"Story and Screenplay by:" "Chiu Chi-keen" "Executive Producers:" "Cheung Ai-ling, Chen Bik-giu" "Assistant Director:" "Lee Lai-yuen" "Directors:" "Daniel Lee Yan-kwong, Choi Jing-shin, Ma Yuk-fai" "Executive Producer:" "Ma Yuk-fai" "I've promised you that I won't return" "Do not yearn for what is now just a memory" "If there's anything here that warrants me to stay" "It will be that you've once loved me" "In the end, a treacherous road is still a road" "I take away with me my feelings for you" "There may be no tears, but the heartache remains" "Can freedom return to me once again?" "When I let go of your hands" "It is as painful as dust in my eyes" "My love for you ends on a murky note" "The pain I caused can all be traced to me" "I will never regret that I have loved" "But my life will now be a lonely one" "The wounds fade away like distant lights" "As I return to my wandering roots" "I will never regret that you loved me" "It's just that our love cannot last" "The short-lived bliss that we had is enough" "As long as I still cherish it, I will be happy" "THE MASTER SWORDSMAN" "You're finally here, officer!" "You're finally here!" "Please help me." "There are bandits in there!" "They want to rob everything that I have!" "See for yourself!" "They have more than 20 men, and they are all savage as hell." "They've taken all my money and held my family hostage." "What can we do?" "My money..." "Silence!" "Go!" "Help!" "Help!" "What's going on inside?" "What about my money?" "Another one dead!" "And my honey is still in there!" "Jin Cheng Gang!" "Darling!" "Help me!" "They want 5000 taels or they'll cut my hand off!" "Hurry!" "Think of something!" "You..." "And I thought you guys came here to help me!" "Fine, I'll pay 100 taels!" "100 taels!" "He's willing to pay 100 taels, Big Brother." "Yes!" "It's 200 taels now. 200 taels!" "Darling!" "They still want 5000 taels!" "Give us 5000 taels and we'll let her go!" "We're losing our patience!" "Hurry!" "Save me!" "500 taels!" "Big Brother!" "It's 500 taels now!" "Come and help me, darling!" "1000 taels!" "Help!" "Chop her head off!" "Help me!" "Help!" "How dare you rip my shirt?" "!" "Charge!" "Who are you?" "I need to borrow your head." "Bullshit!" "You are..." "Ximen Chuixue." ""PHOENIX VILLA"" "Having a rare guest at my place is an honor indeed." "Don't tell me your name just yet." "Let me guess." "From the aura of your sword "Shadow", can you perchance be the so-called "Shadow Swordsman"," "Ximen Chuixue?" "So it is indeed true, Hua Manlou." "It's been said that you know everything in the outside world without leaving your home." "I have a favor to ask." "I need information on a person." "Can he perchance be Yin Zhengdao?" "Surely you must know about my rules." "Do you mind opening the box for me, gentlemen?" "The actual head of the head of the Yim Gang." "That's special indeed." "It's just a stinking head!" "Nothing special about it." "What I have in my hand, Hua Manlou, is even more impressive." "I've brought your favorite Maiden Red Wine!" "What a glorious day." "It is an honor to have two supreme martial artists visiting my abode." "Please, have a seat, have some wine, and allow me, Hua Manlou, to tell you a story." "To know about Yin Zhengdao, one must first dwell on the past." "It was 20 years ago when the frontier kingdom of" "Jin Peng was fast gaining power." "The Emperor felt threatened, so he sent troops to conquer them." "To ensure his demise, the ruler of Jin Peng was ordered to kill himself on the day of his defeat." "His death was a severe blow to his two ministers," "Yin Zhengdao and Duan Yufei." "They vowed revenge and hoped to revive the kingdom someday." "Lately, rumor has it that Yin and Duan conspired to kill" "King Phan, who was sent to stabilize the frontier." "Their plan is to crown the Princess of Jin Peng and force her to award the minister's title back to them, but their infighting made them the rival of one another." "The truth is that both Yin and Duan have sunk too deep into the heart of darkness." "Yin in particular had become very ruthless." "He had wanted to abduct the Jin Peng throne, and by secretly assassinating so many martial artists, he is obviously planning a major invasion." "The Jin Peng kingdom now has a bounty for his head, not because of his plan to revolt, but because Yin has stolen a treasure map from them." "Turns out that the past Jin Peng emperors had secretly put aside a hoard of precious gold and jewels for future use." "Thus, the treasure map marks where this hoard is stored." "I've heard that the treasures are located near the border gates..." " Chi Tung!" " Are you all right?" "Assassins!" "Put down the treasure map now!" "Charge!" "Here!" "Take it!" " Chi Tung!" " Chi Tung!" "What are you doing?" "Go, all of you!" " Chi Tung!" " Chi Tung!" " Don't mind me!" "Just go!" " Chi Tung!" "GO!" "CHI TUNG!" "Let's go, Wang Dao!" "Sire, the treasure map is now in our hands." "...but Yin's kung fu is beyond belief." "His "Devil's Spell" sword stance is invincible." "No one has yet to fight beyond 4 moves with him." "So how can we find Yin?" "I've heard they are heading South, but I don't know who they're looking for." "However, for those who're from Jin Peng, be it men or women, they'll have a royal emblem imprinted on their body." "Good!" "Lu Xiao Feng!" "Are you competing with me?" "Ximen Chuixue, others may be afraid of you, but I'm not." "Let's see whether your "Shadow Sword" is indeed more powerful than my Lingxei Finger!" "Let's get out of here!" "Hey!" " Go!" " Let's get the hell out of here!" "You two have come here to Phoenix Villa to fight?" "Look what you've done." "I get no respect from you two!" "Shek, one of the "Oumei Three Swordsmen", is challenging you to a duel." "Perhaps you should first defeat Shek before you challenge Yin." "Lu Xiao Feng." "If you kill Yin Zhengdao, then I'll kill you." "We'll talk more if you survive your duel with Shek!" "What is it, Sire?" "Duan is stronger than I thought." "He's already gathered fighters from the South to block our way." "Charge!" "Father!" "Ziyi, you're a woman now." "Your father can't always protect you forever." "Remember." "When you encounter fear, as long as you confront it head on, it will go away very soon." "Do not give chase!" "Father!" "Miss, we are with Yin Zhengdao, minister of the Jin Peng kingdom." "Please respect and allow us to be on our way." "It's precisely because of Yin that all of us "36 Demons" are here." "The minister's corpse is worth thousands." "Just his head alone is worth 5,000 taels of gold." "How dare you!" "Let's go!" "Birds for sale!" "Birds for sale!" "Buy yourself a bird today!" ""SAN KONG INN"" " On!" "On!" " On!" "Sit down!" "Father." "You're badly hurt." "It's all my fault." "I took a hit from them." "We shouldn't stay here." "I'm fine." "Let's keep going." "Not until you have recovered." "But..." "I'll go and get some herbs." "You watch over him." " Father!" " You must not do that for me, Sire." "How about this?" "I'll go and get the herbs so that I can also get food for our trip." "Fine, but be careful, Ziyi." "I will, father." "I'm going." "Would you like a lantern, Miss?" "No, thanks." "Need some herbs, Miss?" "Mister, I have no money." "Someone has just stolen my purse." "Can you lend me some, Mister?" "I promise I will pay you back later." "Sorry, Miss, but I only lend money to my regular customers." "Here comes your tea!" "Not bad, isn't it?" "Bravo!" "That was good." "Here." "This is for you." " Thanks!" " Come here, lady." "This is from me." "Oh, your hand is so smooth!" "Look, grandpa, we have enough money for the next few days now." "We can finally have a good meal!" "Your beef noodles are here, gentlemen." "Waiter, get us another pot of tea." "Hurry!" "Sure." "Here's your tea." "Hey, check out that lady." "Not bad!" "Looks good!" "Sirs, would you like to hear a song?" "A song?" "Fine, I'll pay 20 taels for you to sing" ""Lui and Diao meet at Fung Yee Pagoda, two hearts collide and embrace in passion"!" "I have plenty of money." "Wouldn't it be better if I pay you to spend a night with me?" "Don't go, Miss!" "No!" " How much for a night?" " Don't come near!" "Don't worry, we'll be gentle." "Let me touch your hand!" "Stop right there!" "What?" "Who's there?" "Bro..." "Brother!" "We didn't know you were here." "Sorry." "Lf... if you like her, then you can have her!" "Go." "Fine, we're going!" "Miss!" "Miss!" "Please don't go, Miss." "May I ask your name, young swordsman?" " He's Lu!" " Lu!" "Hua had said that the Jin Peng clan is recognized by the emblem imprint." "So, she is from Jin Peng!" "Look at the fireworks!" "So pretty!" "Hot buns!" "Fresh off the steamer!" "Sugar-coated candy!" "Father, look!" "That