American Perspectives: Hao Chen's Deception ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 8)

 

"Love and Redemption" can be viewed on Viki or Youtube. Dialogue adapted from English subtitle translations by "Destined Love Team at Viki.com"

 

Sifeng has just completed Level 12 of the 13 Punishments, and his battered body is trapped in a blizzard.  Ahead of him is a blue, vertical beam of light.  A figure emerges from it, and it is walking to him.  Sifeng slowly, painfully, rises from the snow covered ground.  It's unbearably cold, he's very sore, but he manages to stand.

The figure ahead of him raises his right arm, and a sword appears.  He throws the sword at Sifeng. Sifeng turns to the side, and the sword zooms right on by.  It boomerangs back, slicing off a strand of Sifeng's hair.  Sifeng faces the figure again, this time getting a very clear look.

It's himself.  Unbattered, unblemished, unpunished.  Wide awake and ready to fight.  His perfect self walks toward him, sword out, dragging along the ground.  His perfect self swings his sword toward Sifeng, and thick, sharp, icicles emerge from the ground.

Sifeng opens his palm, and his sword automatically appears.  He begins to spar with his perfect self.  The swords are moving quickly and relentlessly, the two men effortlessly gliding across the ice.  Sifeng's perfect self is in the air, Sifeng stabs him in the heart.  His perfect self smiles menacingly.  Sifeng pulls the sword out, and kicks him in the chest.  The two run for each other across the ice.  They are at an impasse as their swords cross.  Perfect Sifeng cut's Sifeng's shoulder.

"Give up.  You can't pass.  I am you," says Perfect Sifeng.  "Hurting me will only hurt yourself."

The two continue to fight violently.

Perfect Sifeng stabs his sword into the ice, and more dagger like icicles spring up from the ground.  Before the icicles can harm Sifeng, he gets up, and with energy emitting from his fingers, he is able to shatter the icicles.  Perfect Sifeng weaponizes them, and aims for Sifeng.

Perfect Sifeng smirks, "Give up!  Why do you have to torture yourself like this?"  He hurls more ice at Sifeng.

While Sifeng is blocking, his Transmission Bell falls onto the snow.  He looks at it and thinks, Xuanji, the last stage of 13 Punishments is right in front of me. I've expended too much of my energy before this.  But it's all right.  I will get out.  I won't be defeated here.

A wall of shattered ice is coming to him.  He blocks it, throwing it at Perfect Sifeng.  He picks up his bell.  He looks around.  Perfect Sifeng is nowhere in sight.

In the sky, out of a flame, a new mask appears.

"Sifeng, you are indeed my best disciple," says Lize Palace Master.  He and Deputy Chief materialize in the sky.

"All these years, there are only a few who survived the 13 Punishments," adds Palace Master.

"Master," says Sifeng.

"No wonder you can ignore the palace rules," says Deputy Chief.  "Since you've reached the last stage of 13 Punishments, you just need to make a choice."

"Just wear this mask in front of you," says Palace Master, "and you'll be able to regain your freedom and return to Lize Palace.  Hurry up.  Wear the mask."

"This is...the Lover's Curse Mask?" asks Sifeng.

"You are right," says Deputy Chief. "This is the Lover's Curse Mask.  The person who wears this mask will have to be heartless and loveless from now on."

Sifeng looks at the mask.  This was not what he was hoping to accomplish. "Heartless and loveless."

"After you wear this mask, you have to abandon all of your feelings," says Deputy Chief, "or else this Loveless Mask will take root inside your body.  Every time you are hurt emotionally, you will be cursed.  After three times, you'll die.  It means that you are exchanging your feelings for your freedom."

"You are just getting rid of your emotions and feelings," adds Palace Master.  "Compared to suffering in the 13 Punishments forever, this is nothing.  Hurry up.  Hurry up and wear the mask."

"Humans are not objects," says Sifeng.  "How can we be emotionless?  If you want me to live like ice forever, how's that different from being a zombie?"

"Sifeng, stop being so stubborn," says Palace Master.  "Listen to me.  Wear the Lover's Curse Mask and become someone without emotions.  That way, I can protect you forever."

"Master, I don't understand," says Sifeng.  "Why does Lize Palace want to shackle us from our own emotions?  Why can't we form bonds to support and love each other?  What's wrong with living like a real human with real emotions?  I won't wear this mask."

