Timing and Subtitles Brought To You By Sword Dynasty Team @ Viki
♫ Gazing homewards, my tears fall and I break up inside ♫
♫ Dust seals the past and carves past wounds in my memory ♫
♫ The sky darkens and the night is endless, searching for a ray of light ♫
♫ I craft a medallion to shine a light on the way ahead ♫
♫ Flying against the wind, my ruthlessness grows wild ♫
♫ I will protect my beliefs ♫
♫ Listen as the past fades like smoke ♫
♫ Past wrongs have not been resolved ♫
♫ The flame of rage burns, the spirit roars ♫
♫ I will return to glory and rise above the clouds ♫
[Sword Dynasty]
[Episode 13]
- They are using the same swords. - Great Heng forbids ranked swordsmen to conduct private duels.
Those are blunt black iron swords especially made for the Sword Trials.
The blade isn't sharpened yet for absolute fairness.
Taking great pains for a good intention.
Which one is Ding Ning?
Looking for me?
Looking for you? It was clearly you who sent us a challenge note that's why I have come here.
When did I ever challenge you?
Brother-in-Law, I did it for you.
When did I ever say I wanted to challenge anybody?
I was the one who asked him to find someone.
That day, your fight with Xie Changsheng was really boring.
So, I asked him to find a couple of opponents for you.
1. For you to practice.
2. To make me, your teacher, happy.
You found a little too many, didn't you?
Good luck.
I am Lu Duofeng, ranked 81.
These two are Zhou Xieyi, at 86,
and Xin Jianli, at 91. Perhaps, you have some impression of us?
Why should I remember those who are ranked behind me?
Arrogant!
I'm still puzzled
on why Hong Yang Academy ranedk you ahead of us.
It's useless to talk about it. Let's use the swords to talk.
First Senior Brother, help me keep those two blunt black iron swords.
Junior Brother, have you decided?
If there's a problem, naturally, it has to be resolved.
But you've never used a blunt black iron sword.
I let you keep the swords because, first, you are my senior brother;
second, you are always dawdling.
That's why speaking out loud in events like this can make you more decisive.
Your junior brother is actually right. Hurry and go.
Yes, Teacher. Just wait a moment.
Brother Chen, please wait. May I borrow two of your blunt black iron swords?
I am Jiang Li from White Goat Cave of Green Vine Sword School.
If it's for dueling, I don't think anyone would refuse to loan their swords.
Thank you, Brother Chen.
I'm limited in strength, so I can only duel with one of you.
If the other two are dissatisfied, you can find my junior brother.
I... The sky is so blue.
It seems that you are not that detestable as I originally thought.
It's just that Chen Liufeng beat Fan Wuque earlier.
It proves the ranking positions on the outstanding talents list
aren't really representative of their real strengths.
I won't fight with you.
I'll fight with Zhou Xieyi.
What?
Why are you choosing me?
I came from the marketplace, so I'm cheap.
Anything that doesn't give me benefits would be boring for me.
I'm ranked ahead of you, so it's natural that I should beat you.
If I lose, I would not only lose honor but also become your stepping stone.
What in the world do you mean?
Isn't this clear?
Even a porter wouldn't carry loads for free.
So, there has to be a reward for this duel.
Do you really think that you'll beat me for sure? What are you betting?
If you lose, I want to see Zhou family's Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll. If you win,
I'll let you see Cave Master Xue's notes.
Since you know about the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll owned by our Zhou family of Ink Garden,
how dare you say earlier that you don't know us?
Knowing about the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll doesn't mean I know about your rank.
Rumor says that even though the mentioned remnant scroll only has freehand drawings and no characters at all,
if the viewer can luckily comprehend a different level of artistic concept from it,
he can learn a different kind of sword technique.
However, the most talented descendants throughout the generation of the Zhou family
have only comprehended three techniques from it.
Your father named you Zhou Xieyi, obviously wishing that you can comprehend a technique or two.
The books you've read, the things you know,
are really quite a lot.
Regardless of who wins between us, the time is limited to one day.
If I win, even if I look at the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll for one day,
I probably can't comprehend much.
