Original subtitles

"The Killing of Three Thousand Crows"

"Episode 19"

Let's get to the point.

I want Li Yuan dead and to take away his spiritual energy.

But you won't even let me touch the Spirit Lantern.

Why should I trust you?

I made a blood pact with it.

I will help you...

accomplish your goal.

Blood pact?

Other than killing demons,

this lantern has other uses?

Any who made a blood pact with Spirit Lantern can light it.

One can rid the world of demons.

But it doesn't have a wick.

How do you even light it up?

Leave that to me.

Let the guy handle this kind of matter.

But do you know the price of lighting the Spirit Lantern?

What? Burning myself to death?

That will only kill your body.

But your spiritual energy will remain in this world.

If you really wish to light the Spirit Lantern,

you must use your own spiritual energy as tribute.

As long as the Spirit Lantern is lit,

the soul inside will suffer eternal torment.

Are you certain about that?

I can do it.

Who exactly are you?

Why are you willing to suffer so much pain...

with your life as the price?

I was from Li.

That foreign girl that got Li Yuan all paranoid,

was it you?

Tell me.

Why can't any weapon and magic hurt him in any way?

Since you want to know,

I'll tell you.

In the year Li Yuan was born,

there was rain in Tian Yuan that lasted ten whole days and nights.

A large horde of demons was lurking outside the city howling.

But the moment he was born,

the demons' howl stopped.

The Royal Preceptor claimed the child has extraordinary blessing.

He carries the Nativity of Unrivalled that ward off demons.

No magic or weapon can kill him.

It was said this is an omen of the Demon Lord's arrival.

From that day on,

the faith of Tian Yuan...

had been shifted to his Nativity of Unrivalled.

No weapon and magic are capable of killing him?

That's right.

Such is the property of Nativity of Unrivalled.

How do we overcome it?

Do you know?

Of course I know.

For years,

I've been waiting for that day.

Qin Chuan, now that you are here,

let me tell you his greatest secret.

The Nativity of Unrivalled...

is not entirely invincible.

Li Yuan...

suffer from a flaw.

How so?

15 years ago, Li Yuan was celebrating his birthday.

Li Yuan never gets hurt.

He never gets sick and thus remarkably brave.

Here is a sword as your present.

All the best in your journey of learning.

Thank you, Father.

On his 15th birthday,

my father gave him a sword from the West as present.

He cut himself and started bleeding for the first time.

He hid it right afterwards,

Thank you, Father.

but I saw everything.

From that day on,

no one has ever seen Li Yuan during the Ghost Festival.

He said he has been praying for the prosperity of all lives.

But he was never inside the Eastern Palace.

So where did he go?

I do not know.

But someone does.

Let's take my late sister-in-law for example.

There are rumours saying she died from severe illness.

But I knew something was at miss.

She died on the day after Ghost Festival.

That is too good for coincidence.

In that case,

she must have found something.

Indeed.

She must have found out that Li Yuan...

will become vulnerable like on Ghost Festival.

That will be our opening.

So you stole the Spirit Lantern...

because you want to kill him on that day?

Forget it.

The one I took from you...

was a fake too useless to do anything.

It almost got me killed.

Fu Jiu Yun made that fake lantern.

Fu Jiu Yun?

That is too evil.

Fine, forget about him.

No.

He will come to you.

Or more precisely, he will come to us.

That is none of your concern.

The Spirit Lantern is with me.

Before I light it, it will always be with me.

Unless I died before that.

Chuan, you are always so unusual.

I knew he will fall for you.

We share similarity on this aspect.

-We are destined for greatness. -We are not the same.

I went to Mount Xiangqu to steal the Spirit Lantern for my revenge.

It's to give hope for the last remaining people...

from the perished nation of Li.

And you?

You are doing it for your ambition.

You misunderstood.

I am not doing this for the sake of power.

Ever since Li Yuan became the Crown Prince,

the whole nation started to worship demons.

As a prince I have the duty to eliminate him.

After we cleanse the world of demons,

I will take care of you.

I will take care of Tian Yuan, Li...

and all the people of this world.

I will keep you safe and treat you well.

I will never let you suffer so much pain again.

Do you think blood pact is a child's play?

No, but nothing is absolute.

With all the extraordinary experts and sages in this world,

there must be a way to break that blood pact.

You will live.

Chuan, does it ever cross your mind that...

if you died now,

all you have done and what you are doing...

will become meaningless.

Staying alive is the top priority for a human.

That is enough.

Life and death is nothing to me.

You are afraid,

but I am not.

We were never on the same boat.

We never were,

we never will be.

Fine.

After we get rid of Li Yuan,

I need to have a word with you on the matter.

First, we need to figure out...

how to kill Li Yuan.

I may have some people with odd talents with me,

but normal magic can't get you into his proximity.

