Soul of the Sword (1978) - full transcript
Famed actor Ti Lung plays a lone swordsman trying to defeat the "Number One Swordsman" as part of his vengeance package in life in Soul Of The Sword. He quickly learns however, that sometimes wanting is better than having.
Lu Tien Kang
You are awaited outside
Will you go?
I will
You've come for a duel
Why bring along a woman?
I want her to witness...
as to how I'll defeat you
And be crowned 'King of Swords'
It's not too late to pullout
You are doomed to lose
That's up to your sword - not your words
Young man, you don't understand
The sword knows no emotions
You should be free of emotions
and hindrances
And only focus on your enemy
But as she is in your heart...
You're most likely to lose
You can still retreat now
Silence! Draw your sword
The duel begins
Can't you get rid of your hat?
Over my dead body
The outcome is determined, go
Chief Instructor Lu is indeed
'King of Swords'
Bury the young man with due respects
Award Lu 500 taels of gold
And 200 rolls of silk
With a celebration feast tomorrow
Old sir, what are you doing?
You see...
the young man who just died?
I am engraving his name
He's already dead
Why bother?
He was a good swordsman
But would be soon forgotten
Indeed very soon
I want him remembered
Is there no one who can defeat Lu?
Not up to now
Maybe in future
I don't know if I'll live to see that day
I'm sure you will
I will defeat him
You?
You'll have to train for 10 years
Maybe even before you see his face...
You'll die
I'll be here
And engrave a name
Which will be yours
I'll go today and see
What exactly he looks like
Step down
Can't you see he's just a kid?
What do you want?
Your hat always covers your face
You must be hiding something
I want to see what you look like
Remember this
My hat won't be removed by mere hands
But by a sword
Maybe when you can face me with a sword
You will already be dead under my sword
Stone Bridge Village
In this Pai Kwa Hall...
Many swordsmen have died
White-faced Chiu, Siu Lu the Magnificent
The Dynamic Duo, the Green Swordsman
They have all died here
You're but a nobody
Look at your shoes
You have little experience
And wouldn't know who these swordsmen are
Our doors are always open
You have entered here today
It's not too late to go back now
If I wanted to re-trace my steps
I wouldn't have come in the first place
There are 8 of us
Who do you want to have a duel with?
You have no name or credentials
What makes you
worthy to fight with my master?
My worth is my sword
Monk Loong
Had you drawn your sword sooner...
They would not have died for nothing!
Declare your name
So you'll be remembered after your death
A corpse contaminates the ground
I will live and glorify my name
Lu Tien Kang
He is closing in on you
No, Sire,
He still has many hurdles to cross
He has neither name nor credentials
And looks an uncommon swordsman
No
He also needs to be cold and unhindered
...to have a chance to succeed
But this is difficult for young people
He stormed the Hall
Killed Monk Loong
You should be more cautious
I never pay attention to a nobody
But if Sire is concerned
I will deal with him seriously
If I were you I would sit still
I have awaited you for a long time
I never expected you would attack me
All is fair in love and war
All is fair in swordplay
This is a bathing pool for men
You dare to enter
What guts!
There are 3 kinds of people
Men, women and dead people
You don't look like a man to me
But rather a dead person
You want me to fight you barehanded?
First class swordsmanship
By the slightest movement
Can be lethal
You boast you can defeat me
Don't you possess such skills?
It has been rumored
The Sword Lady from Lo Yeung
is highly skilled
To die by your sword
I accept totally
Tell me your history, and I will
Give you the chance to draw your sword
You're merely one of many swordsmen
from Lo Yeung
You are not worthy to know this
You son of a...!
Looking at you now
Neither do you look like a woman
But rather a dead person
Who's there?
You can evade 3 of my advances
But I will not let you off
And who might you be?
I am a tenant here...
who happened to come and bathe
Little expecting you two would fight!
They tried to ambush me
Excellent swordsmanship
I crossed you just now
I hope you'll forgive me
Think nothing of it!
To venture forth in the world
One has to be careful
You are too kind, old sir
Here's to you!
May I know your name please?
Chiu I at your service
'Chiu' as in popular surnames
'I' as in number one
My name has been selected
To mean there is nothing I can't cure
So, you're a doctor?
At your service
Within the Sire's residence
Merely holding a humble position
Well, you praised my swordsmanship
Meaning that apart from medical knowledge
You are an expert in swordplay too
You flatter me
I know nothing about swordplay
It's just that
during my practice of medicine...
I have encountered many
a famous swordsmen
And can talk my way through
like an expert
Unfortunately
I haven't even touched a sword
This means you know of Lu Tien Kang?
Of course I do
All who reside in Sire's residence
I have treated at one time or other
You mean, even Lu?
Yes
What's his ailment?
He always covers his face
And never allows anyone see him
That's a kind of sickness
That's mental sickness
which cannot be completely cured
Young man
You seem to be very interested in Lu
Would you be the Nobody
Without credentials
or affinity to any style
Who stormed the Pai Kwa Hall
And slaughtered Monk Loong's swordsmen?
You have missed the Lo Yeung Sword Lady
Oh, I should have known it was you
In your awkward situation
she had ambushed you
That conduct is so unbecoming!
All is fair in swordplay
Lu Tien Kang said
something like that once
What did he say?
I remember distinctly. He remarked...
Cold steel knows no mercy
That's what he said?
Correct
A swordsman must be amoral and merciless
Unhindered
Or he'll fail
It has been rumored
You wish to challenge Lu
And be crowned 'King of Swords'
Such a title to a swordsman...
Is an honourable life-long pursuit
But of course
Young people ought to have
such an aspiration
For swordsmen like you
Similar to people like us
Are after many things
The reality is...
There is a price for everything
You don't mind me saying this, do you?
