We found the record.
The Sacred Volume.
Leave us.
The record shows that the Sacred Volume
is a secret volume of martial arts.
It was written in the Ming Dynasty.
It contains the teachings of a mystic art.
Enough.
We cannot under-estimate this incident.
The West Securitate has always been against us.
This theft has taken place in our Library.
Should the West Securitate know of this
they will be pleased to tittle-tattle on this and report to His Majesty.
It will be the end of our days.
In all my years with the Royal Palace
I have never come across such bad luck.
Should we find a scapegoat?
The Palace is so well-guarded.
No outsider could have stolen the Volume.
See if any guard has taken leave lately.
Don't let too many people get involved.
I understand.
To avoid complications, keep this within our own people.
In the past 10 days, 2 officials have left.
One has passed away through illness.
The other is Master Lam Chun Nam.
He resigned his commission to retire
because his arch-rival was made his supervisor.
He chose the wrong time to leave.
He is the prime suspect. This is his country home. Master Lam is inside.
All the major roads has been blocked.
Every person in and out are in our hands.
His Eminence is in total control.
Master Lam is no longer in office.
We shouldn't have to be so cautious.
But we have our reputation and 'face' to consider
What if we do not find anything?
We have to use someone else.
Anyhow, he will not live past tonight.
What's the problem?
Someone has crossed the line, Sir.
They have been deactivated. Reactivate them.
Yes sir.
This is the work of a highly trained martial artist.
Everything alright?
Someone has gone inside.
Everybody on the alert.
Someone has crossed the defense line.
Wonder who it can be?
Hide the dynamite. To arms.
To arms. On the alert.
Be careful.
Sir, is it the help you've been waiting for?
Can it be them?
I'm not sure yet.
Is it Grand Master Ngok, from the Wah Mountain School of Swordsmen?
Are you from the Wah Mountain School?
I am Ling Wu Chung of Wah Mountain.
I have orders to see Master Lam Chun Nam.
Shoot!
Shoot them!
Hurry, move it along.
So many people are welcoming us.
Is Master Lam here?
I am no longer in office.
You need not address me this way.
Why are there so many guards?
Are they all your men?
They are...
Yes.
You have resigned and you still have so many guards?
We nearly couldn't get in.
My office brings me many enemies.
The court cares so much for its old ministers...
that it sends an army to protect us.
You are...
I am Ling Wu Chung of the Wah Mountain School.
I am also from Wah Mountain.
A junior student. He's like a brother to me.
I've deactivated two of your men.
Let me release them.
No need. They did not learn their art well.
They deserve this.
Guards, take them out and look after them.
Yes.
My teacher asked us to deliver something.
There is a letter.
He said to read the letter before opening the gift.
Where's the letter?
The letter must be handed to you personally.
No, Master Lam.
Get the letter.
Hurry up!
What's the matter, where did you keep it?
Did I not give it to you?
You didn't.
I really did give it to you.
I did it because I was afraid of losing it.
Accept my apology for keeping you waiting.
We've found a letter by the roadside.
Probably dropped by that man.
My dear friend Lam,
I have been delayed by some urgent matter.
My unworthy student brings you a box of sleeping smoke
for your defense.
There is a trigger device in the box.
Do not open it until absolutely necessary.
Your Eminence, the dyeing room is on fire
Should we attack while they are unprepared?
Then we can do what want.
Be careful. This could be a set-up.
A mere letter can't fool me. Don't be hasty.
Yes, Your Eminence. You are most clear-headed.
Fire! Fire!
Get some water. Put out the fire.
There's dynamite. Don't use water.
Use some cloth. Cover the fire.
I found it.
No.
What's this? Your horoscope?!
Stop this nonsense. Look for the letter.
Lock them up.
Yes, sir!
Who are you?
I told you. We are from the Wah Mountain School.
Yes.
How do I know that you're telling the truth.
What? Impostor?
Don't worry. Don't get so worked up.
You should recognize my Teacher's sword-play.
I'll demonstrate it to prove my identity.
Make room, there's not enough space.
Up on the mountain.
Alone by the waters.
The wind sweeps off the leaves.
Rendering the flowers even more beautiful.
They angry sword makes the skies tremble.
The thunder roars in the rain.
No able man comes forward.
I turn back for the last thrust.
Gazing up at the bright moon.
I bow my head and...
Beware of the fire.
Oh, what a mess! I was too exited and added on my own style.
Improvisation, not the Wah School Swordsmanship.
That will do. I believe you.
No need for further demonstration.
Senior.
You seem to be hesitant to speak your mind.
It's important to prove that we are not impostors.
Yet it's more important to prove your identity.
My teacher asked me to relate a verbal message
I will demonstrate to you my iron fists.
They are also very well-known.
Quite a demonstration, such power!
Really lives up to its name of the iron fists.
How do you know that he is genuine?
He's so out of breath, he's half-dead.
