Sister!
Xian, I'm coming for you.
JINSHAN TEMPLE, ZHENJIANG
Today, insects awaken, and spring begins.
We two snake sisters
will overturn Jinshan Temple.
Vajra-samādhi, the power of stillness.
All living things are contained in me.
Go!
Take her!
Sister!
Aum mani padme hūm.
Xian!
Master!
You're so powerful. Leave her be.
Please let her go.
Sister!
-Verta. -Sister.
I caused all this.
I don't blame him.
That useless man. He's not your Xuan.
Verta, the monk won't make things hard for you.
This child.
Give him to his father.
No!
Verta.
Keep going!
Sister.
Sister!
To Hangzhou's Leifeng Pagoda, for eternity.
Be a lesson to others.
Sins.
Fahai, you're a joke.
Lust, murder…
You broke every taboo.
What gives you the right to persecute us?
I practice my faith, but I still have my demons.
I regret that.
I have no right.
But Dharma is greater than me and is eternal.
I took her in obedience to it.
Excuses!
Dharma this, Dharma that.
We live in peace
and bother no one.
And yet you have to destroy us.
You're only stronger than us.
That's all!
I'm not going to take you.
Go away.
You useless man.
You never managed to help Blanca.
In every incarnation,
you just hurt her.
Becoming a monk doesn't free you of your bonds.
I'm not leaving.
I'll kill you, you stinking monk!
Entangled fates and empty lives.
The pursuit of illusion
bars entry to Nirvana.
Go to the place of self-annihilation.
Sister…
GREAT TREASURES SUTRA: EVIL OPENS FOUR PATHS.
HELL, HUNGRY GHOST, BEAST, AND ASURAVILLE.
ASURAVILLE, THE PATH TRAVELED BY THE OBSESSED AND THE QUARRELSOME.
What is this place?
Am I in Leifeng Pagoda too?
Sister!
Blanca!
Fahai, you bald donkey.
What is this place?
Show yourself!
Where are my powers?
Who are you?
Your name?
Run!
I'm out of ammunition.
What?
Get in.
Thank you.
You're new here, aren't you?
I'm Sun. Sister Sun.
Come on.
Sun--
Sun…
What is this place?
Asuraville, devil town.
Asuraville?
Hurry, go inside.
That blasted Bull-Horse gang can't be far.
Who was the guy that saved us?
Him?
He thinks he's a hero,
but he's not so strong.
Also, he doesn't take sides.
In this world, the weak don't have a choice.
Come on.
This is Octopus's territory. Our refuge.
You saw how dangerous it is out there.
In here, it's a bit safer.
But not totally.
What dynasty are you from?
Dynasty?
The Great Song.
What's your dynasty?
1,000 years after yours.
You wouldn't get it.
Here, there's folk from every era.
Humans, demons, and those Bullheads and Horsefaces.
I came two months ago.
I was rock climbing
and 2 m from the peak,
I slipped and fell.
When I opened my eyes, here I was.
Here, I learned that
the spirit world is real.
However, these demons aren't so scary.
They're extremely strong, but they can't shape-shift.
And no magic powers like in the legends.
Asuraville…
What is it, really?
It's not heaven, hell, nor the human realm.
In Asuraville, it's dog-eat-dog.
Neither humans nor spirits want to die.
You have to be strong.
You know it, babe.
I keep telling you, just be mine.
You won't need to risk your life
just to survive.
-Another little sweetie-- -Get lost.
Why so serious?
Why waste your youth…
Let's go.
In here, hurry.
Want some soda?
Let me show you some books.
They'll tell you
what has happened in the last 1,000 years.
Is it strange skipping all that time?
I did it before.
500 years that time.
Really?
This book isn't bad. Have a read.
Besides books, there's this.
There's lots of stuff stored inside.
Check out what you missed out on.
Maybe it's not so much.
Here, you try.
Strong stance.
Firm grip.
Try again.
Yes.
The city is alive.
Alive?
There's a lot more weirdness.
