Legend of Shaolin Temple 2

This film (drama)Also known as少林寺传奇2，is aMainland ChinaProducerbeauty live，At2011Released in year 。The dialogue language isMandarin Chinese，Current Douban rating7.3(For reference only)。

At the end of the Sui Dynasty, the world was in chaos. Various warlords declared themselves kings, and conflict was unending, causing suffering for the common people. Thirteen commoners, though of different backgrounds, were pushed to the brink by the turmoil. After experiencing countless bloodshed, they harbor grievances against their families and their country, seeking refuge in the monastery. However, dark forces refuse to let them go; facing death, they diligently practice martial arts for self-preservation. To bring peace to the world, these thirteen monks save the wise ruler Li Shimin and eliminate the brutal Wang Shichong, performing a heroic ballad. The Grand Commander "Wang Shichong" harbored grand ambitions to usurp the throne, coercing the young ruler "Yang Tong" and slaughtering his rivals. He perceived martial artists as a significant threat and issued a "Martial Ban"; his nephew "Wang Renze" and adopted son "Wang Renyi," skilled in martial arts, acted as his henchmen. In just a month, martial arts sects in the Luoyang area, like the Divine Sword Manor, the White Ape Master, the Overlord Spear, the Dragon Claw Sect, and the Silver Hook Sect, were almost eradicated! The final target was the uncontentious and secluded sanctuary "Shaolin Temple." Tan Zong, the martial arts chief of Shaolin Temple, held unparalleled skills in the martial world. Wang Shichong, wanting to recruit him, sent Wang Renze to deliver an invitation to Shaolin, forcibly inviting Tan Zong to come, and set up numerous trials such as the "Bench Formation," "Internal Skills," "Mechanisms," and "Thorn Formation," intending to hire him as the "Chief Instructor" at his court. However, Tan Zong, devoted to Buddhism, dismissed the offer politely, valuing fame and gain lightly. Yet, Wang Shichong did not relent; he framed Tan Zong for a massacre he had orchestrated eight years ago against the family of the Jiang governor, the Zhangs. Consequently, Zhang Heng's eldest son "Zhang Tianbao," laden with a terrible weapon box, stealthily broke into Shaolin Temple at night, releasing poisonous snakes multiple times, attempting to kill Tan Zong! He also bribed performers "Tong Rui" and "Tong Ling" to set fatal traps for Tan Zong... In order to fill his coffers, Wang Shichong wrongfully raided the family of Luoyang's wealthiest man "Gao Da," slaughtering thirty-six members of the Gao family and seizing all their assets, leaving only the wayward son "Gao Feiyang" who miraculously escaped death. Seeking revenge, Gao Feiyang trained in the mountains. Facing Wang Shichong's relentless pursuit, Gao Feiyang, in a panic, stumbled into the military camp of Prince "Li Mi," befriending the honest giant "Jiu Jin" and the legendary hero Cheng Yaojin. Unexpectedly, Li Mi allied himself with Wang Shichong. Gao Feiyang, along with heroes "Cheng Yaojin" and "Qin Qiong," along with Jiu Jin, compromised their safety, entrusting themselves to the tiger's den, surrounded by peril, where they could die at any moment... Tong Rui and Tong Ling, siblings who made a living by performing in Luoyang, did not expect to catch the eye of the lecherous and overbearing Wang Renze, who schemed to seize Tong Ling. Thankfully, they received help from the simple farmer "Zhou Jinfeng," narrowly avoiding calamity; Tong Ling became separated from her brother and, left with no support, took refuge with Zhou's family. As they grew closer, love blossomed, and discussions of marriage ensued, but they encountered her brother. Tong Rui opposed the marriage; at this moment, Tong Ling was abducted again by Wang Renze, refusing to yield, and was driven to suicide. Wang Renze's wicked deeds filled Tong Rui and Zhou Jinfeng with hatred; although their martial skills were lacking, a desire for revenge began to grow... Wang Shichong neglected state affairs, following the advice of the wandering sorcerer "Huan Fashi," harming loyal officials in his quest for power. Huan Fashi appeared to assist Wang Shichong, but in reality, sought to accelerate his doom... At this time, Tan Zong sensed the smoke rising and the world in turmoil. To protect the temple and help the people, he established the "Arhat Extraordinary Staff Formation." This formation, comprised of "Bagua" and "Five Elements," required thirteen individuals. Thus, while dodging Wang Shichong's pursuit, Tan Zong sought capable individuals, overcoming numerous hardships, and collected farmers Zhou Jinfeng, official’s son Zhang Tianbao, fallen heir Gao Feiyang, wandering artist Tong Rui, gloomy sorcerer Huan Fashi, martial madman "Yao Hanwu," honest Ma Bian Jiu Jin, reformed "Wang Renyi," along with Shaolin monks "Seng Feng," "Seng Man," "Dao Guang," "Zhi Shou," and himself to form the staff formation! Zhang Tianbao and Wang Shichong's daughter Wang Yufeng were childhood sweethearts, having been betrothed since childhood. Wang Shichong murdered Zhang Heng's family to gain the favor of Emperor Yang of Sui, with Zhang Tianbao narrowly escaping. However, Wang Shichong had ulterior motives in keeping Zhang Tianbao's brother, renaming him "Wang Renyi!"... A romantic farewell and brotherly conflict became even more brutal, etching deep memories. Li Shimin led his army to rescue the people from suffering, besieging Luoyang; Wang Shichong refused to show himself, and the two armies faced each other across the river! To achieve his objective, Li Shimin discreetly crossed the river in civilian clothing to scout military information with Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin; unexpectedly, they were captured by Wang Renyi. Wang Renyi achieved great merit and, with ambitious aspirations, aimed to first become the consort of the Zheng kingdom, remove Wang Renze, and then ascend to power; ultimately, he sought revenge on Wang Shichong! Unfortunately, their motives were uncovered... In hopes of achieving peace sooner, Tan Zong volunteered to lead his disciples to infiltrate Luoyang city and rescue Li Shimin at the cost of their lives; the thirteen of them stormed into the heavily guarded dungeon, rife with deadly traps... Tan Zong, leading his disciples, displayed the unparalleled skills of Shaolin, scaling the castle walls to reach the palace and urging Wang Shichong to lay down his weapon and become a Buddha. Wang Shichong, obstinate and unrepentant, ordered a squad of imperial guards to hunt them down... A fierce battle ensued. History proves that without the thirteen staff monks, there would be no Tang Dynasty. The Tang army achieved unprecedented victory, with Li Shimin appointing Tan Zong as "General," requesting him and the twelve monks to continue the campaign! Tan Zong, desiring peace and simple living, refused officialdom, preferring to return to Shaolin Temple, restore the monastery, and revitalize Shaolin martial arts. His noble aspirations not only earned the admiration of Li Shimin but also left a lasting legacy in the hearts of the people!