American Perspectives: Reclaiming the 2nd Piece of What's Rightfully Her's Pt. 1 ("Love and Redemption Ep. 12)

 

"Love and Redemption" can be viewed on Viki or Youtube.  Dialogue adapted from English subtitle translations by "Destined Love Team at Viki.com." "Love and Redemption," is based on the novel "Liu Li Mei Ren Sha," by Shi Si Lang.  The writings presented here are based on observations from the television series.

 

Sifeng has the beautiful, deep blue, sparkling Demon Charm in the palm of his hand.  He allows it to levitate to eye level. Without touching the stone, he makes a fist, and the stone shatters.

Yu'er touches her forehead.  The blue mark that was used to control her, disappears.  Brother Liu hugs her.  He checks her head, just to be sure.

"It's gone!  Gone!" Brother Liu has a huge smile.

"Thank you for sparing me," says Yu'er.  "I'm leaving."  She darts away.

"She's still young and immature," Brother Liu explains.  "Thanks, Little Phoenix," he says to Sifeng, before chasing after Yu'er.

Sifeng smiles slightly.

 

The Six Disciples (Xuanji, Sifeng, Linglong, Little Six, Ruo Yu, and Little Silver Flower) are walking alongside the river.

"A demon saved Elder Ling Shi?" Little Six asks incredulously.  "Xuanji, did you make a mistake?"

"No," Xuanji insists.  "I've never come across such a strong, demonic aura.

"Whether a demon has caught Ling Shi or not, " says Linglong.  "We should head to Xuanyuan Sect and inform Elder Zhu Shi of what he did.  Sifeng, Xuanji.  We'll head to Xuanyuan Sect.  As for the rest," she looks at Little Six, "wait for us in town."

Little Six starts after Linglong.

"Minyan," warns Sifeng.  "I've said so.  You need to care about Xuanji's feelings."

"But I need to explain myself!" Little Six insists.

"You should stay in town and give it some thought," says Sifeng, "in case your insincere words hurt others and yourself.  Ruo Yu, Yan Ran.  Take Minyan to the town.  Don't let him follow us."

Little Six tries to follow Sifeng.  Ruo Yu grabs his arm.  "Minyan, let's go."

"This is utter nonsense," scoffs Little Six.

 

Linglong, Xuanji, and Sifeng are flying through the clouds on their weapons.

"Linglong!  Linglong!" Calls Xuanji.  "Does Linglong have something on her mind?  She's ignoring me."

"Something is bothering her," explains Sifeng.  "That's why she's acting that way."

"What's bothering her?" asks Xuanji.

Sifeng avoids the question.  "We're here.  Let's get down now."  They quickly descend into Xuanyuan.

They are lead by a disciple through the open gates of Xuanyuan Sect.  The disciple bows to them.  "Please wait for a moment.  I'll go inform them of your arrival."

"No one is training, and the ground isn't swept," Linglong observes.  "That's so outrageous."

Sifeng looks at incense censer in the middle of the courtyard.  "The censer has gone out of use.  It seems they haven't burned any incense for days."

The disciple returns to them.  He bows.  "Sect Leader is inviting you to go in."

The three bow in return.  They walk through the main hall doors and bow.  "Sect Leader," they say in unison.

Two strange men in black are standing by Zhu Shi's desk, while Zhu Shi is reading a book.

"You traveled all the way here," says Mo Shi.  "Why are you here?"

Zhu Shi looks extremely disinterested. "Sect Leader can't talk because he's caught a cold," Mo Shi continues.  "That's why I'm asking on his behalf."

Sifeng bows.  "I came uninvited for an urgent matter.  We went down the mountain for training.  While passing by Wangxian Town, we saw someone controlled by the demon spirits to drink human blood and grow Jialuo blood fruits."

Zhu Shi looks up from his book.

"We investigated and found out that it's Elder Ling Shi's doing," Sifeng continues.  "As juniors, we dared to act recklessly."  The elders exchange glances.  "We're afraid it'd tarnish Xuanyuan Sect's reputation.  That's why we came to inform Sect Leader Zhu Shi of it."

"Got it," says Mo Shi.  "Our sect will see to it.  Don't worry yourselves with it."

