Curious Tales of a Temple (2025) Movie Script
As the world has transformative powers
and the sun and moon their brilliance,
and the seasons their orderly progression
so ghosts and spirits can be good or evil.
You think you can scare me without a face?
How was that story?
How daring is that scholar?
He's tough! Not even scared of ghosts!
He's a madman. Ridiculous.
If he hadn't scared off the ghost
it would have got him for sure.
For a scholar, you're quite fun.
You dress like a scholar
in the civil service.
Regretfully
I'm a scholar but my
career is at a dead end.
I... failed the provincial
civil service exams.
So I'll be working for
a friend far from here
as a civil aid to make ends meet.
What's the rush?
Eyes on the road!
There's bandits! They killed two of us!
Turn around now!
Hurry, turn around, go back!
Mama!
Such chaos!
The political situation is still unstable.
Driver, wait!
My friend's military mission is urgent.
I must go help him, I can't turn back.
I'll just keep going on my own.
Driver...
is there somewhere close
where I could sleep?
Not far from here
is Lanruo Temple.
It's a thousand years old.
But after the war broke out
the monks fled. No one is left.
I hear it's haunted by strange creatures.
Strange creatures?
Excellent.
I'll go spend the night there.
If there really are such
spirits, it'll be an experience!
Curious Tales of a Temple
Lanruo Temple
What a great place.
Who's there?
Anyone there?
How odd.
Who'd break into Lanruo Temple after dark?
Hey.
Talking to you.
Are... are you two speaking?
Who else could it possibly be?
This tiny toad and tortoise can speak!
Who you calling a tiny toad and tortoise?!
Am the Most Revered Toad.
That...
Is the Great Master Tortoise.
You keep that in mind!
Keep it in mind!
Settle down, Brother Toad.
We figured you for an educated man.
So we invited you into the well
to give you a task.
So you really are magical creatures!
Joker, listen up!
Do go on.
Our self-cultivation in this well
has gone on for 1000 years already.
We've seen all the changes in the world
and every kind of human drama.
We compete in the telling...
We're the sort...
Us two...
that regrettably
can never stop arguing over one thing.
You see...
We're competing.
Competing?
Yes.
We compete in storytelling.
Story...
Storytelling?
Storytelling.
To see whose stories are more ingenious
and more fully express
the worldly affairs and
passions we've seen.
Of course
my stories are superior.
Hogwash. My stories have no equal.
Wanna try that again?
You see? We'd never agree.
But now an educated man
appears on our doorstep.
We'll tell stories.
You be the judge.
Great! I love hearing stories.
Come, both of you.
Who'll be first?
Me, of course.
No, it has to be me.
You're a toad, Brother Toad.
Why the monkey-like agitation?
So be it. So be it.
You go first.
So the turtle can read the room.
Wow.
We can hear and see the stories!
No big deal.
This well has magical qualities.
The story I'll tell
took place a long, long time ago.
Before Lanruo Temple was built
there was a little village here.
That's no little village!
Shut up!
Dozing on Mt Tangshan,
wandering Immortal Realms.
Respectful greetings, Spiritual Master!
Wang Cheng!
Yes, dear.
I told you to fetch water.
You're useless!
You don't study the classics.
You spend all day
reading dumb books about immortals.
Don't be mad. Once I learn the magic arts
we'll have everything we need, right?
I've heard enough of your claptrap.
Go back to your proper studies.
Scram!
The Master of Shannon
Jin Dynasty
Wait till I know magic.
Why should I give him a free pear?
Tell me.
No money, no pear.
That's so petty.
A thirsty priest asks for a pear.
Exactly. Do the right thing!
A Penny A Pear
I'm a pear seller, not a philanthropist.
What kind of priest is this?
Looks more like a scammer to me.
No means no.
Reverend...
Reverend, I'll buy you a pear.
This gentleman is treating me to a pear.
- So why don't I treat all of you to one too?
- Pears for everyone?
This priest knows what he's doing!
It's fruiting!
Everyone...
help yourself.
It's a real pear.
Reverend!
Reverend!
Move, move.
Hey...
it was my pears you were eating!
My pears!
Reverend!
Reverend!
Reverend!
Reverend!
Reverend!
Why can't I catch up?
Reverend!
Reverend!
Reverend!
Laoshan.
Greetings, Master!
Reverend!
I beg you, Reverend
I mean
Enlightened One!
Let me be your disciple.
Attaining the Way is very demanding.
Can you endure hardship?
Yes.
If I can learn the cosmic arts,
I swear to Heaven,
I'll endure any hardship.
Come with me then.
The Novitiate
From today onwards
you'll go chop firewood with them.
Chop firewood?
Let's go chop firewood.
Shh!
I've been here over a month.
My wife has no idea where I've gone.
This priest hasn't taught me a thing.
All I do is chop wood and hard labor.
Forget it. The Taoist tricked me.
I'll slip away after dark.
Such an intoxicating night.
I prepared good wine and food.
Shall we raise a few cups?
Wonderful.
This way.
Come.
Please.
It's a dark night.
Let me light up a moon.
Amazing!
I'll pour some wine.
Cheers!
What's wine without music and dance?
I'll invite the Moon Goddess
to dance for us, shall 1?
Bravo!
Go!
I dance and dance...
am I back in the mortal realm?
Or still in my lonely prison on the Moon...
my lonely prison on the Moon?
Marvelous!
The Moon Goddess laments her loneliness
but we think only of our drinking.
Why don't we all go to the Moon
and visit her in her palace?
Yes, it'd be rude not to return her visit.
True.
We should visit her.
Master!
Go back and rest up.
Don't miss today's wood chopping.
Okay.
You want to leave?
Master...
I swore I could take the hardship.
But...
I've been here over three months.
I didn't tell my wife that I was leaving.
Please let me return home for a visit
to settle my household affairs.
My wife
has a fierce temperament.
I fear my disappearance
will drive her to the brink.
Well...
True.
Self-cultivation shouldn't harm others.
Go then.
Thank you, Master!
Master...
please teach me one tiny magic art.
Just something to show for this.
Otherwise, she'll never believe
that I was working on myself here.
Please make my dreams come true.
What magic do you wish to learn?
Master, I'm not greedy.
No big magic like the Moon Goddess.
Just teach me Pass-Through-Walls Magic
and I'll be content.
Sure, I can teach you that.
Come.
Yes. I learned the spell.
Now through!
Now through!
Master...
Don't hesitate.
Lower your head and charge.
Now... through!
And through!
I did it!
I've learned Pass-Through-Walls Magic!
I've got the magic!
- I've got the magic!
- Do you remember what I told you?
Yes, Master. Everything.
The magic arts aren't entertainment
or for trickery or crime
or showing off to a crowd.
Goodbye, Master.
Here I go!
Wife, I'm back...
now.
Well, isn't that good of you.
Don't hit me!
So, where have you been?
At Shannon, learning the magic arts.
Magic arts?
Yes, magic arts.
Is that so?
That's so big!
- Learning the magic arts you say?
- I'm not lying, I swear.
You'll pay for this.
I really know them.
Real magic arts.
Wife...
I'm not lying.
I really can do magic.
Really?
Here, I'll prove it to you.
Laoshan...
you've heard of it, right?
Realm of the Immortals.
And I, Wang Cheng
learned the magic art of
Passing Through Walls.
Ladies and gents...
Watch closely.
And through!
What went wrong?
Should I go harder?
It's okay, forget it.
Don't wait - break through!
Once more.
- And through!
- I believe you! Don't do it!
Wang Cheng!
Wang Cheng!
Stop laughing at him.
Hurry, help!
Quick, pull him up.
The images on this water
screen are incredible.
How did you do that?
This well is a thousand years old.
It holds visions of past and future.
But
without my extraordinary powers
you couldn't operate this water screen
and produce the effects
that let you see my magnificent story.
Brother Toad...
the Water Curtain effect is impressive.
But is your story so impressive?
What?
Isn't it the mark of a poor story
to need such an array of special effects?
Is my story no good?
It's good, really good.
What did you like about it?
Wang is a great character.
Lukewarm praise.
No, he really is great.
There's something special about him.
Tired of life's limitations,
he seeks the Way of the Immortals.
Sadly, he learns one little thing,
gets puffed up with pride and tries
to dazzle the villagers.
In the end
he's just a greedy ignoramus
with dreams empty as flowers
in a mirror or the moon in a pond.
It's a melancholy tale.
Dreams
are not all empty.
Come.
I'll tell the story of a dream.
Another few centuries pass.
It's now the time of
the Great Tang dynasty.
Next to this well, there's the newly built
Lanruo Temple.
Princess Lotus
Tang Dynasty
Monk Sir paints so well!
See, even the bees are coming.
This painting is called
"Racing home over flowers, hooves fragrant"
Art is form and soul;
your heart holds the key.
That's painting.
If you give it body
and soul
it will have
the immortal spark.
Understand?
None of you?
You - Du X.
Do you understand?
"Your heart holds the key"
You said that the immortal spark
needs a change of heart.
Ow!
needs to move your heart?
None of you get it!
Keep painting!
Continue painting "Spring
Moon over the River".
Today's topic comes from the line
"Who did the moon first espy?"
Give me that!
"A sword in his heart,
the hero travels far and wide."
I told you to paint "Spring
Moon Over the River".
What is this?
Monk Sir, the poem and
painting are good, right?
There's even "heart" in the poem!
Pretty good?
There's even "heart" in the poem?
Monk Sir... your painting!
You little good-for-nothing!
Bad painting and doggerel.
Stop there.
When I catch you
you'll copy the whole poem 300 times.
Fly away.
Fly away.
Three hundred times.
"Adrift like clouds, full of yearning"
Where am I?
Master Du.
The lady of the house welcomes you.
Who's the lady of the house?
You'll see when you get there.
This way.
After you, Master Du.
So you're Du X.
Yes, I'm Du X.
I hear
that of all Lanruo Temple's young painters
you're the best.
Really?
But the teacher always scolds me
saying my work lacks the immortal spark.
But...
I've also heard
you have great literary talent.
Literary talent?
Since you are so talented,
I wonder if you might
tutor my little girl in poetry and art.
[, I... I can't.
I'm not that good.
Lotus...
from today on
under Master Du
you'll apply yourself to poetry and art.
No more slacking off.
Yes, I understand.
Master Du...
what do you think?
Sure, sure.
Why are you sighing?
I can't recite the poem
the Scholar gave me.
He's punishing me.
What poem is that?
"Spring Moon Over the River".
That one again.
I don't know it either.
I thought you could recite all the poems.
I have to tell you
that my poems and paintings
aren't really that great.
My best were those two lines
from my
joke of a poem.
"A sword in his heart,
the hero travels far and wide."
I'll teach you a trick.
"Who first saw the moon?"
"Who did the moon first espy?"
I'd rather be playing.
So...
let's not do the homework.
Let's go out to play.
We can do that?
Are you afraid of heights?
No.
Great.
Put these on and you can fly.
Let's go.
I don't think I can fly.
I'll take you.
Look, it's the princess!
Hello everyone!
Princess!
The Festival of Flowers is coming up.
They're rehearsing the ceremonial dance.
This is so great!
Dance with me!
I really envy you
being able to fly like that.
The people of the city
really adore you as well.