But if you can read Cave Master Xue's notes for a day,
you will definitely gain quite a lot.
No matter how you see it, this bet is really in your favor.
As it is, I thank you for your generosity.
Let's go.
Please.
I just like his unreasonable self-confidence.
Junior Brother just started cultivating last year.
Even though he is ranked close to the front,
he has only cultivated up to the Third Realm's primary stage.
Zhou Xieyi has already reached the Third Realm's advanced stage.
I really don't see how Junior Brother can win.
Brother-in-Law will lose?
Of course, we don't think so.
But most people
will probably disagree with us.
That one is the sword just used by Fan Wuque, the loser.
Isn't it bad luck for you?
Whoever uses a sword should first give respect to the sword.
There is no unlucky sword. Sword is life.
You should understand that if there is no loss,
where will victory come from?
Are you using those kinds of words to disturb my inner peace?
I fear that only in ruthless fights among the freelance martial swordsmen is such a method used.
Let's begin.
Let's see how awesome he can really be.
White Goat Sword Seal Manual?
So fast.
Ding Ning is really strong. Just by this sword force,
he deserves to be listed on the outstanding talents list.
He deliberately showed weakness
to lure Zhou Xieyi to use the move of Yellow Cloud Slicing the Rosy Clouds, and then continuously attacked him.
Zhou Xieye countered too strongly, and it is actually not good for him.
This is one of the three most complicated sword seals in the White Goat Sword Seal Manual.
I didn't realize Junior Brother had learned it so quickly.
Aren't you silly? When he was using a broken sword before, he was already fast.
Isn't he even faster when he uses a good sword?
Teacher, I am dim-witted.
The first move in the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll,
Mountains and Rivers as a Painting.
This is...
White Goat Hanging Horns.
It's the most ordinary move in the White Goat Sword Manual,
but it is also the least ordinary one.
What's important in its sword force is not poking the horns,
but tolerating and countering.
Avoid the opponent's sharp blade and wait for an opportunity to act.
Brother-in-Law won! Brother-in-Law won!
- Awesome! - Excellent!
How could I be defeated by you?
Winning and losing is common in battles.
Besides, we had a bet.
When do you want to come to our family's Ink Garden to view the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll?
The sooner the better.
Make it today then.
Good.
Ding Ning is really extraordinary.
I really cannot match up to him.
Ding Ning always says you're too softhearted like a woman.
Your sword force holds a sense of hesitation.
One must be compassionate, but it depends on who you're fighting against.
In the way of the sword, if you miss by a tiny bit, you can lose by a thousand miles.
If you duel with someone who is worse than you,
you can easily win.
But if you duel with someone who is of a similar level
or has a higher cultivation level,
with your extra hesitation,
how can you win then?
Teacher, am I a failure
as a person and as a swordsman?
You do have problems with both.
However, a person's nature is hard to change.
I hope that before I close my eyes for the final time,
I can see you remove that hesitation from your sword force.
Teacher, rest assured.
I will do my best to achieve that.
Your cultivation levels are higher than my Brother-in-Law, but you can't beat him. Aren't you embarrassed?
He is so unexpectedly strong.
Embarrassing!
Your sword... is it mostly from your own comprehension
or from Cave Master Xue's notes?
Many people can see clearly,
but they can't do it.
Teacher, I'm going to Ink Garden to view the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll.
Brother-in-Law, can I go, too?
Xie Changsheng, the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll
is not for anyone to see.
Get lost. I heard that your Ink Garden is dilapidated.
What if I provide money to renovate it? How about it?
Do you think everyone will bow to money?
Shut up!
Father.
Aren't you embarrassed enough?
Sometimes, it's acceptable to bow to money.
We can talk.
Since my son has lost his bet, [Zhou Yunhai]
allowing an outsider to view the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll,
I don't mind if a few extra outsiders want to join.
If any of you talented elites can really comprehend
some refined sword moves from my house's remnant scroll,
and you establish honors and accolades in the future,
it will be a good story.
How much in gold?
Ten thousand gold pieces each person.
Ten thousand gold pieces?
Deal.
Xie...
Don't count me in. I heard Ink Garden has a good scenic view.
I will just view the scenery later.
