01x23 - Episode 23

[bunniefuu]

♪ Your silhouette in the twilight's glow ♪

♪ Awakens like snow, delicate and cold ♪

♪ Within your gaze,

countless destinies intertwine ♪

♪ A lifetime, a world of illusion

of just one person ♪

♪ As moonlight shimmers ♪

♪ Falling petals rest in my palm,

it's your sacred promise ♪

♪ Cultivating amidst the fleeting time

of this mortal world ♪

♪ To be as one, inseparable,

like a shadow in rhyme ♪

♪ Grant me a lifetime

of enchanting sights ♪

♪ I defy fate, turning it around ♪

♪ Fearless of heavenly decree ♪

♪ It is the courage

that blooms for you, profound ♪

♪ Unafraid of the destined trials ♪

♪ I only wish to make a vow with you ♪

♪ Like our initial encounter

etched deep within my heart ♪

=The Longest Promise=

(Adapted from "Zhu Yan" by Cang Yue)

=The Longest Promise=

(Adapted from "Zhu Yan" by Cang Yue)

=The Longest Promise=

=Episode 23=

Master is not coming.

Now, you're gone too.

I'm the only one left here.

How can I bear to leave you alone?

The truth is, I know

why you're going to Huotu Tribe

to marry.

Until the day you're free

without any worldly burdens,

I will come to you.

I want to tell you

that you're the one

who made me wait for two hundred years.

(But)

(now the God of Dragon has awakened,)

(and my whereabouts

have also been exposed.)

(I absolutely cannot)

(let you fall into

the same predicament and danger)

(like two hundred years ago.)

After I guide the Sea Emperor

on the right path,

the enmity between the two clans

will no longer exist between us.

Then no one can hurt you anymore.

And no one

can stop us from being together anymore.

Yao Yi,

wait for me.

(Crimson Residence)

When you returned last night,

you have been holding this map.

You continue studying it

when you woke up today.

I can tell

this is the latest map.

How can you tell?

My town folks told me

(Relay Station)

that this relay station is under construction.

And it's already marked on this map.

(This map marks the Huotu Tribe's)

(main roads at each checkpoint)

(Huotu Tribe)

(so meticulously.)

(It seems someone

prepared this just for me.)

(No.)

(I must be dreaming.)

(It can't be Yuan.)

Where are Xueying and Qing g*ng?

Princess Xueying and General Qing

went back early this morning.

I suppose General Qing

left this map to you.

(With Qing g*ng's upright character,)

(how could he possibly notice)

(what's on my mind?)

(Never mind that.)

(Who cares where this map is from?)

(I'll use it first.)

Maybe he did.

Since I'm marrying into the Huotu Tribe,

I should study more about it.

That's right.

We're leaving in two days.

Young Lady,

are you really not taking

this jade flute with you?

Father.

Mother.

I've been a willful child.

I often cause trouble

and make both of you worry.

I shall never forget

your upbringing.

I'll be setting off

on a long and arduous journey

without knowing when I can return.

I won't be able to fulfill my duty

as a daughter.

I can only hope

I can be your daughter again

in the next life

and be a good daughter.

So both of you

can enjoy the happiness of family life.

(Crimson Residence)

I cut off my hair to return it to you

for the kindness of your upbringing.

After this goodbye,

we'll be separated.

Yan'er,

don't ever say that.

It's not like we're not seeing

each other anymore.

You may be married.

But you can still

come home and visit your family.

As long as you're willing,

you can come home

every several months.

Yan'er,

I made some arrangements for you.

I won't let you suffer

in Huotu Tribe.

This is the wedding escort

I've selected especially for you.

Among them

are those who watched you grow up.

They'll be faithful to you

and keep you safe.

And these

food and clothing.

I've also prepared them for you.

In the future

In the future, I will send you more

I want you to live the life

you have in Extreme Wind City.

Father.

Mother.

Promise me

that no matter what happens

in the future,

you must live well.

Mother has bad knees.

Remember to burn wormwood.

Father, don't be angry all the time.

I still prefer to see you smile.

I'll laugh often.

Yes.

Today is the big day of Yan'er.

Didn't we agree

to be happy?

Yes, be happy.

Don't worry about us.

We'll be fine.

