A Touch of Zen (1971) - full transcript

"Based on a story from Strange Stories
from a Chinese Studio by PU Songling"

"A TOUCH OF ZEN"

"Presents by SHA Yung- fong"

"Starring HSU Feng, SHIH Chun"

"BAIl Ying, TIEN Peng"

"Guest appearance by Roy CHIAO"

"Cinematography by HUA Hui- ying"

"Set design by CHOW Chi- leung”

"Music by WU Da- jiang"

"Action choreography by
HAN Ying- chieh, PAN Yao- kun"

"Written & Directed by King HU"



"Jing Lu Fort"

"The Resident of General"

"For letter writing and painting.”

"Gu Shengzhai"

Your comments are welcome.

Is this your work?

Yes. What do you think?

Very good indeed.

Would you like a portrait done?

All right.

Please have a seat.

And your name?

Ouyang Nian.

Ah, Mr. Ouyang.



You must have had a difficult journey.

How do you know?

I know almost everyone

in this remote area.

I've just arrived.

You live here for a long time?

Yes.

Would you lift your hat a bit?

And turn your head to the side.

What's your name?

Gu Shengzhai.

Uncle!

Shengzhai.

You're open early today.

Would you like to come in for tea?

No, I can see you're busy. See you later.

See you.

Mr. Gu.

Who's he?

He sells medicinal herbs.

And his name?

Lu. Why do you ask?

Is he from around here?

No, he's been here less than a month.

He is good at the art of healing.

He has a stall near the temple.

Why?

Nothing.

Mr. Ouyang.

I'll be back tomorrow.

Stairs!

Mother!

Mr. Shi.

Back so soon, Mr. Gu?

Won't you stay a while?

Perhaps another day.

Well, be seeing you.

- See you.
- Goodbye.

Mother, is there someone living there?

Who'd live in that haunted place?

Mr. Shi just read your horoscope.

Can you guess what he said?

No, I can't.

Come and eat.

He said the stars are in your favor this year.

How does he know?

I told you he read your horoscope.

He said you should take the local civil exam.

I'm not interested.

Why?

Why should someone with
eyes listen to a blind man?

Every mother expects her son to be somebody.

But you just slack off all day.

Mother. We might not be rich,

but we manage to put food on the table

Once I save a little more,

I can open a school.

Don't be silly!

You want be a teacher?

Don't you know...

Nothing compares to being an official.

Nothing compares to being a scholar.

If you don't want to be an official, why study?

We study to acquire knowledge.

But you don't seem to know anything.

You're over 30 now,

but still too poor to marry.

Why?

I'm waiting for the right person.

No money, no honey!

Oh, to think that I'll die without grandchildren!

I prefer only safety in troubled times

rather than fame amongst the lords.

Don't quote to me!

Save your quotes for the exam!

Oh, you're hopeless!

Mother!

Are you alright?

I...

I was looking...

to see if there was someone inside.

Have you gone crazy?

Who'd be living there?

Get back home!

Go!

Now!

You shouldn't run around at this hour.

Look at all the dust on you!

- Mr. Gu.
- Yeah.

Do you mind if I ask something?

Not at all.

I've heard Jing Lu Fort is nearby.

Yes.

Have you been there?

I live right by.

They say it's haunted.

That depends on whether you believe in ghosts.

Mr. Ouyang.

I'll mount the painting when it's done.

Then tomorrow you can see if you like it.

Thank you.

It's better to

belive ghosts exist than not.

Confucius says,
one shouldn't speak of the supernatural.

On this I can't agree with you, Mr. Gu.

Until tomorrow.

It's better to believe ghosts exist...

"Taoist spells”

Mother!

What are you doing?

I...

You're getting crazier every day.

Let me introduce you two.

This is Miss Yang.

This is my son.

Let's go.

Miss Yang.

If there's anything you need,

feel free to come to my place anytime.

Who is she?

Our new neighbor.

You scared her to death last night.

She scared me too.

She must be awfully brave

to live there alone.

She lives here for the
same reason as ours: no rent.

Shengzhai!

Mother. What were you doing there?

Giving her some needles and thread.

They're poor as a church mouse.

Mother.

Who else lives with her there?

Her bed- ridden mother

who must be at least 80.

What are you holding that stick for?

Oh, nothing.

What do they do for a living?

Miss Yang does some odd jobs.

You can imagine how little she earns.

By the way, you're well over 30.

Not the exam again!

Don't interrupt me!

