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Huayi Brothers Media Corporation and Huayi Brothers International Limited present

a Film Workshop Co Ltd and Huayi Brothers Media Corporation production

a Tsui Hark film

In 689 A.D.

upon Emperor Tang Gaozhong's death

Empress Wu a regent for 7 years

would soon be coroneted

as history's first female Emperor.

Royal clansmen and founding officials

resented a woman usurping the throne

and colluded

to overthrow her reign.

Behind its peaceful facade the capital was lurking with danger.

All hell was about to break loose......

Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame

The Empress hereby decrees:

The Court of State Ceremonials

shall welcome Umayyad diplomat Aspar

and escort him to the Towering Buddha

to revere the Empress's divine glory.

This is Master Jia.

The Buddha is sixty six yards high

symbolizing the sixty sixth heaven

or the ninth cloud...

Uh, please translate for the General.

I already explained it to him.

The General asked if it be ready before the Coronation.

I would think so,

or my life will not be spared.

Huge resources have been spent on this.

2 million catties of metal were used.

More than 1000 catties are burnt each day.

The temperature is too high here.

Bring water and a towel for the General!

The General asked of whom the portrait is.

This is Lu Li our Imperial Chaplain.

He's very powerful and trusted by the Empress!

These are amulets bestowed by the Chaplain.

They can dispel evil and thwart disaster...

Master Jia is here.

Is somebody going to speak with him?

What shall we do?

We better speak up

before lives are lost!

Who should do that?

You go.

Let's go up from here.

Today's so clear we can see miles from here!

Lift him up.

This tubular pillar

is crucial to the Buddha.

It's 82 yards long

and made from one casting.

It is surrounded by 81 steel chains.

In the face of hurricanes or earthquakes,

the chains will pull in the opposite direction,

preventing the Buddha from collapsing.

They're here. Mind your steps,

General,

these are the Buddha's two eyes. And here...

Master Jia... Master Jia...

What's the matter?

Please go ahead...

What is it?

When you inspected the pillar yesterday,

you removed some amulets.

Should we put them back?

They haven't been put back?

Moving the amulets will bring bad luck,

so...

after you have moved them,

everybody is so scared...

- Our work has been halted. - Ok, ok, ok...

Put them back right away. Hurry up

This way, please.

Please...

He says we can see the coronation stage here.

The General says...

Sir... Sir...

Water! Hurry up!

Produced by Wang Zhongjur

Producer Wang Zhonglei

Executive Producer Nansun Shi

Executive Producer Peggy Lee

Starring Andy Lau

Starring Carina Lau Li Bingbing

Starring Deng Chao

Special Appearance Tony Leung Ka Fai

Action Director Sammo Hung

Executive Producer Chen Kuo Fu

Produced & Directed by Tsui Hark

Master Xue.

Huh?

Sir, the corpse has been burnt to ashes.

No flesh was left.

Any forensic findings from the corpse?

Sir! We found this on the corpse.

Phosphorus!

The corpse is filled with phosphorus!

In order to melt the copper,

much phosphorus is left inside the Buddha.

I bet this gave the murderer the opportunity

to use what's already in the scene.

Master Jia was burnt by yellow phosphorus!

No.

The flame exploded from inside the body.

Pei? How could the flame explode from inside?

Sir, have a look.

The bones were burnt to ashes.

Though there are ashes inside the shoe,

its outside remains unscathed.

The flame must have been on

the inside to make such remains.

Perhaps!

But the corpse is dense with phosphorus.

Someone must have poisoned his food!

Phosphorus stinks. He couldn't miss it.

Even if he had taken it by mistake,

the symptoms should be shortness of breath and bodily pain.

He shouldn't be aflame.

Cut the crap.

The murderer is among you.

Detain them all for interrogation!

Sir...

Sir...

You! The supervisor.

Get over here.

Sir...

if you arrest me, our work will be delayed

and we're doomed.

What's in your left hand?

What is this?

I was punished by the Ministry of Justice

and had been jailed for eight years

for being involved in Detective Dee's treason.

Treason?

A dork like you for treason?

Sir, if the Buddha can't be finished on time,

the Empress will blame us.

Supreme Court won't be better off either.

You dare to threaten us with the Empress?

Good. I'll give you want you want.

I'll chop your right hand off as well.

He was struck by divine intervention!

Master Jia was struck by divine intervention!

Out of my way!

What's this crap? Divine intervention?

