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 22=

- Sister Rong! - Over here!

- Sister Rong... - Be careful!

Sister Rong...

Put it on the table.

On the table?

Yes.

Let me take a look at them.

My goodness.

I've already found so many medical books for you.

Why do you still want so many?

I told you, didn't I?

My husband likes well-read women.

I have to catch up on my studies.

All of these?

Are you sure you can finish them in time?

I still have to try.

Never mind. You wouldn't understand.

Go find me some more.

Go, go, go...

More?

Go on!

Find me new ones!

(Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases)

No, this won't do.

Time is tight.

I'll read these medical books at night.

I have to make the most of our time together

by creating happy memories during the day.

Here's the rouge you wanted.

Miss Rong already knows about the poison.

Why go to such lengths?

If she ever looks back

on our time together

and all she remembers

is how sickly I looked,

what a dull memory that would be.

I just want

to have some happy, memorable days with her.

♪The night turns cold♪

♪The starlit river dims♪

♪By the lakeside♪

♪Shadows flicker♪

The flowers are beautiful.

♪Silhouettes linger♪

♪A tattered robe♪

♪In this fleeting world, yearning remains♪

What's going on?

These flowers don't know how to read the mood.

♪Maple leaves rise with the wind, sorrows stretch for miles♪

♪Yet a soft call lingers♪

Look!

♪Drunk under the moonlight as rain gently falls in the courtyard♪

♪If separated by a paper, a brush, a book, and an inkstone♪

♪Leaning against the door as the candlelight shines at night♪

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

♪The distant sky weeps as if memories linger♪

♪If not for tragedy, this deep love would remain♪

Why are we brewing wine?

It's not about the wine.

It's about us being together.

That makes sense.

Wine lasts the longest.

And the longer it ages,

the richer the taste.

Just like our feelings for each other.

Doesn't it feel extra special

to enjoy the wine you brewed yourself

at a candlelit dinner?

Something smells good. What's cooking?

Oh...

Stop!

- Come here! - I... I shouldn't...

Look!

What's that?

Try it.

I'll pass...

- Give it a taste. - No...

- No... - It's hot out of the pan!

Come on!

The beef tastes nice.

We could use better utensils, though.

All right.

The beef's a success.

But the ambiance...

Ambiance?

Feng Ming.

Do you play any musical instruments?

Music...

I can play the dizi.

Perfect!

Let's move. Lift your foot.

Good.

No peeking. You promised.

All right.

Up the steps.

Good.

We're almost there.

Lovely.

Turn.

Right here.

Good.

Sit down.

Now, let's immerse ourselves

in a romantic atmosphere.

I don't know how to play ambient music.

Your hometown's ambiance is certainly unique.

What's your problem?

This isn't my fault.

I can play the dizi, not the xiao!

Seriously! The fire stick!

I have it. Here.

Go on...

- I can explain... - Get out!

I... I know how to play the dizi,

but you insisted that I play the xiao!

I was just out of practice!

You've never been musically inclined.

Just let it go.

You don't appreciate my music.

A true kindred spirit is hard to find.

Is there anything else you want to do?

If you want to marry me,

you need to formally propose.

All right.

As you wish.

What are you looking at?

He said

he was making something for someone.

For Shukuang?

Who else?

Men and women on dates always end up in the kitchen.

It's normal.

Food and love go hand in hand.

What's he cooking up?

You're just like me.

Always thinking about food.

A marriage proposal

should follow local customs.

I've already sent

the Three Letters and Six Rites to Yuchi Manor.

The formal proposal, engagement rites, the betrothal gifts,

and the ceremonial wild goose.

The betrothal gift was supposed to be a live goose,

but Mount Moye doesn't have geese right now.

So I had to make one as a substitute.

(Goose)

It's not perfect,

but...

(Goose) It is a goose.

You did a great job.

My husband is so skilled.

It is whatever you say it is.

So what should I do next?

According to my hometown's traditions,

the man proposing

should kneel on one knee and make a declaration of love.

But since you're the Leader of Tiangang

and you're not in the best condition...

right now...

I, Chu Tianyao, Leader of Tiangang,

guided by fate,

wish to be joined in marriage with Rong Shukuang.

I vow to hold your hand through all of life's ups and downs.

Will you stay with me forever,

and never let go of my hand?

I will.

Stop chasing me!

You...

We just wanted to see

what you guys made.

Why are you both kneeling?

Standing while talking is tiring. Is there a problem?

I see.

Leader Chu.

Master Lin of Yuchi Manor has arrived.

I told you not to...

Should we go greet Father?

