American Perspectives: Rose Gold Bird Demon Revelations Pt. 1 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 31)

 

 

“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.

 

 

 

Brother Liu reluctantly places the Demon concealing Dragon Crystals on Sifeng's bed.

"Thanks to Eldest Brother Liu," says Sifeng, "Ting Nu came just in time."

"No problem," acknowledges Ting Nu.

Brother Liu adjusts Sifeng's blankets.  "You..." Brother Liu leans forward, and then sits down.  "You are lucky.  I almost broke my wings in order to act out a show for you.  In order to make them believe you were caught by the Golden Demon."

Sifeng smiles.

"Don't worry," Brother Liu continues, "they won't suspect you.  I wouldn't have known how things would end if Hao Chen hadn't caught us this time."

Sifeng and Brother Liu remember when Sifeng was stumbling through the forest to conceal his demon identity from Xuanji.  Sifeng is holding himself up against a tree, catching his breath, and trying not to pass out.

Hao Chen sneaks up behind him, and levels his sword at his back.

"Yu Sifeng, why are you here?"  Hao Chen asks judgmentally.

Sifeng slowly turns his head.  If he could face palm, he would, but now is most certainly not the time.

Unbeknownst to them, Brother Liu is witnessing this confrontation.  With a quick movement of his hands, he transforms himself into a burst of golden, demonic energy.  This burst immediately flies up to Hao Chen, and attacks, picking up a flurry of leaves.  Hao Chen stabs at it, and the golden burst disappears.

"I didn't fight, but ran away after casting a spell of deceit.  They couldn't get me then.  But, Little Phoenix, I made you suffer by casting poison into your soul."  Brother Liu looks at Ting Nu.  "We had no choice in order to make sure there was no mistake.  By the way, Xuanji has a terrible senior.  He even tested you.  Luckily, the poison blocked any further testing.  Also, we arrived just in time, so everything is fine.  We covered it up for you."

Sifeng sighs.  "I've troubled you all."

"Yihuan, you would not be frank if not for my medicine.  Lize Palace really kept the secret well.  I thought the Rose Gold Bird tribe vanished after the war a thousand years ago.  I've never thought they disguised as cultivators and survived till now," says Ting Nu.

Brother Liu nods.  "Our ancestors who survived discovered the Dragon Crystal Seal.  Thus, they thought of this way to hide and protect themselves."

"I guess the mask worn by disciples of Lize Palace has the same function?"  Asks Ting Nu.

"Brilliant," says Brother Liu.  "You surely are a demon who has lived 1000 years and even went to the heavens.  You even noticed this.  So, you have to keep this secret."

"Don't worry," says Ting Nu.  "I won't tell anyone."  He turns to Sifeng.  "But Sifeng, were you worried that Xuanji might see you, so you ran out, and almost got caught?"

Sifeng nods.

"If you two are to stay together in the future," says Ting Nu, "will you keep hiding it from her?"

Sifeng hesitates.  "I don't know," he admits.  "I don't know how to tell her."

"How does he tell, then?"  Asks Brother Liu.  He points to the doors.  "Also, is the old guy Xuanji's father?  You saw his attitude, too.  The biggest crime is the difference of identity for them."  Brother Liu sighs.  He thought his situation with Yu'er's mother was complicated...

"In my opinion," says Brother Liu, "you just keep it to yourself first."

"Sifeng," says Ting Nu, "don't think too much.  The most important thing now is to recover well.  Don't push yourself too much.  Hurry and sleep."

"Thank you," whispers Sifeng.  He closes his eyes, and begins to fall asleep.

Brother Liu and Ting Nu exchange glances.

 

 

 

Brother Liu wheels Ting Nu outside to update Xuanji and Little Silver Flower.

"How is it?  How is Sifeng?"  Little Silver Flower asks anxiously.

"Don't worry.  Sifeng has great fortune," says Brother Liu.  "He also got help from Ting Nu.  He has overcome it well."

"Sifeng's heart pulse has been revived," says Ting Nu, "but he fell asleep because of exhaustion.  Don't worry.  Sifeng will recover after resting well."

"Great," says Xuanji.

Little Silver Flower smiles.

"Thank you, Ting Nu," says Xuanji.

Ting Nu smiles.  Brother Liu gives Xuanji the side eye.