After all these years,

I tried everything I could to find out where he went.

Many of my men lost their lives in the process.

Even with the Spirit Lantern with us,

we still need to deal with the main issue.

And to kill him,

we need to know where he is.

Yes.

We need to find his hideout.

Have I done too many mistakes?

Are you right.

This beef is delicious.

Who says you can eat it?

I need a drink.

To drink my worries away.

Have a drink with me, come on.

So,

I didn't get to eat any of the premium beef you grilled.

And now you want me to treat you to a drink?

I don't need a friend like you.

Speaking of yourself.

You are a sage too.

Yet you are always so calculating and ranting.

Don't be angry, it harms the liver.

So does the wine.

It hurts the heart as well.

Isn't that right, Master Mei?

Fu Jiu Yun.

You can't do that to me.

Just because you were humiliated by Qin Chuan,

doesn't mean you can humiliate me.

Yes.

At least you saw the beef.

All I could do was to enjoy the smell.

Who gets the worse here? Tell me.

Come on, join us for the drink.

Don't stop until you are drunk!

Yes, it must have been hard for Bai to just watch.

Ting Yuan and Qin Chuan has the same goal.

So they really are on the same boat.

And according to Ting Yuan,

after he becomes the next emperor,

he will take good care of Qin Chuan.

He promised to take care of the people too.

He also wanted to take care of Qin Chuan and treat her well.

That is wonderful.

But just as Chuan said,

she and Ting Yuan are not the same kind of people.

Of course not.

How are they the same in any way?

Jiu Yun.

Well, you sent Bai to her side.

You made Bai your spy.

Isn't that a little...

inadequate to do?

After all,

that is against the teachings...

of the sages.

Indeed!

You might as well keep her by your side all the time.

Besides, Fu Jiu Yun,

do I mean nothing to you at all?

You turn me into a mirror whenever you please,

you order to fall asleep whenever you want.

While I do enjoying sleeping,

but we are friends, Fu Jiu Yun.

You are robbing me of my freedom.

I need to defend Bai on this point.

That's more like it.

Jiu Yun, what you are doing now has crossed the line.

What's wrong?

After all, Bai is a...

sacred item!

He is right!

Look at his spirit.

I was simply bored.

I want to see how much troubles she will get herself into.

Bai.

If this is against your will, you don't have to go.

But the painting you've been asking from me,

I am not sure if I'll ever be in the mood for painting.

You...

Fine.

According to Ting Yuan,

Li Yuan has the Nativity of Unrivalled.

No weapon or magic can harm him.

He will only be vulnerable on the day of Ghost Festival.

Nativity of Unrivalled?

Mei Shan.

Have you heard of such tales in the three realms?

Jiu Yun.

Why are you even concerned about this?

You are in no hurry anyway.

Yes, I am in no hurry.

But Mei Shan,

aren't you curious about this?

Fu Jiu Yun, oh Fu Jiu Yun.

If you want my help,

why can't you just be more serious and sincere...

while you beg for it?

I think Qin Chuan will try to get inside the royal palace.

That place is full of perils.

Forget it, Lord Jiu Yun is not in any hurry.

Why should we be worried at all?

-We have the time! -We have the time.

Come on, let's drink.

We have the time.

Why should I be worried?

I have all the time!

You yelled at me again.

I have a plan,

perhaps it could work.

What is it?

I learned Paper Magic Art while I was on Mount Xiangqu.

Maybe it could work.

Paper Magic Art?

But from what I know,

-only the royalty of Li can... -Who says so?

I was on the mountain before you even arrived.

It's normal if there are a lot you didn't know.

Yes.

Whatever you say, Miss Chuan.

Watch.

I can sent this enchanted paper doll to Li Yuan's side.

When it's activated,

I'll know where it is.

As long as I cast the spell, I can find him no matter where he is.

But this is a sage's magic.

Li Yuan could tell it.

I can subdue the traces of magic on this doll,

turning it into normal paper.

On the day of Ghost Festival,

if Li Yuan really become mortal,

and if his Nativity of Unrivalled lost its effect,

he won't notice this paper doll.

This is a good plan.

But on the day of Ghost Festival,

people in the palace are separated by status.

After he hosted the grand ceremony, he will return to the Eastern Palace.

I don't have the chance to run into him.

I may know the layout of the palace,

but leaving this task in other's hand...

still makes me concerned.

If I lose my life,

the plan will fail!

I might as well just enjoy my days as a prince.

This is a serious matter.

I should go.

I must make sure this paper doll is planted on him.

But how do you do that?

I heard that during the celebration of Ghost Festival,

all the royalties from the West...

will attend the praying ceremony the day before Ghost Festival.

They will pray to heaven and earth in ceremonial robes.

Those robes are made from Amy roots...

harvested in summer.

