American Perspectives: An Absent Soul Pt. 1 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 20)

 

“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.

 

Little Six and Chen Minjue are fighting the Demon Guards of the Tianxu Hall hideout.  They are horribly outnumbered.

"Sixth Senior!" shouts Xuanji, with Sifeng and Ruo Yu beside her.

"Xuanji!" Yells Little Six.

"Minyan, have you found Linglong?" asks Sifeng.

"No," says Little Six, as he continues to strike down the Demon Guards with his sword.

"Let's slay these demons before anything else," Sifeng suggests.

Sifeng, Xuanji, and Ruo Yu rush forward.  They are confidently fighting the demons, until more arrive with large, wooden instruments that look like horns.  Wu Tong emerges among them.

The horns are so large and so heavy, that they each require two people to operate them: one to play, and one to hold it steady.

"How dare you barge in when you have so few people," says Wu Tong.  "You're digging your own grave!  I had to give you a warm welcome since you made it here."  He raises his arm.  "Attack!"

The demons begin to play their instruments, transparent energy emitting.  It permeates the room, causing headaches.

Wu Tong laughs.

A mysterious sword flies in, causing the energy to shatter.  The disciples look up.

"Senior Hao Chen?" asks Xuanji.

"I'll punish you when we return," he says sternly.

Wu Tong walks forward.

"Demon," says Hao Chen, "how dare you hurt my junior sister?  You're digging your own grave."

"You sound pretty arrogant," says Wu Tong.  "Don't think you can escape by breaking through my Soul Sonar."  He fires black energy from the palms of his hands.

Hao Chen promptly blocks him.  He summons his sword, and uses it to push Wu Tong back.

Wu Tong loses his footing and falls to the ground.

"You became a demon instead of a human when you had the chance," says Hao Chen.

"Attack!" orders Wu Tong.

"Yu'er?" asks Xuanji.

Yu'er is standing at the top of the stage.

As Hao Chen is fighting off the demons, he knocks Yu'er over with the energy from his sword.  "A demon spirit?" he asks with disgust.

Yu'er promptly runs away. Sifeng and Xuanji chase after her.

 

Little Six is underground, still trying to find Linglong.  He sees a haze of purple and pink energy in front of him.  Within that haze, Linglong is standing, but she's unconscious.

"Linglong!" cries Little Six.

Wu Tong is in front of her, using the energy from his hand to push her body backward.  He looks directly at Little Six and smiles.

"Linglong!" yells Little Six.  "Let her go!" 

Wu Tong laughs.

Little Six flies to him, and Wu Tong uses the intense purple and pink energy to block.  He lifts Little Six in the air, and wraps the energy around his neck.

"Scoundrel, what did you do to her?" asks Little Six.

"Zhong Minyan, you lost to me before," sneers Wu Tong.  "You're overestimating your abilities.  Are you anxious?  It's a pity that you're too late."  With great force, he sends Little Six flying backward, and crashing onto the ground.

Sifeng and Xuanji see Little Six flat on his back.

"Sixth Senior!" exclaims Xuanji.  She kneels down beside him.

Chen Minjue stabs Wu Tong in the back.

"Argh!" Wu Tong grunts.  He looks behind him, and kicks Chen Minjue away.  Chen Minjue belly flops onto the floor.

With a great force of golden energy, Sifeng runs up to Wu Tong, and punches him so hard with the energy that Wu Tong falls to the floor.  Sifeng takes advantage of the moment to grab Linglong.

Wu Tong and Chen Minjue disappear in a cloud of purple energy.

Wu Tong and Chen Minjue reappear in another part of the cave.  Wu Tong inscribes some purple writing in the air.

"What are you trying to do?" asks Chen Minjue.

Rocks begin to fill up an opening in the wall. Yu'er is on the other side, and she rushes to it.  She flies through, just before it's sealed up.

Sifeng and Xuanji run down below.

