Original subtitles

ADAPTED FROM ZHU YAN BY CANG YUE

Could she be your…

What am I to him?

Why are you not killing her?

So you weren't after my life.

Watch out!

Seek Grand Preceptor! Hurry!

- Okay! - Lord!

You can talk?

Doesn't that mean

he has heard everything I said just now?

Be careful!

It's Xueying's dance dress!

Xueying's dance dress!

Xueying's dance dress!

Reinforcements are here! Retreat!

Why are you still here?

I…

I still have questions for you.

Divine official…

Where am I?

What a nice smell.

It's the smell of Snowy Rosa.

Divine official…

Where did he go?

Your Supreme Majesty.

The assailants have left.

You still have

to take your medicine, right?

It's Ice Clan magic.

Search the area.

See if any of them are still here.

- Yes. - Yes.

So you're here.

Divine official,

hurry and bring me out!

Hey.

Hey.

Hey.

Don't tell me

you're just an illusion.

We were lucky that you were here today

that we prevented a calamity.

If it's anyone else,

I'm sure no one can stand its power.

The Ice Clan has never gotten a chance

to step into Kongsang

ever since they were banished.

Why did they suddenly

invade the Emperor Valley today?

If they're seeking treasures,

the only treasure here

will be the legendary Houtu Ring.

It is odd.

Although Heavenly Divine Ring

has the power to destroy the world

and the Houtu Ring has the power to protect Kongsang,

only the chosen ones can wield them.

They're useless to both of us,

not to mention the Ice Clan.

If they invaded us

in order to acquire the Houtu Ring,

it wouldn't make any sense.

Even though I've been here for many years,

I still haven't found out

where exactly the Houtu Ring is.

I have no idea.

Could it be that the Ice Clan

knows where it is?

But at least one thing is confirmed.

Not many people

know about the period when Jiuyi Mountain is unguarded.

The Ice Clan can never figure that out by themselves.

Your Supreme Majesty, according to you,

there must be an important figure in Kongsang

who's acting as their spy.

The State of Kongsang has prospered

for over 7,000 years.

The Menghua Dynasty

may seem peaceful and prosperous,

in reality, it's rotten to the core.

The Six Ministries

fight for power and wealth.

Even if one of them

is colluding with the Ice Clan,

I wouldn't be surprised about it.

We must keep this a secret.

Do not let anyone else find out.

I know.

It's an illusion. This must be it.

Someone new has arrived at the valley.

It's not the Ice Clan.

Have you met anyone else?

No.

You have your reasons

for trapping me here.

I'll just wait here.

For some reason,

you feel endearing to me

even though it's our first encounter.

Both you and he

have the same widow's peak.

What's the matter?

Ying'er.

Do you still remember the tale of calamity

five years ago?

Your Supreme Majesty, if you're suspicious of me,

you can do an investigation.

Many people have joined the ministries lately.

There's an overabundance of women within them.

I'm being paranoid

for your sake.

Your Supreme Majesty,

no signs of the Ice Clan nearby.

We've expanded our scope of search.

Search thoroughly.

Do not let anyone get away.

Yes, sir.

Eyelashes.

Why do they look

just like Crown Prince's eyelashes?

How…

How are you moving?

Aren't you an illusion?

Just now…

- What you saw just now - Just now…

was just an illusion.

The person you touched was just an illusion too.

Actually,

I just wanted to ask

how did you do that?

How did you hide me away

in an instant?

You don't need to know.

However,

how did you know

that I touched you?

Enough.

Do not mention that again.

No way.

I need to explain myself to you.

I'm not a casual girl.

It's all because that illusion

looked just like you.

I couldn't tell the difference.

I…

Anyway, I wouldn't dare to do so

- if it was the real one. - Enough.

Stop it already.

Anyway, no matter what I say or do,

I'm sure you can see through them.

You're amazing indeed.

I have a question.

Since this plant

can revive withered plants,

can it revive the dead too?

It's the same for you

no matter if I tell you or not.

It's because what happened today

will be just a dream to you.

No!

Don't tell me

you're going to erase my memories?

Why are you hiding your forehead?

Do you think I need to cast a spell

on your forehead to erase your memories?

Where is it then?

It's your forehead.

What? You lied to me!

It has been tough on you.

Are you done with just erasing her memories?

Don't forget, she's destined to bring calamity to you.

She's a girl who wandered into the valley by accident.

What?

By accident?

Remember the prophecy?

We've been living in seclusion for eons.

But now, everything is ruined.

Not every girl I meet before I turn 18

is destined to bring calamity to me.

