In the final years of the Sui dynasty,
the Court was corrupt, people were suffering, and resentment was widespread,
leading to uprisings across the country.
Among the people was a mad genius
who could connect the past and present,
the Flower Rebellion's leader, Zhishilang,
who vowed to overthrow the Great Sui Dynasty.
Gentleman Attendant at the Palace Gate, Pei Shiju,
received orders to go to the Western Regions
to capture Zhishilang.
Anyone who harbors him will be punished with nine familial exterminations.
The Mo Clan and the Heiyi Clan that led the Western Regions' Five Great Clans,
along with various factions such as guardians, rangers,
and Tocharian mercenaries, each have their own agenda.
Pressure builds... waiting for a spark.
A dog barks in the alleyways.
A rooster crows atop the mulberry trees.
The courtyard is free of dust and clutter.
The empty room has space to spare.
I've long...
What is it again?
A cage.
A bird cage.
I've long lived in a cage.
Now, I return to nature.
Don't look.
Another drink!
Sir, treat me to some meat.
My name is Dao Ma.
Remember it if you can, forget it if you wish.
Names are not important anyway.
The lives you took and the troubles you caused
don't matter either.
What matters is that
the price on your head is 800 coins.
But if you pay me triple that price,
I'll pretend we never met.
Kill him!
Grab your weapons!
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
Six.
Eight.
How is it eight after six?
Seven is me, Dao Ma.
Damn it!
We tracked that prey for two months
just to lose to that guy!
Sir, this way, please.
Here are some raisins.
- Is that swordsman your father? - Yes.
Then why do you call him by his name?
Got any more?
Answer me first.
I'll have my fill first.
DOUBLE-HEADED SNAKE
Have you seen this man?
I haven't.
If you see him, let me know.
The reward's enough for you to survive for two years.
Tomorrow, I'll pray to the goddess Guanyin
to bring this wretch to my inn.
Captain Lin!
Captain Lin, you didn't need to come all the way here.
By the way, look.
I just scraped together another tax payment.
I was about to bring it to you.
I didn't expect you to come personally.
I'll deal with you later!
Ouch.
Goodness, my back.
What a loser.
Why do I have a father like you?
Alai, don't talk about your father like that.
This sword's owner requests your company.
In the first year of the Renshou era
in the campaign against the Turks,
the late Emperor bestowed this Armor-Piercing Blade.
Only after searching for years did I find its original scabbard.
I've personally adorned it with lapis lazuli for you.
Isn't it wonderful to have this precious sword
wielded by a hero of our time?
A gift for me?
It is a good sword.
But does an instrument of death
need to be so beautiful?
Can I trade it for gold?
I have 33 Imperial Marksmen,
invincible in horsemanship and archery across the desert.
But their weakness is close combat.
What they need is a master sword and spear instructor.
With your great talent,
why not join us?
Instead of being a guardian, become an official.
I worked in that system when I was young.
I've seen how dirty it is.
I'm not cut out for it now.
Could an incredible former Left Valiant Cavalry guard
fall so low as to risk his life
for just 800 coins, Dao Ma?
You know me?
When you're escorting goods and collecting bounties,
you are a guardian.
But when you're wandering the world,
you are a bandit.
DAXING COUNTY, JINGZHAO PREFECTURE LEFT VALIANT CAVALRY GUARD DAO MA
Just like me.
I've governed this town for over 30 years.
Bandits think I am the law.
The law sees me as a bandit.
There are too many fools out there.
Only the wise know
how to conceal their power like great dragons.
The winds might change,
but we stand undefeated.
This is something
only people like you and me can understand.
I am not young anymore.
This town that the Jade Emperor's power doesn't even reach
will be all yours.
You'll find what you've been seeking.
What am I seeking?
Time's up, innkeeper.
Since you can't pay the tax,
Fenglai Inn is being seized to recoup outstanding taxes.
Captain Lin.
Please don't, Captain Lin.
Please allow me to see Lord Chang.
Please spare our lives.
You evil scumbag!
Alai!
Please, Captain Lin.
I beg you!
Let me go!
Why aren't you doing anything?
Be quiet.
Go to bed. Lie down.
Go to sleep.
Lie down.
Let me go!
Lock them all up!
Send the men to Yugu to build the Great Wall.
- Don't. - And you will be sold
as entertainment in the barracks!
Go away! Get off!
Get off me!
You're...
the Double-Headed Snake?
You can beat me,
curse me, and humiliate me all you want.
But you can't touch my family.
Go!
Father!
My dear!
Father!
I never thought this little town would have hidden talents.
It actually has many martial arts experts.
This place is trouble. Time to leave.
Xiao Qi, let's go.
Alai gave this to me.
