Original subtitles

ADAPTED FROM ZHU YAN BY CANG YUE

What's this?

True dragon's mark.

When the Sea Emperor's blood is affirmed,

it will appear on the Sea Emperor's body.

I carry the blood of Dragon Clan descendants.

The dragon mark represents the serpent dragon's mark.

At this moment, its appearance is to pay homage to the true dragon.

When you were young, I hadn't encountered the opportunity.

You were within reach,

yet I didn't even know you were the Sea Emperor.

The Sea Emperor?

This is the mission

God of Dragon bestowed upon you.

No.

This can't be true.

Those two Merfolk marine force also mentioned the Sea Emperor.

Merfolk marine force?

They wanted to take our Jade Tears.

They even killed my mother.

Don't be afraid.

I'll protect you.

I'll take you to a safe place now.

This is bad.

Elder Jian and the others are coming.

Time is running out.

I'll take you away from here first.

No.

I don't want to be the Sea Emperor.

You're just like them.

You're a bad person.

I don't want to be the Sea Emperor.

Let go of me!

Put me down!

Let me go!

Let me…

The dragon mark appears on his body.

You're indeed the Sea Emperor.

That's right.

I'm the Sea Emperor.

When did you discover it?

Just a moment ago.

Who is this child?

His mother died during the war.

He's alone and helpless.

I can only take him with me for now.

Does the mighty Sea Emperor

need to personally take care of an orphan?

It's indeed you.

It seems that when the Sea Emperor

helps the weak and the poor,

it's the moment when heaven confirms his identity.

Perhaps it's as you said.

Since you're the Sea Emperor,

then can you

fulfill the promise of giving an explanation you made

in Extreme Wind City that day?

You mustn't betray Yan'er's trust in you.

My blood is getting warmer.

It should be Elder Jian getting nearer.

The explanation you want,

I'll give it to you.

Are you trying to escape?

I'll kill you, you hypocritical Sea Emperor!

Don't hurt the child.

Why did you try to escape?

You don't deserve Zhu Yan's trust.

I should just kill you.

If you kill me now,

Kongsang will lose the only opportunity

to live peacefully with the Merfolk

for the next few thousand years.

Shi Ying.

I'm forced by circumstances to do this.

I hope you can trust me one more time

for Yan'er's sake.

I didn't expect that after we fought together against Diba,

his magic has made such great progress.

This technique

is the ultimate secret technique of Merfolk Clan.

With your cultivation,

you could have killed him without harming that child just now.

Don't tell me you still believe his nonsense.

Or did you show mercy to him because of Zhu Yan?

We're still unclear if Evil Star's return is good or bad.

We need to be more cautious.

Otherwise, it might turn blessings into misfortune.

He saw through my thoughts just now.

That's why he mentioned the coexistence

of the Merfolk and Kongsang people.

Whether it's just a response to the situation

or what he truly desires,

I'll need some time

to observe and investigate.

If it was a deception,

he may be lucky to escape today.

However, if we meet again,

I can still capture him.

When that time comes,

don't go soft because of Zhu Yan.

Greetings, Preceptor.

Keep searching!

- Yes. - Yes.

I was ordered to investigate as there have been reports

of Merfolk marine force lurking nearby.

However, after a brief encounter,

they hurriedly escaped

as if they had important matters at hand.

It's different from their usual fighting style.

They must be

following the Sea Emperor.

Lately, I've heard many rumors about you.

Everyone in the army praises you

and wishes to fight alongside you.

Qing Gang.

I'm originally someone who leads a secluded life.

Being caught up in such conflicts is really out of my control.

If you hear them talking about it again,

tell them not to mention it anymore.

Preceptor,

may I speak to you in private?

Preceptor.

Prince Shi Yu

is currently commanding the army

and he misses you greatly.

I wonder

if you're willing to meet him.

In recent days, they've been engaging

in fierce battles

with Merfolk marine force.

However, some of them

have contracted a strange cold illness.

