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[epic music playing]
[music rises]
[fort master] In China,
legends of unrivaled warriors have existed forever.
These warriors are rare martial arts experts
who absorb the power of heaven and earth.
Every battle makes them stronger,
every allied they need increases their potential.
Allowing them to amass incredible cosmic power within their bodies.
[epic music playing continues]
Unrivalled warriors are blessed by the heavens,
born to lead great armies and conquer the world.
[thunder rumbles]
You could say…
that unrivaled warriors are the chosen ones.
LUOYANG
GUANGZONG
[adventure music plays]
[soldiers shouting]
HAN
-[horse neighs] -[all yell]
-[all grunt] -[metal clanks]
I am Dong Zhuo, this is my army.
And no rebel shall be spared my wrath.
[screams]
[grunts]
[yells]
DONG ZHUO
[both shriek]
[all shouting in distance]
[man] The Han Dynasty is dead.
The reign of the Yellow Turbans has begun.
From this day forward, the world will have peace and prosperity.
ZHANG JIAO
[grunts]
TIANGONG GENERAL
[all scream]
[grunts]
[horse neighs]
[soldiers clamoring]
[groans]
[screams]
[all grumble]
[shrieks]
[yells]
[all scream]
[inhales]
[screams]
[growls]
[soldier 1 snarls]
[soldier 2 shrieks]
[yelps]
[both grunt]
[all clamoring]
The Yellow Turbans have already cornered the troops.
[grunting]
The rebel Zhang Jiao is here. Let's capture him and end this quickly.
[man] It's time.
My brothers,
we weren't born together,
but we shall die together.
[growls]
[horse neighs]
[both grunting]
[horse neighs]
[suspenseful music plays]
LIU BEI
GUAN YU
ZHANG FEI
[all grunting]
[all clamoring]
[grunts]
[all scream]
[all shriek]
[Zhang Fei] Kill all the Yellow Turbans soldier!
[all yelling]
[grunts]
[grumbles]
[grunts]
[all yell]
[grumbles]
[horse neighs]
[Dong Zhuo] Who is that?
[grunts]
[groans]
[grumbles]
[screams]
-[Liu Bei grumbles] -[all yelp]
[action music playing]
[all scream]
-[gasps] -[horse neighs]
[both grunting]
[Zhang Jiao gasps]
Who the hell are you?
Zhang Jiao.
-I swore to kill you today… -[grunts]
…for the glory of the Han Court.
[both grumble]
[yelps]
-[grunts] -[screams]
-[yells] -[whimpers]
-[gasps] -[both grunt]
[all grumble]
-Retreat! -[all clamor]
[horses neigh]
[all shouting in distance]
[dramatic music plays]
[soldiers laughing]
I am Li Ru,
General Dong's military adviser.
The general commanded me
to graciously thank the three of you for your assistance.
No need.
General Dong is the head of the Han army.
It's our duty to help however we can.
You are too modest.
The three of you are so capable at such a young age.
Would you mind if I were to ask you to tell me your names
and also, your official ranks?
I'm Liu Xuande.
[grunts]
-Guan Yunchang. -[Li Ru] Mm.
[grunts] Zhang Yide.
[Li Ru] Mm.
The three of us carry no official rank or title.
We chose to fight and serve the empire.
[laughs]
[chuckles]
-Hmm. -[horse neighs]
[grunts]
[ominous music plays]
[ominous music playing continues]
[Guan Yu] We risked our lives to save Dong Zhuo,
and he was so ungrateful.
He's an official.
If we're not welcome here, we'll go somewhere else.
Our skills will not go unappreciated for long.
Heh.
Whatever you say.
Go.
[Liu Bei] Hup. Go.
[Zhang Fei] Hyah! [grunts]
[epic music plays]
[epic music playing continues]
[suspenseful music plays]
THE YOUNG EMPEROR OF HAN, LIU BIAN
[ominous music]
[sword clangs]
[Dong Zhuo] Listen carefully.
I've been waiting a long time to say this.
His Majesty rules over all.
He must inspire awe.
He must. Don't you agree?
Otherwise,
how can he be expected to rule the nation?
Don't you agree?
[chuckles] Master Situ,
as a loyal official of the Han Court,
answer me first.
Do you agree?
What am I asking for?
Of course you agree. Am I right?
Dong Zhuo, you traitor. How dare you?
His Majesty is the late emperor's only son.
This is treasonous.
-I'd rather die than listen to you. -As would I.
You've gone too far.
-Execute them. -[both ministes gasp]
[minister 1] Dong Zhuo, you traitor!
-You'll die a terrible death! -[minister 2 indistinct shouting]
You still haven't answered.
Are you that spineless?
[Dong Zhuo] Do you agree?
Do you agree or not?
I agree.
Hmm?
I agree!
-[Dong Zhuo grunts] -The chancellor is wise.
His Majesty is too weak to be our nation's ruler,
Prince Chen Liu, however, is smart and capable.
We officials hereby depose…
the throne.
[indistinct chatter]
[Li Ru] And appoint Prince Chen Liu instead.
[dramatic music]
CAO CAO
[lute playing]
[minister 1] What's going on?
[ministers murmuring]
[Situ] You honor me with your presence.
Pardon me for being frank.
WANG YUN
The prosperous and glorious Han Dynasty…
faces its worst crisis yet.
We just defeated the Yellow Turbans.
Now, Dong Zhuo is stealing the empire.
-[crying] -[woman gasps]
Your Majesty.
[Situ] Dong Zhuo is despicable.
He insulted His Majesty
and cause chaos in the palace.
His endless philandering has brought disgrace upon the empire.
The man is an embarrassment.
It is truly revolting.
[Cao laughing]
Cao Mengde.
Everyone is mourning for the nation,
so why are you laughing?
Because you're all laughable.
Sitting around and crying like fools.
Are you planning to drown Dong Zhuo on your tears?
In my opinion…
there isn't a man among you.
Not one.
How dare you!
Get this disrespectful brat out of my sight!
[Cao Cao grunts]
Armed Cavalry Captain, you dare to insult us!
[Cao Cao] My rank will not be much…
but at least I'm not afraid to take action.
-I'm going to kill-- -Silence! He's gone mad.
-Guards, take him away. -Don't bother.
I was just leaving.
[scoffs]
[Cao Cao laughs]
[Cao Cao] You bunch of women, just hide here and cry.
XI COUNTY
-[indistinct chatter] -[cow moos]
[Chinese folk music plays]
Psst.
[Li Ru] Have you decided?
Will you give it to me or not?
[both scoff]
All right.
County Commandant Liu,
what is your background?
Prince Jing was my great ancestor.
Starting from the Zhuojun District,
I fought over 30 battles with the Yellow Turbans.
I earned some merits, so I was elected to the position of county governor.
How dare you!
