This is the Dragon-Taming Mace
Created from stardust, forged in iron
Harder than the Golden Stone
I grant this Mace to your keeping
Use it to defeat evil, as is your duty
Protect our nation, keeping all things in balance
If anyone, even me,
should ever threaten
our great nation...
You now have the power
to control them with the Mace
I'm honored, Your Majesty!
Starring
and
CARINA LAU as Empress Wu
Story by CHEN KUOFU TSUI HARK
Screenplay by CHANG CHIALU TSUI HARK
Produced by NANSUN SHI
Produced by JERRY YE
Produced by WANG ZHONGLEI
Produced by CHEN KUOFU
Produced and directed by TSUI HARK
Your Majesty...
You handed over the Dragon-Taming Mace to Dee
But what if he turns against us?
Our nation would be helpless against him
Dee almost lost his life to the Sea Dragon
He saved me from death, and rescued our ministers
He's not a traitor!
That's how you justify what you've done
Are you planning to use him against me?
How could you think that, my trusted consort?
For your sake...
I have ended dynasty-long traditions
Repealed old laws, and made new ones
Now we rule together
I've done so much for you
How could you distrust me?
Your Majesty, my Empress
Yuchi Zhejin...
I know you and Dee are close. You're sworn brothers
But if I ordered you to take the Mace from him,
could you do that?
Your Majesty...
If Dee loses the Mace...
He will face the death penalty
If you follow my orders,
You have my solemn word
Dee and his family will suffer no punishment
In that case, Your Majesty...
Nothing can stop me from serving you
Have you found the men I asked for?
Your Majesty...
This man is Huan Tian, the Taoist
I'm just a man...
from the Jianghu, Your Majesty
Huan Tian...
I heard you can summon wind and rain
My talents are modest, Your Majesty
But as you commanded...
I have brought men who possess great skills
They are at the Court's service
Let's see what they can do
Spectral Blades from Huandao Clan.
Samantabhadra
Night Ghost from Qianshou Clan
My Lord, please...
It's a trick!
These are indeed modest tricks of the Jianghu
Your deceptions are an insult!
What is your name?
Smoke Volant from Xianqi Clan
Your Majesty...
These are mere Jianghu tricks! What a charlatan
Don't trust him
Huan Tian...
These men are all you have to show me?
Your Majesty...
This gentleman doesn't trust us
I'm bold enough to bet against him
If his sword can strike Your Majesty's shadow,
I will accept your punishment
How dare you?
You speak of Her Majesty's shadow?
Your guilt is clear!
Not guilty!
Your Majesty...
Show me your blade!
Immediately!
Forgive me, Your Majesty
Hidden demon, show yourself!
Water Moon from Fuyin Clan.
You're lucky...
Your head is still on your body
Her Majesty's mercy has spared you
Show her your appreciation
The Jianghu has remarkable talent
I'm pleased with your service
Conceal yourselves nearby and await orders
I shall name you the Mystic Clan!
Follow Yuchi's orders
Be ready to retrieve the Mace
Yes, Your Majesty!
One moment, Your Majesty
This matter is too weighty to trust to strangers
I can retrieve the Mace alone
They are here to help you
I'll leave you to proceed
Bureau of Investigations
Master!
Have you seen Master Dee?
Isn't he in his room?
Master, a message from the Duty Office
A strange theft from Leng Yu, the painter!
Master!
I know, get the horses ready!
He's always popping up without warning these days!
You can find Dee's official residence on the map.
And how to take the Mace
You people will have to handle it!
What's that?
A strange design appeared on the ground, like a map
Did you see it?
Leng Yu's Studio
Lord Dee is here
Please, my Lord
The victim is Leng Yu, a famous painter
He does old-style portraits of maids...
Flowers, horses, that kind of thing
Very realistic
Highly-praised, but
it went to his head
He's been working on a new picture
'Steeds Crossing the River'
Someone broke in and stole it
They burned his other paintings, too
The losses are great
Even scarier...
His parents are missing
No one knows where they are
The thief left too many clues
I think...
You see, I...
Who are you people?
From the Bureau of Investigations
You're the painter, Leng?
Bureau of Investigations?
Don't be rash, Mr. Leng
You're the one who reported this?
The Bureau
See that?
What was it?
Fireflies!
It's not quite Spring yet
How could that be?
This is Dee's bedroom
The room is arranged in the Nine-Star pattern
This is where things should be hidden
He wants us to think the Mace is hidden here
What would be the opposite of that?
How many people have seen 'Steeds Crossing the River'?
No one!
Are you trying to tell me something?
No
You're doing it again!
Why do you keep blinking at me?
I have an eye problem
It's... a birth defect
A congenital eye problem?
I think you're afraid of something
No, I'm not
I think this fellow staged the whole thing
Maybe trying to boost his prices?
I doubt it
If that was it...
Why would he need to hide his family?
Right, he wouldn't need to do that
Those footprints...
All these clues are just a trap
Someone wants us spending time here at this very moment
They're waiting for us to take the bait
Yes! But...
The footprints show that the thief...
came from that direction
Look!
There are footprints here, too
Could something be hidden there?
My painting!
Don't move!
Stay right there
Since the painting is still here...
we're being tricked some other way
Don't touch it!
It's poison!
What is it?
