Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Episode 26]

Stop dawdling, Huo Yuan Jia!

Come and face your death!

You two are guests.

Elite Martial Arts should greet you with some drinks.

Zhen Sheng.

Go tell Madam that we have important guests.

No need.

I brought my own wine.

My disciple wants to fight with you.

Are you going to accept the challenge or not?

No.

Why open a martial arts school if you won't accept challenges?

Promote Chinese martial arts.

Strengthen the countrymen's physique.

Most importantly,

so that the Westerners would stop belittling us.

You made it sound more impressive than China opera.

Fight!

-Master. -Master.

Sir, within the 10 moves you used,

there was the Mantis Fist, Tongbeiquan,

Shaolin's Arhat Fist,

Baguazhang,

and Hung Ga of the South Sect.

You incorporated so many methods seamlessly and skillfully.

You must be a master of masters.

I'm truly in awe.

Enough of your sweet talk.

Fight!

Sir, I do not wish to fight with you.

Neither do I.

My disciple.

You fight.

Fight back!

You better fight back!

You can't even beat my disciple.

How dare you open up a school?

What's more, calling it "elite"?

So you don't want to fight?

All right then.

Destroy your school's plaque...

and cripple one of your arms.

My disciple and I will leave straight after...

and leave you in peace.

I don't want to fight.

Since you two aren't interested in making friends,

Elite Martial Arts will see you out.

Please leave.

-Please leave! -Please leave!

Boy.

A smart tiger knows when to back away from wolves.

Besides, fighting those two must have used up your energy.

Plus, my alcohol addiction is back.

We will go.

The days are aplenty. Let's go.

Master, you're leaving just like that?

Chen Zhen, you're still wet behind the ears.

I've already got a plan.

I'll make sure he can't say no to fighting us.

Now, let's go and drink.

We'll go to that wine shop in front.

[Martial arts]

Chen Zhen?

That's right.

That's the name.

I heard it clearly.

Mr Nong, have some soup. Drink while it's hot.

Thanks, Ms. Xiao Lian.

What did you find out, Zhen Sheng?

After leaving, that old beggar went to a restaurant with his disciple.

A vat of aged wine was this big, and he had three.

His disciple didn't drink and only ate food.

They then headed to the concession territory.

The concession territory?

Judging from the old man's clothing,

it's weird that he would go there.

Jin Sun.

Why did you ask Zhen Sheng to trail them?

Knowing your enemies is key to beating them.

They showed up out of the blue.

We should find out about their background.

What makes them enemies?

I thought about it properly.

I must say the name Chen Zhen doesn't ring a bell.

None of my enemies in the past was named Chen.

His master is probably a senior who is living under the radar.

The martial world is vast and hides many talents.

Someone highly skilled but unknown to most people,

he's not the first one.

His moves were deft and swift.

He could switch between methods easily.

It was eye-opening.

As the saying goes, there is always someone who is better out there.

It's too bad the old man was unwilling to be friends.

He wouldn't even accept a drink.

If I could discuss martial arts with him,

practise moves,

it would've been hugely beneficial.

Be friends?

Master, you must have a heart of gold.

Chen Zhen was so obnoxious!

If I see him again,

I'll smash his rib cage!

Da You.

That Chen Zhen is of a similar age as you.

You fought him today and you weren't better than him.

Is that why you don't like him?

That's not true!

I...

I'm angry because they ridiculed you.

The fault lies with the newspaper for painting me as an arrogant person.

They must have seen the newspaper...

and decided to come to make trouble.

That Chief Editor Cao Da Ren of Haishang Newspaper...

sure put me in a tough spot.

[Haishang Newspaper]

[Chief Cao!]

[Chief Cao!]

Chief Cao.

Bad news, Chief Cao.

What's all the ruckus?

I think you should see it for yourself.

Who is this?

What's going on?

What...

Did you two come from the countryside?

This is a newspaper office.

Are you trying to rob us?

Listen up. We're in the foreign concession.

If the municipal police catch you,

you'd be immediately shot dead!

