Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Episode 24]

My brother-in-law received news of Ah Fa's death...

and was overcome by grief.

He passed away soon after.

My sister...

It was even harder on her.

The back to back tragedies broke her.

She committed suicide.

There is no one else left in the family.

What's the use of money now?

This all happened because of you!

Yes.

Ah Fa had taken this path because of me.

I should be the one to finish his mission.

But I'm not that lucky.

I did not get the opportunity to be called a hero.

Ah Fa died for you.

Ah Fa died for the people!

A couplet is written on Lord Tan's tomb.

"Time will not grind down the stone that stands everlasting."

"Mountains attend to the outstanding hill like waves."

The couplet represents the admiration and gratitude...

for Lord Tan's bravery and sense of responsibility and sacrifice.

In my mind,

Ah Fa stands on the same pedestal as Lord Tan.

Ask yourself honestly.

Will you still stand by the Qing government?

I cannot control what your aspirations are.

But you...

You shouldn't have gotten Huo disciples involved in such danger.

Huo disciples?

If the country crumbled,

is Huo school be able to hold it up alone?

I'll be honest with you.

Ah Fa was already one of us at the beginning of the Gengzi Year.

He took part in the Guangdong uprising.

Impossible!

If he took part in the uprising,

why would he still return to the school?

Yuan Jia,

did you think revolutionaries fight to the death on battlefields?

That's not true.

To us,

it's more important to become seedlings.

Bury ourselves wherever that is appropriate in China...

and wait for the right time.

Ah Fa came back to us...

so he could become a seed?

When he was needed the most,

he sacrificed himself without a second thought.

It caused a ripple among the people.

I believe...

you were one of them too.

How has the past year been?

Not bad.

Where do you live?

We've moved four times.

We're preparing to move again.

What is your livelihood?

There is plenty to do in the South.

My disciples and I are strong.

We can earn a living.

But, Huo Yuan Jia of Tianjin,

the Opium Hero,

should be leading a more ambitious life.

I only wish for my family to be safe.

I currently live in Shanghai.

There are more Westerners there than in Tianjin.

By using opium and weaving the narrative of the "sick man of East Asia,"

they've been oppressing the people mentally.

And the situation is going to get worse.

Many experienced warriors in the martial world...

couldn't stomach their oppressive and reckless ways.

So they opened up martial arts schools to strengthen the body,

in hopes of breaking the misconception of the "sick man."

Well?

Will you join them?

Is this why you came to see me?

Strengthen the countrymen's physique.

Smash the Westerners' fallacy.

I did my research.

Your name has a place among the greats of the martial world.

If you open a school, it is sure to be well received.

And you?

I'll help you run the school.

Like seeds?

Think as you wish.

But I've found a suitable spot for you.

As a martial artist,

and a deserving hero,

there is a place for your skills in Shanghai Bund.

[Phoenix House Jewellery]

[Shanghai Qingyu Building] [Rong Jin Clothing Store]

[Victoria Fresh Seafood]

[Elite Martial Arts]

-Good... -Great.

Nice!

-Good! -Nice!

Nice!

-Great! -Awesome!

Nice!

How about a photo?

I'll take a photo of you guys.

-Okay. -Stand under the plaque.

Got it.

[Martial arts]

-Mother. -Good boy.

Watch your step.

Mother.

This marks our settling down in Shanghai.

[Honesty and Virtuous]

For the past year, you've had to live like a nomad.

It's my fault. I kowtow to you in apology.

Stand up.

You two may rise.

Mother.

Why are you staring at my hair?

I've been a bad son for worrying you.

You've gotten more white hair than before.

My son avenged his father's death.

That is great filial piety.

When the child is facing difficulty, the mother can't help but worry.

It's all part of living.

There, there.

Don't feel bad about this matter ever again.

Yuan Jia.

There's a party outside.

The joyful noise makes me happy.

The hall of the Huo house will be bustling with energy again.

That's right, Yuan Jia.

Since arriving in Shanghai,

Mother has been in good spirits.

Her hair will no longer be black,

but her eyesight is much better.

Is that true, Mother?

Yes.

Your wife is very thoughtful.

She applies medicine on Mother's eyes every day.

Don't make a big deal out of it, Sister.

It's what I'm meant to do.

Sister,

in the future,

leave the task of caring for Mother to me.

As for you, focus on keeping yourself in tip-top shape.

What's the matter?

Are you feeling unwell?

Don't you know?

Your wife...

is pregnant again.

