Original subtitles

This is the Dragon-Taming Mace

Created from stardust, forged in iron

Harder than the Golden Stone

I grant this Mace to your keeping

Use it to defeat evil, as is your duty

Protect our nation, keeping all things in balance

If anyone, even me,

should ever threaten

our great nation...

You now have the power

to control them with the Mace

I'm honored, Your Majesty!

A TSUI HARK FILM

DETECTIVE DEE: THE FOUR HEAVENLY KINGS

Starring

MARK CHAO FENG SHAOFENG LIN GENGXIN

ETHAN JUAN MA SICHUN

and

CARINA LAU as Empress Wu

Story by CHEN KUOFU TSUI HARK

Screenplay by CHANG CHIALU TSUI HARK

Produced by NANSUN SHI

Produced by JERRY YE

Produced by WANG ZHONGLEI

Produced by CHEN KUOFU

Produced and directed by TSUI HARK

Your Majesty...

You handed over the Dragon-Taming Mace to Dee

But what if he turns against us?

Our nation would be helpless against him

Dee almost lost his life to the Sea Dragon

He saved me from death, and rescued our ministers

He's not a traitor!

That's how you justify what you've done

Are you planning to use him against me?

How could you think that, my trusted consort?

For your sake...

I have ended dynasty-long traditions

Repealed old laws, and made new ones

Now we rule together

I've done so much for you

How could you distrust me?

Your Majesty, my Empress

Yuchi Zhejin...

I know you and Dee are close. You're sworn brothers

But if I ordered you to take the Mace from him,

could you do that?

Your Majesty...

If Dee loses the Mace...

He will face the death penalty

If you follow my orders,

You have my solemn word

Dee and his family will suffer no punishment

In that case, Your Majesty...

Nothing can stop me from serving you

Have you found the men I asked for?

Your Majesty...

This man is Huan Tian, the Taoist

I'm just a man...

from the Jianghu,Your Majesty

Huan Tian...

I heard you can summon wind and rain

My talents are modest, Your Majesty

But as you commanded...

I have brought men who possess great skills

They are at the Court's service

Let's see what they can do

Spectral Blades from Huandao Clan.

Samantabhadra

Night Ghost from Qianshou Clan

My Lord, please...

It's a trick!

These are indeed modest tricks of the Jianghu

Your deceptions are an insult!

What is your name?

Smoke Volant from Xianqi Clan

Your Majesty...

These are mere Jianghu tricks! What a charlatan

Don't trust him

Huan Tian...

These men are all you have to show me?

Your Majesty...

This gentleman doesn't trust us

I'm bold enough to bet against him

If his sword can strike Your Majesty's shadow,

I will accept your punishment

How dare you?

You speak of Her Majesty's shadow?

Your guilt is clear!

Not guilty!

Your Majesty...

Show me your blade!

Immediately!

Forgive me, Your Majesty

Hidden demon, show yourself!

Water Moon from Fuyin Clan.

You're lucky...

Your head is still on your body

Her Majesty's mercy has spared you

Show her your appreciation

The Jianghu has remarkable talent

I'm pleased with your service

Conceal yourselves nearby and await orders

I shall name you the Mystic Clan!

Follow Yuchi's orders

Be ready to retrieve the Mace

Yes, Your Majesty!

One moment, Your Majesty

This matter is too weighty to trust to strangers

I can retrieve the Mace alone

They are here to help you

I'll leave you to proceed

Bureau of Investigations

Master!

Have you seen Master Dee?

Isn't he in his room?

Master, a message from the Duty Office

A strange theft from Leng Yu, the painter!

Master!

Master!

I know, get the horses ready!

He's always popping up without warning these days!

You can find Dee's official residence on the map.

And how to take the Mace

You people will have to handle it!

What's that?

A strange design appeared on the ground, like a map

Did you see it?

Leng Yu's Studio

Lord Dee is here

Please, my Lord

The victim is Leng Yu, a famous painter

He does old-style portraits of maids...

Flowers, horses, that kind of thing

Very realistic

Highly-praised, but

it went to his head

He's been working on a new picture

'Steeds Crossing the River'

Someone broke in and stole it

They burned his other paintings, too

The losses are great

Even scarier...

His parents are missing

No one knows where they are

The thief left too many clues

I think...

You see, I...

Who are you people?

From the Bureau of Investigations

You're the painter, Leng?

Bureau of Investigations?

Don't be rash, Mr. Leng

You're the one who reported this?

The Bureau

See that?

What was it?

Fireflies!

It's not quite Spring yet

How could that be?

This is Dee's bedroom

The room is arranged in the Nine-Star pattern

This is where things should be hidden

He wants us to think the Mace is hidden here

What would be the opposite of that?

How many people have seen 'Steeds Crossing the River'?

No one!

Are you trying to tell me something?

No

You're doing it again!

Why do you keep blinking at me?

I have an eye problem

It's... a birth defect

A congenital eye problem?

I think you're afraid of something

No, I'm not

I think this fellow staged the whole thing

Maybe trying to boost his prices?

I doubt it

If that was it...

Why would he need to hide his family?

Right, he wouldn't need to do that

Those footprints...

All these clues are just a trap

Someone wants us spending time here at this very moment

They're waiting for us to take the bait

Yes! But...

The footprints show that the thief...

came from that direction

Look!

There are footprints here, too

Could something be hidden there?

My painting!

Don't move!

