Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Episode 45]

Federer,

the boxers you have found are mediocre at best.

They won't stand a chance against Alex.

Not only will it not help Yuan Jia,

it will mislead him.

Let's not overthink this.

Martial arts was born in the battlefield.

Who can predict what they'll face in the battlefield?

Who cares what tricks that Western boxer has?

We'll just throw everything at him.

But Bertrand is the organizer of this match.

Bertrand is determined to win.

And he's familiar with Yuan Jia's techniques.

He'll clue Alex in...

on the strengths and weaknesses of Chinese martial arts.

He'll have the upper hand...

while Yuan Jia has nothing.

Master.

Master,

there's a man outside...

who wishes to see you.

-What kind of man? -A young man.

He looks like a trained fighter.

And modern, too, without a braid.

Some trendy kid wants to challenge us?

And he wants a word with Master?

He's out of his gourd.

I'll tell him to leave.

Sha Yan,

I'll take a look at this man.

Maybe he's not here to fight.

So you're Huo Yuan Jia?

I've seen you in the papers.

You look much shorter...

compared to the pictures.

How can you even compete with Alex?

You're not the same weight class.

What did you say?

How dare you disrespect our master?

Show me what you've got.

Wait.

Federer,

he said "weight class".

Yes.

Weight matters in a fight.

You look to be 75 kg, tops.

Alex is 130 kg.

It's not fair.

Don't you know this rule?

You know Western boxing?

I'm a Western boxer myself.

But you're a Chinese.

How did you learn Western boxing?

I was born in Canton...

and had been a servant.

When my master went abroad, he took me with him.

Sadly, within our first year,

my master died of the plague.

Without any money to come back, I stayed there,

scraping a living as a sparring partner for boxers.

I was a punching bag.

Eventually, I picked it up.

I have fought in France and England,

and have won more often than I lost.

Westerners are built big.

It's hard to find a good boxer in my weight class.

To be able to dominate Western boxing as a Chinese...

Very impressive.

Forgive my ignorance.

I've only been back for a month,

having spent my fifth day in Shanghai.

Pity I wasn't in time to see your match against the Japanese.

The timing was one thing,

the ticket price was another.

I couldn't have afforded it.

When I read news...

that you're going to fight Alex, I came here immediately.

Perhaps I can give you a few tips.

Master,

don't listen to his fancy talk.

He might be a fraud.

He sure looks like one.

Chen Zhen,

see what he's made of.

You claim to be a Western boxer.

Where are your boxing gloves?

Not all boxing matches require gloves.

Alex can take anyone on, glove or no glove.

Otherwise, he wouldn't claim to be the best in the world.

You know your stuff.

May I know what your name is?

My surname is Qiu.

Just call me Ah Liang.

Brother Ah Liang,

please come inside.

Wait.

Master, you go inside first.

I'll put this Western boxer...

through his paces.

If you want to fight me,

you'll have to do so in a ring.

Chasing each other in the yard...

isn't my style.

[Martial arts]

Western boxing is a contest of speed and power.

Here's a demonstration.

Watch and learn.

Their footwork is less advanced.

But once they break through,

they're relentless.

Can I have a volunteer?

Me!

Master,

looks like he's not a fraud,

but the real deal.

Master Huo,

I had the fortune of witnessing three of Alex's matches in Europe.

He's indeed an exceptional boxer.

He's a cut above the other strongmen.

You lose to him...

in terms of height, weight, strength,

and most importantly, experience.

I heard he fights at least 50 matches every year.

No normal boxer could accomplish that.

The battle looms near,

and we have no one who understands Western boxing.

You are a godsend, Ah Liang.

[Boxing Champion Alex the Great]

This is my masterpiece.

Boss, I don't get it.

What's with the iron spikes?

Huo Yuan Jia's Chinese martial arts is no doubt impressive...

with its fanciful moves.

It is almost like magic.

Alex...

might take a punch or two from him.

But...

considering their height and weight,

the one who falls in the end...

will be Huo Yuan Jia.

For a sick man of Asia, losing to Alex the Great...

is no shame.