Miss Yang is single and in her 20s.

How about I fix you up with her?

Huh...

Don't huh me.

They have no one to depend on.

You have nothing better to do.

You'd make a good couple.

But...

But mother...

What?

You think she'd agree?

Why not?

Aren't we good enough for them?

It depends on your willingness.

It's all a pipe dream if she's not willing.

Listen to you...

Her family is dirt poor.

What would she lose by marrying you?

She will.

I'll have a talk with her mother tomorrow.

Get back early for the good news.

Mother.

You scared me!

Why are you still here?

What did she say?

No.

Where're you going?

To the shop.

It's going to rain. Don't go today.

What did her mother say?

She wants her to get married soon.

But Miss Yang doesn't want to.

Why not?

She wouldn't say why.

She must thought we're too poor.

If only you had an official title of some sort.

Not that again, Mother!

You're taking the exam this year!

We've been over that before!

Over what?

If you had a government post,

you wouldn't be getting the cold shoulder.

Mother.

If all you do is paint all day,

you can forget about marriage.

Mother!

Pardon my intruding.

No one answered the door,

so I took the liberty of coming in.

Sorry we were out.

This is Mr. Ouyang. This is my mother.

Please, have a seat.

I'm pleased to meet you.

Please have a seat.

Sorry the place is such a mess.

Not at all.

It's quite the cozy cottage.

You are too kind.

It's nicely quiet here.

Have a seat.

How come you weren't at the market today?

- Ignore him...
- I had some personal business at home.

I went to your shop this morning.

Sorry about that.

- Your portrait is done.
- No water!

Give me your frank opinion.

It's quite perfect.

You're being too kind.

A man of your gifts shouldn't be hidden away

in this remote town.

As just an ordinary man, I couldn't ask for more.

Have you thought of taking

the local exam this year?

Do you think he has a chance?

Mother!

With his talent I'm sure he does.

You flatter me.

Didn't I tell you?

This year you take that exam!

If you're willing to try,

I may be of some assistance.

No need.

You know someone!

How wonderful!

Consider me at your service.

I am much obliged.

But I wasn't planning on taking it this year.

Don't listen to him. We rely entirely on you.

Mother!

Hold your tongue!

Do think it over.

If you've made up your mind, let me know.

No. There's no need.

- Hey!
- Mother!

A token of my respect.

It's not my best work.

Please take it as a gift.

How could I possibly do that?

This is much too much!

My set price is five maces a painting.

That's enough, Shengzhai.

Mr. Ouyang is one of us.

Just take it.

Mr. Ouyang!

Good- bye, Mrs. Gu.

Please take it.

I'll visit again someday.

Mother, you...

Would you like me to sign on it?

Sure.

I'll come by your shop to pick it up.

It's raining.

- Feel free to visit anytime.
- Take care.

He's a nice man.

You should get to know him better.

Stop right there!

Who is it?

Who's there?

General Shi.

Who?

Help!

The fortune teller!

Mr. Shit!

Are you all right?

You're hurt pretty bad.

I'm all right.

I slipped and fell.

Look. You're bleeding.

Where's my cane?

Forget about your cane. Let's get you inside.

Where's my cane?

My cane!

Where's my cane?

You have a bad gash.

My cane!

I'll go get something for it.

My cane!

I'll look for it.

Miss Yang. Take a look.

Get some firewood.

Has Ouyang Nian learned who you are?

No.

But who is that fellow?

Go tell Dr. Lu tomorrow.

Yes.

"Dr. Lu's stall"

You have a cold, Mrs. Gu.

But it isn't serious.

I do have a cold.

I was helping the fortune teller last night.

It was raining cats and dogs.

I got drenched in the rain.

Then I had chills.

I knew something was wrong.

Dr. Lu will give you medicine.

You'll be all right soon, Mother.

What do you know?

Boil the medicine twice and drink,

and wrap yourself in a blanket.

You'll recover in no time. Don't worry.

Let's go.

The fee...

We can talk about it later

No, we'd better...

We'll pay him next time.

Dr. Lu is one of us. He wouldn't mind.

- Rest?
- We're heading home.

- Bye.
- Take care.

Miss Yang!

Don't you recognize me?

Stop!

I just want to ask you:

do you know

a blind fortune teller here?

Rest for a moment.

We'll rest when I get home.

Sorry for all the trouble, Miss Yang.

What happened to your face?

You feeling better?

I'm getting old and useless...

Look at all this medicine!