Being a princess
is a lot of responsibility.
In the future I want to be
like my mother...
a capable, diligent queen.
Are they dancing too?
Them?
They're telling the honey store
to deliver more honey.
How magical!
It's true.
Look.
This movement means
"follow me".
This is east.
This is west.
Actually, when we're in class
we do it this way.
See... what's this?
W tare.
And this?
It's a flower.
It's that easy?
Here's another.
Look at this.
Swallow...
breeze...
Wrong.
Then what is it?
You can't guess?
It's called
"Commanding Young Hero".
Some "Young Hero"!
Show-off.
Okay.
Now you guess.
This is called
"Flower like Fairy Girl".
You call yourself a fairy.
You're cheeky.
I learn that from you...
Teacher!
Everyone here can fly so freely.
It's great.
Come.
You just need to practice
and keep your balance.
I can fly!
Du X!
So it was just a dream.
So sweet.
If it was just a dream
how did it feel so real?
Don't move.
Monk Sir!
Nicely painted.
Monk Sir!
This one
is good.
It has a touch of the immortal spark.
But don't get too prideful.
How did you do it?
Tell us.
[...
I had the image in my mind
and my hand painted it.
That's exactly it.
You see.
He looks at him
but what he paints is her.
Du X's mental image of her
is the authentic her!
This is what I've been telling you.
Art is form and soul;
your heart holds the key.
Your heart.
Do you get it now?
When will I be able to see Lotus again?
Lotus?
Lotus!
"For whom does the moon on the river wait?"
I see the Yangtze flowing past.
Not bad!
Lotus!
What progress!
I'm going to tell your mother.
This will make her so happy.
Thank you, Scholar Sir.
Du X, are you okay?
I was so worried.
By the way
today is the Flower Festival.
There's fireworks!
Really?
Here.
Lotus, I have a gift for you.
A gift?
It's me!
It looks just like me!
You've shown me so much fun.
It's a thank-you gift.
It's me who should thank you.
In fact
I had my mother find you.
What's wrong with the sky?
It's the Black Demon again!
It's heading for the palace!
Mother!
Soldiers...
Protect Celandine's people!
Mother!
Mother!
Master Du...
please take Lotus
somewhere safe.
I won't go, Mother.
I want to be with you.
Mother!
The Black Demon has invaded.
Soldiers...
follow me into battle!
Mother!
Attack!
Lotus!
Mother!
Lotus!
Lotus!
The portrait!
Lotus!
You're Lotus!
You want me to follow you...
right?
You little nobody.
You dare to fight me?
Du X!
Lotus?
So if you have a childlike heart
your innocence
can turn dreams into reality.
Mine's better.
Mine's better.
Mine is!
Mine is!
Scholar...
hurry and settle this
or I'll make a meal of you.
Don't worry.
Just tell it straight.
I think that both your stories
are exceptional.
It's impossible to choose.
I can't stand a fence-sitter.
If you won't pick a winner
we've no more use for you here.
Please, gentlemen, let me finish.
You worked hard polishing these stories
and came prepared.
But
the themes were different.
To declare a winner
is a really hard call.
How about
I propose a theme?
Since the last story was about love
let's choose the theme of love.
Both of you will tell a story.
Improvisation is a real test of talent.
I'm sure that after that
I'll be able to make a fair call.
Sure.
Another round then.
This time
I'm going to tell
a love story between a man and a ghost.
Stop, stop, stop!
Someone tell me
what this glowing thing is.
It's the future.
The future?
Correct.
I'm going to tell you
a story that is set
in the future.
The Republic
The Republic
No entry. The station is closed.
Warlords battle it out - what hope for
China? Why is this station closed off?
Warlords battle it out - what hope for China?
Is it even allowing people to go to Peiping?
Warlords battle it out - what hope for
China? Will the train to Peiping ever arrive?
Will the train to Peiping ever arrive?
Military use only.
Everyone else clear out.
Clear out!
Let me pass.
This train isn't going either.
Where can we go in this rain?
Nie Xiaoqian
Out of the way.
Grow some eyes.
Lanruo Hotel
Anyone here?
I need a room.
Where the hell are they?
Such a run-down place.
So dark and creepy.
You in business, or what?
This hotel
wouldn't suit you.
How can that be?
No way is this flea trap full.
Is everyone staying here poor like you?
We're all staying here.
No need to be so rude.
- You telling me off?
- Calm down!
The war means no trains to Peiping.
And it's raining.
I'd just like to stay a night.
But if there really are no rooms...
There's rooms.
You shouldn't stay.
Studies in Western Medicine
Hope
Anyone there?
Who is it?
Sir!
Sir, open the door!
Who are you looking for?
Sir, save me!
There's a thug after me!
Sir...
Sir...
save me!
Don't be afraid.
What happened?
I'm a guest at Lanruo Inn.
A thug keeps harassing me.
This evening
he even tried to grab me.
There's no one out there.
He'd be hiding in some dark corner.
Sir...
may I stay the night?
Stay...
of course it's possible
but for a man and a woman... I fear...
No problem.
I'm sure you're a good person.
Miss, you...
Miss...
what are these wounds on your back?
Miss, don't move.
This is a tincture I made myself.
It's very effective for healing.
Let me put some on you.
All done.
This is for you.
Apply it often over a few days.
It's late. I should go.
What about that thug?
He should be gone by now.
I worry about my gran.
I should get back.
I'll walk you there.
No need.
Seeing me with a stranger, she'd get mad.
What's your name?
Ning Caichen.
I'm Xiaoqian.
Nie Xiaoqian
Xiaoqian.
Go away!
The station is still closed.
Lanruo East Station
The station is still closed.
Lanruo East Station
Lanruo Hotel
What happened?
Such sudden death!? Call the police!
The police?
Think you can find
police in times like this?
I'll get someone to collect the bodies.
They were alive just yesterday.
A powerful demon snatched their souls.
A powerful demon?
Impossible.
No such thing as demons.
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian...
something terrible happened.
Two other guests from yesterday are dead.
That big bearded guy said
they were killed by demons.
Whether demons or just bad people,
I think this Lanruo Inn
is a sketchy place.
Xiaoqian...
you should run away too.
Young sir...
I have to tell you something.
Please come with me.
I won't lie to you.
I live down this well.
You live here?
Actually, I...
I'm not human.
I'm a ghost.
You have no reflection!
I come from Jinling.
An official's daughter.
While passing Lanruo Temple,
I fell ill and died.
Nie XiaoqianLies Here
Nie XiaoqianLies Here
My father buried my ashes at the temple.
Nie XiaoqianLies Here
Nie XiaoqianLies Here
Who'd imagine
Nie XiaoqianLies Here
that I'd end up controlled by a Night Demon
who'd make me capture
the souls of guests at the inn
to enhance her power.
I tried to warn people
but they all...
When I resisted
she just beat me even more cruelly.
So those wounds...
Last night I came to harm you
but you were such a good man
I...
Xiaoqian...
even if you are a ghost
can I help you?
I know you mean well
but the demon's power is enormous.
One wrong step and I'm afraid...
Evil can't crush good. I'm not afraid.
Xiaoqian...
tell me what I should do.
Thank you.
Last night I didn't kill you.
But Gran has her eyes on you.
You won't get away.
Tonight, no matter what
you need to find a way
to stay the night with Big Beard.
The big bearded guy?
Yes.
He only came recently to Lanruo Inn
but I can tell he has special abilities.
If you stay with him
tonight you'll be safe.
Survive the night, then we'll work it out.
What?
[...
you see
the moment I saw you
I felt a real connection.
I've got something for us to drink.
Come in then.
Come!
You're such a bookish type
But you're big-heated too.
I want to go to Peiping
to study Western medicine
and save people's lives.
The people of this world
suffer far too much.
Drunk already?
Watch my form.
Damned thing!
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian!
Young sir, I'm so relieved you're okay.
The Night Demon came just now.
Big Beard is chasing it.
Let's get away.
So evil, chaining you like that.
It's Granny!
Hide yourself.
Don't let her see you.
Hold your breath. Hurry.
I didn't think this little place
would host such a skillful type.
Granny, you're injured.
Xiaoqian...
we need to get away, quick.
We'll go somewhere new
and find more people for me to eat.
The smell of the living?
Granny...
I'm buried at Lanruo Temple.
I won't go anywhere else.
What?
Asking you along is a sign of respect.
And you dare to defy me?
Granny, I've served you for years.
I beg you to let me reincarnate.
I've looked after you
yet you are a total ingrate.
Granny...
I don't want to murder for you anymore.
Shut up.
Say another word
and I'll smash the urn with your remains
and disperse your soul.
Running away?
Running away?
Evil demon, stop right now.
Yan Chixia?!
Xiaoqian!
So it's you.
Bookworm, you delivered
yourself to my door.
Yan Chixia?!
This foreign toy is useless.
One more demon!
Xiaoqian!
Great Warrior Yan...
please let her go.
If she hadn't helped me
I'd be dead by now.
Ghosts - they all harm people.
I only escaped the demon because of her.
She was forced to do all that
because the demon held her ashes.
She had no choice.
If you're going to make her pay
won't the real evil get away?
You braincells couldn't tie up a chicken.
But you surely can talk!
Xiaoqian, are you okay?
Where are your ashes buried?
Give her remains a proper burial
so she can be reincarnated
into another life as a person.
Be a good person. No more evil-doing.
On account of our friendship
I'll give you this, keep it with you.
If you run into any more demons
it can help you out.
Warrior Yan, what's your next move?
I'll return to the northwest.
The northwest?
The stars tell me
something big is afoot there.
The chaos won't settle for a long while.
Don't go to Peiping.
Such chaos... go back home.
Xiaoqian...
there's trouble everywhere.
Night Demon-like monsters are everywhere.
I'll take you home with me.
Xiaoqian...
I did everything you asked of me.
Nie Xiaoqian Lies Here
I'll look after you here.
I hope you reincarnate in peaceful times.
I hope you reincarnate in peaceful times.
Xiaoqian...
I didn't see you once on the trip.
I thought you were done with seeing me.
That leather pouch is too powerful.
You put it in the same suitcase.
Its breath... I didn't dare appear.
So that was it.
That was careless of me.
Qian, you haven't gone
to a new incarnation.
I...
I want to linger here a while.
You can do that?
Good night.
Good night.
Stop, stop, stop!
After so many years
shouldn't they be married already?
Why wait? They're in love...
so what if she's a ghost.
I haven't finished my story!
What's your point?
Narratives have cause and effect,
don't you know?
Motivations have to be logical,
don't you know?
What's all this about motivation?
- They should be married by now.
- Good point.
Marry them! I can't bear the wait!
Can you hear me? Get married!
Xiaoqian...
will you marry me?
You... you don't mind that I'm a ghost?
Not at all. Not at all.
Not at all.
- Oh happy day!
- Nice.
They're meant for each other.
Can I tell my story or what?
Yes, of course.
Please, excellency, continue.
They are going to marry.
Wonderful news, Dr Ning...
congratulations to you and Miss Xiaoqian.
You're finally getting married.
Thank you so much!
She's a splendid woman.
It's only right.
Brother, what's happening?
Run! The war is coming!
Run!
Xiaoqian, I saw the Night Demon.
It's come for revenge.