It's quite late
Old sir, you should rest
I have some matters to attend to.
After you
Goodbye
You give me great face
Allow me to finish with
my drink and guest
Before you confront me
You nameless upstart, causing a stir
Want to become King of swords
Is there no due respect
for the eight of us?
You're wrong.
There are only seven of you left
As he is dead!
And I don't want to wipe out you lot
I'll leave you two
To cheer things up a bit
Be gone!
Boss, boss...
Don't touch him
He is not dead yet
Here, let me help him
He is wounded
Treat him with the 13-mix herbal medicine
Adding rare herbal medicine
Boiling all ingredients together
Then take 2 more doses of Zi Jian Dan
If there are problems let me know
An insignificant effort
unworthy of mentioning
If I could save a dying man with a needle
I would be happy
I'd like to know
When you kill a living person
with a sword
Does that make you equally happy?
It's only when I get the title-
'King of Swords'
Then will I be truly happy
Sire
Someone at the door...
is demanding a duel with Lu
What's his name?
Nameless, sort of
There has never been a swordsman...
who could enter with such ease
Dare him
To storm the gates with his prowess
Is that so?
Prostrate yourselves
Those hiding behind the door
Come out!
A long-enough sword
But flaccid
Do you think you could win by this?
That's enough
Stop!
Come here, young man
Yes
The Nameless with no credentials
or affinity
Pays respects to Sire
How can I get your name and history?
When I have defeated 'King of Swords' Lu
You remain nameless even in my presence?
I beg Sire's forgiveness
A man of principles! Rise
Unfortunately Lu is out visiting friends
And is not here
I can wait for his return
All right! On his return
You two can arrange a duel
And see who emerges the 'King of Swords'
My great appreciation, Sire
Announce to the household
To entertain the Nameless Swordsman
You have been following me
Was it you just now?
Were you behind all that?
What are you doing?
The Sire has ordered
That you be properly entertained
First thing tomorrow morning
Chiu I will accompany you
What has happened here?
Nothing really
Really?
Yes, nothing
When can we visit your place?
I'll bet you have many children
and grand-children
I am quite embarrassed actually
At my age
Apart from a pack of needles
I have no possessions
Not to mention a home
And I definitely have no family
Oh really?
I should have a family like everyone else
But then I don't
I'll tell you all a funny story today
About a monkey climbing a pole
And changing of guards
There was this old businessman
Very rich
He took a bride
Beautiful and young
But as he was a business man
He had to travel a few times a year
On this particular day
he was traveling again
But he was worried about his young wife
Being alone at home
So he thought of an idea
He painted a guard on her private region
His wife was worried about him too
And so
She drew a monkey on his private organ
And the old merchant went off on his trip
But with time
The sexual urge increases
Such that a man needs a woman
And carried away during sex
All is forgotten
After sex, lo and behold!
What did happen?
Only the monkey's bottom remained
The old man then thought of an idea
And drew a monkey on himself
This way he could answer to his wife
On the other hand
That young wife of his
Was tormented by sexual desire
After flirting around
She hit on her cousin
And after sexual intercourse
Oh no, what happened?
The guard was gone!
Now what?!
She also had an idea
Which was to re-draw the guard herself
Soon after, the old man returned home
And the two so missed each other...
That they hopped into bed
But the wife screamed
Oh no, something is wrong
The monkey should be on the underside
How come it has climbed to the topside?
The old man said...
The monkey knows how to climb a pole
And after climbing
He has gone to the topside
Having said that he too screamed
Something's wrong
The guard should be on the left
Why is it now on the right?
The young wife said
Are you dumb?
This is the guard post
Naturally he patrols back and forth
As such
He has changed sides
He is blind
And cannot see
Yet he is fast
If it were you
Wouldn't you have done the same?
I am truly happy
Haven't I told you before?
People like you and I
Rarely leave our worries
And enjoy ourselves
I'll bring you to a place
Which will make you forget everything
Really?
This is Mei Yuan's Four Sisters
They seldom entertain clients
Don't you like any one of them?
Frolicking with prostitutes
requires the right mood
But I have something else on my mind
Additionally, for swordsmen like us
To be promiscuous as you
Would hurt our health
That's unfounded theory
We doctors rely on balancing
Ying and Yang
Nonsense!
You are in danger of over-doing it
Mr Chiu
I haven't had the pleasure
of knowing his name
Him? He is called Nameless
So he was born from a rock
Come on friend, leave aside your sword
Listen to music, drink and be merry
It is a joy
Is it?
Truly
Siu Chui, Siu Fan
Come and entertain our guest
Coming
Entertain him well
Come...
Chiu I admires your swordsmanship
As regards women
Even at my age
I have to see how I measure up
Here, let me toast to you
- No...
- Drink up
I can't drink, no, that's enough...
Old sir, come quickly
Old sir
What is it?
Come, come, move it
What's the matter?
Follow me
Where are my pants?
They're here
You want to steal
You little bastards
I'll show you I mean business
Little brother, please wait
From this alley to the East Gate
It is mostly populated by prostitutes
The world has degenerated
Stealing at such a young age
I'll tear you to pieces
Where do you want to go?
The 'Hau Yuan' Shop
That's a lady's shop
You are a swordsman
What would you want at such a place?
I don't know either
Come. Let's take a look
Little buster, you still fight and argue
Despite my age, my eyes are keen
Granny, why are you scolding people again
Who has got to you this time?
Ouch!
Thank you
Thank you
What sort of a world is this!
Holding a lady's hand in broad day-light
I'll not be a woman in my next life
And be touched by you men
You bunch of bastards
Stealing from me again, huh?
She is notorious
Apart from having meals
She scolds people in her sleep
Don't bother with her
Only a beggar and a prostitute
would come here
Mr Yien
Why haven't you gone to
Miss Ho's to buy a belt?
