American Perspectives: Battle of the Gudiao Pt. 2 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 3)

 

"Love and Redemption" is available to watch on Viki or Youtube. Dialogue adapted from English subtitle translations by "Destined Love Team at Viki.com"

 

Dongfang, Sect Leader Chu, Aunt Hong, and Hao Chen are standing at the edge of a lake, surrounded by trees.  Suddenly, like the material of campfire stories, a hideous combination of a wolf and monkey like beast is seen running across the water.

"It's actually a celestial dog?" asks Hao Chen.

"Capture it," orders Sect Leader Chu.

The demonic celestial dog is now sailing through the air, and going over the trees.  It finds a human corpse and begins to devour it.  The moment is a perfect time for the Sect Elders to make their move.

 

Xuanji, Sifeng, Linglong, and Little Six quickly descend into a cave for momentary safety.  They see a beautiful, small, jade colored pond.

"You stay here," says Sifeng.

"Wait!" says Little Six.  "Didn't you say that Gudiao will reach its human form soon?  You can't deal with it alone.  I'll go with you."

"It's easier for me to go alone," Sifeng insists.

"Yu Sifeng!" says Little Six.

"Wait." Linglong notices something unusual in the small pond.  "I think something's in the water."

Ting Nu, the Merman, pops up, bloody and battered.

"It's another demon!" Little Six says contemptuously.

"Wait!" Sifeng snaps as Little Six raises the two fingers on his right hand to cast a spell.  Sifeng runs to the edge of the pond.

"Why are you helping a demon?" asks Little Six.

Xuanji sniffs the air.  "It's the scent of Gudiao!  I think it's approaching us!"

A high pitched Eagle's cry pierces the air.  It sees a whole at the top of the cave, and immediately uses its beak to start busting through it.

"Xuanji," says Linglong.  The Sisters hold hands.  "We'll be fine.  It's too big to fit."

Ting Nu immediately hides underwater for cover.

"I think it's going to break through soon," says Xuanji.

"We're in a dire situation," Little Six agrees.  "There's no time.  We'll deal with this nasty beast for now."

Linglong stands in front of Xuanji.  "Protect Xuanji!"

Gudiao continues to break away the solid rock with his talons and beak.

Sifeng flies closer to the hole, and with his right hand, he uses his index and middle finger, drawing his hands across the air from the left side, making a fiery trail.  He stops the trail in front of his face, writes out a word, and with both hands, pushes the flame energy forward.

"Hurry!  Scatter the salt!" shouts Sifeng.

Little Six and Linglong grab their burlap sacks of salt.

"Xuanji, stay here," Linglong instructs.

Xuanji is terrified.  "Linglong!  Linglong!"

Linglong and Little Six are immediately thrown onto the ground from the Gudiao's force.  The bird has now made its way into the cave, and it's fighting with Sifeng.  It pushes against Sifeng's fiery formation.  Sifeng slides back, but he continues to hold the formation like a round shield.

Xuanji hates being useless.  She tries summoning something.  She gets a light blue puff of smoke, which immediately dissipates.  She tries again, same result.  She scratches her head in desperation.

With a sword in hand, Sifeng jumps up and propels through the air, as he is about to stab Gudiao in the head.  It butts him, and sends him plummeting to the ground.  Sifeng continues to protect himself with the fiery formation.

"Sifeng!" says Little Six.

Xuanji continues to concentrate, and is finally able to bring forth a sword.

Ting Nu pops out of the water to observe this awful thing.  "This is bad!" He casts a spell in the water, bringing a stream of it up, out, and toward Gudiao.  It turns to ice as it hits Gudiao, covering it entirely.

"Hurry! Go!" Sifeng says to his friends.

Linglong and Little Six draw their swords.  Xuanji unsheathes her sword, and together, they fly at the Gudiao.  But, all their effort does is free the monster from the ice covering.  With great force, it sends everyone to the ground, pinning Linglong and Little Six with its talons.

Xuanji stands up and flies right for the Gudiao's face, sword drawn and ready to stab.  She begins stabbing at it, but it throws her back.

A flashback of the Empowered Warrior Woman comes to her.  Eyes are blazing blue.  She sees her friends struggling on the ground.  Linglong loses consciousness, as does Sifeng.