As for you,

without your father and me

by your side,

you have to take care of yourself.

There, there.

Stop crying.

This is a good thing.

Marrying her off is a good thing.

(Salang Eagle,)

(I hope that in the future,)

(I can fly as high as you,)

(soaring in the sky.)

The Huotu Tribe

welcomes Princess Zhu Yan!

Good day, Your Highness.

Everyone, please rise.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Highness had a long journey.

We've prepared everything you need.

Please enter the tent and get some rest.

This is my son, Ke'erke.

It's an honor for Ke'erke to be able

to marry Your Highness.

Greetings, Your Highness.

(He's a fine-looking man)

(and somewhat heroic.)

(It's a pity I don't like him.)

I, the Principal Sorcerer

of the Huotu Tribe,

greet Your Highness.

(These people may appear strong.)

(But none of them is my match.)

(Somehow, I dreaded)

(this Principal Sorcerer.)

(I have to test his magical techniques.)

Please enter the tent to rest

for a few days

while waiting for the auspicious day.

Thank you, Great Consort.

This way, please.

(The Principal Sorcerer's skills

are just common.)

Yu.

Yu,

what are you doing?

Your Highness,

I just found out

a grasshopper with a broken leg.

I'm trying to take it back for treatment.

Your hands.

Empty my pencil case

and give it to Prince Shi Yu.

Yes, Your Highness.

Grasshopper bites are not serious.

But it hurts.

Let's put it in the box first, okay?

Put it here.

Thank you, Your Highness.

(I've been hoping

and my hope has come true.)

(The good news

about your safety spreads.)

(Looking back, we've been apart

for a long time.)

(The future is long,

let's have more gatherings.)

(Good news about your safety spreads.)

(I heard your disciple Princess Zhu Yan)

(is about to marry

into the Huotu Tribe.)

(If you descend the mountain

to attend the ceremony,)

(I wonder if you could come

for a visit to Jialan?)

It's getting full.

Ying, it's going to overflow.

(Don't tell me)

(he's rushing to Western Huang

to steal the bride.)

(The calmer he appears on the outside,)

(the more restless his heart is.)

(Is he suppressing his frustration?)

Chong Ming.

We'll go right away.

Are you washing my brush?

No.

I'm thirsty.

Yes, I'm parched.

(Borrowing Record, Zhu Yan)

Master.

Do you know what my wish is?

I want to have my name,

Zhu Yan, written in the borrowing record

of all the books here.

Can you finish reading so many books?

I'm going to be here

for a long time

and stay with you forever anyway.

Someday, I'll be able

to finish reading them all.

(Borrowing Record)

How are you enjoying

the food and living arrangements here,

Your Highness?

Great Consort,

you've put in a lot of effort.

By the way,

I heard the Huotu Tribe

has encountered sand demons before.

Is this true?

Your Highness actually knows

about the sand demons?

Indeed, you have vast knowledge.

We had some troubles with them

a few years ago.

But we haven't seen them

for a long time.

Your Highness, you can rest assured.

Then I won't disturb your rest.

I'll take my leave.

Young Lady.

Yufei,

I want to tell you something.

But promise me

that you won't make a fuss after that.

I'm going to run away.

What?

Young Lady,

are you serious?

Yes.

I'm going to play dead and run away.

Before I agreed to marry

into the Huotu Tribe,

I've already made up my mind.

No wonder you agreed

so readily at the time.

Marrying into the Huotu Tribe

was an imperial decree.

Disobeying it would be a grave offense.

I don't want to bring trouble

to the entire Crimson Clan

because of me.

So I can only escape by faking my death.

This way,

I can maintain Father

and Mother's dignity,

and relieve the pressure

by the Azure Clan on the Crimson Clan.

I can also secure my own freedom.

Young Lady, you can't do this.

Yufei, think about it.

I was ordered

to add firewood for Your Highness.

Why does that sound like

Keeper Yuan?

It really is you.

Yuan.

Young Lady,

I'll go and keep watch for you.

Yuan, it's really you.

Yes, it's me.

Yuan, please sit down.

Yuan,

is your injury better now?

Where have you been all this time?

I've been with you all along

during this time.

So

you knew about my plan.

You were the one

who sent the map and nuts.

You still protect me like always.

Everything is ready now.

