Original subtitles

[This story is purely fictional.]

In the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty,

Shen Shijie, the best merchant in the world,

forged the Tianji Treasure Vault before he died.

When the country is in trouble,

the vault will be opened.

However, several years later,

Herat took the lead

and kidnapped Shen Shijie's daughter.

Several days later,

they asked his husband Duan Shiyi

to redeem her with the Xuanling Jade.

The Martial World is once again engulfed in blood and chaos.

[Desert Lone Hero]

Yuheng,

this mission will likely end badly.

I'm grateful

for your help.

As brothers, it's my duty to help.

We must hurry to Beifeng Ridge

and meet the contact.

Mr. Zhao and I are sworn friends.

He has been at the border for many years,

and is familiar with this area.

So he can lead us to Chimo City.

Liu, no need to be polite

Chimo City is heavily guarded now.

We can only sneak into the city among the refugees.

There's no time to lose. We'll leave as soon as possible.

What a pity for our two good horses.

Your Lingyun Sword is still not quite there yet.

With just you guys?

Zhao!

Kid.

Give it to me.

And you can leave.

Zhao!

Zhao, how are you?

- Zhao! - Zhao!

Zhao.

Find the girl with blue eyes.

The code is here.

Zhao!

Come!

Guys,

listen to me.

I was lucky to

come back alive this time

and have a drink with you!

What happened?

What happened?

A few days ago, when we were escorting hostages in Yangui Valley,

a storm broke out.

I couldn't tell north from south.

Luckily I was smart

and found a cave.

Everyone else died.

Only I came back alive!

Come on, drink!

Enjoy yourselves!

Sha Chongfei,

your drinking capacity hasn't improved,

but your boasting skills

is getting better.

Come on. Catch it!

Drink.

Drink. Drink!

Innkeeper,

do you dare to drink two bowls with me?

Two bowls?

I'm in a good mood today.

I'll drink two jugs with you!

Great!

Yan Ruyu, if I win tonight,

you'll be mine.

Let's see if you can drink me under the table first!

Come on. Drink!

Drink!

Cheers!

Drink!

Sir, would you like to stay here?

Two premium rooms.

OK.

Two premium rooms!

This place is mine,

and the people are mine.

If you don't have no sense of awareness,

don't come here to eat, drink,

and fence stolen goods anymore.

It's noisy here.

The upstairs is quieter.

Come with me.

No need.

Duan Sword.

You two truly embody 'swallows crossing the northern frontier, cutting through wind and forest'.

You have quite a way with words.

Indeed,

the desert holds a charm of its own.

It seems that you came from afar.

Are you here for business

or escorting?

My brother and I traveled the mountains and rivers,

and happened to pass by your place.

How long are you going to stay?

We'll leave tomorrow morning.

Then suit yourself.

I'll check if the dishes are ready.

Duan,

what's your plan after entering the city?

Haman won't act until he sees the benefits.

He won't do anything to Yuxin

before he gets the Xuanling Jade.

After entering the city tomorrow,

we'll first test the waters

and act accordingly.

His Highness won't let you go!

General! These two are

the spies placed in my army by Luo Kexin.

Please handle them!

Traitors and conspirators like you,

will eventually meet your doom!

What are you waiting for? Kill him!

Yes!

Shen Yuxin, aren't you afraid?

The General handles military affairs swiftly and ruthlessly.

You've opened my eyes.

Moreover,

when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

As General's honored guest,

I won't let your hospitality go to waste...

after all, it brings you prestige as well.

You just need to listen to me.

When I get the Xuanling Jade

I'll let you go.

General, you have to keep your promise.

I like your intelligence.

Manager,

these two people are unknown.

Keep an eye on them.

We'll figure it out tonight.

OK.

Kill them!

Those brats!

Don't move!

I only kill those who are rewarded...

Hong Bujing, who has 18 lives on his hands

and has looted and plundered 20 households.

And Chai Shizhao, who has assaulted and violated 30 people!

I have a few more.

Let me see...

are there any more of you here?

Retreat!

Hurry up and go.

Xu Xiaoyu,

you always interfere with my business.

When the officer comes,

how can I explain?

Yu, I'm doing justice for God...

Killing a few fugitives and earn some money.