Xuanji grabs some dirt, her eyes turn blue, she stands up, and her mirror shard is underneath her.  She is surrounded by an aura of fiery blue, looking like an angel.

Little Six gazes at her in fascination.

Xuanji raises her arms.  Her voice deepens.  "You're digging your own grave!" With a movement of her arms, a deep purple cloud of smoke emits, and she throws it at the Gudiao, reducing this winged monster to ash.  Little Six passes out.

"Who are you?" Xuanji hears a woman with a deep voice asking.

"Who am I?" Xuanji asks.

"Now you understand," says the deep voice.

"Understand what?" asks Xuanji.  "Who am I? Who?"  She wakes up in her room at the Inn.  She slowly sits up.

"Xuanji, you're awake?" asks Linglong.  She puts her hand on Xuanji's forehead.  "How do you feel?  Do you feel uncomfortable?  You scared me, you know?"

Little Six is with them, as the three are an unbreakable package deal.

"Everyone is fine, right?" asks Xuanji.

"Everyone is fine," Linglong confirms.  "Why don't you lie down a little longer?"

Xuanji shakes her head and smiles.  "Linglong, I'm hungry."

Linglong laughs.  "You little glutton.  I'll get you some food."

After Linglong goes to the kitchen, Little Six asks, "Xuanji, what happened in the cave?"

"Did something happen?" Xuanji asks.  "I...I think I had a dream.  In the dream, I...I...I can't remember anything."

"Xuanji, how about this?  Follow what I do.  See if it will help in recovering your memories." He imitates the arm and hand motions she made while casting the spell that destroyed gudiao.  Xuanji copies him, as she gets to the last move, he says, "Wait, don't point that at me!  Point over there!"

She shifts her body.  He continues to demonstrate, she imitates, and...nothing.

"Xuanji, listen," says Little Six.  "You were so amazing while we were in the cave.  You drew a circle just like that, and you vanquished the Gudiao."

"I vanquished the Gudiao?"

Little Six confirms.

"How is that possible?  I...I don't have the capability to vanquish the Gudiao."  She pauses.  "Wait.  Don't tell me that wasn't a dream?  That was reality?  But how did something so bizarre happen to me?  Or..." she sits down.  "I...am I the freak they spoke about?"

Little Six kneels down beside her.  "Of course not, Xuanji.  There's an explanation for this.  Some immortals or something like that, they love to wander in the human realm and uphold justice.  But it's inappropriate for them to show themselves.  Thus, their primordial spirits will possess humans, and humans will become their vessels.  So, I'm sure that was the case.  That's why you can't remember anything."

Xuanji turns toward him.  "Is that so?"

"Xuanji, I'm sure that's the case.  Think about this.  You don't even know the basics of Yang Juegong's technique.  You can't even summon your sword.  But you managed to vanquish a huge creature.  Do you believe in that?"

Xuanji shakes her head.

"And...we did try it again just now.  You didn't exhibit any strange power."

Xuanji stands up.  "According to what you just said, it'll be great if the immortals can help me out often.  That way, I won't drag you down.  And, I can protect all of you when you are in danger."

"Let's not think about that," says Little Six, "and we mustn't tell anyone about this.  If this happens again, our elders will spread rumors about you.  Maybe they'll lock you up again.  Xuanji, listen.  This is a secret between us.  You mustn't tell anyone about this, okay?"

Xuanji nods.

Hao Chen and Aunt Hong come by to see Xuanji.

Aunt Hong is glad she's awake and well.  She wants to know who saved them from the Gudiao.

Hao Chen wants to know what happened in the cave.

Before Xuanji can say anything, Little Six speaks up.  "The Gudiao knocked us out.  We didn't see anything."

Linglong enters the room with some delicious purple and yellow pastries.  Xuanji is excited to see the food.

Linglong scolds Little Six for arguing with Xuanji.

Aunt Hong is grateful they all came back safe, and the Hairpin Tournament mission has been completed.  "Our Sect Leader and Master Dongfang have returned after capturing the Celestial Dog.  But Hao Chen and I will check out the mountain."  Aunt Hong asks the three about Ting Nu.  She mentions that the elders didn't see him while they were there.

"I think the demon was trying to help us," says Xuanji.