"Father," says Xuanji as Sect Leader Chu and Aunt Hong approach them.

Brother Liu and Ting Nu exchange glances.

"That demon cast poison into Sifeng's soul to drive him nuts without knowing, so he can harm him secretly," explains Ting Nu.

"What an evil trick!"  Brother Liu says with exaggerated indignation.  "Thanks to Sect Leader Chu for sending Hao Chen to restore the flow of energy in Sifeng's body.  He would have been in trouble if nobody had noticed it."

"I see," says Sect Leader Chu.  "The demon is evil.  I can't believe he escaped, and we failed to kill him.  What a pity."

Brother Liu's eyes widen.  This man will really kill indiscriminately.

"Ting Nu, can I see Sifeng now?"  Xuanji asks eagerly.

"Hurry and go," says Ting Nu.

As she's running to his room, Little Silver Flower tries to follow, but Brother Liu promptly blocks her.  "The room is too small for so many people.  You needn't go, and just let Sifeng rest."  He motions for her to go away.

Little Silver Flower wrinkles her nose.  "Hmmph."  She walks away with a whole lot of sass in her step.

"Eh," says Brother Liu, extending his hand.  "Sect Leader Chu, my friend from the demon clan will only save people.  He saved your disciple today.  If you mean to make things hard for him, you need to go over my dead body first."

"I'm not an ungrateful person," says Sect Leader Chu.  "Thank you so much for helping out today."  He bows to Ting Nu.

Ting Nu returns the bow.

"From today onward," says Sect Leader Chu, "disciples under my sect won't trouble you unreasonably again.  But if you help the demons, Shaoyang will fight for righteousness.  Our promise will be invalid."  He turns and walks away.

Aunt Hong bows.

Brother Liu shakes his finger after she leaves.  "He draws the line clearly.  Only the cultivators are righteous, not the demon clan?"  He yells.

Ting Nu frantically grabs his sleeve.  "Yihuan, stop shouting."

Brother Liu sighs.  "Little Phoenix, this will be hard."  Brother Liu doesn't envy him in even the slightest.

 

 

 

Xuanji is at Sifeng's bedside, touching his face.  She holds his hand.  "Sifeng, do you know that I've never been so scared like today?  Five of us went to Mount Buzhou.  But now, only two of us came back.  I thought in an easy and simple way.  I even troubled you to bleed so much and endure severe pain.  I didn't have six senses back then.  I was envious of Linglong who would cry and feel pain. But now, I only know that this feeling is horrible.  If I could choose, I would hope that I was the one who got stabbed.  Fortunately, you got through everything.  You are all right now.  Sifeng, don't you worry.  I'll become strong.  I'll protect you and everyone whom I love. I won't let anyone of you get hurt anymore."  She holds his hand to her face.

 

 

 

Little Six and Ruo Yu are following a demon through Tianxu Hall, ready to work.

"You all will work here from now on," says the demon.  "You'll stay here, too.  You'll have to clean hard, although you're cooking at Tianxu Hall."

"What do you mean?"  Asks Little Six.  "Aren't we following Wu..."  He immediately stops himself.  "I mean, North Superintendent?"

"You just came, but wish for an easy life?"  Asks the Demon.  "Just work hard!"

Ruo Yu puts his hand on Little Six's shoulder.  The demon walks away.

The two walk into the deserted kitchen.

"Who would have known that after coming to Tianxu Hall, these incidents would happen?"  Little Six takes a seat at the table.

Ruo Yu remains standing.

"Ruo Yu," says Little Six, "you stabbed Sifeng..."

"He's fine," says Ruo Yu.  "People from Lize Palace won't die easily.  Don't worry about him."

"Did you really stay in order to survive?"

Ruo Yu sits down.  "Since I know you sneaked into Tianxu Hall as your Master's wishes, I can't do anything as your brother."

"What did you say?"  Asks Little Six.

"That's right, your master ordered you to sneak into Tianxu Hall to get the spirit keys.  I heard it all.  Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop.  I can't let you go alone since I know the truth.  I'll come with you.  Two of us is better than you struggling alone."

"Actually, you don't need to do so," says Little Six.  "You're from Lize Palace.  I'm afraid your master will blame you if you do so."

