American Perspectives: Opening the Celestial Eye Pt. 1 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 25)

 

“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 Silver Flower is trudging down the wooden walk way, feeling disgruntled as hell.  "I'm already in human form.  But she's feeding me rice cake?"  She takes a piece out, and then throws it back into the paper bag.  "She thought I was still a snake?"  She clutches the bag to her torso.  "I don't need to be fed."  While she's ranting out loud to herself and pacing, she crashes right into Ruo Yu.

"Move aside!" Little Silver Flower says in agitation.

Ruo Yu smiles at her.  "What happened? Who are you mad at?"

"None of your business," Little Silver Flower snaps.  She rolls her eyes and walks away.

Ruo Yu chuckles.

Little Silver Flower stops, walks back to him, and hands him the bag.  "Take it.  This is for you.  Sifeng told me that I have to thank those who helped me before.  So, thank you."  She scurries away.

"Who wants to eat this kind of thing?" Ruo Yu asks Little Silver Flower, as she's leaving.

Ruo Yu goes back to his room, and decides to enjoy his unexpected snack.  He's reminded of a moment on a bridge in the woods, as a child with his younger sister.

"Older brother, the rice cake is really tasty.  Have one."  She puts a piece in his mouth.

"You are really a glutton," says Ruo Yu.  "Rue Xue, I was chosen as a disciple for Lize Palace."

"Great!" Ruo Xue exclaims.  "I heard that the disciples of Lize Palace can eat well and live well.  They can even learn some skills.  Go, older brother.  That way, nobody will ever bully you again.  If it wasn't because Lize Palace didn't accept female disciples, I would have gone there, too.  But, don't worry, Older Brother.  I'll wait for you to come back."

Ruo Yu nods and takes another piece of rice cake.

He remembers purchasing a full bag of rice cakes for his sister.  He is eagerly walking through the woods.

Deputy Chief is on the bridge, carrying an unconscious Rue Xue.

"Why are you carrying my sister?" Ruo Yu asks anxiously.

"Shh," says Deputy Chief.  "You have to be good, or else she'll never wake up again."

Present day Ruo Yu begins to cry.

 

 

 

Little Six and Xuanji are in Linglong's room.  Xuanji has Linglong propped up in a sitting position, while Little Six is blowing on some soup.

"Linglong," says Xuanji.  "Drink some soup.  Linglong, drink a little bit."

Linglong's eyes open and close.

"Linglong," says Xuanji.

Little Six puts the soup down in frustration.

"This," says Little Six.  "Linglong has always been like this lately.  She's always so out of it, and she doesn't eat much.  What should we do?"

Xuanji lays Linglong back down.  "She doesn't have any fever.  What should we do, Sixth Senior?  She can't go on like this."

"What happened to her?" asks Little Six.

Sifeng and Ruo Yu quietly walk in.

"Sifeng," says Little Six.

"Sifeng," says Xuanji.

"This is because her soul has been separated for too long.  Linglong has started to lose control over her own body," explains Sifeng.

Xuanji runs up to Sifeng.  "We can't wait anymore.  Let's go to Mount Buzhou now."

"Let's go right now," Little Six eagerly agrees.

"We have to go to Mount Buzhou," says Sifeng, "but we don't know where to go."

"Ever since Madam Dongfang mentioned Mount Buzhou," says Ruo Yu, "I've been investigating that place.  But it doeesn't exist on the map."

"In ancient myth," says Little Six, "Water God Gong Gong was defeated by Fire God Zhu Rong.  He knocked over Mount Buzhou.  The sky fell, and there was a huge flood.  Since this, Mount Buzhou can reach until the sky.  It must be in the mountainous area of Mount Wei'e.  Why isn't it on the map?"

"Could it be that maybe it was too long ago that it has changed its name, just like Mount Gao?"  Xuanji suggests.

"That demon mentioned about the west before he died," says Sifeng.  "If we continue to search the west, we might be able to find it."

"Let's continue to search westward, then," says Xuanji.

As Xuanji is getting ready to run outside with her boys right behind her, an angry voice growls: "You are not allowed to go anywhere."

"I..." says Xuanji.

In walks an incensed Sect Leader Chu.

"Father," Xuanji says sheepishly.