Lying about your accomplishments and claim royal lineage?
Really?
This imperial commission has one purpose.
To punish rotten and corrupt officials like you.
[indistinct shouting]
[Li Ru] Hitting an official is a serious offense.
-[grunts] -[Li Ru yelps]
[whimpers]
-Zhang Fei. -[Zhang Fei grumbles]
What's all this about?
[Guan Yu] Liu Bei.
This official is trying to frame you.
And look, all of these people came here seeking justice for you.
[indistinct shouting]
I'm an official! A government official!
If you kill me,
you're all gonna rot in prison. I swear it.
[grunts]
My brother doesn't need this post.
And I will not let his reputation be solid by a corrupt official like you.
[man] The soldiers are here. Run!
[Li Ru] My soldiers!
Save me! Save me!
[all clamoring]
[all grunt]
-Zhang Fei, don't kill them. -[grunts]
[Liu Bei] If any of them die, I won't leave.
[all grunt]
-[Zhang Fei screams] -Zhang Fei, let's go!
[grumbles]
[horses neigh]
Seriously? [grunts]
Let's go.
[Guan Yu yells]
-Scram! -[all shriek]
-[dramatic music plays] -[horse neighs]
[Zhang Fei] Liu Bei, it's been over ten days.
How much longer before we reach Heroes Peak?
[Liu Bei] It's just past the next mountain.
[Guan Yu] We'll follow you anywhere
as long as we steer clear of any more corrupt officials.
You've suffered because of me.
I refuse to serve the court
while Dong Zhuo holds His Majesty hostage.
[Guan Yu] I always regret saving his life.
[Liu Bei] That's why we're going to Heroes Peak
to find others who also want Dong Zhuo dead.
[Guan Yu] Yes, we'll correct our mistake and finally restore order.
[horse snorts]
[dramatic music playing continues]
[horse neighs]
[birds chirping]
[foreboding music plays]
[horse snorts, neighs]
[Guan Yu] Liu Bei, look.
Didn't we pass this place earlier?
You know what…
I think you're right.
-Something's off about this place. -[Guan Yu] The fog is too thick.
-How do we tell where we're going? -[horse whinnies]
[horse neighs]
[Zhang Fei] Where the hell are we?
[chickens clucking]
[eerie music plays]
[whimsical music plays]
Someone there?
[echoes] Someone there?
[Guan Yu] What is this place?
-[rumbles] -[gasps]
[rumbles]
[fort master] Fate has brought you here.
You must be Liu Bei.
Descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan. Isn't that right?
Beside you is your second brother, Guan Yu.
And on the other side is Zhang Fei, correct?
The heavens brought you all here.
-Welcome. -What is this place?
[fort master] It is known as the Sword Castle.
I create legendary weapons customized for each warrior.
They're all made with thousand-year-old blood ore.
The more opponents they kill,
the stronger the weapons become.
May I ask where you're going?
Why did you pass through this forest?
We heard that 18 warriors formed an alliance to defeat Dong Zhuo.
We wish to join them and restore the Han Court.
Dong Zhuo?
[Liu Bei] In order to increase his power,
Dong Zhuo has bought of Lu Bu.
They say a Lu Bu wields unrivaled power.
Anyone who attacks him will be completely destroyed.
[Guan Yu] He is invincible.
[chuckles]
Lu Bu?
He was no one.
Came from humble beginnings. Just like the three of you.
He was as cold as ice and steel.
Ruthless killer with no ties.
The people he killed didn't even have time to blink.
He inspired fear wherever he want.
[birds cawing]
He's like a ferocious predator.
[thunder rumbles]
[fort master] Despite his human exterior…
he is a monster.
After he took the Heavenly Halberd from me,
I heard he was recruited by Governor Ding Yuan.
Ding adopted him but then Lu betrayed him,
and joined that traitor, Dong Zhuo.
DING
DING YUAN
[Ding Yuan shudders]
[dramatic music]
[Ding Yuan whimpers]
-[Lu Bu grunts] -[all yell]
[Ding Yuan] Dong Zhuo is just using you!
Aren't you doing the same?
[Dong Zhuo] Fengxian, your power is unrivaled.
Killing people before they even have a chance to blink.
Astounding.
[officer] Congratulations on your promotion, General Lu.
Dong Zhuo understood Lu better than Ding did.
He gave him the fastest horses, the best troops,
and the honor that warriors crave the most.
[Guan Yu scoffs] It's laughable.
An immortal traitor like him
receiving the title of general.
I want to fight him
to see if he's truly invincible like the legend says.
If I faced him,
he will learn the taste of defeat.
Have you heard of someone named Cao Cao?
[woman chuckles]
Yes. Of course, I have.
Who in the martial arts world hasn't heard of him?
After Cao Cao's little tantrum at the Situ's banquet that day,
Situ found out that Cao intends to assassinate Dong Zhuo.
So he secretly took Cao to a room in his residence.
[Cao Cao] Didn't you wanna kick me out? Why did you call me back?
[Situ laughs]
I was just pretending to be angry
because there were so many people around earlier.
Sorry if I offended.
[ominous music plays]
Mengde, do you have a plan for eliminating Dong Zhuo?
I might not hold much influence,
but I wish to help you in any way I possibly can.
No need.
I intend to assassinate Dong Zhuo alone.
[Cao Cao] If I have to sacrifice myself to kill that traitor,
and that's exactly what I'll do.
[eerie music plays]
Cao Mengde, to see the chancellor.
Greetings, General Lu.
[Dong Zhuo laughs]
Son, this man's writing is very good.
His reports were like poetry to my ears. [chuckles]
He's a good role model.
Your excellency is too kind.
All I did was write my true thoughts.
A chancellor promises peace and prosperity.
[laughs]
You know, I just received a stable of Akhal-Teke horses.
Son, pick out a good one for Mengde.
You're too kind, Chancellor.
[Dong Zhuo] Come, join me, let's have a drink.
-[Dong Zhuo laughs] -[Cao Cao] Of course.
[crow cawing]
[ominous music plays]
[Dong Zhuo snoring]
[Dong Zhuo whimpers]
[grumbling] It's a good one.
[Dong Zhuo clears throat]
[snores]
[Situ] Mengde.
This Seven-Star Dagger cuts through steel as if it were mud.
My gift to you.
I, Cao Mengde, swear to the heavens
vow to return with Dong's head
and hang it in front of Jinluan Court
for all the world ro see.
[suspenseful music plays]
[snores]
[gasps]
What are you doing?
This Seven-Star Dagger cuts through steel as if it were mud.
It's very rare. My gift to Your Excellency.
[Dong Zhou] Mm. Mm.
Is there really such a thing?
It's one of a kind.
Try it for yourself if you don't believe me.