On your wedding day,

what's your plan?

I can take you away from here

at any time.

No.

I can't accept your help anymore

this time.

Why?

I appreciate your thought.

But defying the decree

and escaping the marriage

is a capital offense.

Whether this plan succeeds or not,

I'll bear the consequences alone.

I can't

and don't want to involve anyone else,

including you.

Yan'er.

Yuan,

all the time,

you've been sharing my worries.

But everyone has setbacks

they must face alone.

This time,

I'm fully prepared.

The First Disciple of Jiuyi Mountain's

Priest of Grand Preceptor

is not just a reputation.

I'll escape safely this time.

Yuan,

please don't get involved

in this matter for my sake anymore.

I know your concerns.

And during this journey,

I've heard many bad things

about the Merfolk marine force.

Yuan,

please don't concern yourself

with me anymore.

Go and attend to your own matters.

(The internal turmoil

in the Merfolk marine force continues.)

(If Elder Jian knows)

(I'm with Yan'er,)

(it'll be bad for Yan'er.)

Yan'er,

you must be careful

in everything you do.

I have found a suitable horse for you.

It's in the nearest stable

to the military barracks.

Also,

the eastern side of the tribe

has strengthened its guard posts.

The defense on the

west side is the weakest.

After you leave,

head west and don't look back.

When you arrived at

Tianchi in the desert,

you'll be out of danger.

The hardship you have to face

is no less than mine.

But I can't even help you.

Yuan,

you have to take care of yourself.

I'll take care of myself.

After I'm done with my tasks,

I'll wander the world with you.

Is that all right?

Hey, the soldier who tends the firewood.

Why are you still inside?

The Great Consort will punish you

for disturbing Her Highness's rest.

Why are you shouting?

What's wrong with adding more firewood?

Can you bear the responsibility

if the Princess is freezing?

Yan'er,

you must take care of yourself.

Wait.

Yuan,

promise me

that we'll both complete

our tasks successfully.

After that, we'll meet somewhere safe.

Okay?

I didn't expect there to be a barrier.

I'm sure it was the Principal Sorcerer

who set this barrier.

As expected, it's a common barrier.

It can only stop nearby herdsmen.

A warmblood horse may be fast.

But it can't run far.

A coldblood horse can travel far.

But it's easily caught up.

Only this horse

is a good horse.

That's hot.

Is this what you eat?

I understand it now.

That barrier

was not to guard against others.

But to trap you.

Who can be so cruel

as to starve this child alive?

I'll go and find something

to eat for you.

If I can,

I'll find a physician

for the child

Then what do you want me to do?

You know this?

(Yuan)

Yuan?

You know Yuan?

Who are you?

(Yu)

Yu

Lady

You're Lady Yu,

the Old Lord's favorite concubine?

I met you when I was little.

It must be because the Old Lord

has passed away

that the Great Consort

can no longer tolerate you.

So she imprisoned

you here and tortured you.

What's the child's name?

Su

(Sumo)

mo.

Sumo.

(If I only bring a little food,)

(it'll only prolong their lives

for a few more days.)

(After I leave,)

(they still have to starve.)

(To save them,)

(unless I get them out of here.)

(But my plan)

(only allows for my escape.)

(I can't even take care of Yufei.)

(How can I bring two people)

(who can't even walk?)

Mother.

You're up.

Who are you?

Don't hurt my mother.

You

(Zuowang Palace)

Does the White King know

that you're here?

No, he doesn't.

I came here secretly.

Is it a task for Consort Qing again?

Your Supreme Majesty, please understand.

I've never been bound

by anyone before.

I only want to serve

the strongest in the world.

According to what you said,

the incident at Nvluo Creek

is you testing the power

of Jiuyi Mountain, then.

I admit my mistake.

I take full responsibility

for my past actions.

But through this incident,

I'm completely devoted.

I've come today to redeem my sins,

to inform you

of Azure Clan's conspiracy.

That day, Consort Qing ordered me

to enter the palace.

I accidentally saw Consort Qing

conspiring with Huotu Tribe envoys.

Your Highness,

Lord Ke'erke's

marriage to Princess Zhu Yan

has already begun preparations.

Please don't worry.

Everything

will go according to your plan.

As for Great Consort Suda,

does she think this marriage

and subsequent arrangements

are all blessings from heaven?