"I'm sure Second Senior is inside!" Xuanji says as she sees the opening rapdily closing.

She is about to fly through, but there isn't enough room.

"Xuanji!" yells Sifeng, he attempts to use some of his energy to slow the sealing process.

"Xuanji?" asks Hao Chen.

Sifeng immediately stops what he's doing, and Xuanji falls backward into his arms.

"Xuanji, are you okay?" asks Sifeng.

She shakes her head.

"You made me worried," Sifeng continues.  "You were almost crushed by the closing entrance."

"I just wanted to save him."

"You need to care for your own safety!" says Sifeng.  His heart can't stop pounding.  "Do you understand?"

She nods her head.

"Xuanji," asks Hao Chen.  "Are you okay?"

Xuanji nods.

"Hero Yu, I have several questions," says Hao Chen.  "When did you get the news?  How did you manage to find this place before us?  Why did you bring my junior here without informing the sect leaders?  And why did you save that Demon Spirit?  Don't tell me you know that Demon Spirit?"

"I have the Sound Bell with me," says Sifeng matter of factly.  "That's why we came earlier than you.  We wanted to save Linglong.  We came here right after we got the news.  We didn't have time to report." Sifeng says calmly.  "As for the demon spirit, I have never seen her before," Sifeng lies.  "I was standing in front of her by coincidence.  Senior Hao Chen, you're thinking too much.

"You're full of deceit, and you're always hiding something," says Hao Chen.  "Xuanji, it's okay if you become friends with an honest guy like Minyan.  I won't reject that. But for fake people like him," He looks at Sifeng, "we should avoid them."

"Senior Hao Chen," Xuanji insists, "Sifeng isn't like that."  Before she can argue her point further, the walls begin to shake, and debris falls from the ceiling.

"This is bad," says Sifeng.  "This place is going to collapse.  Let's leave."

 

Wu Tong and Chen Minjue descend into another chamber in the cave.

"Your fellow disciples have ruined my new hideout," growls Wu Tong.  He pats Chen Minjue on the shoulder.  "I can only bring you to the headquarters.  Guards!"

A swarm of demon guards immediately surround them.

"Bring him away, give him a warm welcome," says Wu Tong.

Chen Minjue is promptly escorted out.

Yu'er descends into the room in a purple and black stream of energy.  Wu Tong is surprised to see her.  She's met by a swarm of demonic guards.

"My Lord, she's with the Disciples of Shaoyang Sect.  I've seen her before."

Yu'er shakes her head quickly.  "No!  I'm a demon spirit!  I'm trying to seek refuge in Tianxu Hall."

Wu Tong smiles.  "You're trying to seek refuge?  Sure.  I'll grant your wish.  Lock her up in a cell!"

"Yes!" say the guards.

"No!  Don't lock me up!  Let me go!" Yu'er insists.  "I'm really here to seek refuge!" She shouts as the guards drag her away.

Wolf bows to Wu Tong.  "My Lord, our plans were disrupted before we got the chance to send the severed hand in exchange for the spirit key.  If our Hall Master knows about this, we'll..."

Wu Tong claps his hand around his throat, thick black smoke emitting.

"I still have other plans," says Wu Tong.  "Your Master won't be able to blame me."  In a poof of red and black smoke and ash, Wolf disappears.

Wu Tong pulls out a silver vial from his hanfu that contains lavender colored energy.

 

Linglong remains unconscious on Fuyu Island.  Xuanji has her propped up while Aunt Hong is applying ice blue energy.

"Junior Sister, how is she?" asks Sect Leader Chu.

Aunt Hong stands up.  "Senior Brother, don't worry.  Linglong has not been poisoned, and she doesn't have any serious injury.  She'll be fine."

Xuanji breathes a sigh of relief.

"I think she was just shocked," Aunt Hong continues.  "She'll be fine after some rest."

Sect Leader Chu nods.  "Good."

