Original subtitles

♫ In the stormy night ♫

♫ The dark hair of a charming woman is reflected in the flame of a candle ♫

♫ Shrouded by year after year of memories ♫

♫ I can do nothing but feign indifference ♫

♫ Outlining your cheeks ♫

♫ Together and apart, just like quicksand ♫

♫ I'm meant to make peace with myself ♫

♫ Rebuild or crumble ♫

♫ Drift away in the clouds ♫

♫ Driving away ♫

♫ Your dashing pretense ♫

♫ A drunken dream ♫

♫ A person I miss ♫

♫ Of course I know if it's real ♫

♫ Even if you're just by my side ♫

♫ I want to hold on to you but I can only play dumb ♫

[In Blossom]

[Episode 24]

Eight people died in eight different locations.

They also died in eight different ways.

Look.

This is where the first victim died.

From the ligature mark on the neck, [Qian, Heaven]

the victim was strangled [Crossed ligature mark]

before getting hung on the pagoda.

This is the second victim.

There was mud found in the throat.

The victim seemed to be buried alive. [Kun, Earth]

This is where the third victim died.

From the wounds and binding marks on the body,

it can be concluded [Xun, Wind]

that when the victim was alive,

the victim was bound, bled to death, and turned into a mummy.

This is the fourth victim.

She must have been killed elsewhere. [Kan, Water]

Her body was then placed in a liquor vat.

Master, since you have conducted a detailed investigation at that time,

why aren't these records in the dossier?

At that time, murders happened frequently.

All autopsies were simply done. We had to rush to the next crime scene after that.

After the magistrate closed the case, I still couldn't forget these cases.

So I secretly did some investigations, and found some evidence.

When I presented the conclusion of the investigation,

that useless magistrate thought my conclusion was too bizarre.

He said I was crazy.

Nobody believed in me.

Master, what about the next four victims?

Here, look.

They were also victims of the same mystifying method.

This victim is the eighth victim.

Master, this is the person we want to investigate.

She might be the one who wrote to my father back then.

I remember her.

Back then, on my way home from the county ya men,

I used to always pass by the tea house where she worked.

Miss Shang was enchanting, and she left a deep impression on me.

Who would have thought she had the most tragic death?

[Gen, Mountain, Burning Execution]

When she was still alive, she must have been drenched in boiling molten copper.

So, at the time of her death, she must have suffered terribly.

[Pouring molten copper on a living person as a mold]

Master, do all these cases have something to do with Heavenly Master Lu from the Luoyun Sect?

Definitely yes.

Caiwei, do you still remember that one night with heavy rain

when I came home almost at dawn?

My clothes were full of blood.

Yes, I do.

But you told me that you had fallen accidentally.

Actually, that night, I secretly went to the back mountain of the Luoyun Sect.

I quietly dug up Heavenly Master Lu's grave.

I found a female corpse inside.

The time of her death matched the previous statement.

Too bad, before I got the chance to examine it thoroughly,

the sect leader, Xue Jianli, discovered me.

He tried to kill me and spared me no life.

He injured me. But I was lucky enough to escape.

It's weird.

If nothing were wrong with the corpse, why would Xue Jianli try to kill you?

After Heavenly Master Lu's death,

the Luoyun Sect used the resurrection of Heavenly Master Lu

to attract a large number of followers.

I guess he was afraid of being discovered that Heavenly Master Lu's corpse

was no different from an ordinary person's, which would debunk the myth. That's the reason.

Is there a possibility that Xue Jianli is the culprit?

He used Heavenly Master Lu as a cover, and then profited from it.

You're right!

I also think so.

Only can this explain why,

after Heavenly Master Lu's death, there were still people being killed one after another.

It looks like we need to visit the Luoyun Sect.

[Luoyun Sect]

[Xue Jianli, the leader of Luoyun Sect]

Miss, why are they praying there?

Is the Luoyun Sect really that effective?

Of course. Let me tell you, I come here every year.

This Master Xue has a very profound cultivation.

As long as we pray sincerely, our wishes will be fulfilled.

Especially your wish, which will be fulfilled effectively.

How do you know what we're going to wish for?

It's so obvious. You two are obviously newlyweds.

Are you here to wish for a child?

Let me tell you both.

As long as the two of you spend a night in the Luoyun Sect's fasting room.