was the man who helped me today." "His name is Lu." "What a coincidence, Mr. Lu." "You're here too!" "I'm here to see the fireworks." "That must be your father." "Yes, that's right." "He's my father." "Mr. Lu, thanks for helping me out today." "Don't mention it." "With such a beautiful face like yours," "I'm sure others would have eagerly helped you if they could." "May I ask your name, Miss?" "Oh..." "My last name is Yin." "Yin?" "Miss Yin." "Step aside!" "Move!" " Go away!" " What's going on?" " Ziyi, we must go!" " Father!" "He even followed us here." "What a capable lad." "Thank you, sir, for helping my daughter out today." "Please accept my gratitude." "Don't mention it." "In this world, one should help someone in need." "May I ask your full name, Mr. Lu?" "I am Lu Xiao Feng." "Oh, so you are the infamous Swordsman Lu." "No wonder your air stance is so good." "May I ask your full name as well, elder?" "Whether you are a friend or a foe, let's be friends for now." "Go in there!" "Charge!" "This is so kind of you, Swordsman Lu." "There's no need to bring so many men for a visit." "I always work alone." "I have nothing to do with them." "Hey!" "Who are you people?" "We are from the South's No. 1 clan, the Tan Clan!" "Why are you here?" "We're here for Yin Zhengdao's head and the treasure map, and that's none of your business!" "It is, because I found him first." "Now get lost!" "The treasure map is right here." "Come and get it, if you dare!" "Charge!" "Hey, don't come near!" "Hey, you can't do that!" "I found him first!" "Hey!" "Yin Zhengdao!" "You can't get away!" "The treasure map!" "Lu Xiao Feng, you stay right there!" "Go after him!" "Go!" "Don't let him get away!" "Stay right here!" "Don't go, Lu Xiao Feng!" "Damn!" "We let that bastard Lu got away!" "Yin, you are one old, sly fox indeed." "We are Pu-bai and Lui-kai, guards of Yin Zhengdao." "Greetings to you, General Yin Jiao-fu." "Where is Yin Zhengdao now?" "We decided to split into two groups to avoid a direct confrontation with Duan Yufei," "Sire and his two companions have reached the southern province." "He has sent us here to inform the general that he will rendezvous with you at Warrior Palace in Westlake." "General, we hold the fort in the southern province, and Duan Yufei has been eyeing our land for quite some time." "If we assist Yin Zhengdao, then Duan will use treason as his excuse to take over our land." "Yin is a loyal warrior to Jin Peng." "There must be a reason for him to steal the map." "He has taught me well in the art of the sword." "I just can't sit here and do nothing!" "But General!" "Guards, please go back and tell your Sire that I shall wait for his arrival at Warrior Palace!" "Thank you, General!" "Let's find a place to rest." "Did you see the warrant?" "...Keep moving!" "Go!" "You!" "Come over here!" "Looks like we have to split up." "You two go first." "Act as husband and wife." "I'll be right behind you." "We'll be fine." "You!" "Stay right here!" "I am not a bandit, officer!" "Hurry!" "Move along!" " Miss, miss!" "Are you all right?" " What's wrong?" "I am expecting!" "Help me!" "You are expecting?" "!" "Do you need a doctor?" "Miss?" "My baby is coming!" "Find someone to help!" " Help me!" " Miss, are you all right?" "Are you about to give birth?" "Hey, pal!" ""My future Father-in-law." "Thank you for giving the fan as an engagement gift for me and your daughter." "We are deeply in love and can't live without each other, therefore we have decided to elope for a day." "Hopefully, Father-in-law, you can come to the" "Old Tomb Ruins tomorrow with the wedding gift." "Otherwise me and my wife will..." "ha ha ha!" "Sincerely, your Son-in-law, Lu Xiao Feng."" "What to do, Sire?" "Ziyi will be fine." "Lu Xiao Feng, you are indeed smart and brave." "You're flattering me, Father-in-law." "May I ask... did you bring the gift?" "So you want to be my Son-in-law?" "The gift is yours if you can take 10 moves from me!" "So you think your "Devil's Spell" sword stance is really invincible, you old fart?" "Fine, I'll ruin your reputation today with my Lingxei Finger." "Don't regret it!" "I, Yin Zhengdao, have never reneged on my words." "Father!" "Lu Xiao Feng!" "Your kung fu is not bad at all." "Look out!" "Father!" "So it was you who betrayed me!" "You have no one but yourself to blame!" "Once I become a minister myself," "I swear I will bring Jin Peng back to glory!" "Father!" " Go and find your brother, Yin Jiao-fu!" " I won't go!" "Go now!" "Father!" "Charge!" "Don't move!" "General, where is Sire now?" "Sire will be here soon." "Yin Zhengdao, our Sire awaits you." "Big Brother!" "Did you find her?" "Not yet." "I've searched the whole town and found nothing." "Let us search some more, brother, okay?" "Oh, forget it." "You guys must be tired from all the searching." "Let's have a drink." "We'll continue tomorrow." "I've never seen Big Brother so worried about a woman." "I know." "Just look at him." "He's losing his mind over her." "Isn't that Yin Zhengdao's horse?" "There's a package here, Big Brother." "Look, Big Brother!" "Blood!" "Horsey, horsey." "If you know where she is, just take me to her." "Ziyi?" "Ziyi!" "It is you, Ziyi!" "So you're here." " Ziyi!" "Ziyi!" " Let go of me!" "I know I was wrong last time, but this time I was worried about you." "Ziyi, the people who took your father are after you." "You are in great danger!" "Ziyi!" "I know I shouldn't have abducted you, but..." "I didn't lie to you!" "I..." "I searched for your father for the money." "I fought with him because I always like to win." "But, I really didn't know that someone was after him!" "This time, I searched for you everywhere simply because I was worried for your safety." "I have the treasure map here!" "If I was after the treasure," "I would've been long gone by now." "Why would I still look for you?" "To find you, I had my brothers look for you all day." "They haven't even eaten!" "I saw the blood on the fan, and I thought you'd already..." "I..." "I felt so sad, I cried." "If you don't believe me, you..." "You can ask him!" "Come on." "Let's go to a safe place." "Borrow explosives?" "You know my rules, Lu Xiao Feng." "I need them to help a friend!" "Can you not follow the rules for once?" "When did you start risking your lives for free?" "Who has such power to change you?" "Ah, I understand." "Don't worry." "I will rescue your father." "Hua Manlou, I have one other favor to ask you." "Arrange a meeting between me and Duan's men." "I think there's only one person who can help you with that." "Sikong Zhaixing?" "Father!" "Hey!" "I want my money!" "Do you have it?" "Fine, my brother." "Here's 2000 taels." "Let's be friends." "Send her over here." "Take the sword, Father-in-law!" "Ziyi!" "Father!" "Father!" "Are you all right?" "I'm fine." "Sire, there is no way out!" " Let's block them!" "Hurry!" " Yes!" "Let's go!" "Follow me, generals!" "Go!" "Brother Jiao-fu is here!" "Forgive me, master." "I arrived late." "Whoever kills Yin Zhengdao today will get 5000 taels of gold!" "5000 taels of gold and the title of General!" "Why did you say that, Jiao-fu?" "Master, I thank you for all of your teachings, but I can't let my personal feelings overcome my public quest to stop you from committing treason!" "How dare you, you bastard!" "I'll kill you!" "Lui-kai!" "I, Yin Zhengdao, have never done despicable deeds, and I've never betrayed my country and my countrymen!" "As a warrior, I will be content to have myself sacrificed here on the battlefield today." "I have only done one thing wrong in my life, and that was having you as my disciple!" "Lu Xiao Feng, hear me." "I will teach you my "Devil's Spell" sword stance today!" "From now on, you will be its only descendant!" "Yin Zhengdao, how dare you teach the stance here!" "What happened to the honor of our flags?" "Are you looking down on me?" "Hua Manlou!" "Sire, it is indeed fortunate for me to be able to witness your sword stance." "Besides, Lu Xiao Feng is a good friend of mine." "I promise I will protect you today with my life." "Hua Manlou." "Your twin sword stance is nothing special!" "Yin Jiao-fu!" "Ximen Chuixue?" "!" "With me here, there should be something special now." "Lu Xiao Feng, you better learn the stance well." "Once Yin Zhengdao dies, you will have to fight me in his place." "Charge!" "Father!" "Master, you have taught me your stances." "Even though our moves are the same," "I am stronger, therefore I will win." "Surrender now!" "Master, you should have given up your title to me long ago!" "Father!" "You're not qualified to be my master!" "You didn't teach me all the stances!" "I have indeed taught you all of the stances." "But this one, the eighth stance, is not for