EXT. MEI LIN'S PALACE — COURTYARD — NIGHT
The courtyard trembles beneath the enormous roots of the Blood Spirit Tree.
Mei Lin stands at the top of the palace steps, her robes flowing in the wind. Behind her, black-red branches stretch across the sky, blocking out the moon.
Qiao Tian stands at the front, sword raised.
Xuan Dao, Shinzi, Yun Zhao, and Shin form a defensive line around the rescued girls.
MEI LIN You have mistaken my kindness for weakness.
XUAN DAO Kindness?
He looks at the terrified girls.
XUAN DAO If this is your kindness, I would hate to see your hospitality.
YUN ZHAO Xuan Dao, please. Can you insult her after we escape?
XUAN DAO I can do both simultaneously.
SHINZI I'm beginning to understand why everyone finds you irritating.
XUAN DAO And I'm beginning to understand why your sister likes me more than you.
SHIN I do!
SHINZI SHIN!
For a brief second, Shin giggles.
Then a tremendous root crashes down between them.
BOOOOOOM!
QIAO TIAN Enough! The roots are blocking the eastern path!
Qiao Tian studies the courtyard.
The main gate is buried beneath tangled branches. The western passage has collapsed. Above them, the palace balconies are crumbling.
They have only one route left: a narrow stone bridge leading towards the mountains.
QIAO TIAN The northern bridge!
YUN ZHAO That bridge is hundreds of steps above the ravine!
QIAO TIAN Would you prefer to stay here?
YUN ZHAO I suddenly love the bridge!
Mei Lin raises her hand.
MEI LIN You will not take a single step beyond my territory.
The roots surge forward.
SHINZI EVERYONE, MOVE!
The group runs.
EXT. MEI LIN'S PALACE — COLLAPSING COURTYARD — CONTINUOUS
The escape becomes chaos.
Roots rip through the stone path. Pillars collapse behind the group, sending clouds of dust into the air.
Qiao Tian runs at the rear, cutting away the branches that pursue the rescued girls.
QIAO TIAN Keep moving! Don't look back!
A young girl trips.
GIRL Ah!
Before a root can strike her, Shinzi rushes back and catches her.
SHINZI I've got you!
He lifts her into his arms.
GIRL But... the princess—
SHINZI My sister is perfectly capable of looking after herself.
From farther ahead—
SHIN BROTHER! I HEARD THAT!
SHINZI THEN KEEP RUNNING!
Shin turns to help another girl over a fallen pillar.
SHIN Come on! Just a little farther!
Xuan Dao lands beside Qiao Tian after leaping over a collapsing section of the path.
XUAN DAO How many girls are still behind us?
QIAO TIAN Four!
XUAN DAO Go. I'll get them.
QIAO TIAN Master—
XUAN DAO Qiao Tian.
His voice becomes firm.
XUAN DAO Get everyone to the bridge.
Qiao Tian hesitates for half a second.
Then she nods and runs.
Xuan Dao turns towards the four girls trapped near the palace wall.
The roots close in.
XUAN DAO Well, then.
He draws his sword.
XUAN DAO Let's make a little room.
His spiritual energy explodes outward.
BOOOOOOM!
The roots are blasted apart, opening a path through the wreckage.
Xuan Dao rushes forward, lifts two girls into his arms, and gestures for the other two to follow.
XUAN DAO Stay close. And whatever you do, don't touch anything that glows red.
GIRL What if the ground glows red?
Xuan Dao glances down.
The ground beneath them is glowing red.
XUAN DAO Then I suggest you run faster.
He races towards the bridge.
EXT. NORTHERN STONE BRIDGE — NIGHT
The bridge stretches across a vast ravine, its old stone surface barely wide enough for three people to walk side by side.
The rescued girls cross first.
Shin stands near the entrance, helping them one by one.
SHIN Careful! Hold my hand!
An exhausted girl looks across the bridge.
GIRL What if it collapses?
SHIN Then we'll fly!
The girl stares at her.
SHIN ...I was trying to be encouraging.
Shinzi arrives carrying the injured girl.
SHINZI Perhaps encourage them with something believable.
SHIN I was going to say that next!
He gently places the injured girl on the far side of the bridge, where the others help her sit.
SHINZI Stay here. Don't move until we return.
GIRL Please be careful.