He should be honoured to have stood in the same ring as Alex.

Finally, I shall have my revenge.

He will perish.

[Conquer The World Tour]

[Martial arts]

Just as Ah Liang predicted,

they've requested to fight in a boxing ring.

You'll be fighting on a stage enclosed with ropes.

Here's the kicker.

To make the match more thrilling...

and more watchable,

they've suggested putting spikes all around the ring.

Whoever loses...

and falls off the stage...

will lose his life.

It must be Bertrand's idea.

He had lost a fortune when you fought the Japanese.

He has a grudge against you.

He has a lot of faith in Alex the Great.

Of course, anyone would have faith in such a formidable boxer.

After all, he hasn't lost in 100 matches.

What kind of match is this?

The Westerners are despicable.

Since I've chosen to fight,

I will not fear.

Even against a thousand enemies,

I will charge ahead.

Even against a thousand enemies,

you will charge ahead.

Yuan Jia,

I've known you for years.

But today, my respect for you...

went up a notch.

I propose...

a round of applause for Yuan Jia.

What shall we do?

Stay out of this for now.

You got it.

If you need our help,

just give us a holler.

[My sister and I will never get in Elite Martial Art's way.]

Are you Huo Yuan Jia?

Yes, my lord.

We'll talk in the house.

The rest of you, stay outside.

Huo Yuan Jia of Tianjin,

give Master Huang your greetings.

Greetings, Master Huang.

Impudent!

Master Huang is the Old Buddha's right-hand man.

You're a common man.

Kneel before him!

Never mind.

He's a big hero.

So what if he doesn't kneel?

And what will I gain if he does?

Master,

forgive my ignorance.

May I know what my school has done to displease the Qing government?

You've done it this time.

Master Huang travelled days and nights,

from the capital to Tianjin,

just for you.

That's enough.

You're scaring him.

I've heard much about you, Huo Yuan Jia.

I was expecting someone more rugged.

But here you are, fresh-faced and well dressed.

You look more like an opera singer.

Huo Yuan Jia.

As you can see by my plain clothes and lack of formality,

I'm trying not to make a scene.

So I hope you'll keep our conversation...

between the three of us.

Yes.

How may I be of service?

I heard some time ago,

you got into a fight with the Japanese...

and emerged victorious.

Not bad...

Better than our boys in Beiyang, I'd say.

When word of your triumph reached the capital,

the Old Buddha was overjoyed.

But you're a stubborn little mule, aren't you?

Why didn't you quit while you're ahead?

The Japanese and us share the same roots.

We're not that different, after all.

Winning over the Japanese is well and good.

But did you have to pick a fight with a Western boxer?

Are you stupid?

Or tired of living?

I must uphold the honour of Chinese martial arts.

Whether it's a Japanese fighter,

or a Western fighter,

I welcome any challenge.

Challenge?

Did the government give you permission?

If you lose,

the Qing government will lose face,

as will the Old Buddha.

And what if I win?

You want to win?

What if we offend the Westerners?

Have you seen their navy?

You think you stand a chance against their guns?

It'll be the Eight-Nation Alliance all over again!

Besides...

I hear that Western boxing champion...

What's his name...

Alex...

is as tall as a tower.

His voice is as loud as a bell's.

A mere shout from him...

would strike fear in any man's heart.

His fists are as big as your face.

His neck is as thick as my waist.

You, with your puny limbs,

are way out of your depth.

Need you put outsiders on a pedestal...

while belittling your own people?

I have accepted the challenge on the papers.

I cannot back down.

There's a time for bravery and a time for retreat.

Your pride is worth nothing.

This is what I've learned...

after spending a life-time in the palace.

I'd never have told this to anyone else.

Huo Yuan Jia,

I didn't come here to shoot the breeze with you.

The Old Buddha doesn't want you fighting the Westerners.

Do you know what to do?

Your hometown is Tianjin, isn't it?

You have an aging mother and a tender child to take care of.

Why don't you take your family back to Tianjin...

and let this matter go?

The match...

is in three days.

You want me...

to be remembered as a quitter?

I'm offering you a chance to live.

