Strange Tales of Taiping Town (2025)

[bunniefuu]

July Half-Moon.

Ghost Gates Open.

Little ghosts come to collect

paper offerings.

[On lunar July 15th, ]

[the Ghost Festival, ]

[there is a taboo]

[in Taiping Town.]

[On this night, ]

[when masters arrange incense,

candles, and spirit money, ]

[and performing rites to pray

for blessings, ]

[the greatest taboo is...]

Go!

[to dot the eyes of paper figures.]

The third watch.

Heaven dry, objects parched.

Beware of fire and candles.

[Xingyou Pawnshop]

Heaven dry, objects parched.

Beware of fire and candles.

Past the hour of Zi,

when vengeful spirits come seeking life,

knocking will be heard.

Sir,

you're freaking me out!

You two are such cowards.

You'll never make it big.

What's the most important thing

in our pawn trade?

Huh?

Boldness!

A black heart!

Think back then

Sir,

stop it!

Well.

It wasn't me knocking!

Who is it?

Dead of night,

everyone's resting!

What's all the knocking!

Shopkeeper.

We wish to pawn.

We're closed for the day.

No pawning.

Come back tomorrow.

Shopkeeper,

a family emergency.

We beg your understanding.

The front shutters are barred.

Use the back door.

Persistent, aren't they?

Thank you.

Sir.

That voice

is a little spooky.

Could it be a ghost?

What?

Speak of the devil!

Shopkeeper,

we're at the back door.

No, no, no.

They ran so fast!

Busan, Busi!

Grab your weapons, quick!

Go on!

Uh, right!

Hurry up!

Hurry!

Coming, coming!

Stop knocking!

Calling for souls?

Our master has passed from illness.

The family urgently needs money.

We've come specially to pawn

a precious item.

The books are already closed.

What do you want to pawn?

Come back tomorrow.

Go back!

Go back!

Oh!

Goodness.

Shopkeeper,

we're all in the underworld.

Show some flexibility.

Everyone has difficulties.

Fine, follow me in.

These two useless things!

Forgive the embarrassment.

May I ask

what treasure do you wish to pawn?

July 15th.

Vengeful spirits seek life.

What we wish to pawn

is your head.

[Taiping Zhen Strange Tales]

[Miraculous Foresight]

Ghosts rob treasures and claim lives,

throwing all into panic and alarm.

Rumor has it that

Mr. Lai of the pawnshop

lacks virtue.

That's why he got into trouble.

So that's how it is.

Right.

Of course, Mr. Lai wouldn't admit it.

He posted a reward:

Anyone who retrieves the treasure

gets a ten percent cut.

Wow!

So much money.

10%.

They say it's a haunting,

no one dares get involved.

Exactly!

- Who would dare?

- Too terrifying!

However, right at this moment,

a mysterious figure

arrived here,

[Miraculous Foresight]

Taiping Town.

[Xingyou Pawnshop]

Chief,

a robbery case like this,

leave it to us to handle.

Why trouble yourself?

This time it's different.

This Mr. Lai has connections at

the Provincial Department.

The Director called me first thing,

demanding I solve the case

within a deadline.

Look,

these are the items stolen from Mr. Lai.

Each is of immense value.

I heard this Mr. Lai

started his fortune by grave robbing.

Could it be he damaged his virtue,

inviting this haunting?

What?

It's no haunting.

It's someone using the guise

of a haunting to commit evil.

Who are you?

Who let you in?

Throw him out!

All unauthorized personnel, out!

Don't interfere with police investigation!

My young master

is the famous psychic detective

from Peking,

Qin Mu!

Get out of the way!

I'm a psychic immortal!

Hey!

Hey, hey, hey!

Please, don't be mistaken.

I'm here to help you with the case.

Shut up!

One more word

and I'll sh**t you!

Go ahead!

Wait.

You are the Peking detective, Qin Mu?

Indeed, that is I.

What brings you here?

You're very suspicious.

- You...

- Chief Zhu!

Chief Zhu!

Qin is my friend.

He travels the land,

passed through Taiping Town,

and stumble onto this case.

Since he's your friend,

then he's one of us!

Come.

Let him go!

Boss,

are reporters all that powerful nowadays?

The Provincial Department's

Secretary-General is also a Bai.

No wonder.

Since Detective Qin says

it's not a haunting,

what have you discovered?

The Jiangnan Flying Thief,

Golden Swallow.

[Miraculous Foresight]

Golden Swallow?

Who is it?

She is the renowned Jiangnan Flying Thief.

No one has ever seen her true face.

Some say

she is not human,

but a spectral envoy,

able to walk the underworld,

command spirits,

and carry out tasks for the living

that belong to the realm of the dead.

This opera mask

is a signature of Golden Swallow.

Rumor has it that

she excels at disguise

and well-versed in the mystic arts.

Playing the part of a haunting spirit

is no difficult task for her.

Then issue a warrant for Golden Swallow.

That should satisfy the Department.

Not so fast, Chief.

If we don't recover the stolen items,

we can't answer to the

Provincial Department.