Stay right there

Since the painting is still here...

we're being tricked some other way

Don't touch it!

It's poison!

What is it?

Careful, everyone, there's poison

Stay still. Let's seal off your body's pressure points

You...

The dust on the desk is poisoned, too!

Hold your breath

On the roof!

It's a dummy!

Smoke Volant was spotted

If the poison doesn't kill Dee,

we'll finish him off

on his way back to the Bureau

Good!

Let's go

Stop!

You're under my command

Who told you to poison him?

You're asking for it!

Han Ping

Take off your robe

Don't touch mine, it's poisoned

This is how things get done!

Sir...

Are you trying to keep us from getting paid?

Ridiculous!

Your blood should have flowed daysago!

Attack a member of the Golden Guard...

and you attack the Emperor himself!

You dare?!

The thief is playing with us

Yi An, Zhou Jin...

Stay right behind me

Wait for me at the western corner

Let's bring him out into the open

Yes, Sir!

That's the best you can do?

You seem pretty timid

I think we'll see your end today

Let's go

Who are you?

What are you doing there?

Get the ropes around her!

Watch her feet!

Dee!

You can't go anywhere

Watch out!

Up there!

Don't let him get away!

Move away from there!

Master

I'm all right

What about you two?

All right

What was all that for?

It seems to me...

Someone set all this up

They just wanted us out of the Bureau

But look what's happened now

They're targeting us, too

Night Ghost...

This is too easy

Watch out!

What the...?

The alarm!

Quick!

It's a trap

Let's get out now

Careful

Master Dee knew they'd come

See what instructions Master left for us

"Let them escape"

That Dee Renjie...

What is that man thinking?

Yuchi Zhenjin...

You and the Mystic Clan lost the first round...

...of your challenge to Dee

You got away with Leng's family

What are you going to do with them?

Lord Yuchi planned this

That's why it failed

May I suggest...

for future plans,

you make Yuchi follow orders!

That's enough!

How dare you?

You were the one not following orders!

And you're not ashamed to lie

Your Majesty...

Shouldn't this problem be solved...

by the one who started it?

The Dragon-Taming Mace is vital to the nation's future

If I could offer any advice at all...

The Emperor should take it back from Dee

Advice?

You think that'll help?

Back when the Tang Dynasty was being built...

some predicted future struggles within the royal family

They tried to "advise" the Emperor,

But he wouldn't listen

Two years later, the struggle broke out

It was known as the "Xuanwu Gate Rebellion"

You really think "advice" will help?

Dee Renjie...

Sanzang Temple

The Emperor truly values you

He's waiting for you

You should be proud of yourself

But you come to this ruined temple to see me...

Deep in your heart, what's really worrying you?

Give me your hand

Hell is full of suffering souls,

so enlightenment must wait

Well said, well said

What I wrote on your palm was spontaneous

What you said was from the depths of your soul

Each person has their demons

When they come to the surface,

they cannot be avoided

When that day comes...

This token will find me

Yuan Ce...

Hell is full of suffering souls,

so enlightenment must wait

I must enter hell and save the others

Master Dee!

Master Dee!

Dee!

Master Dee, why has this sickness returned?

Something in my mind is affecting my body

The Dragon-Taming Mace brings many troubles

You always fix such problems

Maybe this time I cannot

Wait here

Yes

Lord, this is such a terrible dungeon

I've accompanied Her Majesty here many times

But I've never dared ask...

Who is confined here?

It's the minister who predicted the Xuanwu Gate Rebellion

The man whose advice was ignored

He was locked in here

by the Emperor who led the Rebellion

He was stripped of his rank and family name

His body was tortured

They even disfigured his face

Now he's known as the "Faceless Lord"

Old one...

You've come again

Wait for me over there

I'll wait here

Yes, my Lord

All those years ago...

When you first came to see me...

You asked me how to become the Empress

You promised you'd restore my honor

and that of my family

Now, you are indeed the Empress!

What is left to trouble you?

Dee Renjie now holds the Dragon-Taming Mace

You advised me to convene the Mystic Clan

But they are no match for Dee

You need to elevate their standing in the Court

That's how you'll create more power for yourself!

Take over the Bureau of Investigations

Make Dee hand over the Mace

How can I take over the Bureau?

How can I force Dee to hand over the Mace?

By the Lords of Heaven...

I am Yuchi Zhenjin of His Majesty's Golden Guard

By command of the Empress...

I am here for the training exercises

Do you take us for fools?

Are you here to challenge the Bureau?

Tell me, what's the point of this training?

I think you shameless people...

are here to go after Master Dee!

That's absurd!

I'm simply doing my duty

I should come after you!

That's fine

Next time you ask me for medical treatment,

I'll have a snake poison you

And then, I'll save you... just as you're about to die!

How about that?

Master Dee, you really want to do that?

He's really doing it!

Take care, Master Dee!

No one can do that! It's too unstable!

Idiot!

Your Golden Guard came up with this stunt, didn't they?

No one could stand up there!

Call an end to it!

Master!

I'm all right

The trick you taught me actually did work

If you lose balance...

you can flip in mid-air...

and that helps decrease the impact

Master Dee...

He's trying to trap you

Don't trust him

Are you all right?

He's fine

Yuchi, come with me

I have something for you

Yuchi, I know the Empress commands you

And I know that many times...

You've shown your humanity

You're a dutiful officer

Dee...

