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[Heroes] [Episode 1]

[Heavenly Stem at Wu, beneficial to Earth.]

[Earthly Branch at Xu, also beneficial to Earth.]

[The olden Wuxu years were regarded as...]

[good, auspicious years where everything went well.]

[However, in the year 1898 A.D.,]

[that particular Wuxu year was a tumultuous one.]

[Bloodshed enveloped all corners of the government.]

[On August 6th of the lunar calendar,]

[Guang Xu Emperor was imprisoned.]

[The power that supported the old reign of Empress Dowager Ci Xi...]

[was engrossed with countermeasures, arresting all dissidents.]

[The political reform that lasted 103 days was proclaimed to have failed.]

[Tan Residence]

Lord Tan, I have prepared two of our fastest horses.

We should head out.

This memorial is very important.

I must finish it tonight.

Lord Tan, things have gone sour with the Empress Dowager.

Even the emperor has been grounded.

Nobody is going to read what you're writing now.

Even if the emperor can't read this memorial,

I'm still going to write it.

At present, political reform is imperative.

I will uphold my duty to the country.

Lord Tan.

What else can I say to persuade you?

Lord Kang, Lord Liang.

They're already gone!

It will be too late to leave if you don't go now!

The emperor appointed me as the Fourth Grade Physician.

Without a royal decree,

how could I dare run and abandon my post?

I know how you are, Lord Tan.

But what the people say is right.

Live to fight another day.

When I passed by Dashilar just now,

I saw the palace guards heading to your residence.

It will be terrible if you end up in their hands.

As a courtier,

how can I be so easily intimated?

Lord Tan.

Are you going to leave or not?

No.

Then forgive me for what I'm about to do.

My lord!

Brother Wang Wu.

I know you're doing this for my sake.

But I, Tan Si Tong, will never leave the capital...

or the emperor!

If you won't stop pushing me,

I will splatter my warm blood onto you!

My lord.

[Tan Residence]

[Wang Wu]

Meet your doom, Big Sword Wang Wu!

The sword's reputation precedes it.

It's too bad the person who wields it is unworthy.

Who are you?

Huo Yuan Jia of Jinmen.

We thought Wang Wu was a formidable person.

Seeing you in the flesh, you're just a coward!

Boy.

-You dare insult me? -None other than you!

Three months ago, you accepted my master's challenge.

We're supposed to duel at Desheng Gate.

But you?

You made my master waste the whole day in wait.

Many fellows of the martial world were there.

And they left in disappointment.

Shame on you!

That... That's right.

What are you glaring at?

My master is Tianjin's best fighter.

You should be honoured we sent you the challenge.

If we had known that Wang Wu was such a fake,

my master wouldn't have come all the way from Tianjin.

Old man, I'll draw you a line.

Get on your knees and bow three times.

Next time you meet my master, you'll call him "Lord Huo."

I'm sure my master will spare you.

Otherwise, you'll pay for it tonight.

Boy.

You've barely grown out your hair,

and you call yourself "lord"?

Hey!

Stand down.

I should've mentored them better.

I hope you'd be understanding, Senior Wang.

That sounds more like it.

Stop!

Martial arts practitioners have to keep to their word.

You accepted my challenge.

I hurried here from Tianjin just for the duel.

But you stood me up...

and didn't even give an explanation.

You're not showing me any courtesy.

Why should I show you any courtesy?

You practise martial arts just to gain fame and status.

You're not worthy as an opponent.

Gain fame and status?

This our first time meeting.

What made you say that?

I've long heard of the name, Huo Yuan Jia.

You're Huo En Di's second son.

You've taken in many pupils in Tianjin.

Now, you came all the way to Beijing just to beat me.

To prove that the Huo Fist is the best in the world...

and then take in more pupils,

earning more money from fees.

Nonsense!

The secret techniques of the Huo family...

are taught only to descendants, not pupils.

They're inherited internally.

I was born weak and frail.

But I am fit and healthy now...

as a result of practising kung fu.