killing the enemy." "It's for severing the ties." "Father!" "Thank you, Master." "Lu Xiao Feng, I have given my two most beloved things to you." "Ziyi." "Tidy my clothes for me." "Father!" "What did your mother say to you before she died?" "Father, mother said she hopes that I won't be mad at you." "She also said she never regretted marrying you." "Father!" "Father!" ""Devil's Spell" Sword Stance?" "You are a fast learner." "Which sword stance do you practice?" "Ximen Chuixue." "You are an evil zealot, and so am I." "We are on the same side, so we shouldn't fight." "But if you must, I will gladly oblige once my job is done." "Retreat!" "FATHER!" "Greetings from Duan Yufei, Lord Zhengnan." "Longevity to my lord!" "You are too kind." "At ease." "Please get up." "My lord, I have brought with me three men." "Fok Yau from Jin Peng," ""The Whip Spirit" Ma Feng, and Tang Tianrong from Szechuan's Tang Family." "The three of them are loyal to me, and their martial arts are comparable to mine." "They are at your service at any time, my lord." "Good, good, minister!" "I will let His Majesty know so that he may reward you handsomely!" "My lord, forgive me for being blunt, but you are ambitious, while His Majesty is of an impotent mind." "It's only a matter of time before you conquer the nation." "How dare you!" "Stay back!" "My lord, if you think that I have misspoken, then you may take my head now!" "It will be an honor for me to die under your sword!" "Our country is in disarray, and our citizens yearn for a good ruler." "Only a capable man should be allowed on the imperial throne." "My lord, your hesitation will only bring more heartaches and resignations!" ""The grains are gone before the soldiers advance"" "Wealth is what I lack to accomplish the goal." "Not to worry, my lord." "I have in my hands Jin Peng's treasure map." "There should be thousands of taels of gold there." "Besides, I shall assist my lord with all my strength." "Your goal of building a powerful nation will succeed!" "Brother!" "Ximen Chuixue!" "We at Oumei will not let you live." "You better watch yourself." "Let's go, sister!" "My lord, so you think there will be a spectacle at the Pei Fa Conference?" "Sure, sure." "I believe that Lu Xiao Feng will surely attend." "Whether Ximen Chuixue will appear is hard to say." "So Duan Yufei is only concerned about the two of them?" "Lu Xiao Feng, nicknamed "Four Eyebrows"..." "His background is a mystery and he has quickly acquired esteem in the past two years." "Lu's kung fu is mixed and not sophisticated." "He's the descendant of Yin Zhengdao's "Devil's Spell" sword stance, but his trademark stance is his "Lingxei Finger"." "He can effortlessly catch or block any weapons with his two fingers." "How easy it is for him to prevail in the face of danger!" "My lord, you are indeed a knowledgeable man." "As for Ximen Chuixue, I know very little." "He will appear for sure!" "13 supreme masters had died under his sword in the past 2 years." "Shek of the "Oumei Three Swordsmen" was the thirteenth." "I know that Ximen Chuixue is a sword fanatic." "He has been yearning for the highest realm in swordplay." "He will challenge a superb martial artist to a duel without any reasons or hatred." "Therefore, in a meeting of the masters like the Pei Fa Conference," "Ximen Chuixue will not miss it for the world." "Come, we'll drink again!" "That one over here must be a prostitute." "Just mind your own business and drink your tea!" "What happened?" "There's blood on her face!" "Then our leader..." "Save me, swordsmen!" "She killed our leader!" "Kill her!" "It's all right now, Miss." "Miss, where are you going?" "I don't know." "Can I go into town with you?" "Cheers, my two saviors!" "Are you all right, Miss?" "You are drunk, Miss." "I'm not drunk!" "You two always have the ladies' luck!" "So you don't want me to be a burden?" "Fine, then I'll go." "Where do you want to go, Miss?" "What do you care?" "You two don't want me anymore!" "Hey, stay right there!" "What is it?" "Give it back." "What are you talking about?" "How dare you commit petty theft in front of "The King Of Thieves"!" "Don't you know who we are?" "Sikong Zhaixing, forget it." "Just come and drink with us." "Sikong Zhaixing?" "!" "In that case..." "You two are..." "Lu Xiao Feng and Hua Manlou?" "Oh, my apologies!" "Mr. Hua..." "Forget it." "Keep it." "Just be more careful next time." "In that case, thank you." "Are you looking for me?" "Miss, you have been following us for the past 3 days!" "Swordsmen, I don't want to be on the road alone." "I just hope you two can be my companions." "Oh!" "Then where do you want to go?" "To wherever you two want to go." "So you know we're heading to Pei Fa then?" "To be honest, I came all the way from the North." "I've always wanted to live in the South, and I also wanted to attend the "Meeting of Heroes" at Pei Fa," "I just don't know how to get there." "Is it really that simple?" "You two are my saviors." "Why would I lie to you?" "I promise I won't give you trouble!" "Chief Constable Jin, please." "Greetings from Jin Jiuling, Lord Zhengnan." "Brother Jin!" "It's been a while." "How can I be of service to you?" "Oh... excuse me." "A secret missive from His Majesty." "His Majesty would like your lordship to investigate the secret group Ching Yi (The Green Robes) during the Pei Fa Conference." "Even with his workload," "His Majesty is clearly aware of matters in the martial arts world." "My purpose of hosting the Pei Fa Conference was merely to strengthen the bonds between the clans." "Never thought an even heavier task would befall me!" "My lord, the Pei Fa Conference is the most opportune time for this task." "I, Jin Jiuling, will be more than happy to assist your lordship." "But I have little knowledge about this elusive group." "Ching Yi is different from traditional clans." "Has your lordship heard of the Jin Peng kingdom?" "It's been said that Ching Yi possesses the enormous sum of treasures that the Jin Peng kingdom had left behind after its demise." "They are a serious threat to our own imperial survival!" "Who are you?" "Why are you in my room?" "You don't recognize me?" "Surely you must recognize this." "You're from Jin Peng too?" "!" "Ziyi!" "I've been looking all over for you!" "Who are you, really?" "How do you know who I am?" "I am Feiyan!" "It's you, Princess?" "!" "The traitors had already killed my father and mother, but they wouldn't let me live either, so they chased me across the land." "All of the royal advisers perished in the desert." "Luckily I didn't suffer the same fate." "Later, I heard that Yin Zhengdao was dead, and your whereabouts were unknown." "I couldn't find you anywhere." "Good." "We're finally back together again!" "Who was it?" "Who killed my son?" "You have always felt that he failed your expectations, and he was put under house arrest by His Majesty." "He is as good as dead." "No matter what, he is still my own son!" "Who?" "Who did it?" "It was the Ching Yi clan." "But why?" "Everything we did is for your own good." "His Majesty's secret decree asks for Ching Yi's demise." "With Jin Jiuling residing at your palace now, this is the best way to eliminate any suspicions they may have about you." "Do you really think by doing this, they will no longer suspect me?" "You are now a victim." "Ximen Chuixue?" "By orders of Lord Zhengnan, you have to come with us!" "I don't know any Lord Zhengnan." "Why should I come with you?" "You have no choice." "His Lordship demands that we bring you back to him, dead or alive!" "You kill too fast." "Can't you at least let one of them live?" "Do you know whom you've killed?" "Have you heard of the Ching Yi Clan?" "I have." "They said that a Ching Yi member would have this mysterious tattoo." "Are you saying that Ching Yi members are disguising as royal constables?" "We would've known for sure if you let one of them live." "Sometimes, even dead people can talk." "Maybe Ching Yi has already infiltrated the royal mansion." "Have you heard of the Ching Yi Clan?" "The Ching Yi Clan?" "They are a secret organization that has been fast gaining ground." "Is it possible that your lordship may have invoked their wrath?" "His lordship believes that Ching Yi agents will be among those attending the Meeting Of Heroes." "His Majesty has issued a secret order to annihilate Ching Yi." "Not only has Ching Yi caused unease in the martial arts world," "His Majesty is also worried they may cause instability to the nation." "That's right." "There is definitely a connection between Ching Yi and the death of my son." "They must have struck preemptively upon knowing about the order." "They are an enormous threat to the imperial government." "If you are willing to work