Original subtitles

[Sword and Beloved]

[Episode 22]

You think that tiny bit of demon power of yours

can let the Grief Tree seed take root and sprout?

I'd love to see

how you make that happen.

Who are you?

Why do you

look identical to me?

Identical to you?

Let me put it this way.

It is your cowardly shell

has been suppressing my presence.

Instead of saying we have identical looks,

it's more accurate to say...

I am...

who you really are.

Now that you're craving power,

I might as well do you a favor

and help you let this tree seed

take root and sprout.

Your power originates from love.

Little Spider,

close your eyes.

Drop your facade.

Let it

feel your true desires.

Little Spider,

it was your affection

for Wangquan Fugui that brought you here.

Because of your feelings for him,

you chose to take this test.

Everything you've done

stems from love,

right?

But if love could truly give you power,

why are you still so weak to this day?

Why haven't

your efforts paid off by now?

Oh, right.

Ponder over this:

why would your dear Young Master Fugui

ditch you right away

every time an emergency came up?

It happened in the Peach Village,

and again in the small woods

inside Wangquan Manor.

That proves your love

is just like a rootless tree.

How can it give you power?

Think about it, Little Spider.

You already gave your all.

But what have you got in return?

In the end...

In the end...

I didn't even get to see Young Master Fugui

for one last time.

Little Spider,

you're finally realized the truth.

You were only a toy

he killed time with when he got bored.

Listen,

all relationships are about using each other.

Stop being stubborn, Little Spider.

In this world,

only hatred lives forever.

If you still insist

on practicing the Way with love,

then...

you deserve to remain this weak!

Why not accept me

and the hatred in your heart?

Only in this way

will you gain the power to change everything.

No.

You're wrong.

It's not like that.

It's never been wrong

to love someone.

As long as there's love in one's heart,

one will have the power to live!

Fine.

Then I don't mind

sending you to hell.

Wake up, Little Spider.

Practicing the Way with love

is a hopeless attempt.

The only consistent thing in this world is hatred!

Look, Little Spider.

This place

is full of fools just like you.

Today,

you will end up the same as them.

How did this happen?

Why did you do this?

Because they all should die!

Because they were all in an vain attempt

to practice the Way with love just like you.

This would only turn you

into weak, pathetic and cowardly beings.

You all yearned for power,

but refused to face the truth of the world.

There is no such thing

as pure and genuine Power of Love.

Is that the reason

that we should die

and deserve no chance of living?

Of course.

The weak don't deserve to live!

Qingtong.

Qingtong.

Qingtong.

Qingtong.

Why do you strive with all your might to live?

Why rise with the wind even when your life is as fragile as grass?

Why, as dust, do you refuse to fall to the ground?

Your heart

has never been weak.

[Qingtong]

I named you Qingtong

not to bind you,

but in the hope that you would see this world for me.

Even when you find yourself in darkness,

humble and small,

you must believe you can become that ray

of light that dispels the gloom.

[Dust-Seeker]

Dust-Seeker Sword?

Do you see that ray of light?

Dust dances with light.

It shows where the light comes from.

And with a sword,

what matters isn't the technique

but the sword essence.

I've already

shown you the techniqes.

I see you're still struggling.

Why, as dust,

do we refuse to fall to the ground?

Because our hearts

have never been weak.

♪ My unrealistic yearnings ♪

I will never enter the world with hatred

Love in the world

♪ Are unattainable ♪

All lives are equal.

All creatures coexist!

♪ Parting ♪

This...

the Way I practice!

♪ Will sober me ♪

♪ I'll chase my dreams ♪

I suggest you stop now, Little Spider.

The branches will grow wildly

and pierce through your eyes.

♪ I'll ignite fire with love ♪

Then you won't be able

to accompany your dear Young Master Fugui

to see all the beautiful scenery anymore.

♪ The flames will never dim or die out ♪

As long as I keep my heart clear,

beautiful scenery is unveiled to me.

Why would I fear losing my eyes?

Mercy is part of swordsmanship.

Grass flourish and withers.

Dust-Seeker!

My sword essence

is the dust that never falls to the ground!

I can't believe you managed to shatter falsehood.

Just for these darn losers?

You wouldn't understand even if I explained it.

Face your doom!

Congratulations.

You won.

The power absorbed by this seed

is

yours now.

As it turns out,

this is the secret of the Joy and Sorrow Sect—

you gain power by harming others.

I don't need

such power.

