Original subtitles

"Ancient Detective"

"Episode 20"

There's a huge disparity in strength between the two sides.

That's right.

Zhao Wo Huan is badly injured after his fight with Zhan Shi,

and couldn't wield the sword any more.

As for Chief Wang,

the amount of Power Dissipation Medicine in his body is too much.

I've helped to get rid of half of it.

I've learned an acupuncture technique from Wicked Woman...

to help him restore his strength.

But it takes time.

How much strength you need to recover to take down Second Brother?

At least fifty percent.

Mr. Ye.

It's a long way off.

I'm afraid it takes at...

-three to four months. -Three to four months?

We can't wait that long.

That's right.

Within ten days,

they'll surely be able to find us.

Given his condition,

within ten days...

he won't be able to recover 10 let alone 50 percent of his strength.

If that's the case,

it's impossible to take back the armed escort agency for now.

To prevent Second Brother Fu from coming after us,

we need to escape first.

Where to?

The province.

Only by leaving Liaodong,

we can escape from Santong Security's spheres of influence.

-Okay. -We'll take the token with us.

I have a few branches in the province.

When I regain my strength,

I'll prove to them that I'm Chief Wang...

and lead the attack to regain control of the armed escort agency.

Don't worry.

As long as I leave Liaodong safely,

I'll tell you everything...

that you want to know.

It's a deal.

When are we going to get the token?

-When are we leaving? -No rush.

If we can come up with such a plan,

it will surely cross Second Brother Fu's mind too.

He'll surely set up more checkpoints at the entrance.

We need to gather intelligence on the enemy before we set out.

Zhang Da Dan, Zhao Wo Huan.

I'll leave the task of intelligence gathering to both of you.

All right.

Come here. Take a look.

Have you seen this person?

-No. -Take a good look.

Go on.

Excuse me.

The path to the province...

-There are two... -Two main roads.

That's right.

-As for the back road... -There are six.

According to our investigation,

the people of the armed escort agency set up checkpoints at each road.

Jian was right.

They know we want to leave Liaodong,

and have taken the precautionary measure.

It looks like there's no any main and back road that we can take.

And there are the wild paths where we need to climb over the hills.

We'll check it out tomorrow.

All right.

Tomorrow, we must find a path that they don't set up defences at.

Also, pay extra attention to the places...

where Santong Security's armed forces are.

All right.

Given their capabilities,

they would be dead if they were to mount a sneak attack on us.

I think they'll probably escape from Liaodong.

Go.

Send more people...

to the checkpoints at the entrance.

Also, send more people to the wild paths.

If they try to break through,

we will attack from all sides.

Make it impossible for them to escape.

But our manpower is limited.

I'm afraid this will leave our defensive positions unmanned.

They wouldn't dare to come.

Besides,

the reinforcements from the Beggars' Sect will soon be here.

At that time, they wouldn't be able to leave.

We can take our time to do the search again.

Yes, Second Brother.

Right, the goods from Jiangnan have arrived.

All right.

Give them to Beggars' Sect as gifts.

Yes.

I'm on it.

Why was Dayi Security disbanded...

after Ghost Fan died?

There's you, isn't it?

You aren't aware.

Ah Jie offended many people in the martial world.

With him gone,

his enemies came looking for us.

Our men could only leave.

You're right.

You aren't as capable as Second Brother Fu.

Say whatever you want.

I can't beat you anyway.

Don't worry.

After we take back Santong Security,

you seem to be a good candidate to take over Second Brother Fu.

I'll ask Jian to put in a good word for you with Chief Wang.

I used to think...

that you're really annoying.

Now I find you even more annoying.

Why aren't you talking?

I'm talking to you.

Ming Yue!

She...

Who is she?

My future wife.

I don't know her.

These are the food that Ming Yue brought for us.

These are all great stuff from her house in Jiangnan.

Zhao Wo Huan,

you've made a fortune.

It seems like we can treat ourselves to some nutritious food.

It's all thanks to Ms. Ming Yue.

It's fine. We're a family. Don't stand on ceremony.

But I'm wondering,

wouldn't our current situation be bad for Ms. Ming Yue?

Don't worry.

I've looked into it.

Their caravan also has to gather some ginseng and antlers nearby,

and is going down the mountain.

Her presence here will not be exposed.

Ms. Ming Yue.

Why do you look so familiar?

Have we met somewhere?

Yujiabao and Liaodong are located on the opposite ends.

How could you possibly have met?