Do you remember the pouch that
Warrior Yan gave you?
I didn't want it to scare you
so I put it away ages ago.
Caichen!
Nie Xiaoqian, I thought you were smart.
The pouch scared me from the door.
But didn't it occur to you
I could come through the wall?
I've been searching for you two.
Caichen!
Caichen!
What's this?
Nie Xiaoqian.
You tricked me again.
You tricked me again.
You tricked me again.
Caichen!
Caichen!
Xiaoqian?
The Night Demon has been captured
by Warrior Yuan's pouch.
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian!
Caichen!
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian!
Caichen!
Look!
I have a reflection.
So you do!
We're together day and night.
It's your breath, human breath...
I'm...
I'm human again.
Xiaoqian...
that's wonderful.
The Night Demon was destroyed.
It can't come after us again.
But these chaotic times
harbor countless demons.
These chaotic times
are our times as well.
Look...
the two shadows.
They'll never leave one another.
Love between human and ghost.
Brother Toad...
What?
I want to know something.
The candles people held in the story
glowed without being lit. What were they?
Also...
they didn't ride in horse-drawn carriages
but some big metal tube that smoked.
What strange thing was that?
It's...
Brother Toad...
with your brilliant magic
you'd have to know, right?
The details aren't important.
What's important is the story.
Now, rate the story
or I'll eat you.
Critique now!
Although there was chaos
it brought human and ghost together.
The phrase "Chaotic
times, supernatural love"
implies that only chaotic times
produce such spectacular love stories.
Master R Tortoise...
what kind of love story do you have for us?
Human-ghost love
seems to have its ups and downs
but is actually straightforward.
As for the most complicated
and mystifying kind of love what is that?
Love between husband and wife.
I will tell a story
Late Ming Dynasty.
Set at the end of the last dynasty
set at the end of the last dynasty
about a married couple...
their story.
Auntie!
Sister-in-law.
- Thanks, Auntie!
- Take care!
Husband.
Could you salt the food a bit more?
The flavour is quite bland.
Too much salt is bad for the health.
Tonight is Scholar Dong's poetry salon.
I won't be back for dinner.
The autumn exams are coming up.
You should be studying more
and partying less.
You don't understand.
Poetry salons are full of brilliant men.
People exchange views on essays.
It's very helpful for learning.
By the way...
Our bronze mirror is a bit old.
Don't forget to visit the mirror shop.
Get a craftsmen to polish it.
Sure.
Brother Wang, see you soon.
See you!
Check them out!
Fashionable mirrors!
Painted Skin
Who's crying?
I've had a distressing time.
I'm just a little upset.
I didn't mean
to disturb you, sir.
What happened?
You can tell me.
I was a rich man's concubine.
His jealous wife threw me out.
I've nowhere to go.
Tonight
I'll have to sleep here in the open.
Perhaps, sir...
you could help me.
Um...
I only ask for some shelter
to get me through a few days.
Sir, do you think...
I sympathize with your plight.
My surname is Wang.
I have a study next to Lanruo Temple.
It's quite isolated.
If it's not beneath you
you could stay there a few days.
Really?
To help one in peril is a gentleman's duty.
Sir, not only are you
striking in appearance,
learned and capable,
but you have a chivalrous heart!
You're too kind.
Miss, you flatter me.
This study...
it might be a little humble.
But it's close to my home.
So don't be scared.
My staying here...
will it disrupt your studies?
Not at all, no.
But please try to stay inside
to avoid anyone getting the wrong idea.
It'd be bad if there was gossip.
While I'm here
I promise not to go out.
You're home.
Did you ask at the mirror shop
for someone to come tomorrow?
You didn't forget, did you?
You've had that old mirror for ages.
It's almost clouded over.
Forget it. Throw it out.
We'll buy a new one.
But it was your wedding gift to me.
We've been married so long now.
If something's old, throw it out.
If it's time for a change, change.
I've heard
that foreign glass mirrors are in style.
You should enjoy nice new things too.
I've an idea...
next time you cook, try some new flavours.
What flavours do you want to try?
Whatever.
From tomorrow
I'll rise early and go to my study.
Don't worry about my lunch.
Thank you so much.
Sir, what are you reading?
Ban Gus history of the Han Dynasty.
I wonder if you've also read
in his "Emperor Han Wudi"...
"A Concubine Hidden in Golden Hall".
I'm just teasing you.
It seems I gave you a shock.
So you're educated?
I had private tutoring.
I can read a little bit.
Such a pity
that a woman of such learning
ended up as someone's concubine.
It's fine.
If it hadn't happened
how could I have met you?
Good sir, if you don't find me unworthy
I'd be happy to give myself to you
to repay you for your kindness.
I... I'm already married.
I have a wife.
I'm afraid this won't do.
I know
you're an upright, true gentleman.
So I don't ask anything
except to remain at your side.
I ask only for simple shelter and food.
Of course.
Since I rescued you
I'm naturally responsible for you.
Good sir!
I'll go buy some food and drink.
Tonight we'll have dinner together.
I'll be here
waiting for your return.
Husband.
What are you doing here?
I brought your lunch.
What makes you so cheerful?
Nothing.
Wife, I'm tired from studying.
Let's stroll through the town.
But...
Wife?
Wife?
We haven't strolled together in ages.
I still remember that...
Wife, look!
Didn't you said the mirror was dull?
Let's go buy a new one.
Okay.
This is bad!
Good man...
Black glowing brow, dark glinting eyes...
an evil aura circles you, a sinister sign.
Husband!
May I ask
have you encountered any strangers?
No.
I haven't met anyone at all.
Dao-Master, what's this sinister sign?
An evil spirit has coiled around him.
It's a very bad portent.
- Superstitious nonsense!
- You must push it away.
- Now he'll say I'm in mortal danger.
- Take this seriously.
- That I'll die soon.
- Or it'll end in horror and death.
You'll die soon.
See? See?
Shameless, all for a few coins!
Common, let's go home.
I forgot the mirror.
You go home first.
I'll return after I buy the mirror.
Okay. Don't be long.
May I ask
have you encountered any strangers?
Husband?
From what you tell me
This demon has real powers.
Dao-Master, you have to save me!
Dao-Master, what should we do?
Don't fret.
Take this home with you.
This magic whisk will keep you safe.
Thank you so much, Dao-Master.
Thank you for your help.
She seemed so weak
and pitiful so I took her in.
I was just rescuing her.
I had no other motive.
I wanted to tell you
but worried you'd misunderstand.
I swear to Heaven
there was nothing illicit going on.
That demon tricked me with her human skin.
Wife, you must believe me.
Mr Wang!
Mr Wang!
You said that tonight
you'd join me for dinner.
Why didn't you come back?
Mr Wang!
You said you'd be right back.
How could you abandon me
just like that?
Mr Wang!
Come out.
The magic whisk!
All I ever asked for
was somewhere to live in peace.
Mr Wang, you promised me
and now you break your promise?
Wife!
Wife!
Wife!
Mr Wang...
have you forgotten your promise?
Husband.
You forgot
what you promised me?
Stay away!
Promise-breaker...
I'm going to kill you!
Brother! Who did this cruel thing to you?
Sister-in-law, we need to report this.
My brother's heart is missing.
Sister-in-law, let's report this now!
Brother-in-law...
it's not officials we need.
We have to find that Dao-Master.
What madness.
I offered the demon a way out
but it refused it and took his life.
This demon is still around.
She probably is lodging in another home.
I'll ask around
to see if any strangers have appeared.
Strangers...?
An old lady came this morning.
She offered to tend the garden
asking only for "simple shelter"
"and food" in return.
I pitied her so took her in.
Good girl.
This is fun!
Mom! Look!
Evil demon, where are you going?
So it really is her!
Sinful creature!
Master, have pity!
I did pity you and would've spared you
had you not been so cruel.
He wronged me first!
I'm a poor lonely ghost
wandering unsupported in the world.
All I wanted was a little comfort.
Just a little compassion.
A life for a life!
He promised a place to stay
but went back on his word.
If I could've had a home
I wouldn't have killed him.
Evil demon accept your death!
She's emerged!
She's emerged, Dao-Master!
My skin! My skin!
No!
My skin!
All I wanted...
and a home.
Someone to take me in.
A home.
Thank you, Dao-Master!
Thank you.
Such a demon.
It's due to my inexperience
I showed mercy to her
but instead, she killed your husband.
I can catch demons but can't revive him.
I do know a maestro
whose abilities far exceed mine.
Maybe he has a way of
reviving your husband.
I know you were married a long time
with deep love between you.
There's only one course left.
Let's give it a try.
Dao-Master, may I ask
how to find that maestro?
He's something of an oddball.
This is the maestro?
This guy?
Maestro?
I heard you can revive the dead.
Please, Master, save my brother.
That annoying Taoist...
Causing me trouble again!
Why revive him?
There's a lot of men in the world.
I'm one.
Why not just take me for a husband?
What dyad say?
Isn't that Young Wang?
Their family had a calamity.
Mr Wang had a roving eye.
That guy is crazy.
No way is he the maestro.
Let's go, sister-in-law.
Please save him.
Why bother?
You've got no children.
Can't you live without him?
Or is it his money you're after?
You stinking beggar.
Try that again I'll flatten you.
My husband wasn't perfect.
But he didn't deserve that!
I beg you, save him!
Then let me ask you
if I bring him back to life
will you still be with him?
So itchy!
Scratchy scratch.
Scratch up some filth.
Scratchy scratch.
If you eat this filth ball
I'll do it.
The way her husband
treated her was pretty bad.
I heard that her husband
secretly took a mistress
and she ended up killing him.
Eat it and I'll save him.
Eat?
Eat?
Please save him.
On my candy you dine
SO Now you are mine!
You total fraud!
I'll kill you! I'll kill you!
Madame Chen is back.
Sister-in-law.
If something's old, throw it out.
I'd be happy to give myself to you
Promise-breaker...
Mine!
Stay away!
Stay away!
Stay away!
My brother is alive!
My brother is alive!
I'm alive?
I'm alive!
Wife!
Wife!
Wife!
Wife, are you alright?
Wife, if you're okay then all's well.
We'll live in harmony from now on.
In harmony.
I promise I'll be good to you.
Wife.
Wife.
I promise I'll be good to you.
I promise I'll be good to you.
We'll live happily.
I feel sick.
As sun and moon are high and bright
So husband and wife are close and distant.
The ancients were right.
Scholar...
Time to judge.
Well...
these two stories are both marvelous.
Each as strong as the other, equal in fact.
Hard to say who's better
like equal chess players or horses.
Why don't you each
tell one more story?
Wait.
I will tell you a story.
I'm already a morsel in your stomach.
Why not listen to me tell a story
and when I'm finished, you can eat me.
Thank you both.
I'll follow on from yours
with another love story.
Early Ming Dynasty
Miss Lu
A farewell, and waters flow east and west.
In the end, they shall meet again.
Fragile is love, as fleeting as clouds
and like a soulful dream.
Young sir.
Venerable.
Taking a room in our temple to study
these past months...
has it helped your education?
To have such a quiet place to study
is most beneficial.
Thank you so much, Venerable.
Fragile is love, as fleeting as clouds
and like a soulful dream.
