Original subtitles

ADAPTED FROM ZHU YAN BY CANG YUE

My husband and I were engulfed by Hundun

when we were traveling outside.

And now,

he has already passed away,

leaving me alone in this place.

It has been a really long while since I saw people.

There are fierce delusional spirits

roaming around here.

You two,

please go inside with me.

Ma'am, be careful.

Come on.

Youngsters,

you must be tired.

Wipe off your sweat.

Here, wipe off your sweat.

Thank you, ma'am.

All right.

I've been searching for a way out desperately

for 20 years,

but to no avail.

Here, drink some water.

Finally, I met you here today.

You can

keep me company from now on.

Ma'am.

Someone is waiting for us outside.

Why don't you come with us?

I don't see anything good out there.

The gentleman next to you

is someone with great ambition.

This is the only place

where the two of you

can stay together forever.

And so,

he'll only have his eyes fixated on you

and no one else.

Isn't that good?

Ma'am, you are mistaken.

I'll never be with him forever.

Staying just half a day beside him is boring enough.

Right?

She's right.

We plan

to stay here.

Pardon?

Don't be shy, young girl.

It's exhausting after walking for a long time.

Here, have a piece of pastry.

It's better not to eat food

from a stranger.

Since we've decided to settle down here,

she's not a stranger to us.

Exactly.

He's right.

Come on.

Open wide, I'll feed you.

You two

will stay here with me for good.

Rest assured. It's safe.

They are all dust.

She's a delusional spirit.

We have to break her obsession

to deal with her.

Most people are cautious

and her desire can't be satisfied.

The more they reject her, the more obsessed she becomes,

which arouses more anger in her.

Why did you give me the pastry

when you didn't eat it?

There are no chopsticks here.

I couldn't eat.

Fine.

You're the elegant one and I'm uncivilized.

I simply deserve to eat dirt.

Exactly.

Now that you've tasted the dirt,

why should I eat it if it's not delicious?

You!

What a way

to ruin my day.

This is it.

"The full moon wanes and overflowing water spills.

Extreme resentment breeds wrath and death leads to a new life."

What does this mean?

Greed, resentment, and delusion.

We've broken the three spirits.

This should be the way to get out of this place.

However, I haven't fathomed

the underlying meaning.

Have you ever thought

that you'd be trapped inside here with me forever

when you came in?

Preceptor.

You're of noble status

and with decent behavior.

Yet you risk yourself in danger

for a clumsy and reckless person like me.

Is it worth it?

I'm talking to you.

I don't have to answer that.

Because we'll leave this place.

Look, the exit.

It is and it is not.

What do you mean?

If I push you into that hole

and sacrifice you to Hundun,

I can leave this place unscathed.

What did you just say?

I came here

for the force of Hundun

to aid my cultivation.

So you didn't mean

to save me?

You should blame your own tough luck

for being engulfed by Hundun.

But you're a godsend to me.

Anyway, it will be considered an accident if something happens to you

during the selection.

Crimson King

won't blame me.

You must be lying.

I've deceived you before,

and I'm doing it again.

You're so predictable.

You…

Either I push you down

or you jump down yourself.

Either way, you're going to die.

You always fool me,

trick me,

and look down upon me.

I hate you.

I hate you!

How fantastic.

How did you identify the way to leave this place?

Isn't this all

within your plan?

"The full moon wanes and overflowing water spills.

Extreme resentment breeds wrath and death leads to a new life."

The hole that's shrouded by immense resentment

will only open for those

who are vexed with extreme resentment.

If I don't make her resent me,

how could she turn the dead end

into an opportunity

and return to the mortal world?

But she'll never know your kind will

when she jumped off here.

When she's passing through the hole,

she would only resent you, hate you,

and curse you.

Meanwhile, her strong resentment

will consume you

and trap you here.

You'll end up being like me.

Zhu Yan.

Zhu Yan.

Zhu Yan.

Qing Gang.

Where am I?

Qianyue Peak.

How long has it been?

Half an hour.

The black mist engulfed you.

But how did you manage to get out?

One day inside the hole

is a moment in the world.

I'm still alive.

Once she realizes

that you did that to save her,

but ended up being killed by her resentment,

she'll be in pieces.

That's what I'm looking forward to.

What? A benign thought?

I've never seen someone harbor a benign thought

when they jump through the Hole of Life and Death.

