American Perspectives: Sifeng Accused of Being a Demon Pt. 2 ("Love and Redemption" Ep.22)

 

“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.

 

 

Aunt Hong, Dongfang, and Sect Leader Chu are gathered in the Fuyu Island Prison.  Aunt Hong is looking over the bedding in the assassinated Demon's cell, collecting relevant evidence.  

"There's Demon Corpse Poison on the weapon," says Aunt Hong.  "The poison entered his body and dissolved him."

"He was actually murdered?" asks Dongfang.  "There are still demons hiding on Fuyu Island, indeed."

 

Hao Chen holds up Sifeng's arm.  "Sect Leaders, look."

On the light blue sleeve of Sifeng's hanfu is a green streak of the demon poison.

"You didn't touch the weapon at all," says Sect Leader Chu.  "Why does your sleeve have the same poison on it?  Take him down!"

The Fuyu Island Disciples draw their swords.  Xuanji protectively stands in front of Sifeng.  "Wait!  This must be a misunderstanding!"

"Sifeng, what exactly are you doing?" asks Little Six.  "What's going on?"

"Yu Sifeng, I'll treat it as if you acted rashly in order to protect the snake demon," says Dongfang.  "But now, all the evidence is saying that you're the culprit behind this.  How do you explain this?  I'm sure you're related to this!"

"It's definitely not Sifeng," Xuanji insists.  She grabs his arm.  "Sifeng, hurry and explain yourself."

"Xuanji," Hao Chen says in disbelief.

"Elders, I did come to the cell before," Sifeng admits.  "I just wanted to make the demon reveal Wu Tong's location.  But someone behind me murdered the demon.  As for the blood on my sleeve, I got the stain when I was trying to avoid the weapon.  I didn't expect the weapon to be coated with poison.  And I tried to pursue the assailant."

"Where is he, then?" Hao Chen asks disdainfully.  "Did you catch him?"

Xuanji looks at Sifeng hopefully.

"I lost him," says Sifeng.  "After that, many things happened, and I couldn't tell you in time.  But now, it is proven that there are demons hiding on Fuyu Island."

"How can we trust your claim without any evidence?" asks Valley Master Rong.  "You said there are demons hiding on Fuyu Island?  Most likely, it's the snake demon you're not willing to release.  Yet, you're trying to protect her.  You're very suspicious!"

"Everything I said was the truth," says Sifeng.  "I saw the demon's back.  Elders, please give me some time.  I'll capture the demon hiding on the island.  I'll find out the truth."

"You'll go nowhere," says Dongfang.  "You're just trying to escape because I caught you red handed."

"That's not what I mean," says Sifeng.  "I just need a chance to prove my innocence."

"I'm willing to join Sifeng on his search," adds Xuanji.

Hao Chen and Sect Leader Chu look at her sharply.

"You don't need to involve yourself," says Sifeng.

"I want to help you," Xuanji insists.

"Xuanji!" says Hao Chen.  "Yu Sifeng, I think you should explain yourself.  I still don't understand something.  You said you ordered your spirit beast to infiltrate Tianxu Hall.  What's the reason behind that?"

"I wanted her to find out the location of their hideout so that I could obtain more information."

"But your spirit beast had infiltrated Tianxu Hall long ago," says Hao Chen.  "She should've told you the location long ago.  Why didn't you mention it to anyone before?  What's wrong?  Is it because you didn't have enough time?  Or is it because you didn't plan to tell us?  You're full of deceit.  I'm afraid your spirit beast was with Tianxu Hall in the first place.  You wanted to cover up for her, but your lies are full of flaws."

"Senior Hao Chen," Sifeng says calmly, "your deduction is illogical."

"You still don't want to admit it?" asks Valley Master Rong.  "How dare you do something like this!  It's either you were bewitched by the snake demon, or you were Tianxu Hall's spy in the first place."

"No!" Interjects Xuanji.  "Sifeng is not a demon!  You are saying that he's the culprit without investigating the truth.  This isn't right!"

"Xuanji," snaps Sect Leader Chu, "youngsters shouldn't interrupt while elders are talking!"

"Father, but you..." says Xuanji.  

"What's the point of defending him?" Interjects Little Six.  "In my opinion, this is all because of that snake demon.  Sifeng, if you want to prove your innocence, you should release the snake demon, and let everyone judge her.  It's better for you and everyone else."

"Little Silver Flower isn't a demon," Sifeng insists.  "She's my spirit beast.  How I could I let her suffer for no reason?  If I release her like this, I'm afraid she wouldn't survive."

