The Tale of the White Serpent (白蛇伝)

The White Serpent.

Bought a serpent at the market.

It must have been hard on you to be exhibited as an object.

Just a little.

I became good friend with the serpent.

This is an old story.

The adults did not like my serpent.

Throw that away!

But it is so pretty!

The adults threatened me.

This is an old story.

I was forced to separate from the serpent with great pain in my heart.

The adults do not love what is beautiful.

My precious friend, please, don't become like them.

Yes, I promise.

This is an old story.

Even the sun was sad to see us like this.

I have a last word to say.

And that word is... Goodbye.

Yes, this is "Goodbye".

Goodbye.

This is an old story.

A long time ago...

A terrible hurricane, something we've never seen

since centuries, appeared in the province of Hsi Hu.

Would you believe me, if I told you that this hurricane

is the doing of a supernatural being?

Actually, this is a very strange story.

But it is also a beautiful story.

One spring morning...

Panda and Mimi go out to practice the flute

accompanied by their good master Hsu Hsien.

This is when in the back of the garden appears...

the young girl seen the day of the hurricane!

He didn't change at all, this boy.

A melody from nowhere comes to the ears

of Hsu Hsien, as if resonating to his flute.

Intrigued, Hsu Hsien wants to be sure...

He never saw a girl this beautiful.

Please wait!

The melody from before came from this instrument.

Everything is going as planned.

Oh no, not him! What should I do?

Even if he does not look like it, he is a famous buddhist monk.

He hunts supernatural beings that cause trouble on earth.

My crystal ball warns me of a suspicious presence

in the surroundings.

Spirits again.

I have to do something to prevent them from doing harm.

Hsu Hsien could only think of

the young girl he met earlier this day.

The next day, Hsu Hsien goes to search for

the owner of the instrument.

Hello.

I'm giving this back to you.

To tell you the truth, this is not mine.

This is yours.

Hsu Hsien.

How do you know my name?

Actually...

He's the one who told me.

How cute. What is your name?

Panda.

I am Hsiao Ching. Let's go.

Pai Niang is waiting.

Pai Niang?

This is my mistress. She's really beautiful.

We arrived here during a storm in the night.

As to explain where we come from,

I can't tell you.

Follow me.

Pai Niang.

It must be the name of the young girl.

Flattered that a beautiful stranger asked for him,

he follows the servant, without forgetting to arrange himself,

a natural gesture for a young boy.

Him again!

What's wrong?

It's nothing. Just something personal.

This way.

Please come in.

Wait here, you two.

Here?

We have to stay here?

Hsu Hsien has arrived.

And now appears before him...

Yes, it is really her!

How beautiful! Hsu Hsien is speechless.

He can't say a word.

Now, I'll excuse myself.

Are you leaving already?

Yes...

I finally meet you again. Did you forget?

Do we know each other?

Don't say anything.

You play this instrument wonderfully.

It's only expressing

my feelings for you.

You...

Take it back.

And treasure it, Hsu Hsien.

Yes.

Is this a dream?

Thank you.

I'm really happy for them!

Ah, something good to eat.

Wait!

This is the roof of the treasury!

Panda! Mimi!

Are you alright?

What beautiful jewels!

The stars that shine in the night.

Fell into my hands.

I will hang them to the hearts of lovers.

So that they shine as much as their eyes sparkle.

Cursed sprits! You'll have to deal with me.

Thieves have penetrated

the treasury to steal jewels.

This is the work of spirits.

I will tell you...

This night...

Hsu Hsien had a dream that was sweet and troubling at the same time.

Pai Niang is sad.

And when he wants to comfort her,

she flees, turning into a butterfly.

In jail!

Walk!

It's terrible!

Hsu Hsien was arrested.

Where did you find this?

The girl is your accomplice? Confess!

No. She is innocent.

You go first.

I'll keep watch.

Hsu Hsien!

For practising witchcraft, you're condemned to exile.

I did this for his own good.

One day, he'll understand.

A popular festival...

This is where Hsu Hsien was exiled.

The sad fate of our hero contrasts

the happy atmosphere of the festival.

There's no trick.

I want this arm.

It's yours.

But pay first.

Ouch! It hurts but I'm still alright.

Thank you.

A radiant peace seems to reign in this city...

Here are the bandits of the city. They're enjoying the festival, too.

My pumpkins are good!

They have talent too.

What's this?

Strange.

Another successful operation.

Always stay on guard.

Never let the bad spirits seduce you.

Especially the spirits that take the form of beautiful women,

to fool you more easily.

Learn to control your passion.

I'll predict your future.

Hurry up and store this away!

Where are you, Pai Niang?

Eating, sleeping. Sleeping, eating

I only know how to do these, eating and sleeping.

Thank you.

Move.

That's it?

Go away!

Don't just stand there!

Mimi.

An illusion.

Hey, new one!

You have to pay tribute to your elders.

Yeah!

He's good, this guy.

Pai Niang...

You sacrificed yourself for me. Thank you.

Pai Niang!

Maybe she is in this tower.

Did I drink too much?

Help!

You're weird. Go away.

Wait!

The bad spirit came back to haunt you.

Spirit?

You're in danger of dying.

It is a white serpent.

Are you talking about Pai Niang?

Poor Hsu Hsien!