Sheesh.

Did you see a ghost?

It was a ghost!

A ghost!

A ghost k*lled the shopkeeper!

A ghost!

The ghost came to claim a life!

And this is?

Ah!

Chief Zhu,

I am Detective Qin's partner.

I'm also his junior,

a spirit medium who can

communicate with both worlds.

You can rest assured and

leave this case to us.

We will help you recover

the lost items.

Good, good, good!

Then I'll leave the investigation

to you all.

Inspector Wen,

collaborate with Detective Qin

on this investigation.

I want prompt update from you.

We gotta solve this case

before the deadline.

Yes, sir.

Let's go.

Boss.

We have to work with them?

It doesn't seem right, does it?

What's this called?

This is called 'the monk from afar

recites the best scriptures.'

Well, I'm the local Taoist

who catches ghosts!

Jia's

having a problem with

Chief Zhu's arrangements.

I'm just not convinced.

You're full of yourself.

Should I fetch Chief Zhu,

so you can confront him?

Forget it.

Better forget it.

Alright now,

enough fooling around.

People are looking.

OK.

OK.

Here.

Hey, Chief!

Are we returning to the station?

Nah.

We're going to the brothel.

I mean

to investigate the brothel!

Oh! Right away!

Detective Qin.

Pardon me. I have some

matters to attend to.

If you need anything,

you can find me at the police station.

Alright.

Just you wait!

You just wait!

Look at his attitude.

An outsider detective

stealing the limelight from

the local inspector.

Of course we won't get

a friendly reception.

However,

Inspector Wen

is a capable man.

Qin,

if the case makes progress,

please inform me promptly.

I'll be following up on the latest.

Okay.

No problem.

Sigh.

Junior,

did you discover something?

I think that Ding Busan is fishy.

He spoke of ghosts,

but there's no fear in his eyes.

Hmm.

Big!

Big, big, big!

Oh, quick, quick, place your bets!

- Big, big, big!

- Quick, bet, bet!

- Small!

- Big!

- Bets closed, bets closed!

- Small, small, small!

- Big, big!

- Small!

- Small!

- Big!

Big!

It's going to open small this time!

Big, big!

- Small!

- Big!

Open!

Small!

Argh!

Come on, again, again, again!

Master Shen!

I want to pawn a treasure!

You?

A loser like you,

what treasure could you possibly have?

This item

is worth 150 Dayang.

This ring...

You didn't steal it from a tomb, did you?

No.

If it's tainted with graveyard Yin energy,

it could bring haunting vengeful spirits.

Master Shen,

you know me.

I never rob tombs.

This item

worths 100 Dayang.

That's a bit too low, isn't it?

We're old friends.

Give me a better price.

That's all I've got.

Take it or leave it.

Don't waste my time.

Fine.

Alright.

Give him 100 Dayang.

Oh.

Thank you, Master Shen.

I'm coming!

Who's there?

Stop trying to spook me!

Come out!

Come out!

Who is it?

Show yourself!

You come out!

Could it be the vengeful spirit

from the tomb artifact

possessing me?

Buddha help me! Buddha help me!

Oh, heavens protect me!

Ah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

Ah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

Spare me! Spare me!

Spare my life!

S-S-Spare...

Spare...

Spare me!

Spare...

S-S-Spare...

Spare me!

S-S-Spare...

S-S-Spare...

S-Spare...

Spare me!

Spare me!

Spare me!

Spare me!

Spare me!

Spare me!

Spare...

S-S-Spare...

Spare me!

Spare me!

Spare me!

S-S-Spare...

Spare...

Spare me!

S-S-Spare...

Spare me!

Ah!

Are you a human or a ghost?

Give me back my ring!

I didn't steal it!

- Where's my ring?

- It wasn't me who stole it!

Don't run!

It's in that cabinet!

The cabinet.

I didn't steal it!

Ah!

Huh?

This...

He just fainted from fear?

Such a scaredy-cat.

Hurry and look for the thing.

Alright.

Senior!

Huh?

Senior!

Here.

Here.

This doesn't seem to be among the items

Mr. Lai lost either.

Who knows where Ding Busan got it from.

Very suspicious.

Never mind that now.

Let's get out of here, quick.

Senior,

our business here is done.

Why are we still in these disguises?

This gambling den belongs to Mr. Xu

of the Red Spear Club.

He's not an easy mark.

If he finds out our real identities,

then we'll be in real trouble.

Oh,

so it's a g*ng.

No wonder that Master Shen

is so superstitious.

What about Ding Busan?

Let's interrogate Ding Busan directly.

We should inform Inspector Wen first.

After all, this is his turf.

The third watch.

Heaven dry, objects parched.

Beware of...

Wh-what is that?

Give me back my life!

Ghost...

I died so miserably!

Ghost!

A ghost!

Ghost!

Help!

No!

Stop messing around.

Let's go, quick.

Go.

Go.

I refuse to believe

my luck is always this bad,

always losing money.

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow, no matter what,

I'll win my money back!