She's a reckless person.

We're merely strangers.

She would never do anything

that was related to me.

We won't encounter each other again.

So don't you worry.

I've spent a long time with you.

You've never been visibly moved.

But you broke the rule right after meeting her.

I'm sure she's…

Don't spout nonsense.

You have gone soft.

Initially, it would've worked out if the puppet died on your behalf.

However, the convergence of three coincidences

has become a calamity for you.

If you meet this girl before you turn 18,

you'll die in her hands in the future.

You have to be wary of her.

When we head to the Emperor Valley to steal the Houtu Ring,

the place wasn't unguarded unlike what you'd said.

We encountered tough adversaries instead

and returned empty-handed.

Tough adversaries?

He lived at the bottom of the Emperor Valley.

He's a youth with tremendous magical power

even before reaching 20 years old.

His cultivation

might even be stronger than the Four Grand Marshals.

There was a girl too.

However, the girl seems ordinary.

It seemed like she wandered there by accident.

Who will she be?

Azure King, I'm here to tell you

that you need to verify your source

before you deliver the news to us.

This is my negligence.

However, I promise you

that I'll definitely verify my sources in the future.

I'm just curious

as to why

the sage sent you to steal the Houtu Ring.

What is he

up to?

Laymen like you

need not fret upon the motives of our sage.

This will not affect your profits in any way.

Please stop asking questions.

Check that place out.

Who's there?

Your Lordship, there's a bunch of unknown crooks

on the mountain.

We're here to search for those who have gotten away.

Have you seen or heard anything suspicious?

No.

If so, we will stop interrupting you, Your Lordship.

Don't worry.

Since I'm joining hands

with the sage,

I'll watch his back.

I won't let him expose your location.

Pardon me,

but I don't see the need

for you to join hands with our Ice Clan.

You don't need to second-guess me.

I'm joining hands

with another strong faction just in case anything happens.

My lady, you're awake.

What's with my getup? Did I fall asleep?

Yufei.

What happened yesterday?

You're actually asking me that?

You drugged me

and went somewhere last night.

I feel so giddy.

My hands.

Shouldn't I be

at the Emperor Valley last night?

Princess, it's not worth it

for you to risk your life for some firefly powder.

The firefly powder is just an excuse.

The Star Gazer

is mine now.

The legendary Houtu Ring

was hidden within the Emperor Valley.

However, no one knows where it is.

If I can find it,

I'll be able to ascend

the throne of the empress for sure.

PAVILION OF BOOKS, JIUYI MOUNTAIN

The list of all noble ladies in Kongsang

is kept within this library.

Check and we'll know if the Princess of the Crimson Clan

is a harbinger of doom.

"Zhu Yan of the Crimson Clan,

born on the third year, Month of the Cicada, on the seventh."

Luckily, she's not it.

I was being paranoid.

Shi Ying!

Shi Ying!

Shi Ying!

This is great.

I've checked the Elixir Book.

Born in the month of Yang,

the princess is not your harbinger of doom.

I know that.

Is that all?

That can't be.

You've escaped a calamity, you know?

Don't you think you should celebrate?

Look at you.

You spend your time here all day long.

Your face says "boring" and "uninteresting."

On your forehead, it says "living dead."

After thinking about it,

although that young girl was pretty rude and reckless,

she was good with jokes.

Since she's not your harbinger of doom,

why don't I capture her, so that she can tell you jokes?

I just pray for divine justice

and powerful skills,

so that I could uphold justice for my mother

when I grow up and return to Jialan.

How am I boring?

Stop talking about those ridiculous stuff.

You're just too stubborn to admit it.

Back then,

when Emperor Xingzun saw Bai Wei,

his expression

was just like yours

when you saw that young girl…

Please return to the valley entrance

and stay devoted to your post.

A stranger has entered the valley.

However, it's not a martial artist.

Don't tell me it's that young girl again.

Xiaoyingzi, since you don't want to see her again,

- I shall… - Up to you.

EMPEROR VALLEY

EMPEROR VALLEY

Houtu Ring, please bless me,

so that I can fulfill my wish soon.

I want my mother

to rest in peace in the underworld.

This girl is not as interesting as the last one.

However, she's fair and young too.

Why don't I

gobble her up?

Chong Ming, don't do so.

She should be my cousin.

She's not the one in the prophecy.

You don't need to kill her.

Everyone says the Emperor Valley is dangerous.

But now, all these princesses are visiting us in turn.

It's as if I serve no function as the guardian bird.

So

you'll erase her memories and let her go?

I've never received news about Mother

ever since I left the palace.