Careful, everyone, there's poison
Stay still. Let's seal off your body's pressure points
You...
The dust on the desk is poisoned, too!
Hold your breath
On the roof!
It's a dummy!
Smoke Volant was spotted
If the poison doesn't kill Dee,
we'll finish him off
on his way back to the Bureau
Good!
Let's go
Stop!
You're under my command
Who told you to poison him?
You're asking for it!
Han Ping
Take off your robe
Don't touch mine, it's poisoned
This is how things get done!
Sir...
Are you trying to keep us from getting paid?
Ridiculous!
Your blood should have flowed daysago!
Attack a member of the Golden Guard...
and you attack the Emperor himself!
You dare?!
The thief is playing with us
Yi An, Zhou Jin...
Stay right behind me
Wait for me at the western corner
Let's bring him out into the open
Yes, Sir!
That's the best you can do?
You seem pretty timid
I think we'll see your end today
Let's go
Who are you?
What are you doing there?
Get the ropes around her!
Watch her feet!
Dee!
You can't go anywhere
Watch out!
Up there!
Don't let him get away!
Move away from there!
Master
I'm all right
What about you two?
All right
What was all that for?
It seems to me...
Someone set all this up
They just wanted us out of the Bureau
But look what's happened now
They're targeting us, too
Night Ghost...
This is too easy
Watch out!
What the...?
The alarm!
Quick!
It's a trap
Let's get out now
Careful
Master Dee knew they'd come
See what instructions Master left for us
"Let them escape"
That Dee Renjie...
What is that man thinking?
Yuchi Zhenjin...
You and the Mystic Clan lost the first round...
of your challenge to Dee
You got away with Leng's family
What are you going to do with them?
Lord Yuchi planned this
That's why it failed
May I suggest...
for future plans,
you make Yuchi follow orders!
That's enough!
How dare you?
You were the one not following orders!
And you're not ashamed to lie
Your Majesty...
Shouldn't this problem be solved...
by the one who started it?
The Dragon-Taming Mace is vital to the nation's future
If I could offer any advice at all...
The Emperor should take it back from Dee
Advice?
You think that'll help?
Back when the Tang Dynasty was being built...
some predicted future struggles within the royal family
They tried to "advise" the Emperor,
But he wouldn't listen
Two years later, the struggle broke out
It was known as the "Xuanwu Gate Rebellion"
You really think "advice" will help?
Dee Renjie...
Sanzang Temple
The Emperor truly values you
He's waiting for you
You should be proud of yourself
But you come to this ruined temple to see me...
Deep in your heart, what's really worrying you?
Give me your hand
Hell is full of suffering souls,
so enlightenment must wait
Well said, well said
What I wrote on your palm was spontaneous
What you said was from the depths of your soul
Each person has their demons
When they come to the surface,
they cannot be avoided
When that day comes...
This token will find me
Yuan Ce...
Hell is full of suffering souls,
so enlightenment must wait
I must enter hell and save the others
Master Dee!
Dee!
Master Dee, why has this sickness returned?
Something in my mind is affecting my body
The Dragon-Taming Mace brings many troubles
You always fix such problems
Maybe this time I cannot
Wait here
Yes
Lord, this is such a terrible dungeon
I've accompanied Her Majesty here many times
But I've never dared ask...
Who is confined here?
It's the minister who predicted the Xuanwu Gate Rebellion
The man whose advice was ignored
He was locked in here
by the Emperor who led the Rebellion
He was stripped of his rank and family name
His body was tortured
They even disfigured his face
Now he's known as the "Faceless Lord"
Old one...
You've come again
Wait for me over there
I'll wait here
Yes, my Lord
All those years ago...
When you first came to see me...
You asked me how to become the Empress
You promised you'd restore my honor
and that of my family
Now, you are indeed the Empress!
What is left to trouble you?
Dee Renjie now holds the Dragon-Taming Mace
You advised me to convene the Mystic Clan
But they are no match for Dee
You need to elevate their standing in the Court
That's how you'll create more power for yourself!
Take over the Bureau of Investigations
Make Dee hand over the Mace
How can I take over the Bureau?
How can I force Dee to hand over the Mace?
By the Lords of Heaven...
I am Yuchi Zhenjin of His Majesty's Golden Guard
By command of the Empress...
I am here for the training exercises
Do you take us for fools?
Are you here to challenge the Bureau?
Tell me, what's the point of this training?
I think you shameless people...
are here to go after Master Dee!
That's absurd!
I'm simply doing my duty
I should come after you!
That's fine
Next time you ask me for medical treatment,
I'll have a snake poison you
And then, I'll save you... just as you're about to die!
How about that?
Master Dee, you really want to do that?
He's really doing it!
Take care, Master Dee!
No one can do that! It's too unstable!
Idiot!
Your Golden Guard came up with this stunt, didn't they?
No one could stand up there!
Call an end to it!
Master!
I'm all right
The trick you taught me actually did work
If you lose balance...
you can flip in mid-air...
and that helps decrease the impact
Master Dee...
He's trying to trap you
Don't trust him
Are you all right?
He's fine
Yuchi, come with me
I have something for you
Yuchi, I know the Empress commands you
And I know that many times...
You've shown your humanity
You're a dutiful officer
Dee...
I feel ashamed to face such an old friend
This is for you
This is from the time we fought the Sea Dragon
I made this as I defended Swallow Tower
You're giving it back?
