Original subtitles

=Parallel World= (Adapted from Wei Yu's novel "Parallel World")

=Episode 14= (This story is a work of fiction.)

So? Have you decided?

Are you guys going to the market with me

or are you going straight out of the pass?

Liuxi.

With just the few of us,

it will be equivalent to suicide

when we go back and cross the Flowing Sand Yardang.

Besides, we don't even know how to get out.

One step out of the pass, and one's blood shall run dry.

He and the others talked about so many real cases.

Since the market is safer with more people,

why not go there first to gather information

and replenish supplies?

We can make a decision by then.

I think that's a good idea.

After going to such great lengths to get here,

we can't just return empty-handed.

In my opinion,

we should explore every stall in the market one by one.

If there are really many old things in the pass,

we can find some with collectible value.

We might be able to come here often in the future.

We can exchange the new for the old,

resell them,

and we'll make a killing.

I have a way to sell them.

We can start a company

and make a fortune quietly.

You seem pretty excited.

Aren't you afraid of the sand monsters anymore?

Liuxi, there's a saying,

"Fortune favors the brave,

but punishes the timid". Right, Dong?

I'll go with you guys.

He.

He.

What are you looking at?

Hurry and eat.

If you're not busy,

go inside and get some fabric.

We can use it for patching tires later.

Alright.

Liuxi.

Dong.

Did you already know Chang Dong before this?

Yes.

Was he popular

with people before?

Not at all.

He doesn't even look at me properly.

Liuxi, let me tell you.

He used to be amazing.

He guided many exploration and research teams from many countries

and made a fortune.

I knew a few bosses

who wanted Dong to take them to the no man's land for a spin.

The money was right in front of him,

but he still refused to go.

Everyone in this circle knew

that he used to be so impressive.

They even gave him a nickname.

Sand Fang.

What do you think of this nickname?

Doesn't it sound infuriating?

But he's not like that anymore.

He has

completely changed.

All because of the Camellia incident.

He now looks like a different person.

Last time,

I used to pay my respects to him when I saw him,

but behind his back, I would curse...

Okay, enough.

Leave.

Liuxi.

He

wants me to ask you.

What's with

the point deduction?

Oh, the points deduction.

If I'm not mistaken,

Old Qian lost 39 points,

He lost 24,

and Fries lost 12 points.

Liu.

Go and call Gao Shen.

Separate Old Qian and the others.

Make them draw a map

from here to the market one-on-one.

Include

how long it takes

and what to watch out for.

Make them list it all out.

The more detailed,

the more points they get.

Okay.

Since we're talking about points,

of course, the higher the points, the safer they'll be.

Why not let the three of them draw it together?

It'll be easier.

Liu.

Tell him.

If let the three of them work together

to create a fake map

and lead us to the Flowing Sand Yardang,

we will be done for then.

We can't let them communicate.

We must keep them separated,

make them suspect

and compete with each other.

My mind is really...

Gao Shen.

We have something to do.

These three maps

have minor differences.

I'll tidy them up.

We can leave soon.

Dong.

To the west,

there's the market where He and the others used to live,

Yellow Soil City.

He said

they originally left Yellow Soil City

(Yellow Soil City, Red Flower Tree) to escape a disaster,

and it took them about ten days on foot.

If we drive,

we should be able to reach there sooner.

Normally,

(Red Flower Tree, Red Brick City) this journey takes about a day.

But our tires won't hold up.

I estimate it will take at least two days.

Between markets, it's quite desolate.

The people here seem to believe

that outside the market and at night,

exotic beasts will appear.

So, we need to find a place to stay

before sunset.

Sounds like something out of a ghost story.

Once the sun sets,

we won't be able to find the inn.

Their inns here are called "Red Flower Tree".

"Red Flower Tree"?

Is it a franchise?

The tree itself is fake,

but there are red fabric strips hanging from the branches.

(Red) If we see a tree like that,

we can wait under it.

Before the sun sets, someone will come to collect the tree

and they'll also take the guests.