Miss Yang,

if you're tired,

go back and rest awhile.

Did you know the fortune teller

Mr. Shi before?

No.

Sorry to put you to all this trouble, Ms Yang.

You've been up all night;

you must be exhausted.

If only I had a daughter- in- law like you.

But we're too poor.

We're much poorer than you.

But I can't blame you for

turning my son down.

Get some sleep, Mrs. Gu.

Shengzhai has no ambition.

He won't even take the exam.

He must have his own reasons.

He's as stubborn as

my dead husband.

He studied his whole life

but refused to be an official.

Which is why we're living like this...

You should be pleased to

have so dutiful a son.

But what good has it done us?

He can't even get a wife.

With his talent he is bound to

find someone good.

I'd be happy to see him marry anyone.

He's over 30 now

and my health is failing.

When I give up the ghost,

it'll be the end of the Gu line.

How much do I owe you, Dr. Lu?

No need to talk about that now.

But ll insist.

What's the hurry?

Well then, just the medicine fee.

Is your mother getting better?

Much better now, thank you.

Quite a few agents from the Eastern
Depot prowling about, huh?

I heard their Second Chief, Men Da, is coming.

See you.

Dr. Lu, do you know a man

by the name of Ouyang Nian?

Ouyang Nian?

No, I don't.

Fine, see you.

- Goodbye then.
- Bye.

Grandpa, How did he...

"Gu Shengzhai is no ordinary man."

Mr. Gu.

Come by my place tonight.

"A jug of wine amidst the flowers"

"Having no company, I drink alone"

"I raise the cup and invite the moon"

"With my shadow we form a company of three"

"But alas, the moon doesn't drink"

"And my shadow merely follows my body"

"Let the three of us commune, however briefly"

"Drink and rejoice in springtime”

"The moon reels with my song"

"My shadow moves with my dance”

"While awake let us seize the moment"

"For we shall part after drinking our fill"

"Let us cherish our friendship"

"Till next time, if we ever meet"

Mr. Gu.

Mr. Gu.

How lucky you are to have a tryst like this.

You should return with me, Miss Yang.

Mr. Ouyang!

Stay out of this!

Miss Yang!

You come from a reputable family!

To have done such a shameful thing!

Let's go.

- Stay away!
- None of your business!

Mr. Gu, what happened to you?

I slipped and fell.

Mr. Gu.

Gentlemen...

His Excellency the Magistrate wants to see you.

What for?

You'll know when you get there.

- But gentlemen...
- Get going!

- Mr. Gu.
- Sir.

Would you please make ten copies of this.

I'll pay whatever you ask.

Get the ink ready.

Please have a seat.

Sure.

"Yang Huizhen is a criminal at large."

"A reward for her capture is offered.”

What... what's this for?

Isn't it clear from the text?

Her father was a top official of the Donglin Sect.

He offended the Grand Eunuch Wei.

So his entire family was condemned to death.

But they said his daughter
managed to escape with the nanny.

But that girl...

What? Have you seen her around?

No, I haven't.

I mean...

...she's the daughter of an honest official.

Mind your own business.

Just copy her portrait.

Alright, I will.

Why don't they let her live?

There is nothing we can do about it.

Please get on with your painting.

Sir...

Sir...

A Captain of the Eastern Depot is here.

He is arriving now.

We'd better receive him.

Unlock the gate and let him in.

Yes.

But shall we tell the Magistrate?

I'll talk to him myself.

Here they come.

We are honored by your visit.

You flatter me.

Magistrate,

there's a lot going on in your town.

Please forgive us.

It is not within my power to do so.

Several criminals are taking shelter here.

You know how grave the penalty could be?

Yes, I am much to blame.

What do you plan to do about it?

Captain,

I've received orders from the Ministry of Justice,

A wanted poster of Yang Huizhen is issued.

Copies will be made tomorrow,

and posted on the main streets.

More constables will be dispatched to arrest her.

You fool!

You think your men can catch her?

I will increase the reward,

whoever catches Yang...

- Don't put up the posters.
- Yes, sir.

They will only put her on higher alert and escape.

But... the Ministry of Justice...

I'm in charge now.

Yes, sir.

Listen up.

His Lordship will soon be here.

You'd better watch your step.

Kindly tell me what to do.

Destroy the posters.

Send several able constables in.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Gu. Stop copying!

You'd better leave.

Alright.

Mother! We have to go!

What happened to your face?

Let's go.

Come on, hurry.

Come on, let's go.