If you didn't come out,

I could've earned more.

Drag them away!

OK.

Sorry to have startled you.

Please enjoy the food.

Manager, may I have a word with you in private?

Girl, nice skills!

Come. Drink.

Innkeeper,

if we leave tonight...

what do you think?

I'm afraid you can't leave tonight.

Why?

The desert weather is unpredictable,

especially at night.

Even we locals

have trouble finding our way.

Besides, I'm the only inn

within a hundred miles.

If you insist on leaving,

you'll be walking straight into danger.

I heard something big happened in the Central Plain recently.

Are you going to Chimo City?

Don't be nervous.

Let's drink.

No need.

The wine is nothing,

it's the heart of the drinker that counts.

Please give me some advice.

Do you want to enter openly,

or sneak in?

Openly,

head northwest for fifty miles and you'll reach Chimo City.

But you can't get in

if you don't have the frontier token.

Then sneaking in?

Your arrival

has turned my inn into a complete mess.

What should I do?

It's just a token of my apology.

Follow me.

The secret tunnel is complicated.

My sister is familiar with Chimo City.

She can lead the way for you.

In the end, there's no escaping the abyss.

It's time.

This is the secret tunnel,

dug during the war

between Ming and Herat.

Duan is knowledgeable. That's true.

During the war between the two countries,

the people dug this tunnel

to escape.

Thank you for your help.

You are going to Chimo City

for a woman, right?

Is it that delicious?

You can't eat these specialties in the capital.

You really follow the customs.

Why don't you stay?

I will take good care of you.

Thank you, General.

According to the almanac,

today clashes with the Horse, with inauspicious energy in the south and the god of wealth is in the north.

Avoid movement related to horses.

A good thing should naturally be shared with the fortunate.

Come, have a piece.

You stay with me,

and I'll make sure you never have to worry about anything for the rest of our life.

The person who plans for great things values the big picture,

sitting on the clouds, their hearts as vast as the ocean.

Why would General care for a little woman like me?

What do you mean?

I mean,

you are handsome and have an indomitable spirit.

After you get the Tianji Treasure Vault,

you will accomplish great things.

How can you see that?

Heaven's secret cannot be revealed.

When they enter the city, act accordingly.

No mistakes allowed.

Don't worry.

Everything is ready,

we're just waiting for them to enter.

No mistakes allowed.

Take a look.

I found some clothes.

Put these on when the time comes.

I think you know the purpose of our trip

is to rescue her.

Haman wanted to use her to get the Tianji Treasure Vault

and rule the world.

There are many spies in the city.

It's hard to work during the day.

You're strangers here,

better not go out yet.

I'll go to Haman's residence

and gather some information.

Haman is full of tricks,

and he's very cunning.

I don't think Yuxin is in his residence.

If we follow Haman's men,

then

we'll find his lair.

I'll do as you say.

Then I'll find the contact.

Let's split up.

If anything happens,

don't act rashly.

We'll meet here at nine.

Lamb, fresh lamb!

Fresh lamb!

Headscarves! Freshly made headscarves!

Take a look.

This is our best Liulin Wine.

Please enjoy.

Thank you.

Behind this street,

there is a Haman's secret base.

Be careful of secret guards.

Don't let the General wait.

Hurry up!

Do you want to drink?

The curfew starts tonight,

so close up early.

There's a trap inside.

It's you.

Follow me.

Duan, who is her?

Just an old acquaintance,

another person from the martial world.

I didn't expect you to have friends in Chimo City.

Darn it!

They got away again!

Dig three feet deep if you have to...

find those two rats!

Yes!

General.

Currently, the five camps of Tigers, Leopards, Lions, Camels, and Elephants

have gathered an army of over 100,000.

Meanwhile, Luo Kexin and

the other generals only have about 30,000-50,000 men.

As long as you find the treasure,

recruit soldiers and horses,

the great cause will surely succeed.

All these years, I've been working hard

so that one day I can ascend the throne.

The General's kingship is destiny.

We are willing to follow the General,

through thick and thin,

without hesitation.

Cloths, top-quality cloths!

Sir, have a look!

They are all newly dyed.

Good wine!

Come, take a look!

Take a look!

Take a look!

Dried beef, dried mutton!

Dried food! Dried food!