What if

we don't catch the tree collection in time?

Then we'll become targets

for the exotic beasts.

Exciting.

Don't you think those who dare operate the Red Flower Tree on the road

are all capable people?

In places like this,

they will definitely have one or two capable people to take charge.

But don't have too high expectations either.

Absolute safety

is something no one can guarantee.

We might encounter a shady business.

But we don't have gold leaf.

What if our phones have no signal and we can't pay?

They said

that if we go there,

we can exchange items for accommodation.

We brought so many stuff with us.

That should be enough.

Alright.

That's about it.

Let's gather our things.

Our things

and the things in the cellar.

Liuxi.

Do we need to take

all of their stuff in the cellar?

Of course not.

Only useful items.

What will they do then?

How did we manage

when we were outside the cellar?

We were self-reliant, weren't we?

Share this word with them.

Careful.

Okay.

Dong.

Can you discuss with Liuxi

to not take everything?

They have an elderly and a child here.

What will they do without food?

She told you to

take everything?

Alright.

Let me rephrase that.

When you're moving things,

Liuxi

isn't watching over you anyway.

If you miss anything,

nobody will know.

So you're saying...

I didn't say anything.

Fatty Tang.

And also,

there's just that little bit of supplies.

They can't last much longer.

The word from Liuxi,

"Self-reliance",

share that with them.

Come with me.

Hurry up and come in.

Fatty Tang is too soft-hearted.

Isn't being soft-hearted

a fortunate thing?

What do you mean?

Few people

have a naturally compassionate heart.

Most people,

when starving to death,

won't share a mouthful of food with you.

When humiliated or bullied,

the first reaction is to retaliate with blood.

Only when receiving love,

do they think about sharing it.

If Fatty Tang can be soft-hearted,

it means he's been treated kindly

in some way.

That seems to be the case.

These are the things we left for you.

We're leaving soon.

I want to say something to you.

Living like this isn't a solution.

You can't escape disasters forever.

Learn to become strong on your own.

You need to live peacefully with disasters, understand?

Hurry, take the things down quickly.

Quick.

Thank you.

Hurry up.

Fatty Tang.

We're leaving.

I'm coming.

Quick, hold these.

Take care of yourselves.

Old Shen

Where did they go?

How can there be so many exotic beasts?

Is it two different worlds?

Didn't I just say that?

That's just a story.

It's all made up.

Fictional.

Those exotic beast from inside the pass

are just like the animals here.

You can think of them

as material for creativity

or sources of inspiration.

Although it's a story,

I always feel like there are

many things in this world

that can't be explained or touched.

Yeah.

It's like Land of Peach Blossoms.

It's filled with mystery and imagination in there.

You can't even explain it all.

The Bone of Liuxi.

The Soul of Wangdong.

Life and death destiny.

Connections between two worlds.

This story

is kind of interesting.

Why no red flower trees?

That's right. We haven't spotted one on this journey.

Is Old Qian tricking us?

This place has no landmarks at all.

It's really hard to walk in a straight line here.

If the wheels just veer slightly,

we might end up going in the wrong direction forever.

We've got some experience dealing with the sand monsters.

But what if we encounter some other kind of monster?

What do we do then?

Liuxi.

Old Qian said there are exotic beasts in the desert at night.

Shouldn't we be armed and ready?

Better than empty-handed, right?

Fatty Tang.

You should grab a weapon too.

Give me one.

We're running low on bullets.

This gun's nearly scrap metal.

Look.

It looks like a lantern.

I heard about this when I was a kid.

When it's pitch black outside,

if there are two lights in the sky

and a long ladder,

it's actually a snake's two eyes.

You see that long ladder? It's a snake's tongue.

If you climb up, you'll get eaten by the snake.

Dong.

I think it looks like a mouth.

We should take it slow.

I've never seen

a mouth that glows like that.

Look at that person.

What's hanging from his waist?

A rooster.

Are you going to stay at the inn too?

Yeah.

