American Perspectives: Consequences of the Mirror Pt. 1 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 28)

 

“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 is waiting in front of a boat, deliberating on what he should do next.

After running all over the marketplace like a chicken with her head cut off, Xuanji finally finds him.  She breathes a sigh of relief.  It's time to make things right.  "Sifeng!"  She smiles.

He feels nauseous.  His previous nine reincarnations are gravely concerning.  As he turns around, she nearly knocks him over as she gives him a big hug.

"Sifeng," Xuanji says tearfully.  "Sifeng, don't leave.  I was heartless and careless in the past.  I know I hurt you.  It's my fault.  But...But Sifeng, you mustn't leave me like this!  You can teach me or reprimand me.  But please don't leave me, okay?"  She backs away from him.  "I've recovered my six senses now.  I'm different from the past.  I will treat you very, very well."

Sifeng looks at her cautiously, the depression weighing heavily.  "During all my nine tribulations, there's one person who told me that she would remember me every single time.  In the end?  It was only my wishful thinking."

Xuanji's heart drops.  He pushes her hands away, and walks to the boat.

She blocks him.  "Sifeng, I don't remember anything about our previous nine lives.  I only remember this life.  Sifeng, I like you!"

He looks at her skeptically.

"I want to stay by your side forever. "  She throws her arms around him, and gives him a kiss.  He is very hesitant and wary.

Xuanji steps back.  "Sifeng, can you..."

He puts his hand on her face, and pulls her in for a kiss.  Her eyes widen as she feels all kinds of sensations through her body.  Before it gets too intense for the situation, he stops kissing her.

"Sifeng, are you still leaving?"  Asks Xuanji.

"When did I say I was leaving?"  Asks Sifeng.

"But..."

"I just wanted the ferryman to bring me some lotus pods.  I'm just here to pick them up."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Xuanji asks tearfully.

He lightly taps her forehead and smiles.  "Are you regretting your words?"  He cups her face in his hands.  "Everyone heard what you said just now.  They will all be my witnesses.  It's too late for you to regret."

"Sifeng, you became naughty," Xuanji smiles.

Sifeng grins.  "Xuanji, I told you that I'll teach you how to fall in love with me.  Why would I leave?  The past is not important anymore.  I only care about the current you."  He touches his forehead to hers.  "If you are constantly worried about our past, we won't be able to truly live.  This time, don't you dare forget me."

They hug tightly, relieved that they are both still very much in love.

Little Silver Flower peeks out from behind a pillar, and is massively disappointed that the Mirror of Origin did absolutely nothing to break them up.  She gasps in horror when she sees Sifeng carry Xuanji, like he's taking her to the bridal chamber.

Sifeng carries Xuanji back to the inn where Brother Liu, Little Six, Ruo Yu, and Ting Nu aren outside enjoying some drinks.  They did not expect to see the happy couple.

Xuanji tosses a pouch of lotus pods to Ruo Yu.

Ting Nu smiles.  "Enough.  Stop staring at them.  Pour me another drink."

 

 

 

Little Six and Ruo Yu walk out onto the balcony.

"Xuanji and Sifeng have finally found their happily ever after," sighs Little Six.

Ruo Yu sits down, meticulously studying the lotus pod in his hand.

"But why do you look like you're troubled by something?"  Asks Little Six.

Ruo Yu pauses.  "Of course, I'm happy for them.  It's just that love fades away when destiny gets to its end.  It's an unpredictable road."  Keep in mind, that Ruo Yu was there when Sifeng was forced to wear the Lover's Curse mask.

"When destiny gets to its end?"  Asks Little Six.  "Tell me...do you think our fates are predetermined?"

"Why are you asking this suddenly?"  Inquires Ruo Yu.

Little Six sighs and pulls out a mirror fragment from the chest panel of his hanfu.  "I'm worried about Linglong.  If our fates are really predetermined, I'm really scared of the fact that we weren't predestined to be together.  That's why I wanted to find some clues with the mirror shards."  He slides his thumb over the mirror edge.  "But there's no clue at all."

"The shards only contain fragments of the past," says Ruo Yu.  "Our current lives have nothing to do with it.  Minyan, Linglong and you are childhood friends.  Many people are envious of that fact.  Now, we've found Ting Nu.  We will reach Mount Buzhou soon.  And everyone will save Linglong together.  You should think about how you're going to treat her when she returns."

"I didn't expect you to be this good at consolations," says Little Six.

Ruo Yu sighs.  "I'm not trying to console you.  I believe that it will happen.  If you want to talk about consolations, Ruo Xue is the best."  He stands up from his chair.

"Ruo Xue?" asks Little Six, also standing up.

"Ruo Xue is my younger sister.  We're orphans.  She's a very obedient girl.  No matter how much she suffers outside, she'll always say it's fine when she returns home."

