Original subtitles

[Soul]

[Soul]

[The Mermaid: Forever Love]

Hurry up.

Come on over.

Hurry over.

Everything is in place.

All we need is the right chance.

Madam, this Heart Binding Powder is potent to greedy people.

Certainly.

Madam's venom takes immediate effect.

We'll find a descendent of the Illusory Physicians soon.

Once we do, we can use the Illusory Soul Flute and kill these vile people in one fell swoop.

In one fell swoop?

Well said.

Who dares to disrupt this wonderful evening?

Madam Xi, it's a fox.

Wretched beast. How dare it ruin our plans!

I'll skin you and make a robe for Madam Xi.

What a pesky little thing.

The show has just began.

Heavens above and the earth below, lend me your power!

Abracadabra!

Beckon!

Caught you!

You won't escape.

Priest!

Priest!

Mayor!

It's over. Come on out.

Hurry up.

It's gone.

Mayor, the evil spirit is defeated.

Rest assured, it won't bother you again.

You're truly a great master.

Great Master, this is a humble gift.

Lean in.

Close your eyes.

Beautiful.

- Do I look good? - Yes!

Wonderful.

Take care!

Thank you!

Come on.

Good girl.

Why are you hurt?

Don't be afraid. Come on.

Little one, are you clinging to me?

That demon I have at home was as obedient as you when I first picked them up.

Oh well. I'll take you back so Buku has a companion.

Come on.

The flowers weren't blooming when I walked by a while back.

What's wrong?

- Does it hurt a lot? - Who's there?

I'm very sorry!

I'm Tao Ran from Yunyin Town out picking herbs!

I'm very sorry, I didn't know you were there.

My apologies for my rude behavior!

Miss.

Miss?

Where is she?

Were my eyes playing tricks on me?

Hey, you.

Why are you stepping on my gown?

Miss, it's improper for a lady to be bathing here in the day.

It's just not appropriate.

If bandits come along...

What if they do?

You should put on your clothes and hurry home.

Hey, lad.

You ripped my gown. What should I do?

I... Well...

Miss, males and females should keep their distance.

You should hurry...

- Master! - Physician Tao!

- Master! - Physician Tao!

Old man, stop making me worry.

Old man, what are you looking at?

Children shouldn't look.

What's going on?

Where is it?

Master, where did you get this cutie?

I picked it up while gathering herbs.

- Well... - Oh, there's grave trouble in town.

Last night, seven men died in the town.

Hurry. Come on.

- Don't dawdle here. - It's unbecoming to be dragging me along.

- Hurry up. Move it. - Wait for me.

Old man, wait for me.

We're pressed for time. Hurry up.

What a blockhead.

What kind of poison is this? I've never seen it before.

I can't identify it so quickly either.

There's a faint fishy smell, too.

Who poisoned them in this deserted forest?

Several days ago, a strange Taoist priest came to the town.

Is he involved in this?

Young bailiff, don't spout nonsense.

Is he the one?

What? Are you two acquainted?

Calm down. Don't panic.

I was here all along.

You bunch disrupted my nap.

Don't make false accusations without evidence.

In my opinion...

What insights do you have?

Was it another evil spirit who fell into a bag of flour?

You hit the jackpot.

No ordinary person was behind this.

This poison isn't something ordinary either.

That's obvious. This old man isn't an ordinary physician.

If he can't identify the poison, it has to be something unusual.

Young man, this is a protection pouch from Beidou Immortal Sect for warding off evil.

Just 15 coins for one.

Who the heck is this conman?

Sirs, don't be hasty.

I have more.

15 coins for two. I won't lower the price beyond this.

- Want one? - Get lost. Leave, you aren't needed here.

Anyone who disrupts public duties will be executed, got it?

All right, fine. I'll leave.

Seems like a storm has hit Yunyin Town.

- Get lost. - I'm leaving.