Father!
Lord Chang!
Father!
- My dear! - Father!
Lord Chang, you even want to rob me of this meager reward?
Hero!
Hero, please save my father!
Hero!
There is no hero here.
I'm just a guardian.
I came here to kill your father.
I don't believe
a Left Valiant Cavalry guard
would be so foolish.
The Right Valiant Cavalry guard thought so too.
You may have a room full of treasures,
but I only trust this junk.
What a pity.
You're just another fool.
Let's fight our way out.
My head is worth 8,000 coins.
It's all yours.
Only if you live.
You're only worth 2,800 dead.
His moves are too quick.
Aren't you the Double-Headed Snake?
Has years of living in peace dulled your skills?
My dear!
Father!
Dao Ma!
Your skills are lacking.
Father!
Alai!
Father!
End him now!
Father!
Father.
Father!
I'm sorry.
Father...
Innkeeper, checking out.
The man I'm looking for might have died long ago.
This is a rebellion!
Someone assassinated a Court official!
Don't let him get away!
Shoot!
Ayuya!
The Mojia Village, established a century ago, has remained at peace with the world.
Those who draw blades here
will die!
I don't care who you are.
You lowly wenches are meddling in politics!
Shut your mouth!
My mouth!
Go to the balcony! Best seats guaranteed!
Fine wine and beautiful dancers, guys!
Misha, I'm back!
Want a Mohele doll, Xiao Qi?
Two coins for one.
Misha. Two coins for two, right?
You're so overbearing.
How will you ever find a husband?
Thank you, Ayuya.
You're the prettiest in the Western Regions.
Where did you learn to sweet-talk like that?
More meat for you tonight.
More meat!
Let's go eat.
Dao Ma.
Do children in Chang'an play with Mohele dolls as well?
I heard that during festivals in Chang'an,
women can stay out all night too.
Is that true?
What's Chang'an like?
Kiddo.
I've been away too long.
I don't remember much anymore.
Let's go.
Xiao Qi.
Let's get going.
Come along.
Go, go, go.
Let's go hunt a tiger.
We're here.
We've arrived!
We're home!
Come.
Quick!
Pack up!
How long are we hiding this time?
Three months, at least.
If longer,
maybe two years.
Is it that serious?
I'd better bring this, then.
Bring your poetry scrolls.
Your poetry recitation is a mess.
The poets will haunt us.
Do I have to?
Recite it again.
Where are you going?
It's you, old timer.
When did you get here?
I'm a few thousand short.
I can only wait for things to settle to pay the rest.
Early this morning,
all prefectures, counties, and towns received urgent orders
to bring you to justice.
The reward is 30,000 coins.
You're not the type who'd sell out a friend.
Besides, I've been under your protection for years.
I'll never forget it.
Here's a toast to you.
Since you'll never forget it,
I need your transport service.
Tell me the details.
Help me escort someone to Chang'an.
Are you out of your mind?
Are you scared?
I've caused enough trouble.
I just want to live a few more years.
I am wanted in Chang'an.
Do you need the number one fugitive for this?
You're insane!
Compared to the person you'll escort,
you're only the number two fugitive.
He's the renowned and widely acclaimed leader of the Flower Rebellion,
Lord Zhishilang.
Zhishilang?
Sounds like a know-it-all.
You only care about money.
You really don't know anything.
Lord Zhishilang
is a great Confucian scholar followed by many.
A great Confucian scholar?
What did he do?
COURT OF JUDICIAL REVIEW PROCURATORATE
Nothing more than advocate for the people.
Dao Ma.
For the people's sake,
why don't you...
What the hell do the people have to do with me?
Of course,
you could also choose to run forever.
But have you thought
about him?
Your debts will be wiped clean.
Take this gold
for expenses.
We are brothers. Why talk about these things?
It's for the people's sake, right?
Sir.
This is the one I often spoke of, Dao Ma.
What is up with this look?
What's the matter?
Can't show your face?
I'll be troubling you, sir.
Let me make this clear.
I'm just a guardian.
You're just the living cargo.
On the road, you listen to me.
If you get hurt or killed,
that's not on me.
Understood?
Father!
Dao Ma.
You're going to Chang'an too?
What a coincidence.
Chief Mo, what's going on?
What's going on?
What's up?
That's enough. Go on.
What is it?
She's been wanting to see Chang'an for years.
You know that.
Since she's no longer engaged,
take her along to broaden her horizons.
Are you fucking thinking straight?
This is a very dangerous trip! And you're giving me two deadweights?
Who's a deadweight?
If it wasn't for me yesterday, you'd be a porcupine full of arrows.
Want to have a race?
See who gets to Chang'an first.
It's getting late. You should get going.