-Look at him. -Really?

An addition to the family is a joyous occasion.

Being safe and harmonious is a blessing.

Yuan Jia.

Don't do anymore risky and dangerous things.

Understood.

By the way, Sister,

are Dong Yuan and Dong Fang doing okay in school?

Absolutely!

I got someone to find out.

The school Mr Nong arranged for them...

is the best one in Shanghai.

It's a full boarding school.

They only get to come home once a week.

I won't be able to nag at them now.

The two children are more than happy about that.

I'm glad they like the school.

Master!

Master.

We have an important guest.

He looks like a distinguished senior.

He is here to congratulate you.

I'll be right there.

You must be a distinguished martial artist in Shanghai.

Sorry for not greeting you sooner.

May I ask for your name?

Old man, aren't you here to congratulate us?

Why did you suddenly attack?

Da You.

This senior was just testing my kung fu.

Mind your manners.

Sir,

your moves just now were superb.

I'm in awe.

May I know who it is from the School of Bagua am I speaking to?

You see but you have no perception.

I'll enlighten you.

This elder with the luscious beard is the number one Bagua master in Jiangnan,

Lei Ting Yun.

So you are Old Senior Lei.

Sorry for being rude.

My father spoke of you when I was just a boy.

You are a true grandmaster of the Baguazhang.

It's an honour to meet you in person.

Easy for you to say.

Why don't you show it by kneeling and kowtowing to the senior.

Then remove the Elite Martial Arts plaque...

and change it to the School of Bagua.

Say that again?

Mister, why did you have to make such rude remarks?

You're the one who was rude first.

How dare you point fingers at others?

When have I begrudged you, sir?

Enough with your pretense.

I came today specifically to fight you.

You claimed martial arts in Shanghai are ostentatious, right?

So today, I'm going to see for myself what makes you better.

Wait.

Senior Lei.

Your accusation has honestly confused me.

I wonder who instigated this?

Shut up!

You made baseless claims...

and now said someone instigated it?

When did I make baseless claims?

Tell me then.

Is there another Huo Yuan Jia from Tianjin?

I don't think so.

Right, then.

Who are you to humiliate Shanghai's martial arts practitioners?

That's right!

You're too arrogant!

Yet avoiding taking responsibility!

Huo Yuan Jia, you talked big like an expert.

Do you actually know kung fu?

Right.

-Do you know it? -Can you fight?

Can you actually fight?

Make way!

Make way!

-It's Master Ye. -Isn't that Master Ye?

Where is Huo Yuan Jia?

I'll put him in the coffin today!

Or else I'd destroy the Elite Martial Arts!

You're Huo Yuan Jia?

Luckily, Senior Lei spared him.

This punk is still alive.

Otherwise, I would've regretted getting here too late.

Senior Ye of Nanquan.

There's been a misunderstanding between Senior Lei and I.

I doubt it!

Senior Lei has no patience for troublemakers.

And I'm exactly the same.

Senior Lei is elderly.

Please spectate for now.

Let me first break his three ribs.

Not bad.

The death contract!

[Death contract]

[Signed by Ye Shuang Xin]

See this?

I've signed my name.

Your turn.

Sign it and then we'll fight.

Man determines victory.

Heaven determines death.

If you die, you deserve it.

Gentlemen.

I am new to the area.

I honestly do not know what I've done wrong.

Please enlighten me.

Enough talk!

The humiliating words you said about us,

do you expect me to repeat them in public?

Sign the warrant.

I'm waiting no more.

Why sign this?

It's not necessary.

Everyone, step aside.

I'll make minced meat out of him!

Everyone.

It's the opening of Elite Martial Arts.

I haven't had the chance to visit the other schools.

I know it is not in accordance to traditional codes of courtesy,

but I made an announcement in the paper.

That was my respectful greeting towards the senior martial artists of Shanghai.

Why then are you making things difficult for me?

You call that announcement a respectful greeting?

You must be joking.

Mr Rong.

-Mr Rong. -Mr Rong.

It's Mr Rong.

Even Mr Rong has come.

When I saw the paper, I thought this man named Huo is overly presumptuous.

I was hoping...

someone would come and put him in his place.

And so I hurried here early in the day to catch the show.

But you three heroes have arrived before me.

Huo Yuan Jia.

You made such arrogant remarks.

That meant you must be well prepared.

Stop being such a tease.

The three men before you are well-known figures...

in Shanghai's martial world.

Huo Yuan Jia.