"Insolent fool!" Palace Master explodes.  "If I ask you to wear it, wear it.  Or else, you'll never get out from this 13 Punishments Tower of Oblivion."

"Little Sifeng, wear the mask," says Deputy Chief.  "This is not a normal virtual land.  Are you going to be stubborn until the end?"

"Sifeng," says Palace Master, "you were born with talents that others can only dream of, but you are wasting it like this.  Such a disappointment!  You want to choose feelings?  But do you know what feelings are?  How long can feelings last?  Feelings are just lies!  The Lovers Curse Mask is right in front of you.  Think about it carefully.  If you don't wear it, you'll stay inside here forever!"

"If I can come in, I can definitely get out," says Sifeng.  "I'll find a way to get out."

"Go ahead and try, then," Deputy Chief smirks.

The two elders and the mask vanish, leaving Sifeng in the 13 Punishments Tower.

 

Xuanji and Hao Chen are practicing formations and spells.  Hao Chen is writing something with a wand, and he throws it towards Xuanji's formation.  Unfortunately, it causes Xuanji to lose her balance.

Hao Chen runs forward to grab her arm before she can fall.  "You haven't improved at all!" he observes.  "Are you slacking off again?"

"No," says Xuanji.  "But I remember you said that the Five Elements Spell requires the caster to feel the spirits of the Five Elements in this world.  Maybe I can't improve because all of my six senses are undeveloped and I can't feel them."

"Nonsense," Hao Chen scoffs.  "You just need to train hard."

 

Xuanji has a huge pile of open books on her bedroom floor.  She opens up a wooden box, and discovers it contains a book about the Mirror of Origin.  "This is what the Merman told me about."  She opens it with intrigue.

The book snaps shut, and flies out of her hands.  It stops mid air, opens up, revealing a huge ray of light.  And just like that, Hao Chen, the controlling psycho (more on that later), appears and destroys the book in a burst of flame.

Xuanji chases after him, to the pond, and over a stone bridge.  "Senior Brother!"

He stops on the bridge.

"Why won't you let me read that book?"

"Why do you want to read it?" asks Hao Chen.

"Because the book stated that the Mirror Of Origin can help me get back my six senses.  So, I want to read about it."

Hao Chen turns around and glares at her.  "Who told you about it?"

"It's..." Xuanji pauses.  She knows better than to tell on Sifeng or the Merman Medic.  "I heard it from someone.  So, I want to give it a try."

"Listen to me, Xuanji.  You are not allowed to investigate the Mirror of Origin anymore."

"Why are you so mad?  I just want to become a normal human.  I want to feel what normal people feel.  What did I do wrong?"

"I've told you many times.  You shouldn't care about having the six senses or not.  But you are still distracted with that by reading books that you shouldn't.  You don't know what you did wrong?  Looks like I have to punish you for real today.  Go to the back of the mountain to chop down the bamboos.  You are not allowed to eat until you've chopped them all down."

"I..." but Xuanji doesn't have a chance to plead her case as Hao Chen, the control freak walks away, expecting Xuanji to be brain washed, expecting to exploit her without consequence.  While she is left being punished for wanting what rightfully belongs to her.  "Senior Brother Hao Chen, you---"

 

Xuanji is in the bamboo forest, taking a small axe to the very strong trees.  With several cuts, she is finally able to get one green bamboo tree to fall.  She jumps up and down with excitement.  On to the next!  She cuts and drags several trees, feeling a profound sense of accomplishment.

She is sleeping peacefully, and Hao Chen is being a total creeper, coming into her room, standing over her bed.  (Go away)!!!

You are as stubborn as ever, he thinks. As long as I can wipe your memory about the Mirror Of Origin, you won't be obsessed with it anymore.  Ew.  He puts his index and middle finger together, makes a circle of blue energy, and points toward her head.  Two streams of blue go into her forehead.  He stops, frowns, and twists his fingers.  Something is off.  Looks like I really can't use any of my power in the mortal realm, he thinks.  The trial that you'll face in this lifetime will be your last chance.  Xuanji, what can I do to protect you in this life so that you can pass the trial without a problem?

 

Morning comes, and Xuanji is chopping more trees.  She adds the last one to her pile when Hao Chen approaches.

"What is it?" asks Hao Chen.  "Are you still angry at me?"

