Original subtitles

Shaw bros Ltd. A Shaw studios production

The most powerful fist in canton

the strongest kick in suzhou and hangzhou

starring: Hsiao hou, Gordon liu

Lily li, pai piao, lau kar-leung

I am wai, Lee hoi-sang, sun chien, lau siu-kwan

Wong chi-keung, au shui-wai, wong chue-kwong, Cho yuen-tat

Fang vs. Lei

chan shen, king Lee, yiu man-kei, hung San-nam, I am fai-wong

yeung sai-gwan, shum lo, wong ching-ho, ching miao

How dare you, fang shiyu!

Edited by Lee yim-hoi cinematography by Cho on-sun

Li xiao-huan seeks vengeance for her husband

hair stylist: Peng yen-lien

make-up: Lau gai-sing costumes: Liu chi-yu

No one ever survives my lotus double kick!

Vengeance

Good chest shield!

I, li bashan, must avenge tiger lei!

Fang shiyu vs li bashan

wow!

Script supervisor: Chu Kai

asst. Directors: Lam hak-ming, chan yau-man

fight choreography: Hsiao hou, king Lee, lau kar-leung

prod. Manager: Chan Lee-wah coordinator: Wan pak-nam

You win!

- Hurray! - Quiet!

This is so wrong! The frost, rain and snow are all different.

They are various forms of water, stupid!

No way!

It's wrong!

Quiet, all of you!

Snow, rain, frost

what? Shiyu, not convinced? You are not as smart as ming.

He knows that frost, rain and snow turn to water when they hit the ground.

If so, why should the gods bother with the trouble and not just give us water?

Fang shiyu, you take in rice and then release poo.

- Why bother, and not just eat poo? - What did you say?

Shut up, or I'll smack you!

Quiet, quiet, all of you!

Fang, did you hear me!

What a stupid old man! You lousy teacher, I'll punch you!

- He tried to hit the teacher! - Don't stop me.

- I'll punch him. - Fang shiyu, how dare you!

What bad behavior!

- Don't! - Ma will throw you in the dungeon.

- Good, in the dungeon. - Alright, I'll stop.

How dare you try to hit me?

Argh, my poor head!

You...

Don't blame me! You hit yourself, the whole class saw that!

- Am I right? - Yes, you hit yourself!

Shut up, you! Quiet, all of you!

What nonsense! Why would I hit myself?

See if...

Back to your seat.

- Nonsense! - What do you...

You have no respect at all.

- Sit back down, or ma will tick you off. - That's right.

- Go on! - Sit down, now!

Fine!

Get this off me.

- Put the rope away. - Certainly.

Sit down, everyone, sit down.

Fang shiyu, as punishment for your disobedience,

you must copy the whole three-word verses... 100 times!

Big

Person

What ugly handwriting. I can write much nicer than you do.

It's all wrong...

Quiet, all of you! What's that noise?

Ha-ha-ha! Look at his face!

The classroom is as noisy as a marketplace!

What have you done to your faces? Get back to your seats!

- Fang shiyu... - I didn't do it.

- Hurry up. - Haven't you slept enough?

- We're going to be late. - What's so urgent?

You'll get ticked off again.

School

- they've decorated the school. - What's the event?

The teacher must be marrying his mistress, that means no school today!

Hey, let's find out what it is first. Come on.

"Welcome inspector sha duo-er."

- A-ha... - You three!

Why are you late? Where have you been?

Shiyu overslept.

Warmest welcomes to inspector sha duo-er!

- Welcome inspector sha duo-er! - Perfect. But one more thing.

- Say it as loud as possible, understand? - Understand!

What is "sha duo-er"?

He's the education inspector, didn't you know?

- No, I don't! - How could you not know that?

- The inspector can turn up any time. - Exactly!

- Is everything prepared? - Yes, sir, all are in place and ready.

The commander and the inspector will be here very soon.

Be extra careful with what you say. Don't offend inspector sha duo-er.

Othennise, the survival of our cantonese school will be in trouble.

- What trouble? Let's beat him... - Shiyu!

They would close the cantonese club!

So we must endure humiliation forever?

- Just keep our heads down. - Go, get ready now!

Come on, let's go.

Warmest welcomes to inspector sha duo-er!

Do you ever look at yourself in the mirror? What's this?

Smelly, dirty, disgusting!

Good morning!

This way, please.

What kind of school is this?

The big ones stink, and the little ones have bad breath.

They came here exceptionally early to prepare for your visit,

and may not look too fresh.

- Please forgive them. - Who says you can answer back?

We beg your pardon.

This way, please.

Careful, sir!

Get off me!

- Get lost! - Eh?

Where is it? Where?

Sir!

What were you playing at?

- Sir, you were falling over, so I... - Nonsense!

Who told you I was falling over? Get lost, all of you!

I'll teach you a lesson!

Oh, that hurts!

Sir, it's all my fault, please punish me.

You filthy wretch!

Sir, your glasses.

- Who is this feral boy? - Speak!

He is fang shiyu, a student of our school.

It was you who killed tiger lei in a fight?

Indeed!

Stand properly!

Sir.

- Any refreshments? - Certainly, it's all ready for you, sir.

