American Perspectives: Lover's Curse vs. The Heartless Path Pt.1 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 9)

 

 

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

 

Brother Liu is looking at Sifeng's Lover's Curse Mask with a profound sense of empathy.  It was an outcome Sifeng had worked so hard to resist, and Brother Liu had been used as a pawn to trick him into wearing it.

Brother Liu sighs.  "You're wearing this mask because of me."  Just saying that makes his skin crawl.  "But don't worry.  I'll find a way to remove this Lover's Curse Mask for you."

"I told you before," says Sifeng, "this was my decision."  Integrity is paramount to Sifeng, and he would never blame Brother Liu for the mask situation.  "Eldest Brother Liu, you don't need to blame yourself.  To become emotionless and focus on my training is a good thing, as well."

Brother Liu is incredulous.  "How is that a good thing?  Our training is hard enough by itself.  But now, you have to force yourself to be emotionless, as well.  That'll make your life meaningless, you know?  It's not a good thing."  He takes a deep breath.  "It's fine. Don't worry.  I'll definitely find a solution for you.  By the way," he feels around the right chest panel of his grey hanfu, then he shakes his right sleeve.  "Come out." 

Little Silver Flower, Sifeng's spirit snake, quickly wraps herself around Sifeng's hand.  

"I'll return you your spirit beast," says Brother Liu.  "Ascending the Heavenly Realm was tough indeed."

"Little Silver Flower, you were naughty," Sifeng tells his snake.  He closes his fist, and she disappears to a safe spot. "Thank you, Eldest Brother Liu."

"Why are you thanking me?" He looks at Sifeng's mask.  He feels he doesn't deserve the gratitude.  "Okay, I'll leave now."

 

Xuanji is sitting on the rock  in the peach tree grove where she harmed Little Silver Flower and spilled Sifeng's tea.  She is lovingly ringing the Transmission Bell he gave her.

Linglong runs up to her.  "Xuanji, are you done with your training?"

"Linglong, isn't this the bell Sifeng gave you?" Xuanji asks.

"I'm sure you kept in touch, right?  How is he doing?" asks Linglong.

"Senior Brother Hao Chen confiscated everything I had when I went to Xuyang Peak.  That's why I didn't contact him for four years."

Linglong is horrified. "You didn't contact him at all?  Xuanji, before Sifeng left, he wanted you to contact him once you woke up, you know?  Besides, even if he did confiscate everything, you could still write him letters."

"Write letters?" asks Xuanji.  The thought had never crossed her mind.  "I was busy with my training every day.  I never thought about that."

Linglong sighs.  "You're too heartless.  Did you forget him already?  And you never contacted me as well after you went to Xuyang Peak.  I would've severed my ties with you if you weren't my sister."

"Linglong, how could that be?  I missed you so much.  But I think it's fine if I keep you in my heart.  Besides, sisters and our friends will stay with us forever.  Right?  Initially, I wanted to finish my training as soon as possible so that I could meet up with you sooner.  The same goes for Sifeng, as well.  We made a promise.  We'll train together once I leave the mountain.  That's why I didn't contact him for four years.  That doesn't matter, right?"

"But Xuanji," Linglong is astounded.  "You need to maintain your relationships.  No one will wait at the same spot for you.  I thought you would have learned that about other things besides your training.  I didn't expect you to still be a blockhead in relationships."  She pokes Xuanji in the forehead.

Xuanji is very nervous.  "Linglong, will Sifeng be angry because I didn't contact him?  Will he ignore me?"

Linglong doesn't want to lie, but she doesn't want to be mean.  "About that, I can't say for sure."

"I'm sure he won't do that.  Sifeng must be very busy in Lize Palace.  He needs to train, as well.  I'm sure he forgot about this due to his busy schedule.  It's fine.  I'll find him immediately after we leave, and the four of us can roam the world together."

Linglong is not convinced.

"I'm sure it will be fun," Xuanji adds optimistically.

Linglong smiles.