Don't just stand there.

Call the police!

Go!

We can't call.

We were going to make the call and that's why he...

So what are they here for?

They want to publish an announcement but have no money.

Misters, you want to publish an announcement without paying?

Did you think we're still the same paper from half a month ago?

Do you think you can publish for free?

Listen up.

We're currently the best-selling newspaper in Shanghai Bund.

I'm now in the top position of the region's press.

Still don't get it?

Okay, fine.

Just you wait.

Wait there.

You there. You're the boss, right?

Come, come over here.

What do you want to announce?

Why so adamant?

Tell you what.

We may not have any money,

but if you publish our announcement in the paper,

it will definitely sell more.

You have nothing to lose.

Have you forgotten...

how your newspaper managed to make a turnaround?

Old sir, could your announcement be...

related to that Huo Yuan Jia?

Of course.

It's really related to him?

You should've said so then.

You guys should've asked properly.

We almost lost an important client.

Let's talk in my office, Sir.

Okay.

[Haishang Newspaper]

[Chief Editor's Office]

No, no.

You can't say it like that.

That's...

Who's going to want to read it?

What you said it a very big matter.

Putting it like that loses the impact, you know?

Listen.

Send Huo Yuan Jia a challenge.

A death duel.

Do you dare?

-Death duel? -That's serious.

Sure.

That's no big deal.

Good!

If you dare do that,

the newspaper will publish it for you for free!

Also, the follow-up stories will be done free of charge.

We can build the stage for you free of charge too.

Okay, it's a deal then.

Great, I'm glad.

Guys, come in, all of you.

I'm sure you heard that.

This will be the headline news for tomorrow.

Now, I need an editor for this...

to help polish Mr Chen's death challenge.

Who thinks they can do it?

Well...

I don't think that's good.

You do it.

No way.

I'm not doing that.

You guys are useless during such a critical time.

He Ma Li.

She's our best writer in the newsroom.

She'll help you write it.

I'm a news reporter.

This is not what I do.

Isn't this the biggest piece of news in Shanghai Bund right now?

Do a good job.

It's going to help sell 1000 more copies of our paper.

I'm giving you a great opportunity, He Ma Li.

Seize it!

I told you, I won't do it.

After the hoo-hah with faking Huo Yuan Jia's statement,

you are still unrepentant?

If it hadn't been for the statement,

did you think we'd have survived?

We would've all lost our jobs!

You're clearly instigating unnecessary fights.

Even if I will lose my job, I won't do such a thing.

He Ma Li.

You're fired!

Fine, I'm done!

What...

What are you looking at?

Get back to work.

My apologies.

Young people nowadays.

She... She doesn't know what's good for her.

Okay.

I'll write a letter of challenge for you.

First thing tomorrow,

the name Chen Zhen will resound across Shanghai Bund.

"My purpose is clear."

"Beat Huo Yuan Jia."

"Take down Elite Martial Arts."

He's on the newspaper again.

This Huo Yuan Jia...

has become Shanghai's new favourite.

He doesn't seem to know the rules.

You supported him and even gave him an invitation.

But he hasn't come to pay his respect.

When you're the blue-eyed boy, you can play hard to get.

We don't have anything scheduled today, right?

-No. -Good.

Let's go check out what's happening at Elite Martial Arts.

I wonder if that country boy, Chen Zhen,

would be put to the ground by Huo Yuan Jia.

Enjoy, Sirs.

Preposterous!

How dare he ridicule the Huos' ancestors?

If I'm Huo Yuan Jia,

I'd kill him on that stage.

Who will win and who will lose?

It's hard to say.

None of us managed to beat Huo Yuan Jia.

Let alone an unknown boy from the countryside.

Master Ye.

Do you actually think...

that Chen Zhen's kung fu is better than yours?

I've got word that...

they already fought briefly at Elite Martial Arts yesterday.

That young man named Chen Zhen...

took down two of Huo Yuan Jia's disciples easily.

He cannot be underestimated.

That means the duel today would be interesting.