Master Jia...

moved the amulets during his inspection a few days ago.

Amulets?

Sir...

What superstition!

Divine intervention?

Let divine intervention strike me now!

Detain all who went to the top today

and take them back to Supreme Court.

Donglai, you come with me to the Palace.

Everybody else guards over here.

This case is very important.

I need to report to the Empress in person.

Yes, Sir!

Your Majesty, General Yao just entered,

leading 200 soldiers from Longzhou.

Following behind is General Qiu,

with an army of 600 to protect Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, Master Xue of Supreme Court

and his subordinate Pei request an interview!

Let them approach!

Your Majesty, Pei Donglai of Supreme Court.

Regarding the torched death of Jia Yi,

my preliminary investigation indicates...

Protect Her Majesty!

The Empress hereby decrees:

2000 more imperial guards shall

be garrisoned inside the palace.

Going in or out without permits

is punishable by death.

All flames were replaced by night pearls.

Even the stoves were extinguished!

All food and drinks came from outside...

The Empress has not eaten much.

She's probably still worried...

Your Majesty...Your Majesty.

I'm not hungry!

The coronation is imminent.

Your Majesty should mind your health.

I've even ordered your favorite soup.

You don't need to test-eat anymore.

Leave that to your subordinates.

Your Majesty has saved my life.

I live and die for Your Majesty.

Remember...

you have to stay alive.

Only then can you defeat your enemies.

Since I entered the palace at the age of 14,

I've braved through crisis after crisis.

Had I been careless, I'd have been crushed

and no woman would ever ascend the throne.

Your Majesty, dinner is safe to eat.

The Imperial Chaplain's Magic Deer is here.

Everything is transient

follow Heaven's Mandate.

Welcome, Chaplain.

Everyone, on your knees!

Yes, Your Majesty.

The astronomical phenomena have been chaotic.

An evil availed of my spiritual sabbatical

to disturb the royal soil against nature.

Would the Chaplain please enlighten me?

The evil has been committing crimes

as Venus has left the Palace for 8 years.

It's being locked up and has not returned.

Locked up? Is Venus a prisoner?

Venus originated from Yang Qui of Di City.

Left the Palace for 8 years?

Originated from Dee City?

Does the Chaplain mean Detective Dee?

8 years ago, Dee opposed your regency

and was jailed for treason.

If we release him,

the dissenters will become more recalcitrant!

Please think twice, Your Majesty.

As soon as Venus has returned,

chaos will end and all stars are at peace.

Find out whether Dee is dead or alive?

MINISTER OFFICE

Welcome, Officer Shangguan.

- LIAISON OFFICE, for filing provincial memorials - Dong Jin of Jiang Nan reported that he wants to...

The South needs 6,000 soldiers to suppress the barbarians.

Memorial to be transferred to Military Dept.

The South also reported that...

the river flooding destroyed houses and farmlands.

Memorial to be transferred to Public Works Dept.

The South has been such a mess lately.

After the flood came the plague.

Here come the memorials to the throne.

Hurry up and burn the memorials.

Stop nagging like a girl. Get to work!

Memorials are prescriptions for the state.

We know the state's illness by reading them.

But the memorials in recent years show that

people's livelihood has improved and are living in contentment.

So what?

You really think you can get out of here?

Ling...

Yes...

Perhaps it's time I left here.

What are you talking about?

Oh! I hear that! Quite a few men...

You said if you were to leave here alive,

you might have to fight a big battle...

A battle of life and death.

Remember what I taught you?

Got it!

Push the cart!

20cm to the left!

1cm below!

Do it again!

Kill the assassins!

Quick! Quickly now!

Kill the assassins!

Protect Her Excellency!

Get lost!

Watch out! Someone's on the roof!

Hidden arrows! Get down!

No, they are going to jump!

Don't let the assassins flee! Capture them alive!

They all died.

You follow me up!

Don't let anyone flee, dead or alive!

Yes!

You! Go after the archer on the roof!

Yes!

No need to chase.

This is a maximum security prison,

and yet they can come and go at ease.

They must be abetted by someone inside.

Nonsense!

How can the killers be our men?

The killers from outside

must know someone from inside.

These people are too powerful for you.

Perhaps not for her.

This official is elegantly dressed with an impressing bearing.

It doesn't look like you're from here.

I bet you're from the Palace.

No need.

He's really blind.

Why did you feign blindness?

The world is marked by misfortunes.

I tried to stay away but failed after all.