Who's howling for the dead?

Bad luck!

The first month brings the New Year,

the very first day of the year...

Oh my goodness!

What's this?

Tomb of Li Xiulian.

Li Xiulian...

So this is where you're buried.

[Tomb of Li Xiulian]

Sigh...

What a pity.

You died on your wedding day.

Oh dear.

Oh my.

When nature calls...

Don't blame me.

You were so beautiful.

What a waste.

Dammit!

I couldn't have run into

a baleful red spirit, could I?

Spare me!

Spare me!

Spare me!

Spare me!

You...

Are you a human or a ghost?

I got lost on my way to the wedding.

The sedan bearers ran away,

and I was left all alone.

Can you take me home?

Little girl,

what's your name?

I can take you home.

Then come here.

I am Li Xiulian.

Why run?

Come here.

Inspector Wen,

where are you off to?

Ding Busan is dead.

What?

Huh?

Ms. Bai.

You're so early.

For a journalist,

the most important thing

is being well-informed.

The scene hasn't been tampered with.

It's that unnatural,

so no one would have dared

to tamper with it.

It looks like

Golden Swallow may have k*lled him.

Is it...

Is it an imitation of Jesus?

What're you talking about?

It's Nailing the Soul.

You know it?

Nailing the Soul

is a very sinister folklore curse.

Locust-wood nails bound with red thread,

pinning the head and shoulders.

It's meant to seal the three souls,

condemning the dead to endless torment

in the deepest layer of hell

with no chance of rebirth.

The question is,

what kind of hatred

leads to this?

Guards!

Yes!

Yes.

Bring Ding Busan's body back

to the mortuary.

Boss.

We are afraid of being cursed

if we touch the nails.

Then take the body back with the cross.

Yes.

Come on!

Go!

- Hurry!

- Yes.

Inspector Wen.

Ding Busan

may be involved in the robbery.

Please search his house.

Golden Swallow is very menacing.

Be careful.

Okay.

[Li Xiulian's Tomb]

Li Xiulian?

[Li Xiulian's Tomb]

Hey.

Chief.

What can I do for you?

Where's Inspector Wen?

Ding Busan was k*lled.

Inspector Wen deduced that

it could be related to the robbery.

So he went

to search his house.

Ding...

Ding Busan?

The pawnshop

employee who ran into a ghost.

Oh.

- It's him.

- Yeah.

So...

This was an inside job?

Chief,

if there's nothing else,

I'll go help Inspector Wen.

Okay.

Go ahead.

Okay.

Chief Zhu.

Come here.

Oh.

Oh.

My baby.

Ding Busan was hiding a secret.

He died in front of the tombstone.

It wasn't a coincidence.

Have you ever heard of

the name Li Xiulian?

Li Xiulian?

I think I've heard

this name before.

But I can't quite place it.

I'll go back to the newspaper office

to check the previous issues.

Okay.

Thank you so much.

Mm.

If there's nothing else,

I'll head back to the office

and file the story.

Okay.

Go ahead.

Okay.

Bye.

Young Master,

it's so weird here.

Let's go back to Peking.

The more weird it is,

the more secrets it hides.

That's right, Yuanbao.

My senior is a great detective.

What are you afraid of?

Ding Busan

didn't get away with it

and was k*lled by a ghost.

He died miserably.

[Republican Daily]

Let me tell you something.

The night watchman Mr. Han

saw a ghost with his own eyes.

- A ghost?

- Really?

In front of the gambling house.

There was a ghost!

Goodness.

Really?

It was targeting Mr. Xu's gambling house.

Mr. Xu.

- Really?

- Of course.

Mr. Han said it.

It must be true.

Goodness.

Go on speaking.

Let's go.

I...

I...

I mean,

things haven't been very peaceful

in Taiping Town lately.

Mr. Xu can ask the psychic detective

to exorcise evil spirits.

If you dare concoct stories

about our Mr. Xu,

I'll smash your stall.

I dare not.

[Republican Daily]

He's dead.

[Xingyou Pawnshop clerk Ding Busan

was k*lled by Golden Swallow, ]

[nailed to a cross with soul-sealing nails

and dumped in a mass grave.]

Who k*lled him?

Ah!

Are you kidding me?

Xu.

You want to k*ll me?

Hey.

You silly woman.

Here you go again.

You almost scared me to death.

Oh, are you okay?

That hurts!

Why are you so heavy-handed?

Eat it while it's warm.

What about yours, Senior?

It'll come soon.

Yummy.

I didn't expect

these street wontons to be so good.

Thank you.

Yuanbao.

Stop eating.

What?

Have you heard of

Granny Ghost's wontons?

Senior.

Look. Yuanbao is so timid.

Enough.

Stop scaring him.

Hurry.

Sit down and eat.

There's no progress in the investigation.

You still have the mood to joke?

[Zhongyi Hall]

Xu.

You're so old-fashioned.

Look at the westerners,

so full of romance.

These foreigners

just have nothing important to do.

Crows feed on carrion

and commune with the netherworld.