Although it's not serious,

it shows no signs of recovery.

Even the military physician is helpless.

Cold-related illness?

Preceptor,

this way, please.

"The Azure River and Crimson River

merge at the lowest point of the mainland's terrain,

which forms a lake.

The vast lake spans thousands of miles,

known as Mirror Lake."

MIRROR LAKE

"There are many monstrous creatures and enchanting illusions,

- making it impassable. - Please enter.

Birds are unable to fly over it,

while the Merfolk thrive within it.

After the Sea Kingdom's downfall,

they often hide in the depths of the lake

to avoid being captured by the Kongsang people

and establishing the base of Merfolk marine force."

So that's what happened.

Yu'er.

It has been a while.

Shi Ying.

Am I dreaming?

Did you descend the mountain because you read my letter?

I descend the mountain for other matters.

Yu'er.

I'm glad you're the Crown Prince.

No, not at all.

I never wanted to be the Crown Prince.

You know me very well.

Since I was young, I have had no talent for ruling or leading armies.

It was Mother who forced me to come.

She said if I don't accomplish any military merits,

I can never see Bai Xueying again.

This battle shouldn't have happened in the first place.

When the two clans live peacefully together,

how prosperous Ye City used to be.

However, on my journey here,

all I've seen are innocent civilians displaced

and struggling to survive.

That's right.

The cursed Merfolk marine force are to be blamed for this.

The Merfolk and Kongsang people

are the people of the Menghua Dynasty.

The Merfolk marine force did start the war,

but with their strength,

they can't even shake

the Menghua Dynasty's foundation.

If they truly cared about people's well-being,

their priority should be to quickly end the conflict

and not give any opportunity to those with ulterior motives.

By launching a full-scale war like this,

they are only making matters worse

and deepening the divide between the two clans.

What you said is exactly what I have in mind.

I know starting a war is wrong,

but I can't seem to tell the reasons behind it.

I'll do everything I can

to stop the war from spreading.

Yu'er,

you must also believe in yourself

that you can accomplish it.

No.

Only you can be a good emperor.

Look at me.

I can't even lift a pen or hold a sword.

I can't even speak properly.

I'm completely useless.

I'm not as good as you said

and you aren't

as terrible as you think you are.

Not only can I not be compared to you,

but I'm also not as brave as General Qing.

His martial skills are outstanding

and he can take on ten enemies at once.

He's the perfect vanguard.

There's also Bai Fenglin from the Bai family

who's skilled in strategic warfare.

He can defeat enemies without even fighting.

He also gathered important intelligence

by interrogating the Merfolk marine force.

Also,

Lan Xiqiao from the Lan Family and Zi Yaoguang from the Zi Family.

When compared to all of you,

I really fall short.

Shi Yu,

to be a good ruler,

it doesn't depend on charging into battle

or devising strategies.

It's about understanding and utilizing people's talents,

placing them in the most suitable positions.

Just now,

you have shown that you have this ability.

Me?

That's right.

Those in power should never be stubborn and self-centered.

You have a keen eye for judging people

and are good at recognizing others' strengths.

With more experience,

over time,

you'll undoubtedly

become a wise ruler

who understands the people

and maximizes their abilities.

This is the prescription I devised

for the soldiers suffering from the cold disease.

After I leave,

just follow this prescription.

With time, they will surely recover.

I thank you on behalf of the soldiers,

Preceptor.

General Qing,

do you have something to say?

Lately, there have been many rumors circulating

about what Princess Zhu Yan did in Western Huang.

Rumors?

It was a rumor

about Princess Zhu Yan eloping with you

in Western Huang.

Master,

we have to separate

after a brief meeting.

I feel reluctant.

Why don't you take me with you wherever you go?

I'll follow you to the ends of the world.

It's just some hearsay circulating among the people.

However, after Consort Qing heard of it,

she summoned Princess Zhu Yan to the palace for a lesson.

Today is the day she enters the palace.

Consort Qing?

