American Perspectives: Seizing the Dingkun Sword Pt 2 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 16)

 

“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.

 

Hao Chen looks at Heavenly Elder.  "I told you before.  If I want to do it, I will do it.  No matter what happens, I'll lead her back to the Heavenly Realm."

 

Linglong remains locked up in Tianxu Hall Prison.  She hears another prisoner nearby, screaming in agony.  She sees Wu Tong walking down the corridor.  She turns her back to him, and sits against a bar.  He arrogantly enters her cell.

"My Lady, how's it going?"

"Let me out," she says softly.  "Let me out."

He smiles.  "You can't stand it anymore?  I told you before.  There are many things scarier than death itself. Now, you can only choose the path I give you.  You can either stay and suffer, or kneel down and beg me."

"In your dreams," Linglong whispers.

Wu Tong kneels down beside her.  "Great.  I knew it.  You're more interesting than the others.  You've been trying to go against me ever since we met, and you've tried to offend me in every way possible.  I knew you were different from them."

Linglong closes her eyes.  She feels a headache coming, and her skin crawling.

"Of course you won't submit," Wu Tong continues.  "The young lady from Shaoyang Sect is precious and proud, right?  I still have many things waiting for you."  He smiles and laughs.

"I will definitely kill you," Linglong avoids eye contact.

"What did you say?" He feels a rush of excitement.  He strokes her face.  "Say it louder."

"I will definitely kill you," Linglong asserts.  "I will definitely kill you!"  She yells, and then she bites his finger, as hard as she can.

"Let go!" he shouts.  He pries her away. "You lunatic!  How dare you bite me when you're in this situation!"  He pauses, and grins wickedly.  "I'm liking you more and more."

 

"Don't touch me!" Yells Teng She.  "I'm going to search for the Dingkun Sword."  

Lord Green Dragon is chasing after him, tickling and playfully punching.  He grabs Teng She's arm, and pushes him to his knees.

Teng She notices something peculiar out of the corner of his eye.  He sees Heavenly Elder writing something in a book.  "Old guy?" Teng She tilts his head.  He takes advantage of the odd moment, breaks away from Lord Green Dragon, and runs off.

Heavenly Elder is giggling uncontrollably as he writes. He feels a sudden shock of getting slapped on the back.  He turns around and groans inwardly.  It's Teng She, the most dramatic beast in the realm.

"Old Guy, you're acting weird," says Teng She.

Heavenly Elder quickly closes his book.  "Teng She, I saw you two fighting just now.  I wanted to stop the fight, but you know, I'm timid.  My skills are limited, and I'm afraid to take a beating.  That's why I didn't go and help."

Lord Green Dragon snatches the book from Heavenly Elder.

"My Lord!" begs Heavenly Elder.

"Stop it!" says Lord Green Dragon and Teng She.

"What is this?" asks Lord Green Dragon.

"It's..." Heavenly Elder tries to grab the book, but Teng She blocks him.

Teng She flips his hair and hisses at Heavenly Elder.

"Tales of the Three Realms, Lord Teng She and His Beloved Phoenix," Lord Green Dragon reads.

"My Lord, you should return it to me," Heavenly Elder says sheepishly.

Lord Green Dragon gives him a look, and Heavenly Elder backs off.

"What is this?" Teng She giggles.

"He, Teng She," Lord Green Dragon reads, "is the handsome king of fighters in the Heavenly Realm.  A fateful encounter has reduced his tough demeanor into gentleness.  And he was willing to ignore everything else."

Teng She frowns.

"He, Green Dragon, is the charming immortal," Lord Green Dragon continues to read, feeling a touch of pride.  "A fateful encounter has caused him to have difficulties choosing between love and friendship.  It's all because of Ling Qin of the Phoenix Tribe."

Teng She gives Heavenly Elder the side eye.

Lord Green Dragon continues to read, "She was elegant and gorgeous.  She was a true beauty."

"Hold it right there!" Interrupts Teng She.  "Why do I feel disgusted?  The Handsome King of Fighters, I'm sure that's me."

"Yes," Heavenly Elder says quickly.

Teng She smirks.  "The Charming Immortal." He points at Lord Green Dragon.  "You're talking about him.  But who's the beautiful Ling Qin?"

"Uh..." says Heavenly Elder.  "Ling Qin inherits her skill from Lord Xuan Hao.  She's a relative of Lord Phoenix.  She's young and talented.  She became leader of the 28 stars when she first ascended to the realm.  She's amazing."

Teng She and Green Dragon aren't believing it.

Green Dragon walks up to Heavenly Elder.  "I've heard of her before.  But I heard that she stays in the Southern Star Palace, and she rarely goes out.  How is she connected to us?"

Heavenly Elder grimaces.  "Uhh...Teng She, seems like you were too busy to remember this.  Don't you remember?  You saved a sparrow once.  That sparrow was Ling Qin.  She couldn't forget you."