Should I hide in the temple?

Yes. Hurry!

Be careful!

Yes. I will.

Watch out for thieves

I will. Hurry!

Be careful!

Miss Yang!

Miss Yang!

Miss Yang!

Mr. Gu.

Mr. Shi.

Who are you looking for?

Have you seen...

...Miss Yang around?

No, I'm blind.

I'm sorry.

She left with her mother already.

Mr. Shit!

She asked me to tell you to run for your life.

Do you know where she went?

No I don't.

I must find her.

Mr. Shit!

Mr. Shit!

Who are you really?

Not a blind man, that's for sure.

Those people outside...

- They...
- Don't talk!

Don't move.

Run!

General Shi.

Show yourself!

He knows who you are...

Mr. Gu.

Don't get mixed up with these people.

They're all fugitives.

Go!

Hurry!

I'm all right.

Why are you still here?

I have some unfinished business.

You're wanted by the Ministry of Justice,

and tailed by agents of the Eastern Depot.

What do you plan to do?

I won't sit here waiting to be killed.

You'll tackle all of them?

You'd better leave, Mr. Gu.

I can't just leave you here.

Why not?

We're almost like a married couple.

We should watch out for each other.

That's all over.

Don't mention it again.

I must help you

even just as a friend.

But this is a real fight,

you're not meant for it.

You can't win with brute force.

A fight like this requires strategy.

And you have one?

When we're outnumbered,

strategy wins over strength.

If you will but trust me,

there is no end to my loyalty.

You can see my life hangs by a thread.

How can I afford not to trust you?

Good.

Then...

Then you...

I just don't want to get you involved.

That's not worth mentioning.

Just tell me what is going on.

Know thyself and victory is thine.

Lu Dingan.

Don't mind those scoundrels.

I've sent a report to the Emperor

with the results of your investigation,

stating the 24 crimes of Eunuch Wei,

and the illegal activities of the Eastern Depot.

Here are the copies.

Take them to our Donglin colleagues.

Your report might not reach the Emperor.

Then I shall see him in person.

That might work.

But if the report falls into Eunuch Wei's hands,

we'll be in big trouble.

I won't let that stop me.

Sir.

The imperial envoy

has arrived with men from the Eastern Depot.

Prepare to receive the imperial decree.

Yes, sir!

Your Excellency.

Here is His Majesty's decree.

Yes, sir.

Let's cut things short.

Certainly.

All kneel to receive His Majesty's decree.

Long live the Emperor.

Yang Lian, you are hereby summoned

to an audience with the Emperor immediately.

Order from the Emperor.

Long live the Emperor!

Yang Lian.

Is it correct that you mentioned me

in your report to the Emperor?

Yes.

Fabricating lies against His Excellency Wei?

They're not fabrications, but facts!

You're an outspoken fellow.

You are guilty of embezzling

2 millions of military funds.

What do you say to that?

It's outrageous

to accuse me of this.

No one will believe a word of you.

So you won't confess?

It was your conspiracy that brought me here.

I'll inform His Majesty.

Apply torture.

My father suffered their beatings,

and was tortured to death.

Generals Shi and Lu

helped me escape from the capital.

You mean Mr. Shi and Dr. Lu?

Eunuch Wei didn't stop there.

He had his agents scour the land to find me.

The generals escorted me

to the frontier.

Go!

Go!

That way.

Hide.

Go!

Do not be alarmed.

They wouldn't dare trouble you here.

Have you seen 3 men passing by here?

Before he died,

he told his disciples...

Hey, I'm talking to you!

What has happened here?

A moment ago your men stooped to violence.

We intervened,

thus preventing a great tragedy.

Sir.

You're a monk.

Should practice meditation in your temple.

Do not meddle in worldly affairs.

No cause for bloodshed in this sacred place.

Master.

Letting those vermin go is bound to be trouble.

You've traveled far.

Why not rest awhile in our temple?

Please.

This way, please.

During my 2 years' stay in the monastery,

Master Hui Yuan taught me how to defend myself.

In a world as big as this,

there is no place for us to hide.

If only Master Hui Yuan would lend a hand.

He won't.

What about District Magistrate Xu Zhengqing?

A just man like him will surely help.

They say Commander Men Da will be here.

He'll arrive as a military supervisor,

but in fact, he's coming for you.

What are you going to do?

I want to ambush them en route.

No.

We must find a way to drain their strength.

What do you mean?

Here's a map of Jing Lu Fort.

It's also familiar terrain to you.