All these tasteless cantonese dumplings are completely inedible!

Oh, dear... bring them over.

- Sir. - It's the same kind of rubbish!

There are more.

Wait...

- All disgusting trash! - There's more...

Did you enjoy it, sir?

Good, isn't it?

The inspector loves it. Good, we've made plenty.

Try this one. Ooh, be careful. The inspector loves it, right?

He does! Try a dumpling, come on.

Oh, we have prawn dumplings here.

Take them all, don't be shy.

Take some more. Eat as much as you like.

Is that enough, sir?

Sir, are you alright?

Let's leave here, quick!

Sir, please stay! You're too modest. You've had so little food.

Shiyu!

There will be dire consequences for mocking the inspector.

No problem, I'll deal with that.

Oh, you are nothing but a trouble-maker.

- Oh, god... - Shiyu, get ready for your punishment!

A baby is born, a baby grows up, a baby wears a dress

- another wears long Johns... - Little brother!

- We're about to get sunstroke here. - It's more fun than being in class.

What fun? I think I'm going to faint.

- You don't have to be here. - Then the pot will drop.

Let it drop, I don't mind being punished. Release me if you're worried.

No way! Mother would kill us if anything happened to you.

- Come over. - What are you up to?

Is it fair for me to be punished for standing up to a bully?

- We should just walk out of here. - Walk out?

- I'll shoulder the blame. - Forget it, we're all bound together.

- We'll be punished as well. - Take the rap with me now.

When you get caned at home, I'll take a share, how about that?

Huh! We don't have skin and bones made of steel, unlike you.

Young master, please!

- I'm not going to school! - Shiyu!

- Ma! - The books...

- What happened to you? - Ask the teacher.

- Confucius said... - Xiaoyu, meiyu!

- Ma! - What happened to you all?

I warned you about your naughty brother. Why didn't you keep an eye on him?

- It's not our fault, it's his. - That's right, ma.

The teachers made us serve the manchu inspector, it was degrading.

- Yes, how could shiyu stand that? - Indeed.

So you've caused trouble again?

The manchus kept humiliating us, I couldn't just watch it happen!

Ma, the teachers said we did wrong.

We were made to stand under the sun, so we all got sunburnt.

- I won't go to school anymore! - Get down from the desk!

Shiyu, you always get into trouble for trying to be a hero.

Without mother superior wumei's help, you would be long dead.

Why don't you behave?

Oh, ma, you're right. I can see my mistake now.

Cheeky monkey!

I will behave in school, so my brothers don't have to come.

- Gmm! - Excellent.

From now on, you must tie him up as soon as he tries to go out.

- Isn't that even worse? - It is.

What? If shiyu gets into trouble, you two will be caned first!

- You wretched boy, I'll kill you! - Calm down.

Haven't I told you before, this animal shouldn't attend school?

They ridiculed the inspector, and I got an earful from the school.

- That's not true, he... - How dare you!

- Calm down, be careful. - You useless animal!

- Let me help you. - Give him a good lashing.

Hit him as hard as you can, and teach him a lesson!

Don't you feel pain? You're not even human!

- He has iron skin and bones. - Ma taught him that.

Oh, forget about the lashing, it's useless on him.

- You can stop now. - Go and thank your father.

- Thank you, father! - You feral brat!

It flies so high!

In memory of my father liu hao-fa

Here.

You, monk, why did you take my kite?

Here, take it back.

- Hey, you've damaged it! - You did it yourself.

Nonsense! You won't get away with that!

What do you want? Are you buying me a new kite? Are you?

Ma is here.

Oh, master, sorry, just a misunderstanding.

- Ma. - You've played enough?

Yes, we have.

What is it?

- No, nothing. - Madame, you are...

- She's my mother... - Shiyu!

- We don't need any rituals performed. - What happened?

Nothing, ma. Father is far ahead of us, let's catch up with him.

Watch the uneven ground, ma...

Isn't she miao cuihua?

Cemetery for military academicians

We have nothing to play with now.

- It's all your fault that we lost the kite. - What's the matter? Help your father.

In memory of fang fuxiang

make sure you've cleared all the weeds.

I've got a fish, look!

Here's a bigger one!

Why so smug? They're not even your fish!

- Shiyu! - Who are you? Don't run off!

Any more trouble and I'll tie you up.

Shiyu, you come here, don't hide!

- Come out here! - Quiet!

You han people, listen carefully.

If you dare to disturb these manchu academicians, I'll have you all arrested.

Offerings for grandfather.

- It's your turn. - Alright.

Hey, come and watch him.

Let's see how you do it.

- Nothing... - Yes, he's caught a fish!

Be quiet.

It's a golden carp!

Not bad!

You...

Who took it? Was it you?

Who has the nerve to take my golden carp?

Gentlemen...

- Well, did you take it? - Certainly not.

How was it possible? I am no magician.

- Go and search them. - There is no need.

Why would the carp enter the grave by itself?

That's odd.

- It seemed to be pulled this way. - Gentleman, you are right.

You academicians are lucky enough to see the carp enter the dragon gate.

The carp enters the dragon gate? That is an auspicious sign!

- Is that true, master? - Absolutely, I saw it with my own eyes.