"I don't mind.  Getting the spirit keys is good for the mortal realm.  It's not too late to explain in the future.  As for stabbing Sifeng, I'll let him do the same next time."

"No, Ruo Yu.  You are so loyal and helpful, I shall bear all consequences and responsibilities.  Sifeng got injured because of me.  My second senior, too."

"Minyan, don't say that.  You were forced to do so.  You kept him alive, too.  Let's rescue him once we get the spirit keys."

"You're right," Little Six agrees.  "Since we stay here, there must be a way to find my second senior and the spirit keys.  Then, we shall bring all of them out to my master."

 

 

 

"Chu Xuanji's power is now far worse than what I'd wanted," says Yuan Lang.  "It can't help me revive the Devil Star."  Yuan Lang is standing at the entrance to Mount Buzhou, his back turned to Wolf, who had not died, after all.  "If I wasn't careless and let Wu Tong take advantage at Mount Buzhou, we could have still helped to revive  the God of War the moment Chu Xuanji entered.  What a pity."

"Please allow me to attack Mount Buzhou," says Wolf, "and bring Wu Tong back alive in order to bring you comfort."

"Don't ever do that," Yuan Lang turns around to face Wolf.  "Wu Tong is just a maniac who bites.  If he is irritated and destroys the spirit keys inside the Dragon Seal, all of our hard work will be wasted.  Don't worry.  He doesn't have much time left in Mount Buzhou.  I've got an idea on how to deal with him.  You just need to get ready to get the Seven Stars disc from the Dianjinggu Sect, and the last spirit key during the Flower Session."

"Yes," Wolf bows.  "Please forgive me for being incompetent, and still unable to break through the poison, thus failing to sneak into Dianjing Valley Sect.  We can only wait for the hairpin tournament."

"It's still not too late," says Yuan Lang.  "Let's make use of the hairpin tournament to create bigger problems and chaos.  This time, I must revive the God of War."

 

 

Sifeng is sleeping in his bed, Xuanji is slipping beside him, in a sitting position, on the floor.  Sifeng opens his eyes, and carefully looks around.  Does Xuanji have any suspicions about his identity?  He tenderly looks over at her, admiring her dedication.  He touches her head, and she flinches.

She wakes up, and looks into his eyes.  "Sifeng...Sifeng, you're awake.  You...Do you feel unwell?  Let me call Ting Nu."  She quickly stands up, but he grabs her arm, and pulls her down.

She awkwardly falls on top of him.

He smiles at her.  "Don't panic, I'm truly fine."

She touches his shoulder.  "Does your wound hurt?"  She asks tearfully.

He shakes his head.  "I'm really fine."  He smiles.  "Why do you even cry?  Your red eyes make you look like a bunny.  No way.  Our Xuanji has become so good at crying.  She can't be having the Merman's tear in her mouth, thus she keeps on crying, right?"

"Not at all," says Xuanji.  "Back then, I thought crying was something fun.  But now, I only know it doesn't feel good at all.  Sifeng, it seems that I've known everything.  So, this is the feeling of loving someone.  My heart will ache like this.  In the future, don't scare me anymore, okay?  Don't leave me anymore, okay?"

He lays her head on his chest.  "Xuanji, I won't leave you.  It's all fine.  I'll accompany you forever...and ever.  I won't leave you forever."

Xuanji puts her hand on the side of the bed, and touches something that feels like a rock.  She picks up the Dragon Seal.  "Sifeng, what is this?"  She shows it to him.

His feelings of joy turn into feelings of dread.  "I have seen this on your body, too," says Xuanji.

He takes a deep breath.  "Xuanji, actually, I..."

"I got it," says Xuanji.  "Ting Nu gave you this to heal?"

"You're right," Sifeng lies.  He's too terrified to tell her.

She affectionately touches his face.

"Xuanji," says Sifeng, "actually..."

The doors abruptly burst open.  Xuanji immediately sits up.

"Xuanji, is Little Phoenix..." says Brother Liu.

Sect Leader Chu clears his throat.

Xuanji wants to crawl under the bed.  Or, even better, she wants to disappear.  She rearranges her hair self consciously.

"Should I leave first?"  Asks Brother Liu.

Ting Nu scratches his head awkwardly.

 

 

 

With the palm of his hand, Ting Nu adds white energy to Sifeng's body.

