Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame

As the Tang dynasty approaches its 689th year, Wu Zetian rises to power, sparking intense opposition from the imperial court. This pivotal event sets the stage for a turbulent series of occurrences that will shake the very foundation of the dynasty.

A Guan Yin statue at the Luoyang Palace unexpectedly bursts into flames, heralding a series of horrific events. This incident signals a deeper mystery that will soon entangle many lives in the empire.

Pei Donglai, a dedicated penal officer, along with his superior, embarks on an investigation of the strange fire. However, their investigation is abruptly halted by another mysterious blaze that claims the life of Pei's superior.

In response to the crises, Wu Zetian commands the release of Di Renjie, a seasoned detective. The Imperial Abbot announces that Di’s exceptional skills are vital to uncovering the truth behind the fires, leading to his reinstatement.

Jing'er, a loyal attendant of Wu, is tasked with fetching Di and assisting him in his investigation. Just as they leave the prison gate, Di encounters a field of assassins, marking the start of a perilous adventure.

While investigating, Di reconnects with an old acquaintance, Shatuo, who offers cryptic messages that lead him to Donkey Wang in the Phantom Bazaar. This meeting opens up avenues of information crucial for the investigation.

Di, Pei, and Jing'er confront Donkey Wang at the Phantom Bazaar but are ambushed by someone impersonating the Imperial Abbot. A fierce confrontation ensues, revealing layers of deception surrounding their investigation.

Prince Li presents Di with his long-lost mace, reminding him of the challenges ahead. Shortly afterward, Prince Li becomes a victim of a deadly plot, heightening the sense of danger surrounding the throne.

Upon arriving at the monastery, Di uncovers that the Imperial Abbot is actually Jing'er in disguise. This shocking revelation indicates a deeper conspiracy led by the Empress to maintain her tyrannical power.

As Jing'er confronts Di to reveal her true allegiance, she inadvertently falls into a trap set by assassins. This tragic turn of events underscores the deadly stakes involved in the political maneuvers of the court.

After a fateful encounter, Di finds Pei succumbing to poison from the fire beetle. In his final moments, Pei bequeaths crucial diagrams to Di, implicating Shatuo in a conspiracy against the Empress.

At the Buddha statue, Shatuo reveals his plans to destroy the palace, having already eliminated Prince Li. His ambition to seize power creates an imminent threat to the existing order in the Tang dynasty.

Di confronts Shatuo during a gripping battle, battling the effects of poison as he redirects the collapsing statue. In a turn of fate, Shatuo perishes as Di saves the dynasty from ruin.

In the wake of the chaos, the Empress vows to rule with fairness, aiming to restore stability to the Tang dynasty. This moment marks a turning point for Wu, who reassesses her reign following the upheaval.

Choosing to step back from his role as inspector, Di rejects Wu's invitation to join her court and retreats to the Phantom Bazaar with Dr. Wang. This decision reflects his commitment to confront the looming challenges in his own way.