Who are these people

to gossip about my disciple?

RENWEI GATE

Who are you?

Preceptor of Jiuyi Mountain.

I've come to the palace to be reprimanded.

His Majesty didn't summon you to the palace.

Preceptor, please leave.

The Princess of the Crimson Clan was summoned to be reprimanded

and it's all because of me.

Since it concerns both of us,

it's unreasonable to punish only one person.

RENWEI GATE

I, Princess Zhu Yan of Crimson Clan,

greet Your Highness.

May Your Highness be blessed with eternal peace.

You're truly as your name suggests,

beautiful and a captivating smile.

You're indeed a budding beauty.

What kind of act is she putting on?

Why aren't you

replying to me?

You're right, Your Highness.

I thought Princess Zhu Yan was omnipotent.

It turns out

she's just

a clueless country girl.

It's your father's fault

for keeping you hidden all this while.

I didn't even know that among the six clans,

there was a woman like you,

who's beautiful, talented,

and with an impeccable demeanor.

As fate would have it,

you've perfectly matched my preferences.

She's showing her real colors now.

I'm sure she's up to no good.

What do you think?

It's all my fault.

As the only daughter of a prestigious family,

I believe

you wouldn't disregard

the dignity of your parents

and engage in such improper behavior.

I wonder

if it was Preceptor

who misled you to speak this way.

If you can honestly tell me everything

about how Preceptor had seduced you,

I promise

not to punish you.

I get it now.

She wants to use me to frame Master.

Furthermore,

considering that Yu'er is the Crown Prince,

it's my selfish desire as his mother

to find several talented and virtuous women

as his potential matches

to continue the royal line.

With your appearance,

you'll undoubtedly stand

by the side of esteemed and noble individuals in the future.

I'll accept any punishment.

You…

How dare you.

Your Highness is right.

It's all my fault.

I'll accept any punishment.

Is this all you can say?

Your Highness is correct.

It's all my fault.

I'll accept any punishment.

Do you think that I can't find

any evidence against you

and therefore have no power over you?

Listen.

I can still rip your mouth.

My hand…

Master.

It's you.

How dare you trespass on my Qingyun Palace and humiliate me.

When it comes to audacity,

I'm not comparable to you, Consort Qing.

Relying solely on rumors,

you took the law into your own hands.

People have witnessed

and heard the disgraceful acts

both of you have committed.

The physician responsible for the late Consort Zi's death

during childbirth

was appointed by Consort Qing.

Besides Huotu Tribe,

Consort Qing often receives secret letters from various tribes in Western Huang.

Outrageous lies.

What sorcery have you used on them?

To believe rumors so easily

is too simplistic.

This must be the Mind-Reading Spell

- I shall take my leave. - that Master refused to show me.

It's astonishing.

Yan'er, let's go.

Guards, stop them.

His Majesty has arrived.

Stop.

Where are you going?

I, Preceptor of Jiuyi Mountain,

shall take my leave.

Are you

leaving now?

Your Majesty,

you must speak up for me.

This Preceptor of Jiuyi Mountain

disregards imperial authority,

intrudes into my Qingyun Palace,

and threatens me.

If this continues,

the entire Jialan Imperial City

may fall into a dangerous state.

Shut up.

If you didn't cause trouble,

how would he have come?

I suggest you refrain from stirring up trouble.

I want to have

a private conversation with him.

You can leave.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You may rise.

So this is the disciple you've taken in?

You have a good eye.

Please refrain from joking, Your Majesty.

When I look at your eyes,

they are exactly like mine

in the past.

If there's nothing else,

I humbly take my leave.

After so many years apart,

don't you have anything

to say to me?

I have nothing to say to you, Your Majesty.

I shall take my leave.

Stop.

I didn't punish you for deceiving me,

yet you repay me

with such disrespect?

Shi Ying.

Only Preceptor of Jiuyi Mountain is here.

There's no one called by that name here.

Good.

Very good.

Preceptor of Jiuyi Mountain?