"Xuanji," Sect Leader Chu says sharply.  "If it wasn't because Dingkun Sword protected you before this, you would have been killed by the Demon Whip.  Now, you are acting recklessly again.  If you fall into the hands of demons, should I save you or not?  Do you want Shaoyang to end up like Xuanyuan and Fuyu Island where they lost hundreds of their disciples?"

Xuanji and Little Six exchange glances.

"You should know how important Shaoyang is compared to Linglong's personal safety," Sect Leader Chu continues.  "You only know how to blame me.  But do you know how it feels when I have to put the people first while looking at how badly injured Linglong is?  You think that you are passionate and righteous, but you are just ignorant and reckless."

"Well said," Palace Master enters the room.

Sifeng and Ruo Yu immediately bow.

"Greetings, Palace Master," says Ruo Yu.

"Greetings, Palace Master," says Sifeng.

Palace Master looks at Xuanji icily.  "The rebellious disciple of Shaoyang keeps causing trouble, and my disciple is always being dragged down by her.  She is really ignorant and reckless."

"What you said..." says Sect Leader Chu.

"I'm talking to my disciple!" Palace Master snaps.  "Sifeng, you went to Mount Gao because of this girl, and you sent your spirit beast to Tianxu Hall because of this girl, too.  Are you going to Mount Buzhou because of her, again?  Can't you see how useless these companions from Shaoyang are?  They were caught, injured, and even caused you to be punished.  I've already warned you.  'He who lives with cripples, learns to limp.'"

Sect Leader Chu is horrified.

"You won't listen to me," Palace Master continues, "but you have to understand this.  'If you live with dogs, you will rise with fleas.'  Understand?"

Nobody in the room can believe what they are hearing.

"Xuanji," says Sect Leader Chu, "I want to lecture you, too.  Shaoyang Sect has always been open and above board.  You have to stay away from slimy sects that know how to use spells only."

Palace Master smirks.

"We may know a person's face, but not his heart," Sect Leader Chu continues.  "Moreover, they are always wearing masks.  We can't even read their expressions.  You risked your life to take a whip for someone, but do you think they'll be thankful for that?"

"Father," Xuanji interjects.

Palace Master chuckles.  "Sifeng, listen.  You thought they'd be affectionate towards you?  They have already taken precautions against you.  You have risked your life so many times for her, but they don't remember at all.  She just took a whip for you, and they already expect you to kneel down and thank her.  So interesting."

"Master," says Sifeng.

"Xuanji," says Sect Leader Chu, "the friendship between gentlemen is pure as water.  We don't fuss over little things.  We should stay away from those who seek revenge for the smallest grievance."

"It's not like this," Xuanji insists.

"Master," says Sifeng.

"Shut up!" says Sect Leader Chu.

Palace Master chuckles.  He moves closer to Sifeng.  "Sifeng, I've already said so much, but you are still so stubborn.  How about this?  From today onward, I'll lock you up so that you can't spend time with idiots anymore."

"Master," says Sifeng.

"Come back with me," says Palace Master.

Sifeng resists. 

"Let's go," says Ruo Yu.  Sifeng reluctantly follows.

"Sifeng," says Xuanji.

"Let's go," says Ruo Yu.

Xuanji starts after him.

"Stop right there!" Barks Sect Leader Chu.

Xuanji returns to her spot next to Little Six.

"Looks like you really need someone to discipline you," says Sect Leader Chu.  "Come with me."

Xuanji anxiously looks over at Little Six. 

 

 

 

"Master, why are you here?"  Xuanji is standing next to Hao Chen.

"I'm here for a happy occasion," says Heng Yang.

"Happy occasion?" asks Xuanji.

"Xuanji, your master has something to ask you," says Sect Leader Chu.

"Let me ask you," says Heng Yang.  "What do you think about Hao Chen?"

Xuanji looks at Hao Chen.  "Of course, he is very important to me."

"One more question, then.  Are you willing to accompany him forever?"

"Senior Hao Chen and I already vowed to protect the Secret Ground forever.  Of course, we can accompany each other forever," says Xuanji, who is clearly not picking up on Heng Yang's meta message.

Aunt Hong is beaming.

"Xuanji," says Sect Leader Chu, "you've always created trouble for me, and you are stubborn.  Luckily, your Senior Hao Chen doesn't mind, or else, I really don't know how I was going to find you a good man."

The light slowly flickers on in Xuanji's head.

