Original subtitles

~Blade dance ripples the lake~

~Banner waves in storm and rain~

~Snow uncaring of joy or sorrow~

~Blazing through the desert, reins in hands~

~Clearly young and untried~

~Reckless, bold ambition~

~Unmindful of destiny~

~Solving my problems of fate~

~Trials and hardship give courage~

~Far lands are perilous~

~but life needs adventure~

~Youths dream big, stay sharp~

~Struggles teach us to strive~

~Together, another journey awaits~

'The Blood of Youth' [ Shao Nian Ge Xing — Ballad of Youth ]

Episode 37

I was so close.

Don't say I'm useless.

Know where you missed a step?

Where?

That step was me.

All-Knowing Hall wasn't enough to stop Red Prince.

So he came back earlier than you expected.

Had you sent me, they wouldn't have returned at that time.

See, you can't answer.

Ruoyi.

What do you think?

Where's Lei Wujie?

I'll find him.

Ruo...

You tell me.

Look at you.

Scaring people away.

Sit down.

Last night I pondered and figured it out.

You didn't take me for fear I'd be in danger?

Yes. Due to me, you're at risk too often.

Tianqi matters will end soon.

Then you can return to Snow-Moon freely.

But you saw it— but for me, you guys were in danger.

If you leave me out again, I'll really be mad.

When I'm angry, you know the danger.

Xiao Se.

If I don't go back to Snow-Moon, it's fine.

If I can be wherever you are,

anywhere is fine.

Xiao Se, hear me?

I hear.

What? Patriarch is dead?

Near here yesterday,

Su Muyu, Lei Wujie, Li Fansong and Feixuan,

plus Fairy Rui, ambushed Patriarch.

He got hit by Cloudburst Pear Blossom Needle.

Su Muyu killed him.

Useless!

All useless!

Your Highness, be calm.

And Hidden River others?

Those others retreated, leaving a few Drug-Men

unawakened in secret chambers.

Damn it.

Send two messages, one to Nanjue.

Xiao Chuhe faked news of Nanjue envoys in Tianqi.

So he knew I was in contact with Ao Yu.

In that case, speed things up.

Tell Nanjue to make a move at the best time.

Just when is best?

The day my godfather arrives is best.

Send the second message to Muliang.

— Muliang City —

— Tianqi City —

You called me back urgently. What happened?

We got news from old Hallmaster.

Dad?

[ Luo Qingyang left Muliang ]

Luo Qingyang left?

Yes.

He left 5 days ago, heading towards Tianqi.

With his speed, won't he soon reach Tianqi?

Luo Qingyang is Red Prince's godfather.

Must be Red Prince's request.

Seems he called Lone Sword Deity to rip you apart.

Xiao Se.

Of Five Sword Deities, how strong is Lone Sword Deity?

Compared to Zhao Yuzhen, he's stronger.

But aloof Luo Qingyang won't meekly obey Red Prince.

He wants to take someone away and will fight hard.

This is trouble.

Who'll he take away?

Consort Xuan.

Jianghu rumours say Luo Qingyang loves

his martial sister, Yi Wenjun,

but it's unrequited.

Consort Xuan wed twice but never chose him.

Lone Sword Deity is a half-step below Arcane Spirit.

We're no match for him.

Let's write to my dad?

Third City Lord can't leave Snow-Moon.

Peerless City watches Snow-Moon's every move.

With two city lords gone, if he leaves,

forces eyeing Snow-Moon will make a move.

So we're on our own.

[ White Prince's Residence ]

Inform Peerless City [ Peerless City Lord ]

this is my last chance and their best chance.

Aye.

Lone Sword Deity will attack.

With Wrath Deity here, why invite Wushuang?

Master and Lone Sword Deity are among top five.

But if they really duel, Master won't easily win.

If Wrath Deity is no match,

Wushuang might not defeat Lone Deity.

If he is injured, won't you lose a big support?

If it's true Wushuang can control the Sword Box,

he has a chance to defeat Lone Deity.

Wonder what they'll do.

They?

I'm sure Chuhe will seek a way.

— Ascension Tower — Snow-Moon City

Who's troubling Snow-Moon?

You're Peerless City's young City Lord.

Just "City Lord". Why add "young".