"You've never mentioned her before," says Little Six.  "Where's your sister?"

Ruo Yu turns around and sighs.  "We can't see each other often.  It's all because I didn't fulfill my responsibility as her brother."  He watches Little Silver Flower quickly stride down the corridor.  "Minyan, you can eat them."  He tosses the lotus pod to Little Six, and leaves to catch up with Little Silver Flower.

 

 

 

Ruo Yu carefully separates the strands of the beaded curtain before walking through the doorway.  He sees a round, wooden box, and he chuckles as he opens it.

Little Silver Flower is hiding in the box, in her snake form, among the rice cakes.

"Why are you hiding in here?"  Asks Ruo Yu.

"I want to hide in here.  I want to hibernate for 500 years."

"What's wrong?"  Ruo Yu kneels.  "Are you angry at Sifeng again?"

"My master is so dumb!  He didn't learn his lesson at all!  He was so disappointed in her, yet he forgave her when she apologized to him.  But he doesn't want to listen to me at all.  He doesn't even want to look at me."

Ruo Yu chuckles.  "Ni ya,"  He gently taps her head.  "You're a dummy, too."

"Hmmph," Little Silver Flower, in her adorable white snake form, turns away.

Ruo Yu grabs one of the rice cakes in the box, smiles, and takes a bite.

 

 

 

Night has fallen, and the beautiful pink lanterns decorate the town along the waterfront.  Xuanji and Sifeng are walking along the bridge, hand in hand.  The buildings look majestic.

"Miss, Mister!  Today is the Qixi festival," a woman approaches them.  "You two are a perfect match.  You two mustn't miss out on them when you're on the magpie bridge."

"Magpie bridge?"  Asks Xuanji.

"Yes, it's our tradition here.  Your wishes will come true if you make a wish with your clay figurines."

"Sure," says Sifeng.  "Make one for us."

"Ah," Xuanji grabs his arm.  "Let me pay for them.  I want two pairs of them.  Sifeng, it's my gift for you."

"Sure, anything you say," says Sifeng.

"One pair for our wish," says Xuanji, "one pair for us to bring back."

"Okay,"  the woman bows.  "Please wait."

"Sifeng, after you receive my gift, you need to give me something, as well."

"What do you want?"  Sifeng asks.

Xuanji smiles.  "I want the hairpin you gave me last time.  Can you give it to me again?"

He pauses.  He smiles and holds her hands.  He then reaches into his sleeve.  "You mustn't regret this.  After you take my hairpin, you'll be mine from now on."

"You'll be mine, as well, after you take my clay figurines."

"I'm more than happy to oblige," says Sifeng.  He carefully slides the hairpin through her bun.

She smiles at him.

"Excuse me."  The woman returns to them.  "Your figurines are ready.  You two can make your wishes now."

They grab the figurines, and go looking for the perfect spot on the bridge.  They find it at the top of a connecting arched bridge.  They place the figurines in a circular structure within the guard rail.  They fold their hands, close their eyes, and make a wish.

Xuanji finishes her wish first, and she looks over at Sifeng, who is still intently making his wish.  He opens his eyes and sees her watching him.  He wraps his arm around her.

 

 

 

Sifeng is in his room, studying Xuanji's clay figurine.

"Little Phoenix, have you thought this through?" Asks Brother Liu.  "You want to fall at the same spot for the tenth time?"  Brother Liu takes a seat across from Sifeng.

"Eldest Brother Liu, can't you be more optimistic?  Maybe I won't fall this time.  The past is the past.  They're not me.  I'm not them.  They only know how to tolerate and wait.  I won't let Xuanji wait until the last second before I tell her how much I care about her."

"Tsk, tsk," says Brother Liu.  "Now, you're much better at flirting than me.  But don't forget.  The person you love isn't ordinary.  She's the God of War."

"Xuanji is Xuanji," Sifeng says adamantly.  "She's not the God of War in this life."

Brother Liu sits back in his chair, then abruptly rocks forward.  "Why are you lying to yourself?  Xuanji encountered the Dingkun Sword and the Mirror of Origin.  It's fated that she won't stay as someone ordinary.  She'll become the God of War sooner or later.  What will you do if she becomes the God of War one day?"

Sifeng sighs. "Eldest Brother Liu, that's enough.  Stop talking about that.  This isn't my matter alone.  I will definitely lead a peaceful life with Xuanji."

"That's for the best," says Brother Liu.  "I used the celestial eye, yet I can't see the future of you two.  You better be careful."  He gets up from his chair and walks out, wagging his finger at Sifeng along the way.

 

 

 

Ting Nu, Little Silver Flower, Ruo Yu, Little Six, Sifeng, and Xuanji are gathered in Fox Demon's room.