Who do you wish to fight first?

You can choose.

Sorry, Sir.

I have no intention of fighting with anyone.

Moreover, this spot is not meant for fighting.

Not meant for fighting?

I get it.

You want a stage, don't you?

Sure.

A duel between masters need to happen on the stage.

That's not a problem.

Anyone from Hong Yi Court here?

At your service, Mr Rong.

Find some carpenters and build a stage in that spot.

Yes, Sir!

Let's go.

Today is Elite Martial Arts' grand opening.

I do not wish to fight.

Do not want to fight?

I see.

We care a lot about expressions in Shanghai Bund.

Today is supposed to be an important day.

If they accidentally killed you,

that would be a shame.

Three heroes,

I hope you show me some courtesy.

Postpone this for a day.

The stage should be ready tomorrow.

You can then teach the country bumpkin a proper lesson.

-Okay, Mr Rong. -Okay, Mr Rong.

All right.

Everyone, disperse.

Come back tomorrow for the real show.

Huo Yuan Jia.

I'm eager to see you get beaten on stage tomorrow.

Scram!

[Haishang Newspaper]

[Punching and kicking through the martial arts schools in Shanghai]

[Huo Yuan Jia of Tianjin]

Where is Nong Jin Sun?

Mr Nong!

Brother Zhen Sheng and I have been looking for you per Master's order.

Where were you?

Quiet down, Da You.

I'm in a hurry.

Nong Jin Sun!

The people at the door.

Explain it.

It's no use explaining to you.

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

You baited Master into coming to Shanghai with fake promises.

But you published that nonsense in the paper!

Are you trying to kill Master?

I'm Yuan Jia's sworn brother.

You should be calling me Uncle.

Who are you to reproach me!

I've no right to reproach you.

But I can beat you up!

Liu Zhen Sheng!

Your master is already agitated.

Mr Nong is part of our family.

We must not fight among ourselves right now.

Mrs Huo, please let me explain.

Yuan Jia has been waiting for you.

You should go and explain to him.

[Haishang Newspaper]

Yuan Jia.

What exactly is your intention?

Come with me.

Where to?

Haishang Newspaper.

If you don't come with me to the newspaper office,

I won't be able to explain the matter properly.

Are you saying...

you didn't change the statement on Elite Martial Art's opening...

without my permission?

Of course not.

Then what is this statement that was published in the paper?

About that...

The editor-in-chief must know the answer.

I was shocked when I read the paper this morning.

I hurried to the newspaper office to find out what happened.

But after waiting for hours,

I've yet to meet the chief editor named Cao.

The staff there said...

he was up late last night to finish a story and had gone home.

He'd be back in the afternoon.

I worried there might be trouble here,

so I decided to come back first.

Yuan Jia, come with me to the newspaper office.

Let's find out what happened.

This is a serious matter.

I don't want it to cause a rift between us.

What?

Don't go with him, Master.

He's devious!

We don't know if he set any traps again.

Yes, Master.

This person had caused the death of Brother Wen Fa.

You must not trust him, Master!

Da You.

You know better.

Ah Fa was my nephew!

He was the family member I was closest to in this world.

Yuan Jia.

If you trust me,

we'll go to the office and find out the truth.

If you don't,

I'll save my breath.

I'll take it that we had never met.

Yuan Jia.

When we were in trouble,

it was Mr Nong who helped bury your father and brother.

If we consider that,

he's trustworthy.

We have to be quick.

He came out.

That's Huo Yuan Jia.

Huo Yuan Jia!

-Da You. -Da You.

-What's the matter? -What are you doing?

Master.

We'll accompany you.

No need.

Shut the door.

Keep it closed no matter what happens outside.

[Haishang Newspaper]

[Reception]

Take care.

I want to see Chief Editor Cao!

Who's making a scene?

Who did this?

Don't just stand there.

Call the municipal police!

Cao!

Who let you change Elite Martial Art's statement?

Where are your ethical standards of journalism?

It's you.

Come inside. I happen to want to see you.

Come inside and we'll talk.

Come.

Sit.

Tell me right now.

Who gave you permission to change the school's statement?

Calm yourself.

Let me ask you one question first.

That Huo Yuan Jia who came to Shanghai to open the school.

Can he fight or not?

What do you mean?

This morning, I sent three reporters...

to standby at Elite Martial Arts.

The grandmaster of the Baguazhang, Lei Ting Yun,

Nanquan master, Ye Shuang Xin,

and Ba Tu of Mighty Wrestling.