Where are you folks coming from?

Red Brick City

It's a good place.

What should I call you?

Chang Dong.

I'm Li Jin'ao.

Your rooster's quite impressive.

Not a single grain of rice spilled on the ground.

This rooster of mine

is not just an ordinary rooster.

Are you guys traveling at night

without bringing a rooster for some extra courage?

We were in a hurry

and didn't have time for that.

People driving the metallic van

are not interested in this.

Hey there, Ao.

You can call me Liu.

You're really something.

You've got some serious guts.

I've never stayed in a place like this before.

Dong always scared me.

He said the inn is super creepy.

He's right.

Red Flower Tree Club

can get pretty rowdy.

Humans are staying here.

Others are also staying here.

How can this be okay?

What if something goes wrong?

Dong, why didn't you tell me earlier?

You know I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat.

It's not like it's news to you.

No worries.

Just stick to the rules.

Actually,

it's not as bizarre as they say.

It's not that spooky.

Besides,

everyone staying here

is no pushover.

Ao.

You're really good at boosting yourself up.

Our whole crew here

need all our courage just to walk at night.

With that rooster tied to your waist,

it looks like you're sunbathing.

Ao, you must be really something.

Something like what?

I'm

just a market performer with shadow puppets.

Once I settle in here,

I'll have to put on a few shows.

Everyone.

If you all are free,

come check it out.

Sure.

It's about time.

I should start collecting the tree.

Just follow along.

What's this called again?

I remember someone told me about it.

I just forgot.

Oh, my memory.

What's it called?

Flowing Light.

Yes, that's it.

On a late night like this,

people in the inn won't dare to wander around.

They'd let Flowing Light lead the way.

This thing

is clumsy.

Always in a straight line.

Never waits for anyone.

Did you see that?

This is how it works.

Follow along.

Alright.

Not bad, Liu.

You've got quite the gift of gab.

Qi taught me that.

A young girl without inhibitions

makes people find you cute.

But if you overdo it,

people will become suspicious.

Dong.

That Li guy mentioned he's a shadow puppeteer.

Who would believe that?

Didn't he say he has a show tonight?

We'll find out

when the time comes.

This way.

Metallic van?

Thanks.

Appreciate it.

Is this your car?

No.

The car's entrance is over there.

Where?

Over here.

Right here.

Cars over here.

Esteemed guests.

(Red Flower Tree Club) Please park your car here.

I'll wait inside.

Then, we can check in at the front desk.

Alright.

Let's unload the luggage first.

Wow, such a nice car.

Put this on.

Who knows if you have

any arch-enemies

waiting for you inside the pass?

Watch your step.

Enjoy your meal, everyone.

If you need anything else, please let us know.

If you need anything, just tell me.

Guests.

Watch your step.

Please, sit over here.

Come on.

Hello.

I'd like a room, please.

You can pay for the room with gold leaf

or exchange with something else.

This list

are listed with things we're interested in.

You can also barter with goods.

It feels like the primitive world here.

Our store has a permit from Black Stone City.

Do you have a problem with that?

No.

Electricity is supplied until 11:00 p.m.

After 11:00 p.m.,

please refrain from walking around in public areas.

Otherwise, if anything happens,

you're responsible for your injuries. We won't be held accountable.

The bathroom and restroom

are both on the first floor.

Dry batteries, disinfectant water, and pliers.

Is that enough?

It's almost enough for accommodation.

As for how the exchange works,

we'll settle this once you check out.

Where is the room?

On the second floor.

(Room 212)

Today, we'll stay together.

It's safer that way.

If there aren't enough beds, we can sleep on the floor.

Sounds good.

It's safer to stay together.

Yeah, sleeping on the floor is fine.

We're not the delicate type anyway.

Let's put our stuff away and go eat.

Didn't they say the power would be cut off later?

To think the outside world can't survive a year without power.

Look at their attire.

Times are different on both sides.

Let's tidy up and go eat.

Boss.

Look at how good your business is here.