Endure things a bit.
Don't go flipping tables.
After this is done, let's have another drink.
Take care.
We're off!
On the fourth day of April as peach blossoms bloom,
Mr. Zhishilang swears on the flowers to rally warriors across the realm
to revolt against Sui in Chang'an.
The Emperor issued 12 Iron Blood Decrees for his capture.
Pei Shiju's 3,000 armored soldiers have reached the Western Regions.
The Five Great Clans will fracture.
You must reach Dragon Scale Crossing in three days.
An old friend of mine will meet you there.
All the outlaws
will swarm to hunt you down.
You must be careful.
Remember that.
Remember.
Come over here.
Inspect this.
Something doesn't feel quite right here.
Are all guardians so skittish?
Relax. My father already made arrangements.
Sir.
It's hot enough to make a dog sweat.
Aren't you afraid of heatstroke dressed like that?
Take off your cloak!
They just sold me a leper in the pass. I'm returning him for a refund.
Stay away. You might infect Commandant Chen.
Chief Mo is my father.
Thank you for your help.
If every military officer loved the people like you,
Great Sui would have united all.
I must fucking owe the Mojia Village from a past life.
All right.
Go.
Come on.
It is you, Zhishilang.
I've been waiting here for a while on General Pei's orders.
It really is you, Zhishilang.
Guards!
Bring these bandits back to the camp!
Kill the women and kid.
Greetings from Chen Shijiu,
Flower Rebellion member.
- Greetings! - Greetings!
Please rise.
No need to kneel.
We are all equals.
Now that I have seen you in person,
I can die in peace.
Sir.
I have just one question.
Will there ever be a day
when the nation will be covered in blossoms?
We serve the cause.
We greet death without fear.
We await the flowers' bloom.
Soldiers are coming!
You guys go ahead!
- In April... - Go!
- Quick. Get the horse. - Go.
Go!
Close the gates!
Come on!
Those men took Lord Chang to Zhangye.
He's still alive.
Mother, we should leave while it's chaotic outside.
Where else can we go?
Dao Ma said
with this, we can go to Mojia Village.
Could I trouble you for a drink of water?
Innkeeper.
When did this outsider
leave the inn?
Are you a guardian too?
I met someone from the Central Plains.
He looks like you.
You vermin are still here?
We're talking.
Arrest everyone in here!
To avenge my godfather Lord Chang!
Dao Ma.
Are you good friends?
We once were.
He's the greatest hero I've ever seen.
You must be one too.
What would happen if you met again?
I will watch him
draw his last breath.
You should have told me that Chen Shijiu was on our side.
Sir.
Up until now, we've only had to deal with officials.
Up ahead,
there will be all sorts of characters.
Gourd Valley narrows into a funnel.
If there's an ambush...
I'll turn them into kebabs.
Zhishilang has the support of the people.
Father is a master strategist.
And with you and I working together, a thousand armies can't stop us.
Chen Shijiu is dead.
What?
Ani, you two take the side road.
Kiddo, come with me.
Hold tight.
Sir!
Sir.
He's the most wanted fugitive Zhishilang!
Worth a hundred thousand!
Get him! Seize him!
Sir, wake up! Wake up, sir!
Catch that one!
He's the most wanted fugitive, Zhishilang!
Don't let those thieves steal him!
The reward is 100,000 coins!
I'm Dao Ma!
Dao Ma is here!
I killed your boss, Lord Chang.
Guess there's no glory in catching the second most wanted fugitive.
After them!
Dead weight!
Here, put this on.
Tie it well.
All right.
Wear this.
What is this for?
To protect your kidneys.
Go, Xiao Qi.
He's mine!
You wish!
Let go!
You let go!
Here.
Hey, dummy!
Dummy!
Sir!
Get up, sir!
I can't get up.
I'm full of ambition,
- but my body is weak. - They're coming.
Get on the horse, sir.
No more riding. I can't ride anymore.
A stagecoach!
There's a stagecoach!
Zhishilang doesn't need to ride horses anymore.
I want to ride in a stagecoach!
- I want to ride in a stagecoach! - Sir.
I want to ride in a stagecoach!
What a great Confucian scholar.
I want to ride in a stagecoach!
Can we hitch a ride?
You're a guardian?
Clearly.
You too?
I... I don't need a ride anymore.
I like riding horses.
Zhishilang of the Flower Rebellion?
Let's lay down some rules.
This is my prisoner.
Is that so?
See? Other prisoners don't wear shackles.
Let me go. Let go, Dao Ma.
Be quiet.
See?
Other prisoners are obedient.
Transporting the most wanted fugitive
with a wife and child.
That's a first, I'll tell you that.
A wandering swordsman with an imperial blade.