"I wouldn't dare," says Xuanji.  "I just want to get this done earlier so I can eat."

"No need to chop anymore," says Hao Chen.  "I was too strict that day.  I shouldn't have blamed everything on you.  Xuanji, you don't know about it," Hao Chen lies, "but this Mirror of Origin is an evil mirror.  Not only can it not help you recover your six senses," he continues to lie, "it can even bewitch you and mess with your mind."

"How is that possible?" Xuanji isn't convinced.

"This mirror will use the demon and obsession in your heart to put you into an imaginary land, and feed on your soul.  If someone urges you to look for the Mirror of Origin, I'm afraid that person must have an ulterior motive."  He pauses.  "I know that having none of the six senses bothers you a lot.  I was too emotional that day. I just want to tell you that your six senses won't affect anything in your life."

"But sometimes, I feel like a freak."

Hao Chen smiles.  "Extraordinary people are always born different.  Although you don't have six senses, you can still smell the demonic aura.  Although you can't tell whether a sound is pleasant or not, you can hear the sound of demons.  It means that you were born with talent to hunt monsters and demons.  You are destined to be the protector of the forbidden ground.  You just need to remember this.  Then you won't have to care about what you don't have."

"But..."

"No matter if you have six senses or not, you are just you.  People who really care about you won't treat you differently because you are not the same.  In my heart, you'll always be the unique Xuanji that I know."

"Senior Brother Hao Chen, I was too impulsive that day," says Xuanji.  "I shouldn't have butted heads with you."

"Listen to me.  Don't think about those unnecessary things.  And don't look for that Mirror of Origin.  I don't want you to be used by those who bear you ill will."

Xuanji isn't fully convinced, but she knows not to argue.  "Okay, I promise you, Senior Brother Hao Chen."

Xuanji's stomach begins to growl.  She looks down in embarrassment.  Hao Chen smiles.

"You are hungry, right?  You little glutton."

She looks behind her and sees a table full of food.  She immediately runs to it.  "So much delicious food!  Senior Brother Hao Chen, didn't you say I couldn't eat too much?" She grabs a piece of chicken.

"Have you forgotten that it's your birthday today?"

Xuanji looks at Hao Chen incredulously.  "That's right.  When it was my birthday in the past, Linglong would treat me to delicious food, too."  She takes a bite out of a pastry.  "But back then, I couldn't taste anything at all.  By the way, Senior Brother Hao Chen, today is Sifeng's birthday, too.  Can you give me the Transmission Bell for a moment?  I want to wish him a happy birthday."

Hao Chen gives her side eye.

"Fine," says Xuanji.

"Enjoy." He leaves her alone to enjoy the treats.

I can only wish him in my mind then, thinks Xuanji.  He's such a particular person.  I'm sure he will have a good birthday.  I'm sure he'll celebrate it with good food and good drinks. 

 

Sifeng is wandering through the blizzard in 13 Punishments Tower.  "Xuanji," he walks through the relentless snow.  "This is my 353rd day in this unwanted place.  I still can't pass this last stage.  And...I still haven't heard anything from you yet...Maybe that bell is really broken.  Xuanji, I might not be able to keep my promise anymore."  His knees begin to buckle.  "I really can't take it anymore."  He falls to the ground.  "It's your birthday today.  I know that you can't hear me. "  

The Transmission Bell for Xuanji is ringing in the library.  "Happy Birthday," says Sifeng.  "I wish that you can live happily forever.  I wish that you can live your life freely, however you like it."  Xuanji isn't anywhere where she can hear the bell, so the message is missed.

 

"Senior Brother Hao Chen" Xuanji hears Duan Qing saying.  Xuanji walks closer.  "Senior Brother Hao Chen, this is the nectar I brewed myself.  I put a lot of effort into it, please accept it."  She hands it to him.

"Thank you for your kindness," says Hao Chen. "Since you've put a lot of effort into it, you should keep it for yourself."  He walks away from Duan Qing.

"Senior Brother Hao Chen, all these years, can't you tell the feelings I have for you?  Actually, I..."

"If it's pointless, don't say it," Hao Chen says sharply.

"You won't even give me a chance to confess?"

"I'm cultivating the Heartless Path.  Whether you say it out loud or not, it doesn't matter to me."