Are you making fun of me?
Her Majesty favors you
But both of us are embattled
We need to keep an eye on the bigger picture
And I need your help
I've written some lines
in the corner of your picture
"The Four Heavenly Kings bless our country"
"Great virtue is hidden in our world"
"A secretive person seeks it"
"Cultivating life, holding a blade"
Can't make heads nor tails of it, Dee!
Let it sink in
This Bureau may turn to your Golden Guard...
for help in the future
You're very smart
Instead of arousing Her Majesty's suspicions,
why not set out to win her trust?
If the Empress transferred her favor to me...
She wouldn't cause me any trouble
You would!
Absolutely not!
I also want to live honest and free,
not caught up in intrigues
Honest and free?
Look at the way you're dressed!
You belong in that armor!
You jest!
This heavy armor
is no comparison to the Dragon-Taming Mace
Neither of us has an easy path
Who can say what the future will bring?
Take care of yourself, sworn brother!
Yes, sworn brother!
Take care!
Sha Tuo...
Do you realize...
We've been spied on?
By whom?
Who'd dare spy on the Bureau of Investigations?
The one who tried to steal the Mace
They failed last time,
but they'll be back very soon
And it will be an open attack
An open attack?
Dee...
When you were given the Dragon-Taming Mace...
Was it good or bad luck?
Here comes another one
Yes, another magician type is here
Our Empress...
likes watching their tricks
Many are summoned to the palace
Learning magic is popular now
Yes, everyone's doing it
No one cares about trading anymore
Everyone's abandoning their trades
and trying to learn magic tricks instead!
You bet!
Those magic tricks...
can keep the benefits rolling in!
Boss!
It's that mysterious design again!
Sir, the yarns have arrived!
I've packed them up for you
Come, come!
I've been waiting for you to pick them up
Boss, are you from Tiele, too?
Tiele dialect!
You haven't paid yet
It's a mistake, Boss-I didn't order them
No mistake! It's me!
Dee...
You're in danger! Get out of here
We're being watched Mount up!
But you...
Listen, I'll be out of sight for a while
If you need me, find the note in the medicine box
Thank you, Sir
Don't move!
What kind of disguising skill is this?
Damn you!
Spying on me?
Those Jianghu magicians are useless
I thought we could use them to get the Mace
And finish off Dee Renjie
But they're just getting in the way
Let's kill them all
Meanwhile...
This power-hungry demon
is controlled by our sorcery
Let's see how she takes over the Bureau tomorrow!
The Empress is here!
She's outside the Bureau of Investigations gate!
The Empress is here!
Outside the Bureau of Investigations gate!
All ranks, assemble!
Prepare to greet Her Majesty
What?
Master Dee was right again!
They're almost here!
So flagrant! Where are you, Dee?
Oh yes, the medicine chest
This is it
A report from the Imperial Court
A member of the royal family has been wounded by this Mace
Is it the authentic Dragon-Taming Mace?
I command Master Dee to show the Mace in his keeping
Then we will know for sure
Your Majesty...
Master Dee is in his hometown on family business
As for the Dragon-Taming Mace...
We actually...
don't know where it's kept
Dee Renjie is absent
That's a perfect excuse for the Empress...
to take control of the Bureau
Dee Renjie!
Leader of the Bureau of Investigations!
You neglect your duties!
It is unthinkable!
The Bureau must have a leader
For public safety, I shall take command of the Bureau
Now, I must inspect the premises
Show me!
Yes, Your Majesty
Please, Your Majesty
Your Majesty
Master Sha Tuo
Your Majesty...
The Bureau is of modest size, so you've seen it all...
Except the bathing area, the kitchen...
And...
the toilets
Then assist me...
as I inspect those places
Search diligently, and report back to me
Yes, Your Majesty
Sir...
The toilets are nearby,
so let's start there
More than a hundred latrines in each toilet?!
Don't think you can finish? Better shovel the shit back
Bath House
Master Sha Tuo...
Ignore me
Where?
Dee! There you are
Sorcery...
Dee!
That formula needs improvement...
They're here!
Just as you said!
The Empress brought in these Jianghu charlatans
They're looking for the Mace
The Dragon-Taming Mace
Is it somewhere safe?
It's a grave situation
So how come you're so excited?
Oh, congratulations!
You've encountered someone
You're right! A female assassin!
Excellent
From now on...
Your mission is to watch her closely
And maybe... develop your relationship
Develop our relationship?
I don't think so
She looks fierce, she scares me
Never mind that
It's Bureau work
We're always dealing with dangerous types
You should be used to it
The Empress is making big trouble
I'm not in the mood for love
That design!
I've seen it before, just outside the Bureau
Yes, I've been looking into it
It's called the Zhanboji
It's the symbol of a clan in India
They practice possession by sorcery
They can control minds
and manipulate actions
Their disciples found their way here long ago
They helped the late Emperor build our great dynasty
So he named them the Wind Warriors
But he came to distrust them and locked them up
They've been invisible for years
but now this symbol is appearing in the city
I think their renegade disciples are behind it
Dangerous people with weird skills
If the Empress turns against the Bureau,
it would be a very serious matter
The Empress and Jianghu sorcery...
There will be terrible consequences
You've been here too long, you should go back!
Go on, hurry back!