 

Wolf is conferring with the Tianxu Hall Master.  "Hall Master, after the failure of the Shadow Demon in Shaoyang Sect, we've planted spies in the four sects successfully.  But due to Shadow Demon's failure, and to avoid any further suspicions, I think we should stay in the shadows for now.  We should wait for the right time to grab the Spirit Keys."

"We still need to wait?" asks Hall Master.  "How long do I need to wait?"

"Hall Master, we..."

The intense discussion is interrupted by Wu Tong's loud and obnoxious laughter.

"Who's there?" growls Hall Master.

Wu Tong continues to laugh.  "You didn't manage to locate the God of War and the Devil Star all these few years?"  Wu Tong asks Wolf.  "And you didn't obtain the Spirit Keys, as well.  Wolf, aren't you too merciful?  Isn't that the reason you got nothing done at all?"

"Wu Tong," says Wolf.  "Do you think you have the right to speak in this place?  Our Hall Master is keeping you here because he just wanted you to tell us more about the Five Great Sects.  Just be a good dog."

Wu Tong smirks.

"When you're a dog," Wolf continues, "you shouldn't just come out and bark like this."

"Tianxu Hall only appreciates capable people," Wu Tong counters.  "Those who get nothing done should just keep quiet.  Wolf, what do you think?"

"I just didn't want to reveal our strength too soon," Wolf explains.  "Hall Master, I just wanted to avoid casualties from dealing with the Five Great Sects."

"The Demon tribe has been training in secret for 1,000 years," says Wu Tong.  "Your strength is much greater than the Five Great Sects.  If they aren't willing to cooperate with us, it's the best excuse for us to execute them without mercy.  Why should we hide?"

Wolf laughs loudly.  "You're just trying to get your revenge against the humans who had driven you out.  Wu Tong, don't try to manipulate us due to your personal hatred."

"It's precisely because of that," Wu Tong admits.  "Only a human knows how to force another human to submit, to manipulate and destroy them."  Wu Tong rolls his eyes and walks forward, bowing to Hall Master.  "Hall Master, why don't you give me this chance?  I'll destroy the Five Great Sects, and obtain the Spirit Keys."

Wolf rushes forward and bows.  "Hall Master, Wu Tong is just a dog who has been driven out from its shelter.  We mustn't trust him."

"But this pathetic dog managed to find out that the Xuanyuan Sect is lying to you."

"What?" Wolf spins around sharply.

"Someone!" Wu Tong calls.  A Xuanyuan Sect member is dragged through the hall entrance.  "You were misled by Xuanyuan Sect's spirit stone all along.  One of the Spirit Keys was actually hidden inside the Destiny Pearl.  You didn't know about that."

Wu Tong cups his hand, and aims it toward the Xuanyuan member's neck.  Black and purple smoke emits from his hand.  The sect member is struggling to breathe.  "Tell us," Wu Tong demands.

"Yes," says the member.  "The Spirit Key is hidden inside the Destiny Pearl in our sect.  But only Sect Leader Zhu Shi knows about the location of the Destiny Pearl."

Wu Tong lowers his hand, and the member is killed.

"Wolf," says Wu Tong.  "You chose the wrong person to threaten.  Instead of threatening those who are loyal to the sect, isn't it easier for you if you threaten the weaklings in the sect?"

"Darn it," growls Wolf.

Wu Tong smirks and steps closer to Hall Master.  He bows again.  "Hall Master, please give me a chance.  Let me obtain the Spirit Keys for you."

"We've been hiding for too long," Hall Master admits.  "It's time to create a scene so that our prey will be attracted."  A silver ring materializes in his hand.  With a smooth gesture, he pushes it through the air to Wu Tong.

It lands in Wu Tong's hand.

"Wu Tong, from today onwards," says Hall Master, "you'll be the chief of Mount Buzhou's hideout."

Wu Tong grins broadly.