You haven't seen anything yet.
Whatever this is, I need to escape it.
I have to find my sister.
To leave,
you have to survive first.
Damn it. Bullheads and Horsefaces. Their whole gang is here.
Run! They're occupying the building!
-Why? -I don't know.
But they'll kill everyone for sure.
Hurry!
No exit that way. To the roof!
Mr. Bull.
Master Simon.
Since I came to this city,
every minute is life-and-death,
that we've survived till now
is no small feat.
No small feat.
You really want to fight all the time?
They're already on the roof.
Two tigers can't share one mountain.
-Victory! -Victory!
When two tigers fight, one gets hurt.
That one isn't necessarily me.
It's time we worked that out.
No time like the present.
You've got a point.
Follow me.
Sister Sun…
Go!
Hurry!
Run!
Get in. Hurry!
These demons are getting out of control.
In the beginning, they would appear once a month.
Now, it's every few days!
So true, Third Lieutenant.
Asuraville's cycles of storm, fire, flood, and poison gas,
the four kalpas, bring on the evil spirits.
The kalpas go faster and faster
and it's harder and harder to survive.
So we have to unite and power up,
conserve our strength,
not open our doors to just anyone.
That's right.
Humans and demons don't belong here.
This is Raksha territory.
I'm neither a Raksha
nor a monster.
Simon kept us Rakshas from being wiped out.
We swore to make him our leader.
Third Lieutenant and Fourth Lieutenant, we welcome humans and demons
because they're useful.
And her? What use is she?
Cursed little demon!
Little Raksha, how vain you are.
I'm not afraid of this stinking mud.
I'm not afraid of you.
And I'm not afraid of the Bull-Horses.
You boastful little demon!
Since you made me your leader,
in these times, I've done everything I could
to live up to your expectations.
However,
regardless of the natural chaos
or the reappearance of the evil spirits,
supplies are our top priority.
True.
Second Lieutenant.
We have food,
but fuel is low.
At sunrise, the evil spirits will retreat,
and I'll go to All-Good Market.
All-Good Market?
And she
is going with me.
Okay.
If she can bring back supplies,
the Rakshas will have a place for her.
As soon as you're ready, we're off.
I'll wait outside.
These collapsing buildings are pretty scary.
But they expel stuff like cars and food
just like tides dump fish on the beach.
What kind of people end up here?
People who aren't ready.
Those who resist leaving this life
for another reincarnation.
True.
I'm resisting.
My sister and I were so close.
Then she fell in love with a weakling.
If she had to fall in love,
why not pick a man strong enough to protect her?
Not many men are stronger than you.
The Bull-Horses. What's their story?
Them?
They're a monster clan.
In Asuraville, besides humans and demons,
there are monsters like Bull-Horses and Rakshas.
And those evil spirits?
They once were humans, demons, or monsters.
No one knows where they came from.
But if they bite you, you turn into one.
You're a lousy driver.
Let's go.
Everyone in Asuraville agreed,
the area from here on belongs to All-Good Market.
It's neutral ground, can't be invaded.
This Asuraville…
The boss of All-Good Market.
She knows it best.
Give it to me.
Stop him!
How dare you!
It's you.
You know him?
When I first got here, he saved me.
Gosh.
We have visitors.
You wanted to know Asuraville's origins?
Asuraville, what's it all about?
Why am I here?
Here you go.
It seems you know two of my old customers.
I'll tell you. Why not?
The most agonizing thing in the world
is unfulfilled desire.
Worldly frustration gave rise to Asuraville.
You can't reincarnate.
Traveling through time, you end up here
thanks to the strength of your obsession.
Obsession?
It's what you can't get or give up.
It torments you with all kinds of resentment.
That is obsession.
That unsatisfied desire
concentrates itself on an object
that you arrive here with.
It's the symbol of your obsession.
True, this gourd's love potions torment me.
So how can I get out of here?
Come with me.
Since all suffering
comes from an attachment,
to stop suffering,
let go of what you desire.