If I'm blind like him

I can be at peace.

Your prediction is right on track.

You said the day that trouble found you

would be the day you could leave jail.

It's a pity we can't leave together.

I got nothing to do with the world outside.

But you never manage to extricate yourself.

Thanks for keeping me company all this time.

We are beyond such formality.

Perhaps you'll discover that being outside

is not as free as being inside.

You think I'm right?

Military examination in the year 689!

On the right is Chen from Xiangzhou

his weapon will be the iron rod.

On the left is Yen from Yangzhou

his weapon will be the meteor hammer.

The tournament begins!

Your Majesty, Dee has been brought here.

You knew you're coming to see me,

but you're still in prison clothes

and you didn't even shave?

Years ago when I opposed your regency,

I had already been accused of treason.

Now that your coronation is imminent,

even if I got out of these prison clothes,

I might have to put them on again soon...

So I decided not to change.

Leave us alone.

Leave us alone. You too, Jing'er.

Yes, Your Majesty.

The Crown Prince was very little then.

I helped him rule as an Empress Dowager.

What's wrong with that?

And yet you had to oppose.

During my rule for the last 8 years,

the state is incorrupt and the people rich.

Even the Prince begged me in writing to ascend the throne.

What more can you say?

Nothing.

You men are just not used to women in power.

One can't be conservative in state matters

but has to reform constantly.

Reform is good,

but all new things will turn old one day.

While the old are being replaced by the new,

if that involves their lives as well,

then rebellions become inevitable.

Not only men...even dogs will try to flee.

Detective Dee is still Detective Dee.

Your words are so hurtful to the ears.

That was your badge.

I'm returning it to you.

You shall be my Imperial Commissioner

in charge of the Phantom Flame Case.

You shall work with Supreme Court

to crack the case before my coronation!

Why do you keep following me?

Her Majesty knows you've suffered in jail

and specifically ordered me to serve you.

You have such a murderous look.

It must be a pain to be served by you!

So lively here?

There are more people inside the inn.

The Prince of Lanya is having a banquet.

Li Xiao commands an army of 100,000

and is haughty because of his royal status.

He is at loggerheads with the Empress

and has long intended to revolt.

He must be involved in this case.

You better check him out.

Having the intention to revolt

does not mean he's involved in this case.

You better get it right.

These are your clothes before you were jailed.

Only my Dragon Taming Mace is missing.

It's getting late.

You want to stay here with me?

Have you forgotten?

Her Majesty has ordered me to serve you.

To serve me?

What are you standing there for?

Get me some water. I need to shave.

You call this service?

Look at you! Neither male nor a...

That's how you serve people?

That's how I serve you!

I've given you the blade.

Come, shave for me.

The Empress asked you to serve me,

but don't take it in face value.

She wants you to spy on me but also to test you...

I'll report every word to Her Majesty.

All right, let me tell you this.

She does not believe in anyone.

If we really become together,

her intense suspicion

will turn her against you.

Why do you stop shaving?

My beard is not there...

It's here.

I suggest you tell her we can't get along.

That will set her mind at peace.

Let me see if she is what you said she is.

Don't make it difficult for yourself.

If you don't want it, don't force yourself.

But do you want it?

Why didn't you tell me sooner?

I gave you the whip. You still didn't get it?

Don't touch me.

There're assassins!

Move and hide!

I've been waiting for you, Brother Dee.

Why aren't you on your knees?

I'm chasing suspects. No time for formality.

What suspects are you chasing?

The Phantom Flame was staged by the Chaplain

under the order of the Empress!

She wants to usurp the throne

and eliminate old officials like us.

I'm occupied. See you later!

Dee, receive the Military Tally!

With this tally, you can deploy any troops.

In view of your loyal nature,

I'm inviting you to join my Army of Justice.

I'm in command of 100,000 soldiers

and have a fail-proof plan

to overturn the evil Empress!

Assassins!

Protect the Duke!

That's outrageous, Li Xiao!

How dare you rave like that?

I won't chat with you

now that she's here.

But you remember,

one of these days...

you'll grovel before me

and take my orders.

Remember!

Grovel before me and take my orders...

He's hopeless. Let's go.

You will ruin your integrity!

He must have ordered the kill just now.

Why kill me if he wants to buy me off?

He wants you dead as he can't buy you off.

No.

He doesn't want me dead.

It's someone else who does.

The Empress hereby decrees:

Mysterious cases are rampant lately.