Shinzi nods.
Behind them, the palace shakes violently.
Mei Lin appears at the bridge entrance.
Her eyes glow crimson.
MEI LIN You are all making this far more troublesome than necessary.
She raises both hands.
The Blood Spirit Tree's roots emerge from the ravine walls, winding around the bridge pillars.
YUN ZHAO Oh, no.
XUAN DAO What now?
YUN ZHAO The bridge!
The stone beneath their feet cracks.
KRRRRRACK!
QIAO TIAN EVERYONE, CROSS NOW!
The remaining group surges forward.
Qiao Tian turns back towards Mei Lin.
MEI LIN You cannot defeat the Blood Spirit Tree!
QIAO TIAN I don't need to defeat it.
Qiao Tian raises her sword.
QIAO TIAN I only need to get them out!
She releases a concentrated wave of spiritual energy into the bridge's central pillar.
BOOM!
The pillar fractures.
The section of the bridge behind the group collapses, severing the roots that had wrapped around it.
Mei Lin's eyes widen.
MEI LIN YOU—!
The roots lose their grip and plunge into the ravine.
The group reaches the far side just as the last section of the bridge crumbles.
CRAAAAASH!
Qiao Tian leaps across the final gap.
Shinzi catches her wrist and pulls her onto solid ground.
For a moment, they stare at each other.
SHINZI You really enjoy making dangerous entrances, don't you?
QIAO TIAN You really enjoy catching people at the last second.
SHINZI Someone has to stop you from falling into ravines.
QIAO TIAN I had it under control.
SHINZI Of course you did.
They exchange a brief smile.
Then Shin rushes between them and grabs both their sleeves.
SHIN Can we please have this conversation somewhere that isn't collapsing?!
XUAN DAO For once, the princess makes an excellent point!
Xuan Dao gestures towards the mountain path.
XUAN DAO Move!
They disappear into the darkness as the bridge finally falls into the ravine.
Across the gap, Mei Lin watches them go.
Her expression is no longer amused.
MEI LIN Run as far as you like.
The Blood Spirit Tree pulses behind her.
MEI LIN The roots of the Blood Spirit Tree remember every soul they have touched.
Her fingers close slowly.
MEI LIN And I will find you again.
CUT TO BLACK.
SCENE — THE ROAD TO CELESTIAL CLOUDEXT. MOUNTAIN FOREST — DAWN
The first rays of sunlight break through the trees.
The group has travelled through the night.
The rescued girls walk slowly along the mountain path, supported by the cultivators. Some are exhausted. Others are too frightened to speak.
Xuan Dao walks at the rear, keeping watch.
Qiao Tian moves between the girls, checking their injuries and offering water.
Shin, despite her own exhaustion, refuses to stop helping.
SHINZI Shin. Sit down for five minutes.
SHIN I'm not tired.
She immediately yawns.
Shinzi raises an eyebrow.
SHIN That was... a tactical yawn.
SHINZI Of course.
He takes her by the shoulders and guides her to a fallen log.
SHINZI Sit.
SHIN You're treating me like a child!
SHINZI You're behaving like one.
Shin pouts.
Xuan Dao passes them and casually drops a small packet of dried fruit into her lap.
XUAN DAO For the princess who bravely fought an entire palace with half a wooden railing.
Shin's eyes light up.
SHIN You remembered!
XUAN DAO How could I forget? It was a legendary weapon.
Shin laughs and immediately offers him a piece.
SHIN Here. You should eat too.
Xuan Dao accepts it.
XUAN DAO Thank you, little princess.
Shinzi watches the exchange, smiling faintly.
SHINZI You've made a dangerous friend.
XUAN DAO I was going to say the same about you.
Their eyes meet.
They share a tired but genuine laugh.
For a moment, the horrors of the night seem far away.
Then Yun Zhao approaches, looking towards the distant peaks.
YUN ZHAO My sect is beyond those mountains.
He turns towards the group.
YUN ZHAO Celestial Cloud should be able to provide healers, food, and shelter for the girls. My father will help them.
QIAO TIAN Then we should take them there first.
YUN ZHAO Agreed.
He looks towards the rescued girls.
YUN ZHAO No one will touch you again. I swear it in the name of Celestial Cloud.
Several girls bow their heads, crying quietly.