Pity love, insubstantial
as clouds and water
Beautiful encounters come but once.
Don't move!
You okay?
If not for those three arrows of mine
that beast would've
sent you to the afterlife.
Why didn't you run away?
You must be in shock.
You're fine. Go home.
Ying?
Horseback archer, red dress?
Young man, I'm sure
that was the Lu family's daughter.
Could you tell me where they live?
It's about five miles east.
Under three big willows...
a white house with a gray-blue roof.
It occurs to me
I haven't seen Miss Lu for days.
Three big willow trees.
Lu Family Manor
May I ask if Miss Lu
lives here?
Wait!
Why are you asking?
I found this near Lanruo Temple
and as I think it's hers
I've come to return it.
Miss Lu had an accident
and passed away.
It's so unfortunate.
Her grave is behind Lanruo Temple.
Miss Lu Lies Here
His daughter's sudden death
led her grieving father
to quit his official post
and return to his village.
Three months later
That day I met you
That day I met you
I never imagined I wouldn't see you again.
Every day for three months
I've come to pay my respects
and read poetry to you
in hopes of comforting your soul.
The seasons pass, a year flies by.
She has passed forever to the other side
Miss Lu!
It really is you.
Wonderful!
I didn't think I'd see you again.
Three months of daily visits
moved the gods to pity.
At last, I see you again,
Miss Lu!
I'm a ghost. Aren't you scared?
Though you're a ghost
you once saved my life.
I know you won't hurt me.
Even if you want to, I'm not scared.
Silly bookworm.
What's your name?
Zhang Yudan of Zhaoyuan County.
Zhang Yudan?
Yudan like fish balls?
Your name sounds very yummy.
No!
Miss Lu...
it's not that "Yudan".
It's from "With no
material desires I come..."
Whatever, you silly bookworm.
Reading poetry every day at my grave...
that's annoying enough.
What's this "ask for nothing" business?
A fish ball is a fish ball.
Fine, I'm Fish ball.
Tragedy comes without warning.
You were cut down in your youth.
I've heard that when people die
they go to the Underworld a week later.
How are you still here?
I caused too much carnage.
If I reincarnate I can
only return as a beast.
What a joke.
Me, in the full flower of youth...
a beast?
That mustn't happen.
It mustn't.
But... what can be done?
This golden lotus has nine petals.
If I can save a life in this world
one petal will open.
If I can save nine lives
all nine will open
and I can reincarnate as a person.
But I'm a ghost.
Yin but no Yang to support me.
I'm stuck in this dreary place.
Who can I save here?
I'd "serve you like a dog or horse"
but don't know how.
"Dog or horse"?
That's it!
You can carry me!
What?
Carry you?
Why not? Aren't you a man?
A man is Yang.
Carry me and you're my horse
and I can leave this place.
I see, I see.
But... it's a bit inappropriate.
I don't want to hurt your reputation.
I'm a ghost, what reputation?
Common, let's go.
Left.
Right.
Forward.
Stop.
It works.
Bookworm, you okay?
Yes, fine.
Fish ball, run!
Giddy up!
Why are you so light?
I'm a ghost, Fish ball.
The sun is up. Will you be okay?
If it doesn't directly shine on me, yes.
Enough, focus.
Fish ball, that guy jumped in!
- Don't wait... dive in, save him!
- Sure.
You...
Why dive in if you can't swim?
Didn't you tell me to?
I did.
Why not say you couldn't swim?
Are you Fish ball or Dumb-ball?
If you drown, who'll carry me around?
Don't worry.
I gave you my word
that I'd be your horse.
A gentleman's word is good as gold.
I'm not going to die.
Miss Lu...
someone else has fallen in!
Not another clam fisher or lotus collector?
Miss Lu, honest, a child fell in.
Shut up, I can see.
Get the fishing net.
- Thank you kind sir!
- It was nothing.
Be careful next time.
Miss Lu, they really couldn't see you.
Fish ball, look! It's opening!
Miss Lu, that's great.
Yay!
Miss Lu...
It seems... it seems
you're a little heavier.
Stinky Fish ball, who you calling heavy?
Stop.
Fish ball?
Uncle...
There's danger! Quick, move away!
Go away.
Pal, you looking for trouble?
Brother, in the coffin...
What're you doing?
Go away.
Stop there.
Why'd you take my axe?
Stop, gimme back my axe!
Give it back!
Miss Lu...
That's another life saved. You're heavier.
And you're so sweaty.
You're stinkier, Fish ball.
This is Quietus Cliff.
Let's wait here a while.
But, Fish ball...
who'd climb this high just to kill himself?
Life is hard, everyone has troubles.
Let's wait quietly for our chance.
Maybe you can save another life.
Miss Lu, what are you...
Waiting quietly for our chance.
Fish ball...
looks like we'll have no luck.
Let's try again tomorrow.
Fish ball...
the day all the petals open
take me to the Underworld.
Me?
Can I go to the Underworld?
Carrying me this long
has left you covered in ghost essence.
Of course you can go!
That's great!
I'll take you to the Underworld for sure.
Why so eager?
Tomorrow, the day after...
anyway, you're a horse
I'll be riding for a while yet.
You'll stink me out for a while too.
Now you're home.
Hurry, check
how many petals have opened.
One left.
That's wonderful.
Only one left
and then I need to leave here
and reincarnate.
Miss Lu...
today is the Festival of Love.
Let's go see the lanterns.
Maybe
we can save another along the way.
Over there.
Sure.
Fish ball, look, wish-lanterns!
Quick, make a wish!
Fish ball, what did you wish for?
Tell me. High honors? Lots of wives?
None of that.
[...
wished only for your early release
and a quick reincarnation.
Let's go back to Lanruo Temple.
Look, quick.
I just made a wish
and now it's answered.
Zhang Yudan... do you realise
that if I reincarnate in human form
I won't remember you
or recall anything that
happened between us.
Even if we meet again
we won't recognise each other.
A gentleman's word is good as gold.
Miss Lu...
I gave you my word.
Even if I can't bear to leave you
I won't break my promise.
Besides...
there's a life right here.
How can you not save it?
See?
Even fish are like this.
They help each other in adversity
but go separate ways when free.
After this we'll be worlds away.
We'll be apart.
Miss Lu, please don't worry.
Wherever you end up, whoever you are,
I, Zhang Yudan, will comb the land
until I find you again.
The Lu family of Xuanhua Town.
In 16 years, when I've grown up.
Go to Xuanhua Town in Hebei and find me.
I won't let you down.
Once you go
I'll study hard and excel
in the imperial exams.
In 16 years
I, Zhang Yudan,
promise that openly and with fanfare
I'll come to Hebei and marry you.
You must.
If I don't know who you are
even if you have to kidnap me
you have to make me your wife.
Do you understand, Fish ball?
Fish ball...
take me to the Underworld.
Though you'll forget your past life
it's okay to remember some things.
Don't drink the whole thing.
In sixteen years
if you run into difficulty
remember the well at Lanruo Temple.
Sixteen years later
You, sir, passed the two top exams.
Your official reputation is splendid.
Why then, on the eve of a promotion
Why then, on the eve of a promotion
return home for a provincial post?
I'll be honest with you.
I'm engaged to marry.
I must keep my word.
You're renowned for your respectability
and have always lived alone.
So you've been engaged all along.
I wonder who's the
family of the lucky girl.
You're very kind.
The wind is picking up, let's go inside.
Please.
Sure.
My father chose a husband for me.
He's from a good family.
That stuff doesn't matter to me.
What's important is for him to be
a handsome, spirited youth.
To have great adventures
and grow old together.
Otherwise, you waste your youth.
Quick!
Help get Mr Zhang's hat back!
Careful!
If in sixteen years
you run into difficulty
remember the well at Lanruo Temple.
Miss Lu...
sixteen years have passed.
But... I'm already old.
What should one do?
What should...
Don't move!
Fish ball...
take me to the Underworld.
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
Ying!
I know you always say
you were engaged in a previous life
to a scholar, Mr Zhang.
But you're already of age
and he still hasn't come.
We made vows in a past life.
He'll definitely come to marry me.
Maybe this Mr Zhang is no longer alive.
Anyway, even if he is alive
at this point he'd be around my age.
Years ago, we betrothed you
to the son of Minister Bai.
They're coming to formalist it soon...
I won't do it.
I'll wait for him to come.
If he doesn't, I won't marry anyone.
Sir, you have a visitor.
And you are...
ying...
ying...
The man you're waiting for is here.
I never imagined
he'd be such a fine gentleman.
You just want me to cheer up.
But you've tricked me before.
This visitor is the Ba family's boy, right?
Why would I lie to you?
He's talking to your dad in the salon.
Hurry, go have a look.
I'm not going.
Daughter...
his story matches yours exactly.
His name is Zhang, from Zhaoyuan County.
He said you met in a past life.
That's what you always say.
If you see him
you'd recognise him, right?
It's not him, it's not him.
No way is it him.
It's been 16 years.
He'd be middle-aged.
They're lying to me again.
Say you could find this Mr Zhang...
Maybe he's no longer alive.
He wouldn't break his promise.
But he still hasn't come for me.
Could it be that he's passed away?
And so father found a
younger man to trick me.
Is that it?
That's got to be it.
I hope you agree to our marriage.
You're too kind.
I couldn't have imagined
or wished for better.
Miss! Miss!
- What happened?
- Hurry! Help!
Ying!
Ying!
Take her down, quick!
Miss Lu!
Ying!
Hurry, get the doctor!
She's no longer breathing.
No way.
Ying!
Do whatever it takes.
You have to revive her.
The Underworld...
The Underworld...
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
You!
Who are you, really?
How'd you get here?
Miss Lu, it's me.
- I'm 'Fish ball'. Miss Lu...
- What do you want?
Don't you remember me?
I'm 'Fish ball'.
Miss Lu, let's go.
Common!
What are you doing?
Let go of me!
Let go of me!
Who are you?
Let me go!
Let me go!
- I'm already dead. I need to find him.
- Miss Lu!
Why are you stopping me?
Let me go, I don't know you!
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu?
Miss Lu!
Fish ball...
you're sweating again.
Silly Fish ball is now Stinky Fish ball.
Miss Lu!
Fish ball...
you're sweating again.
Silly Fish ball is now Stinky Fish ball.
Miss Lu!
Fish ball...
it really is you.
It's me, Miss Lu.
Fish ball...
you found me.
I found you.
Though I had to kidnap you
we're together now!
With Miss Lu on his back,
they fled the Underworld.
At that moment,
the sun rose in the east.
A ray of sunshine
broke on the water's surface.
It's already dawn.
Gentlemen...
how do you like my story?
For such an egghead
you managed to tell
such a deeply moving story.
This kind of story conveys
passionate sorrow and joy.
All our cultivation and you have us beat.
Time and transformation...
So many stories
of greed, kindness, every emotion,
chaos, marriage, life and death
did we have in this well last night.
Gentlemen...
I have many more stories in me.
You know...
Get out of here.
If not I really will eat you.
But I've just got into the groove
and it's rare to find such soulmates.
I could tell you a few more.
Go away.
Hey, Scholar...
what's your name?
My humble name
is Pu Songling.
Gentlemen, I'll be on my way.
In clear waters, a flow of imagination.