I guarantee that the two of you will become three persons when you leave.

It's not that. I...

She's right, dear. It suits us well. Let's join them.

Come on, let's get in line.

How long have you been married?

Over three months.

Just over three months, and you're already in such a hurry.

You're really impatient.

She's not in a hurry, but I am.

It's not easy to marry her. I have to quickly have a child and establish a family.

Don't overact.

I'm sorry, dear. It's my fault. I won't dare to do it again.

Miss, your husband listens to you well.

Teach me some tips afterward.

Madam, you said you'd come here every year.

Then you must know Master Xue very well.

Let me tell you, Master Xue founded the Luoyun Sect single-handedly.

Do you know? He was one of the most handsome men back then.

Many girls fell for him.

But he was too focused on cultivating. He never let any girl approach him.

Many girls' dreams were shattered because of this.

Heavenly Master Xue is indeed a highly cultivated person.

But I always feel there's something wrong with him.

When I got close to him today, I could smell a strange scent.

It wasn't the usual scented acronychia or aloeswood.

I smelled it too.

Let's stay here for now. I'll try him again when there's a chance.

Give me your hand.

What are you doing?

Master said you'd easily get cold.

At night, your hands and feet would feel cold.

I did some research.

Pressing these acupoints helps you get rid of the cold qi.

Is this the point?

That's the point. Press harder.

Here?

Dear, are you pleased?

Not bad.

Then... Can I get some rewards?

- Who's there? - Excuse me,

it is prohibited to walk around Luoyun Sect at night. You two must not leave your room.

This isn't a prison. Why is there such a rule?

Master Xue chants scriptures at the hour of Zi every day.

The power of the Heavenly Master has no bounds.

Encountering him might affect your fortune and lifespan.

Is this Menghua Incense?

This incense makes people lose themselves.

Why would a sect master use such incense?

[Catalog of Parasites]

[Record of Concealment and Reversal]

[Content of Record of Concealment and Reversal]

[Using a woman's living body as a sacrifice for a body-mind unity]

[Li Shen]

Li Shen?

What does this mean?

The four corners of the world, throughout history,

practicing well-being, holding the Dharma with selflessness.

Flowing like water, moving seamlessly,

the moving universe, the ever-changing things.

Maintaining peace of mind, penetrating the mysteries,

maintaining truthfulness, passing the endless realms.

Holding no desires, having a calm heart,

emerging with the universe, securing and stabilizing everything.

The four corners of the world, throughout history,

practicing well-being, holding the Dharma with selflessness.

Flowing like water, moving seamlessly,

the moving universe, the ever-changing things.

Maintaining peace of mind, penetrating the mysteries,

maintaining truthfulness, passing the endless realms.

Holding no desires, having a calm heart...

How was it?

In Xue Jianli's room, there's a secret chamber with a mechanism.

Someone is chanting inside.

A master chanting in a secret chamber... This is weird.

I'll investigate more tomorrow.

Jiang, that person from the capital is vengeful.

You can stay alive only if I die.

Father!

You're awake. Are you hungry? I cooked something for you.

Why haven't you left yet?

I came to the capital for businesses. I haven't found a place to stay yet.

Yesterday, I saw this house and thought it was nice.

So, I contacted the landlord to rent the east wing room.

Bai Xiaosheng, I'm not here for fun. You're only asking for trouble.

What? I'm not even bothering you. This house is not yours.

Do you want to eat?

- Here. - Here.

These flowers are growing so well.

It means our Young Lady has been away for several days.

Miss Shangguan is with Mr. Pan. There's nothing to worry about.

Ze, do you think Mr. Pan and our Young Lady will end up together?

Will they get married?

Why bring this up all of a sudden?

Nothing. It just suddenly popped into my head.

Mr. Pan had relationships with Miss Yang and the princess.

I wonder what he thinks about our Young Lady.

I'm just worrying about our Young Lady.

Having a peaceful mind, accepting fate,

having no worries, being free and unrestrained.

As distractions fade, the universe expands,

minds connect, resonating with the heavens and earth.

Although Xue Jianli is not in his room, there are two disciples guarding outside his room.

It won't be easy to sneak in without alarming him.

We'll have to wait until nightfall to take action.

Here's the plan. I'll get someone to send a message to the county ya men.

We'll split up.