I feel ashamed to face such an old friend

This is for you

This is from the time we fought the Sea Dragon

I made this as I defended Swallow Tower

You're giving it back?

Are you making fun of me?

Her Majesty favors you

But both of us are embattled

We need to keep an eye on the bigger picture

And I need your help

I've written some lines

in the corner of your picture

"The Four Heavenly Kings bless our country"

"Great virtue is hidden in our world"

"A secretive person seeks it"

"Cultivating life, holding a blade"

Can't make heads nor tails of it, Dee!

Let it sink in

This Bureau may turn to your Golden Guard...

for help in the future

You're very smart

Instead of arousing Her Majesty's suspicions,

why not set out to win her trust?

If the Empress transferred her favor to me...

She wouldn't cause me any trouble

You would!

Absolutely not!

I also want to live honest and free,

not caught up in intrigues

Honest and free?

Look at the way you're dressed!

You belong in that armor!

You jest!

This heavy armor

is no comparison to the Dragon-Taming Mace

Neither of us has an easy path

Who can say what the future will bring?

Take care of yourself, sworn brother!

Yes, sworn brother!

Take care!

Sha Tuo...

Do you realize...

We've been spied on?

By whom?

Who'd dare spy on the Bureau of Investigations?

The one who tried to steal the Mace

They failed last time,

but they'll be back very soon

And it will be an open attack

An open attack?

Dee...

When you were given the Dragon-Taming Mace...

Was it good or bad luck?

Here comes another one

Yes, another magician type is here

Our Empress...

likes watching their tricks

Many are summoned to the palace

Learning magic is popular now

Yes, everyone's doing it

No one cares about trading anymore

Everyone's abandoning their trades

and trying to learn magic tricks instead!

You bet!

Those magic tricks...

can keep the benefits rolling in!

Boss!

It's that mysterious design again!

Sir, the yarns have arrived!

I've packed them up for you

Come, come!

I've been waiting for you to pick them up

Boss, are you from Tiele, too?

Tiele dialect!

You haven't paid yet

It's a mistake, Boss- I didn't order them

No mistake! It's me!

Dee...

You're in danger! Get out of here

We're being watched Mount up!

But you...

Listen, I'll be out of sight for a while

If you need me, find the note in the medicine box

Thank you, Sir

Don't move!

What kind of disguising skill is this?

Damn you!

Spying on me?

Those Jianghu magicians are useless

I thought we could use them to get the Mace

And finish off Dee Renjie

But they're just getting in the way

Let's kill them all

Meanwhile...

This power-hungry demon

"EMPRESS"

is controlled by our sorcery

Let's see how she takes over the Bureau tomorrow!

The Empress is here!

She's outside the Bureau of Investigations gate!

The Empress is here!

Outside the Bureau of Investigations gate!

All ranks, assemble!

Prepare to greet Her Majesty

Prepare to greet Her Majesty

What?

Master Dee was right again!

They're almost here!

So flagrant! Where are you, Dee?

Oh yes, the medicine chest

This is it

A report from the Imperial Court

A member of the royal family has been wounded by this Mace

Is it the authentic Dragon-Taming Mace?

I command Master Dee to show the Mace in his keeping

Then we will know for sure

Your Majesty...

Master Dee is in his hometown on family business

As for the Dragon-Taming Mace...

We actually...

don't know where it's kept

Dee Renjie is absent

That's a perfect excuse for the Empress...

to take control of the Bureau

Dee Renjie!

Leader of the Bureau of Investigations!

You neglect your duties!

It is unthinkable!

The Bureau must have a leader

For public safety, I shall take command of the Bureau

Now, I must inspect the premises

Show me!

Yes, Your Majesty

Please, Your Majesty

Your Majesty

Master Sha Tuo

Your Majesty...

The Bureau is of modest size, so you've seen it all...

Except the bathing area, the kitchen...

And...

the toilets

Then assist me...

as I inspect those places

Search diligently, and report back to me

Yes, Your Majesty

Sir...

The toilets are nearby,

so let's start there

More than a hundred latrines in each toilet?!

Don't think you can finish? Better shovel the shit back

Bath House

Master Sha Tuo...

Ignore me

Where?

Dee! There you are

Sorcery...

Dee!

Dee!

That formula needs improvement...

They're here!

Just as you said!

The Empress brought in these Jianghu charlatans

They're looking for the Mace

The Dragon-Taming Mace

Is it somewhere safe?

It's a grave situation

So how come you're so excited?

Oh, congratulations!

You've encountered someone

You're right! A female assassin!

Excellent

From now on...

Your mission is to watch her closely

And maybe... develop your relationship

Develop our relationship?

I don't think so

She looks fierce, she scares me

Never mind that

It's Bureau work

We're always dealing with dangerous types

You should be used to it

The Empress is making big trouble

I'm not in the mood for love

That design!

I've seen it before, just outside the Bureau

Yes, I've been looking into it

It's called the Zhanboji

It's the symbol of a clan in India

They practice possession by sorcery

They can control minds

and manipulate actions

Their disciples found their way here long ago

They helped the late Emperor build our great dynasty

So he named them the Wind Warriors

But he came to distrust them and locked them up

They've been invisible for years

but now this symbol is appearing in the city

I think their renegade disciples are behind it

Dangerous people with weird skills

If the Empress turns against the Bureau,

it would be a very serious matter

The Empress and Jianghu sorcery...

There will be terrible consequences

You've been here too long, you should go back!

Go on, hurry back!