I disobeyed my father and accepted pupils...

because I wanted them to be like me,

benefiting from practising martial arts, not be taken advantage of.

You can ask them.

Have I accepted any money from them?

-No! -No!

None!

Enough lies. You can't even talk straight.

I...

Whether you did or not,

it doesn't concern me.

-Stop! -Stop right there!

-Stop! -Master.

This old man is preposterous!

He needs to be put in his place!

Big Sword Wang Wu.

Since you accepted the challenge,

you must fight.

Da You.

You had the upper hand.

Why didn't you make use of it?

A martial arts duel has to be fair.

You are the senior.

The upper hand should go to you.

Glad you know the rules.

Brace yourself!

The spear is like a dragon, the staff like rain.

I've experienced your staff mastery.

Now, show me your skill with the spear!

Master, show him who's boss!

-Yes! -Yes!

Okay.

You have beaten me, Huo Yuan Jia of Tianjin.

From now on, you have something else to brag about.

-Now, scram. -No.

Today's match does not count.

But you won.

Your pupils are witness.

Something is on your mind today.

You weren't focused.

Otherwise, you wouldn't have made the mistake.

Alright.

You're not just a good fighter,

you've picked up the nuances of martial arts too.

May I ask...

what exactly happened today...

that made you miss the appointment.

I'm tired. I'm going home to rest.

As for what had happened today,

you'll know when you see the announcement tomorrow.

-Master won! -Master beat Big Sword Wang Wu!

-You're the best in the world! -Silence! On your knees!

Master.

What did we do to be punished?

Need you ask?

Big Sword Wang Wu is a respected senior.

How could you guys ridicule and criticise him?

He didn't seem that skilled to me.

He could barely keep up with you.

Nonsense!

He pretended to be weak on purpose.

He didn't want to fight me.

Why didn't I notice it though, Master?

Gao Qi, take your juniors back to rest.

No loitering around the capital.

Understood.

What about you, Master?

Who is sneaking about?

Trying to hurt me?

You are official guards.

There must be a mistake.

No mistake.

It's you the palace guards are after.

Ying Si!

You remember me.

I beat you.

At the time, you had begged me...

and swore never to do evil again.

That's why I spared your pitiful life.

You have no shame.

Did you come to finally be killed?

Insolent commoner!

Did you forget whom you're speaking to?

You degenerate of the Eagle Claw Sect.

You dare abuse your power?

Is there no law in the Qing government?

I'm not abusing my power.

I am following orders from Lord Rong Lu, governor of Zhili,

here on official business.

You've already arrested Lord Tan.

What other official business is there?

Tan Si Tong is a rebel. He had to be arrested.

You, who is named Wang Wu,

is an accomplice of the rebels.

You've been brandishing your sword around,

misleading the people of the capital.

It's time you submit to the law.

What a joke!

Do you own the government or what?

You want to arrest me?

Show me the official document.

Who do you think you are?

Tan Si Tong is after all a government official.

To behead him,

it is necessary to have the Old Buddha's order.

You are nothing but a rogue.

Today, I will take action before getting permission.

Get him!

Listen to me.

Ying Si is a despicable scoundrel!

He's out for revenge.

You guys are blindly following orders.

You're now accomplices.

This is wrong!

Heed my advice.

Get out of my way!

If not,

my sword has no eyes.

It will chop you up!

Men!

He is a wanted criminal!

Lord Rong Lu gave a secret order.

The one who kills Big Sword Wang Wu...

will be promoted three ranks and awarded ten taels of gold!

Who are you?

How dare you interfere in an official arrest?

What kind of a coward uses sneak attacks?

Come down and fight if you dare.

Traitor Ying Si!

-I'll kill you! -Wait.

We're outnumbered. Don't do anything rash.

You go first. I'll be behind you.

-Thank you. -Go!

Over there!

Don't chase!

Lord Si.

I was going to take revenge and kill Wang Wu amidst the chaos,

but out came a meddling interloper.