I'm going.

Since I lost to Huo Yuan Jia,

my school has turned quiet.

Most of the disciples have left.

I have nothing better to do anyway.

My wrestling school has also been quiet.

My students haven't been coming.

I'll go too.

We'll all go.

We have the time anyway.

Let's go.

Do it properly.

Over here.

Clear these away. Quickly.

-Move it. -Hurry up!

Come, hurry up.

Move it.

Move over there a little.

-Okay. -More to that side.

A bit more.

[Elite Martial Arts]

Watch it.

Where are the two banners?

What banners?

The banners that say, "Beat Huo Yuan Jia" and "Take down Elite Martial Arts".

It's still being made. I'll get them.

-Get them right away! -Okay.

What are you doing?

Have you read the newspaper, Mr Nong?

Yes.

That's why I'm asking you.

This time, my hands are clean.

Chen Zhen challenged Master Huo to a death duel.

Even if Haishang didn't publish it,

the other newspapers will. Right?

I assure you that I didn't make it up this time.

I'll show you.

Chen Zhen signed this himself.

[Chen Zhen]

The paper only published what was given to us.

Yuan Jia wants me to tell you.

He won't fight.

He won't get onto the stage.

That's fine.

Chen Zhen made it clear.

He is going to fight Master Huo on this stage no matter what.

He won't back down without a fight.

Don't worry.

The kid who challenged him...

is just a boy who's still wet behind the ears.

His master is a beggar who can't even afford a pair of shoes.

He's no match for Huo Yuan Jia.

I purposely tricked Chen Zhen into signing the death challenge.

With this, there will be no liability for his death.

Am I right?

Tell Huo Yuan Jia that he must kill him.

Otherwise, the news isn't sensational enough.

After this duel,

Huo Yuan Jia's name will be on everyone's mouth.

Of course,

Haishang Newspaper would sell a lot too.

You little...

Hold on!

Quick, take the photo!

Those from Elite Martial Arts are bullies! Quick!

Quick, take the photo!

Take it.

Like this.

Did you get that?

Mr Rong has come to spectate too.

Hero Lei,

Nanquan master, Master Ye,

Mighty Wrestler, Ba Tu, are all here.

Haishang Newspaper paid for the stage to be built.

That Chief Cao is such an opportunist.

He spares nothing to get what he wants.

When I saw the death challenge in the paper this morning,

I guessed what had happened.

We shouldn't have let him off the hook before.

That scoundrel!

He should be ushered to face the King of Hell.

Jin Sun.

When did you become so hot-tempered?

Master.

I know you promised Grandmother not to duel with others again.

I'll fight on your behalf.

Zhen Sheng.

You're never short on effort,

but you lack natural talent.

Your odds of winning against Chen Zhen is low.

I'll do it.

My right leg...

is much better.

I'm not going to lose to him today!

You have a lot of strength but lack flexibility.

There is not much assurance that you'd beat Chen Zhen.

Master.

Why do you keep praising the opponent? You are more than capable.

I told you.

Those two are not necessarily our enemies.

Master.

You've read the newspaper.

He said, "The Huos' ancestors were unscrupulous crooks,"

"stealing for their own gains."

They humiliated our ancestors!

-And you don't think they're enemies? -Yeah.

Provoking Master...

is asking to be my undisputed enemy!

I'll kill him today for sure!

Zhen Sheng.

Do you remember the house rules?

Yes, the Huo's three virtues and four transgressions.

Recite the four transgressions.

Four transgressions.

One, do not sell out your country. Two, do not fight without a cause.

Three, do not commit treachery or adultery, Four, do not kill.

Very good.

Not a word amiss.

You and Da You, come with me to the study room.

[Huo Yuan Jia]

Zhen Sheng.

Prepare the ink for Da You.

He will write the four transgressions 1000 times.

Da You,

once you're done, you'll prepare the ink for Zhen Sheng.

He will then write the four transgressions 1000 times.

No matter what happens outside.

you two are not allowed to leave the study...

until you've finished writing.