Dried food!

Sir, what would you like to eat?

The Goose Migration Crossing Beyond the Frontier.

The Path of Heroes Across the Eight Wastes.

Haman has a dungeon

in the southern suburb's secret base.

She's likely locked up there.

You need to rescue her as soon as possible.

Otherwise, something will happen.

Why are you here?

It's a long story.

You should wait until late at night to leave.

Lord Xiao,

we've arranged everything.

And we almost caught them.

In the end,

they still escaped.

I suspect there's a spy among us.

Who do you think it could be?

Young lady, don't run!

Sir, come after me!

Slow down!

Come here!

Slow down.

I've already received the news

before you arrived in Chimo City.

Looks like you

really have deep feelings for Miss Shen.

This map took me a whole year

to draw.

Are you investigating Haman?

Look.

These are Haman's secret hideout.

There are five places in the city,

and six outside the city.

This is his private residence,

and the others are his military camps.

Miss Shen is likely hidden among them.

No matter where Yuxin is,

I will definitely find her.

Hua Manyue!

Open the door!

I've picked you today!

Open the door!

Leave through the back door.

Is there another man inside?

Hurry up and open the door!

Coming.

Coming.

Why are you opening the door so late?

Is someone hiding inside?

Why do you have this?

You're the one who betrayed us, aren't you?

What are you talking about?

I don't understand.

Still denying it?

Zhao Mao's spy told me

that Yuxin might be locked

in a secret dungeon in the south of the city.

Do you believe what the secret agent said?

Although we were ambushed,

I still believe Zhao Mao is a decent man.

According to the map provided by Hua Manyue,

Haman has several private estates in this city.

Tonight,

I'll check these places

before we take action.

Come with me to meet someone.

He hasn't come!

He hasn't come!

He hasn't come!

If he doesn't come,

I'll kill Shen Yuxin tomorrow

and see if he will come.

General,

we need to be more patient.

Now that they can come,

they will definitely come to save her.

Don't forget

that person will be here soon.

I've planned for this

for so many years

and lost so many men.

What did he do?

Now I'm about to get

all four Xuanling Jades

and achieve my great cause!

Mr. Hu,

you need to think carefully

what you should do.

I'll definitely be at your service, General.

Duan Shiyi has departed for Chimo City.

The great cause is within reach.

Who is it?

Go.

General Luo,

we have caught the two suspects

of the shrine arson case.

Please punish them, General.

The shrine is sacred.

It represents the glory and power of Herat.

You lawless rascals,

how dare you set fire to the shrine

and disregard Herat's royal authority?

Execute them now!

Yes, General!

General Luo, someone is waiting outside the camp.

You're awake.

Thank you, Miss.

What's your name?

I'm just a nobody.

You saved my life.

I will definitely repay you someday.

If you encounter any trouble in the future,

come to me with this ring.

Who is she?

General Luo Kexin,

one of the five generals of Herat

and Haman's sworn enemy.

General Luo, long time no see.

Long time no see.

This is my friend from the capital.

He came here for something important.

I've been busy with military affairs these two years

and haven't got time to go to the inn to catch up with you.

What about you? What have you been busy with?

Just living a life on the edge in the Martial World.

Tell me, what's the problem?

General Luo, have you heard

something big happened in the Central Plain a while ago?

I heard a little about it.

That's why

we came here to bother you.

We want to know where they hid Miss Shen.

I'll send someone to investigate it.

Let's meet at Yingdu Canyon at midnight.

Okay.

Yu.

Is everything okay?

Isn't she...

She's Haman's spy.

You almost fell for her trap.

I almost ruined the plan.

I went to a few private estates of Haman just now,

but I couldn't find Yuxin.

I think

they probably hid her somewhere outside the city,

and it's a covert place.

We need to figure out

a good plan.

We've discussed it with General Luo.

We'll meet at Yingdu Canyon at midnight.

I think she can help us.

Duan, come with me later.

General Luo?

Is it Luo Kexin, one of the five generals of Herat?

Exactly.

General Haman has 100 thousand soldiers.

Do you think you thieves

can stop him from achieving the great cause?

That's ridiculous.

What a joke!

Calm down.

What about her?

Leave it to General Luo.

Keep an eye on her.

Yes.