The belt they used are made from...

straws of paddy.

But I don't know what are the colours of their robes.

But if my memory serves right,

Tian Yuan follows the virtue of water element.

So the robes should be black in colour.

Yes.

The wardrobe service has prepared all the robes we need for this year.

The royal family even tried out the robes.

Well,

I can disguise as the servant who send them the robes...

and sneak into the palace.

-What if Li Yuan recognizes you? -No, he won't.

He never saw my face.

Can you make the arrangement happen?

I can make the arrangement,

the supervisor of the wardrobe service is working for me.

Maybe I can tell them...

you are my mother's servant,

that you want to have a chance to be chosen as Li Yuan's bride.

That is great.

But how do you know so much...

about the custom of the royal family?

I never went into a royal palace.

I heard these from the bards.

I have heard so much that I remember the details.

Chuan, we are merely days away from Ghost Festival.

Let's no delay any longer.

I will get you inside the palace tomorrow.

The Crown Prince's man is waiting for you outside.

Look at your gloomy face.

It's like you didn't sleep last night. You look hideous.

You don't say,

the Crown Prince is really fond of you.

He had his men send us so many gifts.

Is that so?

Are you satisfied now?

What is the meaning of this?

This is for your own good.

Silly girl.

You will soon have a life of luxuries.

Stop putting on the long face.

I have checked His Highness' pulse.

He likes his woman...

to be prideful and stand above all.

I get it.

Hurry up.

Madam Qiu Hua.

Thank you so much for your help.

You are welcome, Madam Qiu Hua.

I look forward to share my success with you one day.

Of course.

-Servants. -Yes.

But...

It's a custom of the royal family to wear ceremonial robes for praying.

Miss Xuan Zhu will soon marry the Crown Prince.

I have been ordered...

to prepare one for Miss Xuan Zhu.

His Highness is very thoughtful.

Miss Xuan Zhu has a gorgeous figure.

Her beauty is heavenly.

It's no wonder why His Highness is so fond of her.

Chuan.

I have everything ready.

I spent a fortune on this.

It's nothing to you.

Compared to what you'll gain,

spending more will give you a sense of security.

Can you not be so frank?

Can't we have a casual conversation?

Of course I hate to spend so much money.

I was simply complaining.

Whatever you say.

Chuan.

You will enter the royal palace tomorrow.

On the evening of the day before Ghost Festival,

carry out the plan to send him the ceremonial robe.

It will blend in perfectly.

One more stroke will do.

Chuan.

You need to be cautious this time.

This demon is very cruel and he has bad temper.

You cannot afford to make any mistake.

I understand.

I will be cautious.

Everything is ready.

We are only one step away.

I think Qin Chuan will try to get inside the royal palace.

That place is full of perils.

Xin Mei.

Wake up!

Mei Shan, are you interested...

to have a tour inside the palace with me?

Fun?

You are asking too much of me.

The royal palace?

Qin Chuan, are you done yet?

Can I come in now?

We are running out of time, we need to hurry.

I am coming.

Tian Yuan has such a strange custom.

Right.

You are a country that worships the demons.

Nonsense.

The customs and formalities are the same everywhere.

My ancestors did the same thing.

Listen.

We need to be really careful this time.

At least you need to be convincing.

-I get it. -I am talking to you!

Raise your lips more and straighten the hip!

Why did you yell at me?

And you hit me!

Who says you can hit me?

Qin Chuan.

Take your time.

This is easy for me.

How about now?

Your Majesty.

Gorgeous and gracious, like a mother to all.

You look magnificent in every way.

Commander Zhang.

Your flattery is a little too much for my liking.

-I am behind a veil after all. -No.

My words were flattery.

Your Majesty will understand when the painting is finished.

You don't say, this painting...

is great.

Astonishing.

As expected from the best painter of the world.

The resemblance is beyond any words.

Commander Zhang.

Who would have thought a grunt like you...

is actually a friend of the renowned Master Qi?

Since I was a young boy,

I've always have a heart to pursue arts.

I may have chosen to be a soldier,

but the passion has not...

been worn down by the cruelty of time.

On the contrary,

it gave birth to the obsession to seek true creativity and aesthetic.

Which is why me and Fu...

I mean the famous...

and travelling Master Master Qi...

and I got along very well and we know each other's heart.

Isn't that right?

Yes, yes indeed.

And the...

On this very world...

I felt so lonely among my peers,

not a single negativity will contaminate my abstinence.

Commander Zhang.

Stop pretending like you are some sort of scholar.

Maybe I should ask His Majesty to transfer you...

-to be a teacher in the royal academy. -No.

Get rid of this cumbersome veil for me.

Yes.

Get up, now.

Your Majesty, I don't understand.

I will return after I changed into a more brilliant outfit.

From what I see,

you should work for the wardrobe service.