That's a first for me too.
Have you heard?
A young guardian has returned, who once bathed Jiangdu's brothels in blood.
Apparently, he's not the type to leave loose ends.
I've heard
of a mysterious old guardian who keeps to himself.
For him, everything has a price.
Anything at all.
So what has this man done lately?
How much do you know?
To catch her,
I wandered the Quicksands Canyon for a fortnight.
I just got out the other day.
Do you have anything to tell me?
No.
I get it now.
Young Master, you're clearly not the romantic type.
Why not trade me to this rich and passionate man?
Wouldn't everyone be happy?
Kind sir.
I'm Yan Ziniang from Jiangnan.
I've trained in the soft arts since I was little.
I know how to do things you've never dreamed of.
Want to untie me and give it a try?
Don't worry, miss, I don't want to replace you.
If you wish, I can serve you together.
I won't disappoint you.
For shame!
What's the matter?
Are women from the Western Regions so hypocritical too?
What's wrong with you?
Jerk.
What the hell?
Hypocrite.
We should have brought more men with us.
The closest arrives last.
I've been waiting for you, my father-in-law.
Young Master Heyi, what do you mean?
The engagement is voided.
Our family is unworthy of you.
You're still upset with me?
At 30, I haven't achieved much.
I've let you and my father down.
When I was young, a witch read my future.
She said
I will wear a beautiful crown one day.
And my beloved will adorn the crown with feathers.
By the way, where is Ayuya?
My fellow leaders,
what is the plan for the meeting?
Our five clans are united as one.
We will follow your lead.
My uncle Pei Shiju, Gentleman Attendant at the Palace Gate, drew this map himself.
It is his life's work.
He often reminds me that without the five clans' support,
this map would not exist.
Young General.
Why did you call us here?
His Majesty will travel west to Shandan's Yanzhi Mountain to survey the place.
This could be a blessing for the Western Regions' clans.
Yet the outlaw Zhishilang undermines our efforts.
It appears he takes refuge in your territories.
Let's put it this way.
If Zhishilang cannot be captured,
everyone here, including myself,
may find themselves dead.
I have a suggestion.
Since this is a pressing matter,
to dispel mutual suspicion,
we'll temporarily borrow your tent.
No one leaves until Zhishilang's captured.
If we can weed out his accomplices,
he cannot escape.
Although it's a temporary measure,
as long as His Majesty is pleased,
the five clans may become a vassal state someday
like Tuyuhun and Tiele.
How majestic that would be.
Majestic.
So majestic.
If I refuse,
will your uncle let Great Sui's armored soldiers
raze our village to the ground?
Uncle says
the 1,000 soldiers outside are His Majesty's advance party.
I may use them as I see fit.
General Pei.
No need to be upset.
I hear Zhishilang walks free
with the help of an outlaw named Dao Ma.
I've met a group of elusive, skilled martial artists lately.
With their help, we can take on
even ten swordsmen like Dao Ma.
Enter!
Arahant, leader of the 28 Tocharian Riders.
Why are these inauspicious men here?
I'm going home to get a change of clothes.
Aren't you guys coming?
Think clearly, Father!
Between the Great Desert and Great Sui, don't you know who to side with?
He's right, Father.
Tell Ayuya
her husband misses her!
Stop!
Dao Ma, you won't get away!
Miss, are you all right?
- What the hell? - Here, take it easy.
Don't be afraid.
I'm not afraid.
That will teach you to mess with me.
Rot in hell!
Come.
What have you done?
Fengsan, you'd kill your own brother for a bounty?
Even if my own father stood in my way,
I'd kill him too!
Be the bigger person, Dao Ma!
Spare my life.
I'll retire now.
I'll never meddle with you guys again!
- Scram. - Thank you!
You are...
The Jade-Faced Ghost, Shu.
COURT OF JUDICIAL REVIEW PROCURATORATE
- The woods grow thin, the stream runs dry. - The woods grow thin, the stream runs dry.
- A lone peak rises before the eye. - A lone peak rises before the eye.
Malih, notify our people.
Disaster is imminent.
Close down the place.
The elderly, weak, women, and children must leave.
No entry, exit only at the gates.
Those not afraid to die may stay
to live or die with Mojia Village.
DI TING
We let that piece of trash get away!
Do you know who that sleazebag Dao Ma actually is?
Seems like he and Mojia Village's Chief Mo
have some kind of deal.
Dao Ma
is fucking wanted for deserting the Left Valiant Cavalry!
What unit is that? Never heard of it!
You're a lowly thief, you don't know anything.
Those are the Great Sui's deadliest warriors.
Back in the Battle of Caishi City that brought down the Chen State,
they slaughtered everyone for three days.
