"Love and Redemption" can be viewed on Viki or Youtube. Dialogue adapted from English subtitle translations by "Destined Love Team at Viki.com"
Sifeng is standing out on the dock over the forbidden lake. "We entered from here last time," he says to himself. "There are no weak spots outside the forbidden ground. Don't tell me I need to find Chu Xuanji again?" He groans internally.
Xuanji remains asleep in Mingxia cave, slowly getting covered by snow. Blue energy radiates from her right hand.
Sifeng is roaming the forest, reluctantly searching for Xuanji. Where the hell is this Mingxia Cave? He hears thunder, and he approaches a stone mountain. Could this be it? Lightning strikes. He flies up and both his hands are struck when the lightning goes again, sending him back down. "Seems like I can't get up there. I can't ask Chu Xuanji about the forbidden ground now."
"Why are you here in the middle of the night?" he hears a male voice behind him. He quickly hides behind a rock, only to see that it's Linglong and Little Six, engaged in their usual bickering.
"Without Aunt Hong's pass," says Little Six, "it's impossible for us to ascend Xiaoyang Peak. You won't be able to enter Mingxia Cave.
"Can't I just have a look?" Linglong insists. "Mingxia Cave is dark and creepy. And Xuanji didn't train before. I wonder if she can withstand it."
"If Xuanji doesn't learn how to cry," says Little Six, "she'll never be able to prove that she's not emotionless, and she'll never come out. We should think of other ways."
"But..."
"Let's go." Little Six grabs her wrist and leads her away.
"Will Chu Xuanji be able to leave if she cries?" Sifeng thinks. He pulls out a leather bound book about Demons and flips through the pages. He lands on a page with a bird like creature, which reads: "Gudiao's horn can be refined to create an item that can reduce anyone to tears called the 'Weeping Tears.'"
The sound of thunder awakens Xuanji. She rollls over and looks up at a sky of black clouds. The disembodied voices and spirits are at it again. "Let me out!"
She tries to cover her ears and suppress the noise, but it isn't working. "So noisy," she thinks. "Little Stammerer. I took away his mask. Does he have to receive the same punishment?"
"Let me out!" the voices continue. She falls to the snowy ground, as the cacophony of voices is just too much.
The Demon Hall Master materializes in flames on his throne. "The two stars are getting closer," the Hall Master tells the Elder of Constellations. "Did you notice that?"
The Elder of Constellations confirms. "Maybe it's a sign that the primordial spirits of the Devil Star, the Demon Star, and the Maleficient Star, are getting closer to their souls. But Hall Master, don't you worry. I've sent the spies to join the Hairpin Tournament. They won't disappoint you. In addition, according to our branch in Mount Lutai, they've used Tengu to capture the merman who knows how to obtain the divine weapon. Wolf is interrogating him now."
"Good," says Hall Master. "Tell Wolf to use any methods available in order to extract information."
"Yes, My Lord," the Elder of Constellations bows.
Little Six is carrying a nice wooden lunchbox into the very snowy and cold Mingxia Cave. He recoils in horror as he sees Xuanji laying on the ground, asleep, getting snowed on. "Xuanji!" he yells. He runs to her, and sits her up. "Xuanji, how are you feeling? Why are you frozen?" With a motion of his hands, he draws forth green energy, and directs it at Xuanji's torso.
"Sixth Senior Brother, I'm not cold at all," says Xuanji. "My body is shaking on its own. Sixth Senior Brother, I don't want to stay in this cave alone. Will Father lock me here forever? I...I've always been an embarassment, and I created trouble for Shaoyang Sect, as well. Will he really abandon me?"
Little Six withdraws the green energy. "Xuanji, don't say that. Master is the sect leader. He has his own difficulties. But he does care about you. I came here today because Master wanted me to send you some food. He misses you. Besides, Linglong and I are worried about you. We're trying to find a solution. You mustn't give up now."
"Will there be a solution?" asks Xuanji.