This is the first time Ming Yue is here.

Look at my memory.

I guess everyone just look familiar to you.

Jian.

Protect Ms. Zhan.

Mr. Jian.

Is this crystal a token of love?

It wasn't from me.

Right, this is...

I can bear witness.

It was from a man.

Ming Yue and I can stand witness to it.

That's right.

This was given to me by the leader of Puppet Island.

May I take a look at it?

What a shame.

There are some defects.

There are defects?

It's worthless then.

Indeed.

There are defects.

Why would there be such a flawless defect?

Puppet Li.

Ink.

I remember it was recorded in the book.

"There are small holes in the path of light."

"The light penetrates them."

"Thus producing a bright image."

I can give it a try.

Mr. Jian.

Still fiddling with the crystal?

Just forget about it.

So be it if there are defects.

I've always been fooled too.

Zhang Da Dan.

When you go out tomorrow,

can you help me to buy something?

Sure. What is it?

Jian isn't up yet?

Mr. Ye said that his condition is getting worse.

His sleeping hours are becoming longer.

We can't stay at this place for too long.

When Ms. Ming Yue is back,

please look after her for me.

She can't talk.

Don't let Chief Wang bully her.

Don't worry.

This is the food for your journey.

Thank you. Let's go!

Here.

Dream on!

Such fragrant smoke.

I brought these yams from Yan Prefecture.

I'll go hunt pheasants and hares in the afternoon...

and prepare a good meal for you to nourish your body.

The last time I ate these...

was 15 years ago.

I was being chased after,

and had to go on a run.

But it was fun.

Now that I'm Chief Wang,

everything has changed.

How so?

The things that I can eat,

the places where I can go, the friends who I can make...

are getting lesser.

Isn't it good now?

Things are back to normal.

I hope so.

But it's a shame...

you'll never call me "Little Brat" again.

Didn't you hate me calling you that?

Chief Wang.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

As people get older, they become increasingly nostalgic.

You're still young.

It's normal if you don't get it.

He still doesn't get that there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Little brat.

Chief Wang, it's time for acupuncture.

Ms. Ming Yue.

You came just in time to lend me a hand.

Second Brother, our guest is here.

Mr. Hu.

The Second Master.

Your reputation precedes you.

Mr. Hu,

I don't like beating around the bush.

Let's cut to the chase.

All of you are dismissed.

-Yes. -Yes.

Mr. Hu.

To be honest,

I'm only overseeing Santong Security for the time being.

All branches thought that Chief Wang is just bedridden.

But they don't know the truth.

Now that Chief Wang has taken off.

If I couldn't get the token in time,

the longer it's delayed...

the more unfavourable it is for me.

To be honest with you,

that is the reason why I'm here.

In recent years,

Chief Wang has given the Beggars' Sect a really hard time.

If you're willing to take over his position,

the Beggars' Sect will do its best to help you.

Mr. Hu is indeed good at sizing up the situation...

and one smart guy.

Don't worry.

After we get rid of Chief Wang,

I'll return all the territories that he had taken from you.

Second Master.

You're a smart person.

Santong Security's grand ambition will soon be achieved.

We hope that the Beggars' Sect will lend us a hand.

What's your plan?

Chief Wang is hiding somewhere in Liaodong but I'm short-handed now.

I hope you can send your men to help us speed up the search.

I think...

they'll attempt to pass the checkpoints to flee to Zhongyuan.

The Beggars' Sect needs to help us block the escape routes.

All right.

Since I'm here,

in less than two days,

we'll be able to capture Chief Wang.

Ming Yue!

I'm home.

Snow fungus soup?

You made this...

especially for me?

It's so nice of you.

You aren't aware.

When you weren't around,

I was so...

Hey, Zhang Da Dan.

Is it hot?

Yes, it's very hot.

It's cold outside.

Drink outside. It wouldn't burn your tongue.

That's right.

Drink slowly.

Ming Yue.

When you weren't around,

I wondered when I can go to Yujiabao to see you every day.

-Zhao. -Then...

Well.

I want another bowl of soup.

Sure.

This is good.

Here, it's all yours.

All for me?

Drink slowly.

Ming Yue.

Actually...

Cut it out already.

No, Zhao...

I'm returning the bowl to you.

I've finished it.

I'll let you be. I'll get going first.

Ming Yue.

I forgot what I wanted to tell you.

Anyway, it's great as long as you're by my side.

It's so delicious.

Mr. Jian.

I've bought the fireworks that you asked for.