Don't get testy with me.

Think about your wife and your son.

Don't make things difficult for the Qing government.

Otherwise, as soon as you step into that ring,

heads will roll in your house.

Yuan Jia,

what did they tell you?

I cannot say.

[Boxing Champion Alex the Great] [Conquer The World Tour]

[Boxing Champion]

[Conquer The World]

Did you see him?

That's Bertrand.

In his days as a consul in Tianjin,

he was quite the pain in the Qing government's neck.

A real savage.

Your plan...

worked like a charm.

Our informants said,

last night,

while his disciples were asleep,

Huo Yuan Jia fled by carriage,

taking his wife, his son...

and his blind mother...

to freedom.

This matter has kept me up at night.

Scaring Huo Yuan Jia away was the only way...

to appease the Westerners...

while keeping Old Buddha happy.

As long as he doesn't show up,

I have nothing to worry about.

Master Huang,

you're a genius.

Well?

That old eunuch is here.

I bet he's involved.

You're right.

He must've said something to Huo Yuan Jia...

to intimidate him.

Now he's gone.

That's impossible.

Master is no coward.

He'd never back down.

Then how come his entire family disappeared overnight?

Can't blame Huo Yuan Jia.

He's a filial son.

His mother's life is on the line.

He had to yield.

I agree with you.

But now we must think...

how to deal with the public.

Yuan Jia's forfeit...

might cause an uproar.

Elite hangs in the balance.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Ladies and gentlemen!

Welcome to the Conquer The World Tour.

First, let's give a big hand to...

boxing champion, Alex the Great!

This Westerner is built like an ox.

Master Huo is doomed.

Yeah.

Shut up.

It's anyone's game.

As reporters, you mustn't speculate.

Okay, we'll shut up.

Next, let's hear it for Huo Yuan Jia of Elite Martial Arts!

Go.

Huo Yuan Jia!

Go for it!

Huo Yuan Jia!

Where's Huo Yuan Jia?

Huo Yuan Jia! Huo Yuan Jia!

Huo Yuan Jia!

There are twice as many people betting on this match...

and thrice as much money at stake as last time.

If Huo Yuan Jia forfeits the match,

you'll easily break even...

or even make a killing.

Huo Yuan Jia!

Huo Yuan Jia, where are you?

Here I am!

Chen Zhen...

What's the meaning of this?

You're Chen Zhen, not Huo Yuan Jia.

We don't need our master...

to beat you Westerners.

Even I, Chen Zhen, can do the job.

So he is Chinese?

He knows nothing about the rules of the fight.

Please hold on, sir.

Your power must have scared off your opponent.

It's a forfeit if Huo Yuan Jia doesn't show up right now.

The referees are confirming it...

and will announce it as soon as possible.

Police!

Arrest the troublemaker, Chen Zhen, immediately!

Not so fast!

Huo Yuan Jia?

Master...

-The master's here... -The master's here...

-Master. -Yuan Jia.

Master Huo is here.

Master...

Master...

Master, you're finally here.

Your biggest flaw is your impatience.

Work on it.

I will, Master.

-I... -This...

Everyone.

I was held up on my way here.

My apologies.

My disciple, Chen Zhen, was too high strung.

He broke the rules.

I apologise on his behalf.

Great...

Great...

Since Huo Yuan Jia has arrived,

let the match begin!

Come on!

Master!

Yuan Jia.

Master...

Go for it, Master!

Nice...

Nice!

-Nice... -Nice...

-Well done. -Nice...

Master.

-Nice! -Nice!

-Nice... -Nice...

-Nice. -Nice.

-Way to go. -Well done.

Nice...

Well played.

-Great! -Great!

That's the way!

Huo Yuan Jia!

Yay!

We won!

-We won... -We won...

Huo Yuan Jia thwarted us.

He must be punished.

Bravo...

Master Huang.

Master Huang.

Why do you cheer for him?

He's won.

He's preserved the pride of the Qing government...

while respecting the Westerners.

Everyone's happy.

How can I not cheer?

Bravo...

Are we going to charge Huo Yuan Jia, then?