GIRL Thank you...
Yun Zhao looks away for a moment, visibly affected.
YUN ZHAO You don't need to thank me.
He looks back at them.
YUN ZHAO Just keep walking. We're almost home.
SCENE — CELESTIAL CLOUD SECTEXT. CELESTIAL CLOUD — MAIN GATES — MORNING
Clouds drift beneath enormous white towers.
The gates of Celestial Cloud Sect open as Yun Zhao approaches with the group.
The guards immediately kneel.
GUARD YOUR HIGHNESS!
An older cultivator hurries down the steps.
ELDER Prince Yun Zhao!
He stops when he sees the exhausted girls and the damage to the group's clothing.
ELDER What happened?
YUN ZHAO Heavenly Sword Sect.
The elder's expression darkens.
YUN ZHAO Mei Lin abducted these girls and imprisoned us beneath her palace. She was using the Blood Spirit Tree to drain their spiritual energy.
The surrounding guards exchange horrified looks.
ELDER That woman has crossed every boundary.
YUN ZHAO Prepare the healing chambers. Bring food, clean clothing, and physicians. No questions until everyone has been treated.
ELDER Immediately!
The sect springs into action.
Servants hurry forward with blankets and water. Healers guide the girls towards the inner halls.
One young girl pauses before leaving.
She turns towards Qiao Tian, Xuan Dao, Shinzi, Shin, and Yun Zhao.
GIRL Will we ever be able to live normally again?
Qiao Tian kneels in front of her.
QIAO TIAN Yes.
The girl looks into Qiao Tian's eyes.
QIAO TIAN It may take time. Some days will be harder than others. But what happened to you does not decide the rest of your life.
She gently squeezes the girl's hand.
QIAO TIAN You deserve a future beyond that palace.
The girl begins to cry.
She bows her head and walks towards the healers.
Yun Zhao watches her go.
YUN ZHAO You always know what to say.
QIAO TIAN No.
Qiao Tian looks towards the distant mountains.
QIAO TIAN I only know what I would have wanted someone to say to me.
Xuan Dao looks at Qiao Tian for a moment, but says nothing.
Then the sound of approaching footsteps echoes through the courtyard.
Ruler Jin Tao arrives with several elders.
JIN TAO Yun Zhao!
Yun Zhao immediately bows.
YUN ZHAO Father.
Jin Tao takes one look at his son's injuries and pulls him into a firm embrace.
JIN TAO You foolish boy.
YUN ZHAO I missed you too, Father.
JIN TAO You disappear for a night, return looking as though a mountain fell on you, and expect me not to worry?
YUN ZHAO Technically, the palace fell on me.
JIN TAO That is not helping your case.
Yun Zhao smiles weakly.
Jin Tao finally releases him and turns towards the others.
His expression becomes solemn.
JIN TAO Xuan Dao. Qiao Tian. Prince Shinzi. Princess Shin.
He bows deeply.
JIN TAO On behalf of Celestial Cloud, I thank you.
The elders behind him bow as well.
JIN TAO You risked your lives to rescue innocent girls who had no one left to protect them. You brought my son home safely, and you stood against a crime that should never have been allowed to happen.
He looks towards the healing chambers.
JIN TAO Celestial Cloud owes you a debt that cannot be repaid with words.
XUAN DAO Then don't repay it with words.
Everyone looks at him.
XUAN DAO Give those girls the best healers you have. Let them stay here until they are strong enough to decide where they want to go.
Jin Tao's expression softens.
JIN TAO You have my word.
XUAN DAO Good. That's all I wanted.
YUN ZHAO You could at least pretend to be impressed by my father's hospitality.
XUAN DAO I'm very impressed.
Xuan Dao looks at the elaborate palace.
XUAN DAO Do you have breakfast?
Yun Zhao stares at him.
YUN ZHAO Unbelievable.
SHIN I want breakfast too!
SHINZI You just ate the dried fruit.
SHIN That was a long time ago!
Jin Tao laughs for the first time that morning.
JIN TAO Prepare a feast for our guests.
He turns to the healers.
JIN TAO And make certain every rescued girl receives whatever care she needs. No expense is to be spared.
ELDER Yes, Your Majesty.
The group bows.
For the first time since their escape, they can breathe without expecting the walls to collapse around them.