Young and old, even the animals.
Back in Jiangnan, kids won't even dare
to make a fuss at night when they're mentioned.
According to you, then,
the Left Valiant Cavalry are elites?
Hell no!
The Left Valiant Cavalry
are just guard dogs of rich courtyards.
They're wild dogs
with no balls!
I'm telling you guys!
No matter how well they do,
if they mishandle even one small matter,
they must...
all die!
I managed to convince some elders to leave.
The rest refuse to go.
They say if you stay, they'll stay.
The Lai, Yuji, and Peiwu Clans
have all allied with Heyi Xuan.
The Sui army on the opposite side is staying put.
Only Arahant and the 28 Tocharian Riders are charging forward.
The ground's too soft. Let's push the carriage.
Shu.
Are you sure this is the right way?
Those guardians slowed us down a lot.
To reach Desert Forest by nightfall tomorrow,
we have to cut across Dark Ox Flats.
What's so funny?
All men are the same.
The more they want something,
the less they're willing to ask for it.
What's this?
That's oil!
What the hell?!
Watch it!
You bastard! If you want to kill him, just do it!
You almost killed me, idiot! You're clueless! What the hell?!
Fugitives are all the same to me.
The number one fugitive Zhishilang and the number two fugitive Dao Ma.
If I turn in both of you,
I become the world's greatest guardian.
Do it.
The Jade-Faced Ghost became the Gray-Faced Ghost.
My father-in-law,
I'm here
to pick up my bride.
Auntie!
Ani!
Let me look at you.
Break it.
I am Madam Yuchi's guest!
This one first,
then this one.
And then...
here.
Sir, swing your big hammer now.
I can't wait all day.
Grim Reaper.
You're constantly following me around, pervert!
I'm done playing!
In the third year of the Kaihuang era, my family was slaughtered.
I refused to be a prisoner.
So I took Ani, whom my brother left behind,
along with the other artisans,
and ran here.
Fortunately, we met Chief Mo.
He gave us
- our lives. - One,
two, three,
four, five, six,
seven...
Seven is me.
Let's find Mommy.
Brother...
Is this popular in Chang'an?
It sounds sad.
I don't like it.
Why do people from Chang'an never talk about the city?
Isn't Chang'an the grandest city in the world?
If I never get to visit it,
then I will have lived in vain.
This Desert Forest is grand.
But what does that matter to the critters beneath the rocks?
Don't pretend to be poor.
Father told me
you used to be a Left Valiant Cavalry Guard.
Power over life and death.
Very impressive.
Is that impressive?
When your loved one dies in front of you,
and you can do nothing...
Do you know how that feels?
You mean
Xiao Qi's mother?
You are a skilled swordsman.
Why didn't you avenge your sister
instead of going to our village?
Lowering yourself
to be a lowly guardian.
A swift blade can't guarantee justice.
You think being a guardian is lowly?
I think it's pretty good.
I earn with my ability.
I eat when I'm hungry, go to bed when I'm sleepy,
and work when I want.
If I don't want to work, they can all piss off.
Not even the gods can tell me what to do.
Fair.
Father annoys me a bit though.
He's so controlling.
If I hadn't begged him,
he wouldn't have let me go to Chang'an.
What's so funny?
Kiddo.
That old geezer
can be annoying indeed.
However, when it comes to you,
I've never seen a father like him.
You wanted to break your engagement,
so he walked barefoot through the desert for days
and didn't hesitate to fall out with Heyi Xuan, whom you hate.
Forget the Five Clan Alliance and the Khan of the Great Desert.
To him,
only you, his only daughter, matters to him.
That's the most important thing in the world.
Father.
Home is still two days away.
Father.
Won't you please put on shoes?
Others can't see us anymore.
We broke your engagement.
We must follow the customs of the Great Desert.
The heavens above
and every single grain of dirt under my feet
bear witness to the gods.
I'll just marry Heyi Xuan, then!
What are you doing?
Now,
you don't need to marry a madman.
The suffering I'm enduring is nothing.
Father.
Always remember.
You are the only thing I need to protect.
When Xiao Qi grows up,
I'm not sure
if I could be as good a father as yours.
Isn't it exhausting acting so serious all the time?
Aren't you tired already?
Drink!
Here.
Auntie.
Those fireworks are beautiful.
Are you doing well?
People yearn
for nothing more than a simple, bustling life.
We're almost there!
Pick up the pace!
The crossing!
We're here!
We're finally here!
Stop!
By order of the new Khan Heyi Xuan, the Four-Clan Alliance
is here to arrest Zhishilang.
Step aside!
What are you doing?
They just want me.
Let me get off.
Sit down!
Stop causing trouble.
