American Perspectives: Chaos Pt. 1 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 39)

 

“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.

 

 

 

"From your perspective, you think that Hao Feng has unlimited love for you,"  Yuan Lang is casually seated on a pagoda roof within the Lize Palace assembly hall.  "And she even removed your Lover's mask for you.  But in reality, she stopped loving you when she found out you were a demon.  The cultivators sensed something strange when she gave birth to her child."

 

Sifeng stands behind Palace Master.

 

"If the old Palace Master didn't get over there, and kill them in time, the secrets of Lize Palace would have been revealed.  For Hao Feng, she witnessed the deaths of her friends and families before she got over the fact that she gave birth to a demon's child.  How could she love you?  She could only hate you.  And she wanted to kill you personally.  Oh, Senior, yet you're trying to force her to love you, just like in the past.  She couldn't even commit suicide.  She was tortured by you everyday."

 

Palace Master laughs.  "Continue.  Continue your story."

 

Yuan Lang smirks.

 

"I knew long ago that you were up to no good," says Palace Master.  "Do you think I'll believe you?  I will never believe you.  Because I only believe in myself."

 

"You forced Hao Feng to remove your Lover's Mask.  She only had hatred for you.  She would never love you."

 

"Hao Feng, what's wrong?"  Palace Master remembers asking, as she fearfully backs away from him.  "Hao Feng."  She continues to back away.  "Hao Feng!"

 

"Don't come near me!"

 

"Hao Feng!  Hao Feng!"  He runs to her.

 

She holds out the sharp end of her hairpin, and aims it at his throat.  "Don't come near me.  Don't come near me."

 

"Hao Feng, no matter what you do to me, I will never hurt you.  What's wrong with you?"

 

"The Lover's Curse backfired on you," says Yuan Lang, "and she finally had a chance to escape.  You couldn't even control your demonic nature.  And He Danping, the wife of Shaoyang's Sect Leader, caught you red handed.  Do you still remember that?  Oh, Senior.  You put Lize Palace in danger because of your carelessness.  You only struck He Danping several times before you continued your pursuit.  If I hadn't followed you and exterminated He Danping, Shaoyang Sect would've known about our secrets.  And they would've led the other sects here to destroy us."

 

Sifeng steps forward.  "So.  You were the murderer of Xuanji's mother."

 

Yuan Lang snaps his black fan closed, disappears, and reappears in front of Sifeng and Palace Master.

 

"Yes, I did it."  He snaps his fan open.  "So what if I did it?  I did this in order to tie up his loose ends.  The old Palace Master was biased.  He still favored my senior, even after all his misdeeds.  It's all because he inherited the Twelve Feather Bloodline.  The Old Palace Master put in so much effort to place the Lover's Curse on you.  To prevent the Lover's Curse from triggering, he went to obtain the Heartless Pill for you before his death.  It's all because he didn't want you to know the truth, and ruin your future."

 

"No," says Palace Master.  "This is not true!"  He points his finger in Yuan Lang's face.  "You're lying!"

 

Yuan Lang smirks.

 

"You're a sly villain," says Palace Master.  "Hao Feng removed my mask personally!  She swore that she would be with me no matter if I was a human or a demon!  That's the truth!  You!  You should stop lying!"  His heart begins to hurt, and he's struggling to breathe.

 

"Father, what's wrong?"  Asks Sifeng.

 

"Senior," Yuan Lang adds insult to injury, "you were the cause of Hao Feng's death."

 

Sifeng really wants to slap him.  Regardless of who caused Hao Feng's death, now is not the time.

 

"No!" Growls Palace Master.  "That's not true!"

 

"I'm not lying," Yuan Lang says calmly.  "Elder Luo knows this, as well.  You can ask him," Yuan Lang grins.

 

"Shut up!" Sifeng hisses.

 

Palace Master looks at Elder Luo.  He is in tears, and he slowly approaches the elder.  Sifeng stays behind him.

 

"Elder Luo," says Palace Master, "please tell me.  Please tell me that he's lying."

 

"Master," says Elder Luo.  "No matter if it's true or false, it's all in the past now.  There's no need to ask."

 

The truth is, suicide is a complicated issue.  Hao Feng was torn between the love of her life and the rules of the sects.  She was torn between loving her child, and contemplating throwing him away due to his demonic blood.  If she did not stay in isolated seclusion with Palace Master, she was going to be killed for knowing too much.  If she went back to her sect, she would have had to deal with the same humilation and gossip that Linglong had to deal with after leaving Tianxu Hall.  It wasn't exactly a black and white issue.

 

Palace Master's lower lip trembles.

