Original subtitles

♪Your silhouette in the twilight's glow♪

♪Awakens like snow, delicate and cold♪

♪Within your gaze, countless destinies intertwine♪

♪A lifetime, a world of illusion of just one person♪

♪As moonlight shimmers♪

♪Falling petals rest in my palm, it's your sacred promise♪

♪Cultivating amidst the fleeting time of this mortal world♪

♪To be as one, inseparable, like a shadow in rhyme♪

♪Grant me a lifetime of enchanting sights♪

♪I defy fate, turning it around♪

♪Fearless of heavenly decree♪

♪It is the courage that blooms for you, profound♪

♪Unafraid of the destined trials♪

♪I only wish to make a vow with you♪

♪Like our initial encounter etched deep within my heart♪

=The Longest Promise= (Adapted from "Zhu Yan" by Cang Yue)

=The Longest Promise= (Adapted from "Zhu Yan" by Cang Yue)

=The Longest Promise= =Episode 30=

I'm willing to tell you

everything I know.

After it!

This is an illusion.

Don't let your mind be distracted.

That's strange.

I used sweet Osmanthus just now.

If we follow the scent,

we should be able to find the entrance.

Shi Ying?

(Lang Gan, Emperor Xingzun)

Who are you?

Didn't you already know who I am,

Shi Ying?

It's really you.

I killed him.

The Ice Clan had served its purpose.

They no longer have my protection.

So there's no need to fear them anymore.

Emperor Xingzun,

you're indeed still alive.

Yes.

I'm still alive.

It's because

of my obsession with Bai Wei.

That's why

I've been living like a walking corpse

for a thousand years.

If you have such an obsession with her,

why did you conspire with the Ice Clan

and destroy

what you both created,

the glorious Kongsang era?

Kongsang has fallen

and can no longer be called a glorious era.

I can't stand by

and watch all the efforts Bai Wei and I made

go to waste.

That's why I want to destroy it myself

and rebuild order.

Only then I can give back to Bai Wei

the prosperous Yunhuang

she never forgot

until her death.

You're so infatuated

with Empress Bai Wei.

It's not an infatuation.

It's deeply ingrained in my heart.

You came to kill me.

It was you

who ignited the resurgence of the Ice Clan.

I'm the Priest of Grand Preceptor from Jiuyi Mountain,

and I'm also a citizen of Kongsang.

Anyone who is an enemy of Kongsang,

even if

that person is you,

I'll fight against them.

Yes,

you're a citizen of Kongsang.

You're the chosen one,

the chosen Emperor of Kongsang.

I am not.

Back then,

I let Bai Wei down

despite her unwavering love for me.

I made her misunderstand me,

and I pushed her further and further away.

I spent decades

loving her

but spent a thousand years

regretting my mistakes.

Do you know this heartbreaking pain?

You won't understand.

Once,

we stargazed together,

and I asked her

if the nearest star to us

was an unreachable distance.

She held me

and comforted me, saying,

"No,

as long as you reach out your hand,

you can touch it."

But I pushed her away

step by step.

Now, you've seen

how I ended up.

I've been drifting in this world

for a thousand years.

I'm very tired.

I knew you would come to me.

So I've been waiting for you.

I know everything

that you've done.

Now that you're here today,

I can finally

let it go.

You can choose

to be a ruler

or choose to be someone

who assists the ruler.

With you,

Kongsang has a glimmer of hope.

Then I

can peacefully go

and meet her.

Come.

Do it,

my child.

Come.

Emperor Xingzun,

please rest in peace.

Where did he go?

I was worried sick.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

Let's go.

What's inside?

Where's Wu Xian?

Did you see the sage?

The sage was none

other than Emperor Xingzun.

He developed an obsession

because of Empress Bai Wei.

So he used the Ice Clan

to deal with Kongsang.

Then...

Then where is he now?

He has ascended to the realm of immortals.

The Ice Clan has lost his protection,

and the leader of the Ten Sorcerers, Wu Xian,

was also killed by him.