Sir, don't!
Ayuya.
Why are you with these bandits?
Your father has agreed to our marriage.
Ayuya.
This is Khan's gift for you.
Father...
My dear daughter.
No need to cry.
Always remember.
You are the only thing I need to protect.
Father!
Beloved, don't be sad.
Your father foolishly associated with scoundrels.
But he found his way back.
He gave his own life
to ensure your bright future as the new Khan's wife.
What a good father.
His head in exchange for a lifetime of wealth.
Blood debt
must be paid in blood.
I won't spare any of you.
To think I treated you bastards as my own kin!
Kneel and beg for forgiveness,
and I'll give you a swift death.
Aside from Zhishilang and Ayuya,
kill the rest!
Die!
Next!
We're even now.
This is my problem.
Don't meddle.
Whether to meddle or not is my problem. And you can't meddle with that!
That really hurts! Stop hitting me!
You owe me again.
I'm going to kill you, bitch.
You're the fucking bitch!
Chief Mo.
I will repay
what I owe you.
Thank you for helping me get rid of these idiots.
Now, we are the only heirs
to the Five Clans.
Kiddo!
Let's go!
Let me go!
Heyi Xuan!
Let go!
Put me down!
- Quick! - Put me down!
Get her inside!
Go inside!
Hold it.
Da Lai!
Xiao Lai!
My sons!
Niuluo!
Wululu!
Where is my Mi'er?
Sirs.
It is all my fault.
I couldn't protect them.
But who would have thought
that those bandits could be so ruthless?
- Get them! - Avenge my son!
After them!
Father!
Save me!
- Father! - Mi'er!
Father!
Don't shoot!
Mi'er is in there!
Chase them down!
Catch them! Save my Mi'er!
Mi'er!
Who are those people?
It's Di Ting and Kui Zhi.
Your old friends?
Are they friend or foe?
It's hard to say.
If they are friends, I can't burden them again.
And if they are foes?
Then our past troubles can't be considered troubles at all.
Great.
Huh? What does that mean?
Dao Ma! What should we do?
Turn left!
Into the sandstorm!
Into the sandstorm?
The sandstorm? We're going to die! No!
Turn left!
Follow them!
What's the rush? Let's wait till the storm passes.
Follow Dao Ma
to find the bastard child.
Stop.
How did
my father die?
The Mo Clan
brought disaster to the Great Desert.
But my dear Xuan was blind to it.
He cant stop thinking about you. What use are you as the Khans wife?
If your father had given up the outlaw
and agreed to the marriage, he'd be alive.
- Your father... - Shut it.
Your father didn't know what was good for him.
He insulted Xuan,
so he couldn't take it anymore and took his head.
This is
the end of the Mo Clan.
Your...
Mo Clan's...
end.
The Mo Clan
hasn't reached its end yet.
Ani!
In our next life, we'll still be best friends!
Miss!
Don't, kiddo.
If you do this, there is no turning back.
Kiddo!
Ani!
Miss!
Keep going after them!
Warriors of the Yuji clan
fear neither heaven nor earth!
Chief!
Yuji!
I am Ayuya of the Mo Clan!
I am the sandstorm!
Protect me!
Kill her!
I knew he was a good man.
Save us, sir!
Please save the child first!
Dao Ma!
I trust you're well.
Let's settle our score.
He doesn't look like he's here to help.
Sir, maybe you shouldn't talk so much.
Heyi Xuan!
Die!
It's been a long time.
Yet your skills haven't improved at all.
You are stronger than me.
But what good is that now?
Either die
or give me the bastard child.
Then we can restore the Left Valiant Cavalry's glory.
Why do you laugh?
To hell with the Left Valiant Cavalry!
We were just puppets for the powerful.
You and I have fallen this low.
Yet you're still defying the heavens?
You speak nonsense.
Let me show you who's defying the heavens!
I'm following the will of the heavens.
Dao Ma, when will you come to your senses?
The one still asleep
is you.
This is the will of the heavens!
Xiao Qi.
Where is Xiao Qi?
Xiao Qi!
Xiao Qi.
Xiao Qi!
Dao Ma!
Xiao Qi!
- Dao Ma! - Xiao Qi, is that you?
Xiao Qi!
- Dao Ma! - Xiao Qi!
I'm over here!
- Dao Ma! - Xiao Qi!
Are you hurt?
Are you good?
Where's everyone else?
Let go!
Aren't you done taking advantage? You're shameless!
See no evil.
Do no evil.
Kiddo.
Ani was just here.
She said Heyi Xuan is taking Ayuya back to Mojia Village.
Ani is going to save her.
She took off on horseback.
Kind sir.
Our journey together
ends here.