for me, I will reward you handsomely." "We are part of the martial arts world." "We can't just sit idly and be impassive to such matters." "We will find a link to the conspiracy." "Greetings, brother!" "Good!" "By the orders of our clan leader, we must take the lives of three men." "They are Hua Manlou, Lu Xiao Feng, and Ximen Chuixue!" "Yes!" " Come with us!" " Go!" "Let me go!" "Who are you?" "So, the Ching Yi clansmen have finally appeared." "Xi..." "Ximen Chuixue." "Our Oumei students offended you last time at the inn." "I have come here especially to apologize." "You can stop acting." "You're here to poison me with potions." "I don't want to kill women." "Leave now!" "We will slowly torture you to death!" "Take him away!" "Stop hitting him already!" "This is not what our clan is known for!" "Get away!" "What... what to do?" "Please... stop." "Stop hitting him!" "Stop." "Don't hit him anymore!" "You might as well kill me!" "We won't let you die so easily." "Let me chop off your arm first!" "Catch!" " Don't go away!" " Stop!" "Stay right there!" "Don't go!" " Master?" "!" " Master!" "Don't you call me Master!" "Our Oumei is one of the most respected clans, yet you have carried out such a despicable act!" "You have disgraced your clan and your master!" "But Master, Ximen Chuixue killed Third Brother!" "I will take care of that!" "You shouldn't have hurt her." "I don't need you to tell me what to do!" "You have killed my brother Shek." "I will take revenge for him today!" "Then make your move." "Why don't you just kill me?" "!" "I know you must hate me to the bones because I've killed your master and your brother." "I also know that you want to take revenge for them." "But before you do, you have to first recover." "There is plenty of time for you to come back for me." "Drink this medicine." "Never thought that Ximen Chuixue would have a hard time with women!" "What brings you here?" "Ching Yi has issued a secret order for assassinations, and you're one of their targets." "You came here just to tell me this?" "Are you suggesting I should run away from Ching Yi?" "I know you're not afraid of them, but sometimes, it's wise to make the first move." "You're saying that we should strike them first together." "You could say that." "Do you still remember Yin Zhengdao?" "He was my master." "I wanted to challenge him to a duel, but sadly, that wish was never fulfilled." "So what I feared the most is now a reality." "Will you accept it?" "No one can turn down Ximen Chuixue's challenge to a duel." "However, I hope you can give me some time." "Speak." "I have to first go to Du Shao Gorge." "Hua Manlou is there, and he's in grave danger." "Fine." "I will wait for you." "Why haven't you appeared sooner if you want to kill me?" "I am in no hurry." "I usually take my time killing someone, because I enjoy the whole process." "Do you think you can actually kill me?" "I know that there is fear in you now, because I could sense your agitation." "When was the last time you used your sword?" "I'm afraid you've forgotten how to kill." "Besides, you have a woman to take care of now." "If you have to kill me, then go ahead, but please let Feiyan go." "Do you really think I can let her go?" "However, I am in no mood to kill tonight." "It'll be no fun if you are dead now." "Ma Feng was here?" "I am not his match." "Ma Feng is evasive and kills with cold-bloodedness." "Looks like we can't get away this time." "Hua Manlou, you've changed!" "Why did you say that?" "The truth is that Ma Feng can't kill you, because you are at an advantage." "You should know why your Hua family has thrived in the martial arts world for more than a hundred years." "Everyone knows the most powerful weapon in the world is also the Hua family's most revered treasure." "The Fire Phoenix?" "You wouldn't be afraid of even a hundred Ma Fengs if you have the Fire Phoenix in your hands." "You came here to tell me all this?" "Because I believe you can take care of anything." "When do you plan to kill me?" "In five days." "After I've killed you," "I can go back and claim my reward." "Stay here." "I have to go home." "I promise I'll be back in five days." "Are you all right?" "Looks like people from Ching Yi have caught up with us." ""The outcome of the duel was a draw, but" "Ximen Chuixue understands that, by fighting with him," "Lu Xiao Feng has fulfilled his wish to a duel." "He promised to help Lu in dealing with Ching Yi." "However, he also wants Lu to promise him one thing."" "Lu Xiao Feng, you are indeed worthy to be my friend." "You kept your promise and showed up for the duel, so I'll keep mine and go see Lord Zhengnan with you." "It's a fair trade." "I lost my moustache, but I gained a friend." "Where are you going?" "I shouldn't have stayed here in the first place, and I don't need my nemesis' sympathy!" "Miss Sung!" "Miss Sung!" "Is anyone there?" "Doctor!" "Doctor!" "Open the door!" "Doctor!" "She has suffered serious internal injuries." "Her pulse is weak, and her situation is dire." "Why didn't you bring her here earlier?" "I'm afraid there's not much I can do now." "I want you to save her!" "I can't." "I really can't do much." "What kind of a doctor are you?" "!" "Save her, or I will kill you!" "Fine, I..." "I'll see what I can do." "I'll do my best!" "I was able to save her life by giving her a heavy dosage of herbs." "She needs continuous treatment, but she's refusing to drink any more medicine." "What to do?" "Hurry!" "Let me go..." "let me go..." "Let our sister go!" "Let me go..." "To your clan, she's already a traitor." "She'll die all the same if I turn her over." "Whether she lives or dies is Oumei's business, not yours!" "Let me go..." "let me go..." "I don't want to kill any more of Oumei's people." "If you want to live, then leave!" "Brother Hua!" "Like I said, I promised I'll be back." "So, princess, you have chosen the right man." "What a pair of lovers in peril!" "Looks like it's about time we settle our matters." "How do you know the Lingxei Finger Stance?" "Haven't you forgotten that Lu Xiao Feng is my friend?" "You..." "Because of you, I must defeat Ma Feng." "That's why I had to go back to Phoenix Villa and borrow the Fire Phoenix." "But you never used it." "Now I know having self-confidence is more important than having any weapons." "Then, can I have a look?" "This is not the Fire Phoenix!" "What?" "I put it in here with my own hands!" "Where would I have lost it?" "Tang Tianrong?" "!" ""PHOENIX VILLA"" "Granny!" "Sikong Zhaixing!" "Hua Manlou!" ""FUNERAL TABLET FOR HUA YU-PING"" "How?" "How did this happen?" "The day after you left with the Fire Phoenix, people from Ching Yi arrived and killed everyone here." "I was so useless!" "I couldn't save any of the Hua family members." "All I could do was to watch them getting slaughtered." "In the end, I barely escaped alive." "It's all my fault." "I've let all of my family down, and especially Granny." ""Hua Manlou is now blind." "Although the poison wine didn't kill him, it has taken away his eyesight." "Like a man who was on top of the world and fell down hard on the muddy ground of reality, this is too devastating for him to recover." "His world is now a dark and colorless one." "But, from the familiar scent that his nose smells, he realizes that the woman he knows is still by his side."" "Why are you always playing this sad tune?" "Do you remember the time you first told me that you were the Princess of Jin Peng?" "I played this tune for you, but back then, you had no idea that this was actually a Jin Peng folksong." "If you already knew I was an impostor, then why didn't you expose me?" "I chose not to expose your lies, because I wanted you to be by my side." "I'm just a petty thief and a liar." "Why are you sacrificing so much for me?" "Because, after we've already gone through so much together, you've changed for the better." "I suspect that the master of Ching Yi has already infiltrated Zhengnan Mansion." "He may even be close to Lord Zhengnan by now." "Lord Zhengnan's second son has returned to his side, and he has brought with him Ye Gucheng, Chief of Bai Wen." "I believe Lord Zhengnan is beginning to suspect those closest to him." "Both Jin Jiuling and the second son are suspicious." "There's one other person that is dubious." "Are you referring to the mysterious old man?" "Fok Yau!" "I only have one son." "Where did I get a second one?" "I have no idea either." "I only know that this is Ching Yi's order." "Why did Ching Yi send you here?" " I'm here on a mission." " What mission?" "Jin Jiuling has long been suspecting you, My Lord." "Even with your real son now dead, the secrets of Ching Yi will eventually be exposed." "I've sacrificed my own son." "What more do