Run.

Hurry, run!

From now on,

all of you are free.

Run!

You saved them.

But have you thought about your own way out?

I, Qingtong,

need no retreat.

Congratulations

for passing the final trial.

You will possess the supreme Power of Love.

I hope you will understand

that power itself is neither right nor wrong.

Your thought

decides if it's used in the right or wrong way.

Now,

go practice the Way you deem as correct.

Have you still not found access to the Joy and Sorrow Sect?

It's been six hours.

I'm afraid Miss Qingtong...

is dead by now.

How dare you curse her.

No, no, no.

Don't hurt me.

Such strong demonic energy.

Qingtong?

Qingtong.

Have you tamed that tree seed?

The Joy and Sorrow Sect has been destroyed.

From now on,

nobody will be trapped there anymore.

Why is your demonic energy

a complete mess now?

Perhaps you're sensing it wrong,

since you haven't fully merged with the tree seed

that you tamed just now.

You already promised me not to work on such evil magic anymore.

Then, from today on,

this Asura Hall

is not to be used again.

Intruders...

must die.

From today onward,

you're our new governor.

Please be our leader!

Greetings, Governor!

Good.

Fugui said this lad

could become one with the Water-Control Orb.

Let me see

what's so special about him.

You can't control sand.

There's a Water-Control Orb in you.

How about this?

Try controlling water instead.

Master disallows me to control water at will.

Do you have to be so obedient?

Besides,

you're out of the Royal Master's sight.

Give it a try.

It...

It...

It's not a good idea, is it?

What's not good about it?

Center your demonic energy in the lower abdomen.

Then channel it upward with the power

of the Water-Control Orb,

like water flowing into a river.

You got it?

Got it.

Proceed.

Now that I see it,

maybe this lad can really refine the Water-Control orb.

Celestial Master, look!

Not bad.

I think you should heed the Royal Master's

advice as much as possible.

Yes.

Is Master cooking now?

Meatballs!

This dog demon does have

an acute sense of smell.

Here you are, Fugui.

Wait, you've picked all the meat.

What's left for us to eat?

I'll start with meat, and then vegetable.

Celestial Master,

any comment on my performance today?

It was just...

You're a real genius.

Smart and sharp.

Really?

Is it true?

I think that too.

Celestial Master, listen.

When I left the palace years ago,

I did meet the girl that you said I was meant to be with.

The girl you're meant to be with?

Keep going.

I met her as I was walking

the desert after leaving the palace.

Seriously?

You had the demon power

to control sandstorms,

before receiving any training

or taking a human form?

Yes.

He never lies.

Were you stimulated

by something at that time?

I remember I was being held in her arms.

She nearly passed out,

yet she was still thinking of others.

Guys, leave now.

Run, guys.

I was thinking Let’s go.

She's so pretty and nice. Let’s go.

bury such a nice and pretty lady.

Then...

Then I released enormous demon power.

Does it mean...

you like her?

Yes.

Why not pursue her?

Perhaps she's the key

to unleashing your demon power.

I did go see her,

but was then beaten and driven away.

As Master said,

humans and demons

can't be happy without the balanced development

of skills and spirits.

So,

I must quickly strengthen my demon power.

No, no, no.

Wait a minute.

You're taking his romantic advice

to court a woman?

Yes.

Impressive.

It's true that my love life

is quite bumpy,

but let me share my perspective as a seasoned player in the game—

who can rival a reluctant love interest?

A persistant suitor!

Speaking from my experience,

forget about anything.

You should

just propose marriage to her!

Really?

Let's set a goal.

Make 100 attempts for the love of your life,

will you?

I'll try the 101st time if I have to!

Good.

It's settled then.

Tomorrow morning,

I'll devise

a battle plan for you.

Don't wait till then.

Tell me your plan now.

Just say it.

Maybe a few tips first.

Fine.

Now, I'll teach you

the art of relentless pursuit.

That poor dog pestered me all night yesterday.

I'm so sleepy.

We didn't disturb you, did we?

What do you think?

I wished I could've covered your mouths.

Fugui,

you do care about me.

Celestial Master!

It's already morning.

Let's go visit Xueyang.

Are you not coming with us?

The capable shoulder more responsibility.

You stirred this up. I'd rather stay out of it.

Fine.

Let me show you

what I've got.

Follow me!

Celestial Master,

any more words of advice?

What advice do you need for sending presents?

You see, a generous gift giver is never rejected.