If they cry out at a man,

his days are likely numbered.

Mr. Xu.

It's just a fowl.

Well...

[The Spirit Tablet of Xu Longhua]

An opera mask?

Inspector Wen.

Inspector Wen.

Have a bowl of wonton?

No, thank you.

I'm here to tell you

that we have searched Ding Busan's house.

Nothing was found.

Mr. Qin.

Oh!

Mr. Xu of the Red Spear Club

wants to see you.

Jin Daobing.

Tell me if you need anything.

Inspector Wen.

It's Detective Qin who is invited.

Don't make things difficult for me.

Well!

It seems

that Mr. Jin is a martial artist.

Would you please tell me

which school you are from?

An unknown boxing school from the north.

Nothing special.

But I learned throwing knives

from a Taoist

who had fallen on hard times.

Mr. Qin.

I never miss the target

within ten steps.

Oh.

Excuse me.

That's all right.

[Zhongyi Hall]

Welcome our distinguished guests!

Welcome our distinguished guests!

Thank you.

Thank you.

Young Master.

They're making a show of force.

You coward.

Well...

Senior!

How about...

We run way?

Stop it.

You two wait outside.

Hey.

Senior.

Senior.

[Zhongyi Hall]

Senior.

[Righteousness]

[Righteousness]

Mr. Xu.

You are here.

Yes.

We two didn't know each other before.

I wonder why

I'm invited.

[Righteousness]

It's Golden Swallow again.

You are a great detective.

Do you think this Golden Swallow

is a human or a ghost?

Under heaven's clear light,

where could ghosts be found?

There are only humans doing evil

in the name of ghosts.

Well said.

Sit.

Thank you, Mr. Xu.

Mr. Qin.

Yes.

Have some tea, please.

Okay.

Mr. Qin, you are really magnanimous.

I'm sorry for what I did to you.

That's all right.

My 60th birthday is in three days.

Golden Swallow said she would k*ll me

at the birthday banquet.

I know you are also

looking for Golden Swallow.

So I invited you to come here

to help me capture Golden Swallow.

I'd like to see who is so bold

as to beard the lion

in his den!

Why would Golden Swallow k*ll you?

You can ask her

when we capture her.

The birthday banquet must be held?

Since she mounted a challenge,

I must take it.

What matters

in the martial arts world is reputation.

If someone gives you a cigarette,

you must take it whether you smoke or not.

Otherwise, you're showing them no respect.

Mr. Qin,

have a cigarette?

Thank you, Mr. Xu.

On July 25th,

at Shenglong Theater,

it's my 60th birthday banquet.

I'll invite the famous Bai Yuchun

to perform a private opera.

Robbing the pawnshop,

k*lling Ding Busan,

and now targeting Mr. Xu.

What is the link in between?

Who is Li Xiulian?

Golden Swallow has been

unusually active this time.

There's something fishy in this.

But

at least we've finally

got some news on Golden Swallow.

Yes.

The news that Golden Swallow

is to k*ll Mr. Xu has spread.

What is your plan?

sh**ting fish in a barrel.

Inspector Wen, would you please

secretly surround the Shenglong Theater

on that night?

No problem.

This is where all the household records

and archives for Taiping Town are kept.

It may be dusty.

Everyone,

please help yourself.

Thank you.

[File Room]

[File Room]

Next,

we are to look for files of

Xingyou Pawnshop,

Ding Busan,

Mr. Xu,

and the Red Spear Club.

Okay.

These are the files of

Ding Busan and the pawnshop.

[Case File; Name; Ding Busan]

The overlap,

the household registration dates,

and

the mysterious tiger-head ring.

Senior.

Mr. Xu's file.

Go and look for files of Chief Zhu,

Ms. Bai,

and Inspector Wen.

Go.

Okay.

[Shenglong Theater]

It's crowded and chaotic.

Golden Swallow could get in

without drawing attention.

Hey, Inspector Qin.

Happy birthday, Mr. Xu.

Wish you happiness

and longevity.

This is a small gift from me.

I hope you will like it.

Thank you, Inspector Qin.

It's my pleasure.

I don't know who leaked the news

and made a fuss.

Look.

There are so many guests.

Half of them are here for a circus.

Oh!

So you are the great psychic detective?

You must protect our Mr. Xu

and catch Golden Swallow!

Mrs. Xu.

My family name is Pan.

Ms. Pan.

Mr. Xu's Red Spear Club

is full of talents.

With Mr. Jin around,

Mr. Xu will be well protected

even without me.

Hey,

I'm pleased to hear that.

Please.

Please.

Why are you following me

instead of staying with your young master?

Have a look.

That's the high table.

If Golden Swallow comes,

it'll be the first target attacked.

I...

I'll hide here...

Just in case I have to go

save the young master.

Eh?

Where is the spirit medium?

She...

Are you blind?

The show is about to start.

Why haven't you put on your make-up yet?

I tell you what,

today is Mr. Xu's birthday.

He paid a lot.

You guys,

be careful.

Yes.

Where is Bai Yuchun?