Sect Leader Chu gives Xuanji a sideways glance.

Xuanji smiles adoringly at Sifeng, and he sincerely smiles back.

None of this gets past Sect Leader Chu.  

Ting Nu finishes his healing, and informs the group.  "Sifeng is alive, but his body needs rest."

"Father, go back to Shaoyang with Auntie Hong first.  It's important to revive Linglong's primordial spirit," says Xuanji.

"I wanted to talk about this with you all," says Sect Leader Chu.  "Hero Yu got injured because of Xuanji.  We should bring you back to Shaoyang Sect to recover."

"Sifeng needs to rest now," says Ting Nu.  "He shouldn't go anywhere.  It's unfitting to bring him back to Shaoyang or Lize Palace."

"Let me stay to take care of Sifeng, then," says Xuanji.  "Father, Linglong's primordial spirit is the most important now.  Hurry and go back.  Moreover, I heard from Auntie Hong that the condition of the secret ground isn't so good."

Sect Leader Chu clears his throat awkwardly.  Brother Liu conceals a laugh.

"You needn't worry about the stability of the secret ground," says Sect Leader Chu.  "As for the rest of you..."

"Sect Leader Chu, don't worry about me," says Sifeng.  "Linglong is more important."

Sect Leader Chu nods.  He looks at Xuanji.  "Xuanji, you're a grown up now.  I won't interfere with your decision anymore.  But the hairpin tournament, which happens once every four years is coming soon.  When Hero Yu gets better, hurry and return to Shaoyang then.  Think thrice before taking action.  Also remember that you and..."  He looks over at Sifeng awkwardly.  "Your relationship with a friend must follow etiquette, understand?"

Xuanji squirms and blushes.  "Father?"  Please don't say anything embarrassing...

Brother Liu chuckles, and exchanges smiles with Ting Nu.

"I know," says Xuanji.  "Oh, right!  If Linglong wakes up, you must write a letter to inform me.  Only then can I be at ease.  Please tell older sister that we will return as soon as Sifeng recovers.  Also, regarding Sixth Senior...Father, you..."

Sect Leader Chu looks down.  "Don't worry about Linglong.  Also, there's no decision made regarding Minyan.  He betrayed the sect.  It's hard to tell if he's an enemy or friend.  Bring him back if he appears, then only we will decide in order to avoid confusion.  Everyone, I shall bid farewell here."  He bows.

The group returns his bow, and he walks out the doors.

Xuanji quickly sits on Sifeng's bed.  "Sifeng--"

"Eh, eh, eh!"  Says Brother Liu.  "Your father has finally left.  I was suffering all that time.  How is Yu'er now?"

With a movement of her hand, Yu'er materializes from some glittery green energy.

"My good girl!" Exclaims Brother Liu.

Yu'er dodges his hug.  "Why are you avoiding me?"  He asks.  "Do you think I am not good enough, and trouble you?"

Yu'er shakes her head.  "I thought you were bullied by the people of Tianxu Hall because of me, and I had caused you troubles, and that you didn't care about me anymore."

Xuanji and Sifeng smile at each other.

"Silly girl," says Brother Liu.  "Why would I dump you?  I know I wasn't good enough back then, and made you feel wronged.  I wish to make it up to you now.  I saved you not to control and chain you up.  I wish you can cultivate your demonic core again, so that you can protect yourself better in the future."

Yu'er embraces him tearfully.  "Father, it's my fault.  I'll listen to you and be dilligent.  By that time, not only can I protect myself, but you, too."

"Ai yo."  He holds her face in her hands.  "My good girl."  He touches his forehead to hers.  "Oh, right!  Thanks to Uncle Sifeng and Auntie Xuanji this time.  They saved you.  Hurry and thank them."

Yu'er nods and bows.  "I'll remember the great kindness of Uncle Sifeng and Auntie Xuanji forever.  I'll pray for you two to get married, have children, and live happily forever."

Xuanji blushes.

"Why does it sound off?"  Asks Sifeng.  "Yu'er, I think you've got your father's genes."

Brother Liu chuckles.  Yu'er smiles.

"Does it sound off?"  Asks Xuanji.  "I think that's not bad."

Sifeng blushes and smiles.

"Since Yu'er is cultivating a demonic core," says Ting Nu, "I think she needs a safe and spiritual place to stay focused.  What about going to our Merman's place in Donghai?"

