Original subtitles

♪Through dust and storms, I press on alone♪

♪Winds arise, sands stretch far and wide♪

♪Trials of the world test my resolve♪

♪Forged in fire, I chase the light beyond♪

♪Facing challenges, fate ever shifts♪

♪A journey through the wilderness of time♪

♪Fearless like armor, through thorns I grow♪

♪Breaking through darkness, my name will shine♪

♪Never in vain♪

♪Guarding my fleeting light, tempered to shine bright♪

♪Cherished past♪

♪A lifetime treasured, through a thousand waves we ride♪

♪To fight with fury, to love with passion♪

♪True to my faith♪

♪I greet the frost and the prize with pride♪

=Love and Sword=

(Adapted from Shen Cangmei's novel Sleeping Beside Yan Shao)

=Episode 18=

Yan Shao!

Yan Shao!

It's fine.

Young Master Lin.

There's something you need to do.

Only then can we escape.

We're not far from Ruthless Parlor.

Go find Jin Buyao.

He will help.

He values money above all else.

He swore a deadly oath

and would never leave Ruthless Parlor.

Why would he help?

Tell him this.

"The bones by the Lotus Pond,

Yan Shao buried them himself."

He will come.

All right.

Yan Shao.

Hide, quickly!

Hurry!

Search in groups!

They won't get away!

Go!

Move!

This way.

Over here!

That way!

Find anything?

Nothing here.

You two, keep an eye on her.

Yes!

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Leader Shen.

Leader Shen, the sandstorm is too strong.

We can't see them at all.

The storm is coming.

We should take shelter.

No.

Dead or alive, we must find them.

Search everywhere. Now!

Yes!

Go!

Move! This way!

Check over there!

Yes!

Nothing here.

- Hurry! Over here! - Nothing here either!

Young Master Lin, you've forgotten,

I have stayed out of martial affairs

for many years now.

This is an emergency.

If it weren't urgent,

I wouldn't have come.

Tonight, your stay

at Ruthless Parlor is on me.

My treat.

The bones by the Lotus Pond,

Yan Shao buried them himself.

A lotus in the desert is priceless.

Boss Jin values money above all else.

Yet he is a man of deep affection.

The Leader of Tiangang sent me with a message for you.

The remains of your master and junior sister

have been retrieved from the enemy's lair.

They were interred near the lotus pond

that your junior sister loved most.

Every summer, the pond overflows with blooming lotuses.

The scenery is exceptionally beautiful.

You are...

Let the departed rest in peace. The vendetta is ended.

For Boss Jin's wish,

Tiangang spared no expense to make it come true.

When Tiangang needs me,

no matter when,

I will risk my life without hesitation.

(Ruthless Parlor)

There are so many of us,

why don't we charge out and fight them?

Ghost Valley Sect has mustered many forces,

so we are outnumbered.

When dusk falls further,

Young Master Lin brings reinforcements,

only then can we escape.

You protect Young Lady Rong.

Meet at the town gate.

All right.

Yan Shao!

Move.

Leader Shen.

No need to search any further.

Hiding around is pointless.

Why not have one proper fight?

Sounds good.

You are already at the end of your rope.

Jin Buyao.

Yan Shao!

Yan Shao, over here!

The sandstorm is here.

Take Lin Wanci with you.

Let's get out of the storm first.

Keep up.

Senior.

Hurry, this way.

Quickly.

Immortal Spring's Master Healer?

Hurry, get in.

How is it?

Everyone, I've prepared guest rooms over here.

For those covered in sand,

why not take a rest?

Yan Shao and I need to speak privately.

I need to see him too.

Shukuang.

Let Boss Jin take care of Yan Shao.

We all go rest.

Don't worry.

Chai Hu, lead everyone to the guest rooms.

Yes.

Please.

Sister Rong, you've been on the move all this way.

Let's go and rest.

Dantian refines the spirit.

Energy sinks into the lower sea.

Inhale through the throat.

Gradually collect it at the base.

Heaven and Earth are in harmony.

Inhale, and fire rises.

The ribs lift together.

Exhale, guiding the breath out.

Where are you going?

I'm going to find Yan Shao.

Don't go yet.

Shaoci.

You and Yan Shao...

What secret are you hiding from me?

Jin Buyao has stepped out of Ruthless Parlor.

He's broken the rules.

Ruthless Parlor is no longer a safe place.