"About that, we can think about it later," Little Six says sincerely. "Now, you should eat. You must eat. You won't be able to survive if you get sick. Linglong made this porridge herself. She said she needed to do something for you since Master wasn't willing to let her come. Here."
"Linglong made this herself?" Xuanji asks enthusiastically. "I must finish this." She grabs the jade colored bowl and spoon from Little Six. As she puts the porridge in her mouth, she abruptly stops, and her eyes widen.
"What's wrong?" asks Little Six. "Is it too hot?"
She keeps taking big spoonfuls to try and figure out what she's feeling. She smiles. "Sixth Senior Brother, I can taste the porridge now!"
"What did you say?"
She pauses. "But why is this porridge so unpalatable?" She immediately hands it back to Little Six. "How did you finish the food she made for you?"
Little Six smiles. "She'll be sad if I don't finish them. You can taste food now?"
"Sixth Senior Brother, there are so many dishes here. Do they have different tastes?"
He reaches for a jade colored bowl of vegetables and meat. "That's right. Here, try this. This is salty."
"Salty?" she samples from the dish with her chopsticks. "It's delicious!"
He pulls out a plate of meat covered in red sauce. "Try this. This is sweet with a hint of sour."
She takes a bite. "This is delicious!"
He pulls out another plate of meat. "This is spicy. Come, try this."
"Spicy? This is the best!" She says enthusiastically.
"Slowly, don't choke yourself," says Little Six. "Xuanji, what exactly is going on? You...have you recovered the other five senses, as well? Do you know how to cry now? If you do, master will let you out."
"Cry?"
"Try it."
She puts down her chopsticks and closes her eyes. She tries to force the tears by imitating Linglong's wails. "Are there tears?"
Little Six sighs and scratches his neck. No tears.
Little Six returns to tell Linglong the good news.
"Did she recover her other senses, as well?" asks Linglong. "Can she cry now? That's the most important thing."
"Only her taste," says Little Six. "She doesn't even know how she recovered her taste. Maybe it's connected to the forbidden ground."
"Maybe? It's because you didn't ask enough questions. Maybe? My foot."
"Eldest Miss, if you don't believe me, you can go to Xiaoyang Peak."
"I wouldn't need to listen to you if I could go there. I'm so furious!"
While Little Six is rearranging Xuanji's lunchbox, he notices a leatherbound book on the table. "Whose Demon Manual is this?"
"Demon Manual?" asks Linglong.
"There's a bookmark, as well," says Little Six. He flips through the pages before finally getting to the bookmarked spot. "Gudiao is vicious, it's horns are terrifying," he reads. "Its horns can be refined into a rare item. The item can reduce anyone into tears. It's name is 'Weeping Tears.' Who put this here?"
"I'm sure it's the people who wanted to save Xuanji," says Linglong. "Weeping Tears? Xuanji will be saved if she acquires that."
"Yes," Little Six agrees.
"But where do we find this Gudiao?"
Little Six picks up the bookmark and reads it. "It's written here! The demon they'll hunt for the Hairpin Tournament is Gudiao."
"This is great!" Linglong exclaims. "Father is in Shaoyang Hall. He's briefing the Five Great Sects about the mission. Let's go there now."
"Go there? Many guards will be patrolling there. I'm sure the hall will be full. Will we be able to enter?"
"Didn't you say you were getting better with your burrowing spell? We'll use that spell, then."
"You seem comfortable in ordering me around, huh?" asks Little Six.
"Let's go!"
Sect Leader Chu is in the Shaoyang Hall, briefing the Five Great Sects. "Everyone, as you all know, the Hairpin Tournament is organized so the Five Great Sects can spar with each other, and showcase the talents hidden within each sect. Those who are under 16 who've never attended previous tournaments before may showcase their talents here. As righteous sects, we will still need to abide by our sworn duties."
Linglong and Little Six are listening in, sneaking around behind the walls. She notices they are talking about Gudiao. She tugs Little Six's hanfu enthusiastically. "It's Gudiao!"