These are works of villains

who are spreading fallacies to cheat people.

I hereby appoint Dee as Imperial Commissioner

to lead Supreme Court to solve the

Phantom Flame Case before my Coronation.

I humbly receive the Imperial Edict.

Commissioner, you do have a unique style.

You bring your bird out while on duty?

Don't underestimate it.

It can solve crime.

Where's the sun so early in the morning?

This is the mortuary. This way, please.

The bird is afraid to go in.

Find someone outside to take care of it.

The deceased was Jia of the 4th rank,

Vice Minister of Public Works.

On the 17th day of the 8th month, 1-3pm...

he was self-burnt to ashes inside the Buddha...

What do you think of this case?

Go watch over the ''evidence'' outside.

I was ordered to follow you closely.

You want to return this badge to the Empress?

Don't touch the evidence or get too close!

Shut the door!

Keep reading.

The deceased was Xue of the 3rd rank...

Louder!

The deceased was Xue...

You can speak now.

The murder technique is not human.

Cut the generality. You're not to the point.

Who do you think it is?

Rumor has it that the Chaplain Lu Li

is on a murder spree before the Coronation.

To set an example and warn the dissenters

not to act rashly.

Jia was sent by the Empress. Why kill him?

She's unfathomable.

I read Jia's memorials before.

He inspected the Buddha every month.

The time-table for the Buddha is very tight.

Wouldn't killing him hinder the Coronation?

You read Master Jia's memorials?

I read memorials at the Liaison Office

before they were burnt every day.

Moving the amulet causes divine intervention.

The Chaplain is killing with black magic.

You believe all this nonsense?

It's evident. Why can't I believe it?

You're lying.

We both know the amulets are just a front.

The murderer is trying to hide the truth.

She's still spying on us.

Let's play her.

According to your theory,

you'll be promoted after Xue died.

That makes you a suspect as well.

Then why do you think I killed Master Jia?

You killed Master Jia as a diversion.

Your real target is your superior.

That fits your hypothesis squarely.

Perhaps your real goal

is to thwart the Coronation.

Don't stop.

I'm done...

Start again till I ask you to stop.

Twice already. There's nothing to read!

The deceased Detective Dee is fighting with Minister Pei.

You're framing me!

Didn't you ask us to play her?

I was acting. Couldn't you tell?

Sir... the birdcage is on fire, Master Pei!

Sir... Sir...

What's the matter?

I don't know.

Detective Dee!

Your evidence is aflame like those officials.

Let's go to the kitchen.

What's for lunch?

Stir-fried cucumbers with snow lotus.

Any chicken blood?

Over there.

What's he doing?

He probably found out why the victims caught fire.

Master Xue caught fire at 3-5pm

when the sun descended towards the west.

The Buddha was surrounded by shadows.

But once he's in the drill ground, he started catching fire.

because the drill ground was uncovered.

So I infer that the sun triggers the poison!

Let's stay away from this.

Watch out.

Detective Dee!

Fancy seeing you again before I die!

That's Fate.

We're kept alive for a purpose.

You're back in Supreme Court?

The Empress put me in charge of the Phantom Flame Case.

Dee's position is unclear.

We can't let him dupe us.

Let's join forces and watch over him.

Join forces?

I work directly under the Empress.

It's not up to you to make suggestions.

What's the matter?

Before the accidents, both officials

did one thing besides

moving the amulets.

What is it?

Drinking water.

They both drank the water here

and they were killed by intaking that liquid poison.

But that can't be!

I was supposed to move the amulet first.

Master Xue just happened to come before me.

If the murderer killed because of the amulet,

how did he know Master Xue would snatch it

and poison the water beforehand?

It should have nothing to do with the water.

You work directly under the Empress.

Do you need to hear my humble opinion?

After I was in jail,

I kept professing my loyalty in writing.

Eventually the Empress pardoned me.

I joined the Department of Public Works,

in charge of repairing royal palaces.

I was then made supervisor of the Buddha.

In other words, I've been promoted.

How magnificent!

The Tubular Pillar in the Book of Fanyanna?

Yes, I was inspired by the Fanyanna Buddha.

The pillar's base is 100 feet underground.

It can withstand earthquakes

and hurricanes.

This is the top level of the Buddha.

Master Jia died inside the Buddha's left eye.

You were also re-enacting the case?

After working under you for so many years,

I've been used to case re-enactment.

So what have you learnt?

Fire turtles...

What are fire turtles?