In fantastic tales, a world of truth.
and the sun and moon their brilliance,
and the seasons their orderly progression
so ghosts and spirits can be good or evil.
You think you can scare me without a face?
How was that story?
How daring is that scholar?
He's tough! Not even scared of ghosts!
He's a madman. Ridiculous.
If he hadn't scared off the ghost
it would have got him for sure.
For a scholar, you're quite fun.
You dress like a scholar
in the civil service.
Regretfully
I'm a scholar but my
career is at a dead end.
I... failed the provincial
civil service exams.
So I'll be working for
a friend far from here
as a civil aid to make ends meet.
What's the rush?
Eyes on the road!
There's bandits! They killed two of us!
Turn around now!
Hurry, turn around, go back!
Mama!
Such chaos!
The political situation is still unstable.
Driver, wait!
My friend's military mission is urgent.
I must go help him, I can't turn back.
I'll just keep going on my own.
Driver...
is there somewhere close
where I could sleep?
Not far from here
is Lanruo Temple.
It's a thousand years old.
But after the war broke out
the monks fled. No one is left.
I hear it's haunted by strange creatures.
Strange creatures?
Excellent.
I'll go spend the night there.
If there really are such
spirits, it'll be an experience!
Curious Tales of a Temple
Lanruo Temple
What a great place.
Who's there?
Anyone there?
How odd.
Who'd break into Lanruo Temple after dark?
Hey.
Talking to you.
Are... are you two speaking?
Who else could it possibly be?
This tiny toad and tortoise can speak!
Who you calling a tiny toad and tortoise?!
Am the Most Revered Toad.
That...
Is the Great Master Tortoise.
You keep that in mind!
Keep it in mind!
Settle down, Brother Toad.
We figured you for an educated man.
So we invited you into the well
to give you a task.
So you really are magical creatures!
Joker, listen up!
Do go on.
Our self-cultivation in this well
has gone on for 1000 years already.
We've seen all the changes in the world
and every kind of human drama.
We compete in the telling...
We're the sort...
Us two...
that regrettably
can never stop arguing over one thing.
You see...
We're competing.
Competing?
Yes.
We compete in storytelling.
Story...
Storytelling?
Storytelling.
To see whose stories are more ingenious
and more fully express
the worldly affairs and
passions we've seen.
Of course
my stories are superior.
Hogwash. My stories have no equal.
Wanna try that again?
You see? We'd never agree.
But now an educated man
appears on our doorstep.
We'll tell stories.
You be the judge.
Great! I love hearing stories.
Come, both of you.
Who'll be first?
Me, of course.
No, it has to be me.
You're a toad, Brother Toad.
Why the monkey-like agitation?
So be it. So be it.
You go first.
So the turtle can read the room.
Wow.
We can hear and see the stories!
No big deal.
This well has magical qualities.
The story I'll tell
took place a long, long time ago.
Before Lanruo Temple was built
there was a little village here.
That's no little village!
Shut up!
Dozing on Mt Tangshan,
wandering Immortal Realms.
Respectful greetings, Spiritual Master!
Wang Cheng!
Yes, dear.
I told you to fetch water.
You're useless!
You don't study the classics.
You spend all day
reading dumb books about immortals.
Don't be mad. Once I learn the magic arts
we'll have everything we need, right?
I've heard enough of your claptrap.
Go back to your proper studies.
Scram!
The Master of Shannon
Jin Dynasty
Wait till I know magic.
Why should I give him a free pear?
Tell me.
No money, no pear.
That's so petty.
A thirsty priest asks for a pear.
Exactly. Do the right thing!
A Penny A Pear
I'm a pear seller, not a philanthropist.
What kind of priest is this?
Looks more like a scammer to me.
No means no.
Reverend...
Reverend, I'll buy you a pear.
This gentleman is treating me to a pear.
- So why don't I treat all of you to one too?
- Pears for everyone?
This priest knows what he's doing!
It's fruiting!
Everyone...
help yourself.
It's a real pear.
Reverend!
Reverend!
Move, move.
Hey...
it was my pears you were eating!
My pears!
Reverend!
Reverend!
Reverend!
Reverend!
Reverend!
Why can't I catch up?
Reverend!
Reverend!
Reverend!
Laoshan.
Greetings, Master!
Reverend!
I beg you, Reverend
I mean
Enlightened One!
Let me be your disciple.
Attaining the Way is very demanding.
Can you endure hardship?
Yes.
If I can learn the cosmic arts,
I swear to Heaven,
I'll endure any hardship.
Come with me then.
The Novitiate
From today onwards
you'll go chop firewood with them.
Chop firewood?
Let's go chop firewood.
Shh!
I've been here over a month.
My wife has no idea where I've gone.
This priest hasn't taught me a thing.
All I do is chop wood and hard labor.
Forget it. The Taoist tricked me.
I'll slip away after dark.
Such an intoxicating night.
I prepared good wine and food.
Shall we raise a few cups?
Wonderful.
This way.
Come.
Please.
It's a dark night.
Let me light up a moon.
Amazing!
I'll pour some wine.
Cheers!
What's wine without music and dance?
I'll invite the Moon Goddess
to dance for us, shall 1?
Bravo!
Go!
I dance and dance...
am I back in the mortal realm?
Or still in my lonely prison on the Moon...
my lonely prison on the Moon?
Marvelous!
The Moon Goddess laments her loneliness
but we think only of our drinking.
Why don't we all go to the Moon
and visit her in her palace?
Yes, it'd be rude not to return her visit.
True.
We should visit her.
Master!
Go back and rest up.
Don't miss today's wood chopping.
Okay.
You want to leave?
Master...
I swore I could take the hardship.
But...
I've been here over three months.
I didn't tell my wife that I was leaving.
Please let me return home for a visit
to settle my household affairs.
My wife
has a fierce temperament.
I fear my disappearance
will drive her to the brink.
Well...
True.
Self-cultivation shouldn't harm others.
Go then.
Thank you, Master!
Master...
please teach me one tiny magic art.
Just something to show for this.
Otherwise, she'll never believe
that I was working on myself here.
Please make my dreams come true.
What magic do you wish to learn?
Master, I'm not greedy.
No big magic like the Moon Goddess.
Just teach me Pass-Through-Walls Magic
and I'll be content.
Sure, I can teach you that.
Come.
Yes. I learned the spell.
Now through!
Now through!
Master...
Don't hesitate.
Lower your head and charge.
Now... through!
And through!
I did it!
I've learned Pass-Through-Walls Magic!
I've got the magic!
- I've got the magic!
- Do you remember what I told you?
Yes, Master. Everything.
The magic arts aren't entertainment
or for trickery or crime
or showing off to a crowd.
Goodbye, Master.
Here I go!
Wife, I'm back...
now.
Well, isn't that good of you.
Don't hit me!
So, where have you been?
At Shannon, learning the magic arts.
Magic arts?
Yes, magic arts.
Is that so?
That's so big!
- Learning the magic arts you say?
- I'm not lying, I swear.
You'll pay for this.
I really know them.
Real magic arts.
Wife...
I'm not lying.
I really can do magic.
Really?
Here, I'll prove it to you.
Laoshan...
you've heard of it, right?
Realm of the Immortals.
And I, Wang Cheng
learned the magic art of
Passing Through Walls.
Ladies and gents...
Watch closely.
And through!
What went wrong?
Should I go harder?
It's okay, forget it.
Don't wait - break through!
Once more.
- And through!
- I believe you! Don't do it!
Wang Cheng!
Wang Cheng!
Stop laughing at him.
Hurry, help!
Quick, pull him up.
The images on this water
screen are incredible.
How did you do that?
This well is a thousand years old.
It holds visions of past and future.
But
without my extraordinary powers
you couldn't operate this water screen
and produce the effects
that let you see my magnificent story.
Brother Toad...
the Water Curtain effect is impressive.
But is your story so impressive?
What?
Isn't it the mark of a poor story
to need such an array of special effects?
Is my story no good?
It's good, really good.
What did you like about it?
Wang is a great character.
Lukewarm praise.
No, he really is great.
There's something special about him.
Tired of life's limitations,
he seeks the Way of the Immortals.
Sadly, he learns one little thing,
gets puffed up with pride and tries
to dazzle the villagers.
In the end
he's just a greedy ignoramus
with dreams empty as flowers
in a mirror or the moon in a pond.
It's a melancholy tale.
Dreams
are not all empty.
Come.
I'll tell the story of a dream.
Another few centuries pass.
It's now the time of
the Great Tang dynasty.
Next to this well, there's the newly built
Lanruo Temple.
Princess Lotus
Tang Dynasty
Monk Sir paints so well!
See, even the bees are coming.
This painting is called
"Racing home over flowers, hooves fragrant"
Art is form and soul;
your heart holds the key.
That's painting.
If you give it body
and soul
it will have
the immortal spark.
Understand?
None of you?
You - Du X.
Do you understand?
"Your heart holds the key"
You said that the immortal spark
needs a change of heart.
Ow!
needs to move your heart?
None of you get it!
Keep painting!
Continue painting "Spring
Moon over the River".
Today's topic comes from the line
"Who did the moon first espy?"
Give me that!
"A sword in his heart,
the hero travels far and wide."
I told you to paint "Spring
Moon Over the River".
What is this?
Monk Sir, the poem and
painting are good, right?
There's even "heart" in the poem!
Pretty good?
There's even "heart" in the poem?
Monk Sir... your painting!
You little good-for-nothing!
Bad painting and doggerel.
Stop there.
When I catch you
you'll copy the whole poem 300 times.
Fly away.
Fly away.
Three hundred times.
"Adrift like clouds, full of yearning"
Where am I?
Master Du.
The lady of the house welcomes you.
Who's the lady of the house?
You'll see when you get there.
This way.
After you, Master Du.
So you're Du X.
Yes, I'm Du X.
I hear
that of all Lanruo Temple's young painters
you're the best.
Really?
But the teacher always scolds me
saying my work lacks the immortal spark.
But...
I've also heard
you have great literary talent.
Literary talent?
Since you are so talented,
I wonder if you might
tutor my little girl in poetry and art.
[, I... I can't.
I'm not that good.
Lotus...
from today on
under Master Du
you'll apply yourself to poetry and art.
No more slacking off.
Yes, I understand.
Master Du...
what do you think?
Sure, sure.
Why are you sighing?
I can't recite the poem
the Scholar gave me.
He's punishing me.
What poem is that?
"Spring Moon Over the River".
That one again.
I don't know it either.
I thought you could recite all the poems.
I have to tell you
that my poems and paintings
aren't really that great.
My best were those two lines
from my
joke of a poem.
"A sword in his heart,
the hero travels far and wide."
I'll teach you a trick.
"Who first saw the moon?"
"Who did the moon first espy?"
I'd rather be playing.
So...
let's not do the homework.
Let's go out to play.
We can do that?
Are you afraid of heights?
No.
Great.
Put these on and you can fly.
Let's go.
I don't think I can fly.
I'll take you.
Look, it's the princess!
Hello everyone!
Princess!
The Festival of Flowers is coming up.
They're rehearsing the ceremonial dance.
This is so great!
Dance with me!
I really envy you
being able to fly like that.
The people of the city
really adore you as well.
Being a princess
is a lot of responsibility.