When did you hint at her?

The entire place is under your control.

I have no chance

to tell her about this.

You said

that her feelings stem from me

and will backfire on me.

To your surprise,

it's a benign thought she holds.

Probably she has discerned my real intention.

Be it the Crown Prince or Preceptor,

she has never doubted me.

I'm not good at gambling,

but my bet didn't fail me today.

At that time,

he was trying to save me.

I guessed it right.

Either I push you down

or you jump down yourself.

Either way, you're going to die.

You always fool me,

trick me,

and look down upon me.

I hate you.

I hate you!

Strangely,

I'm still not convinced

that you'd do that to me.

If so, how will you escape?

Where are you now?

Zhu Yan.

What's wrong, Zhu Yan?

We must set off right now

for the Jade Bone.

I thought joining Jiuyi Mountain was against your will.

Why are you so eager now?

Maybe the Jade Bone

can find its owner.

Stop asking. We should go now.

Your Supreme Majesty.

Is it worth risking your life

to save a mere princess?

Lang Gan, Emperor Xingzun,

was once the great invincible,

but failed to get the upper hand

while mired in Hundun.

But you just went into it

without hesitation.

I wouldn't have interfered if it were a natural disaster.

But Hundun

was coming after Qiongqi.

And someone deliberately provoked Qiongqi

to attack them.

I just couldn't turn a blind eye.

That was my plan.

Qing Gang

is sent by Consort Qing to spy on you

with the intention to kill you.

I'll never let him off the hook.

He's not your match,

but the Azure Clan are exceptional with poison.

You won't know

what trap he set against you

when he's in the mountain.

I wouldn't know

if Qing Gang intended to kill me.

But if I hadn't saved them,

kin of all Six Ministries

might lose their lives here.

Since the founding of Jiuyi Mountain,

no such tragedy has happened

during the disciple selection competition.

If such horrendous accidents were to occur as soon as I ascend as the Preceptor,

how would I take in disciples in the future?

Nonsense.

The lives of the two

aren't even half as precious as yours.

Even if something happens,

worry not.

I assure you

that no one will make a squeak.

Your Supreme Majesty.

We cultivate to protect all beings.

We can't take people's lives lightly.

If you want me to diverge from the teaching

and become a degenerate person,

I'm not going to take in disciples.

Fine.

I compromise.

I won't interfere with you in choosing a disciple.

However,

you spoke steadfastly just now.

I begin to be dubious about something.

Have you met Zhu Yan

before this?

And that convinces me

why you saved her without hesitation.

You have overthought.

I have never met Zhu Yan.

Besides, given her aptitude,

I doubt I'll let her stay in the mountain

and teach her.

Ying'er.

I know

you harbor a kind heart

and don't want others to suffer for you.

But you should know

that if you've met her before,

she would be that cursed lady who will do harm to you.

I won't allow her

to live.

So I believe

you won't keep her in the mountain.

Right?

Since my explanation

isn't going to put your worries to rest,

I will do whatever you say.

QIANYUE PEAK, JIUYI MOUNTAIN

His artifact is moving freely.

He has probably already escaped

from Hundun by now.

Qing Gang, please.

We arrived at the peak at the same time.

After retrieving the Jade Bone,

let's have a fair and open competition.

You don't have to hold back.

Xuelu, walk slowly.

Zhu Yan.

Zhu Yan!

Why didn't Bai Xuelu get bounced back?

This enchantment is set by the person on my side.

The Jade Bone is mine.

The first team to reach the top of the hill

and take this Jade Bone,

the winner of that team

will be the first disciple of Jiuyi Mountain in the future.

No!I've forgotten the enchantment set by the Preceptor.

Xuelu!

Xuelu!

Xuelu!

Xuelu!

- Xuelu! - Bai Xuelu!

Xuelu!

Princess Xuelu!

Bai Xuelu!

Everything is initiated by the Jade Bone.

Destroy it now.

No, the Jade Bone is mine.

I'll be the first disciple.

I'm not going to let go of it, no matter what!

Xuelu, please let go of it!

Qing Gang!

Qing Gang!

Xuelu.

Xuelu.

Xueying.

Bai Xuelu,

destroy the Jade Bone now!

You're dragging everyone down.

Don't you ever think of taking it from me!

Do you hear yourself?

You're killing yourself!