-[grunts] -[glass clinks]
[gasps]
[Dong Zhuo] That is some sword. [chuckles]
Godfather.
I've prepared the horse.
Thank you, Chancellor.
I really should get going.
[Dong Zhuo] All right.
One of a kind indeed.
It wasn't a gift. At least not for you.
Cao planned to use it to kill you.
Cao Mengde was rather calm and sincere when he gave it to me.
I didn't see any sign of him wanting to kill me.
I even tried to win him over with a precious horse.
Why would he want to assassinate me?
Trust me.
[tense music plays]
[soldier] Sir, your horse is ready.
-[horse snorts] -Hmm. This will do nicely.
In my opinion, Cao was acting rather suspicious.
[Li Ru] Just let General Lu capture him and bring him back here for questioning.
[chuckles] Don't worry.
If it's true…
he'll never go out of Luoyang.
Go.
[action music plays]
[horse snorts]
[horse neighs]
[soldier 1] Don't let him out! Stop him!
-[horse neighs] -[soldier grunts]
[both grumble]
[horse neighs]
[Cao Cao] Go!
[arrow whooshes]
[grunts]
[grumbles]
[groans]
[all yelp]
[screams]
Go!
[horse neighs]
[action music continues]
[horse snorts]
[horse neighs]
[both panting]
[horse neighs]
[horse whinnies]
[both grunting]
[horse neighs]
[horse whinnies]
[both grumble]
[both groan]
[choral music playing]
[horse neighs]
[Liu Bei grunts]
[horse neighs]
[Liu Bei grumbles]
[horse neighs]
[Lu Bu groans]
[horse neighs]
[grunts]
[horse snorts]
[Lu Bu grumbles]
[grunting]
-[screams] -[Liu Bei yelps]
[rumbling]
[scoffs, grunts]
[foreboding music plays]
[foreboding music continues]
-Is that a person? -I think so.
[mysterious music plays]
[woman chuckles]
-[Dong Zhuo laughs] -[woman moans]
[indistinct chatter]
[all laughing]
[Li Ru] Here to report, Chancellor.
[laughing continues]
[Li Ru] Chancellor?
-Chancellor? -[Dong Zhuo] Let me get up.
-[women giggling] -[Don Zhuo grunts]
Chancellor, we've searched everywhere but we still haven't found Cao's body.
I won't believe he's dead until I see his corpse.
So find him.
Dead or alive!
[fort master] After Cao Cao failed to assassinate Dong Zhou,
a bounty was placed on his head.
As a result, he became infamous.
[soldier] Come here. You.
Come here. What is this?
[dramatic music plays]
REWARD
[all murmuring]
REWARD
-[indistinct chatter] -[man] Let's go. Go.
[all clamoring]
[fort master] Cao Cao survived,
but the villagers who saved him betrayed him in the end.
They reported him to the authorities for the reward.
Eventually, he was captured by County Governor named Chen Gong.
[squeaks]
You've got the wrong man. My name's Huangfu.
I'm a salesman.
CHEN GONG
Cao Mengde.
How could I mistake you?
That day,
When I came to you in Luoyang and begged you for a post.
ZHONGMU COUNTY OFFICE
I remember how you insulted me.
Tomorrow, I'll bring your head to the capital and claim my reward.
Lock him up!
[warp music sting]
[birds chirping]
[somber music plays]
[Chen Gong] Leave us.
You're really not afraid to die?
I heard the chancellor treated you well.
Why did you throw it all away?
[Cao Cao scoffs]
If I was afraid to die,
I'd be an official like you.
But I couldn't do it.
Everyone knows your name by now.
And you can die as a hero, become famous.
Is that what you want?
No, it isn't.
I shouldn't be considered an assassin.
I vowed to save this nation from disaster,
I should have gathered an army
to defeat Dong Zhuo and truly restore peace and order.
An assassin who dies as a martyr?
[Cao Cao scoffs]
I never wanted that.
Do you know how much the bounty on your head is?
It's enough to last me several lifetimes at least.
[laughs]
[cackles]
[Cao Cao] Then go give my head to Dong Zhuo for the money.
Let your family and your descendants spend it.
A swallow cannot fathom an eagle's dream.
Kill me if you want.
[fort master] Cao was ready to die for his cause.
But Chen had a change of heart before the execution.
You're a real hero.
A state scholar of no equal, I admire you.
Please accept my bow.
[fort master] Chen Gong was willing to give up his position and his family
to help Cao with his plans.
Later on, they sought refuge with Lu Boshe,
the blood brother of Cao Cao's father.
[tranquil music plays]
LU BOSHE
[Lu Boshe] Oh. Thank goodness.
Well, it's all right. You're safe now.
Thank you, Master Lu.
Stop it. We're family.
And this is…
Uh, this is my blood brother.
-Master Lu, Chen Gong. -I see.
He's my savior.
I'd be dead now if it wasn't for him.
Ah. It's an honor to meet you, sir.
Thank you.
Dear brother Chen, I humbly bow to you in gratitude.
Thank you, sir.
No, thank you for saving Cao Cao.
Please follow me.
Hello, everyone. Come here, come here.
Quickly. Quickly, everyone.
This is my family.
My three sons and their wives.
This is my wife.
Everyone, this is my blood brother's son.
Cao Cao.
He single-handedly tried to assassinate General Dong Zhuo.
Now, he's famous.
It's an honor to have him visiting our humble home.
[man 1] Father.
We have guests.
-Bring out our best wine. -We're out of wine.
[Lu Boshe] What?
It's all right.
I'll ask my wife to prepare some extra special dishes for you.
And I will go and buy the most expensive wine I can find.
You must be tired from traveling.
Son, take them to the guest room.
And get some rest. Just follow him.
[man 1] Go. Go.
Okay. Let's kill these two pigs.
[knives rasp]
[ominous music plays]
[ominous music playing continues]
[groans]
-Cao Cao, what's wrong? -[yelps]
-[knives rasp] -They're sharpening the knives.
[man 1] I'm telling you, those two are trouble.
Cut the crap and go get some rope.
Don't make so much noise. You'll blow it.
Our best bet is to take them out with one strike.
They have to die. They have to and we have to do it.
Why would they help us? You're not their family.
He's not buying wine, he's contacting the authorities,
then he'll have his family kill us in our sleep.
Okay. Then, what's the plan?
Strike first.
I won't die without a fight.
[man] Quiet. You'll scare them off. Lock the door.
[grunts]
[whimpers] What are you doing?
[grunts]
[man screams]
-Wait. -[pigs squeal]
[Chen Gong] Look.
We just killed innocent people.
Tie up the pigs. I'll sharpen the knife.
Hey, don't make so much noise. You'll wake them up.
[whimpers]
Let's go.
-Whoa, whoa, easy. -[horse neighs]
Leaving so soon? Why didn't you wait for me, huh?