"Seems like the Heavens are helping us," Little Six observes. "As long as we get Gudiao's horns and refine them into Weeping Tears, Xuanjia can leave Mingxia Cave."
Linglong jumps up and down with delight. "Xuanji can leave Mingxia Cave!"
"Shh..." says Little Six.
"Who's been eavesdropping on our conversation? Come out!" Yells Elder Ling Shi.
Shit, thinks Little Six. He face palms.
The sect members turn around, and Sect Leader Chu is the first to notice that the eavesdroppers are Little Six and Linglong. Goddamnit... "Come out right now!"
Hao Chen smiles. Sifeng quietly notices. Little Six and Linglong enter the hall with very sheepish expressions.
"Master," says Little Six.
Sect Leader Chu, similar to Red Forman from "That 70's Show," rolls his eyes and looks away.
"Why are you here?" Aunt Hong asks sharply.
"Aunt," Linglong tries to act pitiful.
"They're just kids," Aunt Hong says in their defense. "Elder Ling Shi, you don't need to be angry."
"They're still young and ignorant," Sect Leader Chu interjects. "Sorry for the embarrassment." He bows. "You two, get out immediately."
"So it's a misunderstanding," says Elder Ling Shi. "But everyone here must participate in this event. If not, the rules will be broken."
"You!" Aunt Hong interjects. Linglong holds her hand.
"Father," says Linglong, "I would like to join. I'll capture Gudiao. I've trained for more than ten years. Please let me go."
"Good. Like father, like daughter," says Elder Lin Shi. "Miss Chu, I'm impressed."
"The Shaoyang Sect has always treated Demon Slaying as our mission," adds Little Six. "We will never retreat. Master, I would like to join, as well."
"Seems like there are many young talents in the Shaoyang Sect," says an elder. "Sect Leader Chu, you have nothing to fear."
"Fine." Sect Leader Chu reluctantly agrees. "Since that's the case, we should include their names."
"Master," Little Six approaches Sect Leader Chu. "I'll write the names." Little Six and Linglong have a trick up their sleeves. Sect Leader Chu nods.
Little Six walks up to the podium, and first writes his name: "Shaoyang Sect, Zhong Minyan" on a bookmark sized piece of wood. On another bookmark sized piece of wood, he writes, "Shaoyang Sect, Chu Xuanji." He looks at Linglong and feels bad for not including her, but there's a method to his madness. He hands the sticks to Sect Leader Dongfang, who casually tosses them in the box.
"We'll start now," says Sect Leader Dongfang. "Let's see who'll be the first chosen one." He reaches into the box. He pulls out the stick. "The Master of Fuyu Island, Dongfang Qing Qi?" He laughs because it's himself. "Seems like I was lucky. I'm flattered." He bows. "Let's look at the 2nd lot." He reaches once more. "Shaoyang Sect, the Elder of Xiaoyang Peak, Chen Ying Hong."
"I'm flattered," Aunt Hong bows.
"The 3rd Lot. The Golden Disciple of Lize Palace, Yu Sifeng."
"It's Yu Sifeng! He's handsome as always," says Linglong.
Little Six hisses at her. "You are something, indeed."
Linglong giggles.
"Seems like he's the same age as Xuanji," Little Six remarks. "He's barely old enough to attend the session, yet he's already chosen for the mission? Seems like he's pretty powerful."
"The 4th lot. Shaoyang Sect, disciple of Shaoyang Peak, Disciple Zhong Minyan."
Little Six smiles. Linglong is happy for him. Little Six bows. "Seems like I was chosen. Elders, please forgive me."
"Let's look at 5th and 6th lot," says Sect Leader Dongfang. "Sect Leader of Shaoyang Sect, Chu Lei. Shaoyang Sect, Disciple of Xuyang Peak, Hao Chen."
"My father was chosen!" Linglong is a bit disappointed. It will be much harder for Little Six to accomplish their task with Sect Leader Chu around.