"Until when are you going to be stubborn?"  asks Little Six.  "Must you involve yourself in this matter?  Where did you hide her?  Let her out!"

"Minyan, be rational," says Sifeng.

"You're the irrational one here," says Little Six.  "I need to wake you up."  He grabs Sifeng's arm.  Xuanji pries him away.

"Sixth Senior!" admonishes Xuanji.

The Tianxu Hall ring falls out of Sifeng's sleeve.

Hao Chen grabs it from the floor.  "Sect Leaders, look!" Always willing to tattle on Sifeng...

Valley Master Rong takes the ring and examines it.  "The black and white ring?  This ring belongs to Tianxu Hall.  You still dare to deny that you're a demon when you have this?"  He lunges at Sifeng, but Sifeng blocks him, and continues to block his repeated attempts.

"Little Silver Flower acquired this when she infiltrated Tianxu Hall," Sifeng explains.  "It isn't surprising that I have this."

"You!" Dongfang points at Sifeng.  "How dare you deny the truth!"

Valley Master Rong tries to attack Sifeng again, but Sifeng continues to successfully block him.  Deputy Chief decides to lunge forward, using his fan as a weapon.

"Sifeng!" calls Xuanji.

Deputy Chief's fan creates a cloud of red and black smoke, knocking Sifeng into the bars on the prison cell.

"Sifeng!" cries Xuanji.

Two guards hold their swords to Sifeng's throat.

Xuanji tries to move forward, but Hao Chen won't let her, sealing her powers in the process.

"Deputy Chief, I'm impressed," Dongfang bows.  "But Yu Sifeng is a disciple of Lize Palace.  Deputy Chief, please find out the truth."

Xuanji looks down.  Logically, the evidence against Sifeng makes sense, but  she knows him.  And she knows he wouldn't do the things they are accusing him of.

"This concerns the very existence of all living things," says Deputy Chief.  "Lize Palace will never show favoritism."  He looks at Sifeng disdainfully.  "You rebel, you insist on doing this by yourself.  Even Lize Palace can't protect you right now.  Sect Leaders, you three may interrogate him."

"Sifeng!" yells Xuanji.

"Xuanji, that's enough," says Hao Chen.

Sifeng shakes his head.

 

"Senior, Sifeng isn't a demon.  He didn't do all these things," Xuanji is having a private conversation with Hao Chen in his room.  "He has nothing to do with Tianxu Hall at all.  We've engaged Tianxu Hall several times.  He has slain so many demons.  He was hurt by them, as well.  How could he be a demon?  They're arresting the wrong person."

"It's no use, even if you tell me all of this," says Hao Chen.  "The three Sect Leaders will make their own decisions."

"I've pleaded with Uncle Dongfang and the rest," says Xuanji, "but they ignored me.  Senior, Sifeng will surely suffer inside the cell."

"So, are you asking me to plead with them?"

"I..."

"Do you know why I  sealed your powers?  I didn't want you to act recklessly.  Are you still trying to involve the entire Shaoyang Sect in this?"

"But I know Sifeng was framed!" Xuanji fires back.

"Only you think he's framed," says Hao Chen.  "Every piece of evidence is pointing towards him right now.  Even Lize Palace is staying out of this.  But you still insist on defending him.  Do you know how terrible it would be if the other sects think our sect is in cahoots with the demons?"

"But I know that Sifeng isn't a demon.  Senior, he doesn't have a demonic scent.  It's the same for Little Silver Flower.  I've known her for so long.  We've been through a lot together.  If he's a demon, I would've known it."

Hao Chen looks at her sharply.  "Did you forget that Wolf managed to deceive us with his disguise?  They have a way to cover their scent."

"But it has flaws," says Xuanji.  "When Wolf was transforming, I could smell his demonic scent.  But it's different for Sifeng.  Senior, don't you believe me?  I don't know how to tell lies."

"But, who knows?  Maybe they have a better method to cover up their scent.  Xuanji, there's nothing certain in this world.  What we can do is prepare ourselves and take precautions."

"But--"

"Enough!  If he's not a demon, and he didn't commit any crime, the three Sect Leaders will release him naturally.  If you believe in him, you should wait.  We will know the result soon.  But there's one thing.  I won't allow you to plead for Yu Sifeng anymore, and create trouble for your father.  Do you understand?"

"If so," says Xuanji, "Senior, can you unseal my powers?"

"Impossible," says Hao Chen.  "If it weren't for the fact that we can't leave the Island, I wouldn't have let you stay here.  I won't unseal your powers before we return to Shaoyang, so that you won't act recklessly based on your impulse."