Miss! What the...
You ugly man, stop pretending!
Why did you take so long to bathe? Some problem?
You were watching me!
You know how long I took!
I watch if I want to watch!
You like bathing, don't you?
Go on! I'll watch!
Understood
We should go
That does it
You have no idea...
There's a lot of gossip in the Bureau of Investigations
Seeing us together, there may be rumors
Please tell Her Majesty I'm blameless
Then she'll let me off
That's enough!
I'll advise the Empress to castrate you!
That will end any rumors
I've seen enough for today
I'll come back tomorrow
Rumors? Pah!
When will you be bathing? I'll watch!
Her Majesty favors you...
We need to keep an eye on the bigger picture
I've written some lines for you...
in the corner of your picture
"The Four Heavenly Kings bless our country"
"Cultivating life, holding a blade"
A blade?
A Mace?
The Dragon-Taming Mace!
The lines mention the Four Heavenly Kings
"Great virtue is hidden in our world"
'Great Virtue' is an archway in the city south...
Close to the Temple of Heavenly Kings!
So perhaps the Dragon-Taming Mace
"Cultivating life"...
Represents the Heavenly King of Growth!
The "blade"...
is the Dragon-Taming Mace!
We need to keep an eye on the bigger picture...
The Bureau may turn to your Golden Guard...
for help in the future
Our help in the future?
He wants me to protect the Dragon-Taming Mace!
Come, come
Hand me the Dragon-Taming Mace
I will take credit for finding it
In my eyes, you're worthless
You speak more nonsense than Huan Tian!
You got here...
just in time to die
The Dragon-Taming Mace
Forged in iron from stardust
Harder than the Golden Stone
Your Majesty,
If Dee loses the Dragon-Taming Mace...
He will face the death penalty
I am afraid
If you follow my orders...
You have my solemn word
Dee and his family will suffer no punishment
In that case, Your Majesty...
Nothing can stop me from serving you
Lord Yuchi, please wait outside
You're here!
Lord Yuchi...
You were indisposed today
You missed some important developments
As Her Majesty's right-hand man,
I worry about your condition
Please take care
I heard about you at the Bureau of Investigations
You're in quite the tight corner
You should take care, too
Her Majesty is here
Yuchi Zhenjin...
Today you must congratulate Huan Tian Zhenren
I have promoted him
to the rank of Imperial Advisor
The Emperor is also eager to see...
Huan Tian Zhenren's powers
and see if he can replace Dee Renjie
Your Majesty, Imperial Advisor is a key role
Please, reconsider
Yuchi...
What happened to your face?
A training accident
Smoke Volant...
You should respect the officer!
Yuchi...
You did your best
Since you need time to recover...
please rest and wait for your orders
The Imperial Advisor can deal with other matters
Yes, Your Majesty
Zhenren...
I hear you're resourceful
You solve mysteries and defeat devils
You're even more talented than Dee Renjie!
Please, show me your skills
What can you do?
Your Majesty, it's my honor!
I'll control the elements to bless this great dynasty!
Long live our noble Empress!
Now see my Thunder Beads!
These are machine-made illusions
No more than cheap trickery
They don't amount to much
Watch carefully, there's more to see
It's raining!
It tastes so sweet!
It's rain from Heaven... real rain from Heaven!
Tiger in the wind, Dragon in the clouds
Nature's power delivers good harvests,
Blessing the nation and its people
Well said!
These are just trifles
An Imperial Advisor should be far more skilled
Now a Heavenly relic, the North Sea Dragon Ball
It blesses His Majesty, and the people
It offers a glimpse of Heaven itself
May it please His Majesty
Dragon Ball?
It looks very much like the luminescent pearl...
An Nan gave me six years ago!
Really?
I don't think so...
Huo Geng...
Bring the relic
Your Majesty
What's happening, Huan Tian?
Something's wrong
No, this isn't part of the plan
Someone's interfering
Someone? Who?
The dragon! It's coming to life!
Where did it come from?
Explain to the Empress!
I don't know what's happening
I can't explain it to her!
Then we should get out of here!
How can we leave now?
Protect their Majesties!
It's a good omen!
The golden dragon reborn! It's an omen for the dynasty!
Huan Tian, what is it doing?
It's an illusion... Just an illusion!
Protect their Majesties!
Madam...
There's danger, Your Majesty
Go away!
The Dragon Ball!
Huan Tian is gone
Huo Geng! Protect their Majesties and get them away
I'll get him back
Yes!
Your Majesty...
Seal the exits!
No one may leave!
Yes, Sir
Stop him!
We need more men! Quick!
You are all Golden Guards
Stop!
Catch him!
He's a murderer
Drop your weapons!
It wasn't me... he's getting away!
Follow him! Quick!
Drop your weapons!
What fools you all are...
but especially you
Take me, then!
Whose idea was it to bring in those magicians?
It was Yuchi Zhenjin's suggestion
You can ask him
Where is he?
Your Majesty, Yuchi is under arrest
He killed members of the Golden Guard
Now he's in the prison
What?
Put the city on alert
Summon Dee Renjie for duty!
Yes, Your Majesty
It's a message from the Golden Guard
The golden dragon came to life in the palace!
It flew away, into the sky
Two magicians died, and one is missing
Yuchi must have gone mad
He killed a few of his own men
They've locked him up
So they've finally started taking action
Who? Who do you mean?