This Princess of the White Clan

should know about my mother's condition.

Chong Ming, I wish to ask her about it.

Since you're the princess of the White Clan,

have you seen Madam Bai Yan lately?

She was trapped within Kunyuan Palace.

His Majesty

has forbidden anyone to visit her within five years.

If so…

If so, do you know how she has been doing lately?

It has been some time since I last saw her.

I do not know how she's doing.

Really?

I heard that it was tough for her.

The servants do not send her food from time to time.

Even when she's sick, there's no extra blanket for her.

That's nonsense.

Mother is the empress of the nation.

Why would His Majesty do this to her?

This is…

Chong Ming, send her back.

I'll look for Grand Preceptor.

I cannot let my mother

suffer like that.

ZUOWANG PALACE, JIUYI MOUNTAIN

Your Supreme Majesty!

Your Supreme Majesty!

I don't care. I'm heading to Jialan.

Ying'er!

Where are you going?

Your Supreme Majesty,

do you know the kind of life my mother is leading right now?

Ying'er!

You don't need to go.

I just came back from Jialan.

Your mother…

She has already passed away.

Your Supreme Majesty,

you must be kidding me.

Why would Mother suddenly…

She committed suicide by swallowing charcoals.

She committed suicide?

That's impossible!

That's impossible!

What are you saying? That's impossible!

- What happened? - Ying'er.

- What happened? - Listen to me!

When I was there,

she could no longer speak.

She told me to pass this letter

to you.

Mother, I miss you very much.

I will definitely bring you back

when I'm 18 years old.

Your dinner is here.

Leave it over there.

My lady.

What's wrong with your voice?

It's…

It's nothing.

Ying'er sent me this Cleansing Bell.

You actually mastered a powerful skill like that

within five years of training in Jiuyi Mountain?

You didn't disappoint me indeed.

But Ying'er.

You should stop being concerned about me.

It's too risky.

They'll trace you down

and find out that you're still alive.

I want you to stay safe.

But my life

is the biggest threat to yours.

Consort Qing.

It seems like the Empress has recovered her voice.

Is that so?

I wonder who treated her.

I need to find out

and tell the Emperor.

Ying'er.

I did everything

so that you could live peacefully

in Jiuyi Mountain.

I don't need you to avenge me.

It's because there's no one for me to hate.

It's not worth it for you to hate them too.

You're born a noble.

Do not be consumed by your temporary emotions

and bring yourself to ruins.

When you master everything in the future,

you can protect all living beings with your power.

That's my wish as well.

ZUOWANG PALACE

Ying'er.

You must avenge her!

It's all because of me.

I was the cause of my mother's demise!

No.

Ying'er, it's not your fault.

It's the fault of those people

who landed you and your mother in such a plight!

No.

It's me.

It's all my fault.

It's all my fault.

It's all my fault!

- Ying'er! - It's all my fault!

Go to hell!

It's all my fault!

Go to hell!

Go to hell!

It's all my fault!

It's all my fault!

You're actually powerful enough

- to move the celestial phenomena - Go to hell!

with your thoughts?

Go to hell!

It's all my fault!

It's all my fault!

Ying'er, calm down.

- Calm down. - It's all my fault.

Control your state of mind.

The rich and powerful within the Six Ministries

have hidden many experts in the mountain.

If you cannot control your state of mind

and they find out that you faked your death,

all of your mother's effort

will be in vain.

Mother!

Mother.

ZUOWANG PALACE

Mother!

Mother!

Ying'er.

If I can exchange my life

for Bai Yan's,

I will do so without hesitation.

This is her own choice.

From now on,

only you and I are left.

ZUOWANG PALACE

Our servant said you ran off somewhere last night.

They found you unconscious in the courtyard.

Tell me.

What did you do last night?

I just wanted to take a walk before sleeping.

But I got absent-minded

and didn't know where I went.

I don't know why I fell unconscious too.

I don't remember what happened last night.

As the Princess of the White Clan,

how could you act so recklessly?

If Azure King hears about this,

he'll use this as his excuse

to cancel the wedding with you again.

Father, if that's how you think about me,

I have no need to defend myself.

When Prince Shi Yu is observing the ceremony from the mountains,

please allow me to do what I do best

and approach him,

so that I can reduce your burden.

- You! - Your Lordship.

An emergency carrier pigeon from Jialan.

- All of you may leave. - Yes.

Father, what's on your mind?

I'm willing to share your burden.

Bai Yan is gone.

She committed suicide by swallowing charcoals.

I think she couldn't endure the suffering in the Cold Palace.