- Make sure you go far, far away. - Hey, I haven't paid you.

- You can have it. - Why are you standing there?

Come and help me.

Little one!

Little one!

Little one!

A fire!

Who's in there?

Who are you?

You brat.

I'll yell if you come any closer.

But you promised to take good care of me and feed me well,

so I can beat up the dog next door.

Wh-Who are you?

I'm...

I've lived for over 500 years.

You should be calling me your ancestor.

How dare you call me "little one".

You reek of alcohol. You must be really drunk.

Who let you eat and drink in here?

You're just a toddler.

Don't regret this.

What are you going to do?

- I'm going to... gobble you up! - Master! Save me!

Benefactor, Huazhi isn't a bad person.

Huazhi is a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.

Huazhi will never harm you or little Buku.

Master, look at me.

I already told you, I was drunk.

Your name... is Huazhi?

Yeah, Benefactor!

I've never seen such fantastical creatures.

Miss, you look just like a young lady.

Benefactor, you...

Y-You don't believe me?

Why are you yelling?

Benefactor, Huazhi isn't a demon!

Huazhi is a Celestial Fox!

Miss, if you're a Celestial Fox, why were you so severely injured?

I... I can't remember.

Why was I severely injured?

A Celestial Fox?

How about you return to where you came from?

Benefactor, Huazhi is injured, but you're chasing me away.

You called me "good girl" when saving me, but you're so heartless now.

Good girl?

Why did you call her that?

Th-There has been many murders in the town.

Who knows if you're a good person or someone evil?

Murders? Many people?

The woods...

The woods?

Do you know something?

Think harder.

Huazhi... can't remember.

My memory is blurry about the West Woods.

Many men and women were feasting and making merry.

That day, I drank a little too much and can't remember a thing.

It's fine.

You can stay here until the truth comes to light.

Perhaps you'll be of some help.

Okay, Huazhi will be good and protect you.

Master, sh-she has tails.

We might be in danger.

Since she knows about the West Woods, she might be of help once she recovers.

How can she help?

Thank you, Benefactor.

Look at this. It's beautiful.

- This is perfect for you. - Really?

Yeah, it's gorgeous.

Fellow townfolk, Jinse Fabrics is opening today.

As a stranger here, please take care of us.

This fabric is amazing!

Our fabrics are from the Western Regions.

There are more inside. Come in and take a look.

- This fabric is wonderful. - It looks amazing.

It's gorgeous.

- Fresh vegetables! - Take a look!

Old man, let's take a look. There's a half-price sale.

Yes, you should pay more attention to your appearance and clothes as an adult.

It'll be easier to get you a pretty wife, too.

Master, you're so wise. Let's go.

Master, why did you leave?

Wait for me!

Wait up!

Master, wait for me!

Hey, old man!

Come on.

He came knocking on our door.

Why should we turn him away?

Isn't this Boss Zhu who sells liquor?

Yeah, but why did he die in such a place?

Do you think it's that charlatan?

I saw Boss Zhu chase him out a while back.

Maybe he held a grudge over that.

Boss Zhu reeks of fish.

Do you think it's because we neglected our offerings to the River God?

Maybe the God's impatient and came to claim lives.

Make way!

The constable is here. Make way.

What's there to look at? Get moving!

Sir, do you think...

What a foolish fish to swim into my net.

Forget it, I'll free you.

You're equally foolish.

Miss, may I know your name?

Wan'er.

Physician Tao, why did you free that fish from your net?

I was fishing for leisure, not for food.

Why should I kill it?

Well, will you bear to free a lady in your embrace?

Even a blockhead like you harbors ulterior motives.

It was an emergency. Don't fault me for it.

The medical hall is busy. I'll get going.

The weather is dry.

Be careful of fires.

Hey, Miss!

Miss, get down!

It's so dangerous.

No matter how tough life is, don't resort to suicide!

Big Brother, what are you saying?

Miss, the town has been dangerous lately.