The fact that those three showed up together is in itself headline news!

More impressively,

even Mr Rong was drawn into the matter.

But why didn't Huo Yuan Jia make any moves?

With his one punch,

the sales for tomorrow's paper would double!

If one of them died,

it would be triple!

So you changed our statement because you wish to sell more papers?

I'll be frank.

Our little newspaper has been struggling in recent times.

We're barely staying afloat.

Your statement came just in time.

You know what?

Today's paper sold 800 more copies.

That's 800!

He hit him!

Good hit.

Good hit!

Now that you hit me,

I feel much better inside.

If I hadn't changed the statement,

our newspaper would've had to shut down.

These people outside...

There are editors, reporters,

managers and assistants.

Their livelihood depends on the newspaper.

Most crucially,

I already owe them three months' pay.

They have my head in a noose.

Getting hit by just you is no big deal.

If they were to revolt, I'd probably be dead.

You!

All right, now.

Don't be so angry.

Let's talk about serious business.

A country bumpkin like Huo Yuan Jia opened a school in Shanghai.

It's all just to make money, right?

He's a fighter after all.

He can't be scared of challenges.

You need to persuade him.

He must fight tomorrow.

If not, newspaper sales would dip again.

What about this?

I'll give you half of the company's revenue.

Okay?

You're shameless!

-What? -I'm going to kill you!

Jin Sun!

You listen up, Nong.

Our office stands in the concession territory.

You'll be shot dead by the municipal police if you commit murder!

-I'll... -Jin Sun!

Who are you?

Huo Yuan Jia.

You're Huo Yuan Jia?

You look more like a scholar than a fighter.

Will you die soon after you go in the fighting ring?

That wouldn't be worth reporting.

Even thieves have morals.

Cao, you're worse than a thief!

I...

Jin Sun, let's leave.

Make sure he fights.

He must fight!

What rotten luck to have met a scumbag like him.

I've failed you, Yuan Jia.

You unwittingly made enemies with Shanghai's martial artists.

It's too late to clear the air.

I think we'll have to leave quietly at night.

Leave?

The name, Huo Yuan Jia of Tianjin, has been published in the newspaper.

If I leave just like that,

I'd become a laughing stock.

Then what?

Are you really going to fight?

Do you remember what you said to persuade me to come to Shanghai?

I just opened Elite Martial Arts.

How can I close it just like that?

Perhaps, this is a step I have to take,

to get the Elite name out through staged duels.

There are things...

and people...

that you cannot hide from.

Just like Ying Si.

Yuan Jia.

You...

You've changed.

You told me there's a place for me here in Shanghai Bund, right?

An ambitious life cannot be without vigour.

[Elite Martial Arts]

[Tai Long Department Store]

Why isn't Huo Yuan Jia coming out?

Scared to be beaten to death?

He probably ran off with his family last night.

[House of Yi Ming]

Please quiet down.

Quiet down!

Rest assured, everyone.

Last night, Mr Rong had sent enough men...

to seal off the house.

Run away?

Impossible!

-Mr Rong. -Mr Rong.

I met that Huo Yuan Jia yesterday.

He is no match for the three masters.

I'm just worried he might not even last one round.

That would mean no news.

Do you have any good ideas, Mr Cao?

Our aim is to use these staged duels...

to increase the paper's sales.

To do that,

the paper has to be popular, right?

-Yes. -Yes.

For the paper to be famous, the chief editor has to be famous.

-Yes. -Yes.

Help me get up.

Push that way.

What are you doing up here?

I'm from Haishang Newspaper.

Let me say a few words.

You...

Respected martial arts masters,

ladies and gentlemen.

Good day.

I'm the chief editor of Haishang Newspaper,

Cao Da Ren.

Cao Da Ren...

Huo Yuan Jia's statement was published in my newspaper.

That's right.

There are probably many of you who haven't seen it yet.

That's alright.

I'll read it out for everyone again.

Give me the paper.

Take a good look.

Haishang Newspaper.

Haishang Newspaper.

Published yesterday.

"Punching and kicking through martial arts schools of Shanghai."

That's the title of Huo Yuan Jia's statement.

"People say..."

"Jiangnan is filled with outstanding talent..."

"and skilled masters lie hidden in Shanghai."

"Huo Yuan Jia of Tianjin."

"Now 30, I started learning martial arts since young."

"I've wandered the martial world for years and have yet to lose to anyone."

"I've now arrived here..."