This cemetery for military academicians sits right along the dragon's vein.

- It faces the opposite bank. - So this river belongs to the manchu?

- Say another word... - I'm paying respect to grandfather.

Good feng-shui of your ancestors' grave guarantees prosperity.

This year's first-honor academician will be someone who is present here.

- That must be me... - Someone!

- Offerings for the priest. - Yes, sir!

Gentleman, I do not accept offerings. Please excuse me.

Thank you for shielding my...

Good bye.

Shiyu, keep writing!

How am I supposed to write like this?

Like what? You asked for it!

You stupid old man!

What are you cheering at?

- Shiyu, be good and finish your work. - Ma will untie you if you behave.

Ma must've listened to the manchu monk. What a wicked man he is!

- That was indeed wicked. - So I need your help.

Plead with that manchu monk to at least make it easier for me to read and write.

- Let's go, then. - Alright, we'll go now.

- Hey, unlock these first. - What?

Don't you worry, just unlock my legs so I can walk faster.

We'll return home in no time, and won't get into trouble with ma.

- What do you think? - You're the elder brother.

Alright, then.

Manchu club of military academicians in canton

"manchu club of military academicians in canton"?

- Don't make any trouble. - Alright.

- Be polite. - I know!

You two, wait here.

- What do you want? - A man.

- Who? - A monk.

Are you blind? This is not a temple.

But a manchu monk lives here.

You calling us "monks"?

- Shiyu! - The manchus are rude people!

He needs more encouragement.

Where's the monk?

- What is it? - Tell the monk to come out here.

What monk?

- We want to see the monk. - Let me teach them a lesson.

- What can we do now? - Unlock these!

Please stop.

- Unlock it. - No way.

Please stop.

Shiyu, shiyu...!

Dirty han dog, you think you're brave?

You will be slaughtered in the manchu military club.

Shiyu, shiyu!

My poor brother! Oh, my god!

- Someone throw them out! - Come on, quickly!

I won't be so easily killed by the manchus.

You!

You do look the part.

Hand over the manchu monk!

Now, will you hand over the manchu monk?

- What monk? - The one in your club.

Nonsense, we don't have any monks here.

You come to our military club with the sole purpose of stirring up trouble.

- Men! Chop off their heads! - Yes, sir!

My head is here for you to take.

We'd better run.

Run!

Leave it!

We are academicians, we don't chase after han dogs.

Yes, sir!

Let's see how far you can run.

Canton club

stand there, all of you!

To deny it is futile, because all troubles can be traced back here, always.

Do you know the membership of our club, huh?

I do. You are the royal manchu club of military academicians in canton.

So you offend us on purpose, and that indicates a subversive intent!

Please believe us, no one here would dare to do such a thing.

That's true, we have always been very strict in the discipline of our...

Stop lying! I have fought with this boy.

His level of skill was unique to the lingnan region, so he must be cantonese!

What does he look like?

That monkey isn't very tall, but he has bright and alert eyes.

He has clearly been learning kung fu from childhood.

He has two elder brothers. You must know who he is.

- Hand him over to me. - Sir...

- There is no such boy in this club. - No?

Honestly, this is the truth.

- How about your place? - No.

- You, speak! - No, really.

Listen carefully, I'll give you three days

to hand the boy over, or I'll close your club down!

Shiyu!

Father, there's no need for this. I will take responsibility for my actions.

- I'll hand myself in. - Wait! Master...

Don't plead for him, cuihua.

I must hand him in, or the entire cantonese club will be punished.

Master, I know I am in no position to appeal to your mercy,

but shiyu is the only son I've ever given to the fang family.

Hasn't he brought enough trouble?

When he challenged them at the arena, the club received death threats,

we were nearly disbanded!

- He was standing up for our people. - The situation is different now.

The manchus are closely connected to the royal court.

If we keep hiding him, the cantonese club will be shut down,

and the mere survival of all cantonese people would be a problem.

- Master... - My decision is final.

Should shiyu meet with misfortune, cuihua,

don't you have two other sons?

Ma, father is right.

I already died once, I don't mind dying a second time.

Once I am gone, there'd be no one to upset you any more,

so there'd be no cause for grief.

Ma, please don't be sad.

Without me, you can chastise my brothers.

What? Me? Father, let me replace him.

- No way! - I agree.

- Let me go. - No, you can't, not you.

It's my own responsibility.

- Stop arguing, all of you! - Father, you mustn't let them go.

- We'll all go together. - What? All three of you?

- You can't let them go. - What else can I do?

If they all went, there'd be no one to carry the fang family name.

Don't you worry, I have a plan.

- What plan? - Hide them.

- That won't work. - It will.

The academicians only recognize shiyu...

- We won't go outside... - But they'll search here.

- We can take them to the Shaolin temple. - The Shaolin temple?

Shaolin is the holy shrine of martial arts and the court's Nemesis.

The authorities wouldn't touch them there.

Good. You must set off now.

Mahavira hall

Buddha's blessings! The Abbot welcomes you, this way, please.

Respectful greetings to the master and all the Shaolin elders

from apprentice miao cuihua.

Buddha's blessings!

Miao cuihua, you're not here on a social call, so let me be clear.