The Ten Sorcerers will collapse

and the Ice Clan is no longer a concern.

The current crisis

that Kongsang is facing

is only the Merfolk Marine Force now.

Thrust!

One!

Strike!

Thrust!

One!

Stop right there.

Releasing these captives hastily

may lead to unforeseen consequences.

It's better

if I bring them back to Ye City for thorough interrogation.

General Bai.

General Bai,

I'm here on the orders of Prince Shi Yu

to investigate

the identities of these Merfolk marine force soldiers.

If they're

just ordinary soldiers,

they'll be sent home

to reunite with their families.

Thank you for your help, General Qing.

But these Merfolk marine force soldiers

are all cunning and deceitful.

You may excel at leading troops into battle.

But interrogation methods require skills.

If not executed properly,

our efforts may go to waste.

The total number of Merfolk marine force captives

is less than ten thousand.

But at the very least, there are eight thousand.

I'm willing to share some of the burden with you.

It's all right.

There are laws in our country, and the military has its regulations.

Moreover, the Priest of Grand Preceptor has instructed us

not to abuse them

with private punishment.

General Bai,

it's a large number of Merfolk Marine Force soldiers.

I need to start dealing with them immediately.

Take them away.

If we treat the Merfolk well,

it won't be long

before this battle comes to an end.

Then how can I achieve military accomplishments?

Shi Ying,

I'll remember

what you and your disciple

owe me.

You did it.

I'm glad I didn't let you down.

Shi Yu is currently overseeing the withdrawal of troops.

However, it'll take some time to restore the relationship

between the two clans

to what it was before.

But I've obtained an imperial decree

that guarantees the safety of the civilians.

Refugees

who have lost their homes in the chaos

can seek assistance

from local authorities.

Whether they are Merfolk or Kongsang people,

they will be given the same treatment.

Thank you for being thoughtful of us.

I hope that after this battle,

there will be no more conflicts between the two clans.

May peace reign in Yunhuang.

After the war has ceased,

Sea Emperor must fulfill

his promise.

Farmers have their own fields.

Weavers have their own looms.

Everyone should have a home.

The elderly and the young have someone to rely on.

People are wise and knowledgeable.

Those who speak have no fear.

Everyone can utilize their abilities to the fullest extent.

Learning from the past while embracing new progress.

These will ensure the long-lasting haven and well-being of the citizens,

The country will also be prosperous and stable.

Now that the matter of the Evil Star has been resolved,

So after this,

shouldn't you leave the priesthood?

Fortunately, I have the foresight

and have chosen a pet name for you earlier,

Ying Ying.

How about it?

Does it sound like Zhu Zhu?

Isn't it a good match?

Who's Zhu Zhu?

Who else?

It's Zhu Yan, of course.

After you leave the priesthood,

your relationship will change.

Perhaps it's time to change

how you address each other as well.

Stop talking about it anymore.

Can you honestly say

you didn't leave the priesthood because of her?

Do you dare to deny that you leave the priesthood

because you want to be with her?

I do.

Now that's more like it.

But

Zhu Yan has been

the one pursuing you.

You have always been free from worldly desires

and truthful without pretense.

So how do you plan

to explain it to her?

I'm indeed

not skilled in this matter.

If I were to express my feelings to her rashly,

I'm afraid it would scare her.

I should wait until after I leave the priesthood

before making any decisions.

What kind of joke are you making?

Are you afraid of scaring her?

Do you think

she's a delicate woman?

You're actually afraid of scaring yourself.

Priest of Grand Preceptor.

Lord Chong Ming.

I heard you talking

about Princess Zhu Yan just now.

If it weren't for her mediation,

perhaps

we wouldn't have been able to trust each other.

The war wouldn't have had room

for resolution so quickly.

Yes.

The ceasefire

was thanks to her.

Priest of Grand Preceptor,

I know there are some things I shouldn't say.

But I have to say them.

The happiest time in Princess Zhu Yan's life

was

when she became your disciple

and lived with you on Jiuyi Mountain.