Take this bamboo token
Find Master Yuan Ce at Sanzang Temple
Sanzang Temple...
When Master Sanzang was in India...
He was trying to combat its evil power
Now Master Sanzang has passed on
The only way to defeat them...
is with the help of his disciple, Yuan Ce
Show him this symbol,
and ask him to help fight their sorcery
Is this all connected to those Zhanbojia people?
They've been planning this for years
They used the Mystic Clan as their agents...
Just to keep watch over us
Their sorcery is very powerful
We need to find a way to distract them
Call all the Bureau's men in for duty
We'll divide into three teams and lure them out
Lure them out?
The first team...
Tell Zhou Jin to lead it
They must go to Bingzhou, pretending to look for me
That will draw their attention away
from the Bureau of Investigations
Them again! What are they up to?
Tell them...
to split up and lay false trails
That will shake off the Mystic Clan
Then return here, and wait for my orders
The second team...
Take the fastest horses
At the east market, change clothes and horses
Then ride to Sanzang Temple to find Master Yuan Ce
Boss, please get me a new horse
The third team...
I will disguise myself as Ding Xun's guard
And follow Huo Geng of the Golden Guard
into the Palace, to investigate there
Very modest skills...
Who are you people?
I am Water Moon, from Fuyin Clan
The Empress's flunky!
We thought you were real killers
Now it's clear we overestimated you
So now your time is up
Time's up?
You're talking nonsense!
You're not the Empress
You're a fake!
Who are you?
Speak!
Your name is Water Moon?
You ought to know that your name also means...
Illusion
They'll find me here
It's too dangerous here!
Still here?
I said, it's no good!
You're so stupid
Such an idiot
Idiot!
Is that... Tiele dialect?
You're from Tiele?
They're here, don't move
Shut up
Any more?
Can't find her
Report!
Guards from the Bureau just left the city
Maybe going for reinforcements
Absurd!
Our loyal service earned us the name Wind Warriors
We helped defeat the late Emperor's enemies
This dynasty would not exist without our help
But once he was enthroned,
the Emperor turned against us
Even tried to wipe us out!
Now his descendants live in comfort
And the dynasty prospers
Our colleagues are convening in the capitol
We will bring down this dynasty!
The dynasty must fall!
Your dagger is here
You're not badly hurt
But you've been poisoned
I've drawn the venom from your wounds
Where am I?
An inn near Ranfang
Sirs, please follow me
Two guests for Tianzi rooms!
How did you draw out the poison?
With my mouth
I cleaned out the wounds
Don't worry
Don't move!
Traces of poison are still in your body
That's why you feel weak
If the poison had reached your heart,
you'd be a goner
It affected me, too
That's why I'm also drinking this
I must go, I have urgent things to do
Here are five more doses, take them as you need
I told you not to move
Come on...
Drink this
Don't touch me!
Don't move, you're still weak
Drink this
You first!
It's disgusting!
Save your strength!
You could still die
While you still can...
Drink it!
What's it to you if I live or die?
If you wanna die, just die!
Your stubbornness will kill you!
But you shouldn't die so far from home
I don't wanna bury you here
It's certainly not my problem
However, we from Tiele believe
no matter how far you roam,
in the final days of your life,
you should always return to your homeland
and die there
Tiele is too far away
I can't get back there
And you?
Why don't you go back there?
I have duties to the Court
I can't just leave when I want
I'm not free, like you
I can't choose where to go
You must have been through a lot...
on your travels in the Jianghu
Is it really too much for you?
The medicine is that bitter?
I have to go
Take care of yourself
Will you come back for me?
For sure
Why do you wear that strange makeup?
I don't want anyone to see me as I am
I've never touched an assassin's face before
And I've never been friendly with an officer
When I went to the capitol,
I felt a deep, bitter pain
Probably no more bitter...
than this medicine
So try to bear it
Maybe it's not as bitter as you think
Trust me... friend
Stand to attention!
I am Huo Geng of the Golden Guard
And he is from the Bureau of Investigations
We are hereto look into the incident
Enter!
This is where it happened
The golden dragon came to life
in front of the Emperor and Empress
It killed some people, then flew away
That must have been something to see
Did you witness it yourself?
Yes, I was here
I envy you!
Officer Ding, are you really on this case?
Indeed
My assistant is working on it
Did the dragon have big eyes?
What are you asking?
So the Bureau sends just one man for this tough case?
It seems inadequate
If Master Dee himself can't come,
he should at least send Sha Tuo
The world of Jianghu is full of sorcery clans
Ultimately, they're just tricks
What is it? You've found something?
Nonsense!
How could that be?
More than a hundred people saw it,
including the Emperor and Empress
Look!
That's where the dragon flew away
See the hole it left in the ceiling?
That was just a trick?
You saw what your mind told you to see
Breaking the ceiling is an easy Jianghu trick
Anyhow...
I don't believe all you see...
Anyhow...
The dragon's head was sliced off with a sharp blade
I estimate about five feet long
Same as the throne
Let's take a look
There were guards everywhere
- Easier to hide it here than to bring it in - Stop!
- Do you all agree? - Stop!
How dare you?
That's the Imperial Throne!
No one may approach it!
You didn't check it
That's how you were deceived
Stop!