You can't do as you please at the Shaolin temple.

Master, I am begging you as an apprentice of the same school.

- Please let my sons stay here. - You want them to be monks?

- I won't be a Buddhist monk! - Kneel down, you rascal!

Master, for the sake of the fang family, please accept them as lay disciples.

Miao cuihua, your sons are belligerent and pugnacious.

- You allow this behavior. - It is all my fault.

The Shaolin temple does not want such disciples.

I beg you, master, their lives are in danger.

The Shaolin temple is not your sanctuary. Go home.

Master, back then, li bashan vowed to avenge tiger lei's death.

He tried to hunt shiyu down but mother superior wumei came to his rescue.

This time, he stood up for the cantonese people

when he offended the manchu club of military academicians.

- Would you stand by him? - Cuihua...

Tell brother San de to come here.

Reverend brethren!

- Brother San de. - At your service.

- That manchu monk is here! - Shiyu!

- Fang shiyu, why are you here? - So what if I am here?

Don't be disrespectful to the Abbot of the 36th chamber.

Ma, he's an ally of the manchu academicians.

The other day you played a trick on them.

If they knew what you'd done, they would come down on you heavily.

As a monk, I wouldn't give you away, so I was forced to lie to them.

You wretched boy! You got it all wrong.

Now they're closing down the cantonese club.

- Closing it down? - It's true.

That, or we have to hand shiyu over.

So, you want me to keep your sons here as lay disciples?

Yes.

- Please have mercy on a poor mother. - So what is your plan for the club?

I will give myself up in my sons' place.

- Ma! - Shut up, on your knees!

- Chief! - Today is the third day.

- There is really no such person here. - No?

- Shut it down! - Yes, sir!

Stop that!

- Who are you? - I am fang shiyu's mother.

- Fang shiyu? - Exactly.

The boy who had offended your club.

- Where is he? - In the Shaolin temple.

- The Shaolin temple? Come with me! - Yes, sir!

- Chief... - What is it?

There'll be trouble if we storm into the Shaolin temple.

What trouble?

Shaolin will accuse us of desecrating a Buddhist temple.

So the Shaolin is sheltering criminals.

Chief, fang shiyu is a member of the cantonese club.

- We should shut this place down. - Indeed.

- Shut it down. - Yes, sir!

You can't!

Chief, it was my good-for-nothing son who wreaked havoc in your club.

I take full responsibility for that.

It has nothing to do with the cantonese club.

- You shoulder the blame? - Yes.

- You can't! - What's your relation to him?

- He is my husband. - Oh? So that boy is your son.

That's why you shelter him.

Chief, it is all my fault.

Please forgive us.

You cantonese all look out for one another.

Chief, say no more. I accept any punishment you order.

A woman with a backbone, I like that.

You have won my admiration.

Fang de, I'll leave your cantonese club alone, if you offer me your wife.

- What are you playing at? - Master, wait.

Calm down. I am flattered that the chief has taken a liking to me.

- It's a great honor. - Cuihua, you...

Master, you heard the chief.

The condition for not closing down our club is that I marry him.

- Exactly. - I do have one condition, though.

What condition?

Chief, I shall go with you if you can prize my legs open.

Othennise, you must drop the matter with my son.

What? Don't you dare?

Chief, you mustn't play dirty. You can only use your own strength.

Go for it, go!

Go, go, go!

Come again!

Come on, part her legs, don't let her get away!

- Teach her! - Quiet, all of you!

You're good! Let's leave!

Yes, sir!

Ha! She really is something.

- You're wonderful, cuihua! - I...

What's wrong?

Quick!

Hurry!

No hands! Use the strength in your legs.

Get up there, quick!

Jumping over the roof, running up the wall

this chamber trains your body strength, power and agility.

- Hence the name roof jump, wall walk. - Roof jump, wall walk.

Quicker!

Breathe, straighten up.

Stand tall.

No hands!

Straighten up, breathe!

Get up there.

Get up there faster.

Breathe!

This wall isn't really that steep. Why do you find it so difficult?

Abbot San de, this so-called roof jump, wall walk is beneath me.

Get back down, shiyu!

Fang shiyu, you have inherited by birth the skills from miao cuihua.

Of course the rest can't compare with you.

However, you must not underestimate the skills taught in this chamber.

Fang shiyu!

Is this iron wall beneath you?

Little brother, stop that.

Ma had to beg Abbot San de to shelter us! Why won't you behave?

Even ma couldn't save us if we got kicked out of Shaolin.

Listen! You must practice with all the apprentices here.

Certainly, Abbot.

Shiyu, Abbot San de is a true master in the martial arts.

That's why he is the principal of the 36th chamber of Shaolin.

Huh, I'll easily surpass him within a few years.

- Fang shiyu! - Oh, elder brothers, you are...

- I am wu huiqian. - I'm xie yafu.

- I'm tong qingqing. - I'm chu miliu.

- I'm Hong xiguan. - I'm lu a-cai.

I'm li jinlun.

- This is my brother fang xiaoyu. - Hello, hello.

- My second brother fang meiyu. - I'm your humble brother.

Did you learn all your skills from your mother?

Of course. It's been passed down within our family.