"Senior, although you look so gentlemanly, and gentle on the surface, you are actually a cruel and cold person.  Besides Xuanji, you've never cared about other people at all."   Duan Qing runs away from him in tears.

"Come out!" Hao Chen says to Xuanji.  "You eavesdrop on people now?"

Xuanji smiles sheepishly.

 

Sifeng is laying down in the snow, clutching his bell. "There will be a way out."

Xuanji is in the library with Hao Chen.  He's going to get her some birthday wine, and she realizes her bell is locked up in the library.  She decides to go looking for it so she can finally talk to Sifeng.

She rummages through the Treasure Room, looking at the different shelves.  She finally finds it with her other treasures.  She happily picks up the bell.

With a wave of her two fingers, she injects silvery blue energy into the bell.  She rings it, and begins to speak.  "Sifeng, Sifeng," she whispers.

He slowly opens his eyes and squeezes the bell.

"Sifeng! Sifeng!" says Xuanji, not hearing the footsteps behind her.

"Junior Sister!" Hao Chen says sharply.

Xuanji jumps and quickly puts down the bell.

"What are you doing?"

"I..." Xuanji stutters.  "Senior Brother, I didn't understand what you said just now.  So, I wanted to ask my friend about it through the Transmission Bell."

"You don't know what love means.  Don't think too much."

"Says who?  I have someone I like, too."

Hao Chen looks at her.

Xuanji smiles.  "I like Sixth Senior Brother."

Sifeng could hear that very clearly in the 13 Punishments Tower, and his heart drops.

"Minyan?  You like Minyan?" asks Hao Chen.

"Let me tell you, I've collected a lot of fruits for Sixth Senior Brother." Sifeng hears her, and he wants to throw up.  "Senior Duan Qing told me that I have to share the things I like with the one I like."

Hao Chen chuckles and shows her a bottle of wine.

"Why are you laughing?" asks Xuanji.

"You've been here for so long, and this is the first time you've mentioned him."

"What's wrong with that?"

"You don't even know what you're talking about." He chuckles and shakes his head.

"Did you hear that?" Palace Master asks Sifeng from above.  "What did I say?  You are struggling so hard here to keep that vague and insubstantial love, and you put yourself into such bad shape.  But what do you get?"

Sifeng slowly gets to his knees.

"This is just a one sided love.  She doesn't even care about you.  You were never in Chu Xuanji's heart at all.  The feelings in this world are the coldest and most illusory things.  Don't you know who you are?  You shouldn't have dabbled in love at all.  Lize Palace is your one true destiny.  I've given you one year.  I think you get it now.  Wear the Lover's Curse Mask.  And you'll still be the Head Disciple of Lize Palace.  And you'll still be my successor in the future.  If others dare comment, I'll kill them."

Sifeng remains undecided.

"Sifeng, you still can't let go of those insubstantial feelings?"  There is a long moment of silence.  "Fine.  Don't blame me for forcing you, then."

He waves his hand, and an image of Brother Liu in Lize Palace prison appears.  He is being lowered into the Bitterwater River.

"Eldest Brother Liu," whispers Sifeng.

"Liu Yiuhan is a traitor," says Palace Master.  "The rope on him will descend two feet every two hours."

Brother Liu's feet are shown barely touching the caustic Bitterwater River.  "At midnight, he'll fall into the poisonous swamp below him, and be disintegrated whole."

"Master, I'm the one who broke the rules," says Sifeng.  "You should punish me instead.  This has nothing to do with Eldest Brother Liu.  Let him go!"

"Liu Yiuhan is the criminal of Lize Palace.  But he tried to escape.  We caught him, and now he'll be punished to death.  But since you are pleading on his behalf, I can spare him."

Sifeng looks up.

Palace Master grins.  "I think you know what I mean.  He's at Houyan Bell room inside Fengqi Hall.  If you want to save him, the only way is to wear this Lovers Curse Mask, and walk out from this place.  Let me remind you.  That after midnight tonight, the only thing you can do is collect his body."  Palace Master disappears, and the mask floats toward Sifeng.

He stares at it, resentfully.  He looks at the bell.  Something seemed off about Xuanji's words.  He looks at the mask again, exhausted.  Exhausted from being in the tower, exhausted from Xuanji's inconsistency.  He extends his hand.  The mask comes to him, it's aura as bright as the sun.  It goes to the palm of his hand, and he pushes it to his face.  It conforms to him like a second skin.  There's no turning back.  It looks absolutely hideous.