You have to be careful if you're alone.

Oh, wh-what do I do?

Don't be afraid. I'm here.

I'll take you home, all right?

Come on.

I happen to be going home, too. How about I walk you home?

What are you doing? Let go!

H-He isn't a bad person, right?

I look so righteous. How could I be a bad person?

As for you, Miss...

You're suspicious.

What's wrong with you?

I knew you aren't a mortal being.

I'll crush you.

Busybody.

You're too violent

Attack!

You won't escape!

I had to deal with a fox earlier, but you two won't daunt me.

Look over there.

C-Come on.

- Chase after him! Don't let that old man escape! - Old man?

- He's talking about me, isn't he? - Over here!

Time to flee!

Don't let him escape! Go after him!

- Yes! - Chase after him!

Old man, stop running!

I'm getting old.

Is Physician Tao in?

Why are you here?

Why did you take so long to bring her over?

A lady can't handle this.

Thank you for saving me, Physician Tao.

Miss, who hurt you?

They were too vicious!

Her husband-to-be came looking for her.

He was drunk and made a scene.

Physician Tao!

- Where are you going? - To report this matter to the authorities!

Zhenzhu fled from her marriage.

The old and ugly ruffian was paid to leave.

If you make a fuss, Zhenzhu won't be able to hold her head high.

You're right.

You can decide how to deal with your family matters.

I'll get the herbs ready.

Wan'er.

Isn't he the one that Madam Xi wants you to bring back?

We don't know if that Blockhead is a descendant of the Illusory Physicians.

If we're rash, we might jeopardize Madam Xi's plans.

Madam, your fair skin is perfect with this outfit.

Really?

Oh, but is this color too flamboyant on me?

No way, it complements your skin really well.

Why is the town bustling today? Is there exciting news?

Exciting news? The mysterious case has been solved by the constable.

This is big news.

Who did it?

I heard it's that fraudster.

They didn't catch him, but the ladies at the fabric shop should be careful.

How is that exciting news?

He may be an unlucky scapegoat.

The notice just went up.

Restarting the River God Ritual is big news.

A ritual is big news?

Of course, the prettiest lady in town will be selected as an offering to the River God.

It's the entire family's honor for a lady to be selected.

The ladies here are gorgeous.

I wonder who the lucky one will be.

My lady, don't spout nonsense. Focus on trying your outfits.

Go away, this has nothing to do with you.

Madam, please continue browsing. I'll pick more fabrics for you.

Why are you here?

Her bandage hasn't been changed for two days. If the wound is infected...

Come on.

Why... did he come here?

Miss Wan'er, you're strong for a lady.

My hand is hurting from the yanking.

Your hand...

It's also so...

What is it?

So cold.

Seems like you have a cold constitution and should avoid cold foods.

Mister, are you here to buy fabrics for a lady you like?

I have no such leisure.

Miss Zhenzhu, it'll be hard for your wound to heal if your bandage isn't changed.

I was walking by, so I came in to check on your wound.

Look, Physician Tao is worried about me.

Zhenzhu!

What's wrong?

Zhenzhu!

She...

Blockhead, it's unbecoming for you to be entering the residence of ladies.

Zhenzhu!

I'm a physician and Miss Zhenzhu is injured.

We aren't doing anything inappropriate.

I'll explain the matter to whoever is out there.

Open up, Zhenzhu! I know you're in there!

Open the doors!

Sister, why are you always so reckless?

I noticed that Zhenzhu seemed unwell downstairs, so I came up to take a look.

Qingtao, you're always so attentive.

Of course, our sisterhood runs deep.

I know you well.

By the way, I heard about the rats infestation in the store.

I wonder if you two were startled.

I hate those pesky things the most.

You have the best nose.

Please help me check the place.

Since that's your wish, I shall comply.

Thank you for the effort.

Please check if there are rats in here.