It's inconvenient for me to step outside right now.

Please help me stick the notice on the main door.

And?

Elite Martial Arts will be closed temporarily...

until they remove the stage.

Doing that will make you the laughing stock of the martial world.

So what?

It's only an instant gratification.

Only a rough-neck would do that.

My goal of opening Elite Martial Arts...

is to promote Chinese martial arts.

It is not to fight to become the world's best.

Besides, that Chen Zhen is still young.

It would be a pity if he suffered any losses on the stage.

His master is very skilled,

but his complexion is pale.

He must have a persisting ailment.

He's an old man.

It's not right to get him to fight on stage.

Moreover, I haven't done anything wrong to warrant their hate.

There must be someone inciting the matter.

I'm choosing to lay low.

After some time,

the misunderstanding will naturally dissipate.

I'm actually looking forward to that day coming.

So I can befriend the old senior...

and share our knowledge in martial arts with each other.

It would be so nice.

All right.

Having ambitions.

Knowing when to back down.

Understanding courtesy.

A great man indeed.

[Elite Martial Arts]

[Beat Huo Yuan Jia]

[Take down Elite Martial Arts]

This way, please.

Come.

Make it look good.

Clear the stage.

Everyone,

have you read today's Haishang Newspaper?

Today's event came about...

because Mr Chen Zhen came to our office...

to publish this news.

It's certainly caused a shock.

I shall read the article for you all now.

Why is that Cao here to sell his newspaper again?

This man lacks morals.

He's willing to do anything to sell his paper.

He's the one who paid to build the stage.

"My purpose is clear."

"Beat Huo Yuan Jia."

"Take down Elite Martial Arts."

"Huo of Tianjin has come to Shanghai to brag."

"Many who did not know the truth were deceived."

"He claimed to be the champion after Hou died from an illness."

"But he's only trying to play up to the late hero."

"What a shame!"

"The Huos' ancestors were unscrupulous crooks,"

"stealing for their own gains."

“Father, Huo En Di,”

“claimed to be the successor of Yanqing Fist.”

“Calling himself a grandmaster,”

“he tricked unknowing men into paying for his mentorship.”

“Guandong became his playground.”

“As for Huo Yuan Jia's Deceptive Fist,”...

“it is nothing more than embellished, useless kung fu.”

“Now, he has opened a school in Shanghai.”

“Tooting his own horn and deceiving disciples.”

“His establishment is clearly a scam.”

“And yet, he had the audacity to say he's helping the country grow strong.”

"What a joke!"

"The martial world is vast."

"The undefeated gets to rule."

"Fraternity is scarce,"

"but hierarchy is easily proven on the stage."

"I, Chen Zhen,"...

"may be a nobody in the martial world, and an inexperienced lad."

"But I have great passion"...

"and am skilled in kung fu."

"I abhor arrogance"...

"and will beat down pretentious punks."

"The above is my death challenge declaration."

"I hereby challenge Huo Yuan Jia."

"If he loses his life while fighting me,"...

"I shall not be blamed."

"I, Chen Zhen, hereby announce, if anything were to happen to me,"...

"or if I lose my life,"...

"it is due to my own incompetence."

"Huo Yuan Jia will not be liable."

"I ask all of Shanghai's residents to be the witness."

"Declarer, Chen Zhen."

What a great article.

A masterpiece!

I didn't expect...

a young man like Mr Chen Zhen...

is not only a great fighter,

but also an excellent wordsmith.

Clap for him! A round of applause!

-Nice! -Good!

Good!

-Someone's coming. -Here he comes.

Who's that?

That isn't Huo Yuan Jia.

What is he putting up?

What's that?

What's happening?

Not sure.

What's he putting up?

[Notice]

Who are you?

I'm here for Huo Yuan Jia!

That's right.

Mr Nong.

Go and get Master Huo to come out.

Everyone's itching to see the fight.

-Yes! -That's right!

We want Master Huo!

The newspaper will continue to follow up on the story.

If Master Huo wins...