Miss! What the...

You ugly man, stop pretending!

Why did you take so long to bathe? Some problem?

You were watching me!

You know how long I took!

I watch if I want to watch!

You like bathing, don't you?

Go on! I'll watch!

Understood

We should go

That does it

You have no idea...

There's a lot of gossip in the Bureau of Investigations

Seeing us together, there may be rumors

Please tell Her Majesty I'm blameless

Then she'll let me off

That's enough!

I'll advise the Empress to castrate you!

That will end any rumors

I've seen enough for today

I'll come back tomorrow

Rumors? Pah!

When will you be bathing? I'll watch!

Her Majesty favors you...

We need to keep an eye on the bigger picture

I've written some lines for you...

in the corner of your picture

"The Four Heavenly Kings bless our country"

"Cultivating life, holding a blade"

A blade?

A Mace?

The Dragon-Taming Mace!

The lines mention the Four Heavenly Kings

"Great virtue is hidden in our world"

'Great Virtue' is an archway in the city south...

Close to the Temple of Heavenly Kings!

So perhaps the Dragon-Taming Mace

"Cultivating life"...

Represents the Heavenly King of Growth!

The "blade"...

is the Dragon-Taming Mace!

We need to keep an eye on the bigger picture...

The Bureau may turn to your Golden Guard...

for help in the future

Our help in the future?

He wants me to protect the Dragon-Taming Mace!

Come, come

Hand me the Dragon-Taming Mace

I will take credit for finding it

In my eyes, you're worthless

You speak more nonsense than Huan Tian!

You got here...

just in time to die

The Dragon-Taming Mace

Forged in iron from stardust

Harder than the Golden Stone

Your Majesty,

If Dee loses the Dragon-Taming Mace...

He will face the death penalty

I am afraid

If you follow my orders...

You have my solemn word

Dee and his family will suffer no punishment

In that case, Your Majesty...

Nothing can stop me from serving you

Lord Yuchi, please wait outside

You're here!

Lord Yuchi...

You were indisposed today

You missed some important developments

As Her Majesty's right-hand man,

I worry about your condition

Please take care

I heard about you at the Bureau of Investigations

You're in quite the tight corner

You should take care, too

Her Majesty is here

Yuchi Zhenjin...

Today you must congratulate Huan Tian Zhenren

I have promoted him

to the rank of Imperial Advisor

The Emperor is also eager to see...

Huan Tian Zhenren's powers

and see if he can replace Dee Renjie

Your Majesty, Imperial Advisor is a key role

Please, reconsider

Yuchi...

What happened to your face?

A training accident

Smoke Volant...

You should respect the officer!

Yuchi...

You did your best

Since you need time to recover...

please rest and wait for your orders

The Imperial Advisor can deal with other matters

Yes, Your Majesty

Zhenren...

I hear you're resourceful

You solve mysteries and defeat devils

You're even more talented than Dee Renjie!

Please, show me your skills

What can you do?

Your Majesty, it's my honor!

I'll control the elements to bless this great dynasty!

Long live our noble Empress!

Now see my Thunder Beads!

These are machine-made illusions

No more than cheap trickery

They don't amount to much

Watch carefully, there's more to see

It's raining!

It tastes so sweet!

It's rain from Heaven... real rain from Heaven!

Tiger in the wind, Dragon in the clouds

Nature's power delivers good harvests,

Blessing the nation and its people

Well said!

These are just trifles

An Imperial Advisor should be far more skilled

Now a Heavenly relic, the North Sea Dragon Ball

It blesses His Majesty, and the people

It offers a glimpse of Heaven itself

May it please His Majesty

Dragon Ball?

It looks very much like the luminescent pearl...

An Nan gave me six years ago!

Really?

I don't think so...

Huo Geng...

Bring the relic

Your Majesty

What's happening, Huan Tian?

Something's wrong

No, this isn't part of the plan

Someone's interfering

Someone? Who?

The dragon! It's coming to life!

Where did it come from?

Explain to the Empress!

I don't know what's happening

I can't explain it to her!

Then we should get out of here!

How can we leave now?

Protect their Majesties!

It's a good omen!

The golden dragon reborn! It's an omen for the dynasty!

Huan Tian, what is it doing?

It's an illusion... Just an illusion!

Protect their Majesties!

Madam...

There's danger, Your Majesty

Go away!

The Dragon Ball!

Huan Tian is gone

Huo Geng! Protect their Majesties and get them away

I'll get him back

Yes!

Your Majesty...

Seal the exits!

No one may leave!

Yes, Sir

Stop him!

We need more men! Quick!

You are all Golden Guards

Stop!

Stop!

Catch him!

He's a murderer

Drop your weapons!

It wasn't me... he's getting away!

Follow him! Quick!

Drop your weapons!

What fools you all are...

but especially you

Take me, then!

Whose idea was it to bring in those magicians?

It was Yuchi Zhenjin's suggestion

You can ask him

Where is he?

Your Majesty, Yuchi is under arrest

He killed members of the Golden Guard

Now he's in the prison

What?

Put the city on alert

Summon Dee Renjie for duty!

Yes, Your Majesty

It's a message from the Golden Guard

The golden dragon came to life in the palace!

It flew away, into the sky

Two magicians died, and one is missing

Yuchi must have gone mad

He killed a few of his own men

They've locked him up

So they've finally started taking action

Who? Who do you mean?