The least we can do is applaud.
You should be more appreciative.
Very good.
Now that I have proved my identity, you can relate the message.
He said that he'll be late by 1 or 2 days.
Louder.
He said that he'll be...
Please be quiet.
Quiet please.
Say it again.
Teacher said he would be late by 1 or 2 days.
This is the message!
Yes.
Take the guests upstairs.
Excuse me. I'm too busy. Please go upstairs for a rest.
Please go up.
Please.
We will not come down unless necessary.
Come on, let's practise our singing.
Give me a break, can't you wait a while?
Are you kidding? There's an entire chorus here, ready to start.
What chorus? Who's singing?
Singing, my foot! I mean there's a lot going on here.
We're just pretending nothing is wrong.
The river water is interfering with the well water.
If they start fighting, we'd better beat it.
How exciting! It's really worth the trip.
I've decided to stay and watch.
Go on, stay, if you want to get into trouble.
Teacher didn't know that you came with me.
If anything happens to you, I'll be finished!
Shouldn't we get away quickly?
There could be many enemies outside.
We cannot get away now.
Wait until dark.
Listen, an important person must have arrived.
Protect His Eminence.
Yes.
Protect His Eminence.
Zhor, Chief of the Five Ranges here to pay respects.
Careful, behind the screen.
The fatal ice.
Driving the waves.
Take this.
Chief Zhor greets your Eminence.
Your Lordship.
Your Eminence.
Your Lordship.
Rise.
Yes.
Leave us alone.
I am fully aware of who is loyal to me.
Despite your achievements,
you have always been humble and obedient to me.
It is rewarding to serve Your Eminence.
The mission of getting...
the Sacred Volume,
I know nothing about books. To avoid blunder,
may I know what exactly is this Sacred Volume?
It's a hand-written scroll
about the art of gardening.
If it's about gardening, then it's an easy job.
I will do as Your Eminence wishes.
You do not have to know what the Sacred-Volume is about.
This warrant will get you anywhere.
Rest assured, Your Eminence, that I will do my best
No one to live and tell?
No complications.
Yes Sir.
I'll act after night falls.
The water is cold.
You're not dressed.
Whoever would take a bath fully clothed?
Get me my clothes.
You're a big girl now. I can't be around all the time.
You should be prepared before taking a bath!
Just get me my clothes.
I would do the same for you.
Hurry, it's cold.
If I help you once, you'd be the same next time
Do it yourself.
And you said I'm like a brother to you.
Who is it?
I've brought you your dinner.
Coming.
Get dressed. Coming...
Pants.
Pants again?
Sir.
People here sleep early.
You should go to bed early.
Yes, we will do that.
Some refurbishing is being done downstairs.
Please have your dinner in the room.
See if the bathing water has gone cold.
Do you need more hot water?
Yes.
Don't come over, I don't need more hot water.
You want to scald me to death?!
Don't come over. Stay right there.
Leave me alone.
He's sweating. The water should be hot enough.
Well, it's up to you.
Enjoy your dinner.
Thank you.
It's getting dark. Get dressed.
You want to disguise as a boy, don't take baths!
So many people!
Are you also waiting to escape?
Yes.
Put the fire out.
Who is it? Why don't you show yourself?
Only cowards do not show themselves.
Stay the hell outside then!
Chief of the Five Ranges has arrived.
I am Zhor, Chief of the Fie Ranges.
Last month an impostor calling himself Zhor
was thrown into a river of crocodiles.
The Five Ranges are full of heroes.
How dare your claim yourself Chief of the Five Ranges?
Shameless as you are, why not declare yourself king?
No more nonsense.
Give me back the Sacred Volume.
If you're so well-bred,
why do people call you shit?
Rather be shit than to be dead.
When the Innkeeper turns, light the dynamite.
Gosh, I lost something.
Get it back.
I think I have lit the dynamite.
Did you bury a lot of dynamite here?
Yes.
Looks like we have to go. Hurry.
The dynamite will explode. Get away.
No. There are many people inside.
Is there enough time?
Well, since you can't even read,
I'll let you choose first.
The dynamite has been lit. Run.
It's lit.
We have been trapped.
He is just a decoy.
But things have really been stirred up.
Put out the fire. Yes.
Wah Mountain Swordsman.
Kiddo.
Stop it. We are from the same school.
Master Lam, your foot.
I've hurt my leg.
Can't stay here.
Have you seen my wife and son, Lam Ping Gi.
Lam Chun Nam. I know you are there.
Chun Nam...
My lady.
Lam, show yourself. We'll make a deal.
Depends on what you can pay me.
You want a sample. I can give you one right away.
Chun Nam...
Don't do anything
We escaped separately for their safety,
but it's put them in jeopardy instead.
You won't save them by going out now.
I'm like an eagle with clipped wings.
No bargaining.
If you make a move I'll kill her.
Help!