"The Five Great Sects can't reach Mount Buzhou," Hall Master continues.  "You don't need to fear anything.  You don't need to fear the Five Great Sects.  You can use any method to obtain the Spirit Keys."

Wu Tong bows.  "Yes, Hall Master."

"Tianxu Hall has been in the shadows for too long.  It's time for us to make an entrance."

Wu Tong looks down at the ring.

 

A sea of disciples in Indigo blue ascend the staircase into Lize Palace.  Sifeng is the only one with his mask on, as it cannot be removed, ever.  They enter the assembly hall, and bow to Deputy Chief and Palace Master as the two leaders walk onto the stage.

Sifeng moves to the front of the audience and bows.  "Greetings Master and Deputy Chief."

"Sifeng," Palace Master smiles.  "You've mastered your skill.  I'm very relieved to hear that.  You were always the most talented.  As long as you aren't distracted, and focus on your training, I'm sure you'll be the leader of the Five Great Sects.  You'll take over Lize Palace sooner or later."

Deputy Chief closes his eyes.  He's trying really hard to control his underlying resentment towards Sifeng.  "Master, your effort wasn't wasted.  It's good that you forced him to choose this mask.  Yu Sifeng, you mustn't disappoint your master and repeat the same mistakes."

"Let bygones be bygones," Palace Master smiles.  "Just forget about them."

"I'm just reminding him," says Deputy Chief.  "Although the Lover's Curse Mask can render him emotionless and stop him from having any feelings, if he faces a situation where he can't control himself, and feels for someone, a Lover's Curse will form, and he'll be done for."

"You only talk about useless things," says Palace Master.  "Sifeng, you do understand the purpose of the Lover's Curse Mask, right?"

"By getting rid of emotions," Sifeng responds, "it will save us from unnecessary trouble."

"That's good to hear," Palace Master responds.  "And you must remember that outsiders are just like mirages.  Your only home is Lize Palace.  All of you mustn't risk your lives for an illusion that you cannot hold, and create unnecessary trouble."

"Yes, Master." The entire sect bows.

"That's enough," says Palace Master.  "Let's return to the main point.  Deputy Chief."

"Regarding leaving Lize Palace for training," says Deputy Chief.  "Do you understand what to do?  Once you exit the palace tomorrow, you should never break the rules.  I've received letters from Shaoyang Sect.  They stated that some demons are causing trouble outside.  Coincidentally, you will leave the palace soon.  Investigate the matter, as well."

"Those demons have nothing to do with us," says Palace Master.  "They can't reach Xiyan on either side.  If they want to create trouble in Zhongyuan, just let them be."

"Senior Brother," says Deputy Chief, "you're ignoring everything except for our sect, but you must respect the other sect leaders, as well.  Since we belong to one of the Five Great Sects."

"You make the decision," says Palace Master.

Deputy Chief turns to face the disciples standing below him.  "Investigate the matter."

The disciples bow.  "Yes."

 

"Xuanji," Hao Chen says.  "You have the transmission charm with you.  Do you know your task when you leave the mountain?"

Xuanji pauses.  "Uh...what's my task?"

"Silly Xuanji," Linglong says sharply. "Senior Brother Hao Chen wants you to write letters to him.  But Senior Hao Chen will be busy when we leave.  She'll think it's troublesome, or maybe she'll forget about it," Linglong looks at Xuanji.  The sisters exchange goofy smiles.

"Remember to write letters to me," Hao Chen says. "You're pure and innocent.  You haven't recovered your six senses.  The outside world is complex and chaotic.  I was reluctant to let you go, but I have to abide by the rules.  If not..." He pauses, choosing to change what he's going to say.  "So, after you leave, you need to report to me every single detail.  First, you can reflect on your progress.  Second, I can know your progress, as well.  Do you understand?"

Xuanji nods, though his thinly veiled surveillance on her is super creepy.  "Yes, Senior Brother Hao Chen," she bows.

"You must be careful," Hao Chen adds.