His reputation in Shanghai would be off the charts!

Yes...

Right...

Come out and fight!

Come out...

-Come out! -Show yourself!

Make way.

"Elite Martial Arts was not set up for"...

"one, money,"

"two, bragging rights."

"There has always been just one goal."

"It is to strengthen our countrymen's physique."

"I, Yuan Jia, will not accept Chen Zhen's challenge."

”Elite Martial Arts will be closed, effective today"...

”until the stage is removed.“

"Huo Yuan Jia."

-What? -What does that mean?

He won't fight?

Is he fighting or not?

How can he just back down like that?

Wait a minute!

What the heck is this?

Is this is a white flag or what?

Come on...

-Come out! -Come and fight!

Huo Yuan Jia!

Come out!

Get out here!

Come out...

-Huo Yuan Jia! -Come out!

-Come out! -Come out!

-Come out! -Come out!

Huo Yuan Jia, show yourself!

Come out...

Come out...

Bring me the drum!

-Alright! -Nice!

Huo Yuan Jia!

Come out!

Everybody shout with me!

Huo Yuan Jia!

Come out!

Huo Yuan Jia!

Come out!

Huo Yuan Jia!

Come out!

-Huo Yuan Jia! -Huo Yuan Jia!

Come out!

-Huo Yuan Jia! -Huo Yuan Jia!

Come out!

-Huo Yuan Jia! -Come out!

Do not be distracted while training.

-Huo Yuan Jia! -Come out!

Huo Yuan Jia!

Come out!

-Huo Yuan Jia! -Come out!

-Huo Yuan Jia! -Come out!

-Huo Yuan Jia! -Come out!

[Come out!]

[Huo Yuan Jia, come out!]

[Huo Yuan Jia!]

[Come out!]

There's no need to imitate me.

Train this for three years,

you'll be able to do it too.

Continue!

-Yes! -Yes!

Huo Yuan Jia, come out!

Huo Yuan Jia!

Come out!

[Huo Yuan Jia! Come out!]

Huo Yuan Jia, come out!

Huo Yuan Jia!

Perseverance is key in learning kung fu.

Train even during the harshest winter and hottest summer.

Learning the moves without building groundwork is useless.

Train your inner Qi.

Improve physical strength.

Huo Yuan Jia!

Come out!

Huo Yuan Jia!

Don't act dumb with me!

Get yourself on stage and fight!

If you refuse to show up,

I'm going to curse your ancestors!

Come on.

Does he have to curse him?

Curse the ancestors?

That's bad manners.

Mr Chen.

Hero Chen.

Huo Yuan Jia is scared of you.

He doesn't dare come out.

Looks like you have to curse him.

Huo Yuan Jia!

-Your ancestors are... -Enough!

Boy.

Have some restraint in your speech.

Old man.

Who are you?

Insolence!

You dare be rude to Mr Rong?

What are you two doing?

Have you finished writing?

Master.

They're knocking at the door,

shaming your ancestors!

We can't tolerate it anymore!

Master, if we do nothing,

how are we supposed to remain in Shanghai?

Shame my ancestors?

I heard nothing of such though.

Today, someone comes to challenge us and we fight.

Tomorrow, another person comes to challenge and we fight them.

Are we going to fight forever?

Then what's the point of opening Elite Martial Arts?

Might as well just build a stage.

Go back to your writing.

A thousand times each person.

You'll write 1000 more if you make any mistake.

Remember this.

Learning kung fu is easy but having composure is not.

Chinese martial arts is a balance between inner and outer training.

The chief editor of Haishang Newspaper.

You're Cao, aren't you?

Yes, that's right, Mr Rong.

I'm Cao Da Ren.

At your service, sir.

Put down the loudspeaker and talk properly.

Did you instigate this whole thing again yourself?

No, I did not.

This article really did come from Mr Chen.

We published it as is.

No instigating whatsoever.

Okay.

Chen Zhen.

Please repeat the content of what was published in the paper.

-Repeat it! -Just say it.