This pool of water
is called Release.
Dive in and you'll escape.
It's as easy as that?
Of course.
The Pool of Release is amazing.
Enter and all things will disappear,
with that little obsession included.
But before jumping,
everyone hesitates.
See?
Why is that?
Because they see in the water
the very thing that torments them.
I'm not ready.
Give me more time. I'll pass that exam!
I'll pass it for sure.
So much sorrow
Who can I tell?
A misplaced love and there I fell
How to put aside
Such beautiful infatuation?
In rain and wind
I dwell
Fantastic!
The Peach Blossom Fairy has freed herself!
A piece of her soul
was attached to that jade.
Now, it's over.
Both attachment and soul are gone.
She has been cleansed of it all.
And so, she has left Asuraville.
Why isn't my obsession clear to me?
It's because your memory is flawed.
Verta.
Blanca.
Whatever he looks like
or whether he remembers me or not,
I have to find him.
It's because
I remember.
Why must you remember?
Why?
Do you want to take the leap?
You'll leave Asuraville if you do.
You'll forget the person in the pool.
Your memory gone. You'll be released.
It's hard to jump.
I knew you wouldn't.
If you're in Asuraville,
it's because you can't let go.
Goodbye.
I guess this is goodbye.
Another kalpa.
And it's not even 24 hours!
Run! It's coming our way!
Let's go!
These kalpas, what are they?
Cycles of calamity.
It's the respiration of Asuraville.
Between breaths,
it tries to eliminate those that won't leave.
Hurry, to the Pool of Release!
-Hurry! Get in! -Verta, hurry!
Hurry!
My brush!
No!
If you don't cut off their heads,
you can't kill them.
Our supplies were burned.
We have to walk back.
Are you okay?
Yes.
Simon, why don't we take him with us?
Why did the guy you saved
turn around and hurt you?
This is Asuraville.
Do you think you're a bodhisattva?
Do you have a bodhisattva's special powers?
You're just a bad imitation.
His heart is good, but he's weak.
He hurts others, including himself.
I've seen people like this.
But he still saved me.
Let's take him back to Raksha territory.
I can't take in someone without a face.
A man with such a face, walking in Asuraville,
is a perfect fit.
Okay.
I'll take him.
Where are the Rakshas?
Something is wrong.
We'll enter through the secret passage.
Go! Get out of here!
I'll take you all on!
Let's go.
Third Lieutenant!
Today, all you Rakshas will die.
Where's Simon?
You missed him.
He'll be back for revenge.
Victory!
-Victory! -Victory!
We defeated the Rakshas today
thanks to your efforts.
Out with the old, in with the new.
Heaven's law.
The city of Asuraville,
the form of a moment.
-Life is brief. -Life is brief.
-Kalpas run their course. -Kalpas run their course.
Rise.
You are now Defenders.
Let everyone see the new faces you have chosen.
-Victory! -Victory!
I'll rise again.
Just wait and see.
A flood kalpa! Run!
Hurry, there's a door over there.
He's a burden!
Verta, let's flee this place.
Hand in hand, we'll rise again.
One day,
we'll escape Asuraville.
Don't worry about me.
Go.
Simon.
Simon?
Simon!
Verta.
If this is how it is,
you've become a burden too.
Simon!
Strong or weak, men are all the same.
When it comes to the crunch,
they run.
Why did I end up in Asuraville?
I've struggled at death's door.
But what's the point in resisting?
It's only to know
what the world is like.
Blanca.
Verta.
Maybe to get bitten by these creatures
and lose all consciousness
would be a kind of release.
Verta!
Look at me!
Verta.
Keep going!
Blanca!
You're Blanca!
Careful!
Blanca.
It's another twilight.
How many have we seen together?
You don't recall
being trapped under the pagoda?
How did you escape?
Who are you?
Why are you in a man's body?
Of my past,
I have no memory.
All I recall is crossing a road.
The light changed.
There was a truck.
I flew into the air.
Time seemed to stop.
