Laozi advises Confucius not to be overwhelmed by human affairs in this film.
“Chaos is everywhere.”
Laozi: “Men habitually long for fame and authority.”
Confucius: “Then what should I, your pupil, do?
I cannot hang useless on the door-beam like a dried-out gourd.”
“THE MASTERS WORDS ARE PROFOUND,
BUT I MUST BE LOYAL TO MY CHOSEN PATH.
THE MASTER'S WAY IS BEYOND.
MY DAO KEEPS ME IN THE WORLD OF MEN.”