But the most painful time for her

was when you expelled her from Jiuyi Mountain,

thinking

that she would never see you again in her lifetime.

I watched her grow up

little by little

and took care of her like family.

Now, I have to go

and serve my clansman.

I can't stay by her side all the time

to take care of her.

Priest of Grand Preceptor.

You're the one

who truly brings her happiness.

Since there will be peace in the future,

I hope

she'll never shed tears again.

That's my only wish.

I've said things I shouldn't have.

So I'll punish myself with three drinks.

I promise you.

Please sit down.

As Merfolk, we can live for hundreds of years.

So we're used to facing life and death.

I thought I wouldn't care

about anything anymore.

But recently,

I couldn't help but think of the past.

Do you remember

the heartbreak I mentioned to you

about hiding in the Western Huang

for over two hundred years?

Yes.

The last time Kongsang and the Merfolk

signed a peace treaty,

it was presided over

by the woman I love.

She was the Chief of the Crimson Clan,

Chizhu Feili,

who was also Zhu Yan's great-grandmother.

It happened over two hundred years ago.

The first time I saw her,

she was dressed in red,

with a heroic demeanor.

Her swordsmanship was outstanding.

It was unforgettable.

Did you stay with the Crimson Clan

because of this?

Chizhu Feili,

the Sword Saint of Kongsang,

advocated for a ceasefire with the Merfolk

and the expulsion of the invading Ice Clan.

She was born into a prestigious family.

She was radiant

and splendid,

attracting the attention of countless noble families

and the admiration of the Six Ministries.

I'm worlds apart from her.

I shouldn't have any delusions.

This is the destined sword

that accompanies us Merfolk since birth.

You're the one I drew the sword for.

From that day on,

it has accompanied you and me in sword practice,

as well as in our war campaigns.

But I haven't figured out

what to name it.

Just now,

I decided to name it

Extreme Biluo.

Extreme Biluo?

Because your Extreme Wind City

is my sanctuary.

Yao Yi,

you have a weakness

because of me.

But I'll spend my whole life repaying you

by being your sword and armor.

Then it's a promise

that you'll repay with a lifetime.

I only wish that this lifetime were longer.

Extreme Biluo.

The deep affection of a sword.

At that time, as the war continued,

I didn't know

if we would ever be separated.

So I decided to disregard everything

and express my feelings to her.

Even if it ends in heartbreak,

it's better than regretting it for the rest of my life.

The best thing I've done in my life

is to tell her in person

that I love her.

(Shi Ying,)

(I leave it to you)

(to tell her in this lifetime.)

♪Whose longing has been stirred up♪

♪Unfinished fate and love while passion has gone♪

♪Like a nightmare♪

♪Longing to meet again in dreams♪

I wonder

what Master is doing now.

♪Like the bright moonlight quietly sneaking into the night♪

♪When this life reaches its end, fallen petals become intertwined♪

♪Snowy Rosa at the temple, blooming the most beautiful verses♪

♪Through the years, through time♪

♪Only your appearance♪

♪I will forever remain in the past♪

Let me go!

I don't want to take a bath!

I don't want to take a bath!

Someone is trying to kill me!

Help! I don't want to take a bath!

Help me!

Let me go!

Let me go!

Help me!

Someone is trying to kill me!

I don't want to take a bath!

I must hurry.

I can't clean this in time.

Yan'er.

Master.

I've been too busy

to visit you lately.

Are you all right?

(How can I let Master)

(see me in such a messy state?)

Yan'er?

Master,

I'm all right.

It's just

that I'm not accustomed

to the environment here.

How

about you write a prescription for me?

I wasn't attentive enough.

Wait for a moment.

(Prescription)

(Take this with water)

So beautiful.

Yan'er,

follow this prescription for your recovery.

I'll come and visit you tomorrow.

Master,

I'm just making a fuss about nothing.

If you have something important to do,

please go and do it.

I said before

that no matter what you say

or where you are,

I won't

have any more resentful thoughts.