We should wait for them...

...to fall into our trap.

I've had a lifelong interest...

...in military tactics.

If you can lure them here,

I'll be able to capture them.

What's the matter, Lu Qiang?

Ouyang left for Green Bamboo Hill this morning.

Could he be retreating?

No.

I think Men Da's men are here already.

We mustn't let Ouyang Nian see them.

Wait.

Those two are Men Da's bodyguards.

They are skillful fighters.

We're no match for them.

We'll take them one by one.

Go!

Captain!

Captain!

Leave me alone.

Captain!

Magistrate Xu.

I'm here.

Prepare pen and ink.

Write a letter for me.

Yes, Captain.

Write...

Yes?

To Commander Men Da of the Eastern Depot:

Donglin survivors lie in wait here.

Do not advance.

Ouyang Nian.

Dispatch it immediately.

For he's already on the march.

Hurry!

If there's any delay,

I'll have your head.

Yes, sir.

Who was that?

Nobody.

No one can come in here.

Yes, sir.

I've already instructed the guards outside.

Captain, your wounds...

I've taken medicine

and I must lie still.

I must have quiet.

Yes, Captain.

Brother Dingan.

Zhenggqing.

He is badly wounded.

Who is it?

Captain, your wounds are grave.

I've brought a doctor.

I told you not to

let anyone in!

Oh, it's you.

Captain Ouyang.

Lu Dingan.

You arrived just in time.

I am here to treat your wounds.

We should lure Men Da here.

Write him a letter.

A letter for His Excellency.

Wait.

Yes, sir.

What is it?

Sir, a letter from Ouyang Nian.

What does he say?

"Everything is arranged for your arrival.”

He says everything is all set.

Then let's move.

Forward!

I heard Men Da is going to camp at Jing Lu Fort.

When?

After he finds Ouyang Nian.

How many troops has he brought?

About 200 agents.

We're outnumbered.

We must sap their morale first.

I don't understand.

Spread rumors that...

...ding Lu Fort is haunted.

But, isn't this a little too...

No, just do it.

I think my mother could be handy here.

...I've seen the ghost!

One night,

I saw someone standing on the fort.

He was only this small at first sight.

Then when I look again,

he grew bigger and bigger.

I tried to look more carefully. Wow!

Sir!

My respects, Your Excellency.

Have you found Ouyang Nian?

Not yet.

Have you been to the Fort?

Well?

Your Excellency,

we heard the place is in ruins,

ravaged by wars.

Well, sort it out.

Sir,

it's rumored... the placed is polluted.

What do you mean?

It's rumored that...

...it's haunted.

That's just talk.

Don't listen to such absurdities.

Go there tomorrow.

Yes, sir.

Station a few men outside.

Yes, sir.

You four, stand guard.

Yes, sir.

Get in.

Chief.

You! Stop!

Stop! Stop!

What's going on?

Look!

Let's go.

How did it go?

What are you doing?

Ghosts!

Demons!

Sir...

...there are ghosts outside!

Did this really happen?

Yes, I saw them with my own eyes.

I've heard many tales...

...about demons and spirits,

but I've never seen one.

I'd like to see for myself.

Sir, you have great responsibilities.

Perhaps you shouldn't take the risk.

Ghosts won't bother us

for it's said they're afraid of vicious men.

But...

Don't fall for this nonsense.

It's just some ignorant country folks

spreading rumors to make trouble.

But our men are convinced in their existence.

Some villains are behind this.

Magistrate,

don't you agree?

Yes, Your Excellency is right.

He wouldn't believe this.

We've failed to convince him?

Judging from his reaction,

he seems to get suspicious of our magistrate.

No need for all this trouble.

Let's sneak into the magistrate's office tonight

and kill those bastards.

That would ruin our plan.

I think we should...

...draw them here the night after tomorrow.

Tomorrow let's send Men Da a gift.

It's Ouyang Nian.

Magistrate.

Sir.

Where did you find...

...the body of Ouyang Nian?

Near Jing Lu Fort.

Captain Ouyang died in your jurisdiction.

Evidently he was murdered.

What do you have to say?

I am to blame.

Good.

- Guards!
- Yes, sir.

Lock him up and await further orders.

Your Excellencies.

Sirs, I know things!

Speak.

It's confidential.

Would you please ask them...

Now, speak.

Yang Huizhen!

Isn't she Yang Lian's daughter?

Yes.

There are also 2 renegade generals with her.

Splendid.