Hao Chen bows.  "I'm willing to take Xuanji as my wife to protect and respect her forever."

Ick!!! Xuanji was not wanting this.

"Please give us your blessings," says Hao Chen.

"Senior Hao Chen," says Xuanji.  "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Xuanji," says Hao Chen, "everything I said is sincere and true."

Xuanji looks like a deer in headlights.

"Xuanji," says Sect Leader Chu, "if you marry Senior Hao Chen...First, you'll have someone to take care of you for the rest of your life.  Second, you can practice Sentimental Tactics together.  Your power will grow.  It'll be for the best.  Okay, you have my blessing."

Xuanji wants to throw up.  They tricked her by asking vague questions, instead of being explicit.  They all know better.  Xuanji is now feeling very cornered.  "I don't want to marry him!" She says bluntly.  (Which could have easily been avoided if they had explicitly asked the question earlier, instead of using ambiguous language, and trapping her).

Heng Yang and Sect Leader Chu look at Xuanji in shock.

"Linglong can take care of me.  So can Sixth Senior.  As for the training, Sifeng can teach me.  He's so smart, I'll definitely improve."  

Hao Chen can't believe what he's hearing.  In her past, as the God of War, his fake interest in her was all it took to get her to comply, and now...

"I can't marry Senior Hao Chen," Xuanji insists.

None of the men can believe what they're hearing. 

"You--" Sect Leader Chu points at her, "you are really troublesome."  He stands.  "Just now, your master asked you.  And you'd already agreed.  How can you--How can you change your mind now?"

"Just now, I said that I can protect the Secret Ground with Senior Hao Chen forever.  I didn't say that I'd marry him."

"You--" says Sect Leader Chu.

Heng Yang stands up.  "Junior, looks like Xuanji has made up her mind.  Let's not force her."

"Senior, this kid," sputters Sect Leader Chu.  "I've spoiled her too much since young.  Now, she still wants to be with that unethical man.  She won't settle down.  Fine.  Since you won't settle down, I'll help you settle down.  I'm going to lock you up now.  After we go back to Shaoyang, don't ever think of leaving again!"

"Father!" exclaims Xuanji.

 

 

 

Sifeng is kneeling in Palace Master's room.  Palace Master's back is turned.  He is equally disappointed in Sifeng, as Sect Leader Chu is in Xuanji.

"Master," says Sifeng.

Palace Master turns around.  "Are you still acting so foolish over Chu Xuanji?  Have you forgotten who you are?  If it wasn't because I reached here on time, you would've been beaten to death in the great hall!  But you don't regret it at all, and you still want to be with her.  Have you lost your mind?"

"I've never lost my mind," says Sifeng.  "Xuanji risked her life to protect me.  My heart is already with her."

"What did you say?" Palace Master snaps.  He kneels in front of Sifeng.  "You gave her your heart.  Are you going to give her your life, too?  There are so many lives in Lize Palace.  Are you going to give her their lives, too?"  He pulls Sifeng up.  "Get up!  Think about it carefully.  If she finds out about your real identity, do you think she'll still protect you?"

"Xuanji is different," Sifeng insists.  "She won't harm me."

Palace Master can't believe what he's hearing.  He's also expecting way too much romantic wisdom from a 20 year old man.

"Fine," says Palace Master, dejected as hell.  "Since you are bent on having your way, I'll let you have your way.  Go further away if you want to die.  No matter who it is who wants to hit or kill you, I don't care anymore.  You are no longer my disciple."  He slides the door open angrily, making a slamming sound against the wall.

 

 

 

"Senior, can you let me go out for awhile to meet Sifeng?" Xuanji slides open her doors to ask First Senior Brother.  "I'll come back quickly.  My father won't find out."

"Little Xuanji," says First Senior Brother, "if we break the master's order, we'll be beaten up later."

"Senior," Xuanji says to another disciple guarding her doors.

"No."

"Hmmph." She turns and walks inside.  The disciple slides the doors closed behind her.

My father is keeping me on such a tight leash.  How can I get out from Fuyu Island?

A streak of blue energy floats into Xuanji's room like a comet.  Xuanji looks over, and it promptly turns into Little Silver Flower.

Little Silver Flower brushes off her sleeves.

"Little Silver Flower," says Xuanji.