Indeed Song Yanhui's cur disciple.

Watch out!

His sword art is superb, as good as Master.

Is this legendary Sword Command Art?

I'm still mastering Six Gambles.

I'm no match for him.

Stop.

Peerless City Lord.

Did you come to challenge me?

Long awaited.

Cloudshuttle, Gentlefrost, Windsorrow,

Vanished Shadow, Life Taker, Broken Trial,

Maple Leaf, Butterfly, Finger Wrap, Jade Wish.

Go!

These 10 flying swords aren't enough.

Then, 2 more?

Boundless, Vast.

City Lord Sikong, how's that?

You've a chance to fight; no chance of victory.

I see.

I'll fight when I can win. Thank you.

You came to show me flying swords?

I'm to go to Tianqi.

Return is uncertain. I had wishes.

First, I came here to see you and gauge my strength.

Second, to see Fairy Luoxia.

See me?

Why see me?

Well...

Master gave up Deity goals.

In Sword Cottage seclusion, he got insight.

He invites you to meet him.

You're talking of holy Fairy. You...!

Don't get het up.

Master, you can't agree to it.

That shameless guy obviously wants you back.

Master, you can't meet.

If I go, so what?

I just won't follow him.

You go, what do I do?

You're not a kid. Live without me.

Sure, I'm not a kid.

So...

So, what Song Yanhui can give you, I can give you.

- What's he doing...? - What's he saying...?

This is— a confession!

Not a kid.

What an adult gives, you can give.

Why's that sound a bit strange?

Your brain broke.

No.

A Beauty like you is around me every day.

If I felt nothing, my brain would be broken.

I'm your Master.

So, 'first come, first served'.

'Keep benefits in the family'.

I'm vague but those sayings don't fit.

I knew you were odd, brat.

Yet I didn't expect you had nerve to say that to Fairy.

Know how many young talents confessed to Fairy?

She beat them all off.

But you have a point.

Well?

Disciple and Master can be in a relationship, yes?

Shut up.

Tell him I'm not coming.

Some things can be awaited once in life.

He gave up last time. There'll be no more.

Master, spot on!

Brat.

Shut up.

Looks like swallows return; love won't return.

I'm sorry for my Master.

Farewell.

[ Leisurely Cloud Wine Tavern ]

Guest.

Any food left?

Sorry, guest. The kitchen is closed.

That lady has food.

Guest, think twice—!

Big Sis, I'm hungry from travel.

Share some food?

You should know my closest people daren't eat with me.

Why?

I'm good with poison.

Each cup you drink may be deadly poison.

Fine.

Waiter.

Coming.

Your cup.

Interesting.

Tonight's moon is so nice.

You're drinking alone.

Are your thoughts sad?

Interesting.

Peerless City Young City Lord.

You know me?

I know your Sword Box.

Know who I am?

I'm vague.

Yuzhai likely told me but I don't remember.

I'm Hidden River Mu House head, Mu Yumo.

I see.

I heard of Mu beauties.

So rumours are true.

Truly loveable kid.

If I lean one inch closer,

you'll break my limbs?

You can try.

I won't dare.

Here, Big Sis. Let's drink

and talk of the man in your eyes.

The man in my eyes?

What makes you not forget him?

Heard this poem?

'Pluck the river, pluck the moon;

half in river breeze, half in clouds.

In 9-Rivers Pipa Pavilion, his famed 3 hidden weapons.'

Tang Sect's Tang Lianyue,

Golden List top expert.

Yes.

Back then, everyone knew his name.

After retiring for years,

he reappeared in Jianghu as Tang Sect leader.

Big Sis, I'd like to hear how you met.

How we met...

We met the first time I tried to kill him.

First time?

I tried three times.

The first time, he and I...

I kind of miss him now.

It's all over.

You can see him anytime.

It's all over?

Changhe's body is in the carriage outside.

We'll take him to Hidden River, then disband.

After that, everyone can do as they want.

You're Su House head, Su Muyu.

You knew him, not me.

Your 18-Blade Array is amazing. I'd like to see it.

Your swords are good. Mine is a murder weapon,

not worth seeing.

Hidden River withdrew.

Yumo, let's go.

Wushuang, next time we meet, I hope to hear your story.