My Assistant is better at these things
Let him get on with it, if you want the truth
This is standard operating procedure in the Bureau?
You bet!
Look! The truth!
The dragon's head!
This is the dragon you all saw?
The one that flew away?
Fine! Now, General Huo...
Can you arrange for us to meet Lord Yuchi?
You want to meet Lord Yuchi?
He's...
He's been arrested for criminal negligence
I have no authority...
to permit visits
The one with the authority would be...
Lord Dee, with his Dragon-Taming Mace
That would make it possible
So, please go back
Here I am!
Lead us there, General!
General Huo!
Fool!
You're all fools!
Leave me be
How dare you disturb me?
You bring shame on the Golden Guard
All of you!
You're such a bunch of idiots!
I would never trouble you, Sir
I'm just escorting Dee Renjie
Master Dee, this way
Dee!
I thought I'd never see you again
Yuchi...
I didn't expect to see you so happy
See, I really am an honest man, free of intrigues!
And Huan Tian is the Criminal-In-Chief!
Let's get on his trail
You think Huan Tian could have set up such a show?
And that he killed two accomplices?
And why is he hiding?
Why would he bring trouble on himself?
What?
Hiding?
Huan Tian is in hiding?
We've scoured the city, no one can find him
Tell me about the moment they arrested you
Master Dee...
We're on alert, we can't move without permission
The previous incident in this case happened here
The key to the truth is here
Powerful sorcery was at work
Only one clan is capable of doing it
Have you heard of the Wind Warriors?
They started in India
Master Sanzang noticed them when he was there
By his account...
they had thousands of followers
And took them to Heaven's border
A transcendent experience...
But achieved through sorcery
Their spells can play with the mind
They can manipulate behavior
Manipulate behavior?
If that's true...
The dragon we saw...
Once they'd been hypnotized...
Everything they saw was an illusion
Where does this lead?
To the attendants' quarters
Come
The sorcery will lose its power
The one who faked the dragon and killed the magicians...
also hid Huan Tian
All three things had to be done...
while the spell was still effective
It happened in the west corridor,
where there's a shortcut to the attendants' quarters
They manage the Imperial carriages
Where are the carriages parked?
General Huo
What brings you here so late?
We're investigating the incident
Dee...
What makes you think they came this way?
That's His Majesty's carriage
Don't touch it!
Let's see what's inside
Come on!
All right...
Step aside
Sir!
If the culprit wanted to escape the palace...
the South Corridor is the quickest way
My guess...
They need you to cover their escape,
So they "borrowed" your face and weapon
Impersonating you made the getaway possible,
and the carriage...
makes the perfect hiding place
A hiding place?
Their Majesties often leave the palace
Maybe they wanted to get something
Her Majesty frequently goes out
There's something on the carriage floor! See what it is!
Quick!
Ding Xun...
Wait a moment
Watch for poison!
Huan Tian!
The Imperial Advisor!
Advisor, my foot!
Think carefully, Soldier!
What happened...
to the two magicians who died?
Smoke Volant's bones were broken
And Night Ghost was burned alive
Two horrible deaths
We'll need to confirm if someone died, and who it was
Huan Tian was dead when his body was hidden here
If they'd finished with him...
why would they still need to hide him?
I'm starting to suspect that these culprits...
were in middle of everything as it all happened
Suggesting Huan Tian was to blame...
was just to distract and deceive us
That means His Majesty...
is still in danger!
Why would they need to mislead us?
Come on...
The culprit was right next to the Emperor
but didn't assassinate him,
so the Emperor wasn't the immediate target
It's too dangerous, here in the palace!
We must move His Majesty to safety
And the Empress?
Dee, are you suggesting...
there's a connection between her and the culprit?
Are you all right?
Dee, what's wrong with you?
Faceless Lord!
Are you there?
I followed your advice,
but the results weren't what you said they'd be!
How do you explain getting everything wrong?
Quiet, you ignorant shrew!
The Golden Dragon moved
A good omen
You'll lead the nation, eventually
Enough of your complaints!
My prediction will come true
Now it's your turn to keep a promise
Restore honor to my name and family!
Madam!
Madam?!
Madam!
Huang Shang...
It's you
Where is the Faceless Lord?
Where are you, Faceless Lord?
Madam!
No one is there
You're talking to yourself
You lie!
He was right in front of me
Faceless Lord!
He was right here!
I just saw him!
Madam...
Faceless Lord!
- The man locked in this dungeon... - This "Faceless Lord"...
he died two years ago
The dungeon's been empty ever since
Faceless Lord, show yourself!
Madam,
Do not worry
I give you my promise
You will be protected
I will keep you safe from danger
Why is Dee Renjie with you?
You...
Madam! Madam!
Back to the Palace, now!
Sir, I suggest not
The Palace isn't safe for you
Her Majesty needs to be elsewhere, for the time being
We will prepare a safer place for her
Sazang Temple
I am Sha Tuo, from the Bureau of Investigations
I'm here to see Master Yuan Ce
It is good that you've come,
but the Master is in seclusion, and not receiving guests
I bring Master Sanzang's token!
This area is a shrine
Beyond this point, do not utter a word
How will I explain why I'm here?
Misunderstanding will make things worse!