Teng She makes a disgusted face. 

"But Lord Green Dragon couldn't forget her.  Please don't think that my stories are all made up.  I have evidence.  Just now, it seemed like you two fought for no reason.  But in reality, it's because of love."

"Wait!" says Green Dragon.  "You're saying it's a one sided love on my part, and I even lost to Teng She?"

Teng She is laughing with delight.

"Change it!" demands Lord Green Dragon.

Teng She is laughing uncontrollably.

Lord Green Dragon pulls on Heavenly Elder's hair.

Teng She slaps his hand away.  He splits the Elder and Green Dragon apart.  He snatches the book from Lord Green Dragon, and hands it to Heavenly Elder.  "Si Ming, I think your story was well written.  Keep up the good work."

"Sure," says Si Ming/Heavenly Elder.

Teng She gloats at Lord Green Dragon.

 

Sifeng is looking great in his purple hanfu, and Xuanji is looking great in mint green as they arrive on Fuyu Island.  They promptly bow to the male and female disciples they see on the dock.

"We need to meet Island Master Dongfang," says Sifeng.  "Please notify him for us."

"I'm Pian Pian from Fuyu Island," says the male disciple.  "This is Yu Ning," he acknowledges the female disciple beside him.  "If you two want to enter the island, you can follow us.  Please," he gestures to them.

Sifeng and Xuanji bow.

 

Sifeng and Xuanji report to Dongfang in the main hall.

"Before Elder Ling Shi passed away," says Sifeng, "he said Tianxu Hall had taken control of Xuanyuan Sect.  Wu Tong said that, as well.  But we haven't confirmed that for ourselves."

 "Although the Xuanyuan Sect is getting weaker and weaker," says a Fuyu Island elder, "it is still one of the five great sects.  There's no way Tianxu Hall can destroy a sect like that without alerting others.  I think Elder Ling Shi must've consumed too many demon pills for him to utter something like that."

"I know our words have no weight," says Sifeng.  "You may not believe in us, but Sect Leader wouldn't have given us the Destiny Pearl if he had a choice."

"The Destiny Pearl?" asks Dongfang.

Xuanji takes off her bracelet and hands it to him.  "Uncle Dongfang, this is the Destiny Pearl Sect Leader Zhu Shi secretly gave me."

With a sweep of his fingers, Dongfang emits gold energy, and uses it to lift the bracelet. The bracelet disappears, and forms into the pearl.  "It is the Destiny Pearl, indeed."  The pearl drops in his hand.  "This is the sacred item of the Xuanyuan Sect.  Seems like we need to investigate this.  Xuanji, can I hold on to the Destiny Pearl for now?"

"Of course you can, Uncle Dongfang.  Tianxu Hall wanted Destiny Pearl because of the spirit key.  They want to revive the Devil Star."

"Devil Star?" asks Dongfang.

"I don't know what it is, either," says Xuanji.  "But I heard it has the power to dominate the three realms."

Dongfang and the sect elders laugh.

"Dominate the three realms?" asks Dongfang.  "What a joke.  The Devil Star was vanquished 1000 years ago.  How could they revive it?  If they could revive the Devil Star, then I could revive the immortal, Pan Gu."

"My Lord," Sifeng interjects.  "Tianxu Hall is harboring such ambition, indeed, and they're trying to execute their plans now.  Xuanyuan Sect is just a start.  I'm afraid they will go after Lize Palace, Dianjinggu Sect, Shaoyang Sect, or even Fuyu Island."

"They can come, then!"  Dongfang says dismissively.  "I'm not afraid of them!  Relay my orders!  Activate the Sword Formation!  I want to see if the demons can penetrate my formation."

"My Lord," says an elder, "Madam's birthday will arrive soon.  All the other sects will be here, as well.  If we activate the Sword Formation, everyone will panic.  Moreover, we still need to investigate the Xuanyuan Sect."

"Just activate the formation!  No excuses," snaps Dongfang.  "How dare Tianxu Hall try to create trouble!  I'll vanquish all of them!"

"Uncle Dongfang, wait," says Xuanji.

"What?" says Dongfang.  "Youngsters have no right to interfere with this."  He takes a deep breath.  "It's late now.  Ask someone to clean up their rooms and bring them to rest."

Xuanji and Sifeng exchange glances.

"Uncle Dongfang, can you ask someone to escort us off the island?" asks Xuanji.  "I want to go look for Linglong and Sixth Senior."

"Of course not!" snaps Dongfang.  "Tianxu Hall is looking for you.  It's not safe for you to be outside.  Xuanji, it's fine.  Don't worry.  I'll send someone to Mount Gao in order to find Linglong and Minyan."

"But I want to go there--" says Xuanji.

"Such impudence!" Dongfang interrupts.  "I have the same rank as your father!  How dare you disobey me!  I can't bear the responsibility if something happens to you, you know?"  He takes a deep breath, and puts his hand on his forehead.