"to open up Elite Martial Arts in Zhabei."

"Kung fu is part and parcel of the martial world."

"As residents of this world, slashing and gnashing are inevitable."

"Yuan Jia sacrificed a lot to come to Shanghai."

"I will not only promote Elite Martial Arts,"

"but more importantly, strengthen Shanghai's martial arts scene."

"Because the scene in Shanghai is pathetic,"

"grandiose but impractical."

I'm not finished!

"Punching and kicking through martial arts schools in Shanghai."

"Huo Yuan Jia is ready to use his skills..."

"to turn around Shanghai's martial arts scene."

"I hereby announce..."

"I'm ready to fight whomever that wants a challenge."

"Huo Yuan Jia of Tianjin."

Huo Yuan Jia, that arrogant punk! Get out here!

Come out!

Come out!

-Come out! -Get out here!

Come out if you're so great!

-Show yourself! -Come out here!

Everyone.

Everyone.

Please quiet down.

Do allow me to say a few more words.

When I received the draft from Huo Yuan Jia,

it pissed me off so much I had wanted to shred it up!

But then I thought,

if I didn't publish it,

that country bumpkin, Huo Yuan Jia would think no one in Shanghai is his match.

Our newspaper is ready...

to follow up on this matter by reporting today's staged duels...

with photos and articles...

to show our appreciation to our loyal readers.

-Good! -Nice!

Haishang Newspaper?

Why haven't I heard of it before?

It's a small news company that is on the verge of closing.

After publishing Huo Yuan Jia's statement in their paper yesterday,

they sold a few hundred more copies.

[Haishang Newspaper]

No wonder...

the chief editor is trying so hard to get the name out.

You're making noise up there...

just to sell your newspaper?

When will Huo Yuan Jia show up?

-That's right. -Where is he?

Listen, everyone.

In case Huo Yuan Jia is a coward and wouldn't come out,

why don't we all shout his name...

and force him to come out?

-Okay! -Okay!

Huo Yuan Jia!

-Huo Yuan Jia! -Huo Yuan Jia!

Don't be a coward!

-Don't be a coward! -Don't be a coward!

Come fight!

-Come fight! -Come fight!

-Huo Yuan Jia! -Huo Yuan Jia!

-Come fight! -Come fight!

-Come fight! -Come fight!

[Come fight!]

-[Come fight!] -[Come fight!]

-[Accept the challenge!] -[Accept the challenge!]

[Coward!]

-[Coward!] -[Cowards!]

[Huo Yuan Jia!]

-[Come fight!] -[Come fight!]

[Huo Yuan Jia!]

-[Accept the challenge!] -[Accept the challenge!]

Huo Yuan Jia!

-Don't be a coward! -Don't be a coward!

-Come fight! -Come fight!

-He came out. -He came out.

Huo Yuan Jia, please sign the death contract.

This is a kung fu match.

Stop when the meaning is conveyed.

Why the need to sign a death contract?

Nonsense!

We've already signed it.

I already made an exception.

In case I killed you,

I wouldn't want your wife to sue me for my money.

Huo Yuan Jia.

The three of us have already signed the death contract.

If you won't sign it,

then get on your knees...

and address me as grandfather.

Forget the contract.

Huo,

you claimed to have sacrificed a lot to come to Shanghai.

You're the cause of today's incident.

The stage has been set...

and yet you're trying to weasel your way out.

You really are a coward!

Unless you crawl around the stage three times like a turtle,

I will not let this pass!

-Coward! -Huo Yuan Jia is a coward!

Huo Yuan Jia, do you need a hand getting up?

Looks like it's not just talking.

He's trained.

Everyone saw me just now.

I couldn't get up here without some help.

This means Huo Yuan Jia is at least...

stronger than me!

[Huo Yuan Jia]

Hurry, take a photo.

[Death contract]

Hey...

The contract is signed. Man determines victory.

Heaven determines death.

If someone dies,

the opponent is not to be blamed.

Huo Yuan Jia,

Shanghai's top three martial artists are present.

You may choose your first opponent.

All right then.

I will first challenge Nanquan.

Okay.

Let's welcome, the king of Nanquan, Ye Shuang Xin,

a master of the Tiger and Crane Methods that dominated every challenger.

Master Ye, please!

-Good! -Good!

Ladies and gentlemen!

Master Ye is a famous individual.

Ten years ago, he came to Shanghai from Guangdong...

to attend the Martial Arts Conference.

There, he showed off the Tiger and Crane...