Take this bamboo token

Find Master Yuan Ce at Sanzang Temple

Sanzang Temple...

When Master Sanzang was in India...

He was trying to combat its evil power

Now Master Sanzang has passed on

The only way to defeat them...

is with the help of his disciple, Yuan Ce

Show him this symbol,

and ask him to help fight their sorcery

Is this all connected to those Zhanbojia people?

They've been planning this for years

They used the Mystic Clan as their agents...

Just to keep watch over us

Their sorcery is very powerful

We need to find a way to distract them

Call all the Bureau's men in for duty

We'll divide into three teams and lure them out

Lure them out?

The first team...

Tell Zhou Jin to lead it

They must go to Bingzhou, pretending to look for me

That will draw their attention away

from the Bureau of Investigations

Them again! What are they up to?

Tell them...

to split up and lay false trails

That will shake off the Mystic Clan

Then return here, and wait for my orders

The second team...

Take the fastest horses

At the east market, change clothes and horses

Then ride to Sanzang Temple to find Master Yuan Ce

Boss, please get me a new horse

The third team...

I will disguise myself as Ding Xun's guard

And follow Huo Geng of the Golden Guard

into the Palace, to investigate there

Very modest skills...

Who are you people?

I am Water Moon, from Fuyin Clan

The Empress's flunky!

We thought you were real killers

Now it's clear we overestimated you

So now your time is up

Time's up?

You're talking nonsense!

You're not the Empress

You're a fake!

Who are you?

Speak!

Your name is Water Moon?

You ought to know that your name also means...

Illusion

They'll find me here

It's too dangerous here!

Still here?

I said, it's no good!

You're so stupid

Such an idiot

Idiot!

Is that... Tiele dialect?

You're from Tiele?

They're here, don't move

Shut up

Any more?

Can't find her

WATER MOON

Report!

Guards from the Bureau just left the city

Maybe going for reinforcements

Absurd!

Our loyal service earned us the name Wind Warriors

We helped defeat the late Emperor's enemies

This dynasty would not exist without our help

But once he was enthroned,

the Emperor turned against us

Even tried to wipe us out!

Now his descendants live in comfort

"EMPRESS"

"EMPEROR"

And the dynasty prospers

Our colleagues are convening in the capitol

We will bring down this dynasty!

The dynasty must fall!

Your dagger is here

You're not badly hurt

But you've been poisoned

I've drawn the venom from your wounds

Where am I?

An inn near Ranfang

Sirs, please follow me

Two guests for Tianzi rooms!

How did you draw out the poison?

With my mouth

I cleaned out the wounds

Don't worry

Don't move!

Traces of poison are still in your body

That's why you feel weak

If the poison had reached your heart,

you'd be a goner

It affected me, too

That's why I'm also drinking this

I must go, I have urgent things to do

Here are five more doses, take them as you need

I told you not to move

Come on...

Drink this

Don't touch me!

Don't move, you're still weak

Drink this

You first!

It's disgusting!

Save your strength!

You could still die

While you still can...

Drink it!

What's it to you if I live or die?

If you wanna die, just die!

Your stubbornness will kill you!

But you shouldn't die so far from home

I don't wanna bury you here

It's certainly not my problem

However, we from Tiele believe

no matter how far you roam,

in the final days of your life,

you should always return to your homeland

and die there

Tiele is too far away

I can't get back there

And you?

Why don't you go back there?

I have duties to the Court

I can't just leave when I want

I'm not free, like you

I can't choose where to go

You must have been through a lot...

on your travels in the Jianghu

Is it really too much for you?

The medicine is that bitter?

I have to go

Take care of yourself

Will you come back for me?

For sure

Why do you wear that strange makeup?

I don't want anyone to see me as I am

I've never touched an assassin's face before

And I've never been friendly with an officer

When I went to the capitol,

I felt a deep, bitter pain

Probably no more bitter...

than this medicine

So try to bear it

Maybe it's not as bitter as you think

Trust me... friend

Stand to attention!

I am Huo Geng of the Golden Guard

And he is from the Bureau of Investigations

We are hereto look into the incident

Enter!

This is where it happened

The golden dragon came to life

in front of the Emperor and Empress

It killed some people, then flew away

That must have been something to see

Did you witness it yourself?

Yes, I was here

I envy you!

Officer Ding, are you really on this case?

Indeed

My assistant is working on it

Did the dragon have big eyes?

What are you asking?

So the Bureau sends just one man for this tough case?

It seems inadequate

If Master Dee himself can't come,

he should at least send Sha Tuo

The world of Jianghu is full of sorcery clans

Ultimately, they're just tricks

What is it? You've found something?

Nonsense!

How could that be?

More than a hundred people saw it,

including the Emperor and Empress

Look!

That's where the dragon flew away

See the hole it left in the ceiling?

That was just a trick?

You saw what your mind told you to see

Breaking the ceiling is an easy Jianghu trick

Anyhow...

I don't believe all you see...

Anyhow...

The dragon's head was sliced off with a sharp blade

I estimate about five feet long

Same as the throne

Let's take a look

There were guards everywhere

- Easier to hide it here than to bring it in - Stop!

- Do you all agree? - Stop!

How dare you?

That's the Imperial Throne!

No one may approach it!

You didn't check it

That's how you were deceived

Stop!

My Assistant is better at these things

Let him get on with it, if you want the truth

This is standard operating procedure in the Bureau?

You bet!

Look! The truth!