- She was here just now.

- Bai Yuchun!

Bai Yuchun!

My goodness.

Where is she?

Goodness.

Granny Ghost pushes her

wonton vending cart,

walking on a deserted street at night.

When she meets someone,

she would ask,

"Do you want some wontons?

Do you want them raw

or cooked?"

At this moment,

you must say you want them raw.

Otherwise,

you'll lose your soul

and become a lonely ghost.

Stop talking nonsense.

Come patrol with me.

We must catch Golden Swallow today.

You guys keep an eye on this place.

- Yes.

- Yes.

Bravo!

Bravo!

Boss.

Why is Qin Mu enjoying in the theater

while we are suffering here?

And I heard

Golden Swallow has

access to the underworld

and can cut off human heads

with a sword in the hell.

Do you think

we can defeat her?

Boss.

Boss.

Stop hiding.

I saw you.

Hey.

Boss.

Hey.

Boss.

Come out.

Don't scare me.

I don't think this road exists.

Hey, young man,

have some wontons?

I...

Isn't this in a ghost story?

How has it come true?

I'm asking you.

Do you want some wontons?

Yes...

Or no?

Do you want them raw

or cooked?

I...

I want them raw.

Only a ghost eats raw food!

I...

I don't want wontons!

Ghost!

Goodness.

I'm so scared.

You don't eat wontons?

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

Bravo!

Bravo!

Ah!

You don't eat wontons.

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

You won't escape!

It's almost midnight.

It looks like Golden Swallow

doesn't dare show up.

Golden Swallow!

Stop playing tricks.

My life is here.

Come and take it if you want.

Mr. Xu

You're sinful.

Today is the day you die.

Golden Swallow is seizing his soul!

Who on earth is it?

It's you!

Freeze!

Wait, Young Master!

Don't run!

That's weird.

Where did she go?

Hello granny,

did you happen to see a woman in costume

run past?

Young man, you must be tired.

How about a bowl of soup?

It's free.

This is the Soup of Oblivion.

After drinking it,

all your troubles will be gone.

Ridiculous tricks!

That's some delusional magic!

Just stop hiding.

Show yourself!

Mr. Qin,

why are you here?

Hurry up and come with me.

It's the Shenglong theater!

Mr. Xu was k*lled!

No.

When you were walking in the dark, alone,

if someone calls your name,

you should never look back!

Because the thing that calls you,

is either a fiend

or a specter.

If you turn around,

[Miraculous Foresight]

All your 3 Yang fires will be blew out.

So you won't find the way to mortal world,

and get lost in the Netherworld forever.

Qin, why aren't you moving?

Just come with me.

Yao.

Do you recall what year we first met?

Young Master,

I followed you out,

but now I can't find my way home.

Yuanbao,

What's your favorite food?

Senior,

I finally find you!

You were under a delusional charm,

and woke up just now.

Junior,

where did we go today?

We went to police's file department.

Then why did we come to the Taiping Town?

To travel around,

and visit Ms. Bai.

Then we got involed into a mess.

That's right.

Junior.

When peach leaves turned pointed,

the willow leaves will cover the sky.

The man in that position...

Exploring the clear river.

Do you really think

you can escape your fate?

[Happy wedding]

Is this the Li Residence?

On the day Li Xiulian got married,

I thought

this place was

perished in fire?

Where is everyone?

Mr. Xu.

Am I a better singer than you?

Who are you?

I am Li Xiulian.

The Li Xiulian you so very liked.

You, you

you are supposed to be dead!

I was.

You liked my pretty face, aren't you?

Let me show you

the face I have now.

Mr. Xu.

I'm here to take your life.

Stop!

Mr. Xu.

Your retribution

has come!

You can't escape from me.

Ow!

Ah!

I want my life back!

I want my life back!

I want my life back!

I want my life back!

I want my life back!

I want my life back!

I want my life back!

How did I get back here again?

[Li Xiulian's Grave]

[Li Xiulian's Grave]

Mr. Qin!

-Senior!

-Qin Mu!

Young Master!

Hey!

Hey!

He's there!

Hey!

Young Master!

Qin!

Senior!

Young Master!

Wake up!

Young Master!

Senior!

Senior, what happened to you?

Wake up!

Mr. Qin!

Wake up!

Mr. Qin!

Bring him to the hospital.

-Okay.

-Yeah.

Ah, Young Master!

You're finally awake.

Hey.

You are back.

I'm still alive?

You almost died.

Luckily, Detective Wen helped us.

Why did you fall asleep in the mass grave?

You were exposed to the Evil Wind,

and caught a cold.

Fortunately, your were treated in time.

Let's just drop it.

I fell into a trap.

How's Mr. Xu?

Alas.

He's dead.

He died in the same way as Ding Busan.

What are you doing?

I have to do an autopsy.

Ah, you can't go!

No, you stay here.

What you have to do, is taking some rest.

Mr. Xu's body has been sent to the morgue.

[Bed Two]

A coroner has alreday examined his body.

Found nothing special.