Master Lu.
It's not safe for your family to be harboring a fugitive.
-It's better if we just go. -Hey, hey, hey.
Just hold on a second. You can't leave yet.
Look, I bought us wine.
Let's have a drink and you can leave tomorrow. Please.
I owe it to your father to treat you to a good meal.
I would expect the same from him.
Master Lu.
You are a true, true friend.
-But I've wronged you. -Huh?
Your family is dead because of me.
[gasps]
What did, what…
did you just say?
[whimpers]
I'm sorry.
[grunts]
-[Lu Boshe gasps] -[somber music plays]
[birds cawing]
[somber music playing continues]
[Chen Gong] Why did you kill him if you knew it was a misunderstanding?
[Cao Cao] Because If I didn't…
he would have gathered men to help him get revenge.
I only have one goal in life.
To overthrow Dong Zhuo.
I did what I had to do.
I'd rather do wrong to the world…
than be wronged by the world.
The only person I owed a debt to is you, Lu Boshe.
If I don't save this nation and the Han Court,
find me in Hell and take your revenge.
Wait!
You're just going to leave him like this?
We have to bury him properly.
If we don't, we'll be despised.
Our death rituals
were created to make the living feel better.
I'd rather be reviled by people for all of eternity
than just be a hypocrite.
You and I have vowed to save this country.
We can't let personal matters compromise our mission.
I can't right my wrong,
so I'll stay wrong.
till the bitter end.
[dramatic music plays]
[foreboding music plays]
[birds caw]
Pathetic.
If you wanted to kill me, why didn't you?
[Cao Cao] In order to survive in times of crisis,
we can't rely on compassion and righteousness.
The only way to save the world is through power and detemination.
I know that I will never have another true friend in this lifetime,
but I do not fear loneliness.
Because I know that heavens will provide me with powerful allies.
[Cao Cao coughing]
[Cao Cao coughs, gasps]
[fort master] The moment I met Cao, I knew he was special.
The awesome power inside him was limitless.
The kind of power capable of swallowing the world.
His audacity and his intelligence were absolutely without equal.
The General Sword is finally achieved.
It has waited over 100 years for you.
You've been chosen by the heavens to bear the fate of the world.
You are destined to be king.
So what you're saying the General Sword can save the world?
[fort master] That's right.
Cao took the sword,
and now he's ready to raise his own army.
CHENLIU CITY
[Cao Cao] Father.
How much money could we get if we sold off our property?
I need to raise an army.
A substantial one to defeat Dong Zhuo.
Mm, even if we spent our entire fortune, it still wouldn't be enough.
Hmm.
[Cao Cao] It's untrue.
Thanks to the assassination attempt,
the people now see me as their hero.
When it's time…
I have no doubt they will answer my call.
NOTICE
[action music plays]
[soldier] "By His Majesty's secret decree,
loyal warriors are hereby summon
to help purge China of its enemies.
Our righteous army will defend the empire against all threats
and put an end to our people's suffering.
Heed this decree and take swift action.
The courageous assassin, Cao Cao
already face Dong Zhuo on his own."
When the time comes to face him again,
will you have the courage to stand by Cao Cao?
[soldiers chanting] Cao! Cao! Cao! Cao!
Cao! Cao! Cao! Cao! Cao!
LOYALTY
[soldier] Brothers, we follow General Cao to the death.
[soldiers chanting] Cao! Cao! Cao! Cao!
[fort master] According to our rules…
all who enter here are destined to be legendary heroes.
Every warriors given a rare and mighty weapon.
Like the humans who wield them, weapons have destinies and spirits.
They will search for their rightful master.
And once they find them,
weapon and master will live and grow as one.
[gasps]
[sudden music sting]
[Zhang Fei grunts]
[metal clinks]
[sword rasps]
That was no illusion.
It felt too real.
This must be a sign from the heavens.
I, Liu Bei…
I, Guan Yu…
I, Zhang Fei…
Do hereby vow…
to destroy Dong Zhuo
and restore the Han Dynasty.
We three brothers are bonded
[all] In life and in death.
[epic music plays]
FORTRESS
It is our honor to welcome Jizhou Governor, Han Fu.
Yuzhou Governor, Kong Zhou.
Yongzhou Governor, Liu Dan.
Beihai Governor, Kong Rong.
SUN
[horse snorts]
CAO
Shangdang Governor, Zhang Yang.
Jibei Chancellor, Bao Xin.
West Liang Governor, Ma Teng.
[horses neigh]
SUN
Lord of Wucheng, Changsha Governor, Sun Jian.
Go.
[epic music playing continues]
-[Zhang Fei] Go! -[laughs]
[Zhang Fei] Yip!
[Liu Bei] Heroes Peak just up ahead. It overlooks Hulao Pass.
[grand music plays]
FORTRESS
Stop. State your business.
[Zhang Fei] We're here to join the alliance and take Dong Zhuo.
Join the alliance?
I'm sorry but are you members of the Lord's regiment?
Or stable boys?
[soldier laughs]
My friend, please inform your commander
that Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei
have come to help.
Here's our invitation.
INVITATION
[soldier] You have an invitation?
Come on. You stole this and you know it.
Zhang Fei.
Calm down.
[Cao Cao] It's all right. They're heroes.
[horses neigh]
They were invited, so let them in.
[soldier] Greetings, General Cao.
I'm Yuan Chen, Lord Yuan's advisor.
My lord deeply admires the general's heroic past,
and his courageous efforts to defeat Dong Zhuo.
Lord Yuan has sent me to graciously
and humbly welcome you.
-Thank you. -That's Cao Cao?
[Yuan Chen] This way, General.
[suspenseful music plays]
[suspenseful music continues]
[Liu Bei] Yuan Shao.
His family has occupied the highest civil post for four generations.
Of all the warlords,
he has, by far, the largest military and the most troop provisions.
He also many skilled generals.
Seems likely that he will lead the alliance.
YUAN SHAO
[Guan Yu] True heroes aren't defined by their linages
or the size of their armies.
I am Wang Kuang, and I proudly offer…
20,000 cavalry to the alliance.
Gongsun Zuan, sir.
I brought with me 15,000 troops.
Greetings, Lord Yuan, I'm Han Fu.
And I've brought 25,000 infantry.
Lord Yuan.
I'm Sun Jian.
My elite army is 28,000 strong.
[Liu Bei] Sun is one of Jiangdong's greatest warriors.
SUN JIAN
The boy next to him must be his youngest son,
Sun Quan.
Jiangdong is renowned for its naval commanders.
Which would be great…
if the Hulao Pass wasn't in the mountains.
They'll be out of their element.
West Liang Governor, Ma Teng, has brought 18,000 troops.
My name is Cao Mengde,
and I have brought 20,000 troops.