"This is great," says Xuanji, while she affectionately rubs her sister's arms.  "It's good that Linglong is fine."  She lays Linglong down on the bed. "We should let her sleep now."  She carefully covers her with the blanket.

"That's great," says Little Six.

"That bad Wu Tong is too much," says Xuanji.  "I wonder where Second Senior is right now?"

"We managed to save Linglong," says Sect Leader Chu, "but we also lost Minjue.  What is Wu Tong plotting?"

Little Six's eyes flutter closed, and he begins to get dizzy.  He loses his footing and falls backward.  First Senior Brother catches him before he hits the ground.

"Minyan!"

"Sixth Senior!" says Xuanji.

"Minyan!" says First Senior Brother.

Aunt Hong promptly applies ice blue energy to Little Six.  She recoils.  "Senior, this is Five Poisons Palm!  It is a very potent skill.  If we don't neutralize the poison soon, he'll be in danger."

"I heard that we need five types of poisonous herbs to dispell its poison," says Hao Chen.

"Yes," Aunt Hong agrees.  "But first, we need to figure out the five poisons in his body right now.  Only then can we make the cure.  We need some time for this.  I hope Minyan can stay strong."

"Min Xing," says Sect Leader Chu to First Senior Brother, "bring him to the room beside us."

"Yes," says First Senior Brother.  He and Xuanji pick Little Six up and carry him out.

 

Xuanji is applying cool water to Little Six's face in his room.  "Sixth Senior," says Xuanji, "don't worry.  We will neutralize your poison.  And we will find a cure for you."

 

Xuanji has returned to her room, and she's sitting at her desk, falling asleep.  Her door is open, and Sifeng walks right in.  He sees her sleeping at her desk, her head in her hands.  He sits next to her, and she falls over.  He catches her before her head hits the table.  She's still asleep when she affectionately touches his hand that's supporting her face.  She is touching his hand, and smiling in her sleep.

"Senior," Yu Ning pokes her head in.

Xuanji abruptly wakes up.  "Sifeng?"

"You're awake?" asks Sifeng.

 

"Have you identified the five poisons found within Minyan?" asks Sect Leader Chu.  The elders are hanging around outside, trying to find a solution.

"Yes.  We've made the cure, as well," says Aunt Hong.  "But inside it, there's one special ingredient called Yin Yang Grass.  Its poisonous nature will change regularly.  And different times will have a different effect on its nature."

"What will the consequences be, then?" Asks Sect Leader Chu.

"If it has Yang nature, it can neutralize Minyan's poison when you mix it with the four other poisons.  But if it has a Yin nature, it will clash with the other poisons.  And this will cause Minyan to die instantly."

Sect Leader Chu gasps.  "Do we have a way to find out about its nature, then?"

"Sect Leader," says Hao Chen.  "Maybe you don't know this.  This is precisely why we're worried.  There's no way to tell which nature it has.  That's why we need someone to test the concoction.  It's just that it's concocted with poisonous herbs.  It will harm the test subject, as well.  Especially...if it has Yin nature, it will reduce the test subject's power to nothing."

"And I haven't figured out a solution yet," says Aunt Hong.  "But time is not on Minyan's side."

"I'll be the test subject," Xuanji approaches them.

"No!" says Sect Leader Chu.  "The concoction is very poisonous."

Sifeng stands beside Xuanji.

"If it has a Yin nature," says Sect Leader Chu, "it will reduce your power to nothing.  Now, I mustn't let anyone else be in trouble."

"But you need a test subject somehow."

"Xuanji, I know," says Hao Chen.  "You're most concerned about Minyan, but this is a special case.  You'll be in danger if you do this."

"Sixth Senior took great care of Linglong and me," Xuanji argues.  "Now it's my turn to do something for him.  Let me be the test subject."  She steps forward, but Sifeng bumps her out of the way.  He grabs the bowl of medicine and gets ready to drink.