"In the end, you still don't believe me," says Xuanji.  "You don't believe that Sifeng isn't a demon.  Don't worry.  I will find the hidden demon and prove Sifeng's innocence."

Before he can say anything, she darts outside.  "Xuanji!"

She ignores him and continues on.

Hao Chen looks perplexed.

 

Deputy Chief slaps Ruo Yu across the face with his black fan, knocking him to the floor.

Ruo Yu quickly gets to his knees, gasping for breath.  "Deputy Chief."

"What has Yu Sifeng's matter got to do with you?" asks Deputy Chief.  "You're considerate."  He slowly waves his fan back and forth.  "Becoming his friend is not the reason why I allowed you to follow him."

"I don't dare to do so," says Ruo Yu.  "I'm doing this for Lize Palace's sake."

"If it is for Lize Palace's sake," snaps Deputy Chief, "you should've disassociated from him.  If the other sects think that he's in cahoots with the demons, just let it be.  It has nothing to do with Lize Palace.  Do you understand?"

"Yes," says Ruo Yu.

"Dianjing Valley Sect is an expert in creating torture devices.  Yu Sifeng may be tough, but you aren't.  You should care for your own body.  You got to escape the 13 Punishments and leave Lize Palace once again, even though you lost your mask."  Deputy Chief steps closer.  "Ruo Yu, I've done so much for you, you know?"  He snaps his fan closed, and uses it to lift Ruo Yu's chin.  "You still owe me some punishments.  Didn't you say you wanted to bring your sister out?"

Ruo Yu's eyes widen.

"Kneel here and reflect on your actions."  Deputy Chief withdraws his fan.  He opens up his fan in full splendor, leaving Ruo Yu on his knees as he walks away.

 

Little Six is gently holding an unconscious Linglong's hand, while he worries over what has become of their clique.

"Why has it come to this?"  Little Six asks.  He begins to cry.  "Everything went wrong after I lost you.  First it was you.  Now, it's Sifeng.  Why is he so insistent on defending that snake demon?  Why does he not believe in me?  I'm sure that demon snake knows something.  I can find out where Wu Tong is as long as he releases that demon.  Why isn't he trying to help me?"  He lovingly touches her hand.  "Linglong, I'll bring you back.  I'll bring you back, no matter where he's hiding you."

 

Snow and ice have covered the area surrounding Tianxu Hall.  Wu Tong is in his spacious room, tending to Linglong's bright pink primordial spirit.  He smiles at it, and the vial containing her spirit tips over.  Wu Tong gradually picks it back up.  He holds it.  "Look at your bad temper.  Calm down.  I won't keep you here for too long.  It's a pity that they've snatched your body, but I can create another body for you.  You will be mine in the end."

A beautiful young woman runs into Wu Tong's room and bows.  "My Lord, I found a Canna Lily Spirit that's going to acquire a human form soon, but it's experiencing Heavenly Tribulation.  My Lord, is that spirit what you wanted?"

"Canna Lily Spirit?"  Wu Tong is intrigued.  He laughs softly.  "Great."

 

 

"It's so scary!  Anyone there?  Come and save me!" cries a frightened yellow Lily spirit in the pouring rain.  She is firmly planted into a rock.  "The Heavenly Tribulation is too scary!"

As the lightning strikes, she is covered by a transparent blue dome.

The storm clears, and Wu Tong approaches her.

"Did you see me get through it?" asks the Lily Spirit.  "Did you save me?  I'll repay you.  What do you want?  I can give you anything.  Do you want me to marry you?"

"I want you to transform into the image I want," says Wu Tong.

"Is that so?" asks the Lily Spirit.  "That's easy.  Can I come closer?  I want to see the image inside your mind."

Wu Tong agrees.

In a flurry of yellow, red, and green petals, she approaches Wu Tong.  She surrounds him with her petals, and then retracts, shifting herself into Linglong's likeness.  "Is this the face you want?"  She asks.  "Are you satisfied?"

He looks down and immediately takes notice of the colors of her clothes.  She is wearing yellow, while the real Linglong prefers to wear various shades of red and pink.  She looks at him quizzically.

"Don't you like it?"  She asks.

Wu Tong moves closer to her.  "The appearance is pretty good.  But you lack something."  He moves his hand, emitting purple lightning energy, and bringing forth the soul bell.  It spins in the air, sending waves of transparent energy.

The Lily Spirit looks confused.

He pushes the bell to her, and it goes through her body.  Part of her Lily Spirit is pushed out, causing her lily form on the rock to disintegrate.

