Original subtitles

"In 1646 the emperor To Er kung

sent the Prince Bella Porra with his imperial guards

and many regiments of crack troops,

to the southern regions of China

to seek out and destroy

the remnants of the Ming followers in the area.

The Ming emperor Lung Wu was captured

but starved himself to death

rather than submit to the Ching rule.

His younger brother, King Tang with a few loyal followers

disguised himself as a commoner

and travelled to the south to gather round him

the remaining Ming loyalists there.

Although hotly pursued by the Imperial guards

who were determined to find him and execute him

King Tang went steadily south.

- Miss Dong, we've travelled three days without rest.

The king must be completely exhausted.

I suggest that we stop here now.

Sleep a while, and then move on again.

We'll probably make much better time that way.

- I'm all right, don't you worry.

- He betrayed himself.

I knew we had a spy.

He was dropping markers.

Little bits of cloth.

But I spotted them, though.

Picked them up.

- Thank God you have sharp eyes, or else...

- Seems we were followed, then.

Haken, you and Lee take the king now,

and go ahead to Beitun, first.

And once you've got him, there,

you meet me at Shao Lin Temple.

Now, I'll create a diversion.

Go on.

- But Beitun is where all the troops are stationed.

- Right.

The way things are, we must get off the road.

Go, then, we've not much choice.

And they'll never expect us to make for Bella Porra's camp.

- Not a bad idea.

And I have a cousin who works in the town, too.

We can stay with him, for a while.

- Mm.

- Let's go!

- All right, come here.

Move on.

- Cut that stupid act out.

Here.

I'm sorry, but my uncle is an epileptic.

Take him.

- Sir.

- Shan Chang, you've been here for three years,

and training hard, and now your kung fu

has quite a good basis, but still,

in spirit, and in patience, you are weak.

And you've a lot to learn.

- Teacher, I still don't understand

why you refuse to teach me the Buddha's final form,

the 18th one, I don't get it.

- Ah.

The 18th form the Buddha left us

is kung fu's ultimate technique.

It is so advanced that it cannot

be tried just casually.

The risk is too great.

Those who try it always put their lives at stake.

It can't be entered lightly.

That's why I refuse to teach it to you.

- Teacher, have you tried it?

- Those who can master the last form

will acquire tremendous strength.

But those who fail in the test,

are inevitably destroyed.

And in fact, in guarding that secret,

from a man who tried to steal it,

who had no right to it, I was blinded.

- Teacher, who was it?

- One day, you come back, Shan Chang.

Shao Lin techniques are mainly based on

the natural movements of the animals.

So, then, the secret is to control

action with patience, and to meet all changes

with an unchanging mean and tranquility.

- Teacher, there's a girl outside.

She's badly wounded.

- Oh?

She's been very lucky.

She managed to stop the bleeding.

'Cause if she hadn't stopped the bleeding quickly,

by now, she would have died.

- Sister, who did this to you?

- A man, using the bloody birds.

- Bloody birds?

- Teacher, what technique is that?

- Not really a technique.

A type of weapon that one throws.

And at a good hundred yards, they can kill a man.

In fact, they're from Tibet.

Invented by a Lama named Panda Susa.

But the weapons have been hidden for so many years now,

against the event they might fall in wrong hands.

And as far as I'm aware, there's just one pair.

So, it seems, that somebody has managed

to unearth them now, someone here.

Buddha bless them.

Pity, pity.

- These men are Ching palace guards.

- Well, it seems that we're in for a fight, then.

And quite soon.

- My lord!

- I think you'll have to take things easier, after all.

- Your highness.

- What now?

- We have confirmed, sir.

Shao Lin is a rebel sanctuary,

where they shelter and learn kung fu, too.

- You fool.

You permitted that place to exist right here in our midst.

Now it threatens my authority, at my door.

- No, my lord.

- I suggest that you let him speak, sir.

Where's Pao-Shan?

- We went to Shao Lin to meet with

our spy, there, but somehow we were spotted.

Pao-Shan was caught, I was scared he would talk,

and so I had to kill him.

- It seems, then, they have something to hide there.

Well, we'll find out.

I shall visit them.

- Buddha bless you.

- His highness has been pleased to come here,

and wishes for us to taste the famous

well water you have.

- Sorry, we may not talk, we're both in meditation.

So, please, excuse us.

- This way.

- My lord.

- Teacher, we intend to leave here now.

See if we can contact King Tang.

- Hmm.

But everywhere, there will be spies.

At all times, be very careful.

- Sir.

- Brother, you seem to be disturbed.

