Original subtitles

ADAPTED FROM ZHU YAN BY CANG YUE

Master won't come

and you've left too.

I'm all alone now.

How can I bear to leave you alone?

The truth is, I know

why you're going to Huotu Tribe to marry.

Until the day you're free

without any worldly burdens,

I will come to you.

I want to tell you

that you're the one who made me wait for 200 years.

But

now the God of Dragon has awakened

and my whereabouts have also been exposed.

I absolutely cannot

let you fall into the same predicament and danger

like 200 years ago.

After I guide the Sea Emperor on the right path,

the enmity between the two clans

will no longer exist between us.

Then no one can hurt you anymore.

And no one

can stop us from being together anymore.

Yaoyi.

Wait for me.

CRIMSON RESIDENCE

You've been holding this map

since you returned last night.

You continue studying it when you wake up today.

I can tell this is the latest map.

How can you tell?

My town folks told me

this relay station is under construction.

And it's already marked on this map.

This map marks the Huotu Tribe's main roads at each checkpoint

so meticulously.

It seems someone prepared this just for me.

No.

I must be dreaming.

It can't be Chi Yuan.

Where are Xueying and Qing Gang?

Princess Xueying and General Qing

went back early this morning.

I suppose General Qing

left this map to you.

With Qing Gang's upright character,

how could he possibly notice what's on my mind?

Never mind that. Who cares where this map is from?

I'll use it first.

Maybe he did.

Since I'm marrying into the Huotu Tribe,

I should study more about it.

That's right.

We're leaving in two days.

My lady,

are you really not taking this jade flute with you?

Father.

Mother.

I've been a willful child.

I often cause trouble

and make both of you worry.

I shall never forget

your upbringing.

I'll be setting off

on a long and arduous journey

without knowing when I can return.

I won't be able

to fulfill my duty as a daughter.

I can only hope

I can be your daughter again in the next life

and be a good daughter

so both of you

can enjoy the happiness of family life.

CRIMSON RESIDENCE

I cut off my hair to return it to you

for the kindness of your upbringing.

After this goodbye,

we'll be separated.

Yan'er.

Don't ever say that.

It's not like we're not seeing each other anymore.

You may be married.

But you can still

come home and visit your family.

As long as you're willing,

you can come home

every several months.

Yan'er.

I made some arrangements for you.

I won't let you suffer in Huotu Tribe.

This is the wedding escort I selected especially for you.

Among them are those who watched you grow up.

They'll be faithful to you

and keep you safe.

And this food

and clothing.

I've also prepared them for you.

In the future…

In the future, I will send you more…

I want you to live the life you have

in Extreme Wind City.

Father.

Mother.

Promise me

that no matter what happens in the future,

you must live well.

Mother has bad knees.

Remember to burn wormwood.

Father, don't be angry all the time.

I still prefer to see you smile.

I'll laugh often.

Yes.

Today is Yan'er's big day.

Didn't we agree

to be happy?

Yes, be happy.

Don't worry about us.

We'll be fine.

As for you,

without your father and me by your side,

you have to take care of yourself.

There, there. Stop crying.

This is a good thing.

Marrying her off is a good thing.

Here they come.

Princess.

Salang Eagle,

I hope that in the future,

I can fly as high as you,

soaring in the sky.

Go.

- Huotu Tribe welcomes Princess Zhu Yan! - Huotu Tribe welcomes Princess Zhu Yan!

- Good day, Your Highness. - Good day, Your Highness.

Everyone, please rise.

- Thank you, Your Highness. - Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Highness had a long journey.

We've prepared everything you need.

Please enter the tent and get some rest.

This is my son, Ke'erke.

It's an honor for him

to be able to marry Your Highness.

Greetings, Your Highness.

He's a fine-looking man

and somewhat heroic.

It's a pity I don't like him.

I, the Principal Sorcerer of the Huotu Tribe,

greet Your Highness.

These people may appear strong.

But none of them is my match.

Somehow, I dread this Principal Sorcerer.

I have to test his magical techniques.

Please enter the tent to rest for a few days

while waiting for the auspicious day.

- Thank you, Great Consort. - This way, please.

How elegant.

The Principal Sorcerer's skills are just common.

- Yes. - We finally see her.

Yu'er.

Yu'er.

- What are you doing? - Your Highness.

I just found a grasshopper with a broken leg.

I'm trying to take it back for treatment.

Your hands.

Empty my pencil case and give it to Prince Shi Yu.

Yes, Your Highness.

Grasshopper bites are not serious, but they hurt.

Let's put it in the box first, all right?

Put it here.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I've been hoping and my hope has come true.