When you give her all your favorites,

you two will get on...

like a house on fire.

Got it!

I'll take off.

Remember:

you'll make it work!

I'll come back with good news!

[4 hours later]

Celestial Master...

I'm back.

So soon?

Celestial Master!

I was right, huh?

If you followed my instructions,

you'd surely hit it off with her.

She froze me again

and kicked me out.

That shouldn't have happened.

Why would she freeze a gift giver?

Gold, silver, jewelry,

antiques and jade.

Don't girls all like...

B-Black strips,

dried hamsters, scratching pads, bones,

and ten bundles of red willow branches for playing fetch?

What are these?

My favorite things.

Wait, you...

Look, Celestial Master,

you told me

to send her my favorite things.

I said it right.

Drop that subject for now.

You've taken a human form.

Hide your habits as an animal, alright?

First of all,

you need to act like a human.

A human. Understood?

Enlighten me, Celestial Master.

Since you're inquiring cordially,

I might as well kindly share my wisdom with you.

I'm been through the trials in love,

so listen to me carefully.

Sure.

You must tailor your approach

to different people.

For example, to win my heart over,

it's better to send me money

than a usual pleasantry.

That even rhymes.

Send her money?

Will that really work?

How could you just miss the key point?

I was telling you

to go for a snake's weakest spot so as to defeat it.

Do you understand?

But I'm not bothered by snakes now.

It was a metaphor.

I mean metaphor. Do you understand? Don’t be angry. Don’t be angry.

I know what a metaphor is.

That metaphor

meant...

Li Xueyang's weakest spot is...

Try spending

less time with the Royal Master.

You think we're hunting demons here?

Celestial Master, you once told me

that love is a battle.

A single wrong step could lead to

a complete failure.

Indeed, love is a battle.

Make a wrong step, and the game is lost.

But more importantly, you need to know well about yourself and your target.

You should find out

what General Li really likes.

I honestly have no idea of what she likes.

What can I do?

I'm here for you, aren't I?

At the end of the day, I still have to personally handle it.

[Amazing fortune teller]

The Eight Stars of Heaven

follow around like shadows...

General Li, I made you some snacks.

The man you're into

must be tender yet tough.

Am I right?

Really?

Isn't it just accurate?

How embarrassing!

Just a trick.

Come on!

Don't miss out on this, passersby!

Come and take a look.

I'm the best fortune teller in the Western Regions,

especially about matters of love!

Matters of love?

I've told the fortune

[Amazing fortune teller]

of thousands of men and women.

Wise choice, everyone.

Come on.

Hey, later on...

-This soldier with a dusky complexion, -Where are they?

what would you like to know?

His love life

and his career.

Okay.

Both are fine.

When did you join the army?

General, I assume

you're curious about your love life.

That's right.

Give it a try.

Give it a try!

Try it!

These golden pearls are the rarest treasures of the Western Regions,

for predicting one's love life.

They have answers to all your questions.

Get it started.

Let's talk over there.

The golden pearls will tell you

what your future partner is like.

[Gentle and considerate] [Highly literate] [Physically strong] [Wealthy]

Shall we begin?

Okay.

[Gentle and considerate] [Highly literate] [Physically strong] [Wealthy]

I hate those who throw their weight around

because of their birth most.

I concur.

My mother doesn't like those

[Gentle and considerate] [Highly literate] [Physically strong] [Wealthy]

who fight all the time.

Again, I concur.

Well, scholarly and talented...

Boss,

a frail scholar is no good, right?

He'd easily collapse when beaten.

Besides,

you wouldn't adore weak pretty literates

like ordinary girls do, would you?

What?

Can't a handsome man be

as strong as me?

What?

Can't I fall for a man

who's artistic, gentle,

romantic and heroic?

What a scam.

Let's go.

Go.

I knew that was a con.

Yeah.

An artistic, gentle,

romantic and heroic man.

Only I could solve that mystery.

Hmm...

Based on my observation today,

I've learned that General Li's

ideal partner must be

artistic, gentle, romantic and heroic.

Artistic,

gentle,

romantic,

and heroic.

She likes that many men?

No wonder you're single.

You need to realize the point

is that she prefer

handmade gifts

laden with

sentiment and sincerity.

What should I make then?

You've asked the right person again.

Girls all enjoy

receiving handwritten love poems.

Love poems?

It's finished!

[Love poems]

Can't you...

be sincere?