The dragon's head!

This is the dragon you all saw?

The one that flew away?

Fine! Now, General Huo...

Can you arrange for us to meet Lord Yuchi?

You want to meet Lord Yuchi?

He's...

He's been arrested for criminal negligence

I have no authority...

to permit visits

The one with the authority would be...

Lord Dee, with his Dragon-Taming Mace

That would make it possible

So, please go back

Here I am!

Lead us there, General!

General Huo!

Fool!

You're all fools!

Leave me be

How dare you disturb me?

You bring shame on the Golden Guard

All of you!

You're such a bunch of idiots!

I would never trouble you, Sir

I'm just escorting Dee Renjie

Master Dee, this way

Dee!

I thought I'd never see you again

Yuchi...

I didn't expect to see you so happy

See, I really am an honest man, free of intrigues!

And Huan Tian is the Criminal-In-Chief!

Let's get on his trail

You think Huan Tian could have set up such a show?

And that he killed two accomplices?

And why is he hiding?

Why would he bring trouble on himself?

What?

Hiding?

Huan Tian is in hiding?

Huan Tian is in hiding?

We've scoured the city, no one can find him

Tell me about the moment they arrested you

Master Dee...

We're on alert, we can't move without permission

The previous incident in this case happened here

The key to the truth is here

Powerful sorcery was at work

Only one clan is capable of doing it

Have you heard of the Wind Warriors?

They started in India

Master Sanzang noticed them when he was there

By his account...

they had thousands of followers

And took them to Heaven's border

A transcendent experience...

But achieved through sorcery

Their spells can play with the mind

They can manipulate behavior

Manipulate behavior?

If that's true...

The dragon we saw...

Once they'd been hypnotized...

Everything they saw was an illusion

Where does this lead?

To the attendants' quarters

Come

The sorcery will lose its power

The one who faked the dragon and killed the magicians...

also hid Huan Tian

All three things had to be done...

while the spell was still effective

It happened in the west corridor,

where there's a shortcut to the attendants' quarters

They manage the Imperial carriages

Where are the carriages parked?

ATTENDANTS' QUARTERS

General Huo

What brings you here so late?

We're investigating the incident

Dee...

What makes you think they came this way?

That's His Majesty's carriage

Don't touch it!

Let's see what's inside

Come on!

All right...

Step aside

Sir!

If the culprit wanted to escape the palace...

the South Corridor is the quickest way

My guess...

They need you to cover their escape,

So they "borrowed" your face and weapon

Impersonating you made the getaway possible,

and the carriage...

makes the perfect hiding place

A hiding place?

Their Majesties often leave the palace

Maybe they wanted to get something

Her Majesty frequently goes out

There's something on the carriage floor! See what it is!

Quick!

Ding Xun...

Wait a moment

Watch for poison!

Huan Tian!

The Imperial Advisor!

Advisor, my foot!

Think carefully, Soldier!

What happened...

to the two magicians who died?

Smoke Volant's bones were broken

And Night Ghost was burned alive

Two horrible deaths

We'll need to confirm if someone died, and who it was

Huan Tian was dead when his body was hidden here

If they'd finished with him...

why would they still need to hide him?

I'm starting to suspect that these culprits...

were in middle of everything as it all happened

Suggesting Huan Tian was to blame...

was just to distract and deceive us

That means His Majesty...

is still in danger!

Why would they need to mislead us?

Come on...

The culprit was right next to the Emperor

but didn't assassinate him,

so the Emperor wasn't the immediate target

It's too dangerous, here in the palace!

We must move His Majesty to safety

And the Empress?

Dee, are you suggesting...

there's a connection between her and the culprit?

Are you all right?

Dee, what's wrong with you?

Faceless Lord!

Are you there?

I followed your advice,

but the results weren't what you said they'd be!

How do you explain getting everything wrong?

Quiet, you ignorant shrew!

The Golden Dragon moved

A good omen

You'll lead the nation, eventually

Enough of your complaints!

My prediction will come true

Now it's your turn to keep a promise

Restore honor to my name and family!

Madam!

Madam?!

Madam!

Huang Shang...

It's you

Where is the Faceless Lord?

Where are you, Faceless Lord?

Madam!

No one is there

You're talking to yourself

You lie!

He was right in front of me

Faceless Lord!

He was right here!

I just saw him!

Madam...

Faceless Lord!

- The man locked in this dungeon... - This "Faceless Lord"...

he died two years ago

The dungeon's been empty ever since

Faceless Lord, show yourself!

Madam,

Do not worry

I give you my promise

You will be protected

I will keep you safe from danger

Why is Dee Renjie with you?

You...

Madam! Madam!

Back to the Palace, now!

Sir, I suggest not

The Palace isn't safe for you

Her Majesty needs to be elsewhere, for the time being

We will prepare a safer place for her

Sazang Temple

I am Sha Tuo, from the Bureau of Investigations

I'm here to see Master Yuan Ce

It is good that you've come,

but the Master is in seclusion, and not receiving guests

I bring Master Sanzang's token!

This area is a shrine

Beyond this point, do not utter a word

How will I explain why I'm here?

Misunderstanding will make things worse!

All of Man's approaches and plans come down to knowledge...

and knowledge has no boundaries here

I can see what brings you here from what your mind shows me

Sorcerous possessions have occurred across the nation

Dee Renjie sent you here

to see if I have the power to help you

Your Majesty, you entrusted Dee with the Dragon-Taming Mace,

but what if he turned against us?