"I'll leave your soul intact," explains Wu Tong.  "And leave half of your primordial spirit inside.  You'll only remember that we met before.  I don't want anything else."  He makes a circular motion around the palm of his hand, producing the vial containing Linglong's primordial spirit.  With a push of his hand, the bright pink primordial spirit transfers over to the new Linglong's body.  Only half transfers over, while the other half retracts into the vial.  Wu Tong looks at it in frustration.  "Only half of her primordial spirit entered the body?  It's hard to contain it using a different body indeed." He tries again, but the remaining half of Linglong's primordial spirit refuses to leave the vial.

"So stubborn," hisses Wu Tong.  "This will have to do, then.  You will be mine in the end."  With a closing of his hand, the vial disappears.

The new Linglong is standing in front of him, motionless.  With a movement of his hand, she closes her eyes and falls into his arms.  When her eyes open, she immediately pushes him away.

"Who are you?  Why are you so close to me?" asks Linglong.

He laughs and smiles.

"What are you laughing at?  I'll scratch your face if you laugh!"

"You little ingrate," says Wu Tong.  "I helped you to get through the heavenly tribulation, you know?  Hmm?"

Linglong smiles.  "I would've survived even if you hadn't helped me.  But since you're a good guy, I won't hold it against you."

Wu Tong laughs.  "Good guy?  I'm not a good guy.  I only mind my own business.  I saved you because you were destined to be mine.  I've named you, as well.  Your name is Linglong."

Linglong smirks.  "I thought you were a good guy.  So, you're a tyrant.  But I like the name Linglong."

Wu Tong smiles.

"I'll accept it for now," says Linglong.  "As for me, we can talk about it when you catch me."  She tries to run away, but Wu Tong immediately freezes her with his power.  She struggles to break free.

Wu Tong approaches her.  "I told you before.  You are mine."  He lifts her chin up with his finger.  "Where are you trying to go?"

 

 

 

The Disciples of Fuyu Island Sect are outside, practicing sword forms.  Xuanji is attempting to sneak past them.  She sniffs the air.  She runs, and then hides behind a pillar.

Where is that demon hiding?  Why can't I smell it?  She looks out from the pillar, carefully scanning the yard.

Someone sneaks up behind her, grabs her, and claps his hand over her mouth.  Xuanji is feeling very flustered, confused, and terrified.  Once they are away from the disciples, Xuanji is able to see that it's Little Six.

"You've searched the entire Fuyu Island," says Little Six.  "You searched all the places you could.  Did you find anything?"

"Sixth Senior, you've been following me?" asks Xuanji.

"Master wanted me to look after you.  He didn't want you to go overboard.  Do you think Master Dongfang doesn't know what you're up to?  He let you off because Master is around.  But you went to watch the training of his disciples.  That is a huge taboo."

"I didn't want to watch their training," says Xuanji.  "I just wanted to see if I could sense any demonic scent from them.  No one can enter or leave Fuyu Island now.  I'm sure the demon is still here.  I need to find it.  If not, Sifeng will be in danger."

"Xuanji, that's enough," admonishes Little Six.  "That demon is in the cell.  It's the snake demon Sifeng wanted to defend so much.  Everything will be solved as long as he releases her.  Sifeng knows that Linglong will never return if we don't retrieve her primordial spirit within a month.  But he doesn't care at all.  Now, do you still think that Sifeng was right?"

"Sixth Senior, how could you think of Sifeng in that way?  Sifeng cares about Linglong, too.  Like us, he's worried about Linglong, as well.  But you arrested the wrong person.  It's useless if you interrogate him."

"This..." says Little Six.  "I don't know what to think right now.  I only know that Little Silver Flower is our only clue.  Valley Master Rong and the rest will force an answer from him.  Master told me that they're torturing Sifeng right now.  But he's still very stubborn.  He's asking for trouble."

"They tortured him?" Xuanji gasps. "How could they do that?"  She breaks past Little Six and runs toward the prison.

"Xuanji!" Little Six darts after her.

 

With a sharp movement of his hand, Dongfang pushes golden lightning energy into Sifeng's body.  Sifeng is hung up on a cross, his arms spread out on each side.  He spits blood.

Dongfang emits more lightning energy from his hands.  He grabs Sifeng's face.  "Where is the stronghold of Tianxu Hall?  And where did Wolf take Qing Rong?"

"I'm not a demon from Tianxu Hall," says Sifeng.  "If I did work for Tianxu Hall, why do I need to reveal the deceit of your wife?  Isn't it better for me to escape with her while holding the spirit keys?"

Dongfang quickly lets go of Sifeng's face.