In the future I want to be
like my mother...
a capable, diligent queen.
Are they dancing too?
Them?
They're telling the honey store
to deliver more honey.
How magical!
It's true.
Look.
This movement means
"follow me".
This is east.
This is west.
Actually, when we're in class
we do it this way.
See... what's this?
W tare.
And this?
It's a flower.
It's that easy?
Here's another.
Look at this.
Swallow...
breeze...
Wrong.
Then what is it?
You can't guess?
It's called
"Commanding Young Hero".
Some "Young Hero"!
Show-off.
Okay.
Now you guess.
This is called
"Flower like Fairy Girl".
You call yourself a fairy.
You're cheeky.
I learn that from you...
Teacher!
Everyone here can fly so freely.
It's great.
Come.
You just need to practice
and keep your balance.
I can fly!
Du X!
So it was just a dream.
So sweet.
If it was just a dream
how did it feel so real?
Don't move.
Monk Sir!
Nicely painted.
Monk Sir!
This one
is good.
It has a touch of the immortal spark.
But don't get too prideful.
How did you do it?
Tell us.
[...
I had the image in my mind
and my hand painted it.
That's exactly it.
You see.
He looks at him
but what he paints is her.
Du X's mental image of her
is the authentic her!
This is what I've been telling you.
Art is form and soul;
your heart holds the key.
Your heart.
Do you get it now?
When will I be able to see Lotus again?
Lotus?
Lotus!
"For whom does the moon on the river wait?"
I see the Yangtze flowing past.
Not bad!
Lotus!
What progress!
I'm going to tell your mother.
This will make her so happy.
Thank you, Scholar Sir.
Du X, are you okay?
I was so worried.
By the way
today is the Flower Festival.
There's fireworks!
Really?
Here.
Lotus, I have a gift for you.
A gift?
It's me!
It looks just like me!
You've shown me so much fun.
It's a thank-you gift.
It's me who should thank you.
In fact
I had my mother find you.
What's wrong with the sky?
It's the Black Demon again!
It's heading for the palace!
Mother!
Soldiers...
Protect Celandine's people!
Mother!
Mother!
Master Du...
please take Lotus
somewhere safe.
I won't go, Mother.
I want to be with you.
Mother!
The Black Demon has invaded.
Soldiers...
follow me into battle!
Mother!
Attack!
Lotus!
Mother!
Lotus!
Lotus!
The portrait!
Lotus!
You're Lotus!
You want me to follow you...
right?
You little nobody.
You dare to fight me?
Du X!
Lotus?
So if you have a childlike heart
your innocence
can turn dreams into reality.
Mine's better.
Mine's better.
Mine is!
Mine is!
Scholar...
hurry and settle this
or I'll make a meal of you.
Don't worry.
Just tell it straight.
I think that both your stories
are exceptional.
It's impossible to choose.
I can't stand a fence-sitter.
If you won't pick a winner
we've no more use for you here.
Please, gentlemen, let me finish.
You worked hard polishing these stories
and came prepared.
But
the themes were different.
To declare a winner
is a really hard call.
How about
I propose a theme?
Since the last story was about love
let's choose the theme of love.
Both of you will tell a story.
Improvisation is a real test of talent.
I'm sure that after that
I'll be able to make a fair call.
Sure.
Another round then.
This time
I'm going to tell
a love story between a man and a ghost.
Stop, stop, stop!
Someone tell me
what this glowing thing is.
It's the future.
The future?
Correct.
I'm going to tell you
a story that is set
in the future.
The Republic
The Republic
No entry. The station is closed.
Warlords battle it out - what hope for
China? Why is this station closed off?
Warlords battle it out - what hope for China?
Is it even allowing people to go to Peiping?
Warlords battle it out - what hope for
China? Will the train to Peiping ever arrive?
Will the train to Peiping ever arrive?
Military use only.
Everyone else clear out.
Clear out!
Let me pass.
This train isn't going either.
Where can we go in this rain?
Nie Xiaoqian
Out of the way.
Grow some eyes.
Lanruo Hotel
Anyone here?
I need a room.
Where the hell are they?
Such a run-down place.
So dark and creepy.
You in business, or what?
This hotel
wouldn't suit you.
How can that be?
No way is this flea trap full.
Is everyone staying here poor like you?
We're all staying here.
No need to be so rude.
- You telling me off?
- Calm down!
The war means no trains to Peiping.
And it's raining.
I'd just like to stay a night.
But if there really are no rooms...
There's rooms.
You shouldn't stay.
Studies in Western Medicine
Hope
Anyone there?
Who is it?
Sir!
Sir, open the door!
Who are you looking for?
Sir, save me!
There's a thug after me!
Sir...
Sir...
save me!
Don't be afraid.
What happened?
I'm a guest at Lanruo Inn.
A thug keeps harassing me.
This evening
he even tried to grab me.
There's no one out there.
He'd be hiding in some dark corner.
Sir...
may I stay the night?
Stay...
of course it's possible
but for a man and a woman... I fear...
No problem.
I'm sure you're a good person.
Miss, you...
Miss...
what are these wounds on your back?
Miss, don't move.
This is a tincture I made myself.
It's very effective for healing.
Let me put some on you.
All done.
This is for you.
Apply it often over a few days.
It's late. I should go.
What about that thug?
He should be gone by now.
I worry about my gran.
I should get back.
I'll walk you there.
No need.
Seeing me with a stranger, she'd get mad.
What's your name?
Ning Caichen.
I'm Xiaoqian.
Nie Xiaoqian
Xiaoqian.
Go away!
The station is still closed.
Lanruo East Station
The station is still closed.
Lanruo East Station
Lanruo Hotel
What happened?
Such sudden death!? Call the police!
The police?
Think you can find
police in times like this?
I'll get someone to collect the bodies.
They were alive just yesterday.
A powerful demon snatched their souls.
A powerful demon?
Impossible.
No such thing as demons.
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian...
something terrible happened.
Two other guests from yesterday are dead.
That big bearded guy said
they were killed by demons.
Whether demons or just bad people,
I think this Lanruo Inn
is a sketchy place.
Xiaoqian...
you should run away too.
Young sir...
I have to tell you something.
Please come with me.
I won't lie to you.
I live down this well.
You live here?
Actually, I...
I'm not human.
I'm a ghost.
You have no reflection!
I come from Jinling.
An official's daughter.
While passing Lanruo Temple,
I fell ill and died.
Nie XiaoqianLies Here
Nie XiaoqianLies Here
My father buried my ashes at the temple.
Nie XiaoqianLies Here
Nie XiaoqianLies Here
Who'd imagine
Nie XiaoqianLies Here
that I'd end up controlled by a Night Demon
who'd make me capture
the souls of guests at the inn
to enhance her power.
I tried to warn people
but they all...
When I resisted
she just beat me even more cruelly.
So those wounds...
Last night I came to harm you
but you were such a good man
I...
Xiaoqian...
even if you are a ghost
can I help you?
I know you mean well
but the demon's power is enormous.
One wrong step and I'm afraid...
Evil can't crush good. I'm not afraid.
Xiaoqian...
tell me what I should do.
Thank you.
Last night I didn't kill you.
But Gran has her eyes on you.
You won't get away.
Tonight, no matter what
you need to find a way
to stay the night with Big Beard.
The big bearded guy?
Yes.
He only came recently to Lanruo Inn
but I can tell he has special abilities.
If you stay with him
tonight you'll be safe.
Survive the night, then we'll work it out.
What?
[...
you see
the moment I saw you
I felt a real connection.
I've got something for us to drink.
Come in then.
Come!
You're such a bookish type
But you're big-heated too.
I want to go to Peiping
to study Western medicine
and save people's lives.
The people of this world
suffer far too much.
Drunk already?
Watch my form.
Damned thing!
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian!
Young sir, I'm so relieved you're okay.
The Night Demon came just now.
Big Beard is chasing it.
Let's get away.
So evil, chaining you like that.
It's Granny!
Hide yourself.
Don't let her see you.
Hold your breath. Hurry.
I didn't think this little place
would host such a skillful type.
Granny, you're injured.
Xiaoqian...
we need to get away, quick.
We'll go somewhere new
and find more people for me to eat.
The smell of the living?
Granny...
I'm buried at Lanruo Temple.
I won't go anywhere else.
What?
Asking you along is a sign of respect.
And you dare to defy me?
Granny, I've served you for years.
I beg you to let me reincarnate.
I've looked after you
yet you are a total ingrate.
Granny...
I don't want to murder for you anymore.
Shut up.
Say another word
and I'll smash the urn with your remains
and disperse your soul.
Running away?
Running away?
Evil demon, stop right now.
Yan Chixia?!
Xiaoqian!
So it's you.
Bookworm, you delivered
yourself to my door.
Yan Chixia?!
This foreign toy is useless.
One more demon!
Xiaoqian!
Great Warrior Yan...
please let her go.
If she hadn't helped me
I'd be dead by now.
Ghosts - they all harm people.
I only escaped the demon because of her.
She was forced to do all that
because the demon held her ashes.
She had no choice.
If you're going to make her pay
won't the real evil get away?
You braincells couldn't tie up a chicken.
But you surely can talk!
Xiaoqian, are you okay?
Where are your ashes buried?
Give her remains a proper burial
so she can be reincarnated
into another life as a person.
Be a good person. No more evil-doing.
On account of our friendship
I'll give you this, keep it with you.
If you run into any more demons
it can help you out.
Warrior Yan, what's your next move?
I'll return to the northwest.
The northwest?
The stars tell me
something big is afoot there.
The chaos won't settle for a long while.
Don't go to Peiping.
Such chaos... go back home.
Xiaoqian...
there's trouble everywhere.
Night Demon-like monsters are everywhere.
I'll take you home with me.
Xiaoqian...
I did everything you asked of me.
Nie Xiaoqian Lies Here
I'll look after you here.
I hope you reincarnate in peaceful times.
I hope you reincarnate in peaceful times.
Xiaoqian...
I didn't see you once on the trip.
I thought you were done with seeing me.
That leather pouch is too powerful.
You put it in the same suitcase.
Its breath... I didn't dare appear.
So that was it.
That was careless of me.
Qian, you haven't gone
to a new incarnation.
I...
I want to linger here a while.
You can do that?
Good night.
Good night.
Stop, stop, stop!
After so many years
shouldn't they be married already?
Why wait? They're in love...
so what if she's a ghost.
I haven't finished my story!
What's your point?
Narratives have cause and effect,
don't you know?
Motivations have to be logical,
don't you know?
What's all this about motivation?
- They should be married by now.
- Good point.
Marry them! I can't bear the wait!
Can you hear me? Get married!
Xiaoqian...
will you marry me?
You... you don't mind that I'm a ghost?
Not at all. Not at all.
Not at all.
- Oh happy day!
- Nice.
They're meant for each other.
Can I tell my story or what?
Yes, of course.
Please, excellency, continue.
They are going to marry.
Wonderful news, Dr Ning...
congratulations to you and Miss Xiaoqian.
You're finally getting married.
Thank you so much!
She's a splendid woman.
It's only right.
Brother, what's happening?
Run! The war is coming!
Run!
Xiaoqian, I saw the Night Demon.
It's come for revenge.
Do you remember the pouch that
Warrior Yan gave you?