"We almost got killed!" Linglong exclaims.  "You don't look concerned at all, Mo Shi."

"I don't need you to teach me how to settle it," Mo Shi retorts.

"Since the fellow elders have found out," says Sifeng, "there's nothing else to talk about."  Sifeng bows.  "We're leaving."

"No rush," says Mo Shi.  Xuanji looks at him suspiciously.  "You came all this way.  I think you should stay for a vegetarian meal."

Mmm...food, thinks Xuanji.  No complaint here!

"All three of you went down the mountain for training," says Zhu Shi, not looking up from his book.  "How many of you?" He finally looks at them.

"Six persons in total," says Sifeng.  "The other companions are waiting in town for our return.  We were afraid we'd get into danger again.  That's why we came up with a plan.  If we don't get back by this evening, those three people will inform the sect of our disappearance."

"If so, I won't make you stay," says Mo Shi.  "Xuanyuan Sect will catch Ling Shi soon.  We'll give you an explanation."  He bows to them.  "You may see yourselves out."

"Wait!" says Zhu Shi.  He gets up from his desk.  "I might need your help with something.  The wife of the Lord of Fuyu Island is having her birthday banquet soon.  My men are too busy to send her the gift.  Thus, I'd like you all," he makes a gliding hand motion, and a box appears in his palm, "to send this gift to Master Dongfang."

Xuanji takes the box.

"See the guests out," says Zhu Shi.

Mo Shi, and one of the men in black exchange glances.

"Wait," says Mo Shi.  "It's a gift to Fuyu Island, and it has to do with the face of my sect.  Sect Leader isn't feeling so well.  He might leave something out.  I'll take a look at it again for Sect Leader.  He opens up the box, and sees a beautiful white and tan piece of rock.  "There's not much time, but you managed to remain courteous.  It seems that I was worried for nothing."

The box is returned to Xuanji.

"Please see yourselves out," Mo Shi bows.

Xuanji glides her hand over the box, leaving a trail of iridescent blue energy.  The box then disappears into a safe spot.

The three disciples bow to Mo Shi and exit.

"Xuanyuan Sect is weird," says Linglong, as they pass through the gate.  "They made me feel uncomfortable."

"Oh, right, Sifeng, why did you say that if we were not back before dark, those waiting in town would inform the sect of it?" asks Linglong.  "I don't remember making that arrangement."

"I found Xuanyuan Sect strange, too," says Sifeng.  "That's why I said that.  Maybe I was worried for nothing."

 

Little Silver Flower and Little Six are sitting at a table full of food. Little Silver Flower is drumming her fingers on the table top impatiently.

The door cracks open, and Little Six jumps up excitedly.  Linglong, Xuanji, and Sifeng come filing in.  "You're back.  You're hungry, aren't you?  I've prepared supper, let's eat together."

Linglong looks past him.  "I'm a bit tired.  I'm going to bed first."

"Linglong," Little Six says.  He and Xuanji chase after her.

"Sifeng, I have something to tell you," says Little Silver Flower.  "It's very important.  I have to say it now."

They go into Sifeng's room.

"Master, green feather marks are on your wrist," says Little Silver Flower, "and the Lover's Curse is now in your body."

"I knew you'd find it out," says Sifeng.  "Don't tell Xuanji about it."

"Now isn't the time to care about her!  I don't care.  You can't stay here anymore.  Let's go.  We'll go back to Lize Palace.  And we won't come back again, okay?"

Sifeng turns away.  "Then, we'll lock ourselves in Lize Palace forever.  I'd rather die."

"You won't die!" Little Silver Flower insists.  "It takes three attacks from the Lover's Curse for the blood to flow backward.  If you don't get hurt by love, the curse won't attack, and you'll be fine."

"That's right," says Sifeng.  "That's why I think I can manage it.  What are you worried about?"

"But Chu Xuanji is unreliable.  She doesn't love you at all.  You shouldn't have fallen in love with her, and you're in a complicated relationship with her.  She'll get you killed, Master!"

"Little Silver Flower, you're getting unruly," Sifeng warns.

She immediately kneels to him.  "Please calm down, Master."

"You were fortunate enough to cultivate yourself into a human form, and it was not easy.  That's why I let you pretend to be a Dianjinggu Disciple and train with me.  You're not here to control me.  You can't restrain me, or meddle with my affairs."