This place reeks of medicine. The windows are open to let fresh air in.

You're quite something.

Zhenzhu was badly injured fending off that Taoist priest.

Yet, you're eager to look for rats in here.

I wonder what Madam Xi will think if she finds out.

I'll catch that crafty rat.

Let's see how long he can run.

Catch this.

That's my pearl! Give it back!

Here, take your medicine.

Thank you.

Please bear with it.

Are you in pain? Please be patient.

Do you feel better?

Do you still feel unwell?

Why are there so many people?

Benefactor, you're finally back!

Come and take a look!

What's going on?

Master, they have similar symptoms.

They say their heart aches horribly, but their pulses are normal.

It's strange.

Let me see.

Buku, bring my needles over.

Old man, here.

All right.

Their illnesses are strange.

They have similar symptoms.

I can't figure it out.

Benefactor, why do you smell of fish?

It's similar to the smell of these patients.

Fish?

- Why can't I smell it? - They don't smell.

Come on.

Of course, I'm a Celestial Fox with a keen sense of smell.

Master, is this...

Huazhi.

Grind this Eastern Pearl into powder.

Buku, get Constable Zheng here at once.

Okay.

Wow, I've never seen such a huge Eastern Pearl.

You're still in one piece.

Old man, you sure are bold.

Ignore him. He's a bad person.

Don't be afraid, I'm here.

Old man, you're gutsy to have come here.

I'll punish you right here.

Get lost.

Ouch!

Lad, this is the poison you're looking for.

That's Heart Binding Powder.

It's made of ten different venomous water insects.

I tried to make an anecdote.

I followed the ancient records and ground the Eastern Pearl into powder

to be added to the medicine.

But why isn't it working?

Not bad, lad.

You're quite something.

Listen up, this poison has one other venom.

The blood of mermaids.

H-How do you know?

You're lying, aren't you?

Why would I lie?

I...

Nonsense.

These are myths from far lands.

Old man, don't believe his blabberings.

Yes, this is the smell.

Senior, since you know about this poison's origins,

you must know the anecdote.

Please enlighten me.

Tonight, the blue moon will rise for the first time in ten years.

There is a pond ten miles east of the town.

The lotus in the pond will bloom.

These Heart Purifying Lotuses are the anecdote.

Heart Purifying Lotuses can cleanse the human soul.

If the victims of the poison genuinely repent, they will be cured.

Take this ancient jade with you as a form of protection.

[Notice: Strange incidents in the town have raised panic.]

[A holy maiden will be chosen on the first of the month as an offering to the River God to ensure peace.]

The clear water is sweet and refreshing.

This must be the place.

Why does this pond look so familiar?

Physician Tao.

Miss Wan'er?

It's so late and this is the wilderness.

Are you waiting for Miss Wan'er?

Well...

It's dark and desolated here. Why are you here?

Miss Qingtao, are you alone?

Yes, I'm alone.

Are you yearning for two or three others?

- That'll be... - Miss Qingtao, please restrain yourself.

Please let us preserve our dignity.

It's unsightly for you to be out in this wilderness alone.

If Miss Wan'er finds out, she'll misunderstand.

Please return home quickly.

Wan'er this, Wan'er that. What's so good about that brat?

Don't ask for a beating!

How dare you touch what's mine.

Y-Yours?

Cut the crap! I'm taking what's yours today!

Miss Qingtao, my heart is taken.

You can't have me.

Miss Wan'er, we aren't married.

How can I be yours?

Ladies!

Enough with the blabbering!

Wan'er!

Wan'er!

I lost.

Wan'er, what should we do?

Hurry back first. I'll deal with this.

Don't harm him!

The Heart Scale?

Fishy, are you giving your Heart Scale to this boy?

You...

I heard that mermaids have scales on the back of their necks.

It can protect the heart and restore life energy.

It can treat all kinds of illnesses and poisons, even revive the dead.

I've seen something extraordinary today.