Have Young Master Lin and the others meet us at the mountain gate.

Yes.

Come on. This is all your fault.

Young Lady Lin is here too.

She came with Master Lin.

We promised

to face this together.

All right.

No one will hurt you in Mount Moye.

Master Lin, your presence graces us.

Mount Moye is honored by your visit.

I, Chu Tianyao, greet Mr. Lin.

Leader Chu, a pleasure to meet you.

Father, you have traveled a long way.

Wanci is here as well.

You look much better now.

Brother Shaoci, you can finally stop worrying.

Greetings, Father.

Wanci, are your injuries better now?

I'm well.

Leader Chu.

This is my daughter, Wanci.

She has come to Mount Moye

for the wedding ceremony.

My respects to you, Leader Chu.

Seeing that you are all safe and well

puts my heart at ease.

Mr. Ye, arrange accommodations for everyone.

Yes.

Accommodations have been prepared. Please follow me.

Master Lin, please come with me.

After you.

I heard that Shaoci and Shukuang had a tough time

getting here.

They made it safely thanks to Tiangang's protection.

My daughter Wanci was in trouble

and stranded at Ruthless Parlor.

It was Tiangang who sent word.

You're too kind, Master Lin.

With the alliance between Yuchi Manor and Mount Moye,

we are now family.

In your letter,

you mentioned gathering the Six Great Sects at Mount Moye

to discuss forming an alliance.

The alliance will need an alliance leader.

Tiangang is willing to support you

in becoming the alliance leader of the martial world.

The legend of the treasure

and the greed for the keys

will only bring disaster to the martial world.

At the alliance formation gathering, you'll be in charge.

In front of all the sects,

we will destroy the keys to the treasure,

putting an end to any future searches.

The treasure will vanish from the world,

and no one will be able to find it.

So many

lives and families have been lost

because of this treasure.

Have you discussed this with Shukuang?

Not yet.

But I believe

she won't object.

If you both agree to this,

then I'll join you in destroying it

so the martial world can finally find peace.

You have a heart for the world, Master Lin.

It is admirable.

Are your injuries healing well?

At Ruthless Parlor,

Shen Zuitian took you hostage,

and I was powerless to stop him.

Don't blame yourself.

Thankfully, Yan Shao saved me.

He's been looking

after me ever since.

Shukuang, aren't you going to ask about Yan Shao?

He's part of Tiangang,

so he will return eventually.

Since you're here

for my wedding with Leader Chu,

it would be nice if you stayed a bit longer.

I will make sure you are well taken care of.

Young Lady Lin,

would you like me to show you

to your quarters now?

If you have any requests,

just let us know.

Thank you.

Please.

You should go rest.

Shukuang seems to be quite fond of Leader Chu.

She seems to have long forgotten Yan Shao,

who once protected her.

Rong only has Leader Chu in her heart now.

After all, he is her future husband.

Shukuang sure changed her mind quickly.

I always thought

she was devoted to Yan Shao.

We should leave the past in the past.

Shukuang is about to marry Leader Chu.

She shouldn't be thinking of anyone else.

But knowing Shukuang,

I don't think she would change this fast.

That reminds me.

Have you ever seen Leader Chu's true appearance, Shaoci?

Never.

Has Shukuang ever seen him?

Well, I'm not sure.

But Sister Rong often goes to see Leader Chu,

and they seem to get along well.

Wanci, you've had a long journey.

Get some rest.

Yes, Wanci.

Rest early and gather your energy.

Prepare for Leader Chu and Rong's wedding.

All right.

- Let's go. - We'll take our leave now.

Rest well.

Come in.

Young Lady Lin.

Be careful when you're appearing over the next few days.

They might recognize you.

Understood.

Moye Manor is full of suspicion.

What secret is hiding behind that mask?

Why won't he show his true face?

Do you suspect something

about Chu Tianyao's identity?

I don't know.

I just feel like

his figure looks very familiar.

And I feel like

he's hiding many secrets.

Scout around the manor carefully.

I'll go meet Rong Shukuang.

Understood.

(Shuxin Pavilion)

Your chambers are so thoughtfully arranged.

As expected, Leader Chu truly cares for you.

I am his future wife, after all.

I envy you.

First, Yan Shao risked his life to save you,

and now you're marrying an ideal husband.

You've got all the good men in the world

wrapped around your finger.

Look at you saying that.

With your beauty and family background,

you could easily marry a great man.

Besides,

you are keen and perceptive,

skilled at understanding people and captivating hearts.

Anyone you set your sights on

wouldn't be able to escape.

Yes.

I risked my life at Ruthless Parlor to save Yan Shao.