- Bella Paro was inside the temple, now.

- Oh?

Leave by the tunnel.

- We will see you.

- Teacher, this man has come to worship.

- Buddha bless you.

And I'm very sorry for not meeting you.

Forgive me.

- I came to burn some incense,

and pay my respects here.

Also, while I was here, to taste the famous

water from your well, here.

- My lord, there's the well.

- Mm.

- Perhaps you'd like to go inside, now.

And I shall arrange for some tea for you.

- Mm, no thanks.

I'll just walk around.

- We're just a humble temple.

Please don't expect too much,

for we monks live a quiet life.

- To me, this quiet place would seem

an ideal spot for a hiding away.

- I take it, it's this quietness, you mention.

That helps to make your hearing as acute as it is.

- The body's response to long years of blindness.

- Well now, that was very well done.

You fight as well as you hear.

- Well, I should imagine

from this hair, here, that you must be quite old, sir.

61.

Sorry if I hurt you.

I didn't intend to.

- Mm.

Come on, leave 300 pieces, I'm leaving.

- Sir!

- Nice candy, toys.

Nice candy, toys.

Sister, aren't those the traitors Lee and Tung?

- We'd better find Brother Te, come.

- Waiter, waiter.

- Yes sir, some food?

- Steamed tea and buns.

- Right.

Yes sir, coming up!

- Nope, let's go.

- Ah yes, sir.

From your voice, must be southerner.

- Why are you here?

- We're travelers.

Our village was destroyed.

In the war.

And my sister was blinded.

So we travel around, selling this candy.

- Your name?

- Oh, it's Tung.

- Well, I think your southern accent is suspicious.

I think you might be one of those rebels.

So let's take 'em in.

- Brother Te!

- Can't talk here.

Come on.

- Listen, do what I say, and you'll be well paid.

- Don't worry, rely on me.

- They were checking everyone who came into the town.

And they picked us right up.

They captured a king, and they killed Sai Yu.

He had no chance.

But I got away.

There was a lot of confusion.

I hid in the tea shop, and I waited for

a chance to contact the rest of you.

- So, then, they have the king, and it's finished?

- Thank you, sir.

- First, tell me.

When you were with the Mings, did you

ever meet King Tang?

- Uh...

- Yes, we did.

But that was long ago.

That time, he was just a child.

- Mm.

Well, now, as you know, we caught his brother.

But while in jail, he starved himself to death.

He refused to submit and accept us.

So he died.

Now his brother, King Tang,

is leading the Ming rebels.

- His royal highness decided, the only

thing to do is to kill King Tang now.

- Well, on the way here, I heard King Tang

was moving south, down to Guang Zhao.

- Ah, those are rumors spread by the rebels.

They want to confuse us, and your job

is to find out the truth.

- Sir.

- Even if he sprouts wings, and can fly,

he won't get away from me.

- I followed 'em.

I listened to what they said.

You were right.

They're a bunch of rebels.

They're going to rescue, they call him "majesty."

You gonna kill 'em?

- No.

I can still have some use for them.

- Who will you kill?

- You.

- Hey, brother.

Your face looks familiar.

Haven't I met you?

- Well, we're both refugees.

So, maybe we met during the great retreat, huh?

- Stand up, let's see you.

- Hey, listen.

Are you looking for an important rebel?

Head of the Ming?

King Tang?

- Yeah, you?

- I know where he is.

- Oh, well tell us.

- Well, now.

That's not very loyal.

He is my king.

But still, I'd like to go home, to my kids, and my wife,

and my parents.

Could you fix that?

- Let him out.

- Sir.

- I'm sorry, young fella.

I'll see you sometime.

- Tell the truth, and I'll let you out tonight.

- Hey, you know what?

I was actually in the old king's bodyguard one time.

- Ah, nevermind that.

Come on.

Where's the king now?

- Well, by now, he should be raising troops

in Quang Chao province, travel far,

you damn Ching, and kill the whole lot of you.

- Damn you.

- Huh!

Tung Young Cha, you lousy traitor.

You sold out to the Ching dogs.

Betrayed your country.

But we won't forget, you idiot.

Kill me, but you never hope to kill

all the Mings, all the patriots.

- Take these rebels and lock them up in special cells.

Guard them well.

- Our men.

- In the back cells.

- My lord.

Rebels, attacking us.

- They're behind those stone doors.

- Open them.

- All right, you're trapped now.

You'll die, there's no way you'll get out.

- You're facing death here.

Tell me, don't you value your life at all?

- Death holds no fear for me.

