

When you eat noodles out,

chili's free.

So you might as well add as much as you can.

You're...

quite the genius.

Really?

I think so too.

I don't know why,

but everyone calls me Silly Liang.

I'm actually pretty smart.

If there's anything you don't understand, just ask me.

Anything at all.

Go ahead, ask.

I don't have anything to ask.

Then let me tell you about the Tianxiang Sect.

No need.

Our Tianxiang Sect

has a main headquarters at the top,

with branches underneath.

Let's start with our Longxuya Branch.

We're experts in fortune-telling

and good at devising schemes.

The girls of the Yuehaitang Branch

specialize in conning wealthy men.

As for the Xuemengcao Branch,

they're something else.

They make a living dealing with the dead.

They've made a lot of money these past two years,

so they don't scam people much anymore.

Then there's the Muzilian Branch.

Boss,

I used to be with the Muzilian Branch.

Oh,

right.

In that case,

let me tell you about the incantations.

Read them first, then test them;

strike fast, threaten slow.

Flatter and close the deal;

use every trick you know.

Ten threats, nine will work.

ten...

[Eight years ago]

Ten...

Ten times with flattery, nine will win.

Threaten first, then reassure.

There's...

There's no way you won't win.

Threats without reassurance...

Threats without reassurance...

That's the mark of a fool.

Exactly.

How did you know?

Isn't this basic incantation

something every beginner should have memorized?

Yes.

Yes.

Let me get you a fresh bowl.

It's on me.

No need,

no need. Just bring it as is.

I can finish it all.

Feels good.

Ruhui,

what were you

and Chief Du babbling about earlier?

Like,

erm...

"turf,"

"years in,"

and you even started barking like a dog.

You don't know that either?

"Turf" means asking where you're from.

"Years in" asks

how long you've been in the trade.

As for that "woof,"

it wasn't a dog bark, either.

It means three years.

Liang,

how long have you been with the Longxuya Branch?

Woof, woof.

Seriously, Liang,

you're quite a talent.

Right?

Come on in,

Ruhui.

You

take that room.

I'll take this one.

Master Du doesn't live with us?

Are you kidding?

He's the Chief of the Longxuya Branch.

You think he'd live with us?

His own courtyard in the back is huge.

Get some sleep.

See you tomorrow.

I've had too much chili.

Too much chili.

Hurry!

Move.

All right,

carry it out.

Put it down.

All right, carry it out.

Bring it up.

What's that smell?

Hurry!

Hurry!

Come here.

All right,

carry it out.

Easy, Sir.

This way, please.

Ruhui,

Ruhui,

why are you still asleep?

Liang.

Good morning.

Morning? It's already afternoon.

I have a bad habit of sleeping in.

Don't mind me.

Get dressed.

Come out with me.

Where are we working today,

south of the city or north of the city?

What business?

We've got something to take care of.

[Taiping Taoist Temple]

Look.

I checked out this Taiping Taoist Temple

when I was looking for a place before.

It's been abandoned for quite a while.

Why are there so many people here?

Excuse me, Sir,

what's going on in there?

Hurry and get inside.

It'll be dark soon.

Wait.

What are we going in for?

To offer incense, of course.

Immortal Miaoxin has manifested herself.

Haven't you heard?

Hurry!

Immortal Miaoxin?

Okay.

Copying me and staking a claim, huh?

Come on, let's go take a look.

Let's go.

Coming through, coming through.

Thank you, thank you.

Thank you.

Coming through.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ma'am.

Thank you.

Sorry.

Boundless Heavenly Honor.

Boundless Heavenly Honor.

Boundless Heavenly Honor.

Two bucks for thick incense,

one for thin.

That's some pricey incense.

Whether you find it expensive

depends on

how sincere you are.

Exactly.

See that statue of Immortal Miaoxin?

It rises another inch above the ground every day.

As long as we worship with sincere hearts,

in 49 days,

Immortal Miaoxin will emerge from the earth

and bless the local people.

The more incense we offer,

the greater the blessings.

Really?

You don't believe me?

Young man,

I've seen it with my own eyes.

In just half a day,

the statue has already

emerged quite a bit.

Excuse me,

if I may ask,

who exactly is this immortal?

How come I've never heard of her before?

Are you offering incense or not?

Don't be disrespectful.

You'll disturb the Immortal.

I will.

Of course I will.

Put your incense money here.

What are you doing?

What, you bought me a bowl of noodles

and want the money back?

I'm borrowing it, aren't I? It's not like I'm not going to pay you back.

Wait,

it's not that I'm being stingy.

I need this money tonight.

Tonight?

Then we'll deal with it tonight.

What are you doing?

You're robbing me now?

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

You insolent boy.

You're showing disrespect to the Immortal.

I'm sorry.

But why are there so many bean sprouts?

Bean sprouts?

I get it.

They buried soybeans ahead of time,

let them sprout,

and the growing sprouts pushed the statue out of the ground.

He's probably a fraud.

Easy,

easy!

Easy!

Easy!

Easy!

Ruhui,

how did you figure out how they were doing it?

These cheap tricks for fooling children

are nothing new to me.

What about that auspicious purple smoke?