"Master Dongfang, think about it.  Coincidentally, every piece of evidence is pointing towards me, but the points don't make sense.  I could've stolen the Destiny Pearl from Xuanji.  Why do I need to attack my own hideout, and save Linglong when it could reveal my identity?"

Dongfang turns his back so that Sifeng can't see that he has cast some doubt.  With his back turned, he says, "Tianxu Hall is full of devious plans.  Who knows?  Maybe this is your plan to steal all four spirit keys from us.  I believed in Ouyang before.  And I believed in Qing Rong, as well."  He raises his hand, gold energy emitting.  "But now!  I know that believing in others is the biggest mistake in my life!"  He faces Sifeng, and with great force, hurls the golden energy, striking him in the chest.

"Master Dongfang, I understand," says Sifeng.  "Once bitten, twice shy.  But I'm not a demon.  Even if you hold me captive, you're only wasting your time.  There are demons hiding on the island."

"You're just trying to buy time," says Dongfang.  "Fine.  I'll grant you your wish."  He gradually raises both hands, emitting gold lightning energy.  As he is forming it into a ball, he is interrupted by Sect Leader Chu and Valley Master Rong.

"Master Dongfang," says Sect Leader Chu.

Dongfang conceals the golden lighting.

"Didn't we agree that we'd interrogate him together?"  asks Sect Leader Chu.  "What now?  You did this out of your own personal intention."

"Do you think your personal matters are more important than our Sect's?" asks Valley Master Rong.

Dongfang laughs.  "Valley Master Rong, it's not that serious.  I did this out of personal intention, indeed.  But I just wanted to solve my matters on Fuyu Island.  I will always consider the bigger picture.  Moreover, isn't it our goal to find out their plans and location?"

"That's good to hear," says Valley Master Rong.  "Now, it's time for us to be united.  We mustn't create any unnecessary trouble."

"Did he reveal anything?" asks Sect Leader Chu.  "This is a heavy punishment.  If he's innocent, we'll..."

"Sect Leader Chu, the enemies will overwhelm us soon," says Valley Master Rong.  "This is not the time for you to be merciful.  If Tianxu Hall executes their plans, if they steal the spirit keys from Lize Palace and Dianjing Valley Sect, and unseal the Crystal Lamp, everything will be too late.  Moreover, he's a huge suspect.  How is he innocent?  This demon is very tough.  He won't tell us the truth if we don't torture him harshly."  He moves closer to Sifeng.

Valley Master Rong summons some golden nails.  "Yu Sifeng, these are the Hell's Nails.  They're made for interrogations.  They can't kill you, but you will suffer unimagineable pain when they're in your body.  I won't stop until you can't stand the pain, and tell us the truth.  Before I use them, I'll give you one last chance.  You better know what's good for you."

"I've told you the truth," says Sifeng.  Dried blood is caked to his chin.  "If you still don't believe in me, I have no words to say."

"Let's see how long you can last," says Valley Master Rong.  He hurls the Hell's Nails into Sifeng's chest.  Plan failed.  Sifeng still doesn't give them the answer they want.

Xuanji is running through the prison.  Little Six close behind her.  They come to an immediate halt when they are blocked by Fuyu Island Disciples in the hallway.

"No one is to enter without Master Dongfang's permission.  Miss Chu, please return."

"Let me in.  There's an emergency, I need to see my father," Xuanji lies.

"Stop it now," says Little Six.  "Are you trying to force your way through?  You'll create more trouble for Master if you continue  this."  He grabs her arm.  "Return with me!"

"Sifeng is innocent!" Xuanji yells.  "He can't stand the torture!  You can't do this!"

Little Six quickly leads her down the hall.

 

"Tell me honestly," says Valley Master Rong.  "Is Dianjing Valley Sect the next target of Tianxu Hall?  How do you plan your attacks?"

Sifeng continues to say nothing.

"Where is the stronghold of Tianxu Hall?"  Dongfang demands.  "Are there any other spies besides you?"

Sifeng doesn't answer.

"Yu Sifeng, if you're truly innocent, you should release your spirit beast," says Sect Leader Chu, "so you can give us an explanation."

Valley Master Rong removes the Hell's Nails, as they aren't working the way he wanted them to.

Sifeng takes several deep breaths.  "Give you an explanation?  The Five Great Sects were arrogant and harbored selfish desires.  All of you didn't treat Tianxu Hall seriously.  Now that everything has gone to hell, and the spirit keys are stolen, you are just trying to find an excuse for your mistakes.  You wanted someone to be the scapegoat.  My spirit beast and I will never be your scapegoats.  I'll endure the punishment myself."

"Fine."  Valley Master Rong nods.  He drives the Hell's Nails back into Sifeng's body.