Even so,

I'm willing to die with the Jade Bone.

Bai Xuelu.

Xuelu.

Zhu Yan.

It was just an illusion.

I got it.

This is the second assessment, wisdom.

Zhu Yan, you'd rather destroy the Jade Bone

and sacrifice yourself to save us.

This is a great kindness.

Great kindness is wisdom.

Preceptor is looking for a kind person

as his first disciple.

And the Jade Bone chose you.

Congratulations, Zhu Yan.

I got the Jade Bone first.

Give it back to me.

Why should I?

From your aptitude and character,

you're not qualified to be the Preceptor's first disciple.

Qing Gang got injured because of you.

Qing Gang should have the Jade Bone instead.

Give it to me.

Xueying!

Are you all right?

Where are Xuelu and General Qing?

Princess Xuelu, hang in there!

- Xuelu. - Bai Xuelu.

Hold on tight.

Xuelu.

This is foolish.

He escaped from Hundun.

After the ceremony ends,

I'll leave without worries.

According to the rules,

anyone who managed to reach Qianyue Peak

is eligible to join Jiuyi Mountain

and become the nominal disciple of the Preceptor

and study magic techniques for one month.

- Yes. - Yes.

- Thank you, Preceptor. - Thank you, Preceptor.

The winner of the first team that obtained the Jade Bone

will be taken in as the Preceptor's first disciple

and is allowed to stay

to learn from the Preceptor

after the one-month period.

I have limited abilities

for this position.

I'll withdraw from the candidacy.

Xueying.

In this case,

Bai Xuelu

will be my first disciple.

I, Xuelu, am grateful for your grace.

Hold on.

- Greetings, High Preceptor. - Your Supreme Majesty.

I have a different opinion.

Princess Zhu Yan

gave up on the Jade Bone that was within her reach

to save her friends.

Besides, she wasn't equipped with any tools in the mountain

and drove Qiongqi away.

She's brave and wise,

and shouldn't be passed over.

I wonder what you say.

I know

you harbor a kind heart

and don't want others to suffer for you.

If you've met her before,

she would be that cursed lady who will do harm to you.

I won't allow her

to live.

So I believe

you won't keep her in the mountain.

You're right, Your Supreme Majesty.

I had poor judgment.

In this case,

I'll take Princess Zhu Yan

as my first disciple

and teach her magic techniques.

It's stipulated that the winner

is the one who retrieved the Jade Bone.

Don't change the rule easily.

This is not a child's play.

How about this?

You don't have to take in the disciple now.

You may take some time

to observe their character and aptitude

and select your first disciple

after the one-month learning.

And this will be impartial

and rightful.

How does that sound?

I obey you, Your Supreme Majesty.

- Thank you, High Preceptor. - Thank you, Preceptor.

Grant them divine tokens.

Use this brush to verify the identity of the Preceptor.

If he turns out to be the Crown Prince, exterminate him.

The destiny of the Azure Clan falls on your shoulders.

Chi Yuan, it must be boring waiting down the mountain.

Why did you come down?

Did you pass the selection?

Forget it.

These Chinese rings

are interlocking.

But what I've encountered

was more complicated.

Care to share?

Do you know?

The divine official I ran into before

is the new Preceptor.

Are you surprised

when you hear this too?

So what's your next plan?

I passed the preliminary selection

by accident.

But I won't…

I don't want to become his disciple.

Are you all right, Chi Yuan?

I'm fine.

Perhaps I'm tired lately.

Chi Yuan.

I've learned a soul-soothing magic

from Jiuyi Mountain.

Let me try it out on you.

What's this?

The water realm.

I've never thought of seeing it again

in my life.

This…

How did it emerge from nowhere?

When a foreign spiritual power

penetrates merfolk's scales,

a transient illusion will manifest,

namely, the Mirage Spell.

Inside it,

one can feel the water flowing.

But it's a hallucination,

so they won't drown.

This is amazing.

Is this your first time seeing the Mirage Spell?

Certainly.

I don't allow anyone to touch my scale.

Do you?

You don't believe me?

The Water Sword

is a weapon that comes along when merfolks are born.

It only comes to being

as the Mirage Spell first manifests.

And this Water Sword

is created by you.

If that's the case,

this sword is now yours.

I also hope I'm the first

and the last one to see your Mirage Spell.

Princess.

I'm sorry.