Be quiet.

Take me out.

Stay back!

Don't come over, or I'll kill her!

Stay back, all of you!

However,

have you ever thought

even if you get out,

will you be able to

leave the desert with your feet?

Stay back!

Soon,

you will die in the desert.

You'll be eaten by the beasts

and turn into a skeleton.

And your man

will soon find another woman.

Cut it out.

Miss Shen.

Calm down.

Calm down.

My words might be harsh,

but you must listen to me.

No.

We can't wait any longer.

What do you want?

I don't think Haman is a big deal.

I want to know

where he hid Miss Shen.

Wait here.

I'll go scout for information.

No!

There are many spies, sentries, and guards out there.

You'll be in danger.

Get off me!

Stop!

Who are you?

Catch him!

Miss Shen! Miss Shen!

General Luo.

We've handed over Haman's spy to your men.

I hope she's useful to you.

This is...

You must be Duan Shiyi, right?

Are you here

for Miss Shen and the Tianji Treasure Vault?

Yes.

No matter what, I'll help you.

Haman seems loyal,

but in fact, he has overshadowed the king

and planned for a revolt.

All these years,

I've been waiting for a chance to eliminate him

to protect the kingdom.

However,

his troops are far stronger than mine.

I couldn't do it.

General Luo,

if there's anything we can do,

please tell us.

Haman has been coveting the Tianji Treasure Vault for a long time

and secretly colluding with the Central Plain.

He wants to take over the vault one day

and accomplish his so-called great cause.

Miss Shen's location,

the mechanisms of the camp,

and the countermeasures are all here.

You must be careful.

Thank you, General Luo.

You're welcome.

Haman betrayed us

and disregarded the laws of the kingdom.

He has to pay the price.

I'm not only helping you but helping myself

and our people.

Little rascal,

are you here to give our general a gift?

Shameless!

How arrogant.

Give it to me,

and I'll spare your life.

Cut that crap.

Dong Mo,

do you need my help?

Little Thief!

Where is Duan Shiyi?

Tell me!

No way!

What's the point?

Tell me, what's the point?

I've treated you well.

How could you try to escape?

You're so disobedient.

Shen Yuxin,

do you think I only want the vault?

Do you think I raised so many soldiers

just to rebel?

How old is the king?

He can't even pee or poop on his own,

not to mention ruling a kingdom.

Tell me,

what achievements can he make?

Can the people of Herat live in peace and prosperity under his rule?

But I'm different.

I have great talent and ambition.

I've devoted myself to the country

and the people.

I should be the king.

Do you think I'll keep the treasure to myself?

I'm doing this

for the future of Herat

and also for the people!

Shame on you.

If that's true, you should serve your king with loyalty

instead of trying to steal the throne.

I can't believe

I'm such a nasty person in your heart.

Madam,

we already know where Yuxin is.

Where is Yuheng?

Yuheng...

What happened to him?

Something bad happened.

Last night...

Last night, he rushed to rescue Miss Shen.

I was worried...

that something might go wrong,

so I followed him.

But when I arrived,

he had been

killed by Dong Mo.

Monster!

I've known Yuheng since childhood.

I always treat him as my brother.

I thought

we could venture in the Martial World and live a happy life.

I can't believe

that rascal killed him.

Duan, I'm sorry for your loss.

Everyone has their destiny.

Don't blame yourself too much.

For myself and for my friend,

I must kill those bandits.

If it weren't for me,

you would still be in the dungeon.

I've been

good to you, right?

What does that fatty know?

He even wants to torture you.

I would never do that.

Don't touch me!

Don't touch you?

Just give me what I want.

Get off me.

Get off me!

I really love you.

Get off me!

Get off me!

What are you doing?

Yuxin.

You're finally here.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Where are you going at this hour?

Do you think

you can escape from Chimo City?

You must be Duan Shiyi.

You didn't keep your word.

You should give me the stuff in exchange.

You're breaking the deal.

Get off her!

Don't come over!

You neither want to hand over her

nor the item.

What should I do?

Even if you get the Xuanling Jade, it won't work.

What do you mean?

You thought you could open the vault

with four Xuanling Jades,

but it's all nonsense.

Only I know the location

of the vault.

But I have a request.

Tell me.