You little punk
How many belts do you wish to buy?
You can't use them as toilet paper
Why buy so many?
Mr Yien, what would you like to buy?
Miss Ho, I've come to see you
Well, I'm just ordinary
What's there to look at?
Her name is Ho Lien
The little beauty of our town
He accosts her
He can't even hold her hand
Old sir,
I wanted to ask you
Can someone rise from the dead?
Dead is dead
There is no reason for resurrection
The way you asked
Does it mean you have seen
the dead resurrected?
I'd sure like to see that
I'm afraid there is no such thing
Excuse me...
Sorry, sorry
Dear all, my apologies
Dear customers our apologies
The Eight Swordsmen are meeting
in our tavern
They have booked the whole place
Please help yourselves
And forgive us
Old sir
You mean that...
To fully enjoy drinking
One must disregard everything else
Come, let's drink...
Thank
Please... come inside and sit...
Have a seat
Haven't the two hunchbacks returned?
Here we are with your wine
This is good wine, don't waste it
Come...
Here comes the food
Dear sirs, I am Nameless
We don't mind your party
I am Chiu I
If anyone has any ailments
I can cure them
What a good doctor
Let's see how you can cure us
Your disease lies in
your muscles and bones
And can't be cured instantly
If the nerve is damaged
It could mean being crippled
You...
You dare to be insolent
Bullying an old man
You are hunchbacks
I'll cure you in the wink of an eye
You can try if you don't believe
See how you 'cure' us
Attack!
What's going on?
Have you finished?
You have opened my eyes again
You flatter me; just minor techniques
What were you doing at the shop today?
I do not have to disclose that to you
You should know Ho Lien is mine
Yours?
You should tell her that
Or put up notices around town
to that extent
She is yours
Are you interested in her?
A gentleman doesn't take from others
You were gone the whole of last night
Was it because of her?
Could it be you really like her?
She wouldn't like you
She wouldn't fall for someone
with a sword
You measly bastard
Robbing in broad day-light
What's the world coming to!
You little bastard!
If you dare to be more furious,
I'll gobble you up
Little rascal...
Mr Yien
Miss Ho
What, you've returned to buy a belt?
You have bought all our belts
Why are you suddenly so aloof?
You pay me money, I give you the goods
When had I promised more?
What's with this fellow
He's queer
Since last night
He hasn't had anything to eat or drink
Or gone to the toilet
Excellent skill!
You may pass for an expert
with a theatre troupe
Still want to cross swords?
Don't push me too far!
Rarely does one admit being beaten
This way one can learn wisely
Can seize new opportunities
If you still do not submit...
I can give you another chance
Had enough?
I'll tell you, Ho Lien is not yours
I have followed her
one full day and night
So I am taking her with me
This should wake you up
Mr Yien, Mr Yien
I have only talked once with you
And you want to take me away?
Yes, I'll take you away right now
When I first saw you
I already gave my whole heart to you
Why do you force yourself on me?
Perhaps I'm used to it!
Used to violence?
No, used to depending on my sword
You've got what you wanted
You are not serious, are you?
Why don't you draw your sword?
A gentlemen will died for a bosom friend
I am not sure if Miss Ho...
knows how you feel right now
Get lost!
I don't want to see you again
She must be very beautiful
Otherwise you wouldn't be this serious
Thank you, Sire
I have been standing outside
Waiting for Yien to draw his sword
When the time comes
I'll help him
In fact it matters little
whether you can win
Your courage is commendable
Unfortunately Yien lacks such prowess
Announce this
Henceforth no such swordsmen
shall reside here
Yes!
Come with me
I have something to talk to you
I have seen many swordsmen
You are number one for being daring
Sire is too kind
Actually daring may not always be good
The fact that I can talk to Sire here
Is attributed to my swordsmanship
Makes sense
With your swordsmanship
I can make you Assistant Chief Instructor
Are you interested?
The annual pay is 1, 000 loads of rice
But it is 2, 000 for a Chief Instructor
By what you say
You must fight with Lu?
That's what I have waited for all my life
Well said, well said
I like you, so I should advise you
It may be coincidental
Still I must tell you
Your predecessor who lived here
Was a young swordsman like you
Also nameless?
That's not the key point
The point is
he also sought a duel with Lu
And Lu was not here again?
He was, and the two fought by night
That Swordsman
Eventually died by Lu's sword
I don't understand Sire's intention
When that swordsman came
He was accompanied by a woman
No one knew...
if she was the swordsman's wife
When the swordsman fell to Lu's feet
She committed suicide
I don't mind you bringing a woman in here
However...
Your situation is too similar to
that young guy
Regardless of whether
I am like that swordsman
I will have Ho Lien stay at the residence
In that same room
Though I will similarly challenge Lu
I will not be killed by him
But this is not determined by your words
But by your sword
Ho Lien is not coming back
She will
She was born here
So was her father
So was her father's father
This is her home
Why wouldn't she return?
She is really not coming back
Go back to the village
I have brought her up
And she is gone just like that
We've met only twice
You are poor, yet she likes you
Even over the mountain
I can smell your poverty
You should treat her well
She is a good girl
You want to obstruct my way?
And take your life too
You know who I am?
I am Nameless
Neither do I want to know who you are
Why don't you draw your sword
Sharp sword, indeed
Pity, it's somewhat flaccid
Leaves when dead will fall
You should understand this
You have two choices
One is to lie down
Like a corpse
The other one;
well, you know better than I do
Can you let it leave you for a moment?
Since I was ambushed by the Sword Lady
Every time I take a bath...
I must hold on to my sword
I really don't understand
How many men can live like you
I live by my sword
Then is your sword
more important than me?
You are closest to me
Yet I don't even know your name
Someday I will let the world know
At that time
I should be the first to know
I'll tell you one thing now
One thing which I haven't told anyone
Really?