All of Man's approaches and plans come down to knowledge...
and knowledge has no boundaries here
I can see what brings you here from what your mind shows me
Sorcerous possessions have occurred across the nation
Dee Renjie sent you here
to see if I have the power to help you
Your Majesty, you entrusted Dee with the Dragon-Taming Mace,
but what if he turned against us?
Our nation would be helpless against him
Leng Yu's studio is laced with poisons
It's a trap!
The Bureau must have a leader
For public safety, I shall take command of the Bureau
Master Sanzang used to chant that ancient Indian sutra
He was trying to fight its evil powers
Now, Master Sanzang has passed on
And the only way to defeat this evil sorcery...
lies in the hands of his disciple, Yuan Ce
Find him at Sanzang Temple
Ask for his mercy and his help
Once again, the lust for power has lethal consequences
Salvation lies in repentance
All of these powerful feelings... And yet, so many in conflict...
I shouldn't intervene until I understand more
You should leave now
The Bureau
Master Dee, you're back!
Come over here
Master Dee...
If you spot the Emperor, no need to run and greet him
Follow my orders, and receive them here
We need absolute secrecy
Yes, Sir
Your... Come this way
Dee!
Was that...?
No hint that Their Majesties are here
Over here
What did Master Yuan Ce say?
He's in seclusion and won't come.
But there's a letter, from a giant ape
Here it is
What is that?
Sanskrit
It's the Daluo Longjie Sutra, from India
Could this sutra...
help us counter the sorcery?
You were sick again?
Dee, how powerful are the Wind Warriors?
They fought entire armies while building the Dynasty
Our Bureau can't compare to them
Without Yuan Ce's help,
we're facing certain defeat
Then we must find a way to enlist him for our cause
Hell is full of suffering souls, so enlightenment must wait
Hell is full of suffering souls...
so enlightenment must wait
Master Yuan Ce!
Hell is full of suffering souls, so enlightenment must wait
If I don't enter hell, who will?
Report!
The Empress has regained her sanity,
and we await your command
Our clansmen are gathering...
to ready for your orders!
My Lord...
The Emperor and Empress have left the palace
All seems normal in the palace,
but the Bureau of Investigations is heavily guarded
Dee Renjie! What a buffoon!
It's too obvious!
Well said!
The riskiest place...
is the safest place to hide!
Dee Renjie is devious, though
His priority is to protect the Emperor,
so wherever Dee goes...
we'll be sure to find the Emperor
Just make sure he's in the Bureau tonight
If he is, sneak inside...
And kill the Emperor as soon as you find him!
My Lord...
Our final victory is at hand
Thousands of our loyal disciples...
will finally see the light!
My Lord,
once this weapon locks into position, like onto someone's head...
it can't be moved!
Dee, stay calm
You don't look well, you need more rest
Master Sanzang said,
"Hell is full of suffering souls, so enlightenment must wait"
That means...
Fighting for justice in this demonic world...
is more important than attaining enlightenment
Master Yuan Ce has great talents,
but seclusion isn't the way out
It's been ten years
The path to Buddhahood...
actually lies in bringing aid to the people suffering all around us
The Wind Warriors threaten us with disaster
Hell is at hand
This is the moment where he should intervene
I have to find him myself
You need more rest
Who else can make the trip?
In that case,
I have a recommendation for you
There's one...
one person,
someone very quick
and skilled at creating illusions
Someone who'd get the job done fast
This would be the female assassin you've just saved?
She's going to help the Bureau?
Water Moon, may I come in?
No, I'm getting changed
It's an urgent matter
Please, let me in
I'll keep my eyes closed
Last night, something went missing from the Bureau
I assume you took it
What?
You assume?
Open your eyes!
You're fully dressed!
Who said I wasn't?
All right!
Enter!
Search the premises!
Stop! What are you looking for?
What went missing?
You know very well
Officer Sha Tuo...
Take her
I'm telling you...
I've taken nothing
I realize you no longer consider me a friend
But I don't like being in debt to anyone
The next time you need me,
I'll be there for you
And I'll always think of you as a friend
Move!
This was all my idea
We meant no offense, please forgive us
Now I, Dee Renjie,
on behalf of the Bureau,
officially ask your kind assistance, Ma'am
Not my face!
Please come back and help us
This is the sutra sent by Master Yuan Ce
The Daluo Longxie Sutra
Now. Let us all...
start to recite it
Be on your guard! Prepare to fight!
Yes, Sir
Dee...
You think this sutra will really help us?
It'll help us defend ourselves
To win, though, we need to be flexible
The Bureau
Now I understand
how powerful the Dragon-Taming Mace really is
Your nickname is Huai Ying...
May I call you Huai Ying?
It's late and you need to rest, but...
I owe you so much
Your Majesty, this isn't appropriate
Whatever... this is, let's discuss it tomorrow
Forget protocol!
Do you share my feelings?
Impatient?
Restless?
I just learned...
the Faceless Lord was a Wind Warrior
He gave himself up to save his people
He was detained as a hostage,
But the Wind Warriors...
the Imperial army slaughtered them
No quarter, no mercy
They were almost annihilated
Thirty years went by,
But their hatred, their resentment...
it had no end
Huai Ying...
You're so intelligent
It's one reason why I adore you
The nights are long
I can't sleep, so...
I've come to declare my love for you
In my opinion...
Your Majesty is here for the Dragon-Taming Mace, correct?