You cultivators

are known for following etiquette

and respecting the bond

between parents and children.

If you don't repay your parents' kindness,

you won't attain enlightenment.

Today,

as your father,

I want you to repay

my kindness.

Do you think cutting your hair

can repay my kindness?

My heart

holds no gratitude anymore.

Do you still think of me

as your father?

Your Majesty,

you only blame him for not treating you as his father.

All these years,

have you truly treated him as your son?

I was at the palace that day.

I even run into Lady Qiu Shui.

The incident that day wasn't caused by Crown Prince.

I was young and ignorant.

I accidentally knocked into Lady Qiu Shui's carriage

and almost received punishment.

It was Crown Prince who protected me and even gave me a flower as a gift.

He treats a stranger child

with kindness and politeness.

Besides,

Lady Qiu Shui was already punished to copy scriptures.

Why would he need to resort to killing her?

This action doesn't make sense no matter how one sees it.

Zhu Yan.

Enough.

Because of Lady Qiu Shui's incident,

people all over the world despised and cursed him,

calling him immoral and deserving to die.

As the Emperor

and his father,

instead of investigating the truth thoroughly,

you hurt him the most.

Talking about this matter with the opinions of the world is useless.

You're the cause of this, Your Majesty,

so you should've clarified this matter.

If I'm punished because of this,

I have no complaints or regrets.

Since you disregard the father-son relationship,

I have no choice but to follow the law

and punish you for the crime of deceiving the Emperor.

Crown Prince didn't have a funeral back then.

No one in the world could talk about his life or death.

If a person doesn't have a memorial tablet, funeral,

and no announcement of his death,

how can he be considered dead?

Then Crown Prince was never dead.

Appearing now is only natural and reasonable.

How can this be considered deceiving the emperor?

Is this something you can say?

Look at that.

Look at your disciple.

She's just as defiant as you.

Guards.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Take her away

and flog her 40 times.

- Yes. - Wait.

This is my fault.

I'm willing to take full responsibility.

Your Majesty,

please don't blame others.

I came without permission.

That's the first crime.

I showed disrespect toward authority.

That's the second crime.

I failed to discipline my disciple.

That's the third crime.

Your Majesty, please give appropriate punishment.

You're a divine official

who's not involved in worldly matters.

But she's not.

She offended me

and the evidence is clear.

Her crimes implicate her parents,

her children,

and her spouse.

Masters and disciples aren't included.

So tell me.

Who are you to her

to accept the punishment on her behalf?

You have nothing to say, right?

I know spiritual cultivators like you

are unrestricted by worldly constraints.

You can even disregard the law

and take her away.

Then let everyone from Crimson Residence

take the punishment

in her place.

- Your Majesty. - Master.

Stop pleading for me.

I'm willing

to accept the punishment.

It's an honor

to be convicted guilty of this matter.

A small action can have far-reaching consequences.

The repercussions of one person

can serve as a warning to the people.

I shall grant your request.

You shall bear this punishment alone.

During the execution, you can't use magic techniques.

You only said not to use it to resist.

You never said I can't use it for another purpose.

I'm all right.

Yan'er,

I'll never let you down

in this lifetime.

LONGEVITY HALL

LONGEVITY HALL

Ying'er.

Yes, Your Supreme Majesty.

I have found the Sea Emperor.

How did you determine his identity?

He matched the time and place

predicted by orrery.

The dragon mark was revealed on his face.

He even used Merfolk Clan's supreme secret technique.

Did you capture him?

The situation was complicated at the time,

so I intentionally let him go.

You should've gotten rid of him at that time.

If he's really as you say,

this person should be eliminated as soon as possible.

Your Supreme Majesty,

now that Evil Star has become weak and dim,

whether it's good or bad,

the threat to Kongsang

has greatly diminished.

Currently, it's difficult to tell whether he's a friend or a foe.

I have a feeling

that I'll meet this person again soon.

At that time,

I'll definitely uncover the truth

and provide an explanation to the world.