"I thought Purple Fox's primordial spirit had returned to her body, as well, but I was wrong."  Ting Nu shows them three mirror fragments matched together.  "Look."

"This shard..." says Xuanji.

"Her primordial spirit is still inside," says Ting Nu.

"Sifeng and I had returned to our bodies," says Xuanji.  "Why is she still trapped within?"

"I'm afraid she's not trapped," says Ting Nu.  "She just doesn't want to recognize reality.  If this continues, she'll forget about reality.  Her primordial spirit will dissipate, and she'll never wake up."

"How do we save her?" Asks Xuanji.

"There's only one way," says Ting Nu.  "Either you or Sifeng has to enter the mirror again.  You two went in there before.  You won't be fooled by it.  Only you two can save her."

"No, this is too dangerous," says Little Six.

"Sixth Senior," says Xuanji, "Purple Fox is following us to Mount Buzhou.  I can't just abandon her.  Don't worry.  I'll be fine.  Ting Nu, let me in."

Sifeng holds her hand.  "Xuanji, let's go in together."

"Sifeng."

"Did you forget that you said you were going to depend on me?"

Xuanji smiles.

Ting Nu looks at the mirror shards, and waves his hand, emitting electric blue energy.  One of the shards turns bright blue and levitates.  He aims the shard at Sifeng and Xuanji.  Xuanji is affected by it first, and the Sifeng shortly after.

The two are back in the mirror realm, and they get a glimpse of what's going on in Wu Zhiqi's home.

"Wu Zhiqi," says Yuan Lang, "you spend your days drinking in this remote place.  Isn't it a waste of your abilities?  Why don't you come with me and assist the King of Asura in invading the Heavenly Realm?"  Yuan Lang's back is turned to Sifeng and Xuanji, therefore they do not recognize him as someone they know very well.  "It's glorious for demons to conquer the three realms, isn't it?"

"Yuan Lang," says Wu Zhiqi, "you said you were going to have a drink with me today.  Yet, you didn't drink at all.  Aren't you too petty?  Little Fox, bring me some wine!"

A young Fox Demon approaches the table.  She reluctantly places the wine between the two, as she does not trust Yuan Lang.

"This is Purple Fox in the past," Sifeng observes.  "That man who's drinking is Wu Zhiqi."

"Who's Yuan Lang then?" Asks Xuanji.

"I think it's his friend," says Sifeng.

"Yuan Lang, let's drink," says Wu Zhiqi.  He raises his glass and knocks back the wine.

"Why don't you consider my proposal regarding the war?"  Asks Yuan Lang.  "Come to the Demon Citadel if you have thought it through.  We'll fight together with the Devil Star, Demon Maleficent Star.  I'll wait for you."

Wu Zhiqi tilts his head and sighs.

With a swoosh of his arms, Yuan Lang disappears in a light haze of black smoke.

Fox Demon joins Wu Zhiqi on the patio.  "Wu Zhiqi, don't listen to that villain.  You're not allowed to join the war."

"I don't like violence," says Wu Zhiqi, "but there's nothing here, not even a pretty lady.  I'm so bored."

"Are you blind?"  Asks Fox Demon.  "Aren't I a beauty?  I've trained for so long for your sake, and I finally acquired a human form.  I managed to transform into the look you like.  Isn't this enough?"

Wu Zhiqi smirks.  "Little Fox, have you never seen yourself in the mirror after you acquired your form?  Here."  He holds up a reflective plate.  "Take a good look.  You're ugly."  He promptly puts it down.

"I've asked other people about this," says Fox Demon.  "Everyone said that I'm a beauty. Why are you so heartless?  Can't you even praise me once?"

"I hate praising people the most," says Wu Zhiqi.  "Moreover, you want me to praise an ugly demon like you?  No way in hell.  Either you transform into your original appearance, or you get out of my sight."

"Are you saying that you'll ask me to leave if I don't return to my fox form?"

"Yes," says Wu Zhiqi. "The further you are, the better.  I don't want to see you again.  You're so noisy and annoying.  It's much better without you around."

"Are you serious about that?"  Asks Fox Demon.

Wu Zhiqi doesn't answer.

"Fine," Fox Demon says tearfully.  "I'll leave.  I'll never return once I leave.  You better not regret it."

Wu Zhiqi ignores her.

Fox Demon turns and walks away.  Wu Zhiqi continues to ignore her.  She pauses at the entry gate, hoping he'll do something.  Present day Fox Demon (invisible to Wu Zhiqi), approaches her.

"Is that Phantom Purple Fox?"  Asks Xuanji.

"Yes," says Sifeng.

"Don't leave Wu Zhiqi!" says Present Day Fox Demon.  "You'll never be able to see him again if you leave.  Don't leave him."

