:03:14
Sir Lai Xi was my father's friend.
:03:19
He was an imperial agent
on a secret mission.
:03:26
Whilst studying at court,
you've won our favor.
:03:32
We entrust to you...
:03:36
...the mission of eliminating...
:03:42
...fugitives in the western regions.
:03:45
This will also be a final test
of your skill.
:03:48
Fulfill this mission and we
may allow you to return home.
:03:55
The emperor bestowed on him
the imperial sword...
:03:59
...and with it the power
over life and death.
:04:01
Sir Lai Xi has arrived!
:04:04
He wasn't a man of the Tang.
He'd come here from Japan.
:04:09
Whenever he appeared
at Frontier Pass...
:04:12
...it was only to rush off
somewhere else.
:04:15
Father said Sir Lai Xi
wished to go home.
:04:20
But the emperor
never granted him permission.
:04:22
Instead, he sent him here...
:04:26
... to bring fugitives to justice.
:04:29
He's been on this mission here
in the wilderness for 1 0 years now.
:04:37
Dear Mother:
Today I reached Frontier Pass.
:04:43
It's my new base
for carrying out my mission.
:04:47
General Wen, who's in charge here...
:04:49
...says the emperor
will send me home soon.
:04:53
I've been in this country
for 25 years...
:04:57
...but my heart is in my homeland.