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 38

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.

2nd bro, take Wushuang away.

Thank you.

I should thank you.

Go.

You would be

Xiao Chuhe.

I heard in 3 days' time,

you'll take away a person

and kill a person.

The one you'd kill is me?

Sure is you.

But not today.

I gave 3 days to challenge swords.

You hold a staff.

You're not qualified.

How about me?

Heart Sword?

You're Li Xinyue's heir?

Snow-Moon Sword Deity, Li Hanyi,

and Lei Fort, Lei Hong's disciple.

Sword Heart Tomb heir, Lei Wujie.

I challenge you.

You fool.

Think the long title will impress him?

Good.

Wait!

Wait for what?

You fought two battles.

The two opponents were strong.

You look fine now

but your physical strength won't be as it was.

I'm fine.

Stop!

You want to go easy on me but I can't accept it.

We swordsmen can't shame our swords.

You said you'd stay more days.

In 3 days, after you rest,

I'll return for a duel.

I...

Senior, farewell.

See you in 3 days.

Go, hurry.

Quickly.

Hurry.

Come on.

Lei Wujie, are you mad?

How can you duel him?

Bro Lei.

You seem naive.

In fact, you're smart.

How so?

After two exciting duels,

Lone Deity reached a godlike level.

In a high mood, Lone Deity issued a challenge.

Lei Wujie raced out, fooled around,

and made a 3-day pact, ruining the moment.

Lone Deity's created aura of invincibility disappeared.

You know me well.

Then, after 3 days, what will you do?

I'm no match for today's three fighters,

especially Luo.

Big gap.

You know.

But he cut your signboard to show force.

Duel or not, he'll come after us.

Why don't we act first?

At least we can...

What?

Gain fame for ourselves.

You're so peculiar.

[ White Prince's Residence ]

No harm. Nothing major.

Just rest.

Thanks.

Mr. Xie Xuan.

Wushuang.

These are top tonics from Xiao Se's medical hall.

You know he's stingy.

Getting these isn't easy.

You came for advice. Cut the crap and ask.

You'll ask about Luo's sword?

Yes.

"Know oneself, know one's foe— victory in 100 battles."

My Skill can't improve fast.

But I'll find his weakness,

surprise-attack and beat him.

Okay. Ask.

My question.

From which direction did his last sword come?

From every direction.

Okay.

Then, at that time,

where was his sword aura strongest?

And weakest?

Everywhere, nowhere.

Nothing to tell.

It's how I felt.

Dueling Luo Qingyang is different.

As we stood there, it felt like a new place.

It belonged to Luo.

No.

It belonged to Nine Songs skill.

The wind was desolate in a boundless place.

Someone sang faintly in my ears.

For a moment, I wanted to cry.

This is a Sword Deity's sword power.

He can draw out a new world.

In that world, he is lord.

Is there no way to break his sword power?

Every sword deity has their own sword power.

It's like a small world.

To break that world,

don't follow the sword's will;

do the opposite.

Lone Deity's sword power is the aura of desolation.

I got it.

You learn fast. Quite smart.

What's the method?

I'll cuss him.

Desolation is his sword power.

In Hymn of the Fallen, desolate wind blows.

It's when warriors sing.

Tension builds.

I go on a rant and yell,

"Luo Qingyang, you old man! Why come here for no reason?

What's Tianqi to do with you?

Why'd you come now?

You held duels at Tianqi. Did Tianqi agree?

You cut down its signboard. Know how much it costs?

Get lost!"

Mr. Xie.

As I yell like this, think he could still

create an aura of desolation?

Actually, I think your idea makes sense.

Mr. Xie.

Don't consider this fool's feelings.

Be direct.

I'm not consoling him.

If Bro Lei does that,

that desolation sword power will be thwarted.

Sure, cuss him; it helps.

Yet cussing can't possibly beat him, right?

Oh right.

Your family's Sword Heart skill hones sword heart.

If, for 2 days,

you cultivate a pure Sword Heart,

you may have a chance.

You're right.

I think so too.

Farewell.

In 3 days' time, please watch the duel.

[ Snowfall Villa ]

Xiao Se, do you think I can call it Cussing Sword Art.

Isn't cussing and beating Lone Deity domineering?