Lord Yuan is now the leader of the alliance,
we will obey his orders, serve our country.
And work together as one.
[Yuan Shao] Mengde,
your wanted posters are everywhere.
You've become quite famous.
I only wish I killed that bastard when I had the chance.
What's done is done.
Now, Dong Zhuo knows we're organizing troops
to oust him from Luoyang.
He and Lu Bu have already dispatched 150,000 troops.
And they're waiting for us, east of the garrison in Hulao Pass.
We've gathered here today
to receive the blessings of the heavens, the earth, and our ancestors.
Now, warriors, we toast with deer's blood.
Our soldiers combined
will amount to 180,000
along with the cavalry of 100,000.
Our united forces will defeat Dong Zhuo.
Warriors, cheers!
-[warriors] Cheers! -[Zhang Yide] Wait!
Count us in too.
We've come to join the alliance.
You have some nerve talking out of term. Identify yourselves.
My name is Liu Bei, Commander.
This is Guan Yunchang,
and this is Zhang Yide.
Where are you from?
Who's your family?
I'm the descendant of Prince Jing,
who was the son of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty.
Given your royal lineage, what is your rank and title?
I have no rank or title.
I currently live in Pingyuan.
And what does your family do?
We make straw shoes for a living.
[all laughing]
[officer] Straw shoes?
[Yuan Shao] What about the two people beside you?
Guan Yu is a guard.
Zhang Fei is a butcher.
[men laughing]
Butcher?
Excuse me, Alliance Commander, Yuan,
I'm just curious, why did you invite these men,
to entertain us?
[men laughing]
Enough!
My brother is of royal descent,
and you dare mock him?
How many troops did you bring with you?
Just the three of us, sir.
[laughs]
[Yuan Shao] You have guts, I'll give you that.
Each of the 18 warriors here
brought at least 20,000 to 30,000 troops.
So tell me, why do I need you?
Troop numbers don't decide wars,
courage and loyalty do.
[Liu Bei] And we have courage and loyalty.
That's why we're here.
[laughing]
Well said!
Very well said!
These three men are loyal and courageous.
The kind of heroes we need in this time of crisis,
fearless and defiant.
[Liu Bei] As a descendant of Prince Jing,
It is my duty to join the alliance
and protect the Han Dynasty from Dong Zhuo.
If I have to sacrifice everything,
then so be it.
I don't care about your linage,
or your rank, or how many troops you have under your command.
To be victorious, we need loyalty and courage.
Isn't that right?
-[general 1] Right! -[general 2] Yes, sir, that's right.
-[Cao Cao] So, tell us. -[Liu Bei] Tell you what?
[Cao Cao] How to defeat Dong Zhuo.
[Liu Bei] Well, the first thing we have to do is rescue His Majesty.
Dong's regime will collapse without the young emperor as a hostage.
But in order to do that, we have to get into Luoyang.
Which means going through the Hulao Pass.
Dong Zhuo knows this too.
Which means he's going to throw all his military power into guarding it.
That's where he's sending Lu Bu.
What if we fail to break through the defenses?
Then we have no chance of defeating Dong Zhuo.
[suspenseful music plays]
Reach Hulao Pass,
and kill Lu Bu.
I second that order.
Very well. The alliance welcomes you.
-Give them the blood. -[Cao Cao] Hmm.
[Cao Cao] Here.
I, Cao Mengde, toast to our alliance!
[all] Cheers!
-[Cao grunts] -[cups shattering]
We still missing one thing.
And what would that be?
An imperial decree.
A decree?
[Cao Cao] His Majesty wrote this decree with his blood,
then he had me smuggle it out of Luoyang.
So that I would use it to summon warriors to save him,
to defeat Dong Zhuo and to end the people's suffering.
The eighteen warlords…
receive your orders.
[weapons clatter]
"The traitor, Dong Zhuo,
usurped the throne, corrupted the Han Court,
defiled the dowager, and killed innocent people.
I, hereby summon all warlords under heaven
to raise an army to defeat Dong Zhuo,
defend the royal family, and save our citizens.
Heed this decree and take swift action."
[general] Hold on.
Did you really meet His Majesty?
-[scoffs] -[general] I mean…
How do we know if that decree is even real?
[laughing]
Of course, it isn't real.
-Huh? -[Cao] I wrote it.
-You! -That's treasonous!
-Commander-- -Stop.
You wrote that?
It gives our cause legitimacy.
We need it, so it's real.
Dong Zhuo treats the young emperor like a toy.
If we succeed in bringing him down,
nobody will question the decree.
If we fail,
what difference would it make…
even if were real?
-[thuds] -[fire crackles]
We have to keep our eyes on that one.
Since we don't have an official decree,
I think it would be good to set some ground rules of our own.
Out of all the heroes who have assembled here today,
the first one to enter Luoyang and rescue His Majesty…
will be appointed Grand Chief Controller.
Agree.
Commander, allow me to lead the first wave of our attack at Hulao Pass.
Of course.
My army will be in charge of provisions.
-[Yuan Shao] All right, see to it. -[general] Get moving.
[Yuan Shao] Hmm.
[Dong Zhuo laughing]
[woman giggling]
[both laughing]
[Li Ru] Chancellor, our scout brings news.
Sun Jian has broken through three of our defensive lines
at Hulao Pass.
[spits]
They're planning to attack Luoyang.
What do we do?
-What do we do? -[Lu Bu] I'll go.
Why should we use a butcher's knife to slaughter a chicken?
Let me go to the frontlines.
It's about time they witness
the power of West Liang's mightiest warrior,
Hua Xiong!
[wind howling]
YUAN
You broke through their formation, isolated the enemy,
and even gave yourself an escape route.
Two moves in one.
Genius.
Judging from your game tactics,
I'd say you must be a master strategist.
They won't deploy me,
so I just play to kill time.
You defended your brother well.
I'm impressed.
He's been attacked a lot…
since we got here.
We're just waiting for a chance to prove ourselves.
To befriend such a great man as yourself,
Liu Bei must be quite extraordinary.
I admire your heroism in attempting to assassinate Dong Zhuo.
But…
my allegiance is to my big brother.
[game pieces rattle]
Your loyalty is what I admire the most about you.
[soldier] Sir, Sun Jian's troops were wiped out.
And now, Hua Xiong is taunting us outside the fortress.
He said he's coming for your head, General.
He's challenging us to duels
to undermine our morale.
[Guan Yu] It's also the perfect opportunity
for the alliance to prove itself.
Things are finally getting interesting.
[ominous music plays]
[horses neigh]
You bunch of traitors have been out here long enough,
and you can't hide in there forever.
Chancellor Dong's sent me here to deal with you
and that's exactly what I'm going to do.
[Cao Cao] Dong Zhuo's warriors are as numerous as they are formidable.
Hua Xiong is West Liang's top fighter.