The matter of the withdrawal of troops

was also

because of your speech in the hall.

When I was in the streets,

I saw many people

clapping and cheering.

My master sure is amazing.

I've entrusted the matter

of Kongsang's soldier withdrawal to Shi Yu.

As for Merfolk marine force,

Zhi Yuan is taking care of it.

I have no other matters to handle.

Oh,

tomorrow is the Lantern Festival.

Would you like

to accompany me to the market?

Master, is there

anything you want to buy?

Just let me know.

I'll have someone buy it for you.

You once said

you'd show me around in Extreme Wind City.

It didn't happen back then.

How about we do it

in Ye City instead?

You want me to come with you

to the market?

Yes.

Just for the sake of wandering aimlessly

and having fun?

Would you like to?

Yes.

All right.

I'll see you tomorrow.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Young Lady.

Did you see that?

My master came to visit me.

Yes.

The Priest of Grand Preceptor just left.

So what I saw

wasn't an illusion.

My master did come.

Something's not right.

Could it be

that someone transformed into my master

to deliberately play tricks on me?

Young Lady,

what are you talking about?

No, that's not right.

What nonsense am I spouting about?

Yes,

that's my master.

He came to my room.

He said he wanted to go to the market.

Young Lady,

He came to my room.

Isn't that a good thing?

Go to the market.

Why do you look at it

as if it's a catastrophe?

You're right.

It's a good thing, Yufei.

Master is taking me to the market!

Young Lady!

Master,

it has been a long time since I dressed in this.

It feels like returning to Jiuyi Mountain.

Is this the place

you wanted to come?

Of course.

I share the same preferences as you.

I like whatever you like.

(Calligraphy and Painting Hall)

Master,

this painting

was painted by Master He Yu,

who is known as a master of painting.

They say it vividly depicts a beautiful woman with bright eyes,

a charming smile,

and lifelike details.

It's one of his representative works

(Huanxi Sand) It's one of his representative works

(Huanxi Sand)

called "Huanxi Sand".

Legend has it that the woman in this painting

was someone he encountered by chance

during a spring outing.

Unfortunately,

he didn't express his feelings at that time.

After completing this painting,

he went in search of her,

only to discover

that she had already married.

(Master is happy with my explanation.)

(I'm glad that my efforts yesterday)

(were not in vain.)

I have noted down all the renowned artists

and their most sought-after works

in the calligraphy and painting shop,

just in case we need them in the future.

Among the ancient books and paintings,

the most famous should be

Master He Yu.

He excels in portraying beautiful women.

Beautiful women portrait?

And this landscape painting

was painted by Gu Ruobai.

There are various opinions

about which scenery he painted.

Some say it's the forests between the mountains,

likely from the Tianque Mountain in the east.

- So it's Tianque Mountain. - Tianque Mountain?

It's the first time I've heard of it.

So that's the place.

Who is she?

Master,

why

are they looking at us like that?

They probably mistake you

for the commentator in this art gallery.

Watch how I make them leave.

May I ask

about the background of this painting?

This painting

is by a renowned painter, Xi.

The name is quite special.

It's called

"Early Moon, Blossoming Spring".

It has gained great popularity in recent years.

Nonsense.

"Early Moon, Blossoming Spring"?

This painting clearly belongs to Qin Zhang,

titled "Begonia under the Moon".

"Early Moon, Blossoming Spring" is pure nonsense.

Her boasting went too far.

That's right.

So she was just pretending.

This work was actually painted by Qin Zhang

during his retreat on Xishan.

He gave this painting

to his friend Li Hezhi,

who returned the favor

by writing a poem.

"The moon sets on Xishan early,

begonia blossoms in early spring."

He also left a note as the name implies.

So "Early Moon, Blossoming Spring" has its own significance.

Besides,

it serves as the best witness

to their deep friendship.

(I made things up on the spot.)

(Master can even cover up for me.)

(What else can't he do?)

So

may I know

what's the background of this painting on this folding fan?