But His Majesty didn't hold a funeral or send her body into the mausoleum.

When did Aunt Bai Yan pass away?

Last night around 11:00 p.m.

Maybe aunt's death was somehow related

to my behaviors.

I understand now.

It was at 11:00 p.m. when I became absent-minded

and fell unconscious.

I guess I predicted

Aunt's death.

Right before it happened,

I always spent time with her in the palace.

She always praised me for being intelligent

and that I would lead a prosperous life.

She said I had the look of an Empress.

I actually sensed that she was going to pass away.

I guess this must be fate.

Although Xuelu came from a poor background,

she's much better at scheming than Xueying.

Maybe she could become the Crown Princess.

Xuelu, get up.

Someone.

Yes.

Tell the kitchen to prepare some bird's nest soup

for Princess Xuelu.

- Yes, Your Lordship. - Father…

I am heading to the Chamber of Council now.

Xuelu, It has been tough on you.

Have some bird's nest soup.

The selection of the next empress

is directly related to the survival of the White Clan.

Xueying's personality

is too soft.

Xuelu.

In my opinion, you're my best candidate.

Thank you for regarding me highly.

Ying'er, get up.

I'm sure your mother

doesn't want to see you

in this dejected state.

It's all because I tried to be witty.

I sent Mother the Cleansing Bell.

That's how she died.

It's all my fault.

You'd better sober up.

Your mother wrote that in the letter

because she wanted you to be safe.

But as her son, you should know

what you can do for your mother

who died a wrongful death.

You'd better listen closely.

When you become 18

and the prophecy is over,

you may leave the valley.

By then,

I shall confer you the title of Preceptor.

Over time,

when your cultivation has reached its peak,

you may remove your clergyman outfit,

return to Jialan, and take back your throne.

You have to make sure

the culprits of your mother's death

suffer the humiliation she did,

and take everything back

she has lost.

Do you hear me?

Take everything back?

Mother died because of me.

It's all my fault.

Mother died because of me.

What gives me the right to do so?

What gives me the right to do so?

What gives me the right to do so?

What gives me the right to do so?

Judging from Ying'er's mental state,

it seems we can only take it slowly.

Ying'er.

In an hour,

the Six Clans will hold a discussion in the hall

to decide how to handle your mother's body.

You should join it.

I've received

the donation of you all.

Now, I will read out

the allotment of empresses from previous dynasties.

For Emperor Xingzun,

3,000 goats, 3,000 cows,

3,000 oriental pearls,

600 kg of lapis lazuli,

6,000 l of rose wine,

10 daN of millennium tea leaves,

and 1,000 night lanterns.

For the late empress, Bai Yan deserves--

Grand Preceptor.

Did I hear wrongly?

Why does Bai Yan deserve

what an empress deserves?

Although Bai Yan was removed from her post,

her name was still

included in the Elixir Book.

Like others, she will be revered.

It's not unreasonable

for her to be included.

I beg to differ.

Bai Yan swallowed charcoal and committed suicide

for fear of punishment.

His Majesty only buried her

in a random corner in Jialan

instead of the Emperor Valley.

It's obvious that His Majesty

doesn't want to acknowledge her as his empress.

During our rites,

we only worship virtuous figures.

Even the Emperor Valley

has no place for Bai Yan.

How could we include her in the funeral rites?

What do you think?

Azure King, you have a point.

Since she's a sinner who's detested by His Majesty,

we mustn't treat her with such respect.

White King.

What about you?

She's a sinner.

Naturally,

she doesn't deserve it.

But this…

Enough.

Only priests and clergymen

are located in Jiuyi Mountain.

It's common for them to be ignorant

about the changes in the court.

Grand Preceptor,

you can follow our ancestral rules

and remove her name.

Divine servant.

Get me a brush.

LATE EMPRESS BAI YAN

You may leave.

Continue.

For Emperor Yunqi,

1,000 goats, 1,000 cows,

600 kg of lapis lazuli,

6,000 l of rose wine,

and 100 night lanterns.

Ying'er.

Today, I show you how cruel this world is.

You will understand

my intention sooner or later.

Your Highness, no!

As they say, indulging one's child is ruining them.

It was the Empress' fault for spoiling him.

Even the Emperor Valley

has no place for Bai Yan.

How could we include her

in the funeral rites?

I want you to stay safe.

But my life

is the biggest threatto yours.

You told me to protect all living beings.

But are you seeing this?

This unlawful world

and these heartless scums

don't deserve

your pity and forgiveness.

I will avenge you!

Shi Ying!

- Shi Ying, what's the matter? - Scram!