That man is skilled.

We don't know who he is.

It would be troublesome if he was someone from the government.

We'll let Wang Wu live a while longer.

Let's go.

Why did you help me?

From what happened tonight,

my guess was correct.

You didn't miss the appointment on purpose.

What does that matter?

Look around you.

This is no time for ramblings.

Senior.

I appreciate your help. Sorry I can't repay you.

Until we meet again.

Wait, Senior!

What really happened today?

Why did those men want to harm you?

I may be able to share your burden.

No need to share my burden.

From now on,

I, Big Sword Wang Wu,

will no longer be the same Wang Wu.

Huo Yuan Jia.

Don't get yourself involved with me.

Save yourself from unnecessary trouble.

[West Street]

"Kang Guang Ren, brother of Kang You Wei,

"and imperial official, Yang Shen Xiu,"

"army secretary, Tan Si Tong,"

"Yang Rui, Liu Guang and others..."

"were found to have conspired with Kang You Wei."

Master, what is going on?

What happened?

Don't ask. Let's go.

Senior Gao Qi.

What was that all about?

A brat like you doesn't have to know.

Come on, you won't tell me because I'm a kid?

Enough questions. It's an execution notice.

The names circled in red will all be beheaded.

So many?

Master!

Liu Zhen Sheng!

Master!

-Brother Zhen Sheng! -Da You!

Brother Zhen Sheng.

Gao Qi!

And you, boy, has grown taller!

You're in your official attire.

You shouldn't be hollering on the street.

I was overjoyed to see you all, Master.

I forgot to change.

The grand master sent word.

The capital is dangerous.

He worries you'd get into trouble and wants you home.

Are you chasing me off?

You're working for the government now.

I brought your juniors all the way for a visit.

You should be treating us well.

[Prison soldier]

Yes, Brother Zhen Sheng. I've yet to try Peking Duck.

You can do it yourself.

Such a glutton you are.

Come, I'll treat you to Quanjude.

-Come. -Hooray!

Here, Xiao Wu.

Zhen Sheng.

You finally found yourself a good livelihood.

Next time you meet me, you can call me something else.

Why would I?

Once a master, forever a father figure.

I'm only a year older than you.

Plus, I'm still unmarried.

You're making me sound like an old man.

A year older is still my master.

I've always been too dumb.

I could never learn the things the old master taught.

My skills now...

are thanks to your teaching.

Just yesterday, a senior accused me...

of accepting pupils for money.

That's on you.

If I hadn't broken the rule for you,

these three wouldn't be here today.

There's only a crowd because we're good.

Master.

Can't you persuade the old master...

to let me go back with you?

Zhen Sheng.

Didn't you give us your word...

that you'd accomplish something great in the capital?

Or else my father's donation would've been in vain.

It's only been two years since you came...

and you already want out?

What happened to your resolve?

But I came here on your behalf.

The old master spent the money to get you the title.

You didn't want it,

that's why I had to do it.

What?

You were given a great position.

But you're complaining?

It's not that, Master.

This post is a frustrating one.

All the things you taught me before, the timeless virtues...

I've not been able to use any.

If you wish to move up the prison system,

you need to scheme and plot.

It's always "you cheat while I deceive."

There is no real justice.

It doesn't even take three days...

for a criminal to be released with bribes.

Only the good guys are sentenced to execution.

Is that so?

Tell us about your job as the prison warden.

What kind of good guys have you locked up before?

We arrested one just last night.

An important man.

Who, Brother Zhen Sheng?

The name will shock you.

Why would I be shocked...

by a criminal sentenced to death?

Go ahead and try me.

Who is it?

You all want to know?

Pay careful attention then.

This man is renowned in Beijing.

He is a Fourth Rank Official.

His surname is Tan.

Do you mean Lord Tan Si Tong?

How did you know, Master?

[Liuyang Association]

This is where they're keeping Lord Tan Si Tong.

You guys will determine whether we succeed tonight.