"Sifeng!" says Aunt Hong.  "No!"

"Sifeng!" Xuanji grabs his arm.  Too late, he downs it in one gulp.

"Sifeng!" Xuanji says with horror.  "Sifeng, you..."

"It's my chance to help my brother out," says Sifeng.  "Of course, it needs to be me."  He places the empty bowl back on the tray.

Sifeng clenches his fist and looks down.

"Sifeng!  Sifeng!" says Xuanji.  "Sifeng, are you okay?  Please don't scare me."

Sweat forms on Sifeng's forehead.  His breath shortens.

"Sifeng!" says Xuanji.

Sifeng begins to fall forward.

With her index and middle fingers, Aunt Hong uses a stream of blue energy to scan Sifeng's body.  She injects silvery energy into his wrist.

Sifeng is getting weaker.

"How is it?" Asks Sect Leader Chu.

Aunt Hong smiles. "It has a Yang Nature.  This will work."

She puts a pill in Sifeng's mouth. "Swallow this vitality pill."

Xuanji rubs Sifeng's chest.  "Sifeng, you don't look too well.  Let me take you back to your room."

"I'm fine," Sifeng insists, sweat continuing to form on his forehead.  "I just need to recuperate on my own.  I'll return by myself.  Hurry and give Minyan the cure."

"No," says Xuanji.  "I must take you back first."

"Xuanji, this is a potent poison," says Sect Leader Chu.  "We mustn't be careless.  All of us are here.  Don't worry.  Take Sifeng back and take care of him."

"Sifeng, let's go."  She gently guides him.

They walk back to his room, and she helps him get on his bed.

"Xuanji, I'm fine," Sifeng says gently.  "You should return now."

"No," says Xuanji.  "You need to rest well.  Why didn't you let me drink the concoction?  Sixth Senior is my senior.  Logically, I should be the test subject."

Sifeng's fist clenches.  He shivers.  "Minyan is my good brother, as well.  Why can't I be the test subject?" Little Six is also somewhat of a sore spot that gets triggered during times like this. 

Xuanji doesn't have an answer.

"I wonder how he's doing right now," says Sifeng.  "You should go and check."

"But what about you?"

"I'm fine.  I need to recuperate.  It's not convenient for me when you're here."

"I..."

"Go now."

"But...But you must tell me if you feel uncomfortable, okay?"

"Okay."

Xuanji turns away, not understanding why he's suddenly so distant.

After she leaves, Sifeng tries not to throw up.  He takes a deep breath.  He's shivering, and sweat is streaming down his face.  His body is cramping, and he feels like he is going to die.

Xuanji returns to Little Six's room.  "Aunt Yinghong, how's Sixth Senior?"

"The poison is too strong," says Aunt Hong.  "Although the poison has been neutralized, his body can't force out the remaining poison."

"Sect Leader, Aunt Yinghong," says Hao Chen.  "Rumor has it that the Freezing Pond in Fuyu Island can help people recover.  Why don't we try it?  This pond may be able to force the poison out of Minyan's body."

"We can try that," Aunt Hong agrees.

"Okay," Sect Leader Chu says reluctantly.  "I'll ask Master Dongfang right now."

 

Little Six is sitting alone, semi conscious, in the Freezing Pond.  "It's freezing!" he protests.

"The Freezing Pond is cold indeed," says Aunt Hong.  "The poison will disappear after a few days.  But this place is extremely cold, as well.  During this period, we need someone to keep an eye on him."

"I'll stay here and take care of Sixth Senior," says Xuanji.  "I'm not afraid of the cold.  I'll be fine."

 

Sifeng is in his room, meditating.  Finally feeling calm, finally feeling better.

"Sifeng!" calls Ruo Yu from outside.  He walks through Sifeng's open door.  "I came to visit because I heard that you tried the poisonous concoction.  How are you feeling?"