Yaoyi.

I have no clue

why I can't refuse Princess.

I don't want to disappoint her.

Thank you, Chi Yuan.

I wanted to solve your trouble,

but it ended up that you comforted me again.

I did feel calm

and have a peaceful mind

in the water.

And I came around.

Human feelings are like the flow of water.

They can't be forcibly controlled.

They should go the way based on their will.

And that's freedom.

Feelings are like the flow of water.

So I must follow my inner voice.

I'll express my gratitude to the Preceptor.

Regardless of what upsetting words he has said to me,

he saved my life

this time.

Although

I'm reluctant to return to Jiuyi Mountain,

I still have to do what must be done.

He saved you?

Are you all right?

I didn't know the selection could be so dangerous.

No, it's nothing.

Chi Yuan, the danger is over.

I'm now going back to the mountain.

You should take care of yourself too.

After I offer my gratitude to him,

I'll come back.

Princess…

That cursed lady

is staying for lessons?

I shouldn't have let her off.

Because of me, she even teamed up with Qing Gang.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have arrived at the peak

after you took her out of Hundun.

I bitterly regret it now.

I'm so regretful

that I have more wrinkles now.

If you were to die in the hand of that girl,

I wouldn't have anyone

to display my dashing looks to.

Forget it.

I won't bother

to smooth the wrinkles out.

She'll leave in about a month.

But the Grand Preceptor said

she'd be your first disciple.

Because he's dubious about why I saved her

and said that purposely before me.

Hence, I agreed.

You saw it.

He went back on his word immediately.

What if

miraculous things happen

and Zhu Yan becomes your first disciple?

I must say,

I think you treat her

slightly differently…

Concerning her aptitude,

she's far from being my first disciple.

Indeed.

Crimson Clan is in the back of beyond.

Even though Crimson King hired mages

with a handsome reward,

they wouldn't stay long either.

The most they do

is to briefly teach her a few moves.

Her strength may be decent in the Western Huang.

But compared to the other Six Ministries of Kongsang,

she's barely

an amateur.

Yes.

Me?

An amateur?

How dare they demean me!

Forget it.

I only came here to speak my true mind.

It doesn't matter how you see me.

Why are you here?

I came to ask

how you escaped from Hundun.

I managed to get out

when you discerned my intention.

If I didn't realize that you were saving me,

wouldn't you

lose your life there?

Do you really think

that I'd put my life on the line

to save you?

Since I could enter Hundun,

needless to say, I have a way to leave there unscathed.

I see.

Very good.

No matter why you saved me,

it's true that you got me out of Hundun.

I, Zhu Yan, am a sensible person.

So I came here

to express my gratitude.

Thank you.

Secondly, I came here

to bid farewell.

Jiuyi Mountain is a revered place to acquire magic in Kongsang.

So you must boast incredible skills.

Since you think

that I'm not bright, am reckless,

and with limited knowledge,

I shouldn't insist on staying in Jiuyi Mountain.

The world is vast outside.

Though I'm less capable,

I'll surely find a mentor

who approves of me

and teaches me advanced magic techniques.

ZHU YAN, JIUYI MOUNTAIN

Grand Preceptor is still suspicious of her.

If she leaves at this moment,

it might enhance his doubts.

She can't leave.

As the teaching of Jiuyi Mountain says,

"Give up not the pursuit of knowledge

and disciples leave not on their own accord."

If you're determined to leave,

you may leave one month later

after the end of the lessons.

But you're not allowed to go now.

The enchantment will stop you even if I don't,

let alone the Grand Preceptor.

"Give up not the pursuit of knowledge,

and disciples leave not on their own accord."

You said this is the rule.

So do the rules allow Lord Chong Ming

to intervene in the selection?

You…

Well, that's my own behavior.

He isn't related to this.

Besides, he has already punished me for that.

All right.

But he did say

that he wasn't allowed to meet people

when he was the divine official

in the Emperor Valley.

But he met with me again.

And that tells me

that rules

aren't rigid.

That's different.

You swore

that you wouldn't tell anyone you met him before.

I, Zhu Yan, am a person of my word.

I will make good

on my promise.

It would be great.

But you

reneged on the promise

by taking me as your first disciple

because of the Grand Preceptor.

I, Zhu Yan,

am not someone you can summon

however you want.

You little brat…

Your Supreme Majesty.