(Foliage)

This landscape painting

is one of the representative works of Master Lin An,

and it's called

"Foliage".

"Foliage"?

Did she say "Foliage"?

This clearly belongs to Master Lin An's

"Orchid and Jade Tree" painting.

What does this have to do with foliage?

It's true.

"Foliage" also has its own significance.

As for the specific background,

I'll let my Master explain it to everyone.

Master Lin An has a unique way of titling his works.

He can have a straightforward title,

a tangential title,

or even a lying title.

Moreover,

he often hides the true title

within the calligraphy.

He was right in front of me

when he created this painting.

The true name of this artwork

is indeed "Foliage".

It captures the essence of spring,

symbolizing the birth of the smooth and soft foliage.

Without the foliage growing first,

how could

the orchid and jade tree grow?

He has a point.

If you look closely

at the second pine needle of the third branch

from the left.

It has a slightly lighter shade of ink compared to the others.

That's because I added it when I was young.

It's true.

This...

Excuse me, sir.

May I ask who you are?

Just an ordinary person.

Not worth mentioning.

Yan'er,

time to go.

He's indeed an expert.

Show it to me.

Come and take a look.

You sure have picked up a treasure.

Right here. This is the one.

It's indeed there. It's really there.

Let's go.

(Calligraphy and Painting Hall)

Master,

you're so impressive.

Are there any lies in this world

that you can't cover?

Luckily, I know

Li Hezhi and Lin An.

If we stayed any longer,

our lies will be exposed.

I can be mischievous at times,

and you've always been strict with me.

I didn't expect you would go along with me.

I'm truly overwhelmed

by the unexpected favor.

What do you expect me to do?

Leave you to perform a one-man show?

But I didn't expect

it would be this amusing

to engage in nonsense with you.

So

you don't have to continue seeing me

as your master all the time.

No, I can't do that.

A joke is a joke.

Once a master, you'll always be my master.

As a disciple,

I should adhere to the rules of being a disciple.

But

Master,

why are you suddenly saying this?

Oh, I get it.

It's because you're a cultivator.

You don't want

to reveal your identity in the mortal world.

You can put it

that way.

Then Master...

Then

where would you like to go next?

I'll go wherever you go.

No, I'll follow you.

All right, then.

When I was young,

I once watched a shadow puppet show.

But I couldn't wait until the end.

I've always had regrets about it.

How about this?

You can accompany me to find it.

If we can find that particular shadow puppet show,

it would be fulfilling

a wish in my heart.

All right.

I'll definitely find it.

That way, your effort to fulfilling my wish

won't be in vain.

We've already searched several streets.

But we still haven't found that fish.

Master, do you still remember

the color fish?

I remember it was red.

Red?

Perhaps,

it's no longer there

after such a long time.

Then do you remember

what the shadow puppet show's venue

looked like?

I only remember

two large fish swimming around.

They looked happy.

- Awesome! - Incredible!

Excellent!

- Great! - Marvelous!

If I find it,

what reward are you prepared to give me?

Are you making me promise you something again?

Stop right there.

Awesome!

Your injuries just recovered.

Don't run.

All right, Master.

Do what I say.

That's so beautiful!

Later, you can

just lead me the way.

Don't run.

All right.

(Did Master hold my hand earlier)

(because there were many people around)

(and it wasn't convenient to use magic?)

(That must be it.)

(It must be because of the crowd.)

- Wait for me! - Coming!

Let's go!

Master.

Look!

It's these two fish, right?

It was probably

the lights from the shadow puppet show

casting onto the fish,

making it appear

as if they were swimming around.

We finally found them.

Yan'er,

thank you.

But don't forget

you owe me a favor.

All right.

I'll remember.

Mister,

do you happen to know

if there's a place nearby

where there are shadow puppet shows?

I remember you.

You're the owner of the shadow puppet show.

I've been performing for more than ten years.

Paper-cutting and shadow puppets

have a similar effect.

Ten years ago,

I watched your show halfway here.

Ten years ago?

The most popular one was the "Tales of the Righteous Demon".