But he's only Dong's third strongest.
And in terms of sheer skill, he's nowhere near Lu Bu.
If we can't defeat Hua Xiong,
forget about Lu Bu.
We cannot lose our first battle.
Which of you is brave enough to fight Hua Xiong
and bring glory to the alliance?
Commander Yuan, I am Yu She, and I will gladly fight.
General Yu, is undefeated in battle, and shall remain as such.
Bring the wine!
And we will toast to the general's victory.
[Yu She] Thank you, sir.
[suspenseful music plays]
[door creaks]
[growls]
[grunts]
[yelling]
[both grunt]
-[Yu She yells] -[Hua Xiong groans]
[clanks]
[grunting]
[general gasps]
He's totally outmatched. He doesn't have a chance.
[grunting in distance]
[both groaning, grunting]
[squelches]
[soldiers cheering]
-[soldiers yell] -[thuds]
Generals,
who else is up for the challenge?
I'm Pan Feng.
[Pan Feng] Consider Hua Xiong as good as dead.
[Yuan Shao] Very well.
And if you are victorious,
I'll reward you with 100 taels of gold and 30 fine horses. Bring the wine!
[suspenseful music plays]
[Pan Feng grunting]
-[weapons clanking] -[Pan Feng grunting]
[both groan]
-[yells] -Huh?
[squelches]
-[gasps] -[thuds]
[soldiers cheering in distance]
[Yuan Shao] Generals, who dares to fight him?
I'll double the reward!
[both grunt]
[clanks]
[yells]
[head whooshes, thuds]
[soldiers cheering in distance]
[weapons clank]
-[thuds] -[grunts]
[both grunt]
[soldiers cheering in distance]
[weapons clank]
-[groans] -[squelches]
-[whooshes] -[all gasp]
This is ridiculous.
Anyone else feel like dying today?
[Hua Xiong] If not, then come out of there right now,
those who surrender and beg for mercy…
will be spared.
-[weapon clinks] -[Hua Xiong laughing in distance]
Send my brother, Guan Yu, I promise, he will not fail.
Are you serious?
Pan Feng was my best warrior, and he got destroyed.
What right does some lowly guard have representing the alliance in a duel?
We're running out of options.
[Cao Cao] Never mind his rank.
Brother Guan, go fight if you wish.
And allow me to offer you a farewell toast.
Save it.
I don't need a special blessing,
certainly not for a fight this easy
but we can drink when I come back.
[door clattering]
[suspenseful music plays]
[horse neighs]
I am Guan Yu from the Liu Army, and I am here to fight you.
[scoffs] Another nobody challenging me.
Get off the horse and surrender.
-[horse neighs] -[grunts]
[Guan Yu] You're going to wish you surrendered when I'm done with you.
[grunts]
We don't have a choice. So who are we going to send next?
Who else would even dare to try,
other than fools looking to play hero, like that last one?
[Han Fu] What are we going to do if he takes another head?
My brother will be victorious.
-[Hua Xiong grunts] -[weapons clanking]
[weapons clank]
[both grunting]
[weapons clank]
[both grunting]
[suspenseful music plays]
You surprise me.
I wasn't expecting a nobody to be so skilled.
It's a shame that I have to take your head.
Whenever I face a weaker opponent,
I usually let them win the first three rounds.
Well, the three rounds are over!
-[grunts] -[weapons clank]
[groans]
-[grunts] -[whooshes]
[rattles]
Which one of you is next?
-[horses neigh] -[clanking]
[soldier 1] Let's go!
-[soldier 1] Go, go, go! -[soldier 3] Go!
[soldiers] Go! Go!
[horse neighs]
[heroic music plays]
[light music plays]
[door clattering]
[Han Fu] Whoa! That was fast!
[officers murmur]
[Guan Yu] Here.
Bring his head back to Dong Zhuo.
[general] I wish I could have seen the fight for myself.
The wine is still warm.
You've earned it.
[epic music plays]
Clear a space and give General Guan a seat.
-Make sure he gets our best food and wine. -That's okay.
I fought under the command of my brother, Liu Bei.
If you must, reward him not me.
Commander,
given that Guan Yu is victorious, he clearly deserves recognition,
but I ask that Liu Bei and Zhang Fei be rewarded as well.
All victories shall be rewarded.
Liu Bei,
the alliance hereby establishes the 19th regiment
lead by Commander Liu Bei.
I accept your order.
[suspenseful music plays]
[soldiers clamoring]
[soldier 1] Go!
Go!
-[weapons clinking] -[soldiers clamoring]
[creaks, thuds]
[soldiers yelling]
[arrows whooshing]
[soldier shrieks]
[suspenseful music continues]
[soldier] Inform the chancellor. Sun Jian has ambushed Hulao Pass.
Damn it!
First, they kill Hua Xiong,
then they slaughter 30,000 troops.
Killing Hua Xiong obviously boosted their morale.
Sun's troops have surrounded the city.
Those treacherous warlords have amassed 500,000 troops,
and they even sent back Hua Xiong's head.
Outrageous!
Who did it?
Uh, a nobody.
Named…
Guan Yu.
[grunts]
[intense music plays]
Attention, generals!
I am sending 500,000 troops to Hulao Pass.
Li Jue and Guo Si will bring 50,000 troops
to strengthen both sides of our defense
and to prevent any attacks from the flanks.
I will lead 150,000 troops along with Li Jue, Fan Chou, and Zhang Ji
to guard the front of Hulao Pass.
We're only 500 miles away from the capital,
our defense must hold!
[epic music plays]
[weapon rattles, thuds]
[Dong Zhuo] Lu Bu, post 30,000 troops outside the fortress,
and be ready to engage the enemy at any time.
[suspenseful music plays]
[soldiers yelling]
[arrow whooshing]
-[thuds] -[all gasp]
[ominous music plays]
[Cao Cao] It's an invitation to war.
It's from Lu Bu.
Lu Bu…
[dramatic music plays]
LU
[cackles]
[soldiers] Cheers, General!
[dramatic music continues]
[splashes]
[Lu Bu] Those 18 dogs…
[Yuan Shao] We only have eight warlords left in the alliance now.
The others ran away?
Yes.
[Cao Cao] So, now, we have what,
less than 200,000 troops?
Correct.
[scoffs]
[Cao Cao] The deserters,
they were not committed to the cause.
They only cared about one thing,
their own personal gain.
They used Dong Zhuo
as a cover for their own ulterior motives.
Exploiting the crisis to gain an advantage.
The man named Lu Bu rides a steed named Red Hare.
They say he can take on 10,000 troops by himself.
Dong Zhuo, has recruited elite troops from the west,
known for their destructive power.
Obviously, no one wants to suffer heavy losses.
[scoffs]
Well, that's not really an option, going up against Lu Bu.