Ghost Valley Sect is trapped by the sandstorm.

But it won't last long.

Wanci is still in Shen Zuitian's hands.

How do we rescue her?

All of this

requires careful planning.

Shouldn't we discuss this together?

He has his reasons.

Since when

did you start trusting Yan Shao this much?

Thank you, Senior.

Hero.

Brother.

Great hero.

Why didn't you thank me?

That desert town isn't far from here.

The sandstorm could stop at any moment.

What if Ghost Valley Sect arrives?

What happens to my Ruthless Parlor?

I'm sorry.

Don't apologize to me.

The ones you should apologize to

are the dozens of old folks downstairs

who will never leave Ruthless Parlor.

Where do they go now?

If Tiangang agrees...

Don't talk to me about Tiangang.

Aren't you one of them?

Yet look where you are now.

Boss Jin.

Together, we can take on Shen Zuitian.

Listen, it's just you.

Just me.

There is no "us" here.

How much will it take?

This is for a life-and-death matter.

It's priceless.

Forget it.

Just cure his poison first.

After all,

as long as he lives,

those chaotic people next door have a chance.

If Shen Zuitian comes,

you're on your own.

That girl in yellow,

isn't she the Tang family's Thirteen Young Lady?

She is Tang Yingluo.

She was still young when you left the Tang Clan.

She and Chanyi are both my elder brother's daughters.

They have the same eyes.

I recognized her at a glance.

Senior, you were dragged into this because of me.

Otherwise, you would have long left the martial world behind.

Years ago, to escape my enemies,

Tiangang once escorted me deep into the desert.

Tiangang never questions the outcome of their tasks.

I cannot forget that kindness.

Your poison has seeped into your bones.

The attacks are becoming more frequent.

However...

The only cure for Crimson Lotus Heart is mayapple.

Mayapple only grows in bitterly cold regions.

It takes ten years to bloom, ten to mature,

and another ten to bear fruit.

I went through great lengths to find one.

But I have only one.

You and Miss Rong... Only one of you can be saved.

But remember,

even if you take it,

you won't regain your martial strength immediately.

There will be side effects.

Well...

You must be prepared for.

I suppose you'll choose to save her.

Yes.

Then what about you?

As long as she lives, I live.

Come.

Bottoms up.

Senior, my internal strength is lacking.

Do you have a way to make me stronger

even if just temporarily?

There is.

But you are already a flickering candle in the wind.

Even if there's a way to condense your spirit

and mobilize your meridian energy,

the backlash will be severe.

Your body won't be able to withstand it.

Ghost Valley Sect could arrive at any moment.

I must protect them.

Please, Senior, guide me.

This is Revival Acupuncture, soaked in medicine.

Pierce it into the Tianchi acupoint.

It will grant you immense strength for an hour.

A fleeting surge of power

comes at Heaven's cost.

Once used, your body will weaken further.

It can only be used twice at most.

That's enough.

They've all escaped.

What now, Leader Shen?

Leader Shen, they followed Jin Buyao.

They must have gone to Ruthless Parlor. They can't run far.

Take Lin Wanci and head to Ruthless Parlor.

Are you feeling better?

What about you? Are you all right?

Did Shen Zuitian injure you?

Where are you hurt?

I'm fine.

The most urgent matter now is leaving Ruthless Parlor.

Wanci is still in their hands.

For us to escape,

we need someone's help.

And it has to be him.

Everyone.

This jar of wine

was buried by my own hands

the day Ruthless Parlor first opened.

Tonight, we share a drink.

By dawn, we part ways.

Boss Jin.

Ruthless Parlor can no longer shelter you all.

I have offended the Ghost Valley Sect.

Ghost Valley Sect?

Ghost Valley Sect will soon come for revenge.

To avoid unnecessary casualties,

please leave this place as soon as possible.

You're suddenly driving us away?

Boss Jin!

Everyone who paid,

I will return your money.

I came to Ruthless Parlor

to rid myself of my killing intent.

Because there were too many people I wanted to kill.

So

I'm not leaving.

You...

I'm not leaving either. Whoever wants to leave, just leave!

I won't go.

You're all seeking death.

I won't be joining you.

Hey!

At least here, someone will give you a proper burial.

But once you step out that door,

I fear you won't even have a grave.

You...

Shen Zuitian has arrived.

Jin Buyao.

You truly surprised me.