All three of them are here.

Who else?

I hear the three...

...are gathering bandits

to storm into town

and kidnap you.

We'd better act first.

Sir, I'll bring some men with me

to take them in one clean sweep tonight.

Sir, it's time.

Help!

Don't move! Don't move!

What are you raving about?

Sir, it's... it's... true!

Ambush?

Ghosts!

Yes, there are ghosts.

- The two of them are... dead.
- Nonsense.

Sir, the rumors are true.

Don't be absurd!

Be alert for an ambush.

Yes, sir.

What is it?

Look, sir.

Sir, I think we should...

- Tell them to calm down!
- Yes.

Hold your positions!

Sir,

you should confer with the chief.

Men can't fight ghosts.

I think we should return in the morning.

We kill for a living,

and do heinous things...

Sir, I think...

A sharp fellow like you,

can't you see

this is a plot against us?

Yes, sir.

But I fear we may have enraged the spirits.

You are of great responsibilities.

How can you believe such nonsense about ghosts?

I've just talked with...

...other officers.

What? Mutiny?

Don't panic! Protect His Excellency!

Don't let her get away!

Shi Wengiao.

- Sir
- They must be inside.

There's someone.

Sir.

I'll keep watch here.

You two go in and search.

Miss Yang, please spare me...

Your feminine sympathy will get us into trouble.

"Yang Lian's Spiritual Tablet"

Miss Yang!

It's you!

Sir!

Miss Yang! Miss Yang!

Miss Yang!

Have you seen Miss Yang?

Where's Miss Yang?

Master, have you seen Miss Yang?

Have you seen Miss Yang?

Have you seen Miss Yang?

Have you seen Miss Yang?

Have you seen Miss Yang?

Mother!

Have you seen Miss Yang?

Yes, I've seen her.

Where is she?

She asks you not to look for her.

I must find her.

"Our relationship is at end, for I've taken vows.”

"The Gu line will never be without an heir."

Yang Huizhen, you've unfinished business.

If I attain Nirvana, I will not leave you behind.

Gu Shengzhai is in dire straits.

Go with General Shi.

"Gu Shengzhai is a criminal at large."

There he is.

That's him. Get him!

Run.

Run!

That man is Commander- in- Chief.

General Shi.

Miss Yang.

I'm Xu, the new Commander- in- Chief

of the Eastern Depot. My respect.

I am honored.

I've orders from His Excellency Wei

to invite you to the capital for consultations.

Please tell Eunuch Wei

Miss Yang and I

have retired from such service,

and have no intention of returning.

Then I may as well say

you're invited back for trial.

Then this is more difficult to obey.

Then there is nothing I can do for you.

I suggest you think this through.

You take the fat one.

Go!

Stay back!

Rise!

Commander Xu.

Are you Master Hui Yuan?

Am.

You are well known in monastic circles.

Why are you harboring these criminals?

Won't this affect your reputation?

Perhaps I am still a man of the world.

General Shi once held a high position.

Miss Yang comes from a noble family.

Being framed by villains and in despair,

they fled here to live in quiet anonymity.

But the Eastern Depot sent out agents

to hound after them.

It's their lawful duty.

Don't you know about

the injustice against the Donglin Sect?

Spare them for Buddha's sake.

Isn't mercy the better path?

A man has his code.

The Imperial laws are not to be tampered with.

Tell Eunuch Wei

they have joined the order

and won't concern themselves with worldly matters.

And they did so at my suggestion.

This is beyond reason!

How dare a monk criticize official policy?

Commander,

you were once but a petty clerk for the eunuchs.

How dare you disturb the peace of Buddha's land?

Now go.

I am arresting you for harboring criminals!

Get this evil creature out of my sight.

Lay down your weapons.

Stay back!

Depart.

Stay back!

Master!

His cycle of evil is not yet fulfilled.

General Shi.

Master.

Master, please take me in.

You are not yet free of worldly bonds. Go back.

Master, I've too much blood on my hands.

Phantoms haunt my dreams at night.

Sometimes I have visions.

At times I feel torn inside

and wake up in a cold sweat.

My sole wish is to spend...

...the rest of my life in the monastery.

Give up the sword, and you will attain Buddhahood.

Penitence is good.

Master. If you do not take me,

I shall kneel here forever.

The sea of suffering is boundless. Come ashore.

Arise.

Brother!

Father!

"THE END"

"Translator: Christopher Nelson,
Steve Bradbury Co- translator: Hazel Chang"