you want from me?" "Duan Yufei is actually returning you a favor." "All you need to do is turn in the leader of Ching Yi's first clan." "You want a scapegoat?" "That's right, and the scapegoat is the person who recommended Duan to sacrifice your son in the first place." "Fok Yau?" "!" "Yes!" "It's him!" "Ye Gucheng?" "I've heard about his story for quite sometime." "He's been a martial arts prodigy ever since childhood." "He went to Japan when he was seven to study swordplay and Ninjitsu with a Kendo master there." "He made his first kill when he was nine, and made a name for himself by thirteen." "But he has always shrouded himself in mystery." "When he was in the capital, he resided at the Bai Wen Castle and named himself the Chief of Bai Wen." "His only quest is to attain the highest realm in swordplay." "He has constantly challenged others to duels, and he has never lost once." "Many supreme swordsmen have died under his sword." "Ye Gucheng's most infamous stance is the" ""Heavenly Flying Fairy", yet it is as cruel as hell." "Those that have seen his stance do not live to tell." "Ching Yi may be impenetrable, but I believe it has much less than 108 clans." "It's just a ploy to exaggerate their prowess." "I believe the leader of Ching Yi is in this very room." "This person is actually a past official of Jin Peng, and he has been close to Lord Zhengnan for quite some time." "He took Jin Peng's treasures and established Ching Yi so as to openly challenge the imperial government." "Fok Yau, what do you make of what they've just said?" "Who was really behind the death of my son?" "I am that Jin Peng past official you are searching for!" "It was I who took the treasures away!" "But they're no longer with me." "I am indeed leader of Ching Yi, but I'm just a puppet." "The treasures are actually with..." "Swordsman Ximen, you have killed the leader of Ching Yi today." "I shall report this to His Majesty and you will be rewarded handsomely." "That is not necessary, my lord." "Lu Xiao Feng invited me to come here." "I'm glad my service was needed." "My lord, Ching Yi is now toppled, but with Fok Yau's death, the whereabouts of Jin Peng's treasures remain unknown." "Not to worry, your lordship." "The treasures will be found." "Once they are found, I shall return them to His Majesty." "I don't think so." "I believe your lordship has already embezzled them all!" "What did you say?" "By His Majesty's order, all generals of Zhengnan are to surrender immediately or face execution!" "I never would have thought that brat of an Emperor had always wanted to get rid of me!" "I thought by sacrificing my son's life, I would not be suspected." "However... in the end..." "Now, all you need to do is infiltrate the palace and await orders." "Yes!" "Jin Jiuling, if you work for us, then you'll get your share of Jin Peng's treasures." "If you need me to help transport the treasures to a safe place, that would not be a problem." "That's good!" "But, His Majesty..." "Don't worry, my lord." "His Majesty has ordered me to hunt down the remaining" "Ching Yi operatives." "In other words, His Majesty firmly believes that Lord Zhengnan was Ching Yi's leader." "Didn't I tell you to wait for me at the villa?" "What happened?" "Is Oumei after you again?" "I..." "I just wanted to see you." "You came all the way here just to see me?" "Let's go." "He's been hit with the Tang Brothers' poisonous darts." "Charge!" "You've taken my antidotes." "You will be fine." "Thank you for saving me, Chief of Bai Wen." "I saved you, because I don't want you to die." "You don't have to thank me, and you shouldn't consider what I did today as a favor." "One day, we will meet again." "Ximen Chuixue!" "You're finally back." "We've been waiting for you." "That day at the mansion, you killed Fok Yau, and Lord Zhengnan was also executed." "But both Lu Xiao Feng and I feel that there are still many unanswered questions about this case." "I am not interested, but you can tell me the questions." "Lu Xiao Feng and I have been searching for the whereabouts of Jin Peng's treasures." "We suspect that the treasures, along with Lord Zhengnan's own fortunes, have been secretly transported back to the capital." "Would you like to investigate this with us?" "Actually, this case is not too hard to investigate." "There was a suitable person for this investigation, but now, even this person is questionable." "Jin Jiuling?" "Lord Zhengnan's son witnessed his father's death, so he should view Jin Jiuling as his father's murderer." "However, he did not do so." "All Jin Jiuling did was to ensure the son that he will keep his title, and that's enough for him to forget about revenge?" "I think there's definitely something odd going on between them." "But neither Jin Jiuling nor Lord Zhengnan's son baffles me." "So it's Ye Gucheng?" "The Chief of Bai Wen is a hermit." "There must be other reasons for him to accept Jin's invitation." "The "Meeting of Heroes" at Pei Fa is over." "Ye Gucheng should be heading back to Japan." "But he did not do so." "What else can Ye do for Jin Jiuling by staying behind?" "Are you sure you're not coming with us to the capital?" "Don't worry." "I will go there eventually." "In that case, we'll be on our way." "I'll see you there." "Wait." "If, on that day, I lost to him," "I hope you two can take care of Xiuqing for me." "You're having a duel again?" "Is it Ye Gucheng?" ""August the 15th, the night of the Full Moon, atop the City Forbidden."" "Be careful!" "Everyone, look out!" "Lu Xiao Feng?" "!" "Tell your leader that I, Li Yanbei, am still alive!" "I'll get him sooner or later!" "I'm so glad I'm still alive!" "With all the arrows in my body, I would've become a porcupine!" "I still don't understand." "Why did you let them go?" "I don't like killing people." "But you could've asked them which gang they're with." "There's no need!" "So you already knew?" "Who else but Old Du from the South City could be so bold?" "Du Tongxuan?" "But you and him have never offended one another." "Besides, you can't be easily ambushed." "Why would he take such a risk?" "All because of a wager!" "600,000 taels of silver and his South City turf!" "Wow!" "This is no small wager." "What were you two betting on?" "The duel of September 15th!" ""The night of the Full Moon, atop the City Forbidden." "The Sword from the North meets the Heavenly Flying Fairy."" "The duel between Ximen Chuixue and Ye Gucheng?" "I thought the duel is on August the 15th?" ""TIEN TAO VILLA"" "As your wife, shouldn't I have a say in your life?" "I will lose in this duel." "Then why accept the challenge if you know you will lose?" "I cannot conquer my inner demon." "You know you will die and you still want to go?" "It's too late to back out now." "I must fulfill my promise." "You've been waiting for me?" "Can the date of our duel be postponed?" "Even if we do, there must be an outcome to our fight." "I understand." "This is a fight of life and death." "I need time to take care of postmortem matters." "You shouldn't devote yourself to a woman." "Even if the duel is moved to September 15th, you will lose for sure." "Because of this, I must arrange for her future first." "I promise I will appear on September 15th for the duel." "Before I left Japan, I killed my wife with my own hands." "Do you know why?" "Because, next to my sword, my wife is my most beloved." "Though painful, this was the only possible way to sever ties." "If I am killed in the duel, then my wife will die sooner or later." "Why are you telling me this?" "You and I are probably the most worthy of opponents." "I suggest that you kill your woman with your own hands before the duel." "You have chosen your sword." "Other things can just be kept deep inside your heart." "Until yesterday, everyone was betting on Ye Gucheng winning." "Even Du Tongxuan thought he'd win the bet for sure!" "Until yesterday?" "Because things have changed since yesterday afternoon." "Oh?" "Didn't you hear the news that Ye Gucheng has been injured?" "Ye Gucheng is injured?" "Who could've done that?" "Tang Tianrong!" "The news spreads through the capital like wildfire!" "Those who bet on Ye Gucheng winning are now the biggest losers." "Some wanted to hang themselves, and some tried desperately to nullify the wager!" "Only a dead man could nullify a wager." "Now you know why Du Tongxuan wanted me dead!" "Looks like many will lose their lives over this bet." "Did you personally see Tang and Ye fight one another?" "No." "Then how could you be so sure that this news is true?" "Because the person that announced the news will never lie." "Oh?" "That person was Honest Monk." "Du Tongxuan, you sly fox!" "When will you stop going after me?" "Li Yanbei, I don't know what