Brother Wang Wu,

we've already broken into prison once 20 years ago.

We all respect you as a hero.

We will do according to what you say.

-We'll obey you. -We'll obey you.

[Dongyuan Gate]

[Prison of Ministry of Justice]

Brother Wang, the security at the prison is minimal.

There are only a few guards outside.

That's good to hear.

Inform the men.

I'll attack the main entrance.

-They will support. -Okay.

Men, get ready to support.

Move it.

[Prison of Ministry of Justice]

Senior.

Don't move.

I've been waiting here a long time, Senior.

What are you doing here?

Can I have a word?

Scram.

You're disrupting my plan.

Senior.

Get lost!

Or else I'll cut your throat.

Senior.

Are you trying to break into prison?

How did you know?

Are you working for that traitorous official, Ying Si?

Big Sword Wang Wu.

How could you say that?

I saved you only yesterday.

Forgive me.

Tonight's operation concerns the lives of my brothers.

Now that you know about the plan,

I'd have to kill you.

Wait.

I want to know if you were told...

that Lord Tan is being held in Cell No. 1.

How did you know?

The palace guards released the information.

It was to lure you here.

You...

Senior.

It is true I took in several pupils.

But I did not accept any mentoring fees.

It so happened that one of them...

is posted at the Prison of the Ministry of Justice.

[Master, that is just fake information.]

[Lord Tan is not being held at Cell No. 1.]

[He's being held at my territory.]

[Why did they do that?]

[It's a trap.]

[They want Big Sword Wang Wu.]

-[Big Sword Wang Wu?] -[Big Sword Wang Wu?]

[That's right.]

[You challenged him to a duel, right, Master?]

[How did it go? Who won?]

[Do you even need to ask, Brother Zhen Sheng?]

[Our master is...]

[What is it, Master?]

[Tell me in detail, Zhen Sheng.]

[How are they setting the trap?]

The one who planned this...

is the head of the palace guards, Ying Si.

He's waiting for you inside right this moment.

[Execution Station]

He used Lord Tan to trap me?

I waited here for you...

so I could warn you about the trap.

Don't fall for it.

Why should I believe you?

If you don't believe me,

go ahead and cut my throat.

Then charge in with your men.

You'll know then.

Retreat.

Go.

My men kept watch until the morning.

Indeed, they saw a big group of palace guards...

moving out of the prison.

You saved me again.

I thank you.

We're both martial arts practitioners.

We always look out for one another.

No need to thank me.

Huo Yuan Jia.

Since Lord Tan is under your pupil's watch,

is it possible for me to see him?

That's...

My goodness, Master.

I can't do that. It's a big deal.

How big?

The worst is you losing that official attire.

I thought you wanted to go back to Tianjin with me.

That's not it.

If word about this gets out,

my losing my head is insignificant.

I'm more worried about implicating Master Huo.

Big Sword Wang Wu is a respected martial artist.

Not only is he a skilled fighter,

he is also a man of virtue and morals.

He chose to work for Lord Tan...

because he wants to protect him from conniving people.

This means Lord Tan is also a man of honour.

That is indisputable.

He now faces death.

Wang Wu wants to see him one last time.

Who are we to deny that from them?

Master, that Wang Wu is known for his fiery temper.

The matter will only get out of hand if he caused a scene.

I will accompany him.

He won't have the chance to cause a scene.

But...

Liu Zhen Sheng, whenever you got into trouble before,

I was the one who was punished.

Master.

Why are you bringing that up?

I know.

If the old master hadn't taken me in,

I would've died of hunger.

But this is...

Zhen Sheng.

I'm pleading with you.

Think about it.

As a martial arts practitioner, my words are tied to my reputation.

Don't forget, that is the mighty Big Sword Wang Wu.

If I failed to keep my word to them,

if people heard...

How embarrassing would it be?

When can I see Lord Tan?

My pupil said...

the best time is the night after tomorrow.

Night after tomorrow?

August 12.

He will be executed on August 13.

I think that's too late.