"Demons are demons," says Hao Chen.  "They will never help humans.  You mustn't be cheated by their appearances."

It is obvious that Xuanji thinks Hao Chen is full of crap, as Ting Nu clearly had no ill intent.

 

Xuanji is enjoying a delicious bowl of noodles downstairs, and Sifeng decides to join her.  She is very happy to see that he came out of the ordeal okay.  She offers to share her noodles with him.

Instead, he puts a small green jar down on the table.

"Is this as delicious as the noodles?" asks Xuanji.  She unscrews the lid.

"You only know how to eat," says Sifeng. "This is the medication I've made."

Xuanji smiles.  "Did you make this just for me?"

"I made it since I need it, as well.  I didn't want to owe you a favor."

"But you gave me the entire bottle.  You gave me the entire bottle because you were afraid it wasn't enough for me, right?"  She looks at his hand.  "But you're injured, as well."  She grabs his hand, and he moves away.  "Don't move, I'll apply the medicine for you."  She carefully applies the gel medicine to his hand, and then blows on it.

He is feeling very vulnerable.  He pulls his hand away.  "My hand is fine."

The moment becomes awkward, and he regrets being so abrupt.  "Let's go," he says.  "I want to visit Mount Lutai again to see if there are any remains of Gudiao's horns." He stands up to leave.

Xuanji picks up her medicine and runs afer him.  "Sifeng, wait for me."  She stands in front of him.  "You are worried about me, as well.  Linglong and Minyan (Little Six) said they wanted to go, as well.  Why don't we go together?  She said that they may lock me up again if we don't obtain any weeping tears.  If that happens, I won't be able to see you again.  But don't worry.  I'll help you find the mask before they lock me up again.  Because I know the mask is very important to you."

Sifeng did not expect to hear that.

"Let's go," says Xuanji.  She takes him by the arm, and drags him out the door. 

 

Sifeng, Xuanji, Linglong, and Little Six are walking through the village.  Sifeng is now a part of their clique, and everywhere they go, he goes.

Linglong is crying.  "There's nothing left of the Gudiao.  How are we supposed to make weeping tears?  Xuanji is done for!"

"Linglong," interjects Little Six.  "We'll think of something."

"Tell me, then.  I'm desperate!" Snaps Linglong.

"Linglong, stop crying," Xuanji says gently.  "It's fine.  Even if I have to be locked up in Mingxia Cave again, it's fine."

"You dumb girl!" sobs Linglong.  "It's fine even if you can't see me for the rest of your life, right?"  She quickly runs from them.  Little Six chases after her.

Xuanji turns to Sifeng.  "Did I say something wrong?  Why was she angry with me?"

"You don't want to be locked up in Mingxia Cave.  But why did you say it was fine?"

"It's true that I don't want to be locked up in Mingxia Cave, but I didn't want Linglong to cry, either.  I thought she would feel better after I told her those words.  It's fine for them to lock me up in Mingxia Cave, as long as Linglong doesn't feel sad."

"You're a dummy, indeed." Says Sifeng.  

"But I was thinking about this.  If I were to end up in Mingxia Cave again, I won't be able to enjoy good food.  That's why I want to eat everything I can before they send me back."

"I'll buy you anything you want to eat," says Sifeng.

"Really?"

"Yes.  It's my compensation for the lost Gudiao's horns."

Xuanji beams.  "Sifeng, you're so kind!  Will you buy me anything I want to eat?" She grabs his arm.

"Let go of my arm."

They find a place to eat, and a nice variety of dishes are placed in front of them.  Xuanji is in heaven!  She tries to smell the food, but can't.  She explains to Sifeng that she can't smell, see color, or feel.

"But people are used to their lives," says Sifeng.  "They take their senses for granted.  And they forget the fact they enjoy such privileges.  Actually, many feelings are connected to each other.  Through food, you'll experience different feelings, as well."  He hands her a cake.  "This is a sweet snack."  She takes a bite.  "When you eat it, you'll feel satisfied.  This is happiness."

"This is delicious!" exclaims Xuanji.

"This is Lotus seed.  The core is very bitter.  When you eat it, you'll feel terrible.  Just like how you feel when you're not happy."

She takes a bite, and her face scrunches up.  "Sifeng, this is too bitter for me.  This is terrible!" She throws the seed on the ground.