And this time, it's the real one!
Whether real or fake,
You can find out on your own
You won't strike me with it, will you?
What's that?
The anti-sorcery sutra!
How dare you impersonate Her Majesty!
The Iron Snow blade!
I believe it was used to remove the dragon's head
So, the Mace's sound counter-balances her sorcery!
Show me who you really are
Dee Renjie...
You saw through my ruse,
But I saw through your mind
You defended the Bureau,
Which means the Emperor is here
Fire!
Bring water!
The dynasty must fall!
Get away!
The dynasty must fall!
The dynasty must fall!!
I can't see it! Where'd it go?
Hurry!
Master...
How can we fight that?
This is our last stand!
You think Water Moon has reached Sanzang Temple yet?
Sazang Temple
Master Yuan Ce!
Where are you?
Damn it...
The fog puts us at a disadvantage
Master Dee...
I hear you're suffering from a nervous affliction
Can it be cured?
It comes from a demon in my mind
The first thing to do is kill that demon
ls everything ready?
Just as you commanded
What is that?
Stay alert up there!
Everyone on full alert!
Be prepared
Release the net!
Master...
Chant the sutra
I haven't chanted yet!
Who has the sutra with him?
Thank you!
The sutra is working!
Who was caught up in that giant hand?
Shu Huan! Quick, he's still there!
Shu Huan, are you hurt?
Wake up!
Regroup!
Quick! Rescue the wounded from the yard!
Protect the front line... prepare to fight!
Sir!
Master, we can't hold the battlements!
Distract them!
Sir!
Send the signal!
You leave first! Go now!
Master...
Quick!
Send the signal!
Charge!
Sorcery! Chant the sutra!
Sir!
Loose!
The sorcery is fooling them!
This is our last chance
Great!
This is it
We have to risk it
You just casually hid the Mace here?
Stop!
Golden Guard! Stop!
Stop!
Everyone, stop! Those are our people!
We've finally beaten their sorcery!
The back courtyard is burning to the ground!
The Emperor!
Protect him!
Sir!
I'll go
Move!
Yi An! Defend Master Dee!
Yes!
You're trapped!
The Emperor and Empress...
they were never here
The two who arrived here
in that Imperial carriage...
weren't the Royal couple
We faked it!
You tried to trick me?
I have no time for tricks
Dee Renjie,
this game between you and me...
is finally over
Clan leader, hate's poison infects us all,
But a great man knows how to forgive
It's forgiveness that defines his greatness
Why do you use your ancestors' hatred
to plunge this new world into chaos?
We were victims of a power struggle,
And you will be, too!
You're wrong
Our clash today
may not have the outcome you expect
You underestimate my powers, Dee
You really think your sutra...
is stronger than my sorcery?
How is he doing that?
All his "sorcery" is trickery
Remember,
protect the Dragon-Taming Mace at all costs
Dee Renjie, look upon these events! I want you to see it clearly.
Don't torture yourself
Kill the unworthy Emperor!
Golden Guard, be ready!
Spread out!
Now you're trapped! Do your worst!
Dee!
Master Dee!
Sha Tuo!
Master Dee!
From the left!
All right?
Yuchi!
Take this!
The Tang Dynasty must fall!
Kill him! Out of my way!
Looking for trouble? Come here!
I'm back
You're not hurt that badly
Any later, and I would've been gone!
Master Yuan Ce!
You can't stop this now
The hatred is endless
Once you release that demon,
it's always with you
There's no escaping it
Ridiculous! Are you trying to control my mind?
This weapon was made to counter mind-control!
Master!
It's a weapon from hell
Once it's locked in position, it can't be moved!
And now, your soul is trapped forever
Any last words? A dying wish?
Speak up!
Life is infinite, and precious
Why would we allow hatred to contaminate it?
You will regret killing me
Fine words,
but they won't keep you from dying!
Inner demons urge us to kill...
Expel them from our hearts,
and the weapon will fall open
Inner demons urge us to kill...
Expel them from our hearts,
and the weapon will fall open
Inner demons urge us to kill...
Expel them from our hearts,
and the weapon will fall open
The hatred is endless
with no room for regret
Expel the demon, the urge to kill
Hell is full of suffering souls,
so enlightenment must wait
I'm sorry I wasn't here earlier
Forgive me for being late
Please forgive me
And please, accept my respect
Your Majesty, the Bureau's battle is over
Your Majesty may return to the palace
Valiant fighters, you battled bravely
Empress, we can return home
Sorcery manipulated my mind
From now on, these sutras
will help keep my mind clear
This statue of Guan Yin...
resembles Your Majesty
It was crafted by a palace carpenter
The resemblance is... coincidental
The Faceless Lord's ghost is still here,
so the case is not yet closed
The Empress thinks she's a Bodhisattva
Her ambition to rule the nation is clear to everyone now
From now on...
the Mace, the Golden Guard, the Bureau...
everyone must be ready
Another power struggle is coming!
A statue of the goddess Guan Yin was installed in the city of Luoyang
One year after that...
Empress Wu declared herself the sole ruler,
and changed the dynastic name from "Tang" to "Zhou"
Sazang Temple
Master Yuan Ce!
It's the Wind Warriors!
Where have you hidden Master Yuan Ce?
He's not hidden...
he told us to kneel here
So you actually are Master Yuan Ce!