Oh, lunch! Let's eat!

Line up nicely.

- What is it? - The same as yesterday!

- Oh, the same thing. - Be grateful, it's good enough.

Don't choke yourself.

This is delicious.

Brothers!

Please finish your meal quickly, the sermon is about to start.

Another sermon!

How can you eat this every day?

How can we not eat... When we need the energy to train?

Let me take you out for a really nice meal.

- Dog meat. - Dog meat!

- We'll have dog meat. - We'll eat dog meat.

- We're going to have dog meat. - We'll have dog meat.

- There'll be dog meat. - We'll have dog meat.

- Hey! - What are you shouting for?

Nothing, elder brother, they're choking on the food.

Be quick, finish your lunch.

Hey, listen to me.

Come on.

This way.

Come, listen to me.

Right, once we climb over this wall, we'll reach Shaolin's foothills.

- Are you sure? - Shh!

Of course I'm sure. Up we go!

Come on, climb!

Come on up, hurry!

- It's not our fault. - Sit down!

The roof is damaged due to your poor roof jump, wall walk skills.

- What made you think you could leave? - He...

Cowards! Let me tell the truth.

We hope to graduate early, so we thought we'd practice at night.

That's right, we were practicing.

Seeing that you are so diligent, you deserve a reward.

Did you hear that? We are getting a reward, that's excellent!

Quiet! From tomorrow, you are all permitted to practice both day and night.

What?

Move faster! Take the laundry over there.

More firewood.

Hey, be careful with the bowl.

- Look. - Stop playing.

Why are you standing on the bowls? You'll break them.

Stop that, you'll break them! The bowls are fragile!

Get back down, now, do you hear me?

What kind of washing-up method is this? No! Oh, my god!

No, you can't do that.

Do the stance properly, stop lazing about!

- Abbot! - Abbot!

- The Abbot is here. - Abbot!

I am so sorry!

- I nearly dropped it. - Stop there!

Abbot, how am I supposed to wash the bowls like this?

With your outstanding skills, is that a problem?

Fine.

Back to work, everyone! It's almost lunch time.

- Yes! - Move quickly.

- Linzhi. - Yes, Abbot.

Watch shiyu. Add one day to his penance for each bowl he breaks.

Hurry, the robes won't mend by themselves.

- It's your fault. - What? As if I don't have work to do!

- We're in Shaolin, lower your voice. - My foot!

What are you doing?

- Why did you prick me? - I didn't.

Why have you stopped? Keep working.

I'm exhausted.

Trust me, this time I am 99% confident it will work. Trust me one more time.

- Do you really expect us to? - Suit yourself.

You'll miss all the fun in tonight's first full-moon lantern party.

Forget it. We're tired, we should rest.

You'll regret it.

The Abbot is here. Time for practice!

- Shiyu! - Oh, Abbot!

- Why are you not training? - But I am.

You call this training?

These movements are too simple for me, I don't need to practice that.

Stop! Stand against the walls!

Shiyu!

As bench work is too simple for you, let me see how you do it.

Solo?

- I'll accompany you. - Alright, just don't laugh at me.

Abbot, let's play!

You are all relieved from duties. Now go get some sleep.

Goodnight, brother!

- Goodnight, brethren! - Be in bed early, alright?

Goodnight, goodnight.

Shiyu, aren't you going to bed?

It's the year's first full moon. Let's not miss the lantern party.

Lantern party? Don't we have oil lamps in Shaolin?

- You should rest. - You have an early night. Goodnight!

Wonderful!

- Please, let me have a look. - It's a dancing lion.

Let me see, let me see.

- Hey. - What are you doing?

- Open the gate. - Are you blind? Can't you see the sign?

No han Chinese allowed

do you think I can't get in?

Sir, please proceed.

Oh, nice! This view is excellent!

Such an enrapturing performance!

Wonderful! So exciting!

That's a good one, excellent! Great work!

The show's good, isn't it, young man? Why don't you come down?

- What? You're inviting me? - Of course.

- Men, invite him down here. - Yes, sir!

- Capture him! - Wait!

Catch me if you can!

This is great fun!

- Get up. Are you hurt? - No, I am not.

Capture him!

Capture him!

This youngster's quite mischievous. Agile, too.

Isn't this lion docile?

- Ask this han boy where he's from. - Yes, sir.

- Capture him! - Halt!

The commander is enjoying the show, but you are spoiling it with your impertinence.

Don't blame me! He asked me to come down to watch it.

You know han people aren't allowed here. Do you want to lose your head?

Fine!

You'll find that my neck is sturdier than your saber.

- Where are you from? - The Shaolin temple.

- The Shaolin temple? - Don't believe what he says.

He's trying to intimidate us. Give it up, the Shaolin is for monks only.

- There are no lay people. - You're just ignorant.

The 36th chamber is especially for lay Buddhists like us.

This brat won't stop making things up, will he?

Stop, all of you!

On the night of such a full moon,

we are lucky to have this young hero perform and enhance the show.

You mustn't ruin the festive atmosphere.

I am the commander of this province. How do I address you?

My honor, commander.

I am fang shiyu who represented canton in the boxing arena!

Your reputation precedes you.