But if we can't defeat him,
how can we defeat Dong Zhuo?
[scoffs]
Hey, snap out of it.
We didn't go through all of this…
just to kill Hua Xiong, did we?
You're supposed to be warriors, so prove it.
[weapon clangs]
[Dong Zhuo] Luoyang has been the Han capital for over 200 years.
It's on the verge of decline.
For the sake of our kingdom, and His Majesty's health,
I have decided to move the capital to Chang'an.
[minister 1] What? Move the capital?
-[crowd murmuring] -[minister 2] Why?
[Dong Zhuo] Go!
[wind whooshing]
[sombre music plays]
[wind gusting]
[water sloshes]
[flask clanks]
[sombre music continues]
[Lu Bu] Miss.
[knife rasps]
Who are you?
Go away.
-[woman gasps] -[Lu Bu grunts]
[sombre music plays]
Why would you try to kill yourself?
Someone proposed to me…
and my godfather accepted it,
but I don't want to marry him.
He's a horrible man.
Since I have no other choice,
I'd rather die.
LU
[woman] You're…
No one will harm you ever again.
Tell the one who proposed to you that belong to Lu Bu.
Once I return victorious, I will marry you.
General Lu…
do you mean it?
I always mean what I say.
But we just met.
How do I know you're serious?
[inhales deeply]
-[grunts] -[woman gasps]
All right.
I trust you.
What is your name?
Diao Chan.
I swear,
I will forever be devoted to you.
From this day forward,
I am yours.
[squelches]
[sombre music plays]
[suspenseful music plays]
[suspenseful music continues]
[Liu Bei] We've never dueled before.
[Cao Cao] Then let's not waste the opportunity.
[Liu Bei] We might not get another chance.
[Cao Cao] Well, you never know.
[swords rasp]
[both grunting]
[weapons clanking]
[both grunting]
[Liu Bei] I think Yuan Shao would run away if he could,
but it'd be too embarrassing.
The alliance commander with a prestigious lineage.
[Cao Cao] That's one reasons.
But more than that, if he doesn't succeed,
Dong Zhuo will surely hunt him down and get his revenge.
It's a tough spot.
So what about you then, why are you still here?
Same reason as you.
And what might that be?
To save the Han Dynasty above all else.
[grunts]
-[weapons clanking] -[both grunting]
-[Cao Cao] Do you fear death? -No. I only fear one thing.
[Cao Cao] What?
[Liu Bei] To die knowing the kingdom is still in chaos.
-[weapons clanking] -[both grunting]
[weapons clanking]
The Han Dynasty is corrupt beyond repair.
You saw those warlords for yourself.
So what?
They didn't join the alliance because they truly believe in justice,
their ambitions are the same as Dong Zhuo's.
What do you three hope to gain from this? Tell me the truth!
We don't want anything!
It's our noble duty to serve our country.
Also, I'll never let our people suffer at the hands of Dong Zhuo.
For the Dynasty and its people,
I will fight to the end!
[Liu Bei grunts]
[weapons clanking]
[both grunt]
[Liu Bei grunting]
Do you fear death?
No, I don't. Do you believe me?
I do.
-[both grunting] -[weapons clanking]
[rumbles]
[weapons clanking]
That was fun, Liu Bei.
It was.
Well, I think you know what our next move is.
[suspenseful music plays]
[Cao Cao] We have a plan.
My brothers and I will fight Lu Bu.
The eight alliance armies and I will attack Luoyang
and kill Dong Zhuo.
[Cao Cao] Lu Bu's fighting skills are unrivaled, so watch yourself.
Returning alive is victory enough.
Everyone will know what you've done.
Hmm.
[chuckles]
-[weapons clink] -[whooshing]
Only out of chaos are heroes forged.
[chuckles]
[laughing]
[Guan Yu] Brothers!
We have 20,000 troops.
Outside the walls, we'll face Lu Bu's 30,000 cavalries.
This is a fight to the death.
Your commanders have abandoned you!
So, now you will join with us and guard this place.
This might seem like a suicide mission,
but I assure you it isn't.
Still, if you don't wish to follow us into battle,
you are free to leave now.
LIU
Guan Yu.
[horses neigh in distance]
If we aren't united,
in our minds and our hearts, we will lose.
I only want warriors who are repaired to face death.
To those who are willing to stay,
I swear on my name,
I'll never leave you.
No matter what!
I pledge allegiance to the three generals.
[soldiers chanting] I pledge!
[chanting continues]
[Guan Yu] I never imagined…
[soldiers chanting] I pledge!
…that we'd actually command our own army one day.
[epic music plays]
[suspenseful music plays]
Everyone, to Luoyang!
-Go! -[soldier] Go!
[soldiers yelling]
[Cao Cao] "By His Majesty's decree,
the alliance army will attack Hulao Pass from five points,
north, south, east, west, and center.
Fighting our way into the capital to oust Dong Zhuo from the palace."
[epic music]
[epic music continues]
HULAO PASS
[footsteps thudding]
[ominous music plays]
[Red Hare growls]
[horses neigh]
[suspenseful music plays]
[Red Hare neighs]
[suspenseful music continues]
[wind whooshing]
[ominous music plays]
[hay rasping]
[horses neigh]
-[wind whooshing] -[horses neigh]
[laughing]
[laughing continues]
They're imposters. [grunts]
[soldiers yell]
Retreat!
[action music]
-[grunts] -Go!
-Let's go! -[soldier clamoring]
[shields clank]
-[shields clank] -[soldiers grunt]
[soldiers yelling]
Change formation!
[shields clanking]
[soldiers yelling]
[weapons clanking]
[horses whine]
[soldiers scream]
[weapons clanking]
[action music continues]
-[weapons clanking] -[soldiers grunting]
[weapons clanking]
-[soldiers scream] -[squelching]
[soldiers yelling]
[Guan Yu grunting]
[grunts]
-[rumbling] -[soldiers scream]
[fire crackles]
[Guan Yu grunting]
[soldiers yelling]
-[Guan Yu grunting] -[soldiers yelling]
[Cao Cao grunting]
[soldiers yelling]
[sword whooshes]
[whooshing continues]
[swords clanking]
-[thudding] -[soldiers grunting]
[grunts]
[soldiers groan]
[grunting]
[soldiers yelling]
[weapon clanks, whooshes]
[crackling]
-[whooshing] -[shields clanking]
[crackling]
[thuds]
[weapon whooshes]
[spear rattles]
[crackling, zaps]
-[soldiers grunting] -[zapping]
-[crackling, zaps] -[soldiers yell]
[suspenseful music plays]
[suspenseful music continues]
You.
You killed Hua Xiong before your wine cooled.
[chuckles]
I did and I'll do the same to you.