SCENE — FAREWELL AT CELESTIAL CLOUDEXT. CELESTIAL CLOUD — OUTER COURTYARD — AFTERNOON
Several hours later.
The rescued girls have been settled into safe rooms. Their injuries are being treated, and the sect's elders have begun arranging protection for them.
Yun Zhao stands near the main gates with Qiao Tian, Xuan Dao, Shinzi, and Shin.
He looks reluctant to say goodbye.
YUN ZHAO You could stay another day.
XUAN DAO And give you more time to fall through another floor?
YUN ZHAO I am never going to hear the end of that, am I?
XUAN DAO Not in this lifetime.
Yun Zhao shakes his head, then turns towards Qiao Tian.
YUN ZHAO Thank you.
QIAO TIAN You already said that.
YUN ZHAO Then I'll say it again.
He extends his hand.
Qiao Tian clasps it.
YUN ZHAO Next time, let's meet somewhere without chains, poisonous trees, or collapsing buildings.
QIAO TIAN Agreed.
XUAN DAO And somewhere with better food.
YUN ZHAO GET OUT OF MY SECT!
Shin bursts into laughter.
Even Shinzi smiles.
Yun Zhao then turns towards his sister's new favourite troublemaker.
YUN ZHAO Shin, please make sure Xuan Dao doesn't teach you anything dangerous.
SHIN Too late!
XUAN DAO I taught her nothing.
SHINZI That is the problem.
They all laugh.
Then the mood settles.
Yun Zhao bows to them.
YUN ZHAO Travel safely. Celestial Cloud will remember what you did here.
SHINZI And we will remember who stood beside us.
The two princes exchange a firm clasp of the forearm.
YUN ZHAO Until we meet again.
SHINZI Until then.
Qiao Tian gives Yun Zhao a final nod.
The Crimson Lotus group turns towards the mountain road.
Yun Zhao watches them until they disappear into the clouds.
SCENE — THE ROAD HOMEEXT. MOUNTAIN PASS — SUNSET
The journey to Crimson Lotus is quieter.
The rescued girls who are strong enough to travel have been entrusted to Celestial Cloud's protection. The others remain under Jin Tao's care.
Now only Qiao Tian, Xuan Dao, Shinzi, and Shin continue towards Crimson Lotus.
The sun sinks behind the mountains.
Shin walks beside Xuan Dao, swinging her arms.
SHIN Do you think Father will be angry?
SHINZI Absolutely.
Shin stops walking.
SHIN What?!
SHINZI You left the palace without permission, broke into a hostile sect, destroyed part of their entrance, and helped us escape.
He considers it.
SHINZI When you say it like that, it sounds bad.
XUAN DAO It sounds impressive.
SHINZI Please don't encourage her.
XUAN DAO Too late. I've already promised to teach her how to destroy a door properly.
SHIN REALLY?!
SHINZI Xuan Dao!
Xuan Dao laughs.
XUAN DAO Relax. I'm joking.
A pause.
XUAN DAO Mostly.
Shin laughs so hard she nearly stumbles.
Shinzi catches her by the shoulder.
SHINZI Careful.
His voice softens.
SHINZI You have been pushing yourself too hard.
SHIN I couldn't just stay behind.
Shinzi looks at her.
SHIN You were in danger. Yun Zhao was in danger. Those girls needed help.
She lowers her eyes.
SHIN I was scared, Brother.
Shinzi's expression changes.
SHIN But I was more scared that I wouldn't reach you in time.
Shinzi gently rests a hand on her head.
SHINZI You reached us.
He smiles.
SHINZI That's what matters.
Shin hugs him briefly.
Then she turns towards Qiao Tian.
SHIN And you!
QIAO TIAN Me?
SHIN You promised we'd have a peaceful journey!
QIAO TIAN I don't remember promising that.
SHIN You promised with your face!
Qiao Tian blinks.
QIAO TIAN My face?
XUAN DAO A serious offence. You should apologise.
Qiao Tian looks at her teacher in disbelief.
QIAO TIAN Master.
XUAN DAO What? The princess has suffered enough.
Shin nods solemnly.
SHIN Exactly.
Shinzi covers his mouth, trying not to laugh.
Qiao Tian finally smiles.
For a little while, the four continue down the mountain road, sharing the kind of laughter that comes only after surviving something terrible together.
