Din Tao: Leader of the Parade

Ah-Tai grows estranged from his father and the troupe, and travels to Taipei to study rock music. His absence signals a break with the traditional duties of the Jiu-Tian Troupe. A mysterious old man in a blue coat appears and bids him return home, setting the course for his return.

Back home, Ah-Tai finds Uncle Da’s troupe living in a private temple sanctuary, now renamed Jiu-Tian. The new name marks a rebranding that foreshadows the troupe’s evolving ritual performances.

The Jiu-Tian Troupe includes Min-Min, Li-Zi, A-Xin, A-Kui, and Ma-Liya, with Betelnut-Cheng assisting Uncle Da. The roster hints at tensions and loyalties that will shape Ah-Tai’s leadership. Betelnut-Cheng's role balances tradition and commerce.

Ah-Tai quarrels with Uncle Da and the troupe. He is nicknamed Three Minutes for his inability to commit long-term. The rift foreshadows his eventual bid to redefine the group’s future.

Wu-Cheng and his rival troupe push the Jiu-Tian Troupe out of their traditional market and space. The competition heightens the stakes for Ah-Tai to prove the troupe’s value. The community begins to lose faith in the traditional forms.

With Aunt Da’s backing, Ah-Tai confronts Wu-Cheng and his son Ah-Xian, promising to defeat them within six months or abandon Taichung. This bold pledge launches his attempt to reclaim the troupe’s honor. The challenge pits tradition against a renewed approach.

Ah-Tai begins training the troupe in drumming and integrating stage elements, aiming to earn respect without contentious face-painting and god-embodiment. He shifts the focus to performance craft and audience connection. The crew starts learning a more modern flair while preserving core skills.

The troupe embarks on a grueling tour around Taiwan on foot, performing before temples and diverse audiences. The physical journey tests their endurance and solidifies their unity. The performances begin to win broader recognition.

The island tour draws attention from TV host Xiao-Bi, who helps publicize the troupe. Romantic tensions arise as Min-Min catches Ah-Tai’s eye while Xiao-Bi’s interest creates a competing dynamic. The public attention elevates the troupe’s profile.

Returning to Taichung, the Jiu-Tian Troupe wins the promised contest against Wu-Cheng’s group. The victory validates Ah-Tai’s leadership and the new artistic direction. The troupe’s future looks brighter as they gain public support.

Ah-Xian joins Ah-Tai, and the two aspire to merge the two troupes for the International Cultural Festival. Their fathers reject the plan, forcing the two younger men to push for a compromise. The rivalry between generations remains unresolved.

The man in a blue coat returns and is revealed to be the master of both Uncle Da and Wu-Cheng. He defeats the two disciples, then lectures them on tradition and ambition. The moment resets the power dynamics among the masters.

Back at the temple, Uncle Da and Wu-Cheng reconcile, and their sons’ troupes join hands. The families set aside their tensions to prepare for a shared cultural showcase. The festival represents a synthesis of rival legacies.

In the amphitheater of an urban park, the Jiu-Tian Troupe debuts a new style with modified face painting, props, stage effects, vocals, and electric guitars. The performance earns the audience’s respect and marks a turning point for the troupe. The master and families look on with approval.

Ah-Tai narrates that his approach now earns Uncle Da’s support, and the Jiu-Tian Troupe continues training for greater tests, including climbing Mount Yu and crossing the Sahara. The journey signals ongoing hardships and ambition. The troupe’s future remains demanding yet hopeful.