Tell me, why do you go to Shaolin when you are already so accomplished?

My mother wants me to improve further.

Such dedication.

There must be many lay Buddhists like you in the Shaolin's 36th chamber?

I'm afraid I can't say. There are strict rules in Shaolin.

But if Shaolin has such strict rules, how come you're out here tonight?

Oh, Abbot San de saw how hard I trained, so he granted permission

for me to have a break by way of reward.

Having said that, it's now time to get back.

- Not so fast! - What do you manchus want?

Please don't get me wrong.

- They admire your martial arts skill. - Yes, next time.

Next month, there will be an academician's contest.

- Please join in the qualification test. - I can't come during the day.

- So you decline my invitation? - I can come at night.

You carry on, I have to go now! I enjoyed the show! Thank you, bye!

Commander, are you just letting him go like that?

I want to find out more about the lay members of Shaolin's 36th chamber.

Oh, that is a good strategy, commander.

- Morning. - Oh, morning.

Hey, the sun has risen! Wake up!

Get up! It's time to practice!

Wake up!

Wake up, the sun is risen! It's time to practice martial arts!

- It's not daybreak yet. - Go wash your faces.

No hurry! The elder brothers aren't here yet.

- I woke you up early. - What for?

- What for? The sun isn't up yet. - Calm down, let me explain.

I woke you up to show you something special.

- What is it? - Now look at this.

- Wow! - Nice, isn't it?

- Nice! - Where did you get this?

I did mention the lantern party, didn't I? What do you think? Isn't it pretty?

Wake up!

Good morning, elder brothers.

Fang shiyu!

Hey, speed up!

Abbot.

- Why aren't you training like the others? - Such a simple log-on-water exercise?

- I only need to do half of it. - Shiyu!

As a disciple of this chamber, you must abide by the rules here.

Do the whole sequence again!

Fine.

Stop!

- Have you changed your mind, master? - No!

- But I want you to train on your own. - Eh? On my own?

You'll have company.

Is that the best you can do?

Listen, everyone!

The log-on-water exercise is much harder than you think.

- Who are you? - I am fang shiyu.

At the invitation of your commander.

Withdraw weapons!

Academicians!

- So you're fang shiyu? - Indeed.

Which one of you is qualified to be here tonight?

It doesn't matter.

The commander invited us to stay to admire your Shaolin kung fu.

- You want a friendly match...? - Mr. Fang.

- Commander. - Please don't get me wrong.

My purpose for having you here is not to fight them,

but to open our eyes to the amazing techniques of Shaolin's 36th chamber.

I'd be happy to demonstrate.

But we have strict rules not to show any Shaolin kung fu outside the walls.

Is it really that strict?

If that was true, no one would really know if Shaolin was any good.

It's good enough for me!

Fang shiyu, as a fellow martial artist,

I know that for exceptional people like you,

it is extremely frustrating to have such talent hidden.

This is true.

This is not the case in our qing empire.

We hold annual military academicians contest,

in order to fully exhibit all the talents of our academicians.

These include weight-lifting, wrestling, boxing, armed combat...

Shaolin kung-fu is much more sophisticated.

For example...

This is "roof jump, wall walk".

All lay disciples of the 36th chamber have to learn roof jump, wall walk?

Indeed.

There's also the log-on-water technique. Now look closely.

Do this for me.

Stand in two rows, and stick out your arms.

Keep still.

This is called a hand lock.

Outstanding, outstanding.

- Is there more? - Commander, I would like a match.

Mr. Fang, he is a newly-qualified academician.

He would like a friendly match. What do you say?

Why not? I love arena fights.

You are so impatient. How did you qualify?

That's more like it. First, make sure your stance is stable.

Then find your opponent's weakness. Come on!

Your academician is quite competent, but he lacks intelligence.

He doesn't understand the adage, "a warrior should be devious."

- Do you agree? - Commander...

What he says makes sense.

- Any more pearls of wisdom? - Very simple, in fact.

As arena fights are one-on-one, we must watch the opponent very closely.

My posture indicates that I'm lifting my foot.

Protect your body when you kick.

Do it like me, and you'll maintain the edge.

- Throw him off! - Throw him down!

Commander...

Stop!

Mr. Fang, Shaolin martial arts are indeed unsurpassable.

It perfectly combines power and agility.

- You are too kind. - However, I have one wish.

I would like to see the han people actively participate in academician qualifications

in every single province of our qing empire.

Martial arts can be used

to break the barriers between the hans and the manchus.

That way we can live in peace.

A wonderful idea. I shall discuss this thoroughly with the elders in Shaolin.

I am very pleased that you take my suggestion to heart.

- Bring a yellow silk vest. - Yes, sir!

What do you mean by "a yellow silk vest"?

I am offering you a silk vest of the yellow banner,

so you can come and go freely in this palace.

My gratitude!

Heart and soul in each breath.

Focus power in your center.

What the...?

Fang shiyu!

- What are you showing to others? - Nothing, Abbot.

Is that so?

My internal strength is so spectacular that they all want to observe me.

- Your vest. - Right!

Wow, it's magnificent!

- Where did you get it? - Quick, get out, don't look.

Shiyu, where did you get it?