The Great Consort obeys me.

Of course, it'll follow according to plan.

Good, very good.

People say that Azure Clan

is good with Gu.

Actually, they don't know,

the real most powerful Gu insect

isn't poisonous insects,

but people's hearts.

How could those barbarians see through

Your Highness's marvelous strategy?

With time,

Prince Shi Yu

will surely achieve great merits

and firmly sit on the throne.

The most suspicious thing in this matter

is what the envoy

of the Huotu Tribe said.

"With time,

Prince Shi Yu

will surely achieve great merits

and firmly sit on the throne."

Huotu Tribe may be a large tribe

in the borderland region.

But their loyalty

is far from being entrusted

with such an important task.

I hope the clues I provide

can be of help to you.

You're quite clever.

Consort Qing

planted this Principal Sorcerer,

an expert in dark witchcraft

in the Huotu Tribe

as early as five years ago.

This time,

taking advantage

of the Old Lord's death,

the Principal Sorcerer incited

the Great Consort.

Intending to marry off Zhu Yan

to control Western Huang

to carry out treasonous actions.

Consort Qing sent Shi Yu

to suppress the situation

and earn merits for Shi Yu.

They will take action

within these few days.

It turns out everything

has been under your control.

I was just about

to send Shi Ying

to the Huotu Tribe.

It's just up ahead.

Be careful.

This is where I rest.

It's very secluded.

Even if someone discovers your escape,

they won't find their way here.

Here's some food

to fill your stomach.

Let me help you.

Go away!

Go away!

Go away!

Go away!

Go away!

Go away!

Is he all right?

Get up quickly.

You're much older than me.

I can't accept your gesture.

Stay here.

Rest without worry

and wait for my return.

A star rises.

Could it be a sign of my new life?

(Please don't concern yourself

with me anymore.)

(Go and attend to your own matters.)

The Evil Star has already risen.

If the Sea Emperor falls into

the hands of those with evil intentions,

both Kongsang and the Merfolk

will be plunged into eternal calamity.

Then I can't feel at ease with you

by my side.

Yao Yi,

you really know me best.

Did you also see

the Evil Star?

I was about to report this to you.

Please allow me to go down

the mountain to investigate.

The fever breaks out,

and the God of Dragon awakens.

It's all indeed an omen.

Judging from the direction,

the Evil Star appeared

in the Huotu Tribe in Western Huang.

The shifting of the celestial bodies

relates to the destiny of Kongsang.

We

cannot just stand idly by.

In this case,

then

there is no need to worry too much.

The prophecy just says

the Sea Emperor would return

with the Evil Star.

But it did not mention his return

will pose any threat to Kongsang.

The defeat and annihilation

of the Merfolk Clan

happened many years ago.

The majority of the merfolks

have learned to live in peace

with the people of Kongsang.

Therefore, it's still uncertain

whether the appearance of the Evil Star

is auspicious or ominous.

We cannot come

to a definite conclusion yet.

Indeed, we cannot come

to a definite conclusion.

However, this prophecy

is deeply ingrained in people's hearts.

There will inevitably be those

who are eager to take advantage.

If they seize on this opportunity,

chaos will ensue in the world.

Your Supreme Majesty,

if the appearance of the Evil Star

is an auspicious omen,

then it heralds a peaceful

and prosperous era.

If it's ominous,

I'll take advantage to eliminate

the newly risen Evil Star at any cost.

You may go.

Yes, Master.

Bai Yan,

the rise of the Evil Star

may be a chance bestowed upon Shi Ying

by heaven.

If you're watching from above,

please bless him to rise to fame.

With the Sea Emperor's return

and the rise of the Merfolk,

I can finally obtain

the Ring of Houtu.

What's the connection

between the Evil Star

and the Ring of Houtu?

In troubled times,

the Houtu will appear.

As long as there is chaos

and calamity in the world,

the Ring of Houtu

will leave the Biluo Sea

and return to Kongsang.

Now that the Evil Star has risen,

it's an opportunity.

I just need to push a little

and stir up the conflict

between the Merfolks and Kongsang.

Chaos in Yunhuang is imminent.

Congratulations, Sage.

However, I've received information

that the Priest of Grand Preceptor

of Jiuyi Mountain

has been investigating your whereabouts.