You also read Book of Fanyanna.

Remember the section on fire turtles?

What do you mean?

The most venomous beetles in Western Regions.

They feed on yellow phosphorus

and their bodies catch fire under the sun.

So the beetles are related to the two deaths?

I witnessed what happened that day.

Only later did I think of the fire turtles.

Stop it, Donglai!

You knew this clue all along.

Why did you rant about divine intervention?

As a menial

I used my wit when threatened.

To be honest, even if I'd told you my theory,

given your wisdom, you wouldn't believe it.

You son of a bitch!

Calm down. I've known him for years.

That's how he is.

Come!

Detain him for extreme torture later.

Yes.

Stop!

Donglai.

The Empress has asked me to lead the case.

I can decide everything without intervention.

All of you stand down!

What other clues do you have? Spit it out!

I'm only speculating.

After all, fire turtles are not indigenous.

For more details

we need help...

Phantom Bazaar.

What is Phantom Bazaar?

It's a spooky pandemonium.

High officials like you would never go there.

Shatuo...

you still remember Donkey Wang?

Luoyang City was built

a thousand years ago.

The old city subsided during Han Dynasty.

A new city was built on top in Sui Dynasty.

The underground became a black market.

They call it Phantom Bazaar.

Who ordered a boat?

We ordered a boat to Dr Donkey Wang.

You know the place?

Wang the Donkey with Scabies?

Five silver coins. Nonrefundable!

Anybody here?

Hey!

You're still alive, Detective Dee?

Scram! This is no place for official curs!

I'm here to save you.

Save me? No, I'm fine!

I don't want trouble!

Now that I'm here

your good days are over.

True, you always bring me trouble.

I'm really so sorry.

If you don't go, I'll go.

I'll move house.

Pei! Give me the money!

What do you want to know?

Ever heard of fire turtles?

Fire turtles? This creature...

It has been reported that they're extinct.

I have no idea.

Could it be they exist in Central Plains?

It's no use.

You won't solve this case!

Pay up!

Don't worry.

Tell us first and I'll pay.

I'll only tell you after you've paid.

What is it?

I'll pay after you've told us.

I'll only speak after you've paid.

Stay away!

There's somebody above!

Hey, where's Detective Dee?

He's chasing Dr Wang!

It's the Imperial Chaplain!

Impossible!

Split! Can't you split? Split!

Dr Wang!

You get in first.

Jing'er is in trouble! I'll help her!

Donglai! Jing'er! Move!

Who is he?

Why does the Chaplain want to kill him?

He's not the Chaplain!

How can you be so sure?

I'm positive he isn't...

Hey! The Chaplain is over there!

It's him again!

Donglai!

Jing'er! That's a diversion.

But Jing'er is by herself...

She wants to find his identity more than we.

Their target is Wang. We need to protect him.

Jing'er knows where to find us.

Stop wasting time and follow me!

Jing'er?

Almighty infinity? Infinity Monastery?

There's nobody here. Stop pretending.

Take your pin out.

I was fine down there.

Why dragged me up?

Speak up! Where can we find fire turtles?

If I can crack this case,

I'll help you get back to the Palace.

To hell with it! Who wants to go back?

I advise you not to take up this case!

You can't mess with the people behind it.

It can't be done... and then... and then...

Your transfiguration

makes you inarticulate.

Let me see.

Hey, hey don't touch

these two acupoints!

They are anathema

to transfiguration!

Don't touch me!

What's the matter?

Nothing. I thought of someone.

Like you, she didn't let me touch her.

Who?

It's all right. It's Donglai.

Who is he?

The Imperial Physician, Wang Bo.

A.K.A. Donkey Wang.

He's Donkey Wang?

Could that be the so-called transfiguration?

Well, it's my first time.

That's petty stuff. What's so special?

We wasted our whole evening on him.

What's this piece of crap good for?

Who is she? So arrogant!

Officer Shangguan, the Empress's favorite.

So you are Shangguan Jing'er?

You are the Empress's bitch?

Let go of me!

We need torture to make him talk!

A confession under torture is useless.

Don't you know that it's torture

which alienates people from the Empress

and go against her?

The fire turtles you're looking for

were used for the late Emperor's asthenia.

I heard about them

from Western people

and decided to use them to treat asthenia.

I presented a memorial to the late Emperor.

The late Emperor personally commanded

Western merchants to present him 20 of them.

We soon discovered that

they had no medical value.

In fact, they were a very lethal poison.