That woman who looked like me
Really killed herself?
Yes, for that young swordsman
She committed suicide
Is it true only the cold and merciless
Are fit to be the best swordsman?
Maybe so
I understand
The girl who killed herself
always appears before your eyes
That's because you've always feared
Someone might enter your heart
You fear the predicament
Faced by that young swordsman
No I wouldn't
Definitely not
I only need to have a sword in hand
What I want
I'll surely get
Nobody can stop me
Just as now someone wants to ambush me
To take you away from me
Come out, all of you!
I've let you go twice
This time I'll surely kill you
You are not worthy to fight with me
Please wait
For my sake
Spare him again
Beat it!
A cat has nine lives
Are you a cat or a dog?
What would a swordsman...
in your spot think?
Who are you?
'Lady of 3 Moves'
As long as one lives
One can seize opportunity sooner or later
Do you want revenge?
If only I could kill him
I'll do anything
Good
Follow me
Chief Instructor
Would you for the sake of a girl...
set free your enemy?
The Chief Instructor of the palace
The 'King of Swords'
I, Lu Tien Kang, will certainly not
I've seen him kill my men...
as if he were chopping down trees
Can you defeat him?
He is doomed to lose
Sire
I heard in Sire's residence
All swordsmen have been killed by you?
No, two are left
Yien stopped being a swordsman long ago
I believe Lu still counts?
Has he returned?
He just arrived
Why don't you stop him?
Because I desire to see...
who ultimately is the 'King of Swords'
Old sir,
You are so hasty
You might be accidentally killed
This is the moment I've been waiting for
Why be in my way?
Young fellow
I have some heart-felt words
Which I had not the chance to say
And I almost lost the opportunity
A slight discrepancy
makes a great difference
What one pursues is not
the present moment
Why?
Your skills and Lu's are at the pinnacle
I can't say which is better
However Lu has only one opponent
And has a little
more obstruction than you
What is that?
Ho Lien
When expert swordsmen fight
The deciding factor hangs by a hair
A slight movement or sound
And by some distracting thoughts
Or some hindrances
Unless you get rid of these obstacles...
You're beaten before you start
Ho Lien is your hindrance
You need to think seriously about that
I am really worried about you both
Ho Lien, Ho Lien
Ho Lien
Why have you returned alone?
You went to meet Lu
I feared you might not return at all
I've been thinking about the girl
who killed herself
I didn't want to stay here alone
If I had to die it should be at home
Haven't I returned?
You've killed Lu?
No, I haven't seen him
Don't challenge him to a duel anymore
Stay here
Treat this as your home
I will do anything for you
All you need to do
is watch the shop for me
You don't have to do anything
You don't even have to tell me your name
Then I can use this sword
to chop firewood
I know
It's a palace you aspire for, not a home
You want the 'King of Swords' title,
not me
Go, I don't want to see you anymore
I am aware your sword is not for firewood
Yes, I can't use it for that purpose
Neither can I pretend this is my home
I cannot forget that young swordsman
You want to kill me?
You have taken me away for no reason
I willingly followed...
for no apparent reason
It's like a dream
All seems so unreal
Look
Only you and me in such a big house
Would you rather kill that bastard
And do anything to succeed?
If only I could kill him
I'll do anything
I'll do anything for you
Really?
Then, have a drink for my sake
I've seen that bastard in the bath
Your flesh is whiter than his
You haven't seen my bedroom
Come!
I am a man
You are too much
Damn, men
A big man
Didn't you say
You'll do anything for me?
What? Do you regret it?
I tell you
No opponent has escaped my fourth move
Only I can kill that bastard
If you want him dead
You have to obey me
Follow me
Ho Lien is your hindrance
What? You have to go? Really have to go?
I understand you will leave me
sooner or later
But will you leave just like this?
I forgot to tell you one thing
It's my name
Of all people
I want you to be the first to know
Really? Tell me quickly
So that's what you are called
According to my nurse
This is a favourite name among villagers
If only I were 'King of Swords'
A more common name would be uncommon
You want a duel with Lu
I wouldn't deter you from that
I want to tell you
I really like that name
I'll wait for your return
And I indeed believe you will
You remember that night
You stood in the rain
The rain pouring from your boots
I was peeping at you from here
My heart beats faster when I think of that
You can focus on
getting the swordsman title
Can you still remember me?
Who is it?
Me
You are you?
Nameless
You've come at last
Ho Lien must have died
I want to ask you
If you were crowned 'King of Swords'
Would you be really happy?
Would you regret one day
What you lose is more valuable than
what is gained?
Like me
Always prepared to kill
And prepared to be killed
No friends or family
I just want to tell you
I have come
Without your hat...
you might not have been struck
Without discarding the hat
Have I not pierced you?
Chiu I?
No, I am Lu Tien Kang
'King of Swords'
Chief Instructor
You dare not disclose your real self
It's a pity you have ruined it
Maybe one day in future...
you will find it useful
The outcome is decided
You must now be very happy
With sword in hand
And still standing in front of me!
How can the duel be ended?
I've long realized
The 'King of Swords'
must relinquish his sword
And what price he has to pay
The reason I am defeated by you...
is because I really like you somewhat
Young man
You are the 'King of Swords'
from this day
The Palace's Chief Instructor
With an annual wage of
2, 000 loads of rice
No need
You said once
When you are crowned the 'King of Swords'
You will tell me your name
Now you can
Nameless
You don't want to be 'King of Swords'
Nor the Chief Instructor!
What do you want?
This world is in a mess
I really don't understand
What do you people want?
Ho Lien, I am back
I have returned to you
No one has ever escaped my fourth move
You are no exception
Could someone as low down as you...
Be the first among swordsmen?