"You two must remember this," says Sect Leader Chu.  "After you two leave the mountain, you must deal with situations according to your own capability.  You two mustn't be reckless."

Linglong does an exaggerated nod of her head.  

"Xuanji, remember to listen to your Sixth Senior Brother.  Linglong, you must control your temper, as well," adds Sect Leader Chu.

Linglong rolls her eyes.  "Father, I know that."

"It's the first time you two are leaving here," Aunt Hong points out.  "Your father is worried.  You must remember his words."

"Yes, I'll remember them," says Linglong.  "I'll leave now."  Before anyone can say anything, she runs down the stairs.

"This child..." says Aunt Hong.

"Father, Aunt Yinhong, Senior Brother Hao Chen," says Xuanji. "Don't worry, we know what to do."

"Master, Aunt Yinghong," says Little Six.  "Don't worry.  I'll take good care of them."

Sect Master Chu nods.  Little Six and Xuanji bow before running down the stairs.

"Linglong, wait for me!" they yell.

 

The three are flying high over the clouds.  Xuanji standing on her closed umbrella, Linglong and Little Six standing on their swords.  They are exhilirated to finally be away from the sect and the rigid rules.

"This is so beautiful!" exclaims Linglong.  "We finally left the mountain!"  They look out over the clouds.  "Wow, this is so beautiful!"

They decide to relax at a beautiful river surrounded by green mountains.  Xuanji lazily writes her first letter to Hao Chen by inscribing the letters in the air with her finger.

"Senior Brother Hao Chen, we had another uneventful day," Little Six reads.  "Today, Sixth Senior Brother ordered a dish that was not tasty at a restaurant on Mount Mengxi."

Linglong laughs.  Xuanji wrinkles her nose.  

"It's not delicious?" asks Little Six.

Xuanji wrinkles her nose and shakes her head.

"Fine, we won't order that tomorrow," says Little Six.  "We can save some money, as well."

With a flourish of her hand, she sends the letter to Hao Chen.  "We'll go to Xishui tomorrow.  There are many delicious foods over there.  There's pork trotter jelly, cold noodles, and peppered chicken."

Linglong laughs.

"You're going to finish our money soon," says Little Six.  "We can only depend on Sifeng in Lize Palace later on."

"We've been out for seven days," says Linglong, "but there are no demons to be seen.  I don't feel like a hero at all.  Look at the letters Xuanji wrote for Senior Brother Hao Chen!  'I'm so happy today.  I've eaten a lot today.'"

"Okay, we've finished our mission for today," says Xuanji.  "Let's go."

"Okay," Says Linglong.

 

Little Six is leading the way, while Linglong and Xuanji are skipping through the forest.

"Where are we?" asks Little Six.  "We should ask someone."

They see three men on the trail.

"Excuse me," says one of the men. The three men promptly bow.  "Judging by your attire, I'm sure you're cultivators.  Do you know how long it will take for us to reach Mount Shaoyang?"

Little Six bows.  "Mister, are you going to Mount Shaoyang because there are demons around?"

"Yes.  We came from Wangxian Town.  Demons are wreaking havoc in our town these days.  They cried in the middle of the night.  All of us were too afraid to go out."  

Xuanji pulls out a map, and she and Linglong are reviewing it.

"The situation has lasted for three months," the man continues.  This can't continue on.  After that, a wandering priest told us that Shaoyang Sect is famous for slaying demons.  That's why we're trying to seek their help."

Xuanji looks up from the map.  "Wangxian Town?  We need to pass by there before we reach Lize Palace and Xuanyuan Sect.  We can meet Sifeng after we slay the demons."

"This is great!" exclaims Linglong.  "We finally have demons to slay!  Mister, we have decided to slay the demons for you."

"But," says the man, "you three are...?"

"We're members of the Shaoyang Sect," Little Six replies.  He holds out a silver badge with an orange tassel.  "This is our name tag.  MIster, please tell us more about the demons.  We will try our best to help."