[axe clanks]
[all grunt]
[zapping, crackling]
[explosion]
-[thudding] -[chains rattling]
[clattering]
[grunts]
[all yelling]
-[weapons clanking] -[all grunting]
[grunting continues]
-[groans] -[clanks]
[weapon whooshes]
[Red Hare neighs]
[sword whooshes]
[water sloshes]
[swords clank]
-[grunts] -[fire crackles]
[Lu Bu grunts]
[grunts]
-[weapons clank] -[both grunting]
[fire crackles]
[grunts]
[zapping]
[fire crackles]
[grunts]
-[weapons clank] -[all grunting]
[weapons clank]
-[fire whooshes] -[grunts]
[weapons clanking]
[all grunt]
-[fire crackles] -[Lu Bu grunts]
[groans]
[Zhang Fei yelling]
-[yelling, grunts] -[zapping]
-[sword whooshes] -[water sloshes]
[Lu Bu groans]
[axe whooshes, clangs]
[weapons whooshing, clanking]
[fire crackling]
[zapping]
[crackling]
[hisses]
-[weapons clanking] -[both grunting]
-[weapons whooshing] -[all grunting]
[suspenseful music]
-[grunting] -[zaps]
-[lightning crackles] -[whooshing]
[suspenseful music continues]
[crackling]
-[all grunt] -[rumbling]
-[all grunt] -[thuds]
[fort master] Weapons have destinies and spirits.
They will search for their rightful master.
The more opponents they kill,
the stronger the weapons become.
The four masters said our weapons are made from blood ore, right?
The more blood they shed, the powerful they get.
[Liu Bei] What if it's the weapon master's blood?
[wind whooshes]
Liu Bei,
I was nothing but a lowly fugitive,
until you came and gave me a new life.
Now,
it's time to repay my debt.
[grunts]
Bonded in life and in death.
[weapon whirring]
[grunts]
In life…
and in death.
-[swords hissing] -[grunts]
In life and in death!
[grunting]
[laughing]
[Liu Bei grunting]
[roars]
[thuds]
[all yell]
[crackling]
[all yelling]
-[grunts] -[thuds]
-[crackling] -[explosion]
[grunting]
[yelling]
[grunting]
[thuds]
[rumbling]
[laughing]
[ominous music plays]
[Li Ru] Chancellor,
Situ Wang Yun's goddaughter is waiting in her chambers.
Uh, are you sure you still want to go through with the wedding?
Of course!
Been long enough already.
Why should I wait another second?
[ominous music plays]
[Dong Zhuo] The rebels Cao Cao and Sun Jian
have broken through Hulao Pass.
We need to leave the city quickly.
Gather all of the provision and valuables, leave nothing behind.
In three days, I want Luoyang to be a ghost town.
[grunting]
General, if we keep this up,
we're going to run out of supplies in three days.
We have to get into the capital and save the Emperor.
We've already come this far.
Luoyang is in sight, we can't die here.
Charge!
Release the smoke. We need General Lu back here immediately!
Yes, sir!
[fire crackling]
[sword clanks]
-[soldiers grunting] -[sword whooshes]
[ominous music plays]
General Lu…
[Red Hare neighs]
[whinnies]
-[grunts] -[spear rattles]
[grunts]
[ominous music plays]
[grunts]
[exhales deeply]
This isn't over.
-[groans] -[spear rattles]
[epic music plays]
[door creaks]
[sombre music plays]
[door thuds]
[door creaks]
[fire crackling]
DONG
-[grunts] -[flames roar]
General.
Dong Zhuo fled the city
and is headed to Chang'an with His Majesty.
Sun Jian didn't wait for Commander Yuan's orders,
he went to Luoyang and stole the imperial jade seal.
Should we pursue him?
[chuckles]
The imperial seal is merely symbolic.
Saving the Emperor is our only concern.
[sombre music plays]
[Wang Yun] Diao Chan.
You're thinking too much.
Dong Zhuo adores you.
Seize this opportunity
and destroy that bastard.
Yes, I know.
And I will.
[soldier] My lord, only Sun and our troops fought to the end and survived,
but yet you let Sun Jian enter Luoyang first.
That makes him Grand Chief Controller.
Why forfeit your rightful title?
It doesn't make sense.
[chuckling]
No one seems to understand
that the emperor is what gives the palace life.
Wherever the emperor decides to go, the great Han follows.
We'll find Dong Zhuo and save His Majesty.
Our nation is in this mess because its people are not united.
Maybe instead of joining an alliance, we should forge our own path.
Go!
Follow me, move!
A FEW YEARS LATER
[gentle music plays]
[gentle music continues]
LIU
[Cao Cao] I never expected you to raise your own army so quickly.
It's nothing compared to your 100,000 troops.
[laughs]
Yeah, well…
I started with 5,000.
General Cao, why are you here?
To drink wine and catch up.
[soft grunt]
Dong Zhuo escaped from Luoyang,
and the 18 warlords have been deemed heroes.
[scoffs]
If you ask me, they're all completely useless.
On the other hand,
who do you think deserves to be called a hero?
Yuan Shao?
Yuan foresaw the decline of the Han Court long ago,
only fools would try to restore it.
So instead, he bided his time.
Amassing power while observing the situation from afar.
He's no hero.
Then it has to be the man with the prestigious linage, Sun Jian.
[Cao Cao] When Sun took the jade seal,
he exposed his true ambitions for the throne.
[soldier] Reporting!
[son 1] Congratulations, Father.
[son 2] Congratulations, Father.
[all] All hail His Majesty!
[Cao Cao] Unfortunately, whoever holds the imperial seal
will become a target for others vying for power.
To be honest, he's not too bright.
The 18 warlords who wanted to defeat Dong Zhuo
have returned to their homes to build up their strength.
They're hoping to profit during this period of crisis.
That's not the worst of it.
The real reason they want the country to fall into chaos
is so they can seize territory.
Hopefully, the Han Dynasty survives…
and is restored to its former glory.
After so many setbacks, the great Han exists in name only, now.
This a chaotic, feudalistic era we're living in.
So tell me, who else deserves to be called a hero?
I really can't think of anyone.
Well, a hero aspires to greatness, is magnanimous,
ambitious, and possesses great wisdom.
In my opinion, the only true heroes…
are you,
and me.
As a Han official,
how can you aspire to the throne?
[thunder rumbles]
[laughing]
Stop pretending.
Isn't that what you want too?
Deep down,
you and I are the same.
I'm nothing like you.
I serve the Han Court.
Do you wanna know what your two biggest strengths are?
Loyalty…
and…
unflinching composure,
regardless of the situation.
In the future,
I hope that we can remain friends.
As long as you're loyal to the dynasty,
you'll always be my friend.
[laughing]
Our nation will know peace once I have conquered it.
[Cao Cao] Go!
[epic music plays]
[thunder rumbles]
[epic music continues]