Intrigued? I'll tell all after training.

What are you doing?

Stop!

- Whose vest is this? - It's mine, Abbot.

Yours?

- This is an academician's silk vest. - You are well-informed, Abbot.

- How did you obtain it? - I'm so proud of it.

The academicians could not beat fang shiyu from Shaolin's 36th chamber.

- You went to their contest? - Yes!

Only then, will people outside know the might of the Shaolin temple.

Fang shiyu, you have broken the most important rule of Shaolin.

My only aim was to promote Shaolin kung fu to the outside world.

- Was I wrong? - How did you get out?

I could always find a way to perform such an important deed.

You think it's important to be the manchu's lapdog?

You have violated article 12 of the code of Shaolin's 36th chamber.

You sneaked out without permission.

Because of greed and vanity, you violated the code of the 36th chamber.

No, my aim is to drive out the manchus and restore our own country.

Nonsense! You think this is your personal business? How selfish!

- Who else would do it but me? - Shiyu!

You feel no guilt, have no respect, and even dare to answer back.

Your reverence, I am not tolerated here, so I shall leave.

I vow that I will achieve something spectacular,

and then return here to pay my respects.

Abbot, until next time.

"A heart laden with desire attracts trouble."

- Little brother. - Big brothers.

- Shiyu! - Shiyu!

Farewell!

Buddha's blessings!

Fang shiyu is indeed proud and arrogant, but also a young man with big ideas.

Yes, your reverence.

Our hero fang shiyu!

Chief fei, chief le, chief hsi, chief sa.

- Commander! - At ease.

Shiyu, how come you are free today to visit my palace?

Commander, this is not a social visit. He has been...

- Expelled from Shaolin. - What, expelled from Shaolin?

- Alright, decorum. - Yes, sir.

- Shiyu, you're pulling our legs. - Commander, I assure you it's true.

- I was expelled by Abbot San de. - Oh, really?

- What rule did you violate? - It's all because of this silk vest.

The silk vest? That's outrageous!

That beggar monk! We are heading to the Shaolin temple!

- Yes, sir! - Commander...

- Commander, please think it through. - Why?

Don't you admire the lay disciples of Shaolin's 36th chamber?

Commander, Shaolin's lay disciples have nothing against the vest.

Only San de is prejudiced against it.

Even if he was prejudiced, he should come and speak to me.

- Why should he expel you? - There is no need for such talk.

Or you'll be accused of trying to intimidate the Shaolin temple.

Instead, you should meet with San de to listen to his explanation.

- Shiyu, stay here for the time being. - My gratitude.

Counsellor, get my official seal. Ask San de to come see me.

Counsellor, pick a team of top-grade assassins.

Kill fang shiyu tonight.

- Kill fang shiyu? - Yes. He serves no purpose any more.

By killing him, we rid the empire of a potential problem.

Not a good idea, commander.

If you're going to kill fang, then why not kill more of those like him?

Explain.

At the moment, in Shaolin's 36th chamber,

all the members are lay disciples.

- I'll kill them all! - Very clever, commander.

Tomorrow I will assemble a large squad to burn down the Shaolin temple!

- That's not so clever. - No? Why not?

It would be a piece of cake for our empire to raze the Shaolin temple to the ground.

Yet this would make us very unpopular with the han people.

It would be too late if we let them grow too powerful!

- It would never be too late. - Explain yourself!

We can weaken them gradually.

Gradual destruction...

We must devise a plan.

- Lure a few more lay disciples here. - Exactly.

We'll get fang shiyu to refer more lay disciples to us.

Commander, there are nine men who show great potential.

They are just as competent as I am.

I like young men who show great potential.

- Invite them to come here on my behalf. - Commander.

Are you not inviting only San de?

Before I do that, I want to let your brothers see that I am sincere,

and that we manchus are treating the han people justly and fairly.

This way, Abbot San de can hold nothing against us.

- Commander... - No more hesitation, shiyu.

On the third of next month, a fellow academician, jing tianchu,

is going to marry a han bride, and I want a lavish ceremony.

A banquet will be held in this palace to celebrate the unity of manchu and han.

This will be a good opportunity for academicians to meet your brothers.

- This will build much good will. - Exactly.

After this, once you have formed a close relationship,

if you han people feel any injustice,

then you can seek redress through the powerful military academicians.

- Shiyu, you're back! - Brothers, it's been too long.

- Don't wake them up. - Abbot will find out.

- Why are you back so late? - Stop it, stop knocking.

Is there anything nice to eat?

- Oh, shiyu! - You're back!

Chu miliu, you're still as greedy as ever.

- All he thinks about is food! - Lower your voices.

There'll be trouble if Abbot finds out he sneaked in.

Don't worry him. You are all highly accomplished in martial arts.

- Accomplished in what? Hey, shiyu! - You're back, shiyu.

You've been training here for quite some time.

What are you saying, shiyu?

Now is not the time to let the whole of Shaolin know.

Shiyu, be careful of the academicians.

That's the reason I need all your help tonight,

to find out what is really happening.

- Abbot will be furious. - Don't worry.

These are invitations to the wedding of an academician.

They'll be quite restrained on an occasion like this.

- Abbot. - Found anyone?