Let me tell you
Ho Lien should be mine when alive
I won't let her be with you even in death
Ho Lien
I have learnt my lesson
I can never leave... leave you...
You are awaited outside
Will you go?
I will
You've come for a duel
Why bring along a woman?
I want her to witness...
as to how I'll defeat you
And be crowned 'King of Swords'
It's not too late to pullout
You are doomed to lose
That's up to your sword - not your words
Young man, you don't understand
The sword knows no emotions
You should be free of emotions
and hindrances
And only focus on your enemy
But as she is in your heart...
You're most likely to lose
You can still retreat now
Silence! Draw your sword
The duel begins
Can't you get rid of your hat?
Over my dead body
The outcome is determined, go
Chief Instructor Lu is indeed
'King of Swords'
Bury the young man with due respects
Award Lu 500 taels of gold
And 200 rolls of silk
With a celebration feast tomorrow
Old sir, what are you doing?
You see...
the young man who just died?
I am engraving his name
He's already dead
Why bother?
He was a good swordsman
But would be soon forgotten
Indeed very soon
I want him remembered
Is there no one who can defeat Lu?
Not up to now
Maybe in future
I don't know if I'll live to see that day
I'm sure you will
I will defeat him
You?
You'll have to train for 10 years
Maybe even before you see his face...
You'll die
I'll be here
And engrave a name
Which will be yours
I'll go today and see
What exactly he looks like
Step down
Can't you see he's just a kid?
What do you want?
Your hat always covers your face
You must be hiding something
I want to see what you look like
Remember this
My hat won't be removed by mere hands
But by a sword
Maybe when you can face me with a sword
You will already be dead under my sword
Stone Bridge Village
In this Pai Kwa Hall...
Many swordsmen have died
White-faced Chiu, Siu Lu the Magnificent
The Dynamic Duo, the Green Swordsman
They have all died here
You're but a nobody
Look at your shoes
You have little experience
And wouldn't know who these swordsmen are
Our doors are always open
You have entered here today
It's not too late to go back now
If I wanted to re-trace my steps
I wouldn't have come in the first place
There are 8 of us
Who do you want to have a duel with?
You have no name or credentials
What makes you
worthy to fight with my master?
My worth is my sword
Monk Loong
Had you drawn your sword sooner...
They would not have died for nothing!
Declare your name
So you'll be remembered after your death
A corpse contaminates the ground
I will live and glorify my name
Lu Tien Kang
He is closing in on you
No, Sire,
He still has many hurdles to cross
He has neither name nor credentials
And looks an uncommon swordsman
No
He also needs to be cold and unhindered
...to have a chance to succeed
But this is difficult for young people
He stormed the Hall
Killed Monk Loong
You should be more cautious
I never pay attention to a nobody
But if Sire is concerned
I will deal with him seriously
If I were you I would sit still
I have awaited you for a long time
I never expected you would attack me
All is fair in love and war
All is fair in swordplay
This is a bathing pool for men
You dare to enter
What guts!
There are 3 kinds of people
Men, women and dead people
You don't look like a man to me
But rather a dead person
You want me to fight you barehanded?
First class swordsmanship
By the slightest movement
Can be lethal
You boast you can defeat me
Don't you possess such skills?
It has been rumored
The Sword Lady from Lo Yeung
is highly skilled
To die by your sword
I accept totally
Tell me your history, and I will
Give you the chance to draw your sword
You're merely one of many swordsmen
from Lo Yeung
You are not worthy to know this
You son of a...!
Looking at you now
Neither do you look like a woman
But rather a dead person
Who's there?
You can evade 3 of my advances
But I will not let you off
And who might you be?
I am a tenant here...
who happened to come and bathe
Little expecting you two would fight!
They tried to ambush me
Excellent swordsmanship
I crossed you just now
I hope you'll forgive me
Think nothing of it!
To venture forth in the world
One has to be careful
You are too kind, old sir
Here's to you!
May I know your name please?
Chiu I at your service
'Chiu' as in popular surnames
'I' as in number one
My name has been selected
To mean there is nothing I can't cure
So, you're a doctor?
At your service
Within the Sire's residence
Merely holding a humble position
Well, you praised my swordsmanship
Meaning that apart from medical knowledge
You are an expert in swordplay too
You flatter me
I know nothing about swordplay
It's just that
during my practice of medicine...
I have encountered many
a famous swordsmen
And can talk my way through
like an expert
Unfortunately
I haven't even touched a sword
This means you know of Lu Tien Kang?
Of course I do
All who reside in Sire's residence
I have treated at one time or other
You mean, even Lu?
Yes
What's his ailment?
He always covers his face
And never allows anyone see him
That's a kind of sickness
That's mental sickness
which cannot be completely cured
Young man
You seem to be very interested in Lu
Would you be the Nobody
Without credentials
or affinity to any style
Who stormed the Pai Kwa Hall
And slaughtered Monk Loong's swordsmen?
You have missed the Lo Yeung Sword Lady
Oh, I should have known it was you
In your awkward situation
she had ambushed you
That conduct is so unbecoming!
All is fair in swordplay
Lu Tien Kang said
something like that once
What did he say?
I remember distinctly. He remarked...
Cold steel knows no mercy
That's what he said?
Correct
A swordsman must be amoral and merciless
Unhindered
Or he'll fail
It has been rumored
You wish to challenge Lu
And be crowned 'King of Swords'
Such a title to a swordsman...
Is an honourable life-long pursuit
But of course
Young people ought to have
such an aspiration
For swordsmen like you
Similar to people like us
Are after many things
The reality is...
There is a price for everything
You don't mind me saying this, do you?
It's quite late
Old sir, you should rest
I have some matters to attend to.
After you
Goodbye
You give me great face
Allow me to finish with
my drink and guest
Before you confront me
You nameless upstart, causing a stir
Want to become King of swords
Is there no due respect
for the eight of us?