Sifeng carefully stands up.  "I've adjusted my internal breathing.  I'm fine now."

"That's good," says Ruo Yu.  "If our master hears about this, he'll throw a fit again."

"I've experienced the harshest punishment in Lize Palace," says Sifeng.  "There is nothing to fear."

"You're pretty optimistic," Ruo Yu smiles.  "By the way, how is Yan Ran doing?"

"I've given her some of my powers.  She'll be fine.  I haven't left my room today.  I wonder how Minyan is doing?"

"The poison was neutralized," says Ruo Yu, "but there are residues left.  Elder Chu of the Shaoyang Sect sent him to the Freezing Pond in order to force out the poison.  I met Senior Hao Chen on my way here.  He told me that Xuanji skipped all her meals in order to accompany Minyan."

"She thinks that it's fine since she has no feelings," says Sifeng.  "That place is extremely cold.  Her body won't be able to take it.  I'll take a look."

"Sifeng!" says Ruo Yu.

 

Xuanji is watching over Little Six in the Freezing Pond, while First Senior Brother is standing beside her.

"Xuanji, you've been here for the whole day," says First Senior Brother.  "Why don't you go back and rest?" Snow is collecting in his hair, and he's shivering.

"I'm not tired," Xuanji insists.  "First Senior, I think you should leave.  I don't think your body can take it."

Sifeng walks to the snowy cave.  Hao Chen pokes out from behind a rock and watches him.

"I've been outside for a long time," says First Senior Brother.  "You needn't stay here anymore.  Go now!"

"I don't feel cold at all," Xuanji insists.  "Just leave now."

Meanwhile, in the pool, Little Six is experiencing flashbacks.

"By then, I'll tell Master about my proposal," Little Six remembers telling Linglong. "And you can show him this love lot."

"Proposal?" says Linglong.  "It's just a misunderstanding.  I may not be married to you in the future.  You can give your love lot to anyone else on the streets.  You can give it to anyone you like.  Except for me."

He has memories of her being captured by Wu Tong.  His head feels like it's going to burst open.

"Sixth Senior!" says Xuanji.

"Minyan!" says First Senior Brother.

Lurking behind the cave wall is Hao Chen.

"Minyan, are you okay?" asks First Senior Brother.

From his hiding spot, Hao Chen shoots a beam of silvery energy into Little Six's head.

Little Six is about to slide under water.

"Xuanji, keep an eye on him," says First Senior Brother.  "I'll find Aunt Yinghong."

"Hurry!" says Xuanji.

Little Six's head won't stop hurting.  He begins to sink.

Xuanji rushes into the water.  She pulls him up.  "Sixth Senior, are you okay?"

His eyes are closed.  "Linglong?" he gasps.  He embraces Xuanji, who awkwardly keeps her hands away from his body.  "Linglong, you can reject my love, but no one will take you away from me!"

She's trying to break from his embrace, but feels stuck as she doesn't want him to drown.  She awkwardly pats him on the back.

"Little Six," says Xuanji, "I'm Linglong.  I'm here. I'm here."

In the midst of Xuanji pretending to be Linglong, Sifeng enters the cave.  Hao Chen is thrilled.

"Little Six," Xuanji pats him on the back.  "I'm here.  You...You should get better, so that my father will let us get married."

Sifeng's heart skips a beat, and his stomach hurts.  Not again.

Hao Chen is watching Sifeng's reaction, feeling extremely satisfied.

"Little Six, do you feel better?  Please stay strong."

Sifeng feels livid, sick, and devastated.  He looks at his arm and sees a green light shining on his wrist.  He backs away slowly before turning around and running outside.

Yu Sifeng, you don't know when to back down.  You wanted to get close to Xuanji.  Don't blame me for this.  Hao Chen flicks his fingers, and removes the energy from Little Six's head.

Xuanji slowly breaks away from him.  "Sixth Senior."

 

 

...To Be Continued...