Seems like Ruthless Parlor

never really mattered to you.

Since that's the case,

why keep it at all?

Today, I only want one person.

Rong Shukuang.

Hand over Rong Shukuang.

No one else here will be harmed.

Even this Young Lady Lin will leave safely.

By nightfall,

if you refuse to hand over Rong Shukuang,

I'll flay this Young Lady Lin alive.

Drain her blood,

and then burn Ruthless Parlor to the ground.

None of you will escape!

Where are you going?

He only wants me.

If I go, everyone will be safe.

Otherwise, we'll all be trapped here

with no way out.

You can't go.

Wanci is still in their hands.

Do you not care whether she lives or dies?

She cannot die and neither can you.

If you go,

he might not keep his word.

Sister Rong.

- Young Master Lin. - Young Master Lin.

What are you doing?

What is this?

A pill to restore internal strength.

The situation is dire.

It will fully restore your martial arts.

There's only one.

Did you take one?

It's for you.

You're my master. You're stronger than me.

You should take it

to have a better chance against Shen Zuitian.

I already took one.

Every time you lie to me,

your eyes always look down first.

Don't you want to regain your strength?

The Cloud-Slicing Sword is ready.

We're only waiting for you to recover.

♪Silhouettes linger♪

♪A tattered robe♪

♪In this fleeting world, yearning remains♪

Even if I take this pill and regain my strength,

I may still not defeat Shen Zuitian.

Just hand me over and end this.

Let everything

return to where it belongs.

♪Yet a soft call lingers♪

I won't hand you over.

Just hand me over.

I should not have survived the Soul Reaping Platform.

You shouldn't have saved me.

I won't let you die.

♪If separated by a paper, a brush...♪

Misty Moon Village...

The Misty Moon Village you forgot...

(Misty Moon Village) I grew up there too.

♪Don't ask who pities the face in the mirror♪

What did you say?

You are the daughter of my master, Su Shiyu.

(She took me in and raised me.)

(I promised your mother)

(to protect you for a lifetime.)

♪Another long night stretches on, adding sorrow upon sorrow♪

I searched for you for so long before I found you.

I won't let anyone hurt you.

♪Parting is easy while meeting again is difficult♪

I'm sorry.

I'm not the person you're looking for.

You are.

With danger looming, I won't lie to you.

I'm not

the Fang family girl you grew up with,

nor am I Rong Shukuang from Yuchi Manor.

Then who are you?

My name is Fang Yi.

The Fang Yi from Misty Moon Village is you.

No, it's not. It really isn't!

I came from a very distant place.

I don't know why...

Perhaps some disruption in time and space...

It was the white jade on your sword.

The white jade brought me here.

I know this is hard for you to believe

but...

I truly am not the person you're searching for.

The person you're looking for...

I don't even know

if she's still alive in this world.

I don't want to see you risk your life for me again.

What I just said

is the truth.

Sister Rong!

Shaoci went to find Shen Zuitian!

Go!

Shaoci!

Shaoci, don't rush.

We'll find a way to save her.

Young Master Lin, don't fall into their trap!

Shaoci, let me go in exchange for Wanci.

No!

I don't want to drag anyone else down.

You already have.

If you want to fight,

do as you please.

I'm going out there!

No! Don't go!

I'm going! Don't stop me!

I have to go!

I need to talk to you.

There's no time. Take this first.

Yan Shao.

I don't know

if we'll make it out alive today.

So there's something I must tell you now.

I may not be the Rong Shukuang you're looking for,

but from the moment I first saw you in the desert

until now...

I...

There's no need to say it.

Since you're not her,

we have nothing to do with each other.

Once you reach Mount Moye, take care.

The world is vast. Let's not meet again.

Charge!

It has nothing to do with me.

Keep an eye on Yan Shao.

His poison flared up in the desert town.

When it strikes again,

that's when we'll make our move.

Shaoci, leave me behind.

Just go!

Wanci, we will save you.

Listen up!

This is between Ghost Valley Sect and Yuchi Manor.

Anyone who wants to live, leave now.

Otherwise, I'll slaughter everyone in Ruthless Parlor today!

No one will escape!

What do we do?

Go.

You go first.

Attack!

There's a secret passage over there! Go now!

Take them and leave!

Go!

Shaoci, hurry and save Yan Shao!

Are you all right?

Thank you, Master Healer.

Go!

Yan Shao, don't leave me.