you're talking about." "How dare you two cause trouble here at the temple!" "Our wager is still on, and don't forget this is my turf!" "I will get you right here and now!" "I dare you to fight me one on one!" "I don't need to fight a dog like you with my own hands!" "Fine!" "Then I'll kill this watchdog of yours first!" "Stay back!" "Yanbei!" "You stay out of this." "Your kung fu is not bad." "One day, we shall meet again." "Please." "Swordsman Lu, how are you?" "I'm fine." "You've even invited Honest Monk here." "What can I do for you, Chief Jin?" "Please, sit down." "I'll be honest." "I've invited you here to discuss the duel." "This is a matter between Ximen Chuixue and Ye Gucheng." "Nothing to do with me." "But this duel has caused such a stir in the city." "Honest Monk, wouldn't you agree that Lu should be involved?" "I'm sure every martial artist would not want to miss a duel between the two supreme swordsmen of our time." "My duties require that I cannot allow any mistakes or mishaps." "Not everyone can just come and go at the Forbidden City." "Wouldn't you agree, Swordsman Lu?" "The truth is, I've invited Swordsman Lu here, because we would like you to promise us one thing." "Do tell." "We hope that, on the night of the duel, no more than eight people will be there." "But I can't stop people from coming to see the duel, and I have no idea how many will attend." "That's up to you, Swordsman Lu, to decide." "Me to decide?" "Besides Ximen Chuixue and Ye Gucheng," "Swordsman Lu is free to choose the other six." "Here are six silk sashes." "Swordsman Lu may give them out to whoever that he thinks deserve them." "When they arrive, they must tie the sashes to their waists." "These sashes are from Persia." "They are part of the imperial collection." "Their color changes under the moonlight." "It's impossible for commoners to forge them." "Those who show up without the sashes, no matter who they are, will be killed the moment they set foot upon the Forbidden City." "Is it true that Ye Gucheng was injured by the Tangs' poison powder?" "With Ye's skills, Tang Tianrong has no chance of hurting him." "Actually, what caused Ye's injury was a snake." "It gave Tang the opportunity he was looking for." "Ye heard the sound of the flute, and saw a snake." "This distraction allowed Tang to injure Ye with his poison powder." "What is it?" "What happened?" "!" "Master!" "Be careful." "Who killed my family?" "Daughter!" "Daughter!" "My wife..." "Honey..." "Honey!" "Son!" "My dear son!" "Did you kill my whole family?" "Yes, after I've killed you." "Did Du Tongxuan ask you to do this?" "Master Du, Hua Manlou is here." "Well, what a coincidence!" "You've come here to drink with your two beauties too, Mr. Hua?" "You must be the happiest person in the city now!" "I like to drink here too, but" "I hate being disturbed while I'm drinking." "Chief of Bai Wen!" "Forgive me!" "I didn't realize that I have disrupted your drinking." "From now on, every meal and drink you have here are on me!" " I'm betting on Ximen!" " I'm betting on Ye!" "Ye will win!" "Place your bets!" "Ye will win for sure!" " That's Ye Gucheng!" " He's here?" "The Chief of Bai Wen!" "Chief, it would be an honor if you could drink with us." " Yes, yes." " Have a drink!" "We are confident you will win!" "So you are all betting on me to win?" "Of course!" "We have confidence in the chief, right?" "You all have good foresight." "It's too bad that you will never see the outcome." "Chief, please stay!" "Chief, those you've just killed all deserve to die." "But you seem to have forgotten one person." "Who?" "The head of South City, Du Tongxuan." "He also bet on you winning the duel." "Thanks for telling me, but" "I do plan to deal with Du Tongxuan." "That Li Yanbei deserves to die!" "Wouldn't you agree?" "Yes, yes." "You're here again?" "And you've come here alone." "I'm not alone." "I've brought someone here to see you." "Greetings, Chief of Bai Wen!" "I didn't know you were coming, chief." "My apologies." "Should I do it or will you do it yourself?" "What?" "You want me to die?" "Whoever bets on me winning must die!" "Go!" "Go now!" "Hurry!" "Hurry up!" "Quickly!" "Master Du." "Why not take a rest here until the rain stops?" "Fine." "Sir, it's pouring outside." "Why not come in and have a cup of hot tea?" "My grandmother boils tea with spring water." "The taste is very pure." "Never thought I would see such a beauty in this deserted area!" "You're too kind, sir." "My grandmother is over there." "Please, come and have a seat." "Sure, sure." "Grandma!" "Sir, please have some tea." "Drink it while it's hot." "Doesn't it smell good?" "Yes, very good." "Master Du, you must not drink this tea!" "Oh, I recognize you two!" "You two sisters have obviously been waiting for me." "Do you want to follow me to death?" "Actually, we weren't waiting for you." "Someone else was." "What?" "Who's that?" "Master Du, you seem to be going away in a hurry." "Didn't your bodyguard lose his life protecting yours?" "How could a dead man live again?" "Master Du, go!" "Stop!" "Go after him!" "Watch out!" "You guys have rested long enough." "Who's there?" "Well?" "Is Hua Manlou dead?" "They will soon catch up with us." "I'm not worried as long as you're with me." "By the way, all of my assets are on the cart." "You have to get them back for me!" "Don't worry." "I will get them back for you." "Too bad." "All that fortune and you won't live to spend it." "What do you mean?" "What are you doing?" "What... what are you trying to do?" "What... what are you doing?" "Hey, are you all right?" "Hey, get up!" "Are you all right?" "Get up!" "Brother, get up." "Brother!" "Here's the ginger soup, Miss." "Thanks." "Here." "Feeling better?" "Your injuries are serious." "You will die if you don't get treated." "Whether I live or die, I won't be needing sympathies from you two!" "Ximen Chuixue, I don't need your help!" "You shouldn't let hatred follow you forever." "Then I should thank you for saving my life and let me come back to take revenge on you!" "Brother!" "I will not let you live, Ximen Chuixue!" "Ximen Chuixue, you just watch." "I will come back for you!" "Have you seen enough?" "Come out!" "I..." "I didn't see anything at all!" "If you can't get what I want soon, then you will truly end up not seeing anything, because you'll end up like him!" "Sorry!" "Sorry!" "What's with you?" "Have you lost your mind?" "Murder!" "Murder!" "Someone is dead!" " Where's the body?" " Over there!" "It's our brother!" "He died with his eyes open!" "That's right!" "They're wide open!" "Now that it has happened, try not to feel so sad." "The most important thing now is to find the murderer." "Another life lost!" "If others saw Yan Renying coming here to see us before he died, they will once again think that I was the killer." "The killer was swift." "Yan was killed the moment he left us." "Perhaps it was the person who ran into our inn in a hurry?" "It's not him." "But... he looked nervous when he went to his room, and he's soaked in sweat!" "Only a killer will have a killer's aura." "My instincts tell me that person is not a martial artist." "He is Lu Xiao Feng's friend, Zhu Ting." "I know you are Zhu Ting!" "Why are you always hiding yourself here at the inn?" "What exactly are you doing here?" "That's none of your business!" "We are husband and wife, not adulterers." "You should mind your own business!" "Watch out!" "Did you bring them?" "I did!" "I did!" "That's all you have?" "I did the best I could." "I'm not bluffing either." "In this world, only I, Zhu Ting, could've forged so many silk sashes in such a short period of time." "How arrogant!" "In other words, once you're dead, then no one else in this world can forge them anymore." "What..." "What do you mean?" "Well?" "Did you find Zhu Ting?" "So you saw the masked man attacking Zhu Ting?" "Even though I didn't see the face behind the mask," "I felt that he was the same person as Du Tongxuan's bodyguard." "But didn't Ye Gucheng kill him already?" "There may be more than one masked man, and the one who died that day could be a double." "The martial arts skills of this mystery man are surprisingly powerful." "But I don't understand..." "why did he want to kill Zhu Ting?" "Greetings, my lord." "When will the work be done?" "In half a month's time, my lord." "That's too long!" "I understand, my lord." "I will order that it be done before September 15th." "I know that you will not let me down." "You're too kind, my lord." "Once the mission is accomplished, I promise you that we will share the gold together." "You have my word!" "My lord, I am forever grateful to your generosity." "Even if I sacrifice my life for you, it will still be worth it!" "Good." "Very