You're wrong.
There are only seven of you left
As he is dead!
And I don't want to wipe out you lot
I'll leave you two
To cheer things up a bit
Be gone!
Boss, boss...
Don't touch him
He is not dead yet
Here, let me help him
He is wounded
Treat him with the 13-mix herbal medicine
Adding rare herbal medicine
Boiling all ingredients together
Then take 2 more doses of Zi Jian Dan
If there are problems let me know
An insignificant effort
unworthy of mentioning
If I could save a dying man with a needle
I would be happy
I'd like to know
When you kill a living person
with a sword
Does that make you equally happy?
It's only when I get the title-
'King of Swords'
Then will I be truly happy
Sire
Someone at the door...
is demanding a duel with Lu
What's his name?
Nameless, sort of
There has never been a swordsman...
who could enter with such ease
Dare him
To storm the gates with his prowess
Is that so?
Prostrate yourselves
Those hiding behind the door
Come out!
A long-enough sword
But flaccid
Do you think you could win by this?
That's enough
Stop!
Come here, young man
Yes
The Nameless with no credentials
or affinity
Pays respects to Sire
How can I get your name and history?
When I have defeated 'King of Swords' Lu
You remain nameless even in my presence?
I beg Sire's forgiveness
A man of principles! Rise
Unfortunately Lu is out visiting friends
And is not here
I can wait for his return
All right! On his return
You two can arrange a duel
And see who emerges the 'King of Swords'
My great appreciation, Sire
Announce to the household
To entertain the Nameless Swordsman
You have been following me
Was it you just now?
Were you behind all that?
What are you doing?
The Sire has ordered
That you be properly entertained
First thing tomorrow morning
Chiu I will accompany you
What has happened here?
Nothing really
Really?
Yes, nothing
When can we visit your place?
I'll bet you have many children
and grand-children
I am quite embarrassed actually
At my age
Apart from a pack of needles
I have no possessions
Not to mention a home
And I definitely have no family
Oh really?
I should have a family like everyone else
But then I don't
I'll tell you all a funny story today
About a monkey climbing a pole
And changing of guards
There was this old businessman
Very rich
He took a bride
Beautiful and young
But as he was a business man
He had to travel a few times a year
On this particular day
he was traveling again
But he was worried about his young wife
Being alone at home
So he thought of an idea
He painted a guard on her private region
His wife was worried about him too
And so
She drew a monkey on his private organ
And the old merchant went off on his trip
But with time
The sexual urge increases
Such that a man needs a woman
And carried away during sex
All is forgotten
After sex, lo and behold!
What did happen?
Only the monkey's bottom remained
The old man then thought of an idea
And drew a monkey on himself
This way he could answer to his wife
On the other hand
That young wife of his
Was tormented by sexual desire
After flirting around
She hit on her cousin
And after sexual intercourse
Oh no, what happened?
The guard was gone!
Now what?!
She also had an idea
Which was to re-draw the guard herself
Soon after, the old man returned home
And the two so missed each other...
That they hopped into bed
But the wife screamed
Oh no, something is wrong
The monkey should be on the underside
How come it has climbed to the topside?
The old man said...
The monkey knows how to climb a pole
And after climbing
He has gone to the topside
Having said that he too screamed
Something's wrong
The guard should be on the left
Why is it now on the right?
The young wife said
Are you dumb?
This is the guard post
Naturally he patrols back and forth
As such
He has changed sides
He is blind
And cannot see
Yet he is fast
If it were you
Wouldn't you have done the same?
I am truly happy
Haven't I told you before?
People like you and I
Rarely leave our worries
And enjoy ourselves
I'll bring you to a place
Which will make you forget everything
Really?
This is Mei Yuan's Four Sisters
They seldom entertain clients
Don't you like any one of them?
Frolicking with prostitutes
requires the right mood
But I have something else on my mind
Additionally, for swordsmen like us
To be promiscuous as you
Would hurt our health
That's unfounded theory
We doctors rely on balancing
Ying and Yang
Nonsense!
You are in danger of over-doing it
Mr Chiu
I haven't had the pleasure
of knowing his name
Him? He is called Nameless
So he was born from a rock
Come on friend, leave aside your sword
Listen to music, drink and be merry
It is a joy
Is it?
Truly
Siu Chui, Siu Fan
Come and entertain our guest
Coming
Entertain him well
Come...
Chiu I admires your swordsmanship
As regards women
Even at my age
I have to see how I measure up
Here, let me toast to you
- No...
- Drink up
I can't drink, no, that's enough...
Old sir, come quickly
Old sir
What is it?
Come, come, move it
What's the matter?
Follow me
Where are my pants?
They're here
You want to steal
You little bastards
I'll show you I mean business
Little brother, please wait
From this alley to the East Gate
It is mostly populated by prostitutes
The world has degenerated
Stealing at such a young age
I'll tear you to pieces
Where do you want to go?
The 'Hau Yuan' Shop
That's a lady's shop
You are a swordsman
What would you want at such a place?
I don't know either
Come. Let's take a look
Little buster, you still fight and argue
Despite my age, my eyes are keen
Granny, why are you scolding people again
Who has got to you this time?
Ouch!
Thank you
Thank you
What sort of a world is this!
Holding a lady's hand in broad day-light
I'll not be a woman in my next life
And be touched by you men
You bunch of bastards
Stealing from me again, huh?
She is notorious
Apart from having meals
She scolds people in her sleep
Don't bother with her
Only a beggar and a prostitute
would come here
Mr Yien
Why haven't you gone to
Miss Ho's to buy a belt?
You little punk
How many belts do you wish to buy?
You can't use them as toilet paper
Why buy so many?
Mr Yien, what would you like to buy?