You try to find a way to distract Xue Jianli.

[Heavenly Blessings]

Master, I have doubts in my heart that I can't figure out.

Please enlighten me.

What's on your mind?

My husband and I have been to Luoyun Sect five times.

We've been praying for a child, but it didn't work.

You have to be sincere when praying.

It will work if you believe in it, and it won't if you don't.

Master, my husband and I are both sincere believers of you.

My sister was sacrificed to resurrect the Heavenly Master.

The neighbors said that we couldn't get a child because I got married right after her death.

My sister blamed me for disrespecting her.

They said her vengeful spirit was making this trouble. This is our destined misfortune.

Which deceased is your sister?

The sixth one.

She suddenly burst into flames on the street.

Only later did we learn it's called "fire represents Li". It's the Li Hexagram.

The dead are gone, and the living are innocent.

I wonder if you can help us to solve this problem.

Do you have any resentment in your heart?

In recent years, have you offended the gods?

No, we didn't.

My husband and I sincerely believe that my sister's sacrifice is a blessing.

It's her blessing.

Don't be impatient.

When fate comes, it will eventually happen. Otherwise, there's no need to force it.

Go find the person in charge. He will explain the details to you.

Li.

Master.

This disciple is troubled. Please help her to clear her doubts.

Yes, Master.

- Master. - This way, please.

Wake up. Wake up.

Why are you lying on the ground again?

Blame me if you want, hate me if you like, but you shouldn't ruin your body like this.

Master, there's no one else here.

Stop pretending.

Master...

Is she Lu Aige? I thought she was dead.

If you had listened to me earlier,

- you wouldn't have been in this situation. - Stop talking.

If you still care about our master-disciple relationship, just kill me.

Aige,

you're my disciple.

How can I bear to kill you?

Xue Jianli, stop thinking you can control everything, you hypocrite.

It's time for you to take the medicine.

Master.

Aige, let me teach you to chant scriptures, all right?

Yes.

The medicine Xue Jianli gave her should be a pill made from the Menghua Incense.

But why did he imprison her like this?

Living through eight calamities,

serving gods with a sincere heart.

Attaining freedom in the afterlife,

seeking purity in the next life.

Living through eight calamities,

serving gods with a sincere heart.

Attaining freedom in the afterlife,

seeking purity in the next life.

There's fire!

- Hurry up! - There's fire!

There's fire! Hurry!

It seems something is disturbing our cultivation again.

I'll go have a look.

Rest early.

- She is... - She's Lu Aige.

I found her in Xue Jianli's secret chamber.

- She's still alive. - Let's leave first.

Okay.

Hold the sword. I'll carry her.

Who are you? Where are you taking me?

Don't be afraid, we're not bad people.

This is Mr. Pan, the magistrate.

We're here to investigate the Resurrection of the Heavenly Master Case.

Mr. Pan?

- Sir. - Mr. Pan.

- Mr. Pan. - Sir.

Is she all right?

She is fine.

Mr. Pan, please take me away quickly.

I don't want to go back there again. I don't want to see him again.

All right. Help her.

- Yes. - Yes.

Thank you. Thank you.

[Court]

Do you know how the eight victims of the Resurrection of the Heavenly Master Case

were killed?

Is there any secret?

Aige and Jianli indicate nobody between us.

If I'm not mistaken, your relationship with Xue Jianli

should be more than just master and disciple.

You're right.

He was once my beloved in this world.

Since that glance when I was 16, I have fallen in love with Xue Jianli at first sight.

Then, I joined the Luoyun Sect.

At first, he treated me nicely.

He taught me everything he knew.

We were together day and night.

♫ Recalling the past, dissipating sorrows ♫

♫ Wasting the beautiful scenes and good times ♫

♫ Listening to the promises, I could feel tender warmth at my fingertips ♫

When I expressed my love, he said we were only a master and a disciple.

Considering the views of other people, he rejected me.

I didn't want to let him go, so I changed my name.

I'm not afraid to let others know my thoughts.

I loved only him.

Later, he suffered internal injuries in training. He didn't have much life left.

I stayed up day and night organizing ancient books.

I hoped to find a way to heal him. [Record of Concealment and Reversal]

So I organized the Record of Concealment and Reversal.

At that time, I thought he had feelings for me too.