Our nation would be helpless against him

Leng Yu's studio is laced with poisons

It's a trap!

The Bureau must have a leader

For public safety, I shall take command of the Bureau

Master Sanzang used to chant that ancient Indian sutra

He was trying to fight its evil powers

Now, Master Sanzang has passed on

And the only way to defeat this evil sorcery...

lies in the hands of his disciple, Yuan Ce

Find him at Sanzang Temple

Ask for his mercy and his help

Once again, the lust for power has lethal consequences

Salvation lies in repentance

All of these powerful feelings... And yet, so many in conflict...

I shouldn't intervene until I understand more

You should leave now

The Bureau

Master Dee, you're back!

Come over here

Master Dee...

If you spot the Emperor, no need to run and greet him

Follow my orders, and receive them here

We need absolute secrecy

Yes, Sir

Your... Come this way

Dee!

Was that...?

No hint that Their Majesties are here

Over here

What did Master Yuan Ce say?

He's in seclusion and won't come.

But there's a letter, from a giant ape

Here it is

What is that?

Sanskrit

It's the Daluo Longjie Sutra, from India

Could this sutra...

help us counter the sorcery?

You were sick again?

Dee, how powerful are the Wind Warriors?

They fought entire armies while building the Dynasty

Our Bureau can't compare to them

Without Yuan Ce's help,

we're facing certain defeat

Then we must find a way to enlist him for our cause

Hell is full of suffering souls, so enlightenment must wait

Hell is full of suffering souls, so enlightenment must wait

Hell is full of suffering souls...

so enlightenment must wait

Master Yuan Ce!

Hell is full of suffering souls, so enlightenment must wait

If I don't enter hell, who will?

Report!

The Empress has regained her sanity,

and we await your command

Our clansmen are gathering...

to ready for your orders!

My Lord...

The Emperor and Empress have left the palace

All seems normal in the palace,

but the Bureau of Investigations is heavily guarded

Dee Renjie! What a buffoon!

It's too obvious!

Well said!

The riskiest place...

is the safest place to hide!

Dee Renjie is devious, though

His priority is to protect the Emperor,

so wherever Dee goes...

we'll be sure to find the Emperor

Just make sure he's in the Bureau tonight

If he is, sneak inside...

And kill the Emperor as soon as you find him!

My Lord...

Our final victory is at hand

Thousands of our loyal disciples...

will finally see the light!

My Lord,

once this weapon locks into position, like onto someone's head...

it can't be moved!

Dee, stay calm

You don't look well, you need more rest

Master Sanzang said,

"Hell is full of suffering souls, so enlightenment must wait"

That means...

Fighting for justice in this demonic world...

is more important than attaining enlightenment

Master Yuan Ce has great talents,

but seclusion isn't the way out

It's been ten years

The path to Buddhahood...

actually lies in bringing aid to the people suffering all around us

The Wind Warriors threaten us with disaster

Hell is at hand

This is the moment where he should intervene

I have to find him myself

You need more rest

Who else can make the trip?

In that case,

I have a recommendation for you

There's one...

one person,

someone very quick

and skilled at creating illusions

Someone who'd get the job done fast

This would be the female assassin you've just saved?

She's going to help the Bureau?

Water Moon, may I come in?

No, I'm getting changed

It's an urgent matter

Please, let me in

I'll keep my eyes closed

Last night, something went missing from the Bureau

I assume you took it

What?

You assume?

Open your eyes!

You're fully dressed!

Who said I wasn't?

All right!

Enter!

Search the premises!

Stop! What are you looking for?

What went missing?

You know very well

Officer Sha Tuo...

Take her

I'm telling you...

I've taken nothing

I realize you no longer consider me a friend

But I don't like being in debt to anyone

The next time you need me,

I'll be there for you

And I'll always think of you as a friend

Move!

This was all my idea

We meant no offense, please forgive us

Now I, Dee Renjie,

on behalf of the Bureau,

officially ask your kind assistance, Ma'am

Not my face!

Not my face!

Please come back and help us

This is the sutra sent by Master Yuan Ce

The Daluo Longxie Sutra

Now. Let us all...

start to recite it

Be on your guard! Prepare to fight!

Yes, Sir

Dee...

You think this sutra will really help us?

It'll help us defend ourselves

To win, though, we need to be flexible

The Bureau

Now I understand

how powerful the Dragon-Taming Mace really is

Your nickname is Huai Ying...

May I call you Huai Ying?

It's late and you need to rest, but...

I owe you so much

Your Majesty, this isn't appropriate

Whatever... this is, let's discuss it tomorrow

Forget protocol!

Do you share my feelings?

Impatient?

Restless?

I just learned...

the Faceless Lord was a Wind Warrior

He gave himself up to save his people

He was detained as a hostage,

But the Wind Warriors...

the Imperial army slaughtered them

No quarter, no mercy

They were almost annihilated

Thirty years went by,

But their hatred, their resentment...

it had no end

Huai Ying...

You're so intelligent

It's one reason why I adore you

The nights are long

I can't sleep, so...

I've come to declare my love for you

In my opinion...

Your Majesty is here for the Dragon-Taming Mace, correct?

And this time, it's the real one!

Whether real or fake,

You can find out on your own

You won't strike me with it, will you?

What's that?

The anti-sorcery sutra!

How dare you impersonate Her Majesty!

The Iron Snow blade!