"I think you are too young," says another one of the men.  "These two ladies look very fresh and innocent.  I think you shouldn't sacrifice your lives for this.  I think we should seek your Master's help instead.  Goodbye."

"'Wait," says Linglong.

"Mister, wait a minute," says Little Six.  "We may look young, but we're very famous in the pugilist world.  Especially this girl," he gestures to Xuanji.  "She may look weak and feeble, but she can slay dozens of demons in one go."

"Dozens of demons?" The men look at her.

Xuanji pushes Little Six away from the group.  "Sixth Senior Brother, since when could I slay dozens of demons?"

"You defeated Shadow Demon, and his clones, right?" asks Little Six.

"That's a different matter!" says Xuanji.

"This is a rare chance, we should grab a hold of it," says Little Six.  He rejoins the group.  "I'm her senior."  He gestures to Linglong.  "As for her, she's not important."

"Little Six!" Linglong hits him with the map.

"We came down the mountain in order to slay demons," says Little Six.  "You don't need to travel to seek help."

"Since that's the case, please help us out." The men bow.

"In Wangxian Town, there's Mount Haiwan," the first man instructs. "On that mountain, there's a grass called Zhuyu Grass, and only our town has that grass.  But the strange thing is, it can't be planted.  It can only grow on its own.  But three months ago, some of our townsfolk went to pick Zhuyu grass.  All of them were devoured by demons.  After that, some brave youngsters went up the mountain, as well.  But they never came back."

"Mister," says Xuanji, "do you have any idea what the demon looks like?"

"The demon always assaulted people from the back.  That's why nobody has seen their true face.  I have a grandson who only learned how to speak recently.  Two days ago, he saw a demon that cried.  It cries, it has two huge talons, and it can fly.  But he's just a child.  I don't think we should treat this seriously."

 

Xuanji is looking through the demon book Sifeng  gave her.

"It has wings," says Linglong, "and it cries, as well?  Isn't that scary?"  She looks at Xuanji.

Xuanji finds the page she's looking for.  "Linglong, look.  From the Demon Manual, a demon who cries and has wings.  It is a Quru Bird?"

"But it doesn't state that the demon likes Zhuyu grass," says Linglong.  "Is it possible that someone is behind this in order to obtain more provisions?"

"Since that's the case, we must act now," says Little Six.  "Let's check it out."

They cross their arms, then spread them out.  Xuanji's umbrella, and Linglong and Little Six's swords are activated, and they fly out into the sky.

"We must be cautious later on," Little Six instructs as they are sailing through the sky.

"It's just a Quru bird," says Linglong.  "Since it likes to eat, I'll give it a taste of my power."

"I'm sure there are more than one of them," says Xuanji.  "We must be careful."

"Even ten of them won't scare me away!" says Linglong.

They descend into an isolated forest.

"It's really desolate here," says Linglong.

"Of course," scoffs Little Six. "There are demons roaming around."

Xuanji pulls up a tuft of grass from the side of a mountain.  The other two follow suit.

"The Zhuyu grass is pretty fragrant," Linglong observes.

Xuanji is eating her tuft of grass.  "Linglong, it's such a waste since Zhuyu grass is delicious!"

"Xuanji," Linglong admonishes, "it's dirty, you know.  Why are you eating it?"

"Linglong, it's delicious.  Try it."

"No way."  

"Sixth Senior Brother?" asks Xuanji.

"I'll skip this time," he laughs.

"Silly girl," says Linglong.

Xuanji looks at the clump of grass.  "Linglong, look.  The cuts are uneven.  I don't think this is caused by something sharp.  It looks like it was ripped."

"You're right," Linglong agrees.

Little Six notices three deep scratches on a tree trunk.  "Seems like we're facing a tough demon."

"Little Six, why are you so timid?" asks Linglong.  "You're afraid of this?"

"You!" says Little Six.

An eerie sound of multiple birds chirping fills the air.

Xuanji jumps.  "I smell a demon."

 

 

...To be continued...

 

 

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