He just didn't have the courage to admit it.

But human sacrifice,

this method is evil.

He and I agreed that we must never use it in our lifetime.

But who would have thought...

Master!

Master, you promised! This method is evil. We must never use it in our lifetime.

I have no choice.

But that doesn't mean you can sacrifice lives.

Master, trust me. There must be another way to cure your injury.

Please?

All right.

Then I'll go to the ancient book hall now.

I'll attract attention if I disappear out of thin air.

Xue Jianli used the Breath-Pausing Pill to fake my death.

He even went too far where he intentionally left some clues at the murder scene.

He cast all the suspicion onto me, a dead person.

He locked me in the dungeon, and used pills made of Menghua Incense to control me.

Only then did I realize he never loved me.

He only cared about himself.

Why did he lock you up? Was he afraid you'd report him?

It's not that.

Because I'm proficient in immortality.

He spared my life to force me to study the method of immortality with him.

Especially after he killed the eight women, he didn't ascend to immortality,

so he couldn't afford to let me die.

I didn't want to help him, so he used pills to control my mind.

By the way, Xue Jianli chose these eight women as sacrifices.

Are there any reasons?

According to ancient records, only women are required as sacrifices.

So, Miss Shang, the last deceased, was also chosen for this reason?

Yes.

If that's the case, Miss Shang was just chosen as a sacrifice.

We can't figure out her identity anymore by investigating this case.

I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do to help you.

It's okay. We'll continue to pursue and arrest Xue Jianli.

Miss Lu, what are your plans next?

I have a house on the city outskirts.

So many people died because of me.

I need to bear my responsibility.

I plan to hide myself, and spend the rest of my life alone.

- Ze. - Yes.

Send Miss Lu back safely. She needs to rest.

Yes.

Miss, follow me.

Ling, send Miss Lu back.

Yes, Young Lady.

She was imprisoned by a man for nine years.

It might be difficult for her to be alone with Ze.

[Edify through music and ritual]

Sir, these are the sutras, scriptures, and pills found in Xue Jianli's room.

There's nothing special about them.

Record and keep them in the file room.

- Yes. - Yes.

[Shenshen, today's interpretation is very detailed]

Constable Liu, you go first. I'll take a look at this.

Yes.

Shenshen?

Isn't this a character from the symbols?

"Shenshen, today's interpretation of this scripture is too deviant."

"Don't think about it again."

This doesn't sound like self-admonition either.

It's more like Xue Jianli was hinting at someone.

Then who was he hinting at?

[Aige and Jianli indicate nobody between us]

Lu Aige?

So Lu Shenshen is her original name.

The "Li Shen" on the symbol refers to Xue Jianli and Lu Aige.

Lu Aige is also involved in this matter. She's lying.

Then... Ling is in danger!

I interrupted the nine-year sacrifice. I can finally start over.

Don't be afraid. You're my fifth sacrifice.

It's lucky for you to be chosen by me.

To thank you for helping me regain my freedom, I'll let you die in a simpler way.

When the lightning strikes later, you won't feel anything.

It's time.

Aige, stop!

Stop causing more bloodshed.

Xue Jianli, you've kept me locked up for nine years.

Do you think you can still stop me now?

I was wrong nine years ago.

Aige,

what are you doing?

[Liquor]

As I thought, the three women earlier were also killed by you!

You're right.

You faked your death not to attract believers for the resurrection, but to kill people!

You promised me!

This method is evil. We must never use it in our lifetime!

Master.

Master, I know you don't want bloodshed.

I'll handle these. You just need to sit back and enjoy the results.

Once I complete the sacrifice, your injury won't be a problem anymore.

We can be together forever and ever. Nothing can ever separate us.

Do you know that murder demands a life in return?

That's why I took the Breath-Pausing Pill to make them think I was dead.

Who would suspect a dead person?

Master, I've sacrificed four people.

The names written on the symbols are yours and mine.

After sacrificing four more people, we can live forever.

We'll never have to be apart.

Please?

Aige. I guess I didn't teach you well.

- It's all my fault. - Shut up!

Xue Jianli.

I once respected you, loved you, put you as my priority, and devoted myself to you.

I thought that after doing so much for you, you would love me.

I don't care about how you treat me. I just want to be by your side forever.

But when you deceived me, I realized you were cruel and hypocritical.