This is it, right?

Yes, this is it.

Let me tell you.

I didn't tell Ms. Zhan about it.

You're doing this to cheer her up, right?

That's so nice of you.

-This is... -I'll let you be. I'll go first.

All right.

It's done.

Thank you.

If it's like what you said,

you're being hunted down by the Ten Killing Gate too?

Too?

Who else is being hunted down by the Ten Killing Gate?

About 15 years ago,

I killed the people of Ming Division from the Ten Killing Gate.

Later on, I found out that he was their second-in-command,

Ming Er.

I've heard about it before.

It's said that Ming Er of the Ten Killing Gate,

was killed by a skilled martial artist who used an iron palm.

But no one knows...

who did it.

I didn't expect it to be you.

This is one of the reasons why I came to Liaodong then.

The province is surrounded by their spies.

I had to escape to Liaodong to shake them off.

Mr. Ye.

How did you offend them?

I didn't offend the Ten Killing Gate.

It's me and Mr. Jian.

Now, Zhao Wo Huan is added to the list.

Zhao Wo Huan?

Back in Yan Prefecture,

he killed Zhan Division's best man in order to save us.

That explains the bruises on his body.

That's interesting.

Seems like I need to have a talk with him.

Where is he?

He went to see Ming Yue.

Ms. Zhan,

it makes sense you're being hunted for defecting from Zhan Division.

But Mr. Jian is an honest man.

Why would he be hunted down too?

The reason is unclear yet.

But sooner or later,

we'll get to the bottom of it.

My goodness.

This turns out to be a name list.

How are these people related to Puppet Li?

Friends?

Family?

If the crystal name list falls in the hands of the outsiders,

all the undercover agents of Ming Division in other sects...

will be exposed.

Wu Ying Dao, the Outcast.

Didn't he die on Puppet Island?

Bai He?

Bai He was in Yan Prefecture.

How did they know each other?

Had I known this secret sooner...

and asked Bai He about it,

everything would be clear.

Jian, what's with the smoke?

Doing a small experiment.

All right now.

Where's Ms. Ming Yue?

I sent her back.

-Chief Wang is looking for you. -All right.

-Let's go. -Stop looking.

Jian Bu Zhi has discovered the secret of the crystal name list.

I must act quickly...

before he figures things out.

But Zhan Shi Qi and Zhao Wo Huan are by his side.

No way. I can't wait any longer.

It's true.

Even the wild paths that no one usually takes are blocked.

We have nowhere to escape.

Also, many members of the Beggars' Sect came.

I've looked into it.

The daily amount of food sent to the armed escort agency...

has been more than double.

If it's the Beggars' Sect,

things are bad for us.

The Beggars' Sect and I are arch enemies.

Second Brother Fu and they teamed up against me.

They are giving me no quarter.

Since there's no way out,

we'll just fight them.

No way.

Too many of us are injured.

We're lack of strength, and our attack speed is slow.

That's right.

There are dozens of them guarding each checkpoint.

What if there's an ambush?

To top it all off, if there's cavalry...

we would be besieged.

It will be even harder for us to break through...

at that time.

What do you suggest we do?

Are we just going to wait here?

We can't just wait.

I have a bold plan.

They wouldn't think of it.

What plan?

Isn't this the map of Santong Security that I drew?

That's right.

I plan to do things the other way around.

We'll infiltrate Santong Security.

To catch the bandits, first capture its leader.

That's as good as throwing our lives away!

Mr. Jian.

Since you voiced it out,

you must have thought it over.

I would like to know...

how confident are you?

I'm almost 100 percent sure.

Jian, let's tell us in detail.

Mr. Jian, tell us now.

Given our current strength,

they never would have thought that we would hit them back.

By relying on just a few of us?

We can't do it by force.

We'll mount a sneak attack on them.

As long as we can infiltrate Santong Security,

we'll get the chance to approach Second Brother Fu.

We'll avoid his guards,

and catch him off guard.

Chief Wang,

do you think we stand a chance to take him down...

with just a few of us?

Yes.

Second Brother Fu is bad at dealing with siege.

As long as we get the timing right,

we stand a chance against him.

While you hold him down,

I'll summon the others with the token.

No one will dare to make a move on us again.

To catch the bandits, first capture its leader.

And with the token,

we can turn the tables around.

But right now,

how do we infiltrate Santong Security and catch them off guard?

Mr. Jian,

the plan you came up with is easier said than done.

It was hard.