My pupil will be on shift the day after tomorrow.

He's bribed the wardens on duty that night.

The safest bet is to wait until then.

You will come on your own and I'll accompany you there.

Fine.

Huo Yuan Jia.

You too, are risking your life to help me.

Tell me.

How should I repay you?

You don't have to.

No, the deed must be repaid.

I never owe anyone any favours in life.

Name it.

I am a martial arts practitioner.

If I can have a proper match with you,

that would be a great honour to me.

So, after you meet with Lord Tan,

you can pick a time.

No.

Do it tomorrow.

-Tomorrow? -Yes, tomorrow.

At Yinshan Pagoda Forest.

You use a different Huo Fist from your father's.

You learned from someone else?

That's right.

My method is based on the ancestral teaching...

and modified by myself.

Does it have a name?

I simply came up with one,

called Deceptive Fist.

Your punches are fast and unpredictable.

The name, Deceptive Fist, is apt.

Come.

I'm ready to learn something new.

Such a good Deceptive Fist.

I can say for sure...

that you've got yourself a one-of-a-kind weapon.

You are too kind.

I am undeserving of your praise.

Since this is a kung fu match,

it'd be much too boring to only use our limbs.

Agreed.

When you yielded a staff as a spear that day,

I could clearly tell.

You are well-versed with the spear.

I'll be frank.

The Huo Spear Method originated from the Yue Spear Method.

The nationalist martyr, Yue Fei?

That's right.

No wonder.

Great skill.

In the martial arts world today,

I can say you are the only one of your age...

that can receive 100 attacks from my sword.

You flatter me, Senior.

There is no way I deserve that praise.

You keep addressing me as senior.

Am I that old?

What are you doing, Senior?

I, Big Sword Wang Wu,

born in Cangzhou, Hebei.

I knew you were born in Cangzhou.

My family came from Cangzhou, too.

We share the same hometown.

Then save the friendly talk.

20 years ago, I had dueled with your father.

I've long known what the Huos are about.

Come here.

Kneel with me.

What? You...

What?

I wish for us to be sworn brothers.

Are you not willing?

No, it's just...

Stop blabbering then!

Am I not good enough for you?

Of course not.

With your qualifications,

I wouldn't dare be regarded as your brother.

No need for hesitation.

Seniority in the martial world is meaningless.

I asked you to kneel, so kneel!

That's... I can't do that.

Senior, if my father finds out...

that I disregarded the rules of the martial world,

he'd probably break my legs.

Your father...

only goes by the book.

You and him are totally different.

Don't listen to him.

Today, I have made my mind.

I want to become sworn brothers with you.

If you kneel,

we will then be brothers from here on out.

If not...

Good.

I, Big Sword Wang Wu,

born in Cangzhou, Hebei.

I, Huo Yuan Jia,

originally from Cangzhou.

Currently resides in Jinghai, Tianjin.

On this day,

the two of us will become sworn brothers.

From today onwards,

my life...

is my brother, Huo Yuan Jia's life.

What do you mean, Senior?

-Still calling me senior? -Big brother.

That's right.

Kowtow!

Zhen Sheng,

there's something that I don't understand.

When people became sworn brothers,

they'd say "Enjoy blessings and endure misfortune together,"

or "We may not be born on the same day, but we wish to die together."

But Brother Wang Wu only said,

his life is in my hand now.

What does he mean by that?

Master, this isn't right.

Wang Wu lied to you.

-He lied to me? -Look,

he became your sworn brother because I'm a prison guard.

He only wanted to get into the prison and rescue Tan Si Tong.

I must report this to the court.

Liu Zhen Sheng.

I'll be breaking into the prison with Brother Wang.

Aren't you selling me out too?

Master,

could you have known Big Sword Wang Wu's intention?

Zhen Sheng,

my father had been calling you stupid when we were learning how to fight as kids.

But you've become sharp...

after spending only a few years in the capital.

Master,

you knew it, didn't you?

Then why did you promise him?