For what?

Bravo...

-Huo Yuan Jia... -Huo Yuan Jia...

-Huo Yuan Jia... -Huo Yuan Jia...

-Huo Yuan Jia... -Huo Yuan Jia...

-Huo Yuan Jia... -Huo Yuan Jia...

Father, Mother is going into labour!

Who are you calling, boy? Who's your father?

My father is Huo Yuan Jia.

Yun Ying,

why did you disobey me...

and went to watch my fight?

After you left,

Mother asked me to follow you.

She said she's in good hands...

with Xiao Lian. She didn't need me.

She also said, with my good eyesight,

I should watch you...

defeat the Westerners and bring glory to China...

on her behalf.

I've asked Zhen Sheng...

to carry the good news to her.

She must be very happy.

You've bested the champion of Western boxing,

and done your forefathers proud.

Of course she's happy.

The good news I'm talking about...

is our cute, chubby newborn.

Don't make fun of me.

I know you wanted a daughter.

But...

A son is okay, too.

I'm happy.

You're still young.

You'll have more babies.

Hopefully daughters.

I'm glad you're happy.

Why don't you name our son?

[Revolutionary Army]

"Ge".

I shall call him Huo Dong Ge.

Why?

When we came to Shanghai,

Jin Sun recommended a few books to me.

The first one was Revolutionary Army.

In that book, Zou Rong coined the word...

"Ge" or "revolution".

With it, we'll live on.

Without it, we'll perish.

Chen Tian Hua wrote in his book, Bell of Awakening,

that if we're ever to expel the Westerners,

it'd be through independence and revolution.

Ten years ago,

when I heard the word "revolution",

I scoffed at the idea.

When I got to know Nong Jin Sun...

and found out he's a revolutionary,

I kept my distance from him.

Later,

seeing Ah Fa die in a revolution...

and Sha Yan affected by the system,

I was never the same again.

But today, I finally realise...

some ideologies are better lived than understood.

Our country is in shambles.

Revolution is the only way forward.

It's a good name.

For one, it'll remind me of your growing wisdom...

and ambition.

Second, it'll remind our son...

of his father's aspirations.

But...

I have a suggestion.

How about we use "ge" as in "pavilion" instead?

You're worried his name is too provocative?

I understanding your thinking.

We'll use "ge" as in "pavilion" instead.

[Nanquan Martial Arts Club]

Master Ye.

Huo Yuan Jia.

I never thought...

you'd be the one to send me off.

I'm not here to send you off.

May I ask where you are heading?

To my hometown.

You've defeated the Japanese and the Westerners.

You're a big hero now.

My disciples are swarming to Elite Martial Arts.

If I stay in Shanghai, I'll just starve.

I implore you to stay back...

and help me rebuild martial arts.

What do you mean, Master Huo?

As I've said,

I'm on a mission to rid martial arts of its outdated ways...

and all the strife,

to build a new kind of martial arts.

I've decided to rename Elite Martial Arts...

as Elite Athletics Association.

I would like you to be one of its leaders.

Join me in forging a generation of hardy, educated youths.

Are you serious about this?

This is not a joke, is it?

If there's one thing I'm bad at, it's making jokes.

For your information,

Mighty Wrestler Ba Tu has agreed to join me.

The leader of Eagle Claw Sect, Master Chen Qiu Feng,

will also be chairing the organisation.

Eagle Claw Sect?

But they're your arch rivals.

To reform martial arts,

we must bury the hatchet...

and work towards the common good of glorifying Chinese martial arts.

Very well.

Master Huo,

you have convinced me.

I will join your cause.

[Elite Athletics Association]

[Elite Athletics Association]

Grandma, Mrs. Huo,

look this way.

Smile, Grandma.

One, two, three.

-Have a seat. -After you, Yuan Jia.

Ready? One, two, three.

Wait.

Get one more chair.

Master Jin Yan, come join us.

Me?

Master, I can't possibly...

Elite Athletics Association...

is now open to female students,

with you as their leader.

So take a seat.

Go.

Well done...

-Well done... -Well done...

One, two, three!