-Yeah. -Go on.

-Say it. -Say it!

-Say it! -Say it!

What is it that was published?

Say it!

What's the matter?

You can't retell it?

I assume the content that was published in the paper...

represented your own thoughts.

It can't be hard to retell it.

-Right. -That's right.

Repeat it!

Repeat it!

-Say it! -Just repeat it.

I want to fight Huo Yuan Jia!

Fate will decide who lives and dies on the stage!

No regrets!

What is that about?

It's totally different from the paper.

It's different from what was read.

It's different.

He didn't write it?

That's why he can't remember it.

-Yeah. -It must be.

How could he say that?

That's more like it.

You obviously look like someone who hadn't studied much.

It's already a feat you managed to retell those few lines.

Cao Da Ren.

Isn't that right?

So you concocted the whole incident.

Those harsh words targetted at Huos' ancestors...

came from you, right?

If Huo Yuan Jia had lost his cool...

and killed Chen Zhen on the stage,

your newspaper would make the biggest deal out of it...

and there would be a sales boom.

Am I right?

No, no! No such thing!

Mr Rong, you're mistaken!

Cao.

You have no shame!

What about we force your company to close?

Get lost!

-Get off the stage! -Go!

Get off the stage!

Get off!

-Get off! -Get off!

You're Chen Zhen, right?

I'm guessing you're from the countryside.

So you know some kung fu and think you can take over the world?

I'm afraid you've been taken advantage of by Cao...

and so this joke happened.

It's not your fault. You may leave.

I'm not leaving!

I have yet to fight Huo Yuan Jia.

So I'm not leaving!

You're a stubborn one.

Tell me then.

What is your level and which school or sect are you from?

How dare you challenge Huo Yuan Jia?

That's right. Which sect are you from?

Which school?

-Yes. -Right.

Mr Rong is right.

You're just a nobody.

Who is your master? Reveal his name.

Let me hear it.

Yes, tell us the name!

-Say it. -Say it!

No, I won't.

What is up with this kid?

Could it be that you don't have a master?

You've caused such a mess.

Mr Rong is sparing your life by letting you go.

You better scram!

Just go!

Leave!

Get down!

Right, aren't you ashamed?

Just get down!

I have a master.

From which sect?

My master is the head of No Shadow Sect.

Never heard of it.

Yeah.

Why are you laughing?

I'm telling the truth!

My master is very skilled. There is no one stronger than him!

There is no one stronger?

No Shadow Sect?

I've never heard of it.

What did your master teach you?

Kung fu that is traceless?

Show us some moves.

We want to check it out.

Yes...

Show us what you've got.

Fine.

Who exactly is your master, Chen Zhen?

Many reputable figures of the martial world are present today.

Stop toying with us.

I told you.

My master is from the No Shadow Sect.

I'm his school's first disciple.

So what is your master's name?

He's an old man with no name.

Nonsense!

Within the set you displayed,

there were essences from several big schools.

Only a powerhouse of the martial world would be able to teach you that.

Even the Tiger and Crane Fist...

was incorporated into your moves.

Who exactly is your master?

Yeah.

Who is your master?

Say it!

Come on!

Come now, all of you!

Why are you making things hard for the boy?

Chen Zhen, don't be afraid.

Master is here!

Master.

Get your camera ready.

Did you teach him those moves?

What if I did?

May I ask for your name?

Which sect are you from?

I have no name.

I created the No Shadow Fist.

My disciple has already told you.

Don't test our patience!

I've had enough for you two making fools of us.

It's written clearly in the paper.

My disciple is challenging Huo Yuan Jia to a death duel.

Be it whichever sect, school, or name.

What has it got to with today's duel?

You people are the ones fooling with us.

You were all defeated by Huo Yuan Jia.

Don't you feel ashamed to be standing there?

Masters of the martial world?

My foot!

You guys are an embarrassment to martial artists.

If I were you,

I'd have made a noose and hung myself.

What did you say?

I will break you with my mighty wrestling!

Master!

Shoot it.