Miss Ho, I've come to see you
Well, I'm just ordinary
What's there to look at?
Her name is Ho Lien
The little beauty of our town
He accosts her
He can't even hold her hand
Old sir,
I wanted to ask you
Can someone rise from the dead?
Dead is dead
There is no reason for resurrection
The way you asked
Does it mean you have seen
the dead resurrected?
I'd sure like to see that
I'm afraid there is no such thing
Excuse me...
Sorry, sorry
Dear all, my apologies
Dear customers our apologies
The Eight Swordsmen are meeting
in our tavern
They have booked the whole place
Please help yourselves
And forgive us
Old sir
You mean that...
To fully enjoy drinking
One must disregard everything else
Come, let's drink...
Thank
Please... come inside and sit...
Have a seat
Haven't the two hunchbacks returned?
Here we are with your wine
This is good wine, don't waste it
Come...
Here comes the food
Dear sirs, I am Nameless
We don't mind your party
I am Chiu I
If anyone has any ailments
I can cure them
What a good doctor
Let's see how you can cure us
Your disease lies in
your muscles and bones
And can't be cured instantly
If the nerve is damaged
It could mean being crippled
You...
You dare to be insolent
Bullying an old man
You are hunchbacks
I'll cure you in the wink of an eye
You can try if you don't believe
See how you 'cure' us
Attack!
What's going on?
Have you finished?
You have opened my eyes again
You flatter me; just minor techniques
What were you doing at the shop today?
I do not have to disclose that to you
You should know Ho Lien is mine
Yours?
You should tell her that
Or put up notices around town
to that extent
She is yours
Are you interested in her?
A gentleman doesn't take from others
You were gone the whole of last night
Was it because of her?
Could it be you really like her?
She wouldn't like you
She wouldn't fall for someone
with a sword
You measly bastard
Robbing in broad day-light
What's the world coming to!
You little bastard!
If you dare to be more furious,
I'll gobble you up
Little rascal...
Mr Yien
Miss Ho
What, you've returned to buy a belt?
You have bought all our belts
Why are you suddenly so aloof?
You pay me money, I give you the goods
When had I promised more?
What's with this fellow
He's queer
Since last night
He hasn't had anything to eat or drink
Or gone to the toilet
Excellent skill!
You may pass for an expert
with a theatre troupe
Still want to cross swords?
Don't push me too far!
Rarely does one admit being beaten
This way one can learn wisely
Can seize new opportunities
If you still do not submit...
I can give you another chance
Had enough?
I'll tell you, Ho Lien is not yours
I have followed her
one full day and night
So I am taking her with me
This should wake you up
Mr Yien, Mr Yien
I have only talked once with you
And you want to take me away?
Yes, I'll take you away right now
When I first saw you
I already gave my whole heart to you
Why do you force yourself on me?
Perhaps I'm used to it!
Used to violence?
No, used to depending on my sword
You've got what you wanted
You are not serious, are you?
Why don't you draw your sword?
A gentlemen will died for a bosom friend
I am not sure if Miss Ho...
knows how you feel right now
Get lost!
I don't want to see you again
She must be very beautiful
Otherwise you wouldn't be this serious
Thank you, Sire
I have been standing outside
Waiting for Yien to draw his sword
When the time comes
I'll help him
In fact it matters little
whether you can win
Your courage is commendable
Unfortunately Yien lacks such prowess
Announce this
Henceforth no such swordsmen
shall reside here
Yes!
Come with me
I have something to talk to you
I have seen many swordsmen
You are number one for being daring
Sire is too kind
Actually daring may not always be good
The fact that I can talk to Sire here
Is attributed to my swordsmanship
Makes sense
With your swordsmanship
I can make you Assistant Chief Instructor
Are you interested?
The annual pay is 1, 000 loads of rice
But it is 2, 000 for a Chief Instructor
By what you say
You must fight with Lu?
That's what I have waited for all my life
Well said, well said
I like you, so I should advise you
It may be coincidental
Still I must tell you
Your predecessor who lived here
Was a young swordsman like you
Also nameless?
That's not the key point
The point is
he also sought a duel with Lu
And Lu was not here again?
He was, and the two fought by night
That Swordsman
Eventually died by Lu's sword
I don't understand Sire's intention
When that swordsman came
He was accompanied by a woman
No one knew...
if she was the swordsman's wife
When the swordsman fell to Lu's feet
She committed suicide
I don't mind you bringing a woman in here
However...
Your situation is too similar to
that young guy
Regardless of whether
I am like that swordsman
I will have Ho Lien stay at the residence
In that same room
Though I will similarly challenge Lu
I will not be killed by him
But this is not determined by your words
But by your sword
Ho Lien is not coming back
She will
She was born here
So was her father
So was her father's father
This is her home
Why wouldn't she return?
She is really not coming back
Go back to the village
I have brought her up
And she is gone just like that
We've met only twice
You are poor, yet she likes you
Even over the mountain
I can smell your poverty
You should treat her well
She is a good girl
You want to obstruct my way?
And take your life too
You know who I am?
I am Nameless
Neither do I want to know who you are
Why don't you draw your sword
Sharp sword, indeed
Pity, it's somewhat flaccid
Leaves when dead will fall
You should understand this
You have two choices
One is to lie down
Like a corpse
The other one;
well, you know better than I do
Can you let it leave you for a moment?
Since I was ambushed by the Sword Lady
Every time I take a bath...
I must hold on to my sword
I really don't understand
How many men can live like you
I live by my sword
Then is your sword
more important than me?
You are closest to me
Yet I don't even know your name
Someday I will let the world know
At that time
I should be the first to know
I'll tell you one thing now
One thing which I haven't told anyone
Really?
That woman who looked like me
Really killed herself?