The good news about your safety spreads.

Looking back, we've been apart for a long time.

The future is long. Let's have more gatherings.

GOOD NEWS ABOUT YOUR SAFETY SPREADS

I heard your disciple, Princess Zhu Yan,

is about to marry into the Huotu Tribe.

If you descend the mountain for the ceremony,

I wonder if you could also visit Jialan.

It's getting full.

Xiaoyingzi, it's going to overflow.

Is he rushing to Western Huang to steal the bride?

The calmer he appears on the outside,

the more restless his heart is.

Is he suppressing his frustration?

Chong Ming.

We'll go right away.

Are you washing my brush?

No.

I'm thirsty.

Yes, I'm parched.

BORROWING RECORD, ZHU YAN

Master.

Do you know what my wish is?

I want to have my name, Zhu Yan,

written in the borrowing record

of all the books here.

Can you finish reading so many books?

I'm going to be here for a long time

and stay with you forever anyway.

Someday, I'll be able to finish reading them all.

BORROWING RECORD

BORROWING RECORD

How are you enjoying

the food and living arrangements here?

You've put in a lot of effort.

By the way, I heard

the Huotu Tribe has encountered Sand Demons before.

Is this true?

Does Your Highness know about the Sand Demons?

Indeed, you have vast knowledge.

We had some trouble with them a few years ago.

But we haven't seen them for a long time.

Your Highness, you can rest assured.

Then I won't disturb your rest.

I'll take my leave.

My lady.

Yufei,

I want to tell you something.

But promise me

that you won't make a fuss.

I'm going to run away.

What?

My lady, are you serious?

Yes.

I'm going to play dead and run away.

Before I agreed to marry into the Huotu Tribe,

I already made up my mind.

No wonder

you agreed so readily at the time.

Marrying into the Huotu Tribe was an imperial decree.

Disobeying it would be a grave offense.

I don't want to trouble the entire Crimson Clan because of me.

So I can only escape by faking my death.

This way, I can maintain Father and Mother's dignity

and relieve the pressure from the Azure Clan.

I can also secure my own freedom.

My lady, you can't do this.

Yufei, think about it.

I was ordered to add firewood for Her Highness.

Why does that sound like…

Keeper Yuan! It really is you.

Chi Yuan.

My lady, I'll go and keep watch.

Chi Yuan, it's really you.

Yes, it's me.

Chi Yuan, please sit down.

Chi Yuan.

Is your injury better now?

Where have you been all this time?

I've been with you all along.

So you knew about my plan.

You were the one

who sent the map and nuts.

You still protect me like always.

Everything is ready now.

What's your plan on your wedding day?

I can take you away from here at any time.

No.

I can't accept your help this time.

Why?

I appreciate your thoughts.

But defying the decree and escaping is a capital offense.

Whether this plan succeeds or not, I'll bear the consequences alone.

I can't

and don't want to involve anyone else,

including you.

Yan'er.

Chi Yuan.

All this while,

you've been sharing my worries.

But everyone

has setbacks they must face alone.

This time,

I'm fully prepared.

The first disciple of Jiuyi Mountain's Preceptor

is not just a reputation.

I'll escape safely this time.

Chi Yuan.

Please don't get involved in this matter for my sake anymore.

I know your concerns.

And during this journey,

I've heard many bad things about the Merfolk marine force.

Please don't concern yourself with me anymore.

Go and attend to your own matters.

The internal turmoil in the Merfolk marine force continues.

If Elder Jian knows I'm with Yan'er,

it will be bad for Yan'er.

Yan'er, you must be careful in everything you do.

I have found a suitable horse for you.

It's in the nearest stable to the military barracks.

Also, the eastern side of the tribe

has strengthened its security.

The defense on the west side is the weakest.

After you leave,

head west and don't look back.

When you arrive at Tianchi in the desert,

you'll be out of danger.

The hardship you have to face

is no less than mine.

But I can't help even help you.

Chi Yuan.

You have to take care of yourself.

I'll take care of myself.

After I'm done with my tasks,

I'll wander the world with you.

Is that all right?

Hey, firewood soldier. Why are you still inside?

The Great Consort will punish you

for disturbing Her Highness's rest.

Why are you shouting?

What's wrong with adding more firewood?

What if the Princess is freezing?

Yan'er.

You must take care of yourself.

Wait.

Chi Yuan.

Promise me

that we'll both complete our tasks successfully.

After that, we'll meet somewhere safe.

All right?

I didn't expect there to be a barrier.

I'm sure it was the Principal Sorcerer who set this barrier.

