Even after all these years, just listening to this song tugs at my heartstrings and makes me want to watch 魔道祖師 MDZS (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation) again.

不羡 is the ending song in season two. It’s commonly translated as “No Envies,” which is a direct translation. I have no problems with direct translations, but in this case, it misses the deeper meaning. The whole song is about the missing Wei Wuxian and describes the thirteen (or sixteen) years between Xianxian’s death and resurrection. I personally prefer to translate it as “Xian-less” or “Without Xian.”

雲夢遙 浮世紛怨誰明了
Far away in Yunmeng, who can make sense of all the snarled resentments in this fleeting life?
姑蘇照 漣漪撥亂了心跳
Reflections in Gusu, ripples disturb the heart.
少年玉面清袍 風骨桀驁
A handsome youth in pure robes,
So strong and haughty.
琴聲渺渺 笛聲寥寥
The sound of guqin lingers.
The sound of the flute is fleeting.

清河耀 今朝花落人寂寥
The glory of Qinghe is now faded and alone.
蘭陵傲 三尺青鋒灼塵囂
The pride of Lanling blazes through the turmoil with his long, sharp sword.
縱使刀光入鞘 半生孤傲
Even with your sword sheathed,
So arrogant and aloof,
綻若雲巔 風雨飄搖
You stood above the clouds against the storms that buffeted you.

揮劍斷邪妄宵小 除奸為濟道
Wielding my sword to destroy all evils and succor the weak,
撫一曲問靈 問天地昭昭
I play a song of Spirit Inquiry,
Seeking clarity from Heaven and Earth.
天子笑 一樽美酒 今生為你揮毫
A cup of Emperor’s Smile, such fine liquor,
Inspires me to flourish my brush for you from now on.
前路遙 流年不羨那風貌
The road ahead is long.
Years pass, and I am still without you.


清河耀 今朝花落人寂寥
The glory of Qinghe is now faded and alone.
蘭陵傲 三尺青鋒灼塵囂
The pride of Lanling blazes through the turmoil with his long, sharp sword.
縱使刀光入鞘 半生孤傲
Even with your sword sheathed,
So arrogant and aloof,
綻若雲巔 風雨飄搖
You stood above the clouds against the storms that buffeted you.

揮劍斷邪妄宵小 除奸為濟道
Wielding my sword to destroy all evils and succor the weak,
撫一曲問靈 問天地昭昭
I play a song of Spirit Inquiry,
Seeking clarity from Heaven and Earth.
天子笑 一樽美酒 今生為你揮毫
A cup of Emperor’s Smile, such fine liquor,
Inspires me to flourish my brush for you from now on.
前路遙 流年不羨那風貌
The road ahead is long.
Years pass, and I am still without you.

揮劍斷邪妄宵小 除奸為濟道
Wielding my sword to destroy all evils and succor the weak,
撫一曲問靈 問天地昭昭
I play a song of Spirit Inquiry,
Seeking clarity from Heaven and Earth.
天子笑 一樽美酒 今生為你揮毫
A cup of Emperor’s Smile, such fine liquor,
Inspires me to flourish my brush for you from now on.
前路遙 流年不羨那風貌
The road ahead is long.
Years pass, and I am still without you.