Visit me in Peerless City.

Inviting a Hidden River leader.

Young Wushuang, so cute.

As this gentleman said, you won't be Hidden River.

In that case, your murder weapon becomes a sword.

Mr. Su, I look forward to a duel.

You're going to Tianqi?

Yes. Tianqi.

Tianqi has good swords.

This trip won't disappoint you.

You may even see world's best sword.

Best sword?

[ Lianyue Pavilion ]

Wushuang went to Snow-Moon.

I heard that young city lord mastered Peerless Sword Box.

Rumours say he'll challenge Sikong Changfeng.

Impossible.

Peerless City has no reason to confront Snow-Moon.

Jianghu speculations about city lords' intent

is laughable.

Another city lord left his city.

He's going to Tianqi.

He's Red Prince's godfather. He will support Red Prince.

Snow-Moon First City Lord has yet to return.

Second City Lord is injured.

Third City Lord can't leave due to Jianghu tensions.

No-one can help them.

Who says so?

Tang Sect can help.

Tang Sect?

We can't make peace with Lei Fort for now.

But our Snow-Moon alliance can't be given up.

Besides, I expect big things of Xiao Se.

Tonight's moon is nice.

Let's depart.

[ Snowfall Villa ]

Why are you here?

Weren't you resting to recover?

That's right.

I was going to bring you food.

It's a minor injury.

Eat.

Why are you here?

Because he's here.

[ Tianqi City ]

What's his problem?

He stood here so long.

That's right.

Let's go.

Lone Sword Deity, Luo Qingyang,

is from Shadow Sect, Xiao Clan's secret bodyguards.

After Shadow Sect's fall, only two disciples are left.

The other is Consort Xuan?

Yes.

Luo Qingyang was outstanding.

As late Emperor's bodyguard, he saved the Emperor often.

The emperor rewarded him with a city for his merits.

Luo Qingyang chose desolate western Muliang City

to master Desolation Sword.

Desolation Sword?

Yes.

He's desolate.

He was an orphan.

His Brothers are dead.

The woman he loves wed twice but never chose him.

Isn't his life miserable?

[ Tianqi City ]

What's going on?

He cut down Tianqi signboard?

Yes.

Captain Luo cut it down,

took it to 1000-Gold Terrace, and scared everyone away.

2nd Master Tu ran off.

The signboard fell 3 times.

First, Emperor Xiao Yi broke open the gate.

His sword aura struck it.

Second, 60 years ago, White Feather Sword Deity

saved his disciple. He struck it as a warning.

This is the third time.

Why'd he take the signboard to a gambling den?

It's because it has people from all society.

They'll spread news of his Tianqi return.

He cut it and said what?

No words.

At last he dropped the signboard

and said 4 words.

'Inquire about Tianqi sword.'

That's all Godfather said?

Yes.

I invited him.

He came but didn't tell me about this.

[ Great Peace Hall ]

Marquis.

What do we do?

You lead Imperial Guards.

Whoever breaks the signboard,

what do we do?

Behead him.

Execute him.

Yes.

Go and do it.

Marquis.

It's Lone Deity, Luo Qingyang.

I've known him 10 years. I know his kind—

a monster.

Guards and Tiger Troops cordoned him.

Then what?

If he enters this palace, could I stop him?

If he could kill Beili ruler easily,

the world would be in chaos.

Captain Li, you're looking down on me.

Preceptor.

Glad you came.

I say, if he truly came to kill my brother,

he won't cut the signboard

or challenge Tianqi swords.

He'd kill his way into the palace.

'Inquire about Tianqi sword.'

Its meaning isn't simple.

One reason Luo Qingyang came is to challenge swordsmen.

He's ranked as top swordsman but hasn't fought in ages.

Who knows if he's still the top?

Swordsmen want to know; he wants to know.

So, he has another aim?

[ 1000-Gold Terrace ]

( Tianqi City signboard )

City Lord Luo.

Mr. Xie.

Didn't expect the first one I'd see here would be you.

My pleasure.

Qingyang.

Your Desolation Sword is mastered?

A small mastery.

No wonder.

Swordsman challenged you.

Your challenging them is reasonable.

I'm curious about whom you'll challenge.