good." "It is time." "You still haven't finished?" "It will be by 2 a.m." "Your head will not be safe if it's not done by 2 a.m.!" "Sorry to have disturbed you, Chief Jin." "Oh, Swordsman Lu!" "At this hour?" "Please, have a seat." "There's no need." "I need to talk to you about one thing." "Have you uncovered any clues?" "Chief Jin is indeed wise." "I did find something suspicious." "What have you found?" "I suspect the masked man who killed Zhu Ting is hiding in the palace right now!" "Lu Xiao Feng, can't you see there's a problem with what you've just said?" "I am the Chief Constable of the capital." "By saying that the masked man is there, you are also implicating me as a suspect!" "Chief Jin, you're taking this the wrong way." "You should know that Zhu Ting was killed by the "Corpse-dissolving Maggots" of the Miao tribe." "That's right!" "And rumor has it that His Majesty used the same kind of maggots to execute Lord Zhengnan's son." "Only his clothes and crown remained." "So someone in the palace is familiar with using these maggots." "Impossible!" "Lord Zhengnan's son is still alive and well!" "He is a good friend of His Majesty." "In fact, they even drank and watched dances together last night!" "Who is spreading such a rumor?" "Your assistant, Yen Shin!" "Yen Shin?" "!" "Master Yen, it's finished." "Very good." "Here's a note for 10,000 taels." "It's enough for you and your wife to spend for the rest of your lives." "Thanks, Master Yen!" "No need." "Chief Jin is very satisfied with your craft." "You deserve it." "Zhu Ting?" "!" "You traitor!" "Chief Jin!" "Don't kill him!" "You... you..." "I have no knowledge of all the things Yen Shin has done!" "Yen Shin has imprisoned Zhu Ting in the palace for days." "Surely you must've noticed, Chief Jin." "Yen Shin was in charge of the palace's perimeters." "I seldom asked him about it." "So you have never suspected him?" "I only use men whom I do not suspect." "Yen Shin was intelligent and cautious, and he had never made a single mistake." "He had earned my trust and respect." "Never would I have thought that he is a traitor!" "If that's the case, why did Zhu Ting fake his death?" "Also, why was he imprisoned at the palace, and why did Yen Shin want him dead?" "Chief Jin, I guess you won't have answers for these either." "That's right!" "As Chief Constable of the capital, you are also good at brushing off responsibilities!" "What is that supposed to mean?" "Are you saying that I was behind everything Yen Shin did?" "Chief Jin, you are the head constable, and" "Yen Shin was your subordinate." "I can't see how you can talk your way out of a murder at the palace." "Lu Xiao Feng!" "Chief Jin, they haven't slept for days." "Please let them take a rest." "No!" "The first pile of gold must be delivered to" "Huan Shek Village by September 15th." "There must be no delay!" "Pass my words on to them." "Let them know that they will all be rewarded handsomely when the work is done!" "Yes!" "Chief Jin, there is one other thing." "What is it?" "Lu Xiao Feng is challenging Ximen Chuixue." "The one who now stands before you is no longer your friend, but an opponent determined to defeat you." "No lives will be spared once my sword leaves my sheath." "If you lose, then you and your wife will go back to your Tien Tao Villa." "Last time at the bamboo grove, our fight ended in a draw." "I never thought my opponent today would be you." "The Ximen Chuixue I used to know is dead." "Look at you." "Gone is the confidence and aura of a killer." "It's better that I defeated you today than have you die under" "Ye Gucheng's sword later!" "You should know that Ye's desire to kill is stalwart and determined." "You have lost that desire." "If you persist on fighting him, then you will definitely lose to him!" "Are you really going to challenge Ye to a duel?" "He should know that Ximen Chuixue has lost." "Are you confident you can defeat him?" "I'm not." "Then why are you still going?" "Isn't it foolish to try to do the impossible?" "For a friend, it's worth being a fool for once." "Ximen Chuixue didn't lose to me yesterday." "He lost to himself." "Ximen Chuixue will soon be a father." "He now has feelings of the heart." "He can't be a cold, heartless" "God of the Sword like he was before." "If he fights Ye Gucheng, what do you think the outcome will be?" "There will only be one outcome: death." "What if I fight Ye in his place?" "Ye's "Heavenly Flying Fairy" is powerful, but your" "Lingxei Finger is also unique among the martial arts world." "If Ye hasn't been poisoned by the Tangs, then your chances of winning are 50-50." "What about now?" "You probably have a slight advantage." "Very well put." "I'm confident I'll win." "So what's there for me to worry about?" ""HUAN SHEK VILLAGE"" "Chief of Bai Wen." "Lu Xiao Feng." "Please teach me!" "Lu Xiao Feng?" "He's dead!" "Lu Xiao Feng!" "Lu Xiao Feng!" "Lu Xiao Feng!" "Lu Xiao Feng!" "Open your eyes!" "Look at me!" "Lu Xiao Feng!" "Lu Xiao Feng!" "Don't die, Lu Xiao Feng!" "Get up, Lu Xiao Feng!" "Lu Xiao Feng... get up!" ""SAN WUO BLACKSMITH"" "Greetings, sir." "What would you like?" "A sword." "What?" "Sir, I only know how to make knives, shovels, and saws." "I don't know anything else." "In that case, I'll buy your store." "What?" "Is this enough?" "Yes, yes!" "Thank you, sir!" "I don't have to be blacksmith anymore!" "I'm rich!" "I'm rich!" ""I will never regret that you loved me" "It's just that our love cannot last" "The short-lived bliss that we had is enough" "As long as I still cherish it, I will be happy" "I will never regret that I have loved" "But my life will now be a lonely one" "The wounds fade away like distant lights" "As I return to my wandering roots" "I will never regret that you loved me" "It's just that our love cannot last" "The short-lived bliss that we had is enough..."" "I, Ximen Chuixue, swear to God that" "Lu Xiao Feng's blood will not shed in vain!" "I will take revenge for him at the duel on September 15th!" "You guys are here!" "If others hear you now, they'll think this place is haunted!" "Amida Buddha!" "Ghosts only appear at night." "This daytime ghost must be a loathsome one that had caused much pain and sadness among his peers." "I always get blamed for everything!" "Thanks, monk, for teaching me the "Tortoise Breathing Stance"" "so that I could stop my breathing and heartbeat temporarily." "Actually, we all knew you tried hard to help your friend." "Now Ximen Chuixue had regained his confidence and his will to fight." "But I really want to know." "That day, when you fought Ye Gucheng, who won?" "The "Heavenly Flying Fairy" lives up to its name indeed." "Chief of Bai Wen, you could have killed me with the stance." "You don't have to be humble." "If my sword had hit your forehead, then your "Devil's Spell" sword would have ended my life." "I could very well be the one who crosses the River Styx first." "However, I also know that Lu Xiao Feng is not a despicable man that takes advantage of his opponent." "Chief of Bai Wen!" "Are you all right?" "If you hadn't been injured by the Tang Brothers' poison, then I could very well be dead by now." "This is fate." "Indeed it is." "I do have a favor to ask." "What is it?" "I plead you to let me die." "You want to die?" "Chief of Bai Wen, I will be forever grateful to you if you can fulfill this wish of mine." "I understand now." "Ximen Chuixue." "How lucky you are!" "I am both envious and jealous of him for having a friend like you!" "If you can grant my wish, then the duel of September 15th will become an inevitable one." "You can also say that it was I, Lu Xiao Feng, that fulfilled" "Chief of Bai Wen's wish." "Oh, so Ye Gucheng agreed to your plan of faking your death." "But there's one thing I, Honest Monk, don't understand, and which you didn't explain." "Why must you stay here at Huan Shek Village?" "Because there's hardly a soul here." "Surely that makes it convenient for you to hide here." "But don't you find it odd that all of the residents here have left?" "There had been no plagues or epidemics here, and no natural disasters." "Are you saying that the government evicted them?" "Huan Shek Village is 50 miles west of the capital." "It's small and hard to find." "I believe someone is using this village to carry out a secret conspiracy that is only known by a few." "What exactly are they doing?" "Let's go!" "Hurry!" " Who's there?" "!" " Who are you?" "The masked man killed swiftly and cruelly." "I'll go take a look." "What have you found?" "Take a look at this." "This is not a brick!" "That's right." "This is too heavy to be a brick." "What can it be?" "Gold!" "Gold?" "Why are they burying gold here?" "These should be the gold blocks made from