Detective Wen,

thank you for saving me.

Investigating this case is my duty.

I shouldn't get you guys involved.

Golden Swallow has no mercy.

I suppose

you should go back to Peking ASAP.

Aw.

Detective Wen,

you not only come to see us,

but also remember to bring us food.

Thank you so much!

I'm sorry.

This is for my sister.

What?

[Bed Two]

What sister?

This is my little sister.

Wen Xiaoyu.

Tianxing, you are here.

Hello.

My sister's lung was injured.

So, every so often,

she'll stay in this hospital for a while.

Outside of the theater,

we got bored

when preparing for the ambush.

So I told a story of

Ghost Granny selling wontons.

No one knew

things would go so wicked.

The Ghost Granny came alive.

When I was running away,

I bumped into something and passed out.

It was my boss who

woke me up and sent me to the hospital.

I'm afraid you were in an illusion.

Did you hear any wind chimes' ringing

before you saw the Ghost Granny?

No, I didn't.

At that time,

I felt a gust of Evil Wind.

And suddenly,

it feels like we were in the Netherworld.

It was so very wicked.

Patient Zhen Yingjun.

Aye aye!

It's time for your medicine.

Yes!

According to him,

the Golden Swallow

knocked the police out first,

then she entered the theater.

Mr. Qin,

I found something about Li Xiulian.

It was

five years ago,

her story rocked the whole town.

The ghost marriage.

[The Li Residence]

The auspicious moment has come.

Welcome the bride and the groom

to the main hall.

Councillor Li found a matrilocal

son-in-law from another town.

People thought

it was a happy marriage.

But who knows...

Ah!

He's a ghost!

What is it?

Xiulian!

Father!

He's a ghost!

He's a ghost!

There's no ghost.

A ghost!

A ghost!

Ghost!

He's a ghost!

Ah!

Ah!

Ah!

Ah!

Ah!

Ah!

The fiend slaughtered the whole Li family.

Set up a fire,

and burned the Li family mansion down.

Of course,

these are all written by some tabloids.

But the Li family was indeed slaughtered,

and the mansion was perished in fire.

However,

the police investigation found that

two bodies went missing.

Which two?

The newly married son-in-law,

and the youngest daughter, Li Xiuxue.

Oh.

Could it be the matrilocal husband

had an affair with his sister-in-law,

and k*ll the whole family to elope?

The police did had the same thought.

But...

It was

five years ago.

Do you have any ideas?

It's quite urgent,

so I need to get discharged.

Hey!

Senior!

[Shenglong Theater]

Leader Yu,

the last song of your concert,

Heavenly lady, disperse the flowers,

Thanks.

Was not sang by Bai Yuchun, right?

No, no, no.

Detective Qin,

This is not something you can joke about!

If it weren't her,

it'll ruin the reputation of my theater.

Leader Yu,

you better think twice before you speak.

Yeah, I know.

I know.

Or do you want the Shenglong Theater

to get involved with

Mr. Xu's death?

No, no.

Detective Qin.

I...

Bai Yuchun,

I hope you can tell me the truth.

This is about Mr. Xu's m*rder.

Eh...

Detective Qin,

the last singer of that night,

was not me.

Alas...

Who sang the last song that night?

What actually happened?

I don't remember much.

That night,

I was drugged and passed out.

I only know that person was wearing white,

with magnolia embroideries on it,

and I smelt lavender.

White dress,

magnolia embroideries,

the smell of lavender.

Magnolia.

Lavender scent.

It's her.

May the Lord bless you

and keep you.

May the Lord make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you.

Amen.

Amen.

Dean Yan.

It's time to go.

As long as you are faithful,

the God will bless you

and the children in the orphanage.

Okay.

Stay away from me!

Don't k*ll me!

Don't come any closer!

Ah!

Who are you?

Golden Swallow,

your cover was blown.

Someone sent me to take your life.

Who are you, really?

How do you know my secret identity?

Yao.

Humph.

Oh,

so this is a trap.

Who would have thought

the dean of Mingyue Welfare House

is the famous burglar, Golden Swallow.

Dean Yan,

did you k*ll all these people?

Why?

Since you have found me,

now I have nothing to hide.

I traveled with my master when I was young

and learned some martial arts skills.

In order to build the welfare house,

I robbed some infamous families for money.

Then I found this interesting,

and made a name for myself

as the Golden Swallow.

But that's all I did.

The murders, robberies and opera masks

were done by other people.

They committed crimes under your name!

Golden Swallow is just a title.

Everyone can be Golden Swallow.

That night, why did you sneak into

Shenglong Theater in disguise?

I wanted to figure out

what they were up to.

So I disguised as Bai Yuchun.

Did you find something?

However,

when I escaped from Shenglong Theater...

It's delusional charm.

Don't run!

It seems that

the person you met that night

is the fake Golden Swallow?

I don't think so.

For several years, I've been secretly

investigating the fake Golden Swallow.

The fake Golden Swallow is not

an individual, but a g*ng.

Do you know any member of this fake g*ng?