The one I wanted to challenge is dead.

You mean Dao Sword Deity, Zhao Yuzhen?

But you're here.

Me?

I won't, I won't.

I'm just a scholar.

Look, my sword is called Book of Knowledge.

'Book of Knowledge travels 10,000 miles'.

I admire you.

No need for politeness.

I'm abashed.

Qingyang.

You're here just for a sword challenge?

A sword challenge is my wish.

I will stay three days,

waiting for a swordsman's challenge.

In three days' time, I will kill someone

and take away someone.

You await Baili Dongjun. He won't come.

Taking away someone isn't so easy.

As for killing someone...

May I ask whom you want to kill?

Nice Nine Songs sword.

Qingyang.

Then, I'll say goodbye.

You're hurrying off?

I could've stayed longer

but someone is losing patience.

I fear he'll wrongly think I'm competing with him.

This man is bad-tempered and very strong.

I must hide.

See. I'm not wrong.

Brother Zhantian. It's been a while.

My sword is here.

Challenge it!

This...

Young Master.

What's this?

Guards just saw a sword

fly towards us and strike our signboard.

So he came for me.

Aye, Young Master.

Take it away.

Aye.

Hurry now.

There's news Luo Qingyang's first challenger

showed up.

Must be Wrath Sword Deity.

Xiao Se.

Want to watch?

Let's go now.

Come on.

Lei Wujie.

Can you keep it quiet.

I didn't let it do this.

Two deities will duel. Its purest sword heart

got excited.

Xiao Se.

Did you bring the Hanghao I gave you?

Why ask that?

There.

That's a relief.

You're Spear Deity's daughter.

Why trust a mascot?

We walked an hour, then chatted an hour.

Why aren't they fighting?

They're awaiting someone?

You think deities fight like you?

When he strikes, you dodge.

Again he slashes, you evade.

Then you turn and stab...

Then I leap, raise my giant sword, and strike Celestial Gate.

1000s of sword deities emerge,

raise their swords, and slash down!

You two are storytellers.

You're all in a good mood.

Mr. Xie.

I asked Luo Qingyang the aim of his visit.

He'll challenge swords for 3 days.

Then he'll take away someone, and kill someone.

The one to take away must be Consort Xuan.

And the one to kill...

I guess it's me.

What?

Kill Xiao Se?

Is this still fun to watch?

Let's go. Ji Xue can message Dad to come.

Relax. 3 days left.

Xiao Se!

Xiao Se.

You'd already guessed.

Let's see the duel.

His 3-day challenge is to pressure us,

proving he's No.#1.

After 3 days, no-one can stop him

or obstruct him.

So Wrath Deity isn't here just to challenge.

He bears White Prince's expectations.

If he defeats Luo Qingyang, then Luo's No.#1 rank

will be a joke.

He won't take away someone

or kill someone.

Master, why hasn't Yan Zhantian moved?

Yan Zhantian's Wrath Sword has only three moves.

Sword Drawn With Fury,

Decapitates with Fury,

Withdraws with Fury.

He won't use Wrath Sword Style with unworthy opponents.

But for Luo Qingyang, he must use Wrath Sword Style.

With only three moves,

he must build up power.

Coming.

Luo didn't draw his sword.

So arrogant.

Draw!

This is Yan Zhantian's wrath at its peak.

What a wonderful show.

Yet who won?

Good question. Who?

He rode 3000 miles; his sword halted 1 million troops.

Win/loss judgement is vulgar.

Master!

Thanks for hard work.

My Skill is lesser.

Chong'er.

This time I couldn't help you.

It's fine.

As long as you're alright.

Master, my men will take you back to rest.

And you?

I'll stay to watch.

Be careful.

After this duel, White Prince's influence won't be as it was.

Surprisingly, White Prince made the first move.

He had reasons to do so.

Senior Court Officials supporting White Prince

wavered on Chuhe's return.

His biggest helper, Records Eunuch,

was killed by Head Eunuch.

In Jianghu, he lost Tang Sect's support.

If White Prince had won,

then, with world's best swordsman protector,

he've turned things around.

Didn't White Prince know that?

White Prince isn't a fool

but he is foolish.

He began to care about

Xiao Chuhe's and his empty brotherhood.