SCENE — RETURN TO CRIMSON LOTUSEXT. CRIMSON LOTUS SECT — MAIN GATES — NIGHT
The gates of Crimson Lotus stand beneath rows of glowing lanterns.
The guards spot the approaching figures and immediately straighten.
GUARD PRINCE SHINZI! PRINCESS SHIN!
The gates swing open.
Servants and soldiers hurry into the courtyard.
SOLDIER The prince and princess have returned!
King Lian steps out of the main hall, Xu Cheng following closely behind.
The moment he sees Shin, he descends the steps.
KING LIAN Shin!
Shin runs towards him.
SHIN Father!
King Lian catches her in his arms and holds her tightly.
For several seconds, he says nothing.
Then he cups her face in his hands.
KING LIAN Are you hurt?
SHIN No, Father.
KING LIAN Are you certain?
SHIN Yes.
He looks at her face as though searching for every sign of pain she might be hiding.
KING LIAN You frightened me.
Shin's smile fades.
SHIN I'm sorry.
King Lian pulls her into another embrace.
KING LIAN Just come home safely. That is all I ask.
Shin closes her eyes.
SHIN I will.
Nearby, Shinzi watches them quietly.
King Lian finally looks up at his son.
KING LIAN And you.
SHINZI Father.
KING LIAN Would you care to explain why I received reports of you entering a forbidden sect, fighting its guards, and escaping across a collapsing bridge?
Shinzi pauses.
SHINZI We were rescuing people.
KING LIAN I gathered that much.
He looks at the dirt covering Shinzi's robes.
KING LIAN I also gathered that you have very little regard for your own safety.
SHINZI I had to bring Shin home.
King Lian's expression softens.
KING LIAN I know.
He places a hand on Shinzi's shoulder.
KING LIAN And I am proud of you.
Shinzi looks up, surprised.
KING LIAN But do not mistake my pride for permission to frighten me like this again.
SHINZI I'll try, Father.
KING LIAN Try harder.
Shin giggles.
SHIN Father, you should have seen Xuan Dao! He was amazing!
XUAN DAO Finally, someone with excellent judgement.
SHINZI He also spent half the escape insulting Yun Zhao.
XUAN DAO I was maintaining morale.
QIAO TIAN You were enjoying yourself.
XUAN DAO Those things are not mutually exclusive.
King Lian laughs quietly.
Then his expression becomes serious.
KING LIAN Come inside. All of you.
He turns towards Xu Cheng.
KING LIAN Prepare rooms, food, and physicians. They have endured enough for one night.
XU CHENG At once, Your Majesty.
Xu Cheng bows, then looks at Shinzi and Shin with visible relief.
XU CHENG Welcome home, Your Highnesses.
Shin smiles at him.
SHIN We brought stories!
XU CHENG I am certain you did, Princess.
He glances at the torn robes and exhausted faces.
XU CHENG Perhaps the stories can wait until after dinner.
XUAN DAO A wise man.
SHINZI For once, we agree.
They enter the palace together.
INT. CRIMSON LOTUS PALACE — MAIN HALL — LATER THAT NIGHT
The hall is warm with lantern light.
Food has been laid out, and the atmosphere is calmer than it has been in days.
Shin sits beside Shinzi, eating while recounting the escape with exaggerated gestures.
SHIN And then the entire bridge went CRASH! And Xuan Dao pulled Qiao Tian away from the roots, and Yun Zhao fell through the floor—
YUN ZHAO (O.S.) I WASN'T EVEN THERE!
Shin freezes.
Then she grins.
SHIN I was describing it dramatically.
Everyone laughs.
Qiao Tian sits quietly beside Xuan Dao, listening to the conversation.
For a brief moment, her eyes meet Shinzi's.
He gives her a small, grateful nod.
No words are necessary.
They have survived another battle.
They have brought the missing girls to safety.
And, for tonight at least, they are home.
But far away, beyond the mountains, beneath the ruined palace of Heavenly Sword...
The Blood Spirit Tree pulses in the darkness.
THUM.
THUM.
A single black root slowly curls around a broken stone.
MEI LIN (V.O.) Enjoy your peace while you can.
Two crimson eyes open within the shadows.
MEI LIN (V.O.) Our story is far from over.
FADE OUT.