And until I am dead, I'll fight for the Ming cause.

Against you Ching dogs.

"Death"?

Just what is this "death"?

- Well, I'll help you find out.

- To be able to die for one's friends,

is an honor.

- Look friend, get out.

This is no time to fight.

- Who are you?

- Ye Chan Fung.

- Thank you, sir.

- Who'd have thought, that after an interval of

so many years now, the maple leaf would show up again.

- You got my letter?

- My lord, as soon as I received it, I came right here.

But I had some trouble, delayed me.

That's why I'm so late.

- Sit.

The emperor's given me orders.

Within just three months,

I must catch that rebel, King Tang.

That's why I need you, to help me get him.

- Well, rest assured sir, I shall do all I can.

- Mm.

Since those rebels were willing to risk their lives,

must be someone important in those cells.

And if that's the case, I'll have all the prisoners killed.

And I don't give a damn whether they're innocent or not.

- No.

Don't do that.

- You have an idea?

But that's a royal court pass, though.

Where did you get it?

- I just got it tonight.

At the prison.

And it was dropped by one of the intruders.

- Oh.

So, you mean, there's a spy in here?

- Mm.

That's right, and it's an official of the Ching court,

who disappeared years ago.

Ye Chan Fung.

"They're sending more prisoners to the capital at noon.

"It should be a good opportunity to rescue your men.

"Ye Chan Fang."

Well, this is a heaven sent chance.

- Maybe.

But we'll risk our lives.

- Get out of here.

- Let's go.

- Mm.

- Go on.

- Thank you for your help.

- I must say, your kung fu has really improved.

- When I got your letter, I came here.

I brought with me some quite good news.

The man the rebels rescued,

is the man that Bella Paro is after, King Tang.

- As I expected.

Well, now, that is good news.

So, then, how ambitions may well soon be realized.

- I better go.

I'll be in touch, as soon as I have more news.

See you soon.

- Hmm.

You had him in your hands.

Now he's gone.

How dare you face me!

- But they attacked without warning.

Long before we expected them.

And I was nearly killed, myself.

Well, it seems you can't do your job.

So you're no use to me.

- No, please, spare me.

I served you faithfully.

- Ming Hey.

- Yes, teacher.

- In three days, we'll go to White Cloud,

to the temple there, for a formal visit.

They're having a conference to discuss scriptures.

- Yes, sir.

I'll arrange everything.

- Ming Shao.

- Yes, teacher.

- While I'm absent from here, your duty

will be to protect King Tang, and the secret tunnel

should not be used, unless essential.

- You can rely on me.

- Teacher.

If the Manchus do come, then we should

protect the king, even at the cost of our lives.

- If they do come, they'll be prepared,

no doubt about that.

So, be careful.

Miss Fong, then I can rely on your help.

- I promise the king's safety will

be preserved at all cost, even my life.

Hey, now, come on, hey, come on.

- Stop it.

Oh.

- My lord.

Even the famous bloody birds of mine

have no effect on you.

You're invulnerable.

Nothing touches you.

- Well, I trained hard to make my body quite impregnable.

But I have one vulnerable spot.

- Oh?

Well, may I suggest, sir, that you tell

me where this spot is, so that I can

help you to protect it.

- Mm.

Well, now.

It's not that I don't trust you.

But that's my secret, I mean--

- My lord!

My lord!

Your highness, I was patrolling the courtyard.

All of a sudden, I heard this scream.

So, I went to check, and found the bodies

of Chu San and the concubine, and laying

beside the bodies, I found this strange weapon here.

- Another maple leaf.

- Only Yee Chan Fang use that.

- Gather all my guards.

The servants, too.

Everyone in this place.

I shall find this killer.

- Sir.

- Hold it.

No need to look any further, sir.

The man you want is right here.

Hmm.

Just as I thought.

It is you.

- So, you're the killer.

I suspected Chee San.

Hmm.

Never thought of you.

But now I got you.

The elusive Yee Chan Fang.

At long last.

Tell me.

Who was it ordered you to come here?

Who's the leader?

Who's behind all this?

Right, I'll tell you.

The ghosts of all those brave Ming loyalists

that you had murdered.

They sent me.

Understand?

But still, because you have this invulnerable body kung fu,

as yet, I've had no chance, no way I could kill you.

But still, I would have got you one day,

and I'd have squeezed the rotten life from your body.

Right.

Well, today I shall pay you.

For those three years of hard work

that you've put in here.

- My lord!

My lord!

Your highness, there's some stranger

waiting out in the main hall.

He broke in, and insists on seeing you.