I thought you were going to...

Did you think I'd kill him?

He's a kind-hearted blockhead, a rare one.

How could I bear to hurt him?

Fishy, I can't let you leave.

Senior, if I don't leave, the clan will be suspicious.

If my clan strikes, the townfolk will be in danger.

It's not too late to repent.

I can no longer turn back.

If you return in this state, Madam Xi won't spare you.

Madam Xi will never spare anyone.

She hasn't even spared herself.

Take him away.

As far as possible

Where is everyone? Where the heck did they go?

Madam Xi, you're awake.

I'll pour you some water.

Stop.

Why are you alone?

Where is everyone else?

Perhaps... they're sound asleep or...

Open up!

Hand her over!

Make way! Out of the way!

Mayor!

- Mayor, they're not from this town. - Yeah.

Why make life difficult for them?

- Yeah, spare them. - The holy maiden will ensure the town's safety.

Mayor, are you all right?

Be careful.

Let us go in! Move it!

Make way! Out of the way!

Mayor! This isn't right!

Isn't it? Why isn't it right?

- Well... - A lady is blessed to be picked as the holy maiden.

- Boss... - Right?

Yes! A blessing!

Yeah, we're facing a crisis here!

I barely get a day off.

What is everyone here to visit my fabric shop?

Tomorrow, it'll be the River God Ritual.

Miss Wan'er is the most beautiful lady in this town.

She's born to be the holy maiden.

Nothing will happen if you agree.

If you object...

How could I object?

Being selected as the holy maiden and bringing blessings to everyone

is wonderful news.

I can't possibly stop this.

Great.

I knew Madam Xi is a wise and righteous lady.

- Yes, absolutely right. - Look, all of you are too paranoid.

- Yes, we were. - Too paranoid.

Go back and get some rest.

Let's go!

I told you so!

Darn Taoist, didn't you say you have superb skills?

Why is he in this state?

Wan'er already detoxified him with her Heart Scale.

He'll wake up soon.

Don't make a fuss.

Miss Wan'er?

What's a Heart Scale?

I told you, there's something off about that fabric store.

It smells so fishy.

See, they're mermaids.

What? Mermaids?

Yunyin Town have killed too many fish descendants.

How can there be any fish left?

It's natural for them to seek revenge.

B-But Wan'er has been chosen as the holy maiden for the River God Ritual tonight.

Bullcrap, the River God doesn't exist.

If everyone gathers, you'll be walking into Madam Xi's trap.

Wan'er.

- Wan'er. - Benefactor.

- Wan'er. - Benefactor.

Benefactor.

Wan'er.

- Listen up. - Wan'er.

That old hag has one last trick up her sleeve.

What is it?

The Illusory Physicians.

Why?

She has a magical weapon.

It's an ancient weapon called the Illusory Soul Flute.

Only descendants of the Illusory Physicians can use it.

Wan'er said that this boy is likely to be a long-lost descendant of the Illusory Physicians.

Seems like I can make a fortune tonight.

He even left his medical kit here.

That blockhead is so foolish, but he's so capable as a physician.

Without the Heart Scale, you don't even have three days left to live.

I've been living for revenge.

I've lost all reason to live, emotions, and dreams.

What's the point of living?

Why must you suffer like this?

Madam says she'll return everyone's primordial spirits once this is over.

If Madam's wish is fulfilled today,

you can be free.

If the plan fails, Tao Ran's wish will be fulfilled.

Either way, it's a good end.

Unfortunately, I might live to see it.

Open up, Buku!

I told you to open the doors! Do you hear me?

Open up!

Do you hear me?

Old man, stop yelling.

I won't let you leap into your grave.

Open up!

I'd rather die with her than suffer here!

Open up!

Old man? Old man!

Old man!

Female mermaids are pretty and kind.

Those greedy and lazy humans aren't worthy of us.

Madam.

There are good and evil even in the world of humans.