the gold coins that belonged to the Jin Peng kingdom." "They were smuggled out of the palace and buried here." "That's why all the guards were killed to keep their mouth shut." "I believe this masked man works for someone in the palace." "There has been a chain of unsolved murders in the capital." "They must have something to do with the gold." "But who's the mastermind hiding in the palace that's behind all this?" "Lu Xiao Feng?" "!" "Are you a man or a ghost?" "I am sorry." "I lied to you." "I was never dead." "You didn't die under Ye Gucheng's sword?" "Why did you lie to me?" "Tell me!" "Why?" "Why?" "Sikong Zhaixing, Hua Manlou, and even Feiyan." "They were all avoiding me!" "I understand now." "They all knew about this, but they wouldn't tell me." "Why?" "Why?" "Why am I the last to know?" "You bastard!" "Why?" "Why didn't you come see me until now?" "Do you know how much I wanted to die?" "I almost drank poison!" "I am a woman." "I gave all I have to love a man with all my heart." "I'm very tired." "I no longer have the strength to take any more blows!" "I would rather choose to die than to mourn!" "I know I have let you down, but I have reasons for doing so." "I promise you." "Trust me." "Wake up, Zhu Ting!" "Zhu Ting!" "Do you recognize me?" "Zhu Ting!" "Zhu Ting..." "I..." "I won't do it anymore..." "Zhu Ting." "Don't worry." "You will go home soon." "But you have to tell me." "What have you done?" "Lu..." "Xiao..." "Feng..." "Zhu Ting." "Listen carefully." "I have to ask you." "What were you doing at the inn?" "Half... half a yard..." "Were you sewing silk sashes?" "How many silk sashes did you sew?" "Thir..." "Thirteen..." "Zhu Ting!" "Zhu Ting!" "Zhu Ting!" "Tell me now." "Who is the masked man?" "Who in the palace were you working for?" ""A..." "Ionely soul... can conquer... the steepest... mountains..."" "Zhu Ting!" "Zhu Ting..." "Zhu Ting..." "Zhu Ting!" "Zhu Ting..." "Zhu Ting..." "Looks like it's going to be a spectacle tonight." "Do you have something in mind?" "I want to sneak into the palace and solve the mystery of the treasures." "I'll go with you." "No need." "You and Lu Xiao Feng should attend the duel." "Who will want to miss the chance to see Ximen Chuixue and" "Ye Gucheng fight?" "I'll be careful." "But I can't let you risk your life alone!" "And I thought only the duel's location had tight security." "Everywhere in the Forbidden City is heavily guarded." "Let's go!" "Why are there so many masked men here?" "And they all have silk sashes!" "These silk sashes were made by Zhu Ting." "Zhu Ting worked for the palace." "That means the silk must've come from there!" "And it was someone from inside the palace that gave him the silk." "...Who killed Zhu Ting the first time?" "...The masked man." "And it was Yen Shin who killed Zhu the second time." "Yen Shin was then killed by Jin Jiuling." "Chief Jin, you've come at the right time." "Who are they?" "Why are they here when only six people are allowed?" "And why do they all have silk sashes?" "I had to give those six silk sashes out as a decoy to lure these masked men here!" "Their sashes must have been made from the half yard of silk that was stolen from the palace." "Now that they are here, they can forget about leaving here alive!" "The palace is heavily guarded." "If, like you said, no one can easily get in and out of here, then could it be that someone from inside the palace was responsible for the theft?" "We're not here today to talk about the stolen silk!" "I've closed all entrances to the Forbidden City." "No one will be able to get in or get out of here now!" "You?" "!" "What are you doing here?" "Good evening, Your Majesty." "I have an important matter to tell you." "Speak." "Someone would like to see you, Your Majesty." "This sword of mine was forged from dark steel." "It's 3 feet 7 inches in length and weights close to 10 Ibs." "In your hand, any sword is a good sword." "My sword is made out of the finest cold steel from afar." "Its sharp blade is icy cold, yet its energy can melt the snow." "It's 3 feet 3 inches in length and weights more than 6 Ibs." "Both of you are the finest experts of swordplay in our time." "The world's expectation is huge." "Therefore, I'm sure that your swords have not been coated with poison, and that you do not possess any secret weapons." "However, tonight's duel only happens once in the lifetime, and it will surely be cherished by future generations." "Therefore, to ensure a fair fight, may I ask the two of you to exchange each other's swords for examination?" "I do not object." "Only one person can take my sword." "Could he be Lu Xiao Feng?" "Yes." "What say you, Chief of Bai Wen?" ""One person can take care of two matters"" "Swordsman Lu is also someone I can trust." "This is a good sword indeed." "Extraordinary swordplay can be achieved as long as man and sword become one." "Thanks." "He is..." "Your Majesty, you must be wondering who "he" is." ""He" is the late Lord Zhengnan's second son, and "he" will become our Emperor very soon." "Lord Zhengnan never had a second son!" "Who are you?" "How dare you disguise as me?" "!" "By trespassing in the Forbidden City and attempting to rebel by posing as an impostor of the Emperor, you and your whole family will be executed!" "Heaven has appointed me, and by orders of our founding royal fathers," "I am truly the Son of Heaven!" "Your Majesty, your time is up." "Eunuch On, you traitor!" "You'll never get away!" "I still have loyal men by my side!" "For tonight's duel, you and I should not have even the slightest compassion." "As a swordsman, I will have no regrets if I die under the sword of a supreme master." "Likewise." "Please!" "Wait!" "What for?" "Your wounds are still bleeding." "My sword may be meant to kill, but" "I do not kill those who want to die." "I will wait for you." "We shall fight in a month." "Who said I wanted to die?" "You are not Ye Gucheng!" "What do you mean I'm not him?" "Tang Tianrong?" "!" "Talk!" "Where is Jin Jiuling?" ""A lonely soul can conquer the steepest mountains"" "Do you understand what Zhu Ting's last words meant?" ""The steepest mountains" must be the most important place here." "I got it!" "Ye Gucheng must've gone to the Emperor's chamber!" "Hua Manlou!" "Hey!" "Feiyan..." "Feiyan has been kidnapped!" "Where is she?" "Go and save her!" "Follow me!" "Are you Ye Gucheng?" "I am not Ye Gucheng." "I am Duan Yufei of Jin Peng!" "What a vile conspiracy!" "So Ye Gucheng is actually Duan Yufei!" "That's right!" "I am both Chief of Bai Wen and leader of Ching Yi!" "I have been waiting for this moment for 3 years!" ""The King is no longer King, and the Bandit is no longer Bandit." "Between King and Bandit, only the strong will win."" "Prepare to die!" "After you've killed me, the double will become me, and he will become your puppet, right?" "You finally understand, but it's too late now!" "Lu Xiao Feng!" "Why are you here?" "Because you are here." "So the Chief of Bai Wen and the leader of Ching Yi are the same!" "Too bad." "Your own undoing foiled your perfect plan." ""A lonely soul can conquer the steepest mountains"." "Never thought I would fail at the very last moment!" "Take me away!" "Take me away!" "Forgive us, Your Majesty." "Help!" "Brother Hua!" "I'm here!" "Help me!" "Be careful!" "Help!" "Look out!" "All of you will die!" "Brother Hua!" "Save Feiyan!" "Help!" "Brother Hua!" "FEIYAN!" "Feiyan!" "Ye Gucheng!" "Your plan has been foiled!" "You are finished!" "That's right." "I've planned everything." "Even my injuries from the Tangs' poison were a fake!" "Everything I did was for tonight's duel atop the Forbidden City!" "Tonight's duel itself was also just a grand illusion!" "The purpose of your meticulous plan was to make you an Emperor!" "Your dishonesty makes you unworthy to be a man of the sword." "I've said that, one day, we will have to fight one another!" "Do you dare to fight with me at another place?" "Name the place." "I will wait for you by the ruins of Jin Peng!" "Ximen Chuixue." "You are generally regarded as the one and only God of Sword of our times." "With this duel, my lifelong wish is now fulfilled." ""The duel is over, and the outcome has been determined." "The evil leader of Ching Yi has been eradicated." "However, in "Jiang Hu", the world of the martial arts, these chivalrous heroes still have a long and winding road ahead of them."" "Lu Xiao Feng..." "Jimmy Lin" "Ximen Chuixue..." "Christopher Lee" "Hua Manlou..." "Thomas Ong" "Ye Gucheng..." "Wu Hsing Guo" "Yin Zhengdao..." "David Chiang" "Yin Jiao-fu..." "Hung Yen Yen" "Lord Zhengnan..." "Kenneth Tsang" "Feiyan..." "Teresa Lee" "Honest Monk..." "Max Mok" "Jin Jiuling..." "Lam Wai" "English subtitle translation:" "Frank Djeng"