A vortex appears in the middle of the blizzard, and Sifeng crosses to the other side.

 

Brother Liu is lowered further into the caustic green water.  He screams as it touches his skin.  Sifeng bursts through the double doors, and with a crossing of his arms, pointing of his fingers, and emission of fire energy, he is able to release Brother Liu.  He immediately propels him to solid ground.

"Eldest Brother Liu, are you all right?"

Brother Liu glares at him.  "Little Phoenix, the mask on your face..."

"It's fine."

"I heard those two monsters.  This is the Lover's Curse Mask.  You did it to save me.  I owe you a big one."

"Maybe my master is right. Love in this world is not as beautiful as I think it is.  But cutting it away, it'll be less painful and fewer grudges for me."

Brother Liu gives him a look.

"Didn't you leave Lize Palace to save your daughter?"  asks Sifeng.  "How is she?"

"When I went there, I could almost save her.  But at that time, she suddenly disappeared right in front of me."

"What is your plan, then?" asks Sifeng.

"I heard that the Heavenly Realm has a celestial eye that sees everything.  As long as I can find Yu'er, I'm willing to risk my life to try and do that."

 

Wu Tong, his face bloody and battered, is sent flying through the air.  He hits the ground with a hard thud.  Members from multiple sects are after him.  He stands up and tries to defend himself with his sword.  He is badly outnumbered.  He gets stabbed in the leg.

Every member after him points their fingers and paralyze him with immobilizing magic.  He screams.

A thick swirl of blue and black smoke descends on the mob.  It knocks back the attackers, and it covers Wu Tong, transporting him to Tianxu Hall.

Tianxu Hall is within a black, active volcano.  Wu Tong is unconscious, on a bed.  He awakens, terrified.  He looks up and finds a man dressed in black looking down at him.

"Who are you?" asks Wu Tong.  "Where am I?"

The man in black is Wolf.  "I'm sure you've heard about Tianxu Hall before."

"Tianxu Hall?"  Wu Tong looks around.  "Why did you bring me here?"

"The Five Sects are cornering you like a rat.  Don't you want to seek revenge?  Since we have the same enemy, why don't we work together?"

"You want to use me?"

"We'll have to see if you're worthy enough to be used by me."  Wolf disappears in a poof of red smoke.

Wu Tong gasps.

 

Linglong stares out her open bedroom door longingly, while Little Six is studying the chessboard between them, contemplating his next move.

"Eh?" Little Six takes advantage of Linglong's lack of attention and makes a move.  "What else can you do now?"

She still isn't listening.  He waves his hand in front of her face.  She looks at him sadly.

"Your turn," says Little Six.  "What's wrong?"

"Xuyang Peak must be very cold now.  I wonder if Xuanji brought enough clothes with her or not."

"Aye...don't worry.  Xuanji can't feel the cold anyway.  Look at the board.  I took away five of your chess pieces already."  He starts taking five more chess pieces.

"Ah!  Little Six, I was not paying attention.  You can't..."

"Stop playing," First Senior Brother interrupts their game.  "Master asked us to go to the Bamboo forest to help him choose some new disciples."

"Wait, First Senior.  I don't believe that I can't beat Little Six," says Linglong.  "I...I...I'll put it here."

Little Six and First Senior Brother exchange glances.

"So unfortunate.  You could've won another round if you put it..." says First Senior Brother.  He looks down at the board.

Linglong grabs her piece.  "I don't want to put it there, then."

"Eh," says Little Six.  "It's too late to change.  We have a deal.  The loser has to act like a dog."  He picks up a piece of paper with a dog drawing.  He sticks it to her cheek.  "Don't be a sore loser."

She glares at him.

"How does a dog bark?" asks Little Six.  "Do it."

"Woof, woof," she says flatly. "Woof," she says sharply.  She rips the paper off her face and runs out the door.

"Linglong!" Little Six shouts after her.  "You said that you wouldn't be a sore loser!"

"Both of you have never changed since young," says First Senior Brother.  "Both of you always quarrel.

Little Six looks down and smiles.

 

 

"Greetings, Master," Xuanji bows to Heng Yang in the palace hall.

"Master," says Hao Chen, "Xuanji can already break the Barrier Formation."