Good.

If the matter with Evil Star is resolved,

you'll achieve an unparalleled feat.

Ying'er,

if you return to the mortal world

at that time…

Your Supreme Majesty.

When that day comes,

I'll leave my post.

I'm glad

that you're willing to descend the mountain.

However, leaving the post

will subject you to Tribulations of Hell

to endure countless trials and sufferings.

At that time, it will be a matter of life and death.

I've made up my mind.

All right.

So be it.

Your Supreme Majesty,

leaving the post doesn't mean

I'll return to the imperial court.

I only wish to live a carefree life

for the rest of my life.

To live a carefree life for the rest of your life?

Since the establishment of Jiuyi Mountain,

you've been the most accomplished cultivator.

Are you sacrificing your supreme cultivation

and using your hard-earned freedom

only to hide in the mountains and wilderness?

You're destined

to revive Kongsang.

I don't have the grand ambitions that you have expected of me.

I only hope that from now on,

I don't let others down

and remain true to myself.

The urgent matter at hand

is to handle the matter with Evil Star.

The fate of the world

lies in your thoughts.

I'll do my best.

Since I can make you leave your current post,

what happens after this is not up to you.

Father.

I only said what you asked me to.

So you see?

Consort Qing indeed couldn't find any reason

to accuse Crimson Clan.

Unfortunately,

I couldn't hold myself back in front of His Majesty.

- It hurts. - Don't move.

- Stay still. - Don't move.

- Stay still. - I knew you would act up.

I've been cleaning up your mess since you were a child.

I'm already used to it.

However, this time,

you were too bold.

What if His Majesty gets angry

and beheads you?

Your impulsive nature

of speaking without thinking.

When can you change it?

Am I not fine now?

Father,

why is my room

exactly like the one in Extreme Wind City?

It's because your father pities you.

He's worried that you don't sleep well here,

so he turned this room

just like your room

in Extreme Wind City.

Father.

Mother.

Please don't worry about me anymore.

Don't worry.

I won't do it again.

All right.

- As long as you remember this. - Don't forget what you said.

My lord, my lady.

Preceptor is here to visit the princess.

Master is here.

- Preceptor. - Preceptor.

Crimson King and Queen.

It's my fault for implicating your daughter.

You're her master

who saved her from danger multiple times.

It's natural for Yan'er to defend you

in front of His Majesty.

I've brought some medicine from Jiuyi Mountain.

Thank you, Preceptor.

Thank you.

Yan'er,

you mustn't behave like this anymore.

Don't worry.

His Majesty probably won't want to see me again.

Master, it's actually a good thing.

If others find out

that I dared to offend even the Emperor,

they won't trouble me anymore.

Here. Drink the decoction.

Master, I should do it myself.

My hands aren't injured.

Be careful.

Just let me do it.

Here. Be careful.

Let me serve you instead.

Sorry. My hand slipped.

Stop.

I said

if you go any further, you'll…

I told you to stop talking.

It's better to die in clean clothes.

Stop.

Master,

it's just some superficial wounds.

You don't have to worry too much about me.

There are already clues about Evil Star.

I was just about to tell you

that Keeper Yuan

is the one I've been searching for,

the one referred to by Evil Star

as the Sea Emperor.

What?

Chi Yuan is the Sea Emperor?

Yes.

I've confirmed it.

Over 7,000 years ago,

when Emperor Xingzun unified Yunhuang,

the Merfolk and Kongsang people lived in peace.

However, because Merfolk Clan

lacked a truly powerful leader

that they never rose to prominence.

The Sea Emperor became the only hope

for Merfolk Clan.

I'm uncertain if the one Evil Star pointed out

is good or bad.

The Sea Emperor's attitude

becomes the key.

If he's a cruel and warlike person,

the whole Yunhuang

will be engulfed in a war.

If he's a compassionate person,

the two clans can continue

to live in peace.

Yan'er,

you know the Sea Emperor.