"Eh!"  Brother Liu points at Ting Nu.  "That's great!  We'll get it done immediately.  Cultivating a demonic core should delay no more.  Ting Nu, I'll hand Yu'er to you, then."

Ting Nu nods.  "Sure, let's go now."  With a wave of his hand, Ting Nu, Brother Liu, and Yu'er disappear.

Alone at last.  Xuanji holds Sifeng's hand.  "Well, I witnessed Yu'er and Eldest Brother Liu reunite.  Our journey back from Mount Buzhou is worth it, then.  However, I don't think Sixth Senior is a person like this.  He wouldn't betray the sect."

"I trust Minyan, as well.  When my wound gets better, we'll find them on Mount Buzhou.  I have a feeling that there's a reason behind Ruo Yu hurting me.  We must bring them back, no matter what."

"Sifeng, I think my father's words make sense, too.  I must think thrice before taking action in the future.  I can't let you take the risk with me.  I must be stronger.  Then, I shall find Wu Tong and kill all those demons."

"Xuanji, do you really think that all demons are unforgiveable?"

"I guess not.  Purple Fox is much better than Wu Tong, but I must kill all demons who do evil."

 

 

 

Little Six and Ruo Yu are walking through Tianxu Hall.  They are each carrying a bag, and cautiously studying the area.

"Wu Tong's side is guarding against us," says Little Six.  "We have no idea where the spirit key is.  There's no way to find my second senior, either."

"We've looked over places like the dark dungeon and colosseums where they captured slaves.  I'm afraid your second senior might be locked up individually," says Ruo Yu.  "Don't worry.  Let's find other ways."

They walk through a hole in the wall, and see Linglong kicking a jianzi in the air, and giggling.  She is surrounded by the male disciples from Xuanyuan Sect.

Little Six watches her, feeling a bit confused, as she's both Linglong and not Linglong.  He remembers her playing that same game back at Shaoyang with all of their friends.  She is using the exact same moves as in the past.  She kicks the jianzi to Little Six.  He carefully picks it up.

"Give me my jianzi," says Linglong.

"Minyan," Ruo Yu nudges him.

Linglong glares at him.  She summons her whip, and lashes Little Six across the chest, sending him to his knees.  "What are you looking at?  Who allows you to look at me?  How dare you hide things."  With her energy, she takes his dagger, which had fallen out of his hanfu.  She examines it, and has a very unsettling feeling of deja vu.  She has images in her mind of Little Six giving her the dagger, telling her it's for his future wife, but the memory feels very disconnected.

Her head begins to hurt, but the disorienting images just won't stop.  "We are reasonable, but grounded," Little Six says in the memory, in reference to the love lot.

"What hereditary treasure is this?"  Asks Linglong.

"What did you say?"  Asks Little Six.  "Do you recognize this dagger?"

"What hypnosis spell did you cast on me?"  Yells Linglong. She draws her whip and lashes him under the chin.

Little Six falls backwards.

"Minyan!"  Ruo Yu rushes to him, and helps him sit up.

Linglong throws the dagger at him.  "Just keep this dagger for your future wife!  All of you, beat him up!"  The Xuanyuan sect slaves rush to him, and start punching.

"Don't go!"  Little Six says desperately.

Linglong continues to walk away.

 

 

 

Aunt Hong is casting a spell over the vial that contains half of Linglong's primordial spirit.  Sect Leader Chu is holding the vial steady.  With her palm, Aunt Hong pulls the spirit out, and transfers it to the unconscious Linglong.

"How is it?"  Asks Sect Leader Chu.

"Her primordial spirit has been revived," says Aunt Hong.  "Her pulse is stable, and life is safe.  Don't worry."

Sect Leader Chu breathes a sigh of relief.  "Great, then."  He looks over at Linglong.  "Why hasn't Linglong awakened?"

"Extraction of primordial spirit is forbidden.  It is my first time using this.  I guess it takes some time.  Let's observe for a few days.  I shall go through the record again to check if I've overlooked anything."

"Sure," says Sect Leader Chu.  "I'll ask Hong Luan to send Xuanji a letter."

Aunt Hong nods.

"She must be worried," says Sect Leader Chu.

 

 

...To be continued...