How about we...

Dear child, that's because they don't know about the treasure on you.

If they find out that your breath can form pearls,

your scales can be used for medicine, and your flesh can light lamps,

they will skin you to the bone.

Tonight, you'll be the bait.

I'm sure that boy from the Illusory Physicians will try to save you.

- The River God Ritual will happen soon! - Listen.

- Hurry up. - All those boisterous shouts.

- Everyone is happily sending you to your death. - You guys, what are you doing?

- Are you asking for a beating? - They have no pity for you.

Tonight, the success of capturing these little preys with this net

is in your hands.

Escorting the holy maiden!

Respectfully escorting the holy maiden.

Escorting the holy maiden!

Respectfully escorting the holy maiden.

Escorting the holy maiden!

Respectfully escorting the holy maiden.

Escorting the holy maiden!

- Respectfully escorting the holy maiden. - Old man, don't think of running off.

Escorting the holy maiden!

Respectfully escorting the holy maiden.

Escorting the holy maiden!

Respectfully escorting the holy maiden.

When they're gone, capture her.

- Got it. - She can be sold for a decent price.

Go on.

What's this tune?

Who are you?

Make way! Don't obstruct our path!

Demon!

Kill her!

Great Master!

- Mayor? - Please save me!

Mayor, this isn't an easy job.

- Look. - Ten pieces of gold!

Ten?

Great Master, I'll pay however much you want! Please save me!

It has to be at least 180 pieces.

Fine! You can have it!

- Really? - Of course!

Please help me!

Boss, where are we?

How would I know?

Be careful. Stay calm.

Where am I?

Where is this place?

Wan'er.

Wan'er!

Wan'er!

Tao Ran!

Tao Ran!

- Tao Ran! - Wan'er!

Tao Ran!

Tao Ran!

Wan'er!

Wan'er!

Wan'er!

Wan'er!

Tao Ran.

Wan'er, Wan'er!

Tao Ran.

Wan'er! Why are you here?

Let's flee.

I'm sorry, I got the wrong person.

Sorry about this.

Seems like Wan'er is the best trick.

You even wandered into this illusion willingly.

Tao Ran!

Tao Ran, where are you?

Wan'er.

Let me go!

Why did you do to Wan'er? Let her go!

That hag wants to trap me?

Do you want to save Wan'er?

Here.

You can free your lover and the townsfolk from danger by using this.

Only you can free them.

Don't do it, Tao Ran!

That's the Illusory Soul Flute that can control people's minds and souls.

You can't use it.

Tao Ran!

Tao Ran!

I won't let you succeed!

If you want to abuse or kill me, do as you please!

Lad, you're asking for a beating.

I'll kill you first.

I-I...

I didn't mean to do this!

Uncle Xiao, hurry! I can't hold out for much longer!

My end is the start of your torment.

Wan'er and I have our spiritual energies tied.

- Wan'er! Wan'er! Wan'er! - Only heartbreak...

will bring such pain and hatred to you.

Wan'er!

Wan'er!

The illusion is collapsing! Run!

That's Old Xiao's voice!

Run! Come on!

Let's go! Run!

Run!

Tao Ran!

- Wan'er. - Tao Ran!

Wan'er! Wan'er!

Wan'er!

Run! The illusion is collapsing!

Over there.

Tao Ran.

As an Illusory Physician, you have the power to kill these wretched people.

One day, you will make my wish come true.

- Run! - Let's go!

Hang it there!

Old man!

Old man!

Old man!

My glorious life was almost crushed.

That scared me.

Uncle Xiao, are you okay? Get up!

Why are all of you here? I was looking for you!

Master!

When I first met you,

my heart was already yours.

I wonder if I can have the honor...

of marrying you in this life...

and growing old with you.

Meeting you in this life is already an unexpected blessing.

Heartsickness and yearning follows year after year.

Twists of fate thwart an ideal union.