Hurry, go!

I'm going to save Yan Shao!

Shaoci!

It's dangerous!

Go!

Hurry, all of you!

Now!

Go!

Go! Go!

♪Through dust and storms, I press on alone♪

♪Winds arise, sands stretch far and wide♪

Take care of her, Senior.

Got it.

♪Trials of the world test my resolve♪

♪Forged in fire, I chase the light beyond♪

♪Facing challenges, fate ever shifts♪

♪A journey through the wilderness of time♪

♪Fearless like armor, through thorns I grow♪

♪Breaking through darkness, my name will shine♪

♪Never in vain♪

♪Guarding my fleeting light, tempered to shine bright♪

♪Cherished past♪

♪A lifetime treasured, through a thousand waves we ride♪

♪Drifting through the ebb and flow, my gaze stays firm♪

♪Blooming atop the cliff's edge♪

♪Offer me every sorrow that remains♪

♪I'll smile and say, "Well played"♪

Leader Shen!

Go!

Yan Shao!

♪Forged in fire, I chase the light beyond♪

♪Facing challenges, fate ever shifts♪

♪A journey through the wilderness of time♪

♪Fearless like armor, through thorns I grow♪

Jin!

Boss Jin!

Junior Sister...

We're going home.

(Years ago, Master and Junior Sister died at the hands of our enemies.)

(Their remains were lost, whereabouts unknown.)

(Yan Shao disregarded the danger and retrieved the remains for me.)

(I, Jin Buyao,)

(have lived a life devoid of love and loyalty)

(and worship money.)

(Yet this time, I earned not a single coin.)

(What a terrible loss.)

Yan Shao.

The debt between us

is settled.

Boss Jin.

You are the one truly loyal and righteous.

Yan Shao...

Yan Shao...

Have you always doubted me?

Who betrayed Rong Shukuang,

leading to her capture by Shen Zuitian?

On Zhonghe Festival,

who conspired with Ghost Valley Sect from within?

The ambush on the wedding procession,

the attack at Blossom's Fall Inn,

Liu An's death, and Hua Qi's death...

Can you say none of this

has anything to do with you?

I risked my life to save you,

and you still won't trust me?

There are only the two of us here now.

Young Lady Lin.

If you want me to believe you,

then speak the truth.

♪Spinning through my heart, my dreams, the endless Jianghu♪

♪A fateful turn, where love and hearts collide♪

♪Ah, such a blissful tide♪

♪A journey long, yet life is but one ride♪

♪Blades in chaos, the world in turmoil, tangled ties♪

♪A fleeting warmth to shield me from the ice♪

♪Ah, as spring awakens love's delight♪

♪One single glance, my heart takes flight♪

♪I've heard tales of love and vengeance, left forgotten in the tide♪

♪And whispers of desert stars and rain, where love at first sight fades to cries♪

♪But I don't know, I don't know, how long this moment will abide♪

♪Yet here and now, for this one soul, I stand beside♪

♪I understand, love and longing, how much truth, how many lies♪

♪Yet my swift blade cannot sever, cannot sever these endless ties♪

♪I have known, the lonely journeys, wandering years without goodbyes♪

♪Yet this moment stirs the ache inside♪

♪One turn through this dream of Jianghu, one heartbeat lost in time♪

♪No dream compares to a fateful meeting so divine♪

♪Love needs no hero, only a foolish mind♪

♪Trapped in Jianghu's ruthless tides, once, let me defy♪

♪A single touch, a fleeting smile, is enough to shake the sky♪

♪Stirring the stillness, where the winds rise high♪

♪Though fate may part our paths, we walk the same road♪

♪A crescent moon, a crimson glow, a love untold♪

♪Like passing winds, like aching souls, never to meet once more♪

♪Then what is fate even for♪

♪Just once, to fall into your arms, not lost, nor torn, nor bound to strife♪

♪Amidst the storm of masters' might, hidden deep, a love so bright♪

♪Standing apart from all the fight, only one embrace so right♪

♪A dream of Jianghu's light♪

♪One turn through this dream of Jianghu, one heartbeat lost in time♪

♪No dream compares to a fateful meeting so divine♪

♪Love needs no hero, only a foolish mind♪

♪Trapped in Jianghu's ruthless tides, once, let me defy♪

♪A single touch, a fleeting smile, is enough to shake the sky♪

♪Stirring the stillness, where the winds rise high♪