Once ingested, one would burn under the sun.

That's the symptom of the Phantom Flame Case!

After this failure

I fled for my life.

Before I fled, I exposed them under the sun,

hoping they would be exterminated.

But in a rush, I'm not sure if they died out.

So where did you keep the fire turtles?

It's where Infinity Monastery is now.

You try to harm Infinity Monastery and the Chaplain.

Let me kill you now.

Jing'er, the Chaplain can help his case.

Can you tell him

I want to talk to him?

What about?

I want to know...

why the Chaplain wants me to handle the case.

The Chaplain is so powerful.

Couldn't he just tell me who did it?

The Chaplain is on spiritual sabbatical.

Then I'll go to the Monastery to find him.

Detective Dee, you can't just go there.

I know, without the Imperial Edict,

trespassers are punishable by death.

Please tell the Chaplain I must see him,

whether he wants to or not.

You are wavered.

Apparently, Dee is at the end of his tether.

No need to see him anymore. I'll handle it.

Remember!

To achieve greatness, everyone is expendable!

One needs to be committed absolutely.

If fire turtles are found in the Monastery,

then the Chaplain has to be involved.

But what's the Chaplain's murder motive?

Both men moved the amulets before they died.

I don't believe in divine intervention,

but there might be a clue behind the amulets.

Xue moved it during investigation

Jia moved them while inspecting the tubular pillar.

I think during his inspection,

Jia must have found something.

The clue may be in Jia's inspection report.

We have to find this report.

I'll go to Jia's residence tonight.

Pei of Supreme Court welcomes the Prince!

Detective Dee, receive the mace...

The late Emperor gave you this weapon.

It was confiscated when you were in jail.

After I got hold of it, I've kept it for you!

Dee, I'm bestowing this mace on you.

If I make mistakes in my rule in future,

you should advise me frankly with this mace.

The Empress has spies everywhere.

You are returning the mace to me in public.

You want the Empress to suspect me?

I had an agreement with the Empress.

I only care about the investigation.

Power struggle is none of my concern.

The bitch was right to put you in jail.

You've become a different person.

Dee, do you know how the late Emperor died?

The Empress ordered the Chaplain to kill him!

Detective Dee! Detective Dee!

Get up! Detective Dee!

I've won!

You Highness, you've won this time!

No matter how good Dee is, he can't beat you!

He kneeled before you after all.

Detective Dee is a talent.

Instead of crushing him, we can win him over.

But some people below believe

he's a threat to our plan

and must be eliminated.

Nonsense! So short-sighted!

Who needs force to subdue Detective Dee?

To win without fighting, what do you need?

Here!

Yes... you are right.

Assassins!

What's wrong with his body?

Look! The Prince...

Since you're here,

why not have a drink?

This is the mace the late Emperor gave you?

What's so special about it?

It can detect the crack in a weapon.

How?

By hitting the enemy's weapon with this mace,

you can hear the crack...

When you strike it, it will...

Break!

Men have weak points like weapons.

They will break when struck.

Dee, this is your last chance!

Your Majesty,

please answer me facing this mace.

How did the late Emperor die?

You still suspect me after all?

As reported, he died of liver disease.

Contrary to rumors, I didn't poison him!

I'm ascending the throne on Heaven's Mandate.

But since I'm a woman, I'm being vilified.

You know why I came to see you?

To dissuade me from going to the Monastery.

The Monastery is the Chaplain's retreat.

Nobody ever dared to disturb it.

The murderer is trying to misguide you and hurt our relationship.

I order you not to investigate the Monastery!

The Chaplain is on spiritual sabbatical.

After my coronation,

he will leave the palace.

There's no need to visit him.

Will the Chaplain vanish forever?

Protect Her Majesty!

Stop! Don't let him in!

Who is this?

I'm looking for Detective Dee.

Protect the Empress!

Your Majesty!

Spit it out!

The Prince... poisoned to death... in his residence.

Detective Dee has fled!

That way! He's gone that way!

Go arrest him and the rest stay for the Empress.

Madame Jia, I know you're in mourning,

but our investigation is very urgent.

My apologies for such a late visit.

Two days after my husband's death,

a mysterious fire

burnt down his study.

Why didn't you report it?

Was I supposed to report it?

Of course, the cause of fire is suspicious.

Someone wants to destroy the evidence.

It's so important and you...

Madame...

Is your residence being under renovation?

It leaked earlier, so we're fixing the roof.