At least,

write something more.

Girls

loves hearing something nice.

Be sincere?

Hmm.

Hmm.

It's done!

What is it, calligraphy practice?

Aren't I being sincere enough?

Can you just be straightforward?

Be straightforward...

[Marry me]

Just do it.

Fine.

There's no other way.

[Marry me]

Xueyang!

Xueyang, I'm here!

Today,

I...

I'm officially proposing to you.

[Marry me]

Is Celestial Master's plan

going to work?

Don't come bother me again.

General.

It's okay.

I'll try 100 times,

since the first one was a failure!

I'll come again tomorrow!

[Marry me]

[No entry]

Xueyang,

here I come!

I'll come again tomorrow.

[No entry]

Xueyang!

I will...

come again tomorrow.

[No entry]

I'll come again tomorrow.

I will.

[No entry]

[No entry]

Xueyang,

I'm here again!

Aren't you tired of doing this every day?

Not at all.

I'm not tired of it at all.

[Marry me]

What flowers are these?

These are...

forget-me-nots.

They're quite pretty.

What's wrong with you?

If there's nothing else, go home.

Okay.

You...

What is it now?

You haven't beaten me today.

I'll come again tomorrow!

Great! Bravo!

Come again tomorrow!

See you soon!

This silly dog

is actually adorable.

Why is it so hard to control my anger

when I refine this tree seed?

Besides, the aura released by the demon power

is very similar to that of the Black Fox.

What's the connection between them?

Qingtong,

I've brought the list

of dark magic artifacts and techniques

from Asura Hall.

Soul-Devouring Umbrella...

I heard about it from Madam Yin

back in the Silk Cave.

It can not only disturb others' minds,

but also transfer others' life force

to the user.

It's that old wretch's finest work.

Qingtong,

sinister though these magic tools are,

they're really useful.

Why don't we...

From this moment on, these items

and Asure Hall

will be sealed forever.

Any use of them is forbidden.

Got it.

Qingcheng,

have you forgotten the vow we made?

We promised

to build

a better home together.

Yes.

Governor,

the man you asked for is here.

You're Jiang Bo?

I heard you were put in jail

for secretly releasing

many humans and demons from Asura Hall.

[Jiang Bo, a guard of Qianji City]

Cut the crap.

Take my life as you please.

Jiang Bo,

you'd better behave

and listen to my sister.

You're as gutsy as I expected.

Will you

stay here in your post

as the chief guard

at my service?

I promise

I will transform this place

into something completely different

from the Qianji City everyone used to know.

This is incredible.

After making over 90 marriage proposals,

you're still alive.

Plus, you've been beaten less and less often recently.

This means General Li has started

treating you better and better.

That's not it.

The truth is Xueyang has got injured.

No way!

Did you lay a hand on her?

Being heartless

can't get you a wife!

You should learn from me.

When the girl you love slaps your left cheek,

you should present your right cheek to her right away.

Isn't that a bit pathetic?

Stop taking that attitude,

or I can't teach you anymore.

Celestial Master, don't be mad.

Let me tell you the story.

Xueyang has been fighting demons a lot lately.

She was injured by a demon.

Celestial Master,

I've heard there's a Soldier in Yiqi Alliance.

He's a great fighter, right?

Why did you suddenly bring that up?

Because I hope to be as strong as he is.

That way, I can protect who I love.

I've decided tomorrow's gift for Xueyang.

Isn't it

the water demon that injured General Li?

Look!

I can't believe he has captured it!

Indeed.

He's really something.

Yeah.

Hei, Bai.

Boss.

Boss.

General.

Stay still!

Did you subdue this demon yourself?

Yes.

This water demon is the nemesis of corsac foxes.

But I don't care about that.

I must teach him a lesson

for injuring you.

That's why I caught him

and brought him to you as a gift.

A gift for me?

This way, you won't have to go out to fight demons today.

How romantic.

You've indeed saved me much trouble.

Thanks.

Are you better now after being injured?

I'm better now.

However,

the whole thing ends here.

I won't accept you,

since humans and demons are fundamentally different.

Do not come here again.

Got it.

I'll come again tomorrow.

That...

What did he say?

See you tomorrow!

He said he'd come again tomorrow.

Come again tomorrow?

See you tomorrow!

See you!

See you tomorrow, guys!

Do you think he'll come again tomorrow?

He definitely will.

I think so.

He'll most probably come again.

Yeah.

Was I not being clear enough?