Sifeng notices little red dots on Dongfang's forearm.

"I'm sorry, I'm tired," says Dongfang.  "You should rest now.  I'll set up a feast for you tonight.  Xuanji, you don't need to worry.  We will find Linglong and Minyan.  Go now," he gestures at them, and smiles.  

Xuanji and Sifeng bow.

 

Yu Ning takes Sifeng and Xuanji to their rooms.  "The houses are empty," says Yu Ning.  "They're fully furnished, as well.  Just pick a house you like.  Just tell me if you need anything else.  My master is not acting like his usual self.  You must've been shocked."

"It's fine," says Sifeng.  "Did Island Master go somewhere or encounter something strange recently?"

"It's been half a year since my master left the island," says Yu Ning.  "Besides his mortal training, he'll accompany his wife and do some gardening.  There's nothing strange going on."

"So, Madam Dongfang is responsible for the beautiful scenery on this island," says Sifeng.  "It's such a wonder.  Where does she come from?"

"She came from Mount Zitong.  After that my master--"

A wave of white energy is seen sliding across the sky above them.  A transparent dome begins to form.

"My master has activated the Sword Trap," says Yu Ning.  "You need his permission if you want to leave the Island, so that you won't be hurt by the trap."  She bows to them.

Sifeng and Xuanji return the bow.

After Yu Ning is a safe distance away, Xuanji turns to Sifeng.  "Sifeng, Uncle Dongfang was acting strange.  I can't get through him at all.  We can't find Linglong and Sixth Senior since he has locked us in."

"Calm down," says Sifeng.  "Island Master has sent someone to search for them.  Linglong and Minyan are chivalrous.  Maybe they were delayed because they were helping others out.  But this Island Master is strangely anxious.  Something's wrong.  Seems like he was bewitched."

"Bewitched?" asks Xuanji.

"I'm not too sure, either," says Sifeng, "but there were red rashes on his arm, and it gives off a sweet scent.  Those were the same symptoms I saw in someone who was bewitched.  Regarding the truth, we'll find out at the feast tonight."

 

Sifeng and Xuanji are in the main hall with Dongfang, ready to enjoy some great food.

"Today, you two get to try the special Flower Wine on Fuyu Island," says Dongfang.  "It's freshly brewed.  It's the best time to give it a try."

Sifeng and Xuanji take a sip from their light green cups.

"Go and find out where Madam is," says Dongfang.

"Yes," Steward Ouyang bows.

"How's the taste?" Dongfang asks Xuanji and Sifeng.

"It's fragrant and sweet," says Xuanji.  "It's delicious!"

"Youngsters have no worries, indeed," says Dongfang.  "That's why you can taste the wine.  If we have too many troubles on our mind, we can't taste the wine."

"My Lord, I'm impressed," says Sifeng.  "You're an expert in wine tasting.  I brought some special wine from Lize Palace, as well."  He slides a green jar across the table.  "My Lord, please try it."

Dongfang smiles.  "Bring it to me."

A servant pours him a cup.  He smells the wine and takes a sip. "Why doesn't it taste like wine?"  He puts his hand on the arm with the rash.  He scratches his arm.  "It tastes like water."

"Because--" Sifeng begins.

"Seems like I'm late," Madam Dongfang regally enters the room.

"My dear!" exclaims Dongfang.

Everyone stands up to greet her.

"My dear, you're here," says Dongfang.  

"Greetings, Madam," says Xuanji.

"Is she the daughter of Sect Leader Chu?" asks Madam Dongfang.

"Yes," says Dongfang.

"She's such a beauty now," Madam Dongfang looks at Sifeng.  "So, he's the favorite disciple of Lize Palace?  It's rare for me to see a disciple of Lize Palace without his mask.  This is very rare indeed."

"Qing Rong, did you drink again?"  asks Dongfang.

"What?  Can't I drink?"  Asks Madam Dongfang.

"Of course you can.  DId you drink by yourself, or did you drink with someone else?"

"Why should I tell you?"

Dongfang laughs.  "Come, my dear."

Sifeng looks at her suspiciously.

"What wine is this?" Madam Dongfang asks.

"This is the wine Hero Yu brought from Lize Palace.  Why don't you try it?"  He pours her a cup.  "How's the taste?"

"Although it's bland, it has a delicate scent.  It's much better than the wine on Fuyu Island," says Madam Dongfang.

Dongfang laughs.  "Good!  You can drink more if you like it."

"I heard that Xuanyuan Sect was in trouble," says Madam Dongfang.  "Although Xuanyuan Sect is one of the five great sects, it's corrupted inside.  They deserved everything that happened to them."

"Qing Rong, that's enough," says Dongfang.  "You should drink less.  It's not suitable for you to say that, right?  Xuanji, Hero Yu.  Don't just sit over there.  Enjoy the food and wine, as well.

Xuanji and Sifeng exchange glances.