Cave Master Xue, you are a grandmaster of an era.
You obviously don't need to view my family's remnant scroll.
So be it. Let's get going then.
My son, Chu, you want to go out?
Greetings, Queen Mother.
It's hard on you to be confined inside the manor.
Since I'm not doing anything, I can use the time to cultivate my character and improve my health.
It's just that...
It's just that the Deer Mountain Conference is about to happen. I hope I will be released from confinement by that time
so that I can accompany King Father to Deer Mountain.
That day's incident in the Great Hall was clearly pre-planned.
Someone must be jealous of your position as Crown Prince and wanted to alienate you from your father.
Deer Mountain Conference will soon take place.
Your confinement is actually beneficial so that you can avoid some unexpected dark storms.
My son, Chu, don't feel dejected.
In the future, you will succeed your father as a wise king.
Even though I'm not your birth mother, I've treated you as my own son.
No matter what, I will find the person behind the plot.
Once the trouble is over, I will ask your father to return your freedom.
Rong'er has been by my side for many years. She can be trusted.
If you are bored, you can train with her.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Thank you, Queen Mother. However, I've been puzzled by something.
I've always been kind with people. Why is it that someone would attack me when I haven't offended anyone?
Your innocence is a basis for a wise king.
However, in the palace, you can't neglect being on the defense.
Remember this, it's important to be tolerant,
but even more importantly, you must learn to wait.
Don't ask me when I came.
The challenge today is Min Mountain Sword Trials' first battle.
How could I not come?
It's just that I didn't expect Ding Ning to choose you among the three.
It's really quite a shame to be defeated by a cultivator from a lower realm.
I'd rather hope that you will learn from that tavern boy
to be calm regardless of glory or humility.
There is still some time before the Min Mountain Sword Trials.
When we get home, you should enter seclusion.
Yes, Father.
One defeat is not worthy to be mentioned.
What I really mind is...
that boy used the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll as a bet.
He was clearly prepared.
If that is the case, why didn't you cancel that bet
and refuse their entry?
Generations of our Zhou family has spent so much time to comprehend
the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll.
Even Old Ancestor still cannot comprehend it
after so many years.
How much can these rascals see in only one day?
So, this is Father's plan.
Why are you so happy?
Of course, Brother-in-Law.
You have made me enjoy another pleasant surprise.
If you call me "brother-in-law" again, I'll kick you out.
No, no, no.
I know that you can't marry my older sister,
but the reason I call you "brother-in-law"
is to let us become closer.
Brother-in-Law. Brother-in-Law.
Brother-in-Law, I want to ask you something.
You dueled with that Zhou Xieye
not only because we initiated the challenge for you, right?
You are coveting the Zhou family's Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll.
What is it exactly?
You spent all that grand sum of money just to bet that I am coveting something?
What if I only temporarily did it for fun?
I don't care.
The item eyed by the person whom my sister likes
must be a treasure.
During the time before there were words,
the methods to record cultivation were using rope knots, symbols, or drawings.
Even though the methods were different,
rarely was there anyone who could comprehend the meanings within.
Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll actually looks like a scenic painting.
They may imbue the sense of mountains and waters, but they don't have the shape of mountains and waters.
Furthermore, it's just a remnant scroll.
So, it's really difficult to comprehend
the true meaning left by the grandmaster at that time.
I understand now.
What do you understand?
Your money is probably wasted.
Zhou Yunhai agreed
because he thinks we cannot see anything
in such a short time.
Your Majesty, the palace maidservant who spewed impudent talk that day in the great hall
appears to be under a Xian Kingdom's "gu" curse. (T/N: "gu" - inflicting a curse usually using insects/parasites)
- Xian Kingdom? - Right.
Such a curse can affect someone's senses. Once it works, the person is like a puppet;
her speech and actions all under someone else's control.
This person's internal organs were a mess, and her pupils were murky.
All the symptoms match one being cursed.
Have you found the person who did the curse?
The curse came from far away.
Bureau of Heavenly Supervision is currently investigating the merchant caravans and visitors that traveled between the Heng and Xian kingdoms.
Your Majesty, Zihan has been in the Xian kingdom for many years.