You did make it clear.

But...

why did he take it as...

Then maybe you were not being clear enough.

You...

Dismissed, guys!

Back to your places!

Come on.

Let's go!

Get in a line!

Dress to the front!

This many demons today?

Align!

He really did come here.

You were so right.

Hei, Bai!

Boss.

Xueyang,

I caught 7 demons for you this time.

Impressive, huh?

I'm warning you,

I don't need others to fight

my own battles.

Are you trying to snatch my job

by bringing demons here every day?

I-I only want to protect you

and lighten your burden.

I-I don't mean to snatch your job.

I...

I've irritated you, have I?

Seeing how upset he is,

why am I suddenly feeling sorry?

I'm not mad at you

for catching demons for me.

It's just that I hate to

owe anyone a favor.

You must've been through much trouble.

Have some water.

Thank you for your gift.

I'll come again tomorrow!

See you tomorrow!

I...

You made yourself very clear.

He...

And he interpreted it correctly.

Then...

Then you'll be a couple sooner or later.

You...

Enough. Dismissed!

All you do is eat and sleep!

Scatter, now!

Just go!

Don't you have better things to do?

Get a move on!

Move!

This...

A huge humiliation, isn't it?

Fugui,

what do you think?

There will be good news soon.

Is Li Xueyang only into handsome guys?

Look at him.

Except for his good looks,

he has no other advantage.

No redeeming qualities whatsoever.

He's loyal, reliable,

honest, and not greedy for money.

Isn't he better than you?

You're not trying to sugarcoat the criticism at all, are you?

Fugui, you're not as nice as before.

This is wrong.

Fugui,

what are you busy doing?

Counting the days after we reunited, huh?

How thoughtful.

I wonder

when you will ever grow up

and be more serious.

This is sea buckthorn juice,

specially prepared for you.

In the past few days,

I finished reading the historical records of the Corsac Fox State in the palace.

Back in Wangquan Manor, I also read

the secret history of the dragon clan from the Western Regions.

I compared those two books,

and found 17 discrepancies.

Do you get it?

Not really.

What do you think

of the nobles and ministers

of the Corsac Fox State?

Fugui,

as I told you before,

they were silly.

All of them were fools.

You smarty-pants.

Several hundred years ago,

the dragon clan and human race fought a great war,

leaving all races devastated.

Only the Corsac Fox Clan

managed to become rulers of the Western Regions.

Hmm.

You know what,

even fools can be lucky sometimes.

For hundreds of years,

every generation of them has prospered.

You think it's just luck?

I entered the Imperial Preceptor's intelligence archives

with the Invisibility Talisman you gave me.

At first, I only planned

to investigate the Water-Control Orb.

But unexpectedly,

deep in the archives,

I discovered something astonishing.

I found that the Corsac Fox State

has detailed files on all the major generals

of the Li Army,

including their dietary habits,

daily routines and hobbies.

In particular, the scroll

[Li Chongzhen]

[Li Xueyang]

recording Li Xueyang's information

has been marked with a special color.

It even includes

what she has done every day.

The Corsac Fox State must have

[Li Xueyang]

a secret purpose for doing so.

Doesn't it mean

everyone in the Li Army

is in danger now,

especially Li Xueyang?

That poor dog and Li Xueyang are falling in love...

Have you noticed

that the Corsac Fox King seems to be the happiest among all?

I've always felt

there's something off.

That poor dog...

genuinely loves Li Xueyang,

right?

Right.

To the point of foolishness.

That covers all the other things.

Let nature take its course.

Well,

you came at the right time. I need your help.

Okay.

Don't follow me.

I take no interest

in staying up all night with your snores around.

When I finish refining this tree seed,

I'll set out

to look for Young Master Fugui.

I need to hurry.

Madam,

Wangquan Fugui would rather destroy himself

than submit to you.

Why not send someone to kill him?

The Third Young Master of Aolai's prophecy can't be wrong.

Only those 13 moves

of the Heaven-and-earth strike can help me out of the circle.

So, Wangquan Fugui cannot die yet.

But the Soldier would rather kill himself

than obey you, Madam.

Of course I know that.

That's why

I have prepared

a little black fox for him in the circle.

It will appear when the right time comes

and take win his heart.

How brilliant of you, Madam.

Who's there?

Why am I able to see these visions?

They said Young Master Fugui is still alive.

Is it true or not?

I'd better

pay a visit to Tushan soon.