He made the first move so Godfather wouldn't

kill Xiao Chuhe.

Lei Wujie, don't be hasty.

But, my 2 Masters aren't here.

If I duel Luo Qingyang for them, how's it wrong?

Besides, he aims to kill Xiao Se.

Don't allow his arrogance.

It's not time for you to play the hero yet.

Peerless City's Wushuang, challenging your sword!

Bro Wushuang!

We meet again. Fight well.

Don't worry. I'll do my best.

I heard of Peerless City's new city lord,

young and talented.

Didn't expect one so young.

Even Peerless City Lord came to Tianqi.

I invited him.

You asked Wushuang

as he may beat Luo Qingyang?

Peerless City was awaiting a chance.

I awaited a chance.

Elder, please advise me.

Seeing Peerless Sword Box,

I'm lucky.

You know Peerless Sword Box?

I'm a born swordsman. Some people say...

Talk with swords.

Alright!

12 flying swords.

Peerless City has a Sword Deity after a century.

You flatter me. Go!

Flying Sword Art is indeed a wonderful sword art.

But as a swordsman, if you don't hold a sword,

you'll be a bit lacking.

If you'd borrowed your Master's Impede Water Sword,

you may have lasted longer.

My sword to hold is also here.

Bright Vermilion Bird!

What's he doing?

Vermilion and 12 flying swords were forged by Ghost Swordsmith.

They need blood, so Vermilion has another name...

Demon Sword.

Indeed a good sword.

Kill Wushuang.

I want that sword.

Oh no.

Wushuang lost control of Vermilion; it took over.

No way a sword controlled me.

Deity Luo, how about it?

Good sword. Worth drawing my sword.

Watch Luo Qingyang!

This is Hymn for the Fallen.

Watching this makes me sad.

Hymn for the Fallen is Desolation's pinnacle.

It's his top Skill.

What Fallen?

Soldiers who die on the battlefield

aren't put in coffins or buried.

They're called ghosts without a master.

Know why Luo Qingyang chose Muliang City?

100,000 soldiers died in Muliang,

a west border post.

The nation was defeated; they ran in retreat,

leaving soldiers' corpses exposed to the elements,

until 100 years later they'd turned to dust.

Hymn to the Fallen is their elegy.

What desolation is greater than a nation's desolation?

This is legendary sword power.

Then I'll break Nine Songs desolation!

Peerless City is honoured to have you as a disciple.

Your sword is unlike a mortal sword.

It's an eye-opener.

Is this a tie?

I still lost.

If you train 10 more years,

your sword might truly beat mine.

It's a pity.

Today you die here.

Luo Qingyang will kill him?

He took the bait so fast?

Kill him.

Wuji Staff?

I thought, with your level of cultivation,

you're extraordinary.

But when facing such a talented youth,

City Lord Luo,

why would you kill him?

I have my reasons.

But today you can't kill him.

NOTES {1} Sayings quoted by Mingxuan a) 'Waterfront gets moonlight first' = first come, first served. b) 'Don't let good water flow into others' fields' = keep benefits in the family.

{2} Nine Songs sword is named after 'Jiu Ge', 9 elegies for soldiers who fell in battle for their country. (Songs of Chu)

~ Silent cold temple ~

~ In Jianghu, we have a long way to go ~

~ In falling snow, only clouds know warm moonglow ~

~ Wind rustles in mortal world ~

~ Talk of fate with open hearts ~

~ Tread for thousands of miles singing ballads of youth ~

~ Ethereal mist swirling around voice of the heart ~

~ I face the sun ~

~ like a lotus rising from mud ~

~ Tread for thousands of miles singing ballads of youth ~

~ Like blade and sword, reliant on each other ~

~ No dream is trivial ~

~ Despite feuds, tread with songs and laughter ~

~ Youths ought to be fearless ~

~ Youths travel carefree to earth's ends ~

~ With comrades, there is no loneliness ~

~ Tread for thousands of miles singing ballads of youth ~

~ Like blade and sword, reliant on each other ~

~ No dream is trivial ~

~ Despite feuds, tread with songs and laughter ~

~ Youths should be fearless ~

~ Youths travel carefree to earth's ends ~

~ With comrades, there is no loneliness ~