Yes, for that young swordsman
She committed suicide
Is it true only the cold and merciless
Are fit to be the best swordsman?
Maybe so
I understand
The girl who killed herself
always appears before your eyes
That's because you've always feared
Someone might enter your heart
You fear the predicament
Faced by that young swordsman
No I wouldn't
Definitely not
I only need to have a sword in hand
What I want
I'll surely get
Nobody can stop me
Just as now someone wants to ambush me
To take you away from me
Come out, all of you!
I've let you go twice
This time I'll surely kill you
You are not worthy to fight with me
Please wait
For my sake
Spare him again
Beat it!
A cat has nine lives
Are you a cat or a dog?
What would a swordsman...
in your spot think?
Who are you?
'Lady of 3 Moves'
As long as one lives
One can seize opportunity sooner or later
Do you want revenge?
If only I could kill him
I'll do anything
Good
Follow me
Chief Instructor
Would you for the sake of a girl...
set free your enemy?
The Chief Instructor of the palace
The 'King of Swords'
I, Lu Tien Kang, will certainly not
I've seen him kill my men...
as if he were chopping down trees
Can you defeat him?
He is doomed to lose
Sire
I heard in Sire's residence
All swordsmen have been killed by you?
No, two are left
Yien stopped being a swordsman long ago
I believe Lu still counts?
Has he returned?
He just arrived
Why don't you stop him?
Because I desire to see...
who ultimately is the 'King of Swords'
Old sir,
You are so hasty
You might be accidentally killed
This is the moment I've been waiting for
Why be in my way?
Young fellow
I have some heart-felt words
Which I had not the chance to say
And I almost lost the opportunity
A slight discrepancy
makes a great difference
What one pursues is not
the present moment
Why?
Your skills and Lu's are at the pinnacle
I can't say which is better
However Lu has only one opponent
And has a little
more obstruction than you
What is that?
Ho Lien
When expert swordsmen fight
The deciding factor hangs by a hair
A slight movement or sound
And by some distracting thoughts
Or some hindrances
Unless you get rid of these obstacles...
You're beaten before you start
Ho Lien is your hindrance
You need to think seriously about that
I am really worried about you both
Ho Lien, Ho Lien
Ho Lien
Why have you returned alone?
You went to meet Lu
I feared you might not return at all
I've been thinking about the girl
who killed herself
I didn't want to stay here alone
If I had to die it should be at home
Haven't I returned?
You've killed Lu?
No, I haven't seen him
Don't challenge him to a duel anymore
Stay here
Treat this as your home
I will do anything for you
All you need to do
is watch the shop for me
You don't have to do anything
You don't even have to tell me your name
Then I can use this sword
to chop firewood
I know
It's a palace you aspire for, not a home
You want the 'King of Swords' title,
not me
Go, I don't want to see you anymore
I am aware your sword is not for firewood
Yes, I can't use it for that purpose
Neither can I pretend this is my home
I cannot forget that young swordsman
You want to kill me?
You have taken me away for no reason
I willingly followed...
for no apparent reason
It's like a dream
All seems so unreal
Look
Only you and me in such a big house
Would you rather kill that bastard
And do anything to succeed?
If only I could kill him
I'll do anything
I'll do anything for you
Really?
Then, have a drink for my sake
I've seen that bastard in the bath
Your flesh is whiter than his
You haven't seen my bedroom
Come!
I am a man
You are too much
Damn, men
A big man
Didn't you say
You'll do anything for me?
What? Do you regret it?
I tell you
No opponent has escaped my fourth move
Only I can kill that bastard
If you want him dead
You have to obey me
Follow me
Ho Lien is your hindrance
What? You have to go? Really have to go?
I understand you will leave me
sooner or later
But will you leave just like this?
I forgot to tell you one thing
It's my name
Of all people
I want you to be the first to know
Really? Tell me quickly
So that's what you are called
According to my nurse
This is a favourite name among villagers
If only I were 'King of Swords'
A more common name would be uncommon
You want a duel with Lu
I wouldn't deter you from that
I want to tell you
I really like that name
I'll wait for your return
And I indeed believe you will
You remember that night
You stood in the rain
The rain pouring from your boots
I was peeping at you from here
My heart beats faster when I think of that
You can focus on
getting the swordsman title
Can you still remember me?
Who is it?
Me
You are you?
Nameless
You've come at last
Ho Lien must have died
I want to ask you
If you were crowned 'King of Swords'
Would you be really happy?
Would you regret one day
What you lose is more valuable than
what is gained?
Like me
Always prepared to kill
And prepared to be killed
No friends or family
I just want to tell you
I have come
Without your hat...
you might not have been struck
Without discarding the hat
Have I not pierced you?
Chiu I?
No, I am Lu Tien Kang
'King of Swords'
Chief Instructor
You dare not disclose your real self
It's a pity you have ruined it
Maybe one day in future...
you will find it useful
The outcome is decided
You must now be very happy
With sword in hand
And still standing in front of me!
How can the duel be ended?
I've long realized
The 'King of Swords'
must relinquish his sword
And what price he has to pay
The reason I am defeated by you...
is because I really like you somewhat
Young man
You are the 'King of Swords'
from this day
The Palace's Chief Instructor
With an annual wage of
2, 000 loads of rice
No need
You said once
When you are crowned the 'King of Swords'
You will tell me your name
Now you can
Nameless
You don't want to be 'King of Swords'
Nor the Chief Instructor!
What do you want?
This world is in a mess
I really don't understand
What do you people want?
Ho Lien, I am back
I have returned to you
No one has ever escaped my fourth move
You are no exception
Could someone as low down as you...
Be the first among swordsmen?
Let me tell you
Ho Lien should be mine when alive
I won't let her be with you even in death
Ho Lien
I have learnt my lesson
I can never leave... leave you...