But its name isn't domineering enough.

You read; help me.

Do you know whom you'll face?

He's No.#1 Ultimate Golden List,

an Expert as good as Baili Dongjun.

It's why I need 2 days to focus.

Oh right.

Xiao Se, I said I'd see him, but set no time.

Forget it. I'll go late so I can train more.

Do you listen to me?

Relax, I'm sane.

I have my sword and my pride.

I'll go cultivate my sword so I can rise to fame.

Go on.

This way.

He'll enter Sword Heart?

Yes.

Aunt Xinyue, after 7 days' sword cultivation,

won at the execution ground.

What's his chance against Luo Qingyang?

1/10.

Better than I thought.

Less than none.

Finish talking in one go!

Xiao Se, dissuade Wujie.

Wushuang nearly got killed.

If Luo knows of your ties, he'll go further.

Lei Wujie is Snow-Moon Sword Deity's little bro.

Five Sword Deities' ties differ, but they consider each other.

I guess Luo Qingyang won't kill him.

That silly guy knew he'd suffer.

Maybe this fight will do him good.

Ruoyi, however strong Luo Qingyang is, he's human.

And is it really that easy to kill Xiao Se in Tianqi?

Xiao Se doesn't want others hurt for him.

Luo came for him

so he'll take responsibility.

It's his way since childhood.

But we can make our own choices.

— Snow-Moon City —

Hanyi.

Why didn't you tell us you're back from Sword Heart Tomb?

How'd I fall asleep?

Why ask me?

It's getting chilly.

Don't get cold.

Well?

How'd you go with restoring inner power?

I've 3/10 back. Don't worry.

As I barely got news, I worried.

I'll stay for a while.

You dreamed of him?

If he was here, maybe Tianqi matters would go easier.

He was a Snow-Moon in-law

able to fight Luo Qingyang.

I heard Luoxia left.

Mingxuan suddenly confessed his love.

She didn't know what to do

so she decided to leave.

And Mingxuan?

He left with her.

She'll eventually accept him.

There's been master and disciple love in Jianghu.

But it's hard to be accepted.

In a relationship, one side must be braver.

If one of them will be brave,

they eventually end up together.

He was braver than me.

Who do you mean?

Luo Mingxuan or Zhao Yuzhen?

But if I had been the brave one,

would things be different now?

Hanyi, it's in the past. Don't dwell on it.

How is Tianqi?

We can't help them fight Luo Qingyang.

What will they do?

I trust Xiao Se.

On his Penglai Isle return,

we spoke of a chess *move. (*Godly Move)

Such a move would surprise Luo Qingyang.

Xiao Se. Army report—

It just arrived.

Why panic?

Nanjue invaded and took three cities in one day.

What?

At this time?

Right.

It happens now of all times.

Now Lone Deity is challenging Tianqi,

Nanjue invaded.

Must be Xiao Yu's plot.

Never mind plots.

I had Langya Army on red alert. They rushed over to fight foes.

Surprisingly, Langya Army that had marched to Tianqi

will guard Beili.

I suppose old soldiers complained.

Complaints are inevitable.

But 'Langya' on their armour

means they do Langya's will.

I stay in the army camp

but I heard about Lone Deity.

Don't worry about me.

I've a solution.

You're sure?

I heard Wrath Deity and Peerless City Lord lost.

Right.

So I'll ask Astronomy Director

to open Heaven Sword Vault.

You'll ask for a sword?

That's right.

People think staff is my only skill.

I'm Ji Ruofeng's disciple and heir to his Wuji Staff.

In fact, my sword skill surpasses my staff.

But even my father

couldn't prevail in Heaven Sword Vault.

Someone must try.

You'll guard the country.

I'll pacify Tianqi.

You want the Vault opened.

Yes.

Sorry to trouble you.

Why isn't your friend, Lei, here today?

At a critical moment, someone must protect you.

You won't protect me?

To my chagrin, at Immortal Peak,

I was badly injured.

I see.

I'll do it.

Why'd you come?

Preceptor.

I'll guard him in Sword Vault.

Good.

What?

You said we'd act together.

Now you acted alone.

You broke your word.

— Bureau of Astronomy —

Come.

Your Highness, this way.

Why's this place familiar?