The pawn shop was robbed not long ago.

I used to suspect Ding Busan,

so I followed him discreetly,

and found out Mr. Xu and his wife were

members of the fake Golden Swallow g*ng.

The fake Golden Swallow g*ng

includes them?

But there's still one person,

whose identity stays unknown.

Possibly someone related to the church.

-The church?

-The church?

Some else has found out their identities,

and started to get rid of them one by one.

I found this opera mask

on the dresser.

First, Ding Busan died.

Then it was Mr. Xu.

The next one will be me.

It must be the survivor of the Li family.

He managed to escape years ago,

and now he's back for revenge.

So what's your plan?

We can't stay in Taiping Town any longer.

We must leave now!

But we aren't sure if there is a survivor.

When we looted the Li Residence

we all wore opera masks.

How did the survivor know our identities?

Fan, what are you implying?

There's something fishy in Mr. Xu's death.

I don't trust you.

Fine.

In that case,

let's go our separate ways.

We are out of your hair now.

Bing,

let's go.

That Fan guy

really see himself as a priest now.

Back then, when he took people's life,

he had no mercy at all.

He even suspects us for k*lling Mr. Xu.

Young man,

don't hurry.

Have a bowl of soup before you go.

Jin Daobing.

Pan Yufeng.

Today is your last day.

Ah!

A ghost!

Playing ghost tricks on me?

Ah?

Ah?

Have a bowl of soup before you go.

What?

Ah!

What!

Bing!

There's a river!

How can we get to the other side?

I see a bamboo raft!

Bamboo raft.

Get on that.

Hurry up!

Madam,

quickly!

The Grim Reaper comes for souls,

living beings, stay away.

Bi! Help me!

Help!

Bi!

Help me!

Help!

Bi.

We are steeped in sin,

tonight is our doom.

[Xu Mansion]

Hurry up!

Don't let the thief get away.

That's right,

this is the stolen thing of Mr. Lai.

Ha! The case is solved!

What a pity,

we missed Jin Daobing and Pan Yufeng.

Captain,

captain, captain,

we found Pan Yufeng.

It's Golden Swallow again.

Ah!

Ah!

Whoa, Ms. Bai!

Whoa!

Be careful!

Hey.

Are you okay, Ms. Bai?

Stop standing around!

Hurry and carry the body back to Yi Manor.

Yes!

Let's go.

Young master, snap out of it.

Oh,

I'm fine.

Pan Yufeng didn't make it either,

she was m*rder*d in the end.

I wonder where Jin Daobing went.

I finally escaped.

I can't believe,

it's you.

Xiaoyu.

Brother!

Yes.

The doctor said you're recovering well.

Just a few more treatments,

your lungs will be cured.

Brother,

I want to leave Taiping Town.

Just wait a little longer.

When I wrap up everything here,

I'll take you away,

leave here

and never come back.

Okay.

Yeah.

Why revisit the Li case?

I'm verifying one last thing.

Yuanbao.

Yes.

Give it to me.

Just as I thought.

Oh no!

The opera mask.

They're all dead.

I'm next.

I don't wanna die!

Please don't k*ll me!

Where are you going?

Stop! Don't come.

- This is a church.

- Your life ends here!

God will save me.

Hallelujah.

God can't save you.

Time to die!

Help!

Help!

Help me!

Help!

Help!

Inspector Wen,

you are a survivor of the Li!

Villain!

This day shall be your end!

Stop!

Spare me!

Spare me!

Stop!

Whoa!

Whoa, don't do that!

Step back!

Calm down.

Seeing as you're waiting for me here,

you must have found out everything, huh?

Qin Mu,

Are you going to stop me?

Wen Tianxing,

since he's guilty,

hand him over to the law.

Ms. Bai,

with your family's wealth and influence,

the law will naturally favor you.

But for me,

there's no justice in this world at all.

I only trust the g*n I hold.

k*ll him,

you can't evade legal sanctions.

How childish can you get?

Have you really found out the whole truth?

Five years ago,

you married into the Li family.

On your wedding night,

Mr. Xu and and his bandits

ransacked their estate.

[Happiness]

Jin Daobing,

good job.

Master Fan.

Is the news reliable?

Mr. Xu,

who doesn't know

the Li daughter

around here?

She's gorgeous and lovely!

Go!

Ah!

C'mon, give me a little more!

That's plenty.

Just a bit more.

Ah!

Ah!

Hurry!

Wow!

When peach leaves turned pointed,

the willow leaves will cover the sky.

Hey, sweet Miss,

I'm coming.

C'mon,

let me see your face.

Ahh!

Where are you going?

Let me go!

Help!

Help me!

Let me go!

No!

Help!

Release me!

Ow.

Ouch!

Ouch!

Ow!

Ah!

Help!

No!

You can't get away from me.

- Come on.

- No!

Help!

No!

Ahh!

There's no way I can't tame you!

Eek!

Ahh!

Ahh!

Ouch!

I loathe those who draw my blood!

You're courting death!

Disgusting.

Brother.

Burn the body!