And after that, he became devoted to protecting me.

A heart for a heart. That's the only way to make it last.

But I'm curious.

How did you and Leader Chu

connect so quickly?

Have you already forgotten

the person who was once by your side day and night?

Day and night?

Yan Shao was merely my guard.

He was devoted to me,

and I cared for him. That was only natural.

Leader Chu is bold and free-spirited.

When we met, it felt like we'd known each other for years.

We've been

inseparable ever since,

getting to know each other better every day.

Now, I'm eagerly looking forward

to marrying him with all my heart.

From then on, I'll become his wife

and oversee Tiangang with him.

Isn't this the kind of future

you should be happy for me about?

You've always had the best

of everything since we were children.

I'm sure Leader Chu must be handsome

and charming too,

for you to fall for him so easily and quickly.

Since you and Yan Shao share such a deep bond,

why don't you stay here and wait for him?

I should go talk to Leader Chu

about the wedding.

Now that you're at Mount Moye,

try not to worry

too much.

Just focus on resting and getting better.

Go back and get some rest.

Thank you for your concern.

Am I disturbing you?

What's wrong?

Ever since Father and Lin Wanci

arrived at Mount Moye,

I've been feeling uneasy.

I can't shake the feeling that something will go wrong

and ruin our wedding.

Don't worry. You have me.

I want us to get married as soon as possible.

Can we?

The guests from the various sects haven't all arrived yet.

We're the ones getting married.

Why does it matter if they're here or not?

I don't particularly care about their presence.

Then it can be just the two of us.

We don't need any guests at the wedding.

You're in such a hurry to marry yourself off.

Are you afraid you won't be able to?

Wouldn't that be too rushed?

I only want the best for you.

I only need us to be there,

and with heavens and earth as our witnesses.

That is a unique perspective.

I've never seen a wedding like that before.

Lin Wanci came to see me.

Every word she spoke was a test.

She's sharp and calculating.

She'll figure it out eventually.

I'm just afraid that if we delay too long,

she'll discover that you're Yan Shao

and ruin our wedding.

Then we'll do it your way.

I'll have Feng Ming and Fei Wu make the arrangements.

It'll be just the two of us, all right?

Sure.

I call this place Fengxi Abode.

Every year around this time, all the flowers bloom.

Does this please you,

Young Lady Rong?

It does, very much.

This is exactly what I was imagining.

I haven't been inside yet.

Take me in.

Of course.

I think I have

the same butterfly tattoo on my back.

That's a Ghost-Eye Butterfly.

Ghost-Eye Butterfly?

What's the secret behind it?

Master said the Fuxian treasure's mechanisms

are connected to this tattoo.

If we follow it,

we can avoid the traps inside.

We should draw it down on some paper.

I've been thinking...

When Master put this map

on both of us,

it felt like we were meant to protect the treasure together.

So what do you plan to do?

The entire martial world is after the treasure,

driven by ambition and bloodshed.

I want to discuss

destroying the key in front of everyone

at the alliance formation gathering.

Doing so will allow the martial world a few years of peace.

Destroy it?

That sounds like a bit of a waste.

You don't want it destroyed?

Wealth can't be taken to the grave,

and I have no interest in the secret arts of martial.

Whatever the treasure is,

it matters little to me.

If destroying it means these people will give up their greed

and stop the bloodshed,

then it wouldn't be a bad thing.

It would give us peace.

We wouldn't have to deal with their schemes anymore.

Why not do it?

I thought you would oppose this.

I even prepared a whole argument to persuade you.

Do you really think I'm that obsessed with wealth?

You wound me.

And most importantly,

I have you.

You are my greatest treasure.

So whether the keys stay or go,

I'll leave that decision to you.

What if the day comes

that I can no longer protect you?

That's fine.

I won't need you to protect me.

I'll be the one to protect you.

All right.

Tomorrow's wedding will be just the two of us.

I hope you won't feel disappointed.

It doesn't matter.

Marriage is about two people.

As long as I have you,

that's enough.

Strange.

Sister Rong is missing again.

I just asked Leader Chu's maid.

Leader Chu is gone too.

What's going on?

The last time Sister Rong disappeared,

we later found out

she spent the night at Leader Chu's place.

Shukuang has been gone all day again.

And now even Leader Chu is missing as well.

I'm sure those two get along very well.

Since they disappeared together,

they must be together.

There's no need to worry too much.

They're probably just having a private meeting somewhere.

Brother Shaoci, you don't need to worry.

The Six Great Sects will arrive soon.

I'm more concerned that Ghost Valley Sect

will sneak in and cause trouble.