How about it?

Why don't you spend a little money

to invite me for a performance?

Let me tell you.

As soon as my performance starts,

I can elevate this atmosphere of yours

with a snap.

Don't bother me.

It won't cost much.

These people look just like Old Qian and the others.

Can we get any useful information from them?

Take a look at this bowl.

It's too ordinary.

I thought there were antiques everywhere beyond the pass.

Liuxi.

Aren't you going to take off your mask and eat?

Impressive.

There aren't many customers anyway.

Why should I invite you to perform shadow puppetry?

Can't you see how full this place is?

There's only one empty table.

This place is full.

There aren't many tables.

People like you are already getting special treatment.

Consider yourselves lucky to stay here for free.

I'll do it.

What kind of world is it now?

To have people offering things to invite you to perform.

If customers are willing to pay,

that's their business.

I don't care.

I...

Did you hear that?

People like this.

Who are they?

To receive special treatment

and stay for free.

Let's invite him to perform.

No.

Dong can do it.

Our resources are indeed abundant.

However, we shouldn't waste them.

If Liuxi wants to watch, then let her be.

Why are you being stingy?

It's on me.

The first time I've seen someone better at flattery than me.

Ao.

Here.

I'm coming.

Take a seat.

I'm really worried I won't be able to perform.

Thank you.

Come on.

Choose a play.

See for yourself.

Which show do you want to watch?

Summoning Spirits?

This is where shadow puppetry began.

Hence,

it's always the first play in the repertoire.

Let's watch this one.

No problem.

Come on,

little fellows.

Get ready to work.

Nice.

(Those things that are riding the camels are shadow puppets.)

(Yet, there are no sight of the poles.)

(No one is controlling the strings.)

It's gnat.

(The ghost fire can transform.)

(It's more like gnats.)

(It's a common type of insect in this area.)

(Do you think it's possible that)

(it flew here from the pass?)

Everyone.

We're officially starting the show now.

Just these three items will do?

That's enough.

My musical instrument can replace an entire troupe.

Everyone, pay attention.

Liu.

Add some more dishes for him in a while.

Get some alcohol.

Get him drunk.

Get information from him.

He knows something.

Understood.

(Red Flower Tree, No. 37)

Ao.

Your shadow puppetry is impressive.

Do you want a drink?

Thank you.

Thank you all for watching.

A toast to everyone.

Come on, Ao.

Eat more.

This dish is delicious.

I want to eat this too.

Don't just eat, Ao.

Have a drink. Bottoms up.

Okay?

Here, I'll have one with you.

Alright.

Here.

I've seen a lot of shadow puppetry.

However, this is the first time

I've seen such good performance.

The one you're talking about

are string-controlled puppets.

That kind of puppetry

can only move at the joints.

It's stiff.

There are so many performers who do that.

You can often see them in the market.

They're not skilled.

They're not skilled at all.

Come on, Ao.

Let's fill up your cup.

Let's talk about the story of Summoning Souls.

Summoning Souls has a history.

It's said that we're not originally

from here.

In ancient times, a great general

who missed his deceased wife

sought the advice of a certain sorcerer

who said there was a method

to let the general see his wife again.

So, behind a curtain, the spirit of the wife was summoned.

The general, unable to contain his longing,

lifted the curtain,

wanting to be reunited with his wife.

The sorcerer was shocked.

He tried to stop the general.

However,

the general reached out

only to find that what he held in his hand

were gnats that formed a shadow puppet.

The general watched as his wife

transformed into countless dots of light.

He became extremely angry.

Later, the general discovered

the origin of gnats and the sorcerer's strange arts

to be from a mysterious desert.

He feared that the sorcerers

possessed more esoteric knowledge

that could undermine his rule.

So, he imprisoned the sorcerers and their families,

exotic beasts, arts,

as well as the Feather Guards responsible for their transport.

They were all sealed within that mystical space.

They were cut off from the world.

This is the origin of the Yumen Pass.