You only care about fame, and never had any feelings for me.

I was willing to die for you.

Now, I just want to kill you with my own hands.

Why didn't you dodge?

If I don't love you,

why would I let you name yourself Aige?

Why didn't I hand you over to the authorities?

Instead, I kept you by my side.

You did all these things because of me.

If my death can make you stop, then I'm willing to end my life.

♫ I wish upon you all that is well ♫

♫ Let out a cry that ends all relations ♫

♫ Staying in this boundless realm of purgatory ♫

♫ Just to protect your tenderness ♫

Master! Master!

Master! Master, wait.

I'm going to write our names on the symbol now.

We can achieve immortality soon.

Wait for me.

Wait for me. Wait for me.

Wait for me.

Wait for me. Master...

Master...

Master... Master...

Ling!

Wake up.

- Master, wake up. - Ze, I'm scared.

I thought I'd never see you again.

Master...

- You're safe now. - Master...

You're safe now.

Master, wait for me. I'm going to draw the symbol now.

I'm going to draw the symbol now. I'm going to draw the symbol now.

I'm going to draw the symbol now.

You're safe...

Master...

Aige and Jianli... indicate nobody between us.

Master, we can finally be together forever.

♫ We will remain forever in this world ♫

[Heyang Magistrate's Office]

Ze, I'm just going to get some groceries. You don't have to keep following me.

No way! Mr. Pan ordered it.

You were just saved from danger. I have to stay by your side these days.

So it was Mr. Pan's orders.

So, will I not have this privilege in a few days?

Of course not! If you're willing, I want to be with you today, tomorrow, and every day.

I didn't know that behind the once well-known Resurrection of the Heavenly Master Case

was such a story.

Anyway, when Ling was tied up,

she heard Lu Aige say she was imprisoned after killing four people.

This means that the remaining four victims were victims of someone imitating Lu Aige's crime.

- Miss Shang was among them. - You're right.

Looks like we need to re-investigate those four deceased individuals

to figure out their identities, and what was special about them.

Sir, all the four bodies are here.

- You may leave. - Yes.

A copper coin?

It seems this case is related to the Hundred Flowers Court.

Why did you say so?

I've collected corpses at the Coffin House many times.

When the performers of the Hundred Flowers Court were buried,

there was always a copper coin put in their mouths.

They hoped that in their next lives,

they'd be born into a wealthy family, and not troubled by money anymore.

Could the other three deceased also have been...

Miss Qing, they were chosen to be sent to the capital as performers.

Please review.

Well done.

Pretty and young.

They are like them from ten years ago.

All right, let them all leave.

Yes.

Court Master, Mr. Pan and Miss Shangguan want to see you.

Mr. Pan, Miss Shangguan, welcome.

Why didn't you inform me in advance, so that I could organize something

to give you good hospitality?

Miss Qing, that's courteous of you.

We're not here today to just have a small talk with you.

What brings you two here today?

I guess you are not the culprit.

Otherwise, you wouldn't care about the next lives of the deceased.

The person who led me to the death row, and gave me clues about the Ghostly Fire Case

was you, right?

Wet straw?

I had no intention of standing out.

Mr. Pan, why did you reveal it?

Miss Qing, please tell us everything you know.

Don't you want to see their injustices addressed?

Please, follow me.

This way.

It's a pity that only aliases [Yunhua of Hundred Flowers Court]

could be written on their tombs.

[Yunchang of Hundred Flowers Court]

These are their real names. [Yunqing of Hundred Flowers Court]

Throughout these years, my subordinate, Yunque,

has been collecting information on those people.

Just to seek revenge for them.

So when I said I was willing to work with you, I really meant it.

However, this matter is dangerous. So, I can't really disclose it. I hope you understand.

What's your relationship with the Ripple Organization?

Why are you seeking revenge?

They were all performers that I had personally trained.

Especially Yunchang,

the eighth victim, Miss Shang. [Yunchang of Hundred Flowers Court]

I treated her like a sister.

Every year, Hundred Flowers Court would nurture a group of outstanding individuals

to be sent to a high-ranking official in the capital.

That year, they were chosen.

Yunchang was full of hope, thinking she could finally live a good life.

But who'd have thought that in less than half a year, all of them secretly came back to me.

Miss Qing, you must save us.