Mister,

could you perform it again

for us?

We'll generously compensate you.

Miss, there's something you don't know.

Just the other day, Consort Qing summoned

the Princess of Crimson Clan

to the palace to reprimand her

for her improper behavior,

which made us ordinary folks

bear the consequences too.

Now,

we can no longer perform

any romantic love stories.

It has also affected

my business by half.

Innocent people like us

were implicated for no reason.

I have to apologize for declining.

Since you're old acquaintances

and have come to my stall.

How about this?

Let me make

a small paper-cut portrait for you.

Then can I trouble you

to teach me instead?

I'll do it myself.

Sure, sure.

(Master must be compensating)

(for the unintended harm)

(we caused we caused)

(to the old man's business)

(out of guilt.)

Mister,

please have a look.

It truly is a masterpiece

from the hands of someone with deep affection.

I've been doing paper-cutting for decades.

But I've never seen

such a lively

and exquisite work.

Now

that the paper-cut portrait is finished,

you can choose a congratulatory wedding scroll.

Congratulatory...

A congratulatory wedding scroll?

Have a look.

These words

are

from the scripts

of my puppet shows,

as well as some fine quotes from scholars.

Both of you

can choose the one you like

and stick this paper-cut portrait

on top of it.

You misunderstood.

We're not...

(A perfect couple?)

(An ideal match?)

(Isn't this)

(the congratulatory wedding scroll he gave me back then?)

(A perfect couple and an ideal match)

These characters come

from the story of a virtuous woman.

It tells the tale of a girl named Liangnv

who fell in love with her lover.

However, their parents disapproved,

and their attempt

to elope also failed.

Her lover died

and turned into a star.

The story may be good.

But

the ending is tragic.

Unbelievable.

When you sent me the congratulatory wedding scroll,

you were already foreseeing

my future as a widow.

(A lifetime together, never lose, never forget, never be separated)

(If a handsome man like Master)

(were not a cultivator,)

(I wonder how many women in the world)

(would be infatuated with him.)

Which one do you like?

I like...

Oh, you mean the congratulatory wedding scroll.

I like...

This one?

It's a riddle

from the play "Jade Casket."

It refers to a couple in the story

named Orchid

and Jade,

who eventually

marry

and grow old together.

We happened

to see the "Orchid and Jade Tree" painting earlier.

It seems

it's pretty fated.

"A lifetime together,

never lose, never forget, never be separated".

I understand it now.

Master, what is it that you understand this time?

Why are you looking at this scroll again?

Could it be

that you intend to choose this one

when you give me the next congratulatory wedding scroll?

Yan'er,

I've planned

to leave the priesthood

and resign from the position of Immortal Official

after the withdrawal of the troops.

Shi Ying!

Shi Ying!

Shi Ying!

Chong Ming?

I've finally found you.

Something happened to your brother.

I heard he was carried back to Jialan.

♪How fateful was our encounter♪

♪How tragic, destined by fate's decree♪

♪How fragile, like glass and snow's embrace♪

♪Love and hate entwined, indistinguishable♪

♪How prophetic, a single word spoken♪

♪How transient, the rise and fall of destiny♪

♪How balanced, each sip and bite, no debts owed♪

♪Tears well in eyes with jade-like brows♪

♪The drop of blood in your heart♪

♪Has dried into a lock that binds me♪

♪Securing my path, thousands of miles long♪

♪Never apart from you♪

♪The drop of blood in your heart♪

♪Has dried into a lock that binds me♪

♪Even if our hearts and guts are torn apart♪

♪Our gazes forever intertwined♪

♪The drop of blood in your heart♪

♪Has dried into a lock that binds me♪

♪Securing my path, thousands of miles long♪

♪Never apart from your side♪

♪The drop of blood in your heart♪

♪Has dried into a lock that binds me♪

♪Even if our hearts and guts are torn apart♪

♪Our gazes forever intertwined♪

♪How fateful was our encounter♪

♪How tragic, destined by fate's decree♪