How did you do that?

Get some iodine

and aluminum,

and throw them into water together.

It'll produce purple smoke.

And...

what about that trick where the Immortals ate the noodles?

That trick looks mysterious,

but it's actually incredibly simple.

Simply put,

it's honey.

Honey?

Honey contains an enzyme called amylase

that can break down starch.

I put honey in those Immortals' bowls

beforehand.

By the time I finished my noodles,

exactly 15 minutes had passed,

and the noodles in that bowl

had completely dissolved.

What enzyme?

Amylase.

It's something Westerners discovered.

An enzyme?

Don't overthink it.

Just remember,

it was the honey.

Either way,

you did

a great job today.

Ruhui,

from now on,

you're officially a disciple of the Longxuya Branch.

Thanks for taking me under your wing, Liang.

All right.

Tonight, I'll show you a thing or two

and celebrate your success.

In our branch,

only those who've done great deeds

get to come to this pleasure house.

Liang,

how many times have you been here?

Me?

I come every month.

I'm telling you,

we're the big shots here.

These girls are here to serve us.

Don't be so shy.

Let's go.

Wait, wait.

This doesn't feel right.

What's wrong with it?

I've seen them...

This is how I've always done it.

Come on, come on.

Let's go.

Right this way.

Go ahead.

You first.

No, no,

I'll go myself.

Sir,

please.

So,

how old are you this year?

I'm 14 years old.

Wait, wait.

I've had too much to drink.

Mind if I rest here

for a bit?

Make yourself comfortable.

Just wake me

when my friend is leaving.

Ruhui,

how was your night?

Pretty good.

Pretty good.

Liang,

what about your?

Mine was pretty good too.

Ruhui,

the Chief wants to see you.

The Chief is probably going to reward you.

I'll come with you.

The Chief said

he wants only Ruhui to come.

Let's go.

Go in.

There's a little phosphorus powder in the candle wick.

Just a cheap trick.

Nothing compared to your earlier tricks.

Chief, you summoned me here so late.

What can I do for you?

Why

didn't you do it?

Do what?

With that girl.

You know about that?

As the head of this branch,

I have to have a few eyes and ears around, don't I?

I heard you took down another claim.

Nicely done.

Thank you for the praise, Chief.

Ruhui,

what do you think of me?

Pretty good.

Pretty good.

Pretty good?

Am I good at deceiving people,

or good at killing them?

Tell me,

if someone

were playing tricks and pretending to be supernatural in our branch,

trying to kill me,

what do you think I should do?

I don't understand what you mean, Chief.

Pick it up.

Why don't I

take you as my final disciple?

I'm not worthy of such an honor.

If I say you're worthy, then you are.

But

if you're going to be Blind Du's final disciple,

you'll have to be a blind man yourself.

You have to use the knife in your hand

to cut out your own eyes.

Don't be afraid.

Just bear it for a moment, and it'll be over.

If you really can't bring yourself to do it...

Your fate is marked by raging Fire,

while Miss Feiyan is destined to be ill-fated Water.

Water and Fire are naturally incompatible.

If the two of you insist on being together,

disaster will surely befall your family.

What kind of disaster?

Your entire family

will be dead within a month.

Blind Du made me do it.

Southern Immortal Elder wants to take them as immortal children.

How could mere mortals like us hope to stop him?

What can I do

to get revenge on the Tianxiang Sect?

If you want revenge,

you have to know the Tianxiang Sect

better than anyone.

You have to predict

their every move

and see through every scheme they make.

Only then

can you have your revenge.

What?

You don't want to?

Do you look down on my Longxuya Branch?

Of course not.

It's just that I already have a mentor.

The Tianxiang Sect has its rules.

Changing allegiance without your mentor's permission

would be no different

from betraying your mentor and forsaking your sect.

How could I, Ruhui, be so disloyal and unfilial?

I hope you'll understand, Chief.

Then who is your mentor?

Jin Buhuan.

Could you

arrange for us to meet sometime?

Certainly.

The road ahead

is like brewing medicine—

it takes patience

and a slow simmer over low heat.

Lyu Ruhui

loves lurking in dark places,

like a bat that can't stand the sun.

He killed

your younger siblings back then,

but he never saw your face.

This dose of bat guano

is perfect for him.

This one needs a quick boil over high heat.

Swift and decisive.

This cinnabar,

red as blood,

is for Old Madam Zhu.

It'll add a touch of color

to her rouge.

Bring it

to a rapid boil over high heat,

then add the medicine and stir gently

along the rising steam from the pot.

Don't let her get away.

As for Blind Du,

this cassia seed

should help clear his eyes.

What about Jiang Feiyan?

She's the one I want to get my hands on first.

This medicine is unstable.

If you can't control the heat,

it'll turn poisonous.

So remember:

the later you prepare this dose, the better.

[In the next episode]

Copper bells lead the way

as the dead are escorted home.

One of the corpses has turned!

When a corpse turns on the way home,

it's either because the dead bore a grievance in life

or met with misfortune after death.

You're dressed

as if you were about to perform in a play.

I'll put you somewhere else

so you can cool off.

Everyone who's ever been good to me

ends up

dead because of me.