- Sir.

- Hold it!

Who are you?

Damn you.

This is our chance.

To get King Tang and the other rebels, too.

It shouldn't be any problem.

- Mm.

- Well, Shao Lin Temple's big advantage

was the secret tunnels.

But as you know them, we'll succeed for sure.

Listen, I must have that King Tang kept alive.

Apart from that, Shao Lin Temple must be raised.

I want it burned down to the ground.

- My lord.

We'll take few men.

That way, we can keep it a secret.

We must surprise them.

They must have no idea.

- Right.

Very good.

And when it's done, I shall then request

that the emperor rewards you both, handsomely.

- My lord, I want nothing.

I just want a scroll, it is hidden in the temple.

It contains the Buddha's final form,

the 18th style, the ultimate kung fu technique.

- Right.

I shall see you get it.

- Well, sir, I must get back.

I'll send the message by carrier pigeon.

Soon as they leave, then you set out.

- I can hardly wait.

- After your father brought Sau Chu to me,

he gave me these two sun moon swords,

they're made of the finest steel, from Burma.

You take them.

May be of use.

- Buddha bless you.

- Go now, and arrive safely.

Ming Chan.

- Yes, teacher.

- Directly over these hills, lies Canton's northern border.

It should take you two, three days.

Find a temple.

It's called, "Eight Dragons."

And attach this dragon to one of the pillars there.

And after you've done that, somebody will contact you.

Remember, be most careful.

- Teacher, don't you worry.

We shall make it.

- Buddha bless you.

- Teacher, there's trouble.

Bella Porra has arrived, with his guards.

And they're breaking into the temple.

- Tell everybody to hide.

In a secret chamber.

And tell them, that to avoid any direct combat yet.

- Well, it seems they saw us coming.

So, follow me closesly to avoid any traps.

- My lord, I'm afraid I'm late.

I'm sorry.

- Well, take us to where King Tang is, and quickly.

- He'll be in the lower chamber.

Come with me.

Those devices guard the chamber.

The only way in is below the altar.

That gas there protects it.

And even your invulnerable skin can't take that.

Brother, we're gonna need your bloody birds.

South six, no seven.

One, two, three, four, five.

- Buddha bless you.

You still have time to repent your ways.

- We've been tricked.

- Che Wu, I've known for a long time

you were a spy, sent here by the Ching government.

So I pretended to go off to attend

that conference, to fool you.

- Very clever.

Now turn over that King Tang to me,

or I'm gonna reduce this temple to ashes.

- Afraid I can't.

Because King Tang left the temple area this morning,

on his way to Canton.

- He's lying to you.

I saw the rebels go into the secret chamber.

- Buddha bless you.

You're wrong, you're wrong.

- Anyway, I'm gonna kill this bald-headed old fool myself.

- God damn it, they trapped us.

- Careful.

Come with me.

- The secret lower chamber is directly ahead.

My lord, be very careful.

- You...

- My lord, you have your own ambitions.

But I have mine, too.

- I promise you this.

You shall die.

- We have to pass the exit point

that's guarded by Ming Sang,

and then we're through.

- Yes, I know that.

Thanks for your help.

Hmm.

- You!

- You wanted that scroll.

Unfortunately, so do I.

So, then, you have to go.

- Damn you, you used me.

You swine!

- Hmm?

Who are you?

- I am the daughter of Fung See Chow, Fong Ping

- I'm his son.

- Oh?

I've sought you a long time.

- Well your search will end with your death.

Well, we'll soon see who's going to die.

- You damn traitor.

- Listen.

Is there another way out?

- There is one, through Cannon Hall.

- Ah.

Right.

- Teacher.

- You came back.

So you've forgotten my teaching.

- Teacher, I deserve to die.

Teacher.

If you won't forgive me, then

I shall have to take my own life.

- You tell convincing lies, but I could

always see through them.

I know in the last few years,

you've killed many loyalists.

You brought the prince simply to further your plans.

What you're after is the Buddha's last form.

And you want that for your private gain.

- So, you know.

So, what?

You're dying now.

But if you give me that scroll,

I can still help to save you.

Hmm.

Well then?

- As long as Shao Lin survives,

my death is nothing.

I'm a mere teacher.

- Well, I'll finish you first, just to make quite sure.

So, then, prepare to die now.

- I'm afraid that it's magnetic, won't come loose.

- You.

You...

- And that was the Buddha's 18th and final technique.

And the secret that you so wanted.

- Sister.

- Buddha bless you.

Bless you.

Bless you.

- My lord.

Let us go, now.