Yes.

Such a pretty face.

It'd be a waste to k*ll you.

Brother-in-law,

where's everyone?

They were all m*rder*d.

Don't worry,

I will protect you

and get revenge.

Back then,

only Xiaoyu and I managed to survive.

We were both burned,

and the smoke ruined her lungs.

I just begged for justice,

but the police wouldn't lift a finger.

So I started investigating

their old robbery site,

located their hideout,

just near Taiping Town.

We had to

change our identities.

I took the name Wen Tianxing,

and she became Wen Xiaoyu.

We posed as siblings.

I bribed my way into the police station

and worked my way up to inspector,

all to get to the bottom of this case!

That wait lasted

five whole years.

Rencently,

when they robbed the pawnshop,

you found the clue

and nailed the suspect, Ding Busan.

[Li Xiulian's grave.]

After forcing him to reveal the list,

you k*lled Ding Busan,

nailed him on the cross

and framed Golden Swallow for the m*rder.

Later,

you disguised as Golden Swallow

and sent Mr. Xu a death letter,

all to make him suspicious and terrified.

Mr. Xu asked me to catch Golden Swallow,

yet I let you set the trap.

That

was your best chance.

You even knocked out Zhen Yingjun.

When I went running after Bai Yuchun,

you followed me out.

Then, I fell into your illusion.

After that,

you k*lled Mr. Xu,

then repeated the same trick to m*rder

Pan Yufeng and Jin Daobing.

Now

it's Father Fan's turn.

You also got the list.

Yes.

We only know the last name on the list

is tied to this church.

That's why we laid low here

specifically

to catch you in the act.

How did you suspect me?

It began with Li Xiulian's tombstone.

I looked into her past

and found that two bodies were missing

after the Li family m*ssacre.

The most important thing

is this.

Th

This is Xiulian's ring!

It's a pair with Xiaoyu's.

That's right.

Ding Busan owed a gambling debt,

so pledged it to the gambling house.

Eventually, it ended up in my hands.

I saw Wen Xiaoyu

with the exact same ring

at the hospital,

that's when I knew who she really was.

And you,

someone told me

the person who posed as Golden Swallow

to m*rder Mr. Xu that night

had a scar on their wrist.

Are you okay, Ms. Bai?

Stop standing around!

Hurry and carry the body back to Yi Manor.

Finally, I confirmed it was you.

The whole case

finally makes sense.

If you've got it all figured out,

you must know

my hands are stained with so much blood.

Would you really let me go,

even if I spare him?

Hey!

Wen Tianxing,

You ain't going anywhere today!

Brother.

Surprised?

The delusional charm didn't k*ll me,

instead, it exposed who you really are.

Jin Daobing!

Let my sister go.

I...

I'll trade Father Fan for you.

His death means nothing to me!

You k*lled Mr. Xu and sister-in-law,

so you deserve to die!

Jin Daobing!

k*lling Wen Tianxing

won't save you.

I'm not here if I fear death.

Mr. Xu was like a father to me,

revenge is all I care about.

Wen Tianxing!

k*ll yourself!

Do it, and I'll let your sister go free.

Don't listen to him,

brother.

Will you keep your word?

Of course.

Don't listen to him!

Okay.

Brother!

No!

Wen Tianxing!

No!

Don't do that!

Wen Tianxing, don't buy it!

Fire!

Fire!

Just fire!

Brother, ignore him!

Brother.

Xiaoyu.

Xiaoyu!

Brother.

Xiaoyu.

Are you okay, Xiaoyu?

I'm sorry,

I didn't keep you safe.

I'm leaving this world.

You're going to be famous

after this report, Ms. Bai.

All thanks to you guys.

But

you're really leaving for good?

We should be going now,

but

we'll come to see you again.

Yao.

Thanks a lot for

helping us crack this case.

Thank you.

Yeah,

I'll miss you guys.

Well, we're off then.

Mhm.

Mhm.

Let's go.

Take care of yourself.

Okay.

What a relief the Golden Swallow g*ng

has been wiped out!

Who could have imagined that Inspector Wen

and his sister would suffer such a fate?

May they

rest in peace.

Alright, everyone,

this is the ghost case that

shocked Taiping Town.

Thank you all.

If you've got cash,

throw some my way, huh?

Thanks a bunch!

[Miraculous Foresight]

Hey,

hey, hey,

hold on.

Wait...

Why did you leave right after hearing?

[Miraculous Foresight]

Really?

That's the end of the story?

First, I urge all

to do good deeds,

gather kindness,

live long with all needs.

Don't chase wealth with greedy greed,

Heaven's will always takes the lead.

It's all your fault,

fool Yuanbao.

A grown man dawdling like that.

Look,

we don't have anywhere to stay!

Hey, you were dawdling too!

Why's it all on me?

Hey,

How dare you sass me!

Alright, you two!

You've been trekking for so long,

must be starving by now.

Yes.

Let's get some wontons.

Okay.

Silly.

Granny,

three bowls of wontons, please!

Three of you,

Raw

or cooked?