I'll take you to the vault,

but you have to give me 30 percent.

After that,

I will leave the Martial World

and live a secluded life in the countryside.

How do I know if you're lying to me?

Whether you can achieve the great cause or not

depends on your decision.

Duan Shiyi.

It seems that you are a wise man after all.

I've figured out many things since I came to the Western Region.

If I can stay with Yuxin forever,

I'll die without regret.

I didn't expect you to be so devoted.

Let's hurry.

That place is still far.

Keep an eye on them.

Figure out what they're really up to.

Yes.

This is Yangui Valley.

There's a sandstorm.

Will everything be alright?

Don't worry. I have a plan.

The vault is deep in the valley.

Follow me!

Let's go.

It's almost there.

How dare you lie to me?

I'll kill you!

What's going on?

Let's go.

Never chase a desperate enemy.

But your Xuanling Jade...

It's fine.

They don't know where the vault is.

They don't stir up much trouble.

As long as we survive, there's always a way forward.

We fall back for now.

Let's go.

I knew it wouldn't be that simple.

Once that man arrives,

Herat is about to change.

Then allow me to congratulate you in advance, General.

All these years,

you've helped me a lot.

I won't forget it.

Thank you, General.

The esteemed guest has arrived.

It's him.

How did it go?

Got what we needed,

but still no clue where the vault is.

Everything's under control.

Hand it over.

No rush, my lord.

I'll hold onto it for now.

General Luo.

Who sent this?

I don't know.

Haman's defense map.

Mine.

It's all mine!

No, don't kill me! Please!

Guilty of something, huh?

My lord.

I-I-I wouldn't dare!

You've been working around Haman all this time.

Must've been tough.

Yutian.

We've known each other for years.

You know me well.

Half the plan is done.

I know Haman wants the vault for himself.

What's your move?

I'll follow your orders, my lord.

The vault can't fall into other's hands.

Good.

If we pull this off,

the position of Grand Secretary will be yours.

Thank you, my lord.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Herat's finally about to change.

General, I've spent years navigating the treacherous waters of the court.

I've had enough of flattery and lies,

of watching men twist the truth to serve their own ends.

Every day, I serve the emperor

with my heart in my throat,

afraid one misstep could cost me everything

and end up in misery.

I don't wanna go back to the Central Plains anymore.

General, please, considering my age and frailty.

Grant me your protection.

What do you mean?

I want to stay in Herat

to help you take the throne.

No need for all this formality.

Once I ascend,

you will have more wealth that you could ever spend.

I will give my all

to assist you

in claiming the kingdom.

Here, my lord.

Good.

Your Majesty.

Here.

A toast to you.

Lord Shen.

My loyal subject,

if not for you,

I truly wouldn't know what to do.

No matter what,

tomorrow we head to the vault.

Sounds good.

When this vault was built,

layers of traps were set in place.

The key's in the Xuanling Jade.

Your Majesty,

mind showing it to me?

I'd like

to explain its hidden mysteries to you.

Go on, then.

This is our future.

Look here.

The Vermilion Bird in the south, before which all creatures cower.

The Black Tortoise in the north, an incarnation of the lunar essence.

The Azure Dragon in the east�

Haman.

I've invited an old friend for you tonight.

General Luo.

You're in charge here.

You think

you can kill me?

Guards!

Guards!

Do it! Now!

Wait!

From now on, I swear to serve you

to the death.

Remember what I asked you

at the inn that night?

Is your father Duan Qingyang?

How do you know that?

Not just his name,

I know

he led Shen Shijie's Four Great Guards.

Who are you?

That's not important.

But I know

you're here

to save a girl.

Who told you that?

This inn maybe small,

but it's full of surprises.

I know a thing or two

about the affairs of the Martial World.

Are you Shen Shijie's shadow guard,

Swallow Falcon?

Five years ago, my lord fell gravely ill.

Before he died, he entrusted me with one final mission

that the vault must never fall into the hands of traitors and rebels.

If the country was ever in danger,

it was to be opened.

Half should be handed over to the national treasury,

and half should be used to relieve disasters and aid the poor.

So I stayed here.

Because I know,

as long as that vault exists,

someone will come looking for it.

My father mentioned you before.

I thought you were long gone.

Didn't expect to meet you here.