What do you mean? You're not taking me to Chang'an?
Chief Mo is dead,
but his request remains.
This bag of gold is more than the Court's reward.
I haven't touched a penny.
From here on out, it's a smooth journey.
I'd say it's a good deal for you.
Why would you think I'd accept it?
I believe the Jade-Faced Ghost is human, after all.
Don't forget,
you're also a guardian.
You're walking into a trap to save Ayuya?
You're already wounded.
It would be a suicide mission.
I'll trouble you to look after Xiao Qi.
What?
Sir.
If you feel I have treated you well,
don't forget to teach the child
some poetry.
Hold on.
I'm the one they want the most.
I can trade myself for Ayuya.
Don't fucking cause trouble.
If we hand you over,
Chief Mo and Chen Shijiu will have died for nothing.
If I can't even save one life,
how can flowers bloom all over the nation?
This place no longer belongs to the Mo Clan
but to me now, Heyi Khan!
- Hail Khan! - Hail Khan!
Kneel to your Khan.
On your knees.
Uncle.
Chief Mo has been executed.
The situation is settled in Mojia Village.
But Heyi Xuan kills so indiscriminately.
As generals of Great Sui, shouldn't we interfere?
Men are born with eyes.
Keeping them open is not a skill.
Knowing when to shut them
is the tricky part.
Let them run wild.
In a few days, this place will become
calm and beautiful.
But Uncle...
Conflict brings destruction.
The winds are changing.
Don't move around.
Do you still remember?
When I was 12,
my two brothers died in battle.
My father was seriously injured
and became bedridden.
I was so afraid.
You gave me these two feathers,
and I vowed to become the greatest man in the Great Desert...
so I could marry you.
But my father was small-minded.
He didn't know your father had already lost his way
and brought disaster to the Great Desert.
Everything I did, I did to protect you!
Don't move!
Let go of her!
Ani.
Ani!
Don't!
Stop!
Ani!
Heyi Xuan!
Ani!
Heyi Xuan...
What did you call me?
Khan.
Dao Ma
has brought Zhishilang.
He wants to see you.
You nervous, sir?
I am good.
Dao Ma, you actually showed up.
Gutsy.
The most wanted man in exchange for Ayuya.
How does that trade sound?
Guards!
Kill him now.
Wait.
If anyone moves, I kill him.
All right.
Do it fast.
Kill him.
Then I'll kill you.
Everyone knows His Majesty wants Zhishilang alive.
Yet you want me to silence him?
Afraid he might spill your treasonous little secret?
With so many eyes watching, if word gets out,
forget about being Khan.
Will the Heyi Clan be slaughtered
- like the Mo Clan... - Shut up!
Brothers.
Don't listen to his slanderous lies.
I'm not convinced you would kill him.
How do you think I became the second most wanted fugitive?
No trade, right?
Sir.
Don't blame me, then.
Wait!
I was confused.
Everyone says Dao Ma loves money.
Name your price.
Let me show you how generous I can be!
I just want the girl.
Ani?
Ani.
Is Mojia Village...
Is Mojia Village still standing?
Yes.
No one can destroy it.
Dao Ma.
Thank you for hand-delivering such a magnificent wedding gift.
It's too bad that you wont live to see the wedding reception.
The auspicious time has come.
I must consummate my marriage.
Arahant.
Show them what I'm capable of!
Brothers, attack!
It's time.
THE PAWN STEPPED INTO THE TRAP
Give the order.
Advance to Yanzhi Mountain.
There's an intense battle at Mojia Village.
You're withdrawing our army.
- Is that... - You may stay.
Do as you wish.
But remember.
Without your armor,
you are just you.
Go!
Attack!
- Yes! - Yes!
- We're surrounded. - Run!
A khan does not slaughter innocents.
Young General Pei?
Crowning me as the Great Desert's Khan was your uncle's promise.
What are you trying to do?
The troops have left for Yanzhi Mountain.
I wear no armor,
so I am just a civilian.
These elderly, weak, women, and children are no threat to you!
In the military tent I was courteous,
but here in my own domain, why should I fear you?
What are you waiting for?
Kill him!
Hurry, kill him.
If you want to get ahead, go!
Whoever brings me his head
will get 100 gold coins!
Heyi Xuan!
Guards! Come here!
Surround them!
Wululu.
Come here.
Come over here.
Your father
and sister followed Heyi Xuan.
Has this madman ever cared about their lives?
Are you blind?
It's time for you to grow up.
Stop.
Arahant!
Is this all you can do?
Kill Dao Ma!
This is your master's order!
My real master just gave orders
for us to withdraw.
Your real master?
But I was the one who hired you.
Before you hired us,
someone paid us more to obey your orders.