What happened?
Why was I still in the air?
It couldn't be.
Someone was waiting for me.
Time stopped.
I know the feeling.
Then my face hit the ground.
When I came to,
I was lying on concrete.
There was fire all around, everywhere.
And I arrived here.
This bone flute in my hands,
I still don't know
why this represents my obsession.
All I know
is I have to leave here.
I need to find that person
whose faint image
I saw in the pool.
Asuraville.
It's like the outside world.
Only the strong survive.
My sister loved a man whose heart
was greater than his ability.
So I thought,
if I ever fall in love,
it will be with someone strong,
who would protect me in times of trouble.
I came to Asuraville and met Simon.
But he's just another selfish man.
In the face of danger,
he lies and sells you out.
It's the same old story.
So maybe my sister was right.
In the end, strength is irrelevant.
Maybe,
if his heart is true, that's enough.
You don't remember me.
So when I got here,
why did you save me?
I can't explain it.
I just knew I had to do it.
No matter how dangerous it was.
Really, it was like that.
When I saw you,
you felt so familiar.
Early on, you forgot,
but then seemed to remember.
I understand.
Blanca.
In any case, you're here in Asuraville.
And we're together again.
It's great.
The boss of All-Good Market.
Does she have other ways of leaving?
In all Asuraville,
only she came on her own accord.
She knows the way out for sure.
Will she help us?
I heard she came to Asuraville
because the people and demons here
all have something she wants.
She's a merchant.
It's true, I'm a merchant.
You want to leave Asuraville,
but can you give me what I want?
What do you want? Name it.
Come.
In the human world, I run a small business.
It's a workshop.
That little workshop has smelters
that need lots of fuel every day.
That fuel comes from your obsessions.
The stronger they are, the fiercer their obsessions,
the harder they burn.
What I want from both of you
are your obsessions.
Just before you both got here,
a disillusioned soul, at the end of his rope,
came to do business with me.
He also wants to leave Asuraville.
Verta!
Simon!
Do you have a grudge against Simon?
No.
Simon,
have you thought it through?
Do it!
There's another way to leave.
Wish Bridge.
Although it's hard,
there are advantages.
You can escape intact from Asuraville
with your body and memories.
Simon's choice
was of course that one.
His obsession was fierce
and thus an excellent fuel.
If I take this obsession,
the drive to compete will fade.
You'll be weak.
Would you be willing?
Strong or weak, what does it matter?
So long as we can leave Asuraville
and be together for a while,
I'll do anything.
And you?
Of course I'm willing.
Good, it's a deal.
Look.
Asuraville is shaped like a snake.
Its head and tail almost meet.
The intriguing thing is
that the tail
is where the evil spirits nest.
Even more amazing.
The snake's tail, at times,
grows a little bridge at its tip.
That's the Wish Bridge.
If you jump from there
into the snake's mouth,
you will leave Asuraville.
You have to take care with the jump.
You've got only one moment to do it in.
When is that?
Little Demon,
I'm a businesswoman.
When the deal is done,
I'll tell you.
Since we've met before,
even if the deal can't be done,
I'll let you in on a secret anyway.
About the timing of the bridge…
Bullheads!
They only just destroyed the Rakshas
and they're already smashing up my market?
Raise the iron chains!
Cut it!
Attack that boat!
Take it.
Get up there!
Boss, the fire wrecked our defenses.
Retreat to the Pool of Release?
Let's go.
Master Simon, your old friend is here.
Him?
What does he want with this place?
He wants all of Asuraville.
That was fast.
Master Simon, I'm sorry.
We're trapped.
Boss, this Wish Bridge…
I'm afraid I won't make it.
But I still need to thank you.
It's amazing, but shedding my obsession
gave me instant joy.
It's just business. No need to thank me.
Verta,
I'm sorry about before.
Goodbye for now.
Simon.
Today, we'll finish this.
Finish?
How do you know this is the end?
Simon!
Careful!
Blanca!
Blanca?