Shaoci, how do you plan to handle the alliance formation gathering

of the Six Great Sects?

I will follow Father's arrangements, of course.

He already has a plan in place.

I'm surprised you can still smile.

Why wouldn't I smile

when I'm marrying the one I love?

He's done so much for you.

He nearly lost his life saving you.

You...

So what should I do?

Cry with him every day?

He's already done so much for me.

He wants me to live well.

So

I should cherish

every day I have with him even more.

Do you genuinely think

I feel no pain or sorrow?

What good will being sad do for us?

Will it cure his Crimson Lotus Heart?

Will it help him live longer?

If it won't,

then what's the point of drowning in sorrow every day?

I know you,

Feng Ming, and he grew up together.

You share a bond like no other.

Whether you like me

or hate me,

I will marry him.

So instead of resenting me,

why don't we try to get along?

At least that way,

he'll have one less thing to be sad about.

Come on.

Let's not keep him waiting.

It's your wedding day,

and I'm happy for you.

Then why do you look so down?

Are you worried I don't have much time left?

Don't say such things.

You and Miss Rong have been through so much together.

I sincerely hope you can spend your lives together

and have the perfect ending.

Enough.

As long as I have today,

I have no regrets in this life.

It's a joyous occasion.

Can't you look happier for me?

At least give me a smile.

If anything happens to me,

you and Fei Wu have to take care of her.

We will.

Is this part of your customs too?

That's the flower boy.

It's rare to see him act like a real child.

You have no idea how long I had to plead with him.

He polished off many of my rainbow cakes before he finally said yes.

♪By the lakeside♪

♪Shadows flicker♪

♪Silhouettes linger♪

(Double Happiness)

♪A tattered robe♪

With the heavens and earth as witness

and the mountains and rivers as our bond,

- Chu Tianyao and Rong Shukuang - Rong Shukuang and Chu Tianyao

are joined in marriage today.

Your hand in mine,

I'll hold and live with me till old.

A lifelong bond of love,

forever faithful and never forsaken.

♪Maple leaves rise with the wind, sorrows stretch for miles♪

♪Yet a soft call lingers♪

♪Drunk under the moonlight as rain gently falls in the courtyard♪

The newlyweds cross arms and drink.

♪Leaning against the door as the candlelight shines at night♪

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

♪The distant sky weeps as if memories linger♪

♪If not for tragedy, this deep love would remain♪

The ceremony is complete.

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

♪Even if the moment is beautiful, why lament the fading years?♪

♪Parting is easy while meeting again is difficult♪

What's the matter?

Are you feeling lucky

to have married such a beautiful bride?

From the moment I met you,

I have been the luckiest.

Good.

Then let's begin.

Have you finished drawing yet?

Be patient.

I'm tired too.

My legs are going numb.

It's just a drawing.

Why is it taking so long?

This butterfly tattoo is connected to the treasure's mechanisms.

We can't rush it or make mistakes.

Wait.

Did you make a mistake?

No.

If we've already decided to destroy the keys

and never open the treasure,

why are we spending so much effort

drawing the mechanism?

You're right.

A wedding night is worth a thousand pieces of gold.

Why are we wasting time drawing butterflies?

What are you doing?

It's getting late.

We should rest.

You shouldn't overexert yourself. It's not good.

Who says it's not? I'm fine!

Even if you're fine, you shouldn't force it.

Your health comes first.

I said I'm fine!

I don't mind even if you're not.

It's fine.

No, it's not.

It has to be fine on such an important night.

I won't accept anything else.

Are you using

an adjective or a verb right now?

A verb!

Wait, what does it mean?

I'll explain it another day.

Another day?

Why wait when we can settle it now?

So, can you handle it or not?

I can.

Stop messing around!

Young Lady Lin,

we've made contact with Leader Shen.

Did you find any traces of them?

Yesterday, I only saw Rong Shukuang

enter Chu Tianyao's room.

But today,

even Feng Ming and Fei Wu have disappeared.

Did they slip away from the mountain without anyone noticing?

The wedding and the alliance formation gathering

are just around the corner,

so it's unlikely they'd leave at a time like this.

There might be some hidden locations on Mount Moye.

I'll keep searching.

They are the key to finding the Fuxian treasure.

We can't take this lightly.

Have you confirmed Chu Tianyao's true identity?

The Leader of Tiangang rarely appears in the martial world.

No one knows his origins.

But from my observations,

he and Rong Shukuang have a strong connection.

This doesn't seem like a blind marriage.

I have a feeling

that his true identity is...

Forget it.

Keep investigating.

Understood.

♪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♪