Past Fox Demon can't see her or hear her.

"Return to his side right now!"  Demands present day Fox Demon.  "He's just trying to make you angry.  Don't leave this place!"

Past Fox Demon turns to look at Wu Zhiqi.  He is busy pouring wine and eating, completely forgetting her presence.  She walks through present day Fox Demon's translucent form, and exits.

Wu Zhiqi watches her leave and smirks.  He sighs.  "She's gone?  That's good.  I have nothing to worry about now."  He drinks another cup of wine.

Present day Fox Demon climbs up the patio steps.  She stands by him at the table.  "Wu Zhiqi!  Wu Zhiqi, don't leave yet!"  He doesn't hear her.  "Wait for her.  The little fox is just throwing a tantrum.  She'll return to you!"

He relaxes in his chair, and it is obvious that he does not miss her. 

"30 minutes.  No, she'll return to you within 15 minutes.  Just wait for her.  Please wait for her!"

"Flirting with each other more than once," Wu Zhiqi slurs, "with a fateful promise--"

"She'll return for sure!"

"It lasts an eternity."

"I beg you!  Please wait for her!"

"It's hard for us to meet, but everything is not working out."  He raises his cup.  "How do we reunite?"  He takes a drink.

"I beg you!"

"Time to leave!"  He shoots through the air and vanishes.

"I beg you!  Don't leave!  Let's try this again.  Let's try this again.  I'm sure it will work this time."

"She's using her primordial spirit in order to reverse time," Sifeng observes.  "If this continues, she'll disappear."

Xuanji finds Fox Demon standing a few feet away, attempting to adjust the memory in the mirror.  "Purple Fox, that's enough.  You should return with us."

Xuanji grabs her arm.

Fox Demon pushes her away.  "Go away!"

"Purple Fox, your primordial spirit will be gone if you continue this," says Xuanji.  She grabs Fox Demon's arm.

"Go away!  Just ignore me, I don't need your concern!"  She pushes Xuanji again.  "Wu Zhiqi!"  She sobs.

"Purple Fox, I saw in my past mirror, as well," says Xuanji.  "That's why I understand what you're going through.  But the answer you're looking for is in the real world.  If you trap yourself here, you'll only be more frustrated.  Let's leave together, okay?  We'll find Wu Zhiqi together."

Fox Demon looks at her tearfully.  She gives Xuanji a hug.  "I...I'm so dumb," Fox Demon sobs.

Xuanji strokes her hair.

 

 

 

The souls make it back to the inn.  Fox Demon shows signs of waking up.  As she awakens, the trance from the Mirror of Origin releases Sifeng and Xuanji.

"Purple Fox," says Xuanji.

Fox Demon sits up and takes several breaths.

"This is great," says Xuanji.  "You're finally awake."

"You saw my most embarrassing moments," Fox Demon says tearfully.

"It's fine," says Xuanji.  "You'll be a beauty, no matter what you do."

"Xuanji, you promised me that you'll help me save Wu Zhiqi when we were in the mirror, am I right?"

Xuanji nods in agreement.  "I promise."

"Xuanji, don't promise that yet," says Little Six.  "You're a cultivator, your role is to slay demons.  Wu Zhiqi is the Left Lieutenant of the Demon Tribe.  You still want to find him?  That's impossible."

"Sixth Senior, I've already promised Purple Fox," says Xuanji.  "And although I don't know Wu Zhiqi personally, he has been locked up for 1,000 years for what he has done.  I think that's more than enough."

"So what if you find him?"  Asks Ting Nu.  "1,000 years ago, Wu Zhiqi left without a care.  What makes you think that you can keep him by your side?"

"I must go," Fox Demon insists.  "I told you before.  I will surely save Wu Zhiqi.  If I can't save him, I'll accompany him, no matter how long it takes.  I want him to know that I'm the only person good to him in this world, and I will always stay beside him."

"You're not the naive demon I knew anymore," says Ting Nu.  "Fine.  I won't try to persuade you again.  But you must remember this.  You need to deal with the consequences."

"Sifeng," says Little Six.  "Please persuade Xuanji."

"We've promised Purple Fox that we'll go to Mount Buzhou together," says Sifeng.  "And she helped us find Ting Nu.  That's why we must keep our promise."

Little Six sighs.  "Fine.  Since you are so insistent, my words are useless.  Let's do this together, then."

Fox Demon is breathing heavily.  "Oh, right. Ting Nu, tell us how to enter Mount Buzhou."

"Mount Buzhou is not in the Human Realm," says Ting Nu.  "We need to prepare ourselves before we enter the mountain.  Let me make some preparations.  You will depart tomorrow."

The Disciples and Fox Demon nod.

 

 

...To Be Continued...