I didn't want it to scare you
so I put it away ages ago.
Caichen!
Nie Xiaoqian, I thought you were smart.
The pouch scared me from the door.
But didn't it occur to you
I could come through the wall?
I've been searching for you two.
Caichen!
Caichen!
What's this?
Nie Xiaoqian.
You tricked me again.
You tricked me again.
You tricked me again.
Caichen!
Caichen!
Xiaoqian?
The Night Demon has been captured
by Warrior Yuan's pouch.
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian!
Caichen!
Xiaoqian!
Xiaoqian!
Caichen!
Look!
I have a reflection.
So you do!
We're together day and night.
It's your breath, human breath...
I'm...
I'm human again.
Xiaoqian...
that's wonderful.
The Night Demon was destroyed.
It can't come after us again.
But these chaotic times
harbor countless demons.
These chaotic times
are our times as well.
Look...
the two shadows.
They'll never leave one another.
Love between human and ghost.
Brother Toad...
What?
I want to know something.
The candles people held in the story
glowed without being lit. What were they?
Also...
they didn't ride in horse-drawn carriages
but some big metal tube that smoked.
What strange thing was that?
It's...
Brother Toad...
with your brilliant magic
you'd have to know, right?
The details aren't important.
What's important is the story.
Now, rate the story
or I'll eat you.
Critique now!
Although there was chaos
it brought human and ghost together.
The phrase "Chaotic
times, supernatural love"
implies that only chaotic times
produce such spectacular love stories.
Master R Tortoise...
what kind of love story do you have for us?
Human-ghost love
seems to have its ups and downs
but is actually straightforward.
As for the most complicated
and mystifying kind of love what is that?
Love between husband and wife.
I will tell a story
Late Ming Dynasty.
Set at the end of the last dynasty
set at the end of the last dynasty
about a married couple...
their story.
Auntie!
Sister-in-law.
- Thanks, Auntie!
- Take care!
Husband.
Could you salt the food a bit more?
The flavour is quite bland.
Too much salt is bad for the health.
Tonight is Scholar Dong's poetry salon.
I won't be back for dinner.
The autumn exams are coming up.
You should be studying more
and partying less.
You don't understand.
Poetry salons are full of brilliant men.
People exchange views on essays.
It's very helpful for learning.
By the way...
Our bronze mirror is a bit old.
Don't forget to visit the mirror shop.
Get a craftsmen to polish it.
Sure.
Brother Wang, see you soon.
See you!
Check them out!
Fashionable mirrors!
Painted Skin
Who's crying?
I've had a distressing time.
I'm just a little upset.
I didn't mean
to disturb you, sir.
What happened?
You can tell me.
I was a rich man's concubine.
His jealous wife threw me out.
I've nowhere to go.
Tonight
I'll have to sleep here in the open.
Perhaps, sir...
you could help me.
Um...
I only ask for some shelter
to get me through a few days.
Sir, do you think...
I sympathize with your plight.
My surname is Wang.
I have a study next to Lanruo Temple.
It's quite isolated.
If it's not beneath you
you could stay there a few days.
Really?
To help one in peril is a gentleman's duty.
Sir, not only are you
striking in appearance,
learned and capable,
but you have a chivalrous heart!
You're too kind.
Miss, you flatter me.
This study...
it might be a little humble.
But it's close to my home.
So don't be scared.
My staying here...
will it disrupt your studies?
Not at all, no.
But please try to stay inside
to avoid anyone getting the wrong idea.
It'd be bad if there was gossip.
While I'm here
I promise not to go out.
You're home.
Did you ask at the mirror shop
for someone to come tomorrow?
You didn't forget, did you?
You've had that old mirror for ages.
It's almost clouded over.
Forget it. Throw it out.
We'll buy a new one.
But it was your wedding gift to me.
We've been married so long now.
If something's old, throw it out.
If it's time for a change, change.
I've heard
that foreign glass mirrors are in style.
You should enjoy nice new things too.
I've an idea...
next time you cook, try some new flavours.
What flavours do you want to try?
Whatever.
From tomorrow
I'll rise early and go to my study.
Don't worry about my lunch.
Thank you so much.
Sir, what are you reading?
Ban Gus history of the Han Dynasty.
I wonder if you've also read
in his "Emperor Han Wudi"...
"A Concubine Hidden in Golden Hall".
I'm just teasing you.
It seems I gave you a shock.
So you're educated?
I had private tutoring.
I can read a little bit.
Such a pity
that a woman of such learning
ended up as someone's concubine.
It's fine.
If it hadn't happened
how could I have met you?
Good sir, if you don't find me unworthy
I'd be happy to give myself to you
to repay you for your kindness.
I... I'm already married.
I have a wife.
I'm afraid this won't do.
I know
you're an upright, true gentleman.
So I don't ask anything
except to remain at your side.
I ask only for simple shelter and food.
Of course.
Since I rescued you
I'm naturally responsible for you.
Good sir!
I'll go buy some food and drink.
Tonight we'll have dinner together.
I'll be here
waiting for your return.
Husband.
What are you doing here?
I brought your lunch.
What makes you so cheerful?
Nothing.
Wife, I'm tired from studying.
Let's stroll through the town.
But...
Wife?
Wife?
We haven't strolled together in ages.
I still remember that...
Wife, look!
Didn't you said the mirror was dull?
Let's go buy a new one.
Okay.
This is bad!
Good man...
Black glowing brow, dark glinting eyes...
an evil aura circles you, a sinister sign.
Husband!
May I ask
have you encountered any strangers?
No.
I haven't met anyone at all.
Dao-Master, what's this sinister sign?
An evil spirit has coiled around him.
It's a very bad portent.
- Superstitious nonsense!
- You must push it away.
- Now he'll say I'm in mortal danger.
- Take this seriously.
- That I'll die soon.
- Or it'll end in horror and death.
You'll die soon.
See? See?
Shameless, all for a few coins!
Common, let's go home.
I forgot the mirror.
You go home first.
I'll return after I buy the mirror.
Okay. Don't be long.
May I ask
have you encountered any strangers?
Husband?
From what you tell me
This demon has real powers.
Dao-Master, you have to save me!
Dao-Master, what should we do?
Don't fret.
Take this home with you.
This magic whisk will keep you safe.
Thank you so much, Dao-Master.
Thank you for your help.
She seemed so weak
and pitiful so I took her in.
I was just rescuing her.
I had no other motive.
I wanted to tell you
but worried you'd misunderstand.
I swear to Heaven
there was nothing illicit going on.
That demon tricked me with her human skin.
Wife, you must believe me.
Mr Wang!
Mr Wang!
You said that tonight
you'd join me for dinner.
Why didn't you come back?
Mr Wang!
You said you'd be right back.
How could you abandon me
just like that?
Mr Wang!
Come out.
The magic whisk!
All I ever asked for
was somewhere to live in peace.
Mr Wang, you promised me
and now you break your promise?
Wife!
Wife!
Wife!
Mr Wang...
have you forgotten your promise?
Husband.
You forgot
what you promised me?
Stay away!
Promise-breaker...
I'm going to kill you!
Brother! Who did this cruel thing to you?
Sister-in-law, we need to report this.
My brother's heart is missing.
Sister-in-law, let's report this now!
Brother-in-law...
it's not officials we need.
We have to find that Dao-Master.
What madness.
I offered the demon a way out
but it refused it and took his life.
This demon is still around.
She probably is lodging in another home.
I'll ask around
to see if any strangers have appeared.
Strangers...?
An old lady came this morning.
She offered to tend the garden
asking only for "simple shelter"
"and food" in return.
I pitied her so took her in.
Good girl.
This is fun!
Mom! Look!
Evil demon, where are you going?
So it really is her!
Sinful creature!
Master, have pity!
I did pity you and would've spared you
had you not been so cruel.
He wronged me first!
I'm a poor lonely ghost
wandering unsupported in the world.
All I wanted was a little comfort.
Just a little compassion.
A life for a life!
He promised a place to stay
but went back on his word.
If I could've had a home
I wouldn't have killed him.
Evil demon accept your death!
She's emerged!
She's emerged, Dao-Master!
My skin! My skin!
No!
My skin!
All I wanted...
and a home.
Someone to take me in.
A home.
Thank you, Dao-Master!
Thank you.
Such a demon.
It's due to my inexperience
I showed mercy to her
but instead, she killed your husband.
I can catch demons but can't revive him.
I do know a maestro
whose abilities far exceed mine.
Maybe he has a way of
reviving your husband.
I know you were married a long time
with deep love between you.
There's only one course left.
Let's give it a try.
Dao-Master, may I ask
how to find that maestro?
He's something of an oddball.
This is the maestro?
This guy?
Maestro?
I heard you can revive the dead.
Please, Master, save my brother.
That annoying Taoist...
Causing me trouble again!
Why revive him?
There's a lot of men in the world.
I'm one.
Why not just take me for a husband?
What dyad say?
Isn't that Young Wang?
Their family had a calamity.
Mr Wang had a roving eye.
That guy is crazy.
No way is he the maestro.
Let's go, sister-in-law.
Please save him.
Why bother?
You've got no children.
Can't you live without him?
Or is it his money you're after?
You stinking beggar.
Try that again I'll flatten you.
My husband wasn't perfect.
But he didn't deserve that!
I beg you, save him!
Then let me ask you
if I bring him back to life
will you still be with him?
So itchy!
Scratchy scratch.
Scratch up some filth.
Scratchy scratch.
If you eat this filth ball
I'll do it.
The way her husband
treated her was pretty bad.
I heard that her husband
secretly took a mistress
and she ended up killing him.
Eat it and I'll save him.
Eat?
Eat?
Please save him.
On my candy you dine
SO Now you are mine!
You total fraud!
I'll kill you! I'll kill you!
Madame Chen is back.
Sister-in-law.
If something's old, throw it out.
I'd be happy to give myself to you
Promise-breaker...
Mine!
Stay away!
Stay away!
Stay away!
My brother is alive!
My brother is alive!
I'm alive?
I'm alive!
Wife!
Wife!
Wife!
Wife, are you alright?
Wife, if you're okay then all's well.
We'll live in harmony from now on.
In harmony.
I promise I'll be good to you.
Wife.
Wife.
I promise I'll be good to you.
I promise I'll be good to you.
We'll live happily.
I feel sick.
As sun and moon are high and bright
So husband and wife are close and distant.
The ancients were right.
Scholar...
Time to judge.
Well...
these two stories are both marvelous.
Each as strong as the other, equal in fact.
Hard to say who's better
like equal chess players or horses.
Why don't you each
tell one more story?
Wait.
I will tell you a story.
I'm already a morsel in your stomach.
Why not listen to me tell a story
and when I'm finished, you can eat me.
Thank you both.
I'll follow on from yours
with another love story.
Early Ming Dynasty
Miss Lu
A farewell, and waters flow east and west.
In the end, they shall meet again.
Fragile is love, as fleeting as clouds
and like a soulful dream.
Young sir.
Venerable.
Taking a room in our temple to study
these past months...
has it helped your education?
To have such a quiet place to study
is most beneficial.
Thank you so much, Venerable.
Fragile is love, as fleeting as clouds
and like a soulful dream.
Pity love, insubstantial
as clouds and water
Beautiful encounters come but once.