I believe it was used to remove the dragon's head

So, the Mace's sound counter-balances her sorcery!

Show me who you really are

Dee Renjie...

You saw through my ruse,

But I saw through your mind

You defended the Bureau,

Which means the Emperor is here

Fire!

Bring water!

The dynasty must fall!

Get away!

The dynasty must fall!

The dynasty must fall!!

I can't see it! Where'd it go?

Hurry!

Master...

How can we fight that?

This is our last stand!

You think Water Moon has reached Sanzang Temple yet?

Sazang Temple

Master Yuan Ce!

Master Yuan Ce!

Master Yuan Ce!

Master Yuan Ce!

Master Yuan Ce!

Where are you?

Damn it...

The fog puts us at a disadvantage

Master Dee...

I hear you're suffering from a nervous affliction

Can it be cured?

It comes from a demon in my mind

The first thing to do is kill that demon

ls everything ready?

Just as you commanded

What is that?

Stay alert up there!

Everyone on full alert!

Be prepared

Be prepared

Release the net!

Master...

Chant the sutra

(Daluo Longjie Sutra)

I haven't chanted yet!

Who has the sutra with him?

Thank you!

The sutra is working!

Who was caught up in that giant hand?

Shu Huan! Quick, he's still there!

Shu Huan, are you hurt?

Wake up!

Regroup!

Regroup!

Quick! Rescue the wounded from the yard!

Protect the front line... prepare to fight!

Sir!

Master, we can't hold the battlements!

Distract them!

Sir!

Send the signal!

You leave first! Go now!

Master...

Quick!

Send the signal!

Charge!

Sorcery! Chant the sutra!

Sir!

Loose!

The sorcery is fooling them!

This is our last chance

Great!

This is it

We have to risk it

You just casually hid the Mace here?

Stop!

Golden Guard! Stop!

Stop!

Everyone, stop! Those are our people!

We've finally beaten their sorcery!

The back courtyard is burning to the ground!

The Emperor!

Protect him!

Sir!

I'll go

Move!

Yi An! Defend Master Dee!

Yes!

You're trapped!

The Emperor and Empress...

they were never here

The two who arrived here

in that Imperial carriage...

weren't the Royal couple

We faked it!

You tried to trick me?

I have no time for tricks

Dee Renjie,

this game between you and me...

is finally over

Clan leader, hate's poison infects us all,

But a great man knows how to forgive

It's forgiveness that defines his greatness

Why do you use your ancestors' hatred

to plunge this new world into chaos?

We were victims of a power struggle,

And you will be, too!

You're wrong

Our clash today

may not have the outcome you expect

You underestimate my powers, Dee

You really think your sutra...

is stronger than my sorcery?

How is he doing that?

All his "sorcery" is trickery

Remember,

protect the Dragon-Taming Mace at all costs

Dee Renjie, look upon these events! I want you to see it clearly.

Don't torture yourself

Kill the unworthy Emperor!

Golden Guard, be ready!

Spread out!

Now you're trapped! Do your worst!

Dee!

Master Dee!

Sha Tuo!

Master Dee!

From the left!

(Daluo Longjie Sutra)

All right?

Yuchi!

Take this!

The Tang Dynasty must fall!

Kill him! Out of my way!

Looking for trouble? Come here!

I'm back

You're not hurt that badly

Any later, and I would've been gone!

Master Yuan Ce!

You can't stop this now

The hatred is endless

Once you release that demon,

it's always with you

There's no escaping it

Ridiculous! Are you trying to control my mind?

This weapon was made to counter mind-control!

Master!

Master!

It's a weapon from hell

Once it's locked in position, it can't be moved!

And now, your soul is trapped forever

Any last words? A dying wish?

Speak up!

Life is infinite, and precious

Why would we allow hatred to contaminate it?

You will regret killing me

Fine words,

but they won't keep you from dying!

Inner demons urge us to kill...

Expel them from our hearts,

and the weapon will fall open

Inner demons urge us to kill...

Expel them from our hearts,

and the weapon will fall open

Inner demons urge us to kill...

Expel them from our hearts,

and the weapon will fall open

The hatred is endless

with no room for regret

Expel the demon, the urge to kill

Hell is full of suffering souls,

so enlightenment must wait

I'm sorry I wasn't here earlier

Forgive me for being late

Please forgive me

And please, accept my respect

Your Majesty, the Bureau's battle is over

Your Majesty may return to the palace

Valiant fighters, you battled bravely

Empress, we can return home

Sorcery manipulated my mind

From now on, these sutras

will help keep my mind clear

This statue of Guan Yin...

resembles Your Majesty

It was crafted by a palace carpenter

The resemblance is... coincidental

The Faceless Lord's ghost is still here,

so the case is not yet closed

The Empress thinks she's a Bodhisattva

Her ambition to rule the nation is clear to everyone now

From now on...

the Mace, the Golden Guard, the Bureau...

everyone must be ready

Another power struggle is coming!

TWENTY YEARS LATER

A statue of the goddess Guan Yin was installed in the city of Luoyang

One year after that...

Empress Wu declared herself the sole ruler,

and changed the dynastic name from "Tang" to "Zhou"

Sazang Temple

Master Yuan Ce!

Master Yuan Ce!

Master Yuan Ce!

It's the Wind Warriors!

Where have you hidden Master Yuan Ce?

He's not hidden...

he told us to kneel here

So you actually are Master Yuan Ce!