Turn yourself into a female servant.

With your delicate profile,

you will surely be a pretty servant that catches some attention.

You will be popular.

I am not here for her.

I just want to see...

if there is any girl in here...

suitable to be my servant.

Hold on.

Serve them well while you are in there.

Mind your tongue.

And do not eavesdrop.

-Yes. -Go on.

What's wrong?

I sealed the two energies inside of your.

It's him.

He is declaring a war on me.

Once I've gathered all the seven energies,

your rebirth...

will soon be upon us.

-We need to leave this place. -No!

I am here for the Demon Lord.

I can read your thought perfectly.

You are tracking down the Demon Lord for Qin Chuan's sake.

But this place is too dangerous.

He can read your moves but you can't read his.

Mei Shan.

I am indeed doing this for Qin Chuan's good.

She is willing to give up her life for vengeance.

I can't be sitting ducks while she is at it.

Mei Shan.

I want you to bring out the two energies inside of me.

I need to find him now!

But...

Mei Shan!

When have you become such a coward?

Well done, Fu Jiu Yun.

You are finally here,

Fu Jiu Yun!

Jiu Yun!

Don't come after me.

If you are bold enough to be here,

I shall be here waiting.

Fu Jiu Yun.

Why are you here?

I am surprised I can even run into you in the palace.

What are the odds?

What is the meaning of this?

You know my location wherever I go.

You were following me?

Following you?

I am busy.

I don't have time...

to meddle with your business.

I hope that is true. If you remember your promise,

that is for the best.

I remember.

I won't try to get back the Spirit Lantern.

I won't get into your way.

I remember what I said very well.

I am simply curious...

how you and your Dear Dou Dou...

is trying to stage a coup...

on Ghost Festival.

How did you know?

Listen to my advice.

Pulling off an assassination inside the palace will get you nowhere.

Do you really think a bunch of paper dolls...

are enough to make you an army and have Li Yuan killed?

And speaking of your Dou Dou,

after he got the throne,

do you think he will take care of you,

the people of Li, and the people of Tian Yuan?

You were spying on me?

I just want you to know...

that Li Yuan...

is more than you and Ting Yuan can handle.

-What's wrong? -Stay away from me!

Stay away from me! Do not let me see you again!

Fine.

I'll go.

Your Highness, try this out.

Your Highness, do you like my dress?

Great.

-Your Highness, look at my earring. -Beautiful.

Your Highness loves us the most.

Xuan Zhu.

Perhaps I should call you "Beauty".

You are born with a mesmerizing and gorgeous face.

Isn't that right?

Yes, her beauty is ravishing.

Yes, that is right.

Come, Your Highness.

Beauty, this snack...

is specially ordered for you...

from the royal chefs.

Try it out.

Try it out.

Let me feed it to you.

That's more like it.

Don't worry, Your Highness.

Once Xuan Zhu joined us in the palace,

after she became one of us,

we as her sisters will take good care of her.

-Sister, you are right. -Yes.

Don't you know...

the dance from Xuan Zhu the Beauty...

could mesmerize a whole nation.

None of you is on par with her qualities.

Perhaps Xuan Zhu could show us her dance.

We can all learn from her.

-She is right. -Sure.

Let us all learn from her.

Beauty.

Will you do it for them?

Your Highness, the royal preceptor asks for you.

Fine.

Since Xuan Zhu the Beauty is in the mood,

why don't you show them how to dance?

They can all learn from you.

I shall leave now.

Overseer Zuo.

Stay here with her.

Once Xuan Zhu finished her dance,

escort her back to her manor.

Yes.

Goodbye, Your Highness.

Come on.

Stop standing there, start dancing.

-Show us the dance. -That's right.

-Don't you know how to dance? -Show us!

What is so great about the dance?

-Dance! -Let us see how great you are.

-Let's see what she has. -That's right.

What is this awful dance?

And she calls herself a princess of Li.

A princess of a dead nation.

That is nothing impressive.

What does His Highness even see in her anyway?

-She is pure bad luck. -That's right, this is boring.

That's all she has?

What was that dance?

Let's go.

Let's go.

Overseer Zuo, aren't you escorting me?

Let's go.

Xuan Zhu.

It's time to stop sulking.

Sulking?

That is not true, Overseer Zuo.

I am a respected guest of the Crown Prince,

why would I sulk against you?

Isn't appraising beauties your expertise?

Tell me.

-How was my dance? -Stop pretending to be tough.

Don't forget.

You were once a beloved princess.

But I am not the princess in your heart.

I am merely a lowly...

daughter of a duke...

from a perished nation who entertains the royal family.

I have lost everything.

There is nothing left.

There is nothing left.

Xuan Zhu.

You must not marry the Crown Prince no matter what.

You have the right to your own happiness.