It's been going on

for more than a month.

More than a month?

That means before Master Jia's accident,

renovation has already begun.

Correct.

Such a long renovation for a leak!

So where did he work?

He moved to the east wing for work.

Show me the way.

Don't move!

Detective Dee!

You know it's a capital crime to come here.

Why do you walk right into the trap?

For saving me from jail,

I must thank you in person.

But you are such a lofty personage.

Why do you need to resort

to ventriloquism?

Detective Dee! You tried all means to see me.

Here I am. Say what you have to say.

I heard fire turtles were bred here.

I must ascertain this for my investigation.

Nonsense.

I've been in retreat here for years.

I've never seen any fire turtles.

Leave right away and I'll spare your life.

My life or death is still undetermined.

But Jing'er, your life is in real danger.

Am I right, Officer Shangguan?

Under the Empress's instructions,

you threw yourself into my arms

and tried to have sex with me.

But you gave away the show unexpectedly.

You wouldn't let me touch your acupoint...

That smacked of transfiguration.

When I entered the Monastery just now,

You spoke for the deer with ventriloquism.

Every time the deer appeared,

it's you who spoke for it, right, Jing'er?

In Phantom Bazaar,

you knew right away the Chaplain was a fake.

Is it because you're the same person?

The Chaplain is Jing'er. Jing'er is him?

Jing'er, it's time to show your real face.

In order to ascend the throne, the Empress

eliminated clansmen and old officials,

blaming everything on the Chaplain.

In order to shut people's mouths,

she even brought me back to solve the case,

never expecting that I would suspect her.

She told me the Chaplain would disappear

after her coronation.

That's her way of doing things all along.

To achieve greatness, everyone is expendable!

Jing'er,

You know too many of her secrets.

Once the Chaplain's gone, what about Jing'er?

It's sleeping smoke.

Break!

Remember!

To achieve greatness, everyone is expendable!

I told you not to come here but you did!

Don't think I'll be grateful

because you've taken the sword for me.

You smart ass!

They should be snared!

Where are they?

Couldn't be far.

Go find them!

You're awake.

It's good you woke up.

Did I hurt you?

Detective Dee, you're so pathetic.

The world is so big, but you can't fit in.

Everybody wants to kill you.

The Empress also asked me to kill you,

but I cannot.

Can you take me back?

Your guess is right on track.

The Empress set up Infinity Monastery

to use the Chaplain to eliminate dissenters.

At that time, we did kill many people.

But we didn't cause the Phantom Flame!

The murderer will strike again.

You have to help the Empress!

Find the real culprit.

Be gentle and careful.

Call the Imperial Physician! Hurry up!

Call the Imperial Physician!

Yes, Your Majesty.

- Stand down. - Stand down.

Can I ask you one question, Your Majesty?

Go ahead.

Have you ever loved

one person in your life?

Yes.

But the price was too high.

Was it worth it?

Was it worth it?

It's worth it.

Detective Dee!

We don't have time. No need to untie me.

I know why Jia had to die.

I saw his inspection diagram.

Rein buckle...

Let's start!

Yes!

This is the inspection diagram

Pei found in Jia's residence.

According to Jia's last report,

the Tubular Pillar is different from the original design.

According to Jia's memorial before his death,

holes were found underneath all amulets.

Although he did not know the reason,

he was murdered nonetheless.

The Towering Buddha is 66 yards high, overlooking the palace.

It can fall right upon the coronation stage.

The Coronation Ceremony is the best timing.

Xue's death was a camouflage.

You wanted to divert our attention,

linking the death to the amulets,

blaming it all on the Imperial Chaplain.

You also took advantage of our relationship,

pre-empting my every move.

Be it to Donkey Wang or to the Monastery,

you managed to set up ambushes beforehand.

And you killed Jing'er outside the Monastery.

What a thorough analysis!

You're indeed the ''Extraordinary Detective''!

Six years ago, you were the supervisor

when the Monastery was under renovation.

I discovered the remnants of the fire turtles left by Donkey Wang.

Donglai was right.

The poison entered the body through water.

Jia drank the water but Xue did not.

After he snatched the amulet,

he didn't drink any water.

So the poison must have come

from outside.

The poison must have seeped through his body.

Incredible! Incredible!

Stop it, brother!

It's baneful to the Empire and the people.

Don't make continuous mistakes.

Since 8 years ago,

I've only lived for one thing.

She gave me this I have to repay her!

Release them!