We are all descendants

sealed into the forbidden land thousands of years ago.

This explains

how realistic that scene was

for such a thing to happen.

I used to wonder

how can a shadow puppetry be so emotional.

I understand now.

It's because I've never seen someone as skillful as you before.

I'm not.

I...

I'm ashamed.

However,

I am indeed a sorcerer from the Li family.

The sorcerer badge.

I'm not making this up.

I have the badge.

I am

telling the truth.

Nowadays,

except for the Long family's sorcerers,

I won't talk about them,

but they are indeed capable of handling those exotic beasts.

There's also the Qian family.

Who even are they?

They are just puppets of Silver Snake.

Feather Guards.

Those are just patrol soldiers.

Our Li family

controls the shadow puppet troupe.

What a shame.

Our ancestors

were not competent.

I haven't mastered the shadow puppetry.

Shadow puppet troupe.

Is it the nine trading caravans

that travel in and out of the pass?

Exactly.

People

can't leave the pass.

One step outside, and it's a bloodbath.

Throughout history,

those who can come and go

are all controlled by Li family's shadow puppet troupe.

Why is it a shadow puppet?

People

can't leave Yumen Pass.

Hence, this shadow puppet

is non-human.

However, it can do human things.

Isn't that just perfect?

Look at me.

Do I look like a shadow puppet?

I can tell that you're a shadow puppet.

You're joking, Ao.

Don't joke about such things.

Shadow puppet.

You can tell them apart at first glance.

It's...

It's just...

They are a cardboard this thick.

Even if it's torn,

it won't bleed.

It doesn't feel pain when it's burned.

When it's burned, it smells like burning hair.

Ao.

You keep talking about the shadow puppet troupe.

How do they come out from the pass?

This is a big secret.

How could I possibly know?

Ao.

Where are you going?

Yellow Soil City.

I heard that

someone is causing trouble there.

As the heir of a prestigious family,

I must seize every opportunity

to stand out.

Alright.

Isn't lights out at 11:00 PM?

Let's go.

Landlady.

Please assist that sorcerer back to his room.

Sure.

By the way,

don't be alone when you take a shower later.

At least one person should be in the room.

(Public bathroom)

(Male bathroom)

Gao Shen.

Did you see anything?

What?

I didn't see anything.

Is that you, Dong?

You guys are really slow.

It takes a long time for us girls to wash our hair.

I'll go up first.

Are you done showering, Liuxi?

Why don't you wait for me?

Dong, you and Gaoshen, whichever isn't done yet later,

can you wait for me?

Let's go upstairs together.

Sure.

Okay.

Sir, our shop is closing now.

I'm sorry.

It's not even 11:00 p.m. yet.

It's still early.

You need to wake up early tomorrow.

What's going on?

It's not even 11:00 p.m. yet.

The lights are going out earlier and earlier.

It's about time.

Hurry up and go back to your room.

You startled me.

Dong, why did you come back with Liuxi?

Why aren't you speaking?

(Observe desert rules. No trespassing nature reserves.)

♪Hidden dreams slumber♪

♪Quietly setting the hidden stage♪

♪The twilight of destiny♪

♪Turns into the fortress of truth for love♪

♪When sealed memories♪

♪Slumber with the winds and sands♪

♪When choosing to continue the journey♪

♪With unwavering determination♪

♪When the enigmatic world and the parallel reality contradict♪

♪Let the other side bring a colorful end♪

♪Ambiguity between truth and falsehood♪

♪Intoxicated between reality and fantasy♪

♪All beings are but for love♪

♪Spin in endless circles♪

♪Swear to enter the dangerous pass♪

♪Even if the future is filled with swirling snow♪

♪Only to have a clear conscience♪

♪Ambiguity between truth and falsehood♪

♪Intoxicated between reality and fantasy♪

♪All beings are but for love♪

♪Spin in endless circles♪

♪Swear to enter the dangerous pass♪

♪Even if the future is filled with swirling snow♪

♪Only to have a clear conscience♪