He hands her a bottle of wine to wash away the taste.  He picks up an orange colored fruit.  "This is loquat.  It has a sour and bitter taste."

She grabs it from him.

"Some feelings are inexplicable," Sifeng continues.  "Sometimes you can't dare say the things you want to say.  You can experience those types of complex feelings when you eat a loquat."

She takes a bite. "Sifeng, even though you've told me so much, I don't understand a thing.  Sifeng, you're smiling.  You look great when you smile.  Just like this one." She points to the wine bottle.  "Iced wine.  Although it's cold from the start, it gets sweet and mesmerizing when you taste it.  Sifeng, your smile is just like the wine.  That's why your smile looks great."

Sifeng blushes.

"You need to smile more often," Xuanji continues.  "Just like this." She puts a finger on each side of his mouth and pushes up.

He pushes a finger away.  "Do you want me to continue or not?"

"Oh," Xuanji says awkwardly.

"Sometimes," Sifeng continues, "you want to taste something badly."  He shows her a glob of red sauce on his finger.  "But you can't eat it, even when it's in front of you."  He waves his finger in her face.  "This is what we call...yearning."

She grabs his hand, and licks off the sauce.

Sifeng is taken aback, as he can't have intimate contact with women, and assumed she would respect that.  He's feeling overwhelmed.

"Sifeng, after all you said, I think I understood something.  But if that's the case, it's even harder for me to return to Mingxia Cave.  Why aren't you speaking?"

"The Water Demon on Mount Lutai has been captured!" A man shouts.

A prison cart rolls by, and a battered Ting Nu is inside.  Townspeople are following behind, throwing garbage at him.

"Sifeng, I think that's the Water Demon we encountered in the cave," says Xuanji.

"This is a Merman," says Sifeng.

"Merman?  I heard that Merfolk are great in weaving cloth and singing.  People will be mesmerized by their songs.  Are they evil, then?"

"All demons are different," explains Sifeng.  "Some demons harm humans because they want to consume humans in order to increase their powers.  But Merfolk are kind and gentle.  They won't harm humans."

 

"Are you crazy?  What did you say?"  Little Six asks Sifeng.  The four of them are back at the Inn.  "You want to save the demon?"

"Celestial Dog and Gudiao were the demons that had harmed humans on Mount Lutai.  Merfolk have nothing to do with this.  Merfolk are kind.  And they're not aggressive.  He's innocent," Sifeng explains.

"But he's a demon," Linglong interjects.  "Aren't all demons evil?"

"Demons are just like humans.  There are good and evil demons, as well.  The Merman doesn't deserve this.  I will try to save him.  You just need to pretend that you don't know anything," says Sifeng.

"The townsfolk said that the Merman was an evil demon," says Xuanji, "and they bullied him, and pelted him with stones.  But when we were in the mountains, he didn't try to harm us at all.  He even tried to help us.  Father said that everything happens for a reason.  Maybe that's the reason why fate has lead us to him again.  Sifeng, I'll follow you and save him.  I can keep watch."

"Okay, count me in," Linglong agrees.  "Since I need to take care of Xuanji."

"Must you save him?" asks Little Six.

Sifeng doesn't answer.

"Fine," says Little Six.  "I don't care anymore.  I treat you as my brother.  I won't stand here and do nothing.  I'll follow you."

 

Ting Nu is waiting in the guarded prison cart when Little Six and Sifeng approach.  The two knock the guards out.  With a spell, Sifeng breaks the lock off, sending the door to Ting Nu's cage flying open.

"Follow me," says Sifeng.

"We're here to save you," Little Six confirms.

Linglong and Xuanji are keeping watch.  Several black tubes of smoke move toward the sisters.  They land on the roof across the street and materialize.  It's Wolf and his accomplices from Tianxu Hall.  They are sure Linglong is the reincarnated God of War.

"Four of you," says Wolf, "go and capture the Merman." His eyes are glowing green.  "I'll meet Chu Linglong who's born on the 4th day of the 4th Month myself."

The Four accomplices fly off the roof, transforming back into tubes of black smoke.

Sifeng is carrying Ting Nu when he encounters the tubes of smoke.  With a heavy feeling of dread, he already knows who they are.

 

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