He must know many who are skilled in "gu" curses.
Why not let him investigate there?
What about Nangong Shang's case?
Nangong Shang indeed died by the Stone Mill Sword technique.
But compared to Marquis Dugu's death,
the wounds are sleeker this time.
His cultivation has improved so fast?
Judging from the wounds, the culprit has improved
his grasp of the Stone Mill Sword Technique between the two deaths,
or, maybe, the weapon is more suitable in the latter.
Perhaps, there is more than one killer.
Look at me.
If Liang Jingmeng were still alive, he would likely be in the Eighth Realm already.
If he were to duel with me, who would win?
Of course, it would be Your Majesty?
The Bureau of Heavenly Supervision has been investigating the mysterious case of the descendant for quite a long time.
The case must be closed within one month.
Yes, Your Majesty.
[Ink Garden]
The Ink Garden of the Zhou family
is really not as fancy as I had imagined.
Look at the dirty water.
Look at the wilted flowers.
This place is so dilapidated.
It'll probably take more than my several tens of thousands of gold to renovate this place.
If you are willing to give more, I won't refuse.
No, I'm not.
Zhou family's Ink Garden is indeed unique.
I'll stop here
and sit randomly anywhere with a pot of hot tea.
In that case, I will accompany Cave Master Xue to the study to take a rest.
You can take them to see it.
Yes, Father.
Cave Master Xue, this way, please.
Everyone, please.
This Ink Garden is indeed mystical.
Everything is either black or white.
It looks so surreal.
The black and white here
are soaked by a kind of aura, just like the influence of a formation,
leading to the changes in the light and the colors.
How sure are you that the colors you usually see during the day
are real?
It's just a remnant scroll, but like a grand formation,
it led to these changes.
No wonder those people in high stature
also want to view the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll.
[Ink Garden's Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll Hall]
The missing portion on the right isn't just a corner of that lightly colored mountain
and the tail section of the long river.
Next to the mountain, there should be something even more important.
That should be a star,
or a moon on a cold night.
This remnant scroll shouldn't have been this incomplete.
The portion in the right corner
is probably deliberately torn by that member of the Zhou family.
I cannot see anything from this remnant scroll.
You can only look, not touch!
No touch?
I won't touch it. What's so great about it?
- First Senior Brother, have you noticed anything? - None.
How about you?
Brother-in-Law, what do you see?
I feel uncertain.
I want to go outside and calm down a little.
You continue to look. I'll return shortly.
[Cloud Sea Pavilion]
It appears that many generations of cultivators in the Zhou family
have not reached far in their comprehension of the Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll.
So many people have died and not even left a trace,
but you are still alive.
Before Xue Wangxu and Liang Lian fought in their duel,
a cultivator died in Fengming.
He is Nangong Shang of the Internal History Bureau.
He died of the Stone Mill Sword technique.
His name is Ding Ning, and he makes a living selling wine at the Wutong Falls Tavern.
- Oil. - Even though he is well endowed, but his body is afflicted with the Irreversible Fiery Yang.
No cultivation level.
This is rose.
That's osmanthus.
Are you very nervous?
Because...
You're worried about something?
Even though His Majesty is testing you,
it's really just his own shackles in his heart.
The culprit's cultivation level has progressed at an amazing speed.
When I was reporting, I thought of someone for no particular reason.
I'd like to ask you to test him.
In recent days in Fengming, there seems to be only one person
who is cultivating at a dramatic speed.
[Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll]
Brother-in-Law.
What did you see?
Nothing much. There seem to be two mountains,
one is slightly bigger than the other.
If you only see two mountains, then keep looking at them.
Don't get greedy.
Even two mountains are many. Look at them.
Whichever place is the clearest,
then you just look at that. Don't try to understand the entire view.
Senior Brother, are you puzzled by something?
I'm looking from the simplest spot.
This painting's simplest spot is in the top portion.
The lines are sparse, almost like a few clouds.
But the cloud's thin lines are very difficult to understand.
I can feel that there's a meaning within it,
but I can't feel what it is.
One day's time is clearly insufficient.
If there are a few months, I'm sure I can understand something.