Today, I've united all of Asuraville.
Boss,
why won't a talent like you join me?
To join you,
does one have to lock on a human skin mask?
Boss.
Do you know how I found you so quickly?
Everyone here knows
that if you put on this mask,
you can change your appearance
into anything you want.
But few know
that the mask has another small use.
It gives off a faint smell.
Wherever he goes,
I can track him down.
The market's layout was clear as day.
You did very well this time.
It was worth giving you this mask
and saving your life.
Blanca?
Only after unhooking his mask,
did I realize this famous knight-errant
was our master's spy.
Our master is a great strategist.
You're not Blanca?
Who are you, really?
You liar.
How could I believe you were Blanca?
Put on this human skin mask
and rise as a Defender.
The city of Asuraville,
the form of a moment.
Life is brief.
Kalpas run their course.
-Victory! -Victory!
He changed back to his human face?
Doesn't he want to become a Defender?
I just realized
to give face but get rejected,
that's so embarrassing.
Let me tell you something.
When a kalpa begins,
throw yourself in.
You can have this Pool of Release!
Verta!
Leader! Help me!
Verta!
Who are you really?
Who are you?
When I first got to Asuraville,
I had no memory and a ruined face.
The Bullhead leader saved me.
He gave me
my life.
But the day I saw you,
I don't know why, I…
Then in the Pool of Release,
I saw that face.
You called her Blanca.
While in the tunnel,
I thought
if I changed to look like Blanca,
maybe you would listen to me--
But you're not her!
No, I'm not.
Nor am I strong enough
to protect you in Asuraville.
Strength doesn't matter.
The strong can lie,
as can the weak.
But you know,
I understand
I made a mistake.
Why do I always rely on others?
Weak or strong,
they'll all hurt you.
It's better for me to strengthen myself.
Don't apologize.
It's my mistake.
I should've known
that I can only rely on myself.
I won't free myself from obsession.
Nor will I rely on anyone else again.
If I'm strong enough,
I'll kill Fahai myself,
overturn that pagoda,
and release myself from Asuraville!
At the pool,
why did you change back to Blanca?
I…
Let's go.
At the pool, that fox told me
the secret of Wish Bridge.
What makes the bridge grow
is Asuraville's black wind tunnel.
The tunnel is a place of karmic testing.
If you can survive its many torments,
you will achieve release.
A path will extend from the serpent's tail.
That's the Wish Bridge.
We're here. This is it.
Hurry!
Get in!
That fox really sticks her neck out.
Whatever.
I'll do it for her and send you in.
Little Demon, you know why you're in Asuraville?
Karma, twists of fate, it's hard to say for sure.
There's a reason for your fear and loathing.
And it's in that tunnel.
It's a trial by fire.
A lapse of will and you will burn to ash.
Sure you want to go?
Fear and loathing?
I want to see for myself.
Right. Look after yourself.
Thank you.
I'm going in.
Verta!
What's in there?
Fahai.
How long was I in there?
Only a moment. Then you came flying out.
It's an empty landscape
and I was there for two hours.
What?
I'm going in.
You're back, Little Demon.
Stinking monk.
I've wiped out so much evil,
but some always get away.
Little Demon,
you should release yourself from obsession.
No way.
He's connected to you.
Living things shouldn't be trapped by desire
but should release themselves through reincarnation.
This city shouldn't exist.
I gave him a golden aura as a talisman
to help him conquer Asuraville.
So he could kill those who wouldn't go,
or force them to leave
and be reincarnated.
What reward did you give him
to make him a slave to your will?
When Asuraville is empty, it will collapse and disappear.
I'll stop him from falling into Hell
and keep him whole
so he can go back to his world.
Little Demon.
You should release yourself too.
Everything I do is to help people into the next life.
I don't need release or your help.
Verta.
Don't come here!
I'm okay.
Little Demon, years have passed.
When will you stop?
When I've defeated you
and toppled the tower!
Verta!
Your flute.
Too tight?
It's fine.