But if Ms. Ming Yue is willing to help us,

it'll be a piece of cake.

Ming Yue?

Ming Yue's family caravan is closely related to Santong Security.

If they delivered goods there,

they wouldn't be on guard.

You're saying that...

we disguise as the cart driver and workers...

of the caravan...

and infiltrate Santong Security?

Ms. Ming Yue,

will you help us?

It's not a waste of effort.

It's indeed a good idea.

Ms. Ming Yue's presence here like our heaven-sent saviour.

Let's do it.

All right.

How about making a move tomorrow?

Chief Wang.

Before that, you aren't going anywhere.

Zhan Shi Qi and I will retrieve the token tomorrow morning.

The rest of you will get the carts ready.

We'll set out once we get back.

All right.

It's not looking good.

If they attacked Santong Security,

things might get out of hands.

I have to make a move tonight.

Not bad.

It's such a heavy knife.

You can easily switch between your forehand and backhand.

It's becoming as sharp as the dagger.

The Li family's swordsmanship is really amazing.

May I know if your master was Li Chi or Li Fang?

Neither of them.

After Second Master Li died,

Jian gave me the Li family's sword technique manuscript.

No one taught me.

I merely referred to the manual...

and learned it myself.

That explains.

The founder of the Li family's swordplay...

created a flawless sword technique.

The forehand and the backhand.

Long forehands and short backhand.

Ferocious forehand and cautious backhand.

Such swordplay ended up as two different techniques.

No one has ever been able to put them together.

Second Master Li had a strong personality.

That's why he practised the Hand Sword.

Eldest Master Li was a reserved man.

Thus, he practised the Anti-Hand Sword.

After that, Li Fang lost his eyesight.

And he came up with the Blinding Sword.

Somehow, I've learned...

these three techniques.

This is what makes you great.

You've seen both the sword technique manuscripts,

and made a breakthrough by accident.

If they were still alive,

they would have paid your respect.

That's because you practised both the techniques.

That's the real Li family's swordplay.

I'm interested to exchange blows with you.

-Now? -Of course not.

We're not in the best condition now.

But I look forward to this match.

You should know that it's really boring not being able...

to find an opponent.

Don't say that.

It's bad luck.

The last person who said that to me...

is dead.

That happened on such a quiet night too.

You're talking about the dead.

But you're actually thinking about Ms. Ming Yue.

How do you know?

I was young once too.

Chief Wang.

Mr. Jian.

Why aren't you sleeping yet?

There's something important that I must tell you tonight.

I have something important...

to tell you as well.

That's great then.

I'm going to bed.

I'll prepare the medicine first.

Isn't it too risky for you to do this for me?

I'm running out of time.

This is the only and fastest way now.

To be honest,

I'm feeling doubtful.

Are you afraid we won't win?

This plan is too dangerous.

By coming to Liaodong,

I've made a narrow escape from death.

In order to find the truth about Shenji Valley,

I'm willing to do anything.

What about her...

if you die?

She'll probably be very upset.

If you really like her,

don't fail her.

Don't let her down.

A girl who is willing to risk her life for you...

will probably only come by once in a lifetime.

You should cherish her.

Spare some thoughts for her.

Look at her.

She's living a life of uncertainty.

Yet, she's still so happy.

That's because she's with you.

It's good to be young.

Right now,

you look young, aren't you?

When I was young,

all I thought was about making achievements...

that I let a few good ladies slip away.

Only after making it big that I realised this.

There are plenty of women.

But women and love...

are two different things.

The ladies are after Chief Wang.

I've been overshadowed by the title as Chief Wang.

It wasn't easy for me to find a girl who I liked.

But she wasn't interested in me.

I was a bully for her.

If you tell others...

that you're young at heart,

they'll mock you.

That's why you don't want to be Chief Wang...

and want to be yourself again?

That's right.

Right now, I want to live my life just like you.

I want to fall in love with an innocent girl,

take her far away...

to love her with my all...

and leave no regrets.

That's right.

These are indeed...

the best days of life.

But before that,

I have to take care of this situation with Second Brother Fu.

I can't hand over the armed escort agency to someone like that.

When all of this is over,

I might go back to my hometown in Shandong.

I haven't been back for years.

I'm feeling homesick.

Don't worry.

I will do my best to help you get back the armed escort agency.

But...

don't forget...

the promise you made me.

That's for sure.

Mr. Jian,

the medicine is ready.

Jian Bu Zhi,

you're a daredevil.