As expected, it's a common barrier.

It can only stop nearby herdsmen.

A warm-blood horse may be fast.

But it can't run far.

A cold-blood horse can travel far.

But it's easily caught up.

Only this horse

is a good horse.

That's hot.

Is this what you eat?

I understand it now.

That barrier

was not to guard against others.

But to trap you.

Who can be so cruel

as to starve this child alive?

I'll go and find something to eat for you.

If I can,

I'll find a physician

for the child…

Then what do you want me to do?

Do you know this?

YUAN

"Yuan"?

Do you know Chi Yuan?

Who are you?

YU

"Lady

Yu."

You're Lady Yu,

the Old Lord's favorite concubine.

I met you when I was little.

It must be because the Old Lord has passed away

that the Great Consort was done with you.

So she imprisoned you here and tortured you.

What's the child's name?

"Su…"

SUMO

"…mo."

Sumo.

If I only bring a little food,

they can only live for a few more days.

After I leave,

they still have to starve.

To save them,

I have to get them out of here.

But my plan

only allows for my escape.

I can't even take care of Yufei.

How can I

bring two people who can't even walk?

Mother.

You're up.

Who are you?

Don't hurt my mother.

You…

ZUOWANG PALACE

Does the White King know

that you're here?

No, he doesn't.

I came here secretly.

Is it a task for Consort Qing again?

Your Supreme Majesty.

I've never been bound

by anyone before.

I only want to serve

the strongest in the world.

According to what you said,

the incident at Nvluo Creek

is you testing the power of Jiuyi Mountain then.

I admit my mistake.

I take full responsibility for my past actions.

But through this incident,

I'm completely devoted.

I have come today to redeem my sins,

to inform you of Azure Clan's conspiracy.

That day, Consort Qing ordered me to enter the palace.

I accidentally saw Consort Qing

conspiring with Huotu Tribe envoys.

Your Highness,

Lord Ke'erke's marriage to Princess Zhu Yan

is already in preparation.

Please don't worry.

Everything will go according to your plan.

As for Great Consort Suda,

does she think this marriage

and subsequent arrangements

are all blessings from heaven?

The Great Consort obeys me.

Of course it will follow according to plan.

Good. Very good.

People say that Azure Clan is good with Gu.

Actually, they don't know

that the real most powerful Gu insect

isn't poisonous insects,

but people's hearts.

How could those barbarians

see through Your Highness's marvelous strategy?

With time,

Prince Shi Yu will surely achieve great merits

and firmly sit on the throne.

The most suspicious thing in this matter

is what the envoy of Huotu Tribe said.

"With time,

Prince Shi Yu will surely achieve great merits

and firmly sit on the throne."

Huotu Tribe may be a large tribe,

but their loyalty is far from being entrusted

with such an important task.

I hope the clues I provide

can be of help to you.

You're quite clever.

Consort Qing

planted this Principal Sorcerer,

an expert in dark witchcraft, in the Huotu Tribe

as early as five years ago.

This time,

taking advantage of the Old Lord's death,

the Principal Sorcerer incited the Great Consort,

intending to marry off Zhu Yan to control Western Huang

to carry out treasonous actions.

Consort Qing sent Shi Yu

to suppress the situation

and earn merits for Shi Yu.

They will take action

within these few days.

It turns out everything

has been under your control.

I was just about to send Shi Ying

to the Huotu Tribe.

It's just up ahead.

Be careful.

This is where I rest.

It's very secluded.

Even if someone discovers your escape,

they won't find their way here.

Here's some food

to fill your stomach.

Let me help you.

Go away!

Go away!

Go away!

- You… - Go away!

Mother.

Go away!

Go away!

Is he all right?

Get up quickly.

You're much older than me.

I can't accept your gesture.

Stay here and rest without worry.

Wait for my return.

A star rises.

Could it be a sign of my new life?

Please don't concern yourself with me anymore.

Go and attend to your own matters.

The Evil Star has already risen.

If the Sea Emperor falls into

the hands of those with evil intentions,

both Kongsang and the Merfolk

will plunge into eternal calamity.

Then I can't feel at ease with you by my side.

Yaoyi.

You really know me best.

Did you also see the Evil Star?

I was about to report this to you.

Please allow me to go down the mountain to investigate.

The fever breaks out and the God of Dragon awakens.

It's all indeed an omen.

Judging from the direction,

the Evil Star appeared in the Huotu Tribe in Western Huang.

The shifting of the celestial bodies relates to the destiny of Kongsang.

We

cannot just stand idly by.

In this case,

then

there is no need to worry too much.