My lord's wish remains unfulfilled.

How could I rest?

For years,

power-hungry rats

have been sniffing around,

willing to do anything for the vault.

When Hu Yutian, one of the Four Great Guards,

stole Zheng Yongsheng's Xuanling Jade

and sided with Haman,

I knew

things had gotten complicated.

My lord,

I've arranged for our best men.

They'll be here tomorrow.

Once we find the vault,

they'll back us up immediately.

Good.

Take care.

My lord, things here might not be that simple.

No need for warnings.

It's packed with traps.

Everyone, stay alert.

Yes.

Ahead is the Mystery Formation.

It's full of evil energy.

Once inside, do not open your eyes.

If you do,

you'll fall into hallucinations,

unable to control yourselves,

even turning on each other.

We go on foot from here.

Got it.

Yes.

Wait here.

I'll break the formation.

Be careful, my lord.

The hidden path seals the nine valleys.

One leads to ruin, one to blockade.

Step through Qian, three strides to fortune.

Enter Dui, six moves to shatter the divide.

Back and forth, the ninefold spiral.

Through a thousand ravines, fate sighs.

Follow Xun, four steps to shake the Five Peaks.

Pass through Li, seven strides where demons lurk.

Someone's already here.

Move!

Treading deep valleys, the heavens open.

Sandstorms rage, thunder drums roar.

Break through the maze, cut through the dark.

Secrets unravel at the river's end.

The Azure Dragon rises to touch the sky,

The White Tiger guards the gate.

The Vermilion Bird watches over Qin Pass.

The Black Tortoise anchors the four seas.

Congratulations, my lord. It's done.

So this is the Tianji Treasure Vault.

Hu Yutian!

You're one of the Four Great Guards.

How could you break your oath

and steal from your post?

People kill for wealth, beasts for food.

You still don't get it, do you?

Shiyi! Stop lingering!

We'll handle this.

Who are you?

As long as I'm here,

no one lays a hand on this vault.

And if we do?

So it's you�

Duan Shiyi.

What are you doing with that sword?

Don't forget,

We are family after all.

Are you really going to turn against me?

Shen Nantian,

you're already the Grand Secretary,

the second most powerful man in the country.

Isn't that enough for you?

You sided with Haman

and betrayed your country.

You don't deserve your title.

You don't care about the life and death of your family,

only satisfying your own desires.

You're even less worthy to be a human.

So what?

All I know is

a true official stands with integrity.

But now? Eunuchs run the court,

factional strife tears the nation apart.

You, a mere warrior,

how could you understand the way of governance?

I am not a mere small fry.

Uncle, why are you doing this?

I've planned this for years.

Now I'm so close to success.

No one can stop me. Not even you.

The rise and fall of nations has always been part of history.

You were meant to serve the people, the country.

How can you betray it like this?

Shut up!

When Shen Shijie built this vault,

he claimed

it was for good of the nation.

But let's be real,

wasn't it just so his name would live on?

Why shouldn't this land bear the name of Shen?

The Ming dynasty is not yours to trample on!

If you still have a conscience,

turn back now.

You wouldn't understand. None of you would.

Uncle, don't be so stubborn!

I don't need a youngster telling me what to do!

Xiao Fei, who the hell are you?

I've been hiding for years.

Watching all your pathetic little schemes.

Did you really think you can deceive the heavens,

escape the eyes of the sages?

Uncle!

Uncle!

Let her go!

Stay back!

Or I'll kill her!

His weakness is under his arm!

Let me show you the power of the Thousand Evil Palm!

My sword may be fast,

but it can't stop human greed.

If I stop it this time,

there is always another one.

The Martial World is always like this.

Then let's destroy it.

That way,

no one will ever find this vault again.

Shen Shijie built this place.

Right or wrong,

let history be the judge.

Take these two Xuanling Jades

to Swallow Falcon

and leave this Gobi Desert.

Every October,

a friend of mine comes here

to see my sister and me.

At sunset, he appears.

He loves this place.

Every time, he brings a jar of peach blossom wine.

The taste is strong.

Brother Duan,

we're not leaving this place.

What about you?

Leaving the pass.

Through Yan's winds and northern frost,

like a tiger's roar across the world.

Take care.

Take care.