Tubular pillar...

Molten fluid...

Break!

8 years ago, you led a revolt against her.

Now you're giving your life for her.

Where's your integrity?

She might be evil,

but you'll be killing more than her.

What kind of monster have you become?

Release the molten fluid!

Yes!

The die is cast.

The fluid will run into the tubular pillar

and melt its base.

The Buddha will fall upon the coronation stage.

No one will survive in the Palace.

I know you too well.

I heard you were brought back for the case,

so I advised the Prince to kill you,

or you would ruin our plan.

But that old fool refused to listen.

He even called me a flunkey,

so I killed him.

Now I have his tally in my hand.

100,000 soldiers are outside the city.

Once the Buddha falls down,

they will enter the city to kill the bitch.

Even you can't survive this.

Break!

The fluid will run into the tubular pillar

and melt its base.

The Buddha will fall upon the coronation stage.

No one will survive in the Palace.

The time is ripe and Heaven has spoken.

Empress Wu is wise, gentle and generous.

For unification, she shall become Emperor.

Let this be known to the world!

Detective Dee... You can't get out!

I'll let you be buried with the bitch!

Shatuo, your plan has failed!

I can't stop the Buddha from collapsing,

but the fluid from the southwest has stopped.

The angle of the collapse will change.

It won't fall upon the coronation stage.

I won't give up!

I haven't failed.

After the Buddha has fallen, the guards will be in panic!

I haven't failed!

Wait and see. I haven't failed!

Open the door!

It's collapsing!

Run!

Shatuo! Give up!

This is your last chance!

Your Majesty!

The Towering Buddha is wobbling.

It's falling towards the palace.

Please take shelter, your Majesty!

I haven't failed!

It's really collapsing!

Your Majesty! We can't stay here. Let's leave right now.

Your Majesty!?

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Protect Her Majesty! Please leave immediately!

Hey!

Don't run that way!

Go save the Emperor

Your Majesty!?

Let's go over there.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

It's Detective Dee who saved me...

A rebel army is gathered 30 miles from here.

They will invade once the Buddha collapses.

Where's General Yao?

Yau is here!

Report the situation outside the city!

60,000 imperial guards

were in ambush in Bianzhou before daybreak!

Call General Zhang to lead 100,000 soldiers

to attack the enemies in the east

until the rebels are totally demolished.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You were well prepared indeed.

Detective Dee,

from this day onwards,

the whole world shall know you're my savior.

May I venture to say a few words to you

in front of the mace?

That's preposterous!

Stand down.

Your Majesty!

I asked you to stand down!

Stand down, everybody!

Under Heaven, with this mace as the witness,

would the sacred Empress Wu please listen:

On the pretense of magic,

you wantonly killed clansmen and officials.

This is unpardonable!

But society is on the brink of extinction,

So your punishment is hereby suspended.

Ruling requires power and stratagems,

but right and wrong cannot be confused!

May the Emperor know her every move,

and let Tang clansmen succeed her,

so that everything will be back to track.

You called me ''Emperor''?

Long live the Emperor! Long Live!

Officials are lazy, nobody can help me.

For the people, you stay and help me.

I've been in rebellion several times.

How dare I meddle with state affairs?

My assignment is over.

I'm returning this mace to the late Emperor.

The truth has come to light...

The world is at peace finally...

But Detective Dee is in Phantom Bazaar.

Whether your fire turtle poison is curable

will depend on the will of Heaven.

The will of Heaven is bright and clear,

but I'm travelling alone.

Heaven and Earth have no space for me,

but my heart is at peace.

The sun is up. Let's go down.

In 690 A.D.,

Empress Wu became the first and only

female Emperor in the history of China.

15 years later, in 705 A.D.,

Empress Wu retired from the throne,

returning the title to the Crown Prince,

in honor of her promise to Detective Dee.

subtitle resync and edit by necroboi

Co-starring Richard Ng Teddy Robin Yao Lu Liu Jinshar

Screenplay by Zhang Jialu

Cinematography by Chan Chi Ying Chan Chor Keung HKSC

Image Designer Bruce Yu Production Designer James Chiu

Edited by Yau Chi Wai Additional Editing Xiao Yang

Music by Peter Kam Sound Supervisor Wang Danrong Zhao Nar

Vfx Producer Edward Chiyun Yi Chang Ik Jeong

Vfx Supervisor Yong Gi Lee Sang Woo Nam Miniatures Director Andy Ma

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