If you do decide

to make a public appearance,

you must be cautious.

This is the descendant

who's most similar to me.

I suspect he has guessed my identity.

It could be troublesome

if he keeps pestering me.

However, since the Evil Star

has already risen,

his main task is to investigate

the evil force,

allowing me to maneuver.

When he finds me again,

I'll have my own way of dealing with him.

A group of useless people.

A disabled merfolk

and a half-dead child,

and you still let them escape.

Don't just stay there.

Bring them back to me!

If you can't find them,

none of you will live.

Yes, Great Consort.

Great Consort, please calm down.

The current priority

is for Lord Ke'erke and Princess Zhu Yan

to complete their wedding as scheduled.

I will carry out the subsequent plans

on the night of the grand wedding.

Have the materials for the ritual

been prepared?

Great Consort, don't worry.

We've recently caught more merfolks.

Everything is prepared.

(Has the Sea Emperor

already left Huotu Tribe?)

(Why can't I sense)

(his presence at all?)

That's strange.

There is not a single merfolk

here at all.

Excuse me, mister.

When I passed by a few days ago,

I saw some merfolks around here.

But these several days,

why is there none now?

How would I know?

Go and ask someone else.

Rest assured.

I won't tell others.

A few years ago,

the Old Lord was in poor health.

Soldiers of the Huotu Tribe

started hunting merfolks everywhere.

There are not many merfolks here,

to begin with.

I don't know why these two days

more soldiers are on the street.

They captured all the merfolks.

I heard they're being imprisoned

in Guwei City.

Why did they catch the merfolks?

Where is Guwei City?

I'm just a merchant.

How would I know that?

I heard it's quite far.

You should leave.

The soldiers

are still catching merfolks.

Go now.

Guwei City?

Could it be that the Sea Emperor

was taken to Guwei City

and lost my connection with him?

I need to find Guwei City first.

The Evil Star clearly shows

that the Sea Emperor is nearby.

But there isn't

even a single merfolk here.

I'll go check it out.

All right.

Excuse me, mister.

Thank you.

I got something.

They say all the merfolks are locked in

a place called Guwei City.

But no one knows

where Guwei City is.

That's odd.

Who's behind it?

There are many merfolks

in the Huotu Tribe.

Only the one with the highest authority

can imprison them all.

You mean the Huotu Tribe's

Great Consort?

Let's meet her.

Let's go.

Wait a moment.

Are you going to see her now?

Or else?

Have you forgotten

that your student

is getting married here today?

So what?

I'm not meeting her.

If you're going to steal the bride,

I will accompany you to the end.

But if you have to take

her mother-in-law away

on her big day,

don't you think

it's too cruel?

Actually, we can still wait

for a day or two.

No.

Looking for the Sea Emperor

is of utmost importance.

To ruin a happy day,

you better do it yourself.

I'll be looking for some birds

to find out where Guwei City is.

See you later.

God of Fire above,

a feast of good fortune!

♪ How fateful was our encounter ♪

♪ How tragic, destined by fate's decree ♪

♪ How fragile,

like glass and snow's embrace ♪

♪ Love and hate entwined,

indistinguishable ♪

♪ How prophetic, a single word spoken ♪

♪ How transient,

the rise and fall of destiny ♪

♪ How balanced,

each sip and bite, no debts owed ♪

♪ Tears well in eyes

with jade-like brows ♪

♪ The drop of blood in your heart ♪

♪ Has dried into a lock that binds me ♪

♪ Securing my path,

thousands of miles long ♪

♪ Never apart from you ♪

♪ The drop of blood in your heart ♪

♪ Has dried into a lock that binds me ♪

♪ Even if our hearts

and guts are torn apart ♪

♪ Our gazes forever intertwined ♪

♪ The drop of blood in your heart ♪

♪ Has dried into a lock that binds me ♪

♪ Securing my path,

thousands of miles long ♪

♪ Never apart from your side ♪

♪ The drop of blood in your heart ♪

♪ Has dried into a lock that binds me ♪

♪ Even if our hearts

and guts are torn apart ♪

♪ Our gazes forever intertwined ♪

♪ How fateful was our encounter ♪

♪ How tragic, destined by fate's decree ♪