"Because I...I don't understand your decision," Little Silver Flower cries.  "I want you to stay alive, Master."

"You're right," says Sifeng.  "I should stay alive.  You're my spirit beast.  Our six senses are connected.  Can you not feel how happy I am?  Get up."

Little Silver Flower slowly stands up.

"Little Silver Flower, did you know?  The moment I put on the Lover's Curse Mask, I thought I'd never be happy again.  I was scared that the curse would take my life.  That it would control me.  But now, I'm very happy and carefree.  I was presumptuous enough to make this decision.  I let myself fall in love with her.  All this is my decision.  No matter what happens in the future, I'll bear all the cost and I won't regret it.  Do you understand now?"

Little Silver Flower hesitates.  "I do. But you'll die eventually.  I don't want you to die, Master.  I don't want!"

"Stop being dramatic!"  They can hear Brother Liu yelling in the hallway.  "Nobody is dying here."  He pops open the door.  Little Silver Flower spins around, and holds a knife to his throat.

"Little Silver Flower, we used to go up to the Heavenly Realm together," says Brother Liu.  "Can you be more polite to me?"

She moves the knife closer to his throat.

"If your hand slips and you accidentally kill me," says Brother Liu, "then your master is dead meat."

Sifeng steps forward.  "Eldest Brother Liu, you haven't gotten rid of the bad habit of eavesdropping."

Brother Liu smiles sheepishly.  "Ah," Brother Liu looks side to side, "if it hadn't been for my eavesdropping habit, I wouldn't have found out your lifeline." He grins broadly.

"Lifeline?" asks Little Silver Flower.  "What Lifeline?"

"Of course, it's a Lifeline that breaks your master's Lover's Curse." He spins around and sits down, one leg propped up higher than the other.

Sifeng has a neutral expression.  "You're kidding me, Eldest Brother Liu.  There's no way to break it."

"Little Phoenix, you're very lucky indeed," says Brother Liu.  "On the day I sneaked into Lize Palace to visit you, I eavesdropped on the conversation between the Palace Master and Deputy Chief.  And I found out that there's a secret chamber in Lize Palace.  There's a dossier in that secret chamber, and the dossier records the solution to the Lover's Curse."  Brother Liu chuckles.

Little Silver Flower lights up.  "What's the solution?  I'll do whatever it takes to break the curse for Master."

"Eh..." says Brother Liu.  "Well, it has nothing to do with you.  The only person who can save your master is Chu Xuanji."

"Chu Xuanji." Little Silver Flower is displeased.

"We all know that when the curse starts working," says Brother Liu, "one's blood will flow backward, and he'll die if he gets hurt by love thrice.  And the mask will turn into a crying face.  It's impossible for one to not to get hurt by love.  Thus, this curse became a death curse.  And that's the reason why there's a lifeline.  If the one you love treats you with all her heart, and is loyal to you, she can take off your mask, and the mask will turn into a smiling face."

"Why so?" Sifeng asks cautiously.  "I've never heard of this solution to the Lover's Curse."

"Well..." says Brother Liu.  "Because only the Palace Masters can enter the secret chamber.  Naturally, they don't believe there are loyal partners in the world.  That's why they've never brought it up.  That's normal."

"I'm bringing her here to take off my master's mask," says Little Silver Flower.

Brother Liu laughs awkwardly.  "Here's the main point.  They have to love each other."

"They have to love each other?" asks Little Silver Flower.

"Thus, I'm reminding you," says Brother Liu, "you'd better not act recklessly.  There's only one chance to take the mask off.  No second chance.  Little Phoenix, your life depends on whether you can make Chu Xuanji fall in love with all her heart."

"Thank you, Eldest Brother Liu," says Sifeng, "for giving me a solution.  I really appreciate it."

"Don't mention it," says Brother Liu.

"But you do know that," says Sifeng, "Xuanji has someone else in her heart?  I've fallen deeply in love with her.  It has nothing to do with her.  I can't force her for my own sake."

Brother Liu rolls his eyes.  "Look at yourself.  Look at yourself."  He stands up.  "You've never troubled others.  You're a man who endures everything alone.  But when it comes to love, you've got to listen to me.  You need to be aggressive when courting a lady.  I have come across many women.  I think Chu Xuanji is a confused girl who's ignorant of love.  She seems to know nothing about love."