"Xuanji," says Heng Yang, "you have been here for four years already.  Now, you've improved a lot.  I'm relieved.  According to the rules of the deity, you are old enough to start your first trial.  I should let you go back to Shaoyang Peak first."

"I can go back to Shaoyang Peak?" Xuanji asks excitedly.  "Then I can meet Linglong and Sixth Senior again.  Awesome!"

"But remember," says Heng Yang, "no matter what it is, or where you are, you have to remember your mission as the Disciple of Xuyang Peak."

"Do you mean the protection of the forbidden ground?" asks Xuanji.

Heng Yang nods.  "The forbidden ground of Shaoyang will affect the safety of the three realms.  As the protector of the forbidden ground, it's a great responsibility for you.  And it's not an easy thing to protect the forbidden ground.  It's the most important thing in your life.  You have to give your everything to it.  Other things will always come second.  You have to always be prepared to lay down your life to the protect the forbidden ground.  Understand?"

Xuanji nods.  

"Good.  Today, you'll make a vow to protect the forbidden ground forever, and the safety of the whole world."

"Yes, Master." Says Xuanji.  She gets on her knees.  "I, Chu Xuanji, vow that I'll protect the forbidden ground forever."

 

The new Shaoyang Disciple recruits are testing in the bamboo forest.  Their sword work is exquisite.  

"Linglong, you must be thirsty," says Little Six.  "I brought you a cup of tea. Have a taste."

Linglong takes a sip.

"How is it?"

"It's not good," she hands the tea cup back to him.

"Senior!" Another young woman runs up to Little Six.  "Senior, when can you bring me to Shaoyang Peak?"

Linglong turns around sharply.

"Shaoyang Peak?" Little Six asks.

The woman grabs onto his arm.  "Yes."

Linglong is furious.  "Zhong Minyan, you..."

"Senior," the woman winks.

Linglong points at them.

Little Six breaks away, but the woman continues to whine.

"You..." Linglong points at Little Six.

"When will we go there?" asks the woman.

Right on cue, a blue and silver bolt of energy knocks the annoying woman over, sending her flying.  It's Xuanji, flying above the bamboo forest, her umbrella following the other woman, ready to stab. 

Xuanji lands on a bamboo branch, working her magic.  She opens up her umbrella, pointing it at the other woman, while the open side faces Xuanji.

"Xuanji!" Linglong and Little Six exclaim happily.

Xuanji looks at them and smiles.  "Linglong, Sixth Senior."  She turns around and gets back to work.

"Xuanji, what are you doing?" asks Little Six.

"She is a demon," Xuanji explains.

"Save me, Senior!" cries the other woman.

"Xuanji, you misunderstand her!" says Little Six.  Linglong gives him the side eye.

"No I didn't.  Show yourself!"  Crossing her arms, and then spreading them out, a strong ball of energy strikes the other woman.  The umbrella provides a final stab, producing a cloud of navy and black smoke.

Multiple trails of smoke start coming to Xuanji.

"It's shadow demon!"

"Let's go and help her!"

"Wait!" says Sect Leader Chu.

Xuanji brings her umbrella back.  Her arms are spread out in a T-formation, first two fingers up, emitting blue.

"Father, Xuanji," says Linglong.

"Master, Xuanji is in danger," says Little Six.

"I want to see how much she has improved in four years," says Sect Leader Chu.

Her umbrella flies forward, and the two demonic plumes of smoke fly on either side of her.  She flips, catches her umbrella, opens it, and uses it like a sword, striking the plumes head on.

She perches on a branch, and when the plumes come for her, she uses the branch like a diving board.   She flips, and causes the branch to hit the plumes.  She goes to the ground, spins around, and flies back up, striking the plumes with her umbrella.  The plumes form into a large black and blue demon.  It splits again.  With some fancy hand movements, Xuanji casts a spell, spins her umbrella on the ground, and makes the demon disappear.

Linglong and Little Six run up to her.  The remaining disciples follow.

"You brat.  How can you just come back without any notice?" asks Linglong.  "Do you know how unprepared I am after not seeing you for four years?

"I wanted to surprise you," says Xuanji.

"This is not a surprise.  You scared me," says Linglong.  "You fought so many demons alone.  Let me see if you're hurt or not."

"I'm fine," says Xuanji.  "I've become strong now.  I can protect you now."