"It's good that both our Sect Leader Chu and Hao Chen were chosen," says Aunt Hong. "I was afraid I couldn't take care of Minyan on my own."
"Seems like the Shaoyang Sect makes up the majority of the members," remarks Sect Leader Dongfang. "Let's look at the last lot. It's Shaoyang Sect again! Shaoyang Sect, Disciple of Shouyang Peak, Chu..."
Linglong grins with delight.
Silence hangs over the hall as Sect Leader Dongfang takes another look, just to be sure. "Chu Xuanji," he says hesitantly.
Linglong is disappointed. Everyone else is shocked. Linglong looks at Little Six. Little Six avoids eye contact. Hao Chen smiles. Sifeng is expressionless.
"Master, I don't know what just happened, either," Little Six lies. "My mind went blank, my hand was shaking, and I wrote 'Xuanji,' instead of 'Linglong.'"
Hao Chen smiles at the geniusness of it.
"Master," Little Six continues. "Please punish me."
Linglong rushes to intervene before Sect Leader Chu can speak. "But Father, since that happened, we must keep our word since the other sects are observing us."
Sect Leader Chu glares. "Don't think that I don't know what you two are plotting. So what if you can save her from Mingxia Cave for now? Do you think you can really change her?"
"But if we expose her to the world," Linglong argues, "maybe she'll recover her senses. Maybe she'll feel happy, sad, or something like that. Am I right?"
"Sect Leader Martial Uncle, the protective barrier is stable for now," adds Hao Chen. "And Junior Sister's name was included in the mission, as well. We must keep our word. I think we should let her out for now. And if she's still emotionless after the mission, we'll send her back to Mingxia Cave."
"Right," agrees Linglong.
"Master, Senior Brother is right," says Little Six.
Sect Leader Chu is still skeptical. He is being scrutinized from all directions. He does not want Xuanji making it worse. "Fine," he agrees reluctantly. "Since Hao Chen has said so, we will do just that."
Linglong and Little Six happily exchange glances.
Meanwhile, in the cold and snowy cave, Xuanji is sneezing. Her face is red from the harsh cold. Her lips are cracked and bleeding. She touches her stomach. "I'm so hungry. Why isn't Sixth Senior Brother here yet?
"Xuanji!" Yells Linglong. "Xuanji! Xuanji!"
Xuanji looks up in surprise. "Linglong!" She jumps up, and they run to each other. Xuanji keeps tripping, as her legs have weakened. They hug.
"This place is so cold!" says Linglong. "It must've been tough. Let me have a look." She takes a good look at Xuanji's face.
"I'm fine. I'm not cold at all," Xuanji insists.
"Why are you hurt?" asks Linglong. "Come, we'll leave this place."
"Wait, Linglong. Can I leave now?"
Linglong nods. She rubs Xuanji's arms. "Are you cold?"
"Xuanji, you were chosen for the Hairpin Tournament Mission." Says Little Six.
"Hairpin Tournament Mission?" asks Xuanji. Linglong is blowing on her hands to warm them. "But I have never met a demon before. How could I defeat it?"
"Silly girl," says Linglong. "You don't need to do so. This is just a plan to save you. Let's go, okay?"
"What should we do in the future?" asks Xuanji. "I don't want to return to this place."
"You won't," Linglong tearfully reassures her. "We'll proceed step by step. Let's leave this place for now, okay?"
"Older Sister, will I be able to enjoy delicious food when I go out?"
Linglong nods. "You can eat as much as you want. Let's go."
The three hurry out of the cave, hoping to never return.
Sifeng and Deputy Chief are walking around the courtyard together. Deputy Chief clearly isn't fond of him.
"Sifeng," says Deputy Chief. "It is a must for disciples of Lize Palace to wear masks. First, outsiders will think twice before approaching us. Second, it is used to protect your true nature so that you can be focused at all times. Since you lost your mask, you mustn't be distracted by other things so that you'll not commit another mistake."