Based on your understanding of him,

what kind of person is he?

If Chi Yuan is truly the Sea Emperor,

that means Evil Star

is a great sign to Kongsang

because he's the most kindhearted person.

He never speaks harshly to others.

Every year, he takes me to release birds and animals.

Everyone in Extreme Wind City knows that.

So you often accompany him

to release birds and animals?

Yes.

Before I ascended Jiuyi Mountain,

we would go every year.

The same year I became your disciple,

we also released Salang Eagle…

Yan'er, are you all right?

I'm fine.

It's my fault for getting too excited.

It's all my fault

that you suffered such a serious injury,

yet I kept asking you.

It's not that, Master.

Actually, the things you asked

are the things I've kept in my heart.

To others,

they may see Chi Yuan

as just fulfilling his duties as a keeper,

but only I know

the depth of his feelings.

In his heart,

I'm his friend,

younger sister,

and family.

Master, I'm Kongsang people.

If Chi Yuan discriminates

against the Kongsang people,

he wouldn't have done what he did.

I understand now.

Besides, I believe that good and evil

can't be determined by race.

Just like there are unscrupulous individuals

among the Kongsang people.

There are also righteous

and generous people among the Merfolk.

As long as you're willing

to sit down and talk with Chi Yuan,

I believe

that the decision you two make

will bring happiness to the world

and blessings to Yunhuang.

I'm staying

in my mother's old house in the east of the city.

If he's willing to come,

I'll prepare tea and await his arrival.

You rest well for now.

I'll come and visit you another day.

All right.

Yan'er,

if you like releasing animals,

I can accompany you after this.

What do you think?

Really?

Don't move too much or the wound may come apart.

If so, drinking the bitter decoction would be in vain.

You sure are insightful.

Isn't this Master White?

Today, let Master White

supervise you to rest well.

Master White.

Is this child really the Sea Emperor?

Logically speaking, the dragon mark should appear

and fade after a month.

However, why is there not a trace of it on his body?

He refuses to admit that he's the Sea Emperor,

so the dragon mark didn't appear.

That was how I was able to trick Preceptor

and make him believe that I'm the Sea Emperor.

However, the blood of the Sea Emperor in him has already awakened.

That's why his high fever won't go away.

Then we should send him

to the nearby Quanke Village for treatment.

I know there's a highly skilled physician.

Ordinary Merfolk physicians are of no use.

How could they heal someone

with Dragon Blood's power accumulated for 7,000 years?

Would the Sea Emperor be in danger?

Die.

The entire Merfolk marine force deserve to die.

I'll kill all of you.

Why…

Why is this child saying such nonsense?

If I were his age

and witnessed my own mother

being killed by the Merfolk marine force,

I would also consider them

as lifelong enemies

and kill them without mercy.

How could this happen?

Ruyi.

Deep down in your heart,

you also know Elder Jian's actions are wrong

and you don't agree with him

causing unnecessary sacrifices of our Merfolk brethren.

Am I right?

However,

Elder Jian has been leading the Merfolk marine force

for hundreds of years.

They've never given up on reviving our country.

Now that we've found the Sea Emperor,

maybe everything will change.

They keep talking about reviving the country.

But now,

the lives of countless Merfolk like Sumo

were destroyed by them.

Sumo may be the Sea Emperor,

but he's still a child.

Ruyi.

I failed to protect you in the past.

But now, I want to protect him.

I absolutely can't let him fall into the hands of the Merfolk marine force.

However, this child's body can't hold on for much longer.

If she makes a move,

Sumo will be saved.

Wipe them all out.

Mother…

My lady, why are you up?

You're seriously injured.

Before my master left,

he transferred spiritual power to me

to heal my injuries.

I'm much better now.

I feel full of strength throughout my body.

Is this for me?

Yes.

I picked this up at the door.

AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE HOPES TO MEET YOU

An old acquaintance hopes to meet you.

It's from Chi Yuan.

Dragon Blood Jade?