It has been 20 years, Little Demon.
You've never stopped harassing me.
Not until you're overthrown,
and the pagoda is toppled.
Dharma is all-embracing, but things do end.
Not all that is sought is granted.
That applies to me too.
I am powerless.
Good will prevail.
Verta.
We can leave Asuraville.
"When a kalpa begins, throw yourself in."
Twenty years inside is one day outside.
You're free of your karma.
Asuraville won't keep you any longer.
Go, Little Demon.
My golden aura!
You tricked me, Monk!
You tricked me!
Wish Bridge!
The fox said
that when a kalpa begins,
throw yourself in.
What should I call you?
I really don't remember my name.
Call me what you like.
It's only a name.
Sure, it's only a name.
From here,
I'm going to find my sister.
You can go and look
for the person you saw in the pool.
Let's go!
Hurry!
A kalpa is rising! A gas kalpa!
Help me!
Hurry, help me!
Verta!
Jump!
Hurry!
The bridge is collapsing. Hurry!
I still haven't turned.
Hang on.
I want to leave.
I can't change. I can't.
I have to be able to get out.
Quick!
I can go back.
Jump in…
I'll be saved
and go back home.
Hurry!
You!
Why?
Why did you let him bite you?
No!
Don't.
Verta.
I can't leave Asuraville.
Tell me why!
Why?
It was the day the insects awakened,
and petals filled the air
like now.
I see
the face in the water clearly now.
Blanca!
HANGZHOU
I left Asuraville
and returned to the world of desire.
That person in Asuraville…
But no one knows
where Asuraville is in the world.
And there's my sister too.
Leifeng Pagoda has collapsed.
And her?
Grandpa, that tower, is it Leifeng Pagoda?
Yes.
It didn't fall?
It's still standing?
No. It was rebuilt recently.
Were you away?
Everyone knows that.
The old pagoda collapsed long ago.
Collapsed?
Yes, if it had really trapped White Snake,
she would have been free years ago.
Maybe she cleansed her karma and has been reincarnated.
She could be anywhere.
You should go see the exhibition there.
After the pagoda fell, they found things,
treasures they've put on display.
Come, look at this here.
Now, here is a mystery of the tower.
-It's a hairpin. -Correct, it's a hairpin.
Notice it's an ancient hairpin,
but this hairpin
is made of bone.
But why was it under the tower
and why was it broken?
Where's the missing piece?
Sister!
You don't recall
being trapped under the pagoda?
How did you escape?
Of my past,
I have no memory.
When I first got to Asuraville
I had no memory and a ruined face.
There was fire all around.
You don't remember me.
-Why did you save me? -I'm not sure either.
I just knew I had to do it.
When I saw you, you felt so familiar.
And this bone flute in my hands.
I still don't know
why this represents my obsession.
Blanca.
That person in Asuraville
was you, right?
You escaped
and also went to Asuraville.
Today, insects awaken.
We two snake sisters
will overturn Jinshan Temple.
Sister!
Verta.
Keep going!
Blanca!
Why isn't my obsession clear to me?
I need to find that person
whose faint image
I saw in the pool.
Tell me why!
Why?
It was the day the insects awakened,
and petals filled the air
like now.
I see
the face in the water clearly now.
It was the day the insects awakened,
and petals filled the air.
Blanca.
All along, the person you were looking for
was me.
What do you want? Name it.
You forgot your past life and much of this one too,
but you seem to remember something.
I understand.
I have to leave this place.
There's someone waiting for me.
What should I call you?
I really don't remember my name.
Call me what you like.
It's only a name.
From here,
I'm going to find my sister.
You can go and look
for the person you saw in the pool.
Verta?
Blanca.
STAY TUNED FOR POST-CREDIT SCENE
Another thousand years!
Where's the thing?
My enemy is in sight.
Revenge is mine!
NEW GODS: YANG JIAN
IN THEATERS SUMMER 2022
A FILM BY LIGHT CHASER ANIMATION
PENGLAI ਊ