Zhor, a renowned knight like you
should not use such despicable methods
towards an helpless woman.
I have no mercy for a conspirator.
Chun Nam.
Catch.
What's that?
It's an eyeball.
Zhor, stop. I'm coming out now.
It's almost dawn.
You won't be able to get away then.
I used to have everything. But once my position and title is gone
I wanted to safeguard my descendants from persecution
by acquiring an invincible martial arts skill.
I never expected to come to this.
If I do not escape my fate today,
please carry out my one last wish.
Sir, I'll do as you wish.
But you must swear upon it.
I swear to the heavens.
If I break my promise,
I should be killed by a thunder bolt.
Tell my son Lam Ping Gi that the family treasure is hidden
under the water wheel.
Remember! On my son's left shoulder
is a scar shaped like a cross.
Lam, you are so heartless.
Don't you want to save your wife.
Bastard. Stop it.
I have cut off her tongue.
Your wife can no longer speak.
I'll come and fight it out with you.
Kiddo. You have to be on the alert.
Use all your means to get back to Wah Mountain.
No, I'll go with you.
I have to rescue someone.
When Teacher sent me, he didn't realize how serious the situation is.
You must find him and tell him.
Senior.
Master Lam.
There's someone besides Lam.
Bring me the bow and arrow.
Master Lam.
An arrow!
Mater Lam.
You must deliver this message to him personally.
My death will not be for nothing then.
Master Lam.
Hurry and go, Kiddo.
Your Eminence.
Well done.
You've had all the bodies burnt.
With so many dead, the local government will be alarmed.
I have already made arrangements.
The Sun Moon Sect of Highlanders are very active in this area.
They are involved with the smuggling of salt.
We can blame this on them.
To make it appear to be a clash between the clans.
The local government dare not agitate the Highlanders
by reporting this to the lmperial Court
for fear of chastisement.
It will then be left alone and forgotten.
You have schemed this well.
You think so fast.
If I'm not watchful, you'll go right past me.
I beg your forgiveness for not reporting to your first.
Young man, be careful. You may lose your head.
Rise.
Yes, Your Eminence.
Excuse me, are these people waiting for the boat?
No, they are seeing their friend off
The Chief of the Easy Winds clan retires today
After he has gone,
it's difficult to say what lies ahead.
We don't know how long the new Chief can last!
Our livelihood depends on this river.
All these years while I served as chief,
although I cannot truly say there was no trouble,
we have only had small disturbances.
I recognize them from Master Lam's house.
Let's go!
Your bundle?
Who is he?
If you want to know, go and ask him.
Life with the clan is full of ups and downs.
But I shall leave all this now.
You shall be the new chief
I'll try my best.
There are many boats sailing past in this river.
The Securitate is always watching us.
For a better tomorrow for all of us,
I will try my best not to let you down.
I won't force everybody to go against the tide.
Whatever the tides may be, human beings are the most important.
Move off.
No one shall leave the pier.
Can't you see the officials are attending a ceremony?
I want to search your boat.
There may be Sun Moon Sect on board.
Sir, don't worry.
I'm not a Sun Moon Sect's man.
But I am.
I have an old friend on board.
Don't let him be disturbed.
These people are upstarts.
You can send them away with money.
Chief, please go on your way.
Good bye now.
Take care.
I'm a guard. Please come to the court with me.
You are from the Sun Moon Sect. Kuk, don't go out.
Set sail.
See my warrant. He who deters me is a traitor.
Although there are many of you,
you are only a handful to us.
Hell! You cannot withstand his arrows.
I see the culprit has appeared.
Indeed the Sun Moon Sect people are on board!
He is Zhor, a lackey of the East Securitate.
He killed the Lam family.
What?
He can't swim. He won't come after us.
What is he up to?
All for the power struggle between clans.
We haven't seen each other for over 40 years.
We need never return to this place.
So many years ago.
Do you still remember our song?
It has been a long time since we played together.
It's a song we worked on in our younger days.
You sing a song, too.
The seas laugh, lashing on both shores.
Carried in the waves, we have only the here and now.
The heavens laugh, at the troubled world.
Only they know, who is to win and lose.
The mountains laugh, the rain is afar.
When the waves grow old, the world still goes on.
The light wind laughs, brings along with lonesome
Shadows fall on my sheeves, there is nothing but naked passion.
The heavens laugh, lonesome leaves.
But bitter smile remains.
La...
It's the Easy Winds' boat.
The boat ahead, lower your sails.
Lower the sails.
Steer.
Ram it.
Who is on the big boat?
The Easy Winds Sect.
Never mind him. Ram the boat.
Follow me.
Kiddo.
Zhor, take this.
Chief, go with the tide and save yourself.
You spineless creature.
It's the times.
You traitor.
I'm clearing the way for the Imperial Court.
Zhor, you running dog.
Clouds overhead stance.
Jump in the water. Jump.
Take this.
Old pal.