Miss, you've been to Sword Heart Tomb?

They're exactly alike.

No wonder.

Late Tombmaster once visited here.

He went back and built a Vault copy,

except for that door.

Even if he had, he couldn't make the item behind it.

Xiao descendant, Xiao Se, here for a sword.

Enlighten me.

So simple?

100 years ago, Princess Hualuo owned

Falling Blossom Sword.

Rumour says Princess Hualuo liked charming young men.

Hence,

he gained from good looks.

Xiao Se.

Never knew you excelled in staff and sword.

What's this sword art?

It's Beili 1st Emperor Xiao Yi's

'Warring Kingdoms'.

It only passes to imperial descendants.

It's bold, unconstrained, domineering.

Only talents practise it.

Warring Kingdoms has four tiers—

Extinguish Life,

Cleaving Wind, Startling Dragon, Shattered Sky.

In a lifetime, most people can't reach Extinguish Life.

In 100 years,

the strongest was Langya Prince, Xiao Ruofeng.

He reached Cleaving Wind.

Including Falling Blossom, you obtained

nine swords.

Are you trying to empty Heaven Sword Vault?

These 9 swords are good luck.

The one I want, you know best.

Even Langya Prince couldn't open this door.

In this sword art, I surpass Uncle Langya.

Shocked Dragon?

Xiao Se, go in.

I'll guard here.

Be careful.

Await my return.

Father?

It's strange.

Why, in this Vault, did you see me?

Sword Vault is mysterious.

Maybe I entered an arcane Array.

You're as calm as always.

From your healthy complexion

and your clear voice,

you're the father in my mind.

You're smart.

I'm just your memory of your father.

I'm the father you admired and ended up hating.

No wonder.

As I entered, there was a hint of sandalwood scent.

Seems I fell into Inner Demon Phantom Array.

So my inner demon is Father.

The old case is settled; the past is gone.

Did everything truly end?

You still can't let go.

Why, that day,

did you lack courage

to barge into the execution ground,

and fall out with me?

Because I made that decision, I blame myself.

You hate me

in the past and the present.

In the future, you'll keep hating me.

The case is over.

Yet Langya Prince will never return.

Those things you lost will never return.

Kill me.

Kill me

so you end your resentment.

A life for a life—

That's what you thought.

That was in your mind

as you lay in mud and rain

after losing your Skills.

No.

It wasn't.

What?

You're afraid?

I did indeed hate you.

Though you made amends, I still hate.

I hated you for past compromises.

You and Uncle Langya made choices

for the nation's peace.

I just have regrets.

I regret you lacked courage to defeat inner demons

and save your brother.

What's done is done.

If I meet similar problems in the future,

I'll leave no regrets.

You'll kill me?

It's not you I want to kill but my inner demon.

Your friends die saving you.

How's this? No regrets!

Don't!

Sure is Inner Demon Phantom Array.

A pity.

You broke through and cut down an inner demon.

But Sky Cutter rejected you. [ Sword Keeper ]

Why?

When you cut an inner demon, I saw your aspirations

but friendship trapped you afterward.

How can you do Heaven's Will and cut the sky?

This is your bondage.

My bondage.

Sky Cutter wielder should have no bonds.

If that's truly so,

I reject Sky Cutter.

Wait.

After years, only you got this far.

I'll give you time to attain the sword.

The longer she holds on, the more time you'll have.

~don't fear roars and thunder~

~don't fear waves and wind~

~travel on to see world's end~

~forget win or loss~

~who'll care tomorrow?~

No-one enters a second time.

You must think carefully.

It's a pity.

A ruler should disregard some precious things.

Why are you here?

You're badly hurt.

Did you get the item you want?

Can we answer each other first?

Were you hurt in there?

Look.

Sure is a good luck charm.

Since it made it out, I feel relief.

Miss Qianluo had it tough.

With her spear, she held out three hours for you.

Three hours?

It felt like a half-hour.

I too don't know why.

Yet, Your Highness, once the door closes,

you can never reopen it.

You didn't get the sword.

In your duel with Luo Qingyang, I fear you'll lose.

That sword isn't meant for me.

It perceives my bondage

as everything that led me on my way.

My way differs from its way.

Lacking this sword is fine.