Sifeng looks up.

Brother Liu continues.  "Therefore, you need not take small fights seriously."  He looks at Little Silver Flower.  "I have faith in our Little Phoenix.  It's not as hard as you think it is."

 

Xuanji pushes through the transparent curtains in her room, and decides to step outside.  She's remembering something Little Six said earlier.

"I, Zhong Minyan, only care about Chu Linglong.  I'm not apologizing.  You feel the same way about me.  Why don't you admit it?  Can we stop lying to ourselves?"

Xuanji lightly taps her head against the doorway.  

She takes a seat at her desk, holding her writing brush.  "Eldest Brother Liu, you said Linglong and Sixth Senior fought because of me."  She's remembering their dinner time conversation.  "Why so?"

Brother Liu looks at her in amazement.  "Don't you see that your silly sister and that silly Zhong Minyan like each other?"

"But Linglong and Sixth Senior fight all the time.  I thought she didn't like him at all.  Isn't it great if they like each other?" Xuanji smiles. "But, Eldest Brother Liu, why do they fight even though they like each other?  All three of us live happily together.  Isn't that great?"

Brother Liu is horrified. "What's so great about it?  Can't you see that Linglong has lost her appetite because  she's very upset that Zhong Minyan likes both of you?"

"That's impossible." Xuanji shakes her head.  "Linglong is very generous.  I enjoy eating drumsticks.  So does she.  We share our drumsticks all the time.  Sharing is caring."  As an aside, this author knows of many American men who would unapologetically take advantage of this, and this author has been on the receiving end of this very argument when men have wanted to push polyamory on her.

Brother Liu gives her bombastic side eye.  "Are you ignorant, or pretending to be so?  There are many things in this world that can't be shared, especially one's loved one.  That can't be shared."

"Who said so?" asks Xuanji.  "Linglong and I like father, and she's not mad about it."

"Xuanji," Brother Liu explains, "humans are very greedy.  There are many kinds of likes.  You like drumsticks and I like drinks.  You like your father, and I like Little Phoenix.  Yet, someone will make you forget about all of these likes.  You still don't get it?  Let me put it this way.  If you were to travel alone to a desert island and stay there forever, you could take someone along to keep you company.  That's the one whom you wouldn't share with others.  Would you abandon Linglong and stay on the desert island with Minyan forever?"

Xuanji shakes her head quickly and emphatically.

"That means he's not the one."

"The one and only," Xuanji thinks out loud, alone, in her bedroom.  "Someone who can't be shared.  Linglong seems to treat Minyan differently, and Minyan seems to treat Linglong differently.  Did I really make a mistake?"

 

Linglong, Little Six, Xuanji, Little Silver Flower, Brother Liu, and Sifeng gather together the next morning for breakfast.  Tension between Linglong and Little Six remains intense.

Brother Liu smacks Sifeng on the arm.  "Fill her bowl," he whispers.

Sifeng is motionless.

Brother Liu rolls his eyes.  "Fill her bowl," he whispers sharply.  Forget it, he thinks.  With his chopsticks, he picks up some vegetables from a plate.  "Sifeng said vegetables help you grow taller."  He places them in Xuanji's bowl.

Xuanji smiles.

Little Silver Flower glares.

"Linglong, what happened yesterday between you and Sixth Senior?" asks Xuanji.

"We..." Linglong says awkwardly.

Little Six picks up some food and attempts to put it in Linglong's bowl.  She moves away.

"Leave me be," says Linglong.

"I can't do it," says Little Six.

"Why did you say it out loud?"  asks Linglong.  "How embarassing."

Little Six stands up. "What's so embarassing about it?  All these years, whenever I see you, I like catching a glimpse of you and talking to you more often.  I feel happy, even when we're bantering.  Today, I'd like to make things clear in front of you all.  The one I like is you."  He looks at Linglong.

Linglong stands up.  "I've already told you.  If you let Xuanji down, I'll kill you."

"Go ahead and kill me then," says Little Six.  "I'd tell the same thing to anyone.  There's nothing between me and Xuanji."

 

 

....To be continued....