How dare you make a fool out of me?
Don't you know that I'm the new Khan?
And don't you know that my master
made you the new Khan?
You mean Pei...
Minister...
Minister Pei?
Even if it were the Lord of Heaven himself, so what?
I am the Khan!
I am the Khan of the Great Desert!
You dare stand against me?
Stand down!
Fine!
My warriors!
Kill them!
Do it!
Dao Ma!
You're really haunting me like a ghost.
It isn't me who haunts you,
but our ten brothers who died for you.
Even though the world is vast,
where could men like us go?
If you follow your heart,
what's there to fear wherever you go?
Act as if I'm already dead.
Leave the child. You can go.
Left Valiant Cavalry guards fighting each other?
Now, this is interesting.
My horse is by the west wall. Go.
How bold, Di Ting! Are you revolting too?
Matters of the Left Valiant Cavalry are of no concern to the Right Valiant Cavalry!
I'll hold them off. Leave!
Back then, your sister Qi
bore this child for the deposed Crown Prince.
His Majesty ordered us to slaughter everyone at Yongning Palace
and end the bloodline.
You fled with this child.
In his fury,
His Majesty had the entire Left Valiant Cavalry guards executed.
Kui Zhi and I were imprisoned, living a life worse than death.
This spring, we received a secret report that the bastard child is still alive.
His Majesty granted me a pardon, allowing me to atone for my crime.
I let you go for the sake of our brotherhood.
I never imagined the price
would be the entire Left Valiant Cavalry.
These were all your brothers!
Return to Chang'an with me.
As long as we hand over this little bastard to His Majesty,
I'm confident I can restore the Left Valiant Cavalry.
Great Sui is so powerful.
A child is no threat.
You know this better than I do.
Is he an ordinary child?
He is my blood too!
No one can touch him!
The Left Valiant Cavalry is gone.
There is no going back.
Have you lost your mind?
After destroying the Chen State,
have you forgotten His Majesty's rewards, the officials' fawning,
and how we were feared by everyone?
The Left Valiant Cavalry's glory was unmatched!
I haven't forgotten.
Behind the glory of the Chen conquest
were thousands of citizens who died because of us.
Just like the Mojia villagers
who died tonight.
What do these peasants have to do with us?
For the greater good,
we can only follow orders.
Follow orders?
Peasants?
What order
is more valuable than human lives?
Come back with me.
Answer to the Court.
Answer to our brothers.
And answer to yourself.
I'm answering to myself right now.
You can't defeat me.
Wululu.
Where's Ayuya?
Wululu.
Get up.
Don't you want to answer for yourself?
Dao Ma!
Will you only give me the little bastard if you die?
Dao Ma.
You don't have to run anymore.
And I... don't have to chase you anymore.
Ayuya!
You gave this to me!
This is a family matter.
I must settle it myself.
Ayuya, help...
Five feathers...
A shining...
crown...
Xiao Qi.
What are you doing?
Spending time with Ani and Chief Mo.
Kiddo.
You really won't go to Chang'an anymore?
Ayuya.
Many armies will try to claim this land.
Why don't you join us?
When I become the queen of the Great Desert,
I will seek your services.
Move out!
I want to be a guardian like you.
But my father wouldn't let me wield weapons.
Your fate is your own.
Take a blade. Ride a horse.
When you grow up, go where you please.
Your father would be proud of you.
Hey, you! Come here.
What do you want?
You're free, Yan Ziniang.
Go wherever you please.
What about you?
I've thought it through.
I don't need to be the world's greatest guardian.
There's someone in Chang'an I must kill.
A man of great power.
Take care, everyone!
Let's go.
I'm going to Chang'an too!
I haven't had enough fun!
On this journey to Chang'an,
more evil figures will appear.
Then I'll kill whoever's in our way!
These miles of dust and sand are all part of our land.
I would gladly kneel before Chang'an for the people's sake.
This land must be returned to the people!
Let's stir up some real trouble!
A sheathed blade
must never be drawn lightly.
Once drawn, it must see blood.
Yan'er.
Letting Zhishilang enter Chang'an
will surely turn the world upside down.
That's when you must draw your blade.
I do not understand.
Am I also just a pawn to you, Uncle?
In the grand scheme of things,
who isn't a pawn in this world?
These two kids
have great martial arts skills.
I wonder who taught them.
I haven't seen moves like that
in the martial arts world in 40 years.
The world belongs to the youngsters.
The youngsters?
Guess you're right.
We done yet?
All right.
If I can't even save one life,
how can flowers bloom all over the nation?
You can't even kill a chicken. How can you save anyone?
If I can exchange myself for Ayuya as him,
then leave the number one fugitive to me.
Deal?
Deal.