What exactly happened? Why did you secretly come back?

We found evidence of the corrupted official colluding with an enemy nation.

Besides... Besides, he has people working for him in Heyang too.

We were discovered.

Afraid of being killed and silenced, we had to escape overnight

and come to further discuss with you.

I can't believe such a thing happened.

Don't worry. He probably didn't expect you to have returned to Heyang.

That's what we thought too. The most dangerous place might actually be safe.

In that case, during this time, hide your identities

and take cover in Heyang for a while.

If anything happens, I can also take care of you.

Yunchang thought they couldn't keep hiding like this anymore.

She wrote a report to Mr. Yang, hoping he could punish those people.

Yunchang was very cautious. But somehow, some people still found out about it.

Not long after, we heard that Mr. Yang and his family had been killed.

Later, we found out that those people were well-connected.

There was nothing we could do about them.

Yunchang and the others were very scared.

They had to live in Heyang while hiding their identities.

We thought that after a year, those people would let them go.

Unexpectedly, in the Resurrection of the Heavenly Master Case, one of them was killed.

The remaining three were very scared.

They weren't sure if she was killed by the Heavenly Master

or if the Ripple Organization had found them.

Soon, the other two were also killed.

Yunchang was very scared. She was afraid that she would be next.

It must be because of the report I wrote that those people were able to find us.

It's my fault. They died because of me.

Don't overthink it.

I'm sure I'll be the next one to die.

Those people will definitely find me.

Why don't you move to the Hundred Flowers Court, and live with me?

- In case something happens... - No,

you've already helped me more than enough.

I can't burden you anymore.

Lately, I've often dreamed about my days in the capital.

I lived the most luxurious life there.

There were people who genuinely loved me there, too.

At that time, I thought I was the happiest person in the world.

Looking back now, it feels like a lifetime ago.

I have moved on.

Whether I live or die, it's up to fate.

Miss, I'm giving you this handkerchief.

I embroidered the Taoba on it myself.

I hope it will bless you with good health and safety.

When I'm no longer here, you can look at it when you miss me.

Since I met Yunchang that day,

I've sent people secretly watching the tea house where she worked.

They didn't find anything unusual.

However, the next day, after Yunchang left, she disappeared.

Until... she was found on the back mountain.

When she was found,

someone had poured molten copper on her, and turned her into a copper statue.

The official she mentioned, do you know who it is?

Yunchang didn't tell me, so I dared not ask.

Knowing about such things is dangerous.

Since that incident, for so many years,

just like usual, I've been sending performers to the capital every year.

Because I'm afraid that someone might suspect me.

Do you know where these performers were sent to?

I don't know the exact address. They operate very mysteriously.

They always sent a middleman to come pick them up.

You said performers would be sent to the capital every year.

Does that include this year?

Yes.

In a few days, we will send the performers to the capital.

All right. This year, we'll go with you.

♫ Like the dew, we wait for the glimmer of light to greet the morning ♫

♫ How many looks do we need to affirm each other? ♫

♫ It's sincerity that fools me ♫

♫ But it's seriousness that traps you ♫

♫ The depth of the past is best left unexplored ♫

♫ How many more falls do I have to experience ♫

♫ Before I can face love and hatred with grace? ♫

♫ Don't ask if it's a moment ♫

♫ Of liberation or cowardice to let go ♫

♫ Perhaps it's a misstep into your heart, it's a hasty feeling ♫

♫ It's an unwillingness to be just a passer-by with you ♫

♫ Even if I were to die after a few intense struggles ♫

♫ I would have lived a life worth living ♫

♫ If grasses and trees are sharp blades, if mountains and waters are temples ♫

♫ It's good to be alive even for a short moment ♫

♫ I wish I could be worthy of the thoughts ♫

♫ And I wish I could be worthy of the love ♫

♫ Perhaps it's a misstep into your heart, it's a hasty feeling ♫

♫ It's an unwillingness to be just a passer-by with you ♫

♫ Even if I were to die after a few intense struggles ♫

♫ I would have lived a life worth living ♫

♫ If grasses and trees are sharp blades, if mountains and waters are temples ♫

♫ It's good to be alive even for a short moment ♫

♫ I wish I could be worthy of the thoughts ♫

♫ And I wish I could be worthy of the love ♫

♫ Be worthy of this love ♫