Besides, I don't think its way

can beat Luo Qingyang.

Since you can't defeat him,

you can withdraw.

Withdraw?

I can withdraw; Tianqi can't.

I backed off once to my lasting regret.

So this time I won't retreat.

Not just not retreat. Even better for friends,

I'll take the first step.

Three days later — 1000-Gold Terrace —

Master.

Lei Wujie said he'd fight.

Why's he not here now?

He's cultivating Sword Heart.

The longer he's immersed,

the stronger his final move.

So it can be said even breathing time is precious.

Delaying is useless.

Once it's time, Godfather will go after Xiao Chuhe.

Besides,

Xiao Chuhe isn't one who retreats.

Someone's here.

Tianqi's Xiao Se,

here for a sword duel.

Warring Kingdoms Sword?

Xiao Se brought 9 swords. This is Warring Kingdoms.

Xiao Se chose the best swords.

But, Mr. Xie, would nine swords be enough?

It depends on his Warring Kingdoms tier.

It's you who came.

Where's your pal with Heart Sword?

Heart Sword

should be for purest competition.

He needn't come.

You and I will duel.

Warring Kingdoms, Cleaving Wind tier?

Never imagined I'd again see the sword art

used by Xiao clan to conquer the world.

An honour.

'Know where to go; travel with a sword.'

Again!

Warring Kingdoms sure is strong.

But just Cleaving Wind is not enough.

Then see Startling Dragon.

This...

What's this?

Xiao Se mastered Flying Swords Art?

No.

It's not Flying Sword Art.

The swords yield to his sword power.

If I'm right, this is...

Startling Dragon tier.

'To repay the king's favour on Golden Terrace,

I wield Jade Dragon to die for him.'

Good Startling Dragon.

Startling Dragon sure is remarkable.

I showed Startling Dragon.

I want to see your Hymn to the Fallen.

As you wish.

That's the sword

that defeated Wushuang.

'Heaven decrees their fall, dread Powers are angry;

dead warriors lie abandoned on the plains'

You old fart!

You hid at home 10 years like a turtle.

You mastered power and made trouble in Tianqi.

How's it relate to you? Are you nuts?

You challenged Tianqi swords. Did Tianqi agree?

You cut down Tianqi signboard. Did Xiao Clan agree?

Isn't this Lei Wujie's Cussing Sword Art?

What Elegy?

Only you suffer misery?

Who has it easy? I spit!

You old fart, get lost!

All know you seek your martial Sister...

Enough!

The desolation is ruined.

Want me to stop? No chance.

I'll cuss a coward.

How's liking someone relate to No.#1 ranking?

I said, enough!

He enraged Godfather.

This isn't desolation but wrath.

That's wrath.

I won?

You're good.

You're the first in days to make me use this Sword.

'Honouring the Dead'— He stepped out of that city.

What's 'Honouring the Dead'? (lit. soul ritual)

Desolation top Sword.

His ability to use it means he just reached Arcane Spirit.

Stop!

Sword Heart flashes.

Xiao Se, why come without me?

Trying to steal my chance of fame?

Cultivate sword 3 days; Sword Heart flashes.

This is strong.

But have you a second move?

Scram!

Tianqi Four Guardians East,

Azure Dragon, Lei Wujie,

won't back off!

Tianqi Four Guardians West,

White Tiger, Ji Xue,

won't back off!

Tianqi Four Guardians North,

Tang Ze, won't back off!

Tianqi Four Guardians South,

Vermilion Bird, Sikong Qianluo,

won't back off!

You guys!

Since you won't back off,

then die!

I'm 'Peerless' Sword Deity, Luo Qingyang.

I challenged swords! Do you give in?

[ Bright Peaceful Palace ]

I challenged swords! Do you give in?

It's Senior.

I don't give in.

I don't give in!

NOTES {1} 'Know where to go; travel..' verse is from poem 'Swordsman' by Mu You, Tang Dynasty.

{2} Jade Dragon verse is from poem "Tribute to the Guards of Yanmen", by Li He, Tang Dynasty.

{3} 'Heaven's anger" verse is from "Hymn to the Fallen', Nine Songs.

{4} Alarming Dragon = jing luo = alarming/shocking/scary dragon

~ 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 ~