- No one. - No one?

Go look inside.

Brethren, look!

"Hong xiguan, lu a-cai, wu huiqian, chu miliu,

"fang meiyu, xie yafu, fang xiaoyu,

"li jinlun, tong qingqing"?

- It's fang shiyu again! - Why is he inviting them for dinner?

- Let's go intercept them. - No so fast!

These invitations came from the commander's palace.

So what do we do?

I think it may be a trap.

- Go away! - It's got nothing to do with you!

- What are you looking at? - Nothing to see here, go away!

Do you hear? Get lost, go away!

Hurry up! Go away, or I'll arrest you!

Get lost!

You'll be arrested, I warn you.

What do you want?

On such a big occasion, the palace should celebrate with the people.

- What is this security for? - None of your business! Get lost!

Are they marrying a Princess?

- Who is the bride? - A han woman.

- Then why so much tension? - Orders from above!

At sunset, this whole area will be closed off, so go away!

Get lost!

Get lost, all of you!

What a beautiful bridal crown.

Bring them inside, and be careful.

Miss chen, your family is so lucky to be chosen

to marry a manchu official, such rare fortune for a han person.

Your sedan chair will be brought all the way into the main hall.

I have never seen such an honor bestowed on a bride.

That's not all, dozens of the groom's close friends

have to drink three cups of wine in front of your sedan chair,

before they formally see you alight.

That's enough, you don't need to say it all again.

- Wow, it's so lively! - Of course, it's hosted by the commander.

Commander.

Such wonderful atmosphere...

- Commander! - At ease.

Commander.

- Commander! - At ease, at ease.

- You are truly Shaolin heroes. - Thank you, sir!

Commander, the bride's sedan chair should arrive any time now.

Please take your seat.

The bride has arrived!

Commander, the bride is here. Let the sedan through.

The bride's sedan is here, commander! The bride is here!

- Why are you blocking the way? - Set it down!

What's that for? You'll scare the bride.

My clear, we are now in the commander's palace.

Commander, when will the groom lift the cover...?

- What was that? - Nothing to worry about.

The bride is eager to come out.

Remember your manners! A bride should be more poised...

Commander, it's time.

Academicians, let us drink to the bride!

- Young heroes from Shaolin, come! - Come, brethren!

Fellow academicians, we are here to celebrate

the union of jing tianchu and his han bride chen hsiuying.

On such an exceptional occasion, I have made special arrangements.

We shall drink three cups of wine to the bride, and to this manchu-han union.

Cheers!

Don't drink it!

Don't drink it!

- Abbot! - The wine is suspect. Don't drink it.

Who are you?

- I am monk San de. - This is shameful!

A Buddhist monk disguised as a bride, causing chaos at our wedding ceremony!

- Arrest him! - Wait! Please let me explain.

I want to tell Abbot San de that my reason for bringing my brethren here

is to show that not all manchus are abusive to han people.

Abbot, you think this wine is suspect? I shall prove you wrong.

Shiyu! You've caused even more trouble.

Ma, this time I haven't.

- I am right, San de is in the wrong... - Stop talking!

You shall all leave with me.

- Stop them! - No one move!

Commander, we have nothing to do with ruining this wedding.

It's a feud between San de and myself.

- Leave, shiyu, the wine may be poisoned. - Impossible, ma.

- The commander wouldn't do this to me. - Fang shiyu!

- What is it you want? - This!

Shiyu!

Advance on them!

Let them fight amongst themselves, then we won't need to lift a finger.

Don't be stupid. We won't get out alive.

The commander and I have become friends, but now you have turned it all sour!

The wine is taking action, I'll close your energy valves.

Attack!

Commander, why would you...?

Keep holding your breath.

San de, fang shiyu, this is subversion.

You won't succeed. Nor will you live!

It's not that easy to kill me. Abbot, let's get out of here.

I can see myself out, manchu dog!

I will slay you with my own hands.

Go. I shall shield you.

You get out first. I am responsible for my brothers.

- Go, before it's too late for you! - Alright.

Let's go.

Abbot, as a guest, why don't you come with me for a guided tour?

Follow me!

You have nowhere to go!

Through the back.

Shut the door!

Run, brothers!

- Shiyu, what now? - I'll hold the fort. Go, quickly!

- One-on-one? - Roof jump, wall walk!

Commander, we're your troops!

Commander!

Commander, stop!

Run!

Where are they?

Run!

After them!

- Go help the commander! - Are you alright, sir?

Stop! We shouldn't harm anyone.

The authorities would not harm Shaolin.

Shiyu!

Kill them all!

Quickly!

- Run. - Go!

Shiyu!

Now you can taste your own poisonous wine!

Commander! Commander!

Help the commander!

Shiyu, let's go!

Take the commander inside to be treated, quickly!

Meditation

how could they expect to beat us?

- The Abbot is here! - Quickly.

Abbot!

- Abbot... - Lie down.

Abbot, has the poison penetrated too deeply? Why is he not better?

- Yes, yes... - Quiet, let shiyu recuperate properly.

Resume your training.

Shiyu, stay here and rest.

Brothers... get back to your training.

- You just rest... - Quiet! Leave the room, all of you.

Abbot!