Don't move!
You okay?
If not for those three arrows of mine
that beast would've
sent you to the afterlife.
Why didn't you run away?
You must be in shock.
You're fine. Go home.
Ying?
Horseback archer, red dress?
Young man, I'm sure
that was the Lu family's daughter.
Could you tell me where they live?
It's about five miles east.
Under three big willows...
a white house with a gray-blue roof.
It occurs to me
I haven't seen Miss Lu for days.
Three big willow trees.
Lu Family Manor
May I ask if Miss Lu
lives here?
Wait!
Why are you asking?
I found this near Lanruo Temple
and as I think it's hers
I've come to return it.
Miss Lu had an accident
and passed away.
It's so unfortunate.
Her grave is behind Lanruo Temple.
Miss Lu Lies Here
His daughter's sudden death
led her grieving father
to quit his official post
and return to his village.
Three months later
That day I met you
That day I met you
I never imagined I wouldn't see you again.
Every day for three months
I've come to pay my respects
and read poetry to you
in hopes of comforting your soul.
The seasons pass, a year flies by.
She has passed forever to the other side
Miss Lu!
It really is you.
Wonderful!
I didn't think I'd see you again.
Three months of daily visits
moved the gods to pity.
At last, I see you again,
Miss Lu!
I'm a ghost. Aren't you scared?
Though you're a ghost
you once saved my life.
I know you won't hurt me.
Even if you want to, I'm not scared.
Silly bookworm.
What's your name?
Zhang Yudan of Zhaoyuan County.
Zhang Yudan?
Yudan like fish balls?
Your name sounds very yummy.
No!
Miss Lu...
it's not that "Yudan".
It's from "With no
material desires I come..."
Whatever, you silly bookworm.
Reading poetry every day at my grave...
that's annoying enough.
What's this "ask for nothing" business?
A fish ball is a fish ball.
Fine, I'm Fish ball.
Tragedy comes without warning.
You were cut down in your youth.
I've heard that when people die
they go to the Underworld a week later.
How are you still here?
I caused too much carnage.
If I reincarnate I can
only return as a beast.
What a joke.
Me, in the full flower of youth...
a beast?
That mustn't happen.
It mustn't.
But... what can be done?
This golden lotus has nine petals.
If I can save a life in this world
one petal will open.
If I can save nine lives
all nine will open
and I can reincarnate as a person.
But I'm a ghost.
Yin but no Yang to support me.
I'm stuck in this dreary place.
Who can I save here?
I'd "serve you like a dog or horse"
but don't know how.
"Dog or horse"?
That's it!
You can carry me!
What?
Carry you?
Why not? Aren't you a man?
A man is Yang.
Carry me and you're my horse
and I can leave this place.
I see, I see.
But... it's a bit inappropriate.
I don't want to hurt your reputation.
I'm a ghost, what reputation?
Common, let's go.
Left.
Right.
Forward.
Stop.
It works.
Bookworm, you okay?
Yes, fine.
Fish ball, run!
Giddy up!
Why are you so light?
I'm a ghost, Fish ball.
The sun is up. Will you be okay?
If it doesn't directly shine on me, yes.
Enough, focus.
Fish ball, that guy jumped in!
- Don't wait... dive in, save him!
- Sure.
You...
Why dive in if you can't swim?
Didn't you tell me to?
I did.
Why not say you couldn't swim?
Are you Fish ball or Dumb-ball?
If you drown, who'll carry me around?
Don't worry.
I gave you my word
that I'd be your horse.
A gentleman's word is good as gold.
I'm not going to die.
Miss Lu...
someone else has fallen in!
Not another clam fisher or lotus collector?
Miss Lu, honest, a child fell in.
Shut up, I can see.
Get the fishing net.
- Thank you kind sir!
- It was nothing.
Be careful next time.
Miss Lu, they really couldn't see you.
Fish ball, look! It's opening!
Miss Lu, that's great.
Yay!
Miss Lu...
It seems... it seems
you're a little heavier.
Stinky Fish ball, who you calling heavy?
Stop.
Fish ball?
Uncle...
There's danger! Quick, move away!
Go away.
Pal, you looking for trouble?
Brother, in the coffin...
What're you doing?
Go away.
Stop there.
Why'd you take my axe?
Stop, gimme back my axe!
Give it back!
Miss Lu...
That's another life saved. You're heavier.
And you're so sweaty.
You're stinkier, Fish ball.
This is Quietus Cliff.
Let's wait here a while.
But, Fish ball...
who'd climb this high just to kill himself?
Life is hard, everyone has troubles.
Let's wait quietly for our chance.
Maybe you can save another life.
Miss Lu, what are you...
Waiting quietly for our chance.
Fish ball...
looks like we'll have no luck.
Let's try again tomorrow.
Fish ball...
the day all the petals open
take me to the Underworld.
Me?
Can I go to the Underworld?
Carrying me this long
has left you covered in ghost essence.
Of course you can go!
That's great!
I'll take you to the Underworld for sure.
Why so eager?
Tomorrow, the day after...
anyway, you're a horse
I'll be riding for a while yet.
You'll stink me out for a while too.
Now you're home.
Hurry, check
how many petals have opened.
One left.
That's wonderful.
Only one left
and then I need to leave here
and reincarnate.
Miss Lu...
today is the Festival of Love.
Let's go see the lanterns.
Maybe
we can save another along the way.
Over there.
Sure.
Fish ball, look, wish-lanterns!
Quick, make a wish!
Fish ball, what did you wish for?
Tell me. High honors? Lots of wives?
None of that.
[...
wished only for your early release
and a quick reincarnation.
Let's go back to Lanruo Temple.
Look, quick.
I just made a wish
and now it's answered.
Zhang Yudan... do you realise
that if I reincarnate in human form
I won't remember you
or recall anything that
happened between us.
Even if we meet again
we won't recognise each other.
A gentleman's word is good as gold.
Miss Lu...
I gave you my word.
Even if I can't bear to leave you
I won't break my promise.
Besides...
there's a life right here.
How can you not save it?
See?
Even fish are like this.
They help each other in adversity
but go separate ways when free.
After this we'll be worlds away.
We'll be apart.
Miss Lu, please don't worry.
Wherever you end up, whoever you are,
I, Zhang Yudan, will comb the land
until I find you again.
The Lu family of Xuanhua Town.
In 16 years, when I've grown up.
Go to Xuanhua Town in Hebei and find me.
I won't let you down.
Once you go
I'll study hard and excel
in the imperial exams.
In 16 years
I, Zhang Yudan,
promise that openly and with fanfare
I'll come to Hebei and marry you.
You must.
If I don't know who you are
even if you have to kidnap me
you have to make me your wife.
Do you understand, Fish ball?
Fish ball...
take me to the Underworld.
Though you'll forget your past life
it's okay to remember some things.
Don't drink the whole thing.
In sixteen years
if you run into difficulty
remember the well at Lanruo Temple.
Sixteen years later
You, sir, passed the two top exams.
Your official reputation is splendid.
Why then, on the eve of a promotion
Why then, on the eve of a promotion
return home for a provincial post?
I'll be honest with you.
I'm engaged to marry.
I must keep my word.
You're renowned for your respectability
and have always lived alone.
So you've been engaged all along.
I wonder who's the
family of the lucky girl.
You're very kind.
The wind is picking up, let's go inside.
Please.
Sure.
My father chose a husband for me.
He's from a good family.
That stuff doesn't matter to me.
What's important is for him to be
a handsome, spirited youth.
To have great adventures
and grow old together.
Otherwise, you waste your youth.
Quick!
Help get Mr Zhang's hat back!
Careful!
If in sixteen years
you run into difficulty
remember the well at Lanruo Temple.
Miss Lu...
sixteen years have passed.
But... I'm already old.
What should one do?
What should...
Don't move!
Fish ball...
take me to the Underworld.
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
Ying!
I know you always say
you were engaged in a previous life
to a scholar, Mr Zhang.
But you're already of age
and he still hasn't come.
We made vows in a past life.
He'll definitely come to marry me.
Maybe this Mr Zhang is no longer alive.
Anyway, even if he is alive
at this point he'd be around my age.
Years ago, we betrothed you
to the son of Minister Bai.
They're coming to formalist it soon...
I won't do it.
I'll wait for him to come.
If he doesn't, I won't marry anyone.
Sir, you have a visitor.
And you are...
ying...
ying...
The man you're waiting for is here.
I never imagined
he'd be such a fine gentleman.
You just want me to cheer up.
But you've tricked me before.
This visitor is the Ba family's boy, right?
Why would I lie to you?
He's talking to your dad in the salon.
Hurry, go have a look.
I'm not going.
Daughter...
his story matches yours exactly.
His name is Zhang, from Zhaoyuan County.
He said you met in a past life.
That's what you always say.
If you see him
you'd recognise him, right?
It's not him, it's not him.
No way is it him.
It's been 16 years.
He'd be middle-aged.
They're lying to me again.
Say you could find this Mr Zhang...
Maybe he's no longer alive.
He wouldn't break his promise.
But he still hasn't come for me.
Could it be that he's passed away?
And so father found a
younger man to trick me.
Is that it?
That's got to be it.
I hope you agree to our marriage.
You're too kind.
I couldn't have imagined
or wished for better.
Miss! Miss!
- What happened?
- Hurry! Help!
Ying!
Ying!
Take her down, quick!
Miss Lu!
Ying!
Hurry, get the doctor!
She's no longer breathing.
No way.
Ying!
Do whatever it takes.
You have to revive her.
The Underworld...
The Underworld...
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
You!
Who are you, really?
How'd you get here?
Miss Lu, it's me.
- I'm 'Fish ball'. Miss Lu...
- What do you want?
Don't you remember me?
I'm 'Fish ball'.
Miss Lu, let's go.
Common!
What are you doing?
Let go of me!
Let go of me!
Who are you?
Let me go!
Let me go!
- I'm already dead. I need to find him.
- Miss Lu!
Why are you stopping me?
Let me go, I don't know you!
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu!
Miss Lu?
Miss Lu!
Fish ball...
you're sweating again.
Silly Fish ball is now Stinky Fish ball.
Miss Lu!
Fish ball...
you're sweating again.
Silly Fish ball is now Stinky Fish ball.
Miss Lu!
Fish ball...
it really is you.
It's me, Miss Lu.
Fish ball...
you found me.
I found you.
Though I had to kidnap you
we're together now!
With Miss Lu on his back,
they fled the Underworld.
At that moment,
the sun rose in the east.
A ray of sunshine
broke on the water's surface.
It's already dawn.
Gentlemen...
how do you like my story?
For such an egghead
you managed to tell
such a deeply moving story.
This kind of story conveys
passionate sorrow and joy.
All our cultivation and you have us beat.
Time and transformation...
So many stories
of greed, kindness, every emotion,
chaos, marriage, life and death
did we have in this well last night.
Gentlemen...
I have many more stories in me.
You know...
Get out of here.
If not I really will eat you.
But I've just got into the groove
and it's rare to find such soulmates.
I could tell you a few more.
Go away.
Hey, Scholar...
what's your name?
My humble name
is Pu Songling.
Gentlemen, I'll be on my way.
In clear waters, a flow of imagination.
In fantastic tales, a world of truth.