The sisters hug.

"I really missed you," says Linglong.

"Me, too," says Xuanji.

"Xuanji," says First Senior Brother.

"Junior Xuanji," says Chen Minjue.  "You fought very well just now."

Xuanji smiles.  "Sixth Senior, First Senior, Second Senior, Fifth Senior.  Long time, no see."

"You are so biased," says Chen Minjue.  "How could you call Sixth Senior before addressing me and First Senior?"

Little Six responds.  "That's because I'm her favorite Sixth Senior."

"You've grown up and become prettier," says Chen Minjue.

"Of course," says Linglong.  "Xuanji is a born beauty.  I wonder who it was who kept holding on to a demon just now?"

"You kept holding on to a demon," Xuanji says to Little Six.

"I didn't do that," says Little Six.

The sisters laugh.

"After fighting a demon just now," says Xuanji, "I'm hungry."

"You are in luck," says Linglong.  "We have 8 Treasures chicken with Longan and roasted lamb shank.  They are delicious."

"So much food?  Stop talking and let's eat," says Xuanji. "I'm hungry, let's go!"

 

"Father, we are back!" the sisters enter the main hall.

"Xuanji, you've improved a lot," says Sect Leader Chu.

"Father, you saw me just now?" asks Xuanji.

Sect Leader Chu nods.

"Father, Xuanji can control the Five Elements spell with ease now," Linglong says proudly.  "Other seniors might not be able to do that, too.  They used to say that my sister was weak.  Now we should show them how awesome she is!"

Sect Leader Chu chuckles.  "Xuanji, you are much better than what I expected.  For the past four years, Master Heng Yang was meditating in seclusion.  You were singlehandedly taught by Senior Hao Chen.  To find a great teacher and friend in one's lifetime, you are really blessed and lucky to have met Senior Hao Chen.  Don't ever forget about his kindness for teaching you.  You have to treat him with respect from now on.  Understand?"

Xuanji nods.  "Father, I'll remember that."

"Both of you are 20 years old now.  According to Shaoyang's rules, you have to train for a year in the real world to gain experience and build your personality."

The sisters smile at each other.

"You'll train together with Minyan in the real world after a few days."

The sisters jump up and down with excitement.  "We can go down to play now!"

"I didn't ask you to go there to play.  If you see any demons attacking people, or criminals causing trouble, you have to fulfill your duty as a cultivator.  Don't do anything that will humilate our Shaoyang Sect, understand?"

"Yes, Father," the sisters say.

 

Xuanji gets her precious items that were locked up in the library back from Fifth Senior Brother.  She immediately pulls out the Transmission Bell.  "Sifeng, Sifeng?  Are you there?"

Sifeng does not hear the bell, as he is out on the Lize Palace Lake, practicing maneuvers, fully covered in his Lover's Curse mask.

The bell is locked away in a cabinet, in his room.

After practice, Sifeng is walking through the hallway, and Brother Liu materializes.

"Little Phoenix, looks like you've improved a lot while I was away."

"Eldest Brother Liu?  Why are you here?  What if others found out?"

Brother Liu laughs derisively.  He points to his forehead.  "I have the Celestial Eye now.  What can Lize Palace do to me?"

"You've succeeded?"

"The Celestial Eye is useless in the Heavenly Realm.  They don't need it.  Ever since it was made, it was discarded to the side.  So I just found it purely by accident.   So, I borrowed it from them.  After I find Yu'er, I'll just return it.  They won't know."

"Have you found Yu'er, then?"

Brother Liu looks sad.  "Yu'er must still be trapped by her kidnapper.  They blocked her aura.  But the real reason is, I just got this Celestial Eye, and I can't use it well yet.  I can only feel a faint trace of her.  And it takes a lot of energy to open it.  I can't open it twice in a row.  So, I can only look around with the faint trace that I felt.  In the past, I didn't do my duty as a father.  So, this time, I have to find her, no matter what."

"Be patient, Eldest Brother Liu. Since you already have the Celestial Eye, you'll find Yu'er eventually."

Brother Liu looks at Sifeng's mask.  "You are wearing this Lover's Curse Mask because of me.  But don't worry.  I'll definitely help you find a way to remove the Lover's Curse Mask."

 

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Empress Ki Anime Fan Art Coloring Book — 사극 Paradise