"I understand," Sifeng acknowledges.
Xuanji is sleeping against a warm rock in the Peach tree grove.
"Chu Xuanji, Chu Xuanji."
She slowly wakes up.
"You're here, indeed."
She gets up quickly, and sees Sifeng standing in front of her, wearing a blue hanfu.
"By the way, I've been worried about you these few days," says Xuanji. "They said masks in Lize Palace weren't supposed to be removed. But I removed your mask. Are you okay?
"You don't need to care," replies Sifeng.
Xuanji gets up from the rock and moves closer to him. "But Lize Palace is strange indeed. Why does everyone like to hide their faces behind a mask?" She reaches to touch his face, and he immediately moves away.
"Little Stammerer, you have a mole here!" She points to a spot just under his eye. "Do you cry a lot?"
"I've never shed tears before. Chu Xuanji, listen up. I'm going to retrieve my mask. Take me to the forbidden ground again."
"The forbidden ground? No way." She backs away from him. "I can agree with anything except for that. My father sent me to Mingxia Cave for that. I had to suffer, you know? I'm not going."
"I'll agree to any condition you give me."
"No," Xuanji refuses.
"Don't blame me for this." He picks her up and carries her away.
"Let me down! I'm not going to the forbidden ground!" They get out onto the dock. "Let me go! I don't want to go there anymore. I don't want to return to Mingxia Cave!" She breaks from his grasp.
"Open the entrance for me."
"Listen up," says Xuanji. "The entrance won't be opened unless if I do it willingly."
"Are you saying that you can open it if you do it willingly?"
"That's why you shouldn't force me. I won't open the entrance for you. My father will lock me in the Mingxia Cave forever if I do so. Linglong and Sixth Senior Brother won't need to find Gudiao in order to obtain its horns then."
"Although we're not as powerful as you, we can try."
"How about this," says Sifeng. "If I obtain Gudiao's horns for you, you'll bring me to the forbidden ground?"
"Really?" asks Xuanji.
"And I won't let your father find out that you snuck in. What do you think?"
Xuanji hesitates. "That's a deal," she sticks out her pinkie, hooks it with his, licks her thumb, and presses her thumb to his.
"You!" Sifeng recoils in horror.
"You don't like it?" asks Xuanji. "I'll wipe it off, then."
"Get at a distance from me!" Sifeng snaps.
Xuanji wrinkles her nose at him.
Sifeng is at the bottom of the Shaoyang Sect entrance stairs, reading some instructions.
Little Six slaps him on the shoulder. "Yu Sifeng, we meet again!"
Sifeng rolls his eyes, and slaps Little Six's hand away.
"Why are you colder than the rocks in Mingxia Cave?" asks Little Six.
"I'm not that familiar with you."
"Little Stammerer?" Little Six asks.
"He hasn't been stammering for a long time," Xuanji interjects. "Sixth Senior Brother, can we fly together later?"
"Xuanji, I have a stomach ache," Little Six lies. "I need to go to the backhut. You can leave first. Let Master know I'll catch up later." Little Six runs off.
Xuanji looks at Sifeng and smiles. "Little Stammerer, can we fly together later? My father and the rest are too fast. I'll fall off when I fly with them, and he'll scold me."
"No, I'm too fast for you, and it is inappropriate for a girl and a boy to be too close." Sifeng walks away.
"Xuanji," says Sect Leader Chu. "Where's Minyan?"
"Sixth Senior Brother said he was going to the backhut because of a stomach ache."
"My goodness," sighs Sect Leader Chu. "You'll fly with me later."
"Sect Leader Uncle," says Hao Chen, "why don't you let me fly with Xuanji? Xuanji, don't worry. I'll fly slowly."
"It's decided then," says Sect Leader Chu.
Xuanji smiles.
Little Six goes to Linglong's room, and signals for her to come out. He lets her know that he's secretly bringing her along.
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