Senior Brother indeed has outstanding talents. You have gained some comprehension.
Just that these white clouds look as if they only have an outer form.
The lower portion is faint with a sense of moisture.
The light lines may be flat,
but they seem to point downward.
It appears that this cloud
is about to transform into rain.
Junior Brother, it is indeed rain,
not clouds.
The Freehand Painting Remnant Scroll
is truly extraordinary.
Cave Master Xue, your disciple
is the extraordinary one.
You seemed to be very absorbed in it. What did you see?
I saw a river.
I don't know why. There are many things on this painting,
but I can only see the river.
This is normal.
Everyone has a different temperament, different likes, and different levels of cultivation.
Of course, they don't see the same things.
My father mentioned a similar principle. I think, to possibly comprehend something,
I must just look for what attracts me the most in this river.
This is the correct way to do it.
You're pretending to be profound. I advise you not to lead them astray.
- I never thought there would be such a way toward comprehension. [Zhou Rongmo: Zhou family's Old Ancestor]
Furthermore, I never expected a Fengming youngster
to have such discerning eyesight.
Old Ancestor.
You...
Are you perhaps Old Master Zhou?
Who?
Zhou family's Old Ancestor Zhou Rongmo?
- Aren't you already dead? - Xie Changsheng!
It's all right.
Old but not dead,
that's me.
Just now, I happened to
hear the clues you gave her.
Even I feel suddenly awakened.
Allow me to make a wild guess.
Is it possible that, when previously some people consecutively achieved comprehension from this painting,
they were all connected to you?
I think I guessed right.
Do you really understand the entire painting?
How can I understand the entire painting? It was just seizing the advantage.
Seizing the advantage?
I was inspired by some guesses based on what they saw.
While they all achieved some comprehension, I didn't learn anything.
Even a sword technique or a talisman meaning,
I wasn't able to comprehend any. So how can I even understand the entire painting?
Junior Brother, probably because you were thinking for us
that you didn't have time to comprehend for yourself.
Otherwise, with your natural endowment,
how is it possible that you didn't comprehend anything.
To be able to expound what others see,
it's also an impressive talent.
Too bad.
My path toward cultivation has met a severe blockage.
Are you willing to accompany me to take a look?
How dare I show off in front of Old Ancestor?
Maybe your thoughts can inject new blood to my path of cultivation?
I really do not dare to show off in front of a true master.
There is no difference between fellow cultivators.
Besides, you just said each person has different strengths.
The most important about comprehension is the right chance.
You didn't learn anything here, but perhaps,
you'll gain something in my place.
In that case,
I will respectfully obey your order.
Good.
Come with me.
I really hope Junior Brother will have some special encounter again this time.
Testing me?
Ding Ning!
Look!
What do you see?
It looks like a crescent moon.
It has a sword force.
The Zhou family...
has had so many cultivators throughout generations,
but no one
saw the crescent moon at first look.
When I was comprehending this painting,
this corner is what attracted me the most.
I used over a hundred years...
over a hundred years to comprehend it.
It isn't just imbedded with a strong and powerful sword mantra,
it also contains a powerful
way to cultivate the core energy.
The moon wanes and then waxes. After waxing, it wanes again.
Perhaps the missing part of the crescent moon
is the most crucial.
Timing and Subtitles Brought To You By Sword Dynasty Team @ Viki
♫ The wind silently looks back ♫
♫ The hero's sword enters the throat ♫
♫ Viewing the world with arrogance ♫
♫ Striding across the seasons ♫
♫ A cup of hero's wine ♫
♫ One cycle of reincarnation ♫
♫ With no debts or regrets ♫
♫ Old friends hardly return ♫
♫ Looking back at the martial world ♫
♫ My hair has turned white ♫
♫ I don't demand a chance to start over ♫
♫ One song, two tracks of tears ♫
♫ Dancing my sword while raising a cup of leftover wine ♫
♫ The past has turned to ash ♫
♫ A hero's destiny is hard to defy ♫
♫ I've traveled through spring and autumn ♫
♫ A smitten heart flows to the east ♫
♫ Love, hate, dust, and dirt ♫
♫ Laughingly talking about joys and sorrows ♫