"Shh..." Says Little Silver Flower.  "Come with me," she whispers.  They go to a corner of the room where the guards can't see through the paper covered doors and walls.

"Why are you here?" asks Xuanji.

"Sifeng instructed me to ask you if you are set on going to Mount Buzhou."

Xuanji nods.  "I have to go there."

"Okay, then," says Little Silver Flower.  She pulls out some black paper.  "Take these."

Xuanji sees they are cut outs of a boy and girl, in addition to a Talisman written in gold.  "What are these?" she asks.

"These are parrot charms and puppet charms made by Sifeng.  Sifeng asked me to tell you that if you follow his plan, you'll be able to leave the island with him."

"Really?" Xuanji asks excitedly.

 

 

 

Brother Liu is running through a barren wasteland, feeling super anxious and confused.  He sees Yu'er ahead of him.  They make eye contact, and she runs away.

"Yu'er!" He points and shouts.  "Yu'er!"  He darts after her.  "Yu'er!  Yu'er!"  She doesn't stop running.

Brother Liu grabs her arm.  "Finally, I found you.  I can't run anymore."

Yu'er smiles at him, but something seems off.

Brother Liu waves his hand in front of her face.  "Come back with me."

"I won," says Yu'er.

"Eh?" Asks Brother Liu.  He touches her face.  "My dummy, what do you mean that you won?"

"I'm playing a game with Linglong.  The one who can lead you here first, wins."

"Game?" asks Brother Liu.  He feels very uneasy.

Wu Tong's distinct laugh is heard very clearly as the Tianxu Hall disciples come out of hiding, and surround Brother Liu and Yu'er.

"I won," Yu'er says to Wu Tong and Linglong. "How is it?  Aren't I amazing?  Nobody can beat me in a game."

Brother Liu points at Linglong.  "Linglong?"  Then he points to Wu Tong.  "Who is he?  What do you want?"

"That's right," says Wu Tong.  "You won.  As a reward, I'll give you a treasure."

"What treasure?" asks Yu'er.

He cups his hand, and black and purple energy emits.  It wraps around her neck like a collar,  and it transforms into a chain.

Brother Liu gasps.

"What is this?" Yu'er asks.

"Do you like it?"  Asks Wu Tong.  With a sweep of his hand, he emits more black and purple energy, which jerks Yu'er's chain forward.

Brother Liu is horrified.  "What are you doing?  What are you going to do to Yu'er?"

Wu Tong grins wickedly.  He approaches Brother Liu.  "Don't worry.  We won't do anything to Yu'er.  She was just bait.  I was looking for you.  As long as you obey us, your daughter will be fine."

"Wu Tong," says Yu'er, "you said that you would let me go if I win.  You lied to me."

Wu Tong grins.  "Bring them away."

"Yes," say the disciples.

The disciples grab Brother Liu by the shoulders.  Linglong smirks.

Yu'er and a blindfolded Brother Liu are led into Mount Buzhou.  A masked disciple removes his blindfold.

"Yu'er," Brother Liu anxiously grabs her arm.

"Old Fogey," says Yu'er.  "I didn't trick you to come here.  Don't leave me behind."

"Don't worry," whispers Brother Liu.  "What do you want?"  He asks Wu Tong.  "Just say it."

"I'm not the one looking for you," Wu Tong's back is facing Brother Liu.

Brother Liu and Yu'er turn around as a streak of fire flies through the air.  It lands in front of them, materializing into a masked man.  He turns his back to Yu'er and Brother Liu.

The disciples kneel.  "Welcome, My Lord!"

The figure turns around to face Brother Liu.

"Hall Master?" asks Brother Liu.  "This is the old lair of Tianxu Hall!"

"It's an honor to be able to see your celestial eye today, Mr. Liu," says Hall Master.

"You are the head of Tianxu Hall?" asks Brother Liu.  "No wonder those from Tianxu Hall live in the shadows.  So, it's because their head is an unpresentable person."

"Don't you think that you are too talkative?"  Asks Hall Master.  "I called you here to ask you a question."

"You have far reaching power, and Tianxu Hall has spies all over the world," Brother Liu fires back.  "What else don't you know?  I'm afraid that I won't be able to help you."

"Since you have the celestial eye," says Hall Master, "you'll be able to help me.  I just want to know.  Is Chu Xuanji the God of War from heaven?"

 

 

...To be continued...