The prophecy just says

the Sea Emperor would return with the Evil Star.

But it did not mention his return

would pose any threat to Kongsang.

The defeat and annihilation of the Merfolk Clan

happened many years ago.

The majority of the Merfolks

have learned to live in peace with the people of Kongsang.

Therefore, it's still uncertain

whether the Evil Star is auspicious or ominous.

There is no definite conclusion.

Indeed, we cannot come to a definite conclusion.

However, this prophecy is deeply ingrained in people's hearts.

There will inevitably be those who are eager to take advantage.

If they seize this opportunity,

chaos will ensue in the world.

Your Supreme Majesty,

if the appearance of the Evil Star is an auspicious omen,

then it heralds a peaceful and prosperous era.

If it's ominous,

I'll take advantage to eliminate

the newly risen Evil Star at any cost.

You may go.

Yes, Master.

Bai Yan.

The rise of the Evil Star

may be a chance bestowed by heaven

upon Shi Ying.

If you're watching from above,

please bless him to rise to fame.

With the Sea Emperor's return and the rise of the Merfolk,

I can finally obtain the Houtu Ring.

What's the connection

between the Evil Star and the Houtu Ring?

In troubled times, the Houtu will appear.

As long as there is chaos and calamity in the world,

the Houtu Ring will leave Biluo Sea

and return to Kongsang.

Now that the Evil Star has risen,

it's an opportunity.

I just need to push a little

and stir up the conflict between the Merfolks and Kongsang.

Chaos in Yunhuang is imminent.

Congratulations, Sage.

However, I've received information

that the Preceptor of Jiuyi Mountain

has been investigating your whereabouts.

If you do decide to make a public appearance,

you must be cautious.

This is the descendant

who's most similar to me.

I suspect he has guessed my identity.

It could be troublesome if he keeps pestering me.

However, since the Evil Star has already risen,

his main task is to investigate the evil force,

allowing me to maneuver.

When he finds me again,

I'll have my own way of dealing with him.

A group of useless people.

A disabled Merfolk

and a half-dead child,

and you still let them escape.

Don't just stay there. Bring them back to me!

If you can't find them,

none of you will live.

- Yes, Great Consort. - Yes, Great Consort.

Great Consort, please calm down.

The current priority is for Lord Ke'erke and Princess Zhu Yan

to complete their wedding as scheduled.

I will carry out the subsequent plans

on the night of the grand wedding.

Are the materials for the ritual prepared?

Great Consort, don't worry.

We've recently caught more Merfolks.

Everything is prepared.

Fruits. Take a look.

- Take a look. - Biscuits!

- I'd like some. - All right, hold it well.

Has the Sea Emperor already left Huotu Tribe?

Why can't I sense his presence at all?

That's strange.

There is not a single Merfolk here at all.

Excuse me, mister.

When I passed by a few days ago,

I saw some Merfolks around here.

But why is there none now?

How would I know?

Go and ask someone else.

Rest assured.

I won't tell others.

A few years ago, the Old Lord was in poor health.

Soldiers of the Huotu Tribe

started hunting Merfolks everywhere.

There are not many merfolks here to begin with.

I don't know why these days,

more soldiers are on the street.

They captured all the Merfolks.

I heard they're being imprisoned

in Guwei City.

Why did they catch the Merfolks?

Where is Guwei City?

I'm just a merchant.

How would I know that?

I heard it's quite far.

You should leave.

The soldiers are still catching Merfolks.

Go now.

Guwei City?

Could the Sea Emperor be taken to Guwei City

and lost his connection with me?

I need to find Guwei City first.

The Evil Star clearly shows that the Sea Emperor is nearby.

But there isn't even a single Merfolk here.

I'll go check it out.

All right.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

I got something.

They say

all the Merfolks are locked in a place called Guwei City.

But no one knows where Guwei City is.

That's odd. Who's behind it?

There are many Merfolks in the Huotu Tribe.

Only the one with the highest authority

can imprison them all.

You mean the Huotu Tribe's Great Consort?

Let's meet her. Let's go.

Wait a moment.

Are you going to see her now?

Or else?

Have you forgotten that your student

is getting married here today?

So what?

I'm not meeting her.

If you're going to steal the bride,

I'll accompany you to the end.

But if you have to take her mother-in-law away

on her big day,

don't you think it's too cruel?

Actually, we can still wait for a day or two.

No.

Looking for the Sea Emperor is of utmost importance.

To ruin a happy day,

you'd better do it yourself.

I'll be looking for some birds

to find out where Guwei City is.

See you later.

- Here they come. - Here they come.

God of Fire above,

a feast of good fortune!