 

Yuan Lang approaches them, and is internally gloating.  "Since Elder Luo doesn't want to say anything, that's fine.  I'll take out the treasure that I've been keeping for over 20 years.  I'll show it to you."  He pulls a piece of paper out of his hanfu.  "This is the blood-letter that Hao Feng wrote for her father."  He dangles it in front of Palace Master's face, and then pulls it away.  "Let me read it for you.  'I was trapped by a demon.  Blood gushes out from my throat every day.  How I wish I could end my life here.  Death is my only savior.  I was deceived by a demon because of my feelings.  I was humiliated, and I've tainted Diangjing Valley Sect's reputation.  It's too late for me to regret.  With my death, I will prove that I will never be together with demons for all eternity.'  By Hao Feng."

 

Palace Master feels nauseous.  Yuan Lang finally lets him see the letter for himself.  Palace Master meticulously reads over it.  "Impossible.  Junior, tell me.  You're lying to me, am I right?  You're just trying to anger me.  I've never heard of any spells that could alter one's memories during my stay in Lize Palace."  Palace Master is falling apart.

 

Yuan Lang rolls back Palace Master's sleeve, and a green feather tattoo is on his arm.

 

"Senior, explain this, then."

 

Palace Master looks down at the distinct feather mark.

 

"There's no spell that could change time," says Yuan Lang.  "You're just denying the truth."

 

Palace Master is trying so hard not to break down.  He falls back, and blood begins to flow from his mouth.

 

"Palace Master!"  Sifeng darts to him.  He and two elders help Palace Master sit down.  "Father! Stop talking."

 

"The Lover's Curse is triggering," says Elder Luo.  "Please consume the Heartless Pill."

 

Yuan Lang kneels down in front of Palace Master.  "Senior, what's wrong?"  He asks sarcastically.  "If Hao Feng and you were truly in love, the Lover's Curse would've been gone.  Why is it triggering now?"

 

"Shut up!" Snaps Sifeng.

 

"Yu Sifeng," says Yuan Lang, "you would rather shut me up than understand whether the relationship between your parents was genuine or fake?"

 

"Father," says Sifeng.

 

"We fed your mother with the stalactite," says Palace Master.  "She'll wake up soon.  She'll tell you how...we fell in love."  He slowly points to Yuan Lang.  "He...He's lying!"

 

"Senior," says Yuan Lang, "I'm not lying.  Speaking of the stalactite, I remembered something.  Dianjing Valley Sect spent two years searching for the stalactite.  And they finally found the 1,000 year old stalactite.  They wanted to use it to save Hao Feng, but someone snuck into Dianjing Valley Sect one night , and stole Hao Feng's body.  Even though they found the stalactite, it was too late, and the previous Sect Leader died because of grief.  Everything was gone." 

 

Yuan Lang sighs.  "Senior, I don't think you knew this, right?"

 

Palace Master looks at the blood-letter and sobs.

 

"What do you mean?" Asks Sifeng.  "What do you mean by 'it was too late?'"

 

"If a cultivator dies," Yuan Lang waves his black fan, "you can revive him, if you manage to find the 1,000 year old stalactite, and feed it to him within three years.  After three years, their primordial spirit will dissipate completely.  There's no medicine that can revive the dead!"

 

 

 

 

A number of disciples from Lize Palace carry Hao Feng's ice coffin into the main hall.  The top is covered with a blue blanket.  The procession is expectedly somber.  Sifeng has a lot to process, while Palace Master is having a break down.

 

The coffin is carefully lowered to the floor.

 

"Didn't you say you fed her the 1,000 year old stalactite?"  Asks Yuan Lang.  "Let's look at your Hao Feng, then."

 

Tears are streaming down Palace Master's face.

 

"Is she alive?"  Asks Yuan Lang.  "Or is she dead?"  Yuan Lang smiles gleefully.

 

Sifeng may have had his differences with Yuan Lang, but he's astounded by his blatant cruelty.

 

"Open the lid!"  Shouts Yuan Lang.

 

Palace Master screams.  All shreds of remaining dignity now gone.  He breaks free from Sifeng and Elder Luo, and flies over the crowd.  He generates a huge wave of golden energy, knocking down everyone in his way.

 

Sifeng gasps.  "Father!"  He tries to stand, but is pushed back from the intense force of the energy.

 

The coffin lid slides back, and Hao Feng's body levitates.  Palace Master watches it hopefully.

 

Yuan Lang stands beside him.  "Senior, I'm just teasing you.  You were right.  As the two phoenixes fly side by side, love comes true.  You and Hao Feng had a great relationship.  I'm so envious of you," he says sarcastically.

 

Hao Feng's body goes from laying down to standing, and it floats toward Palace Master.  Palace Master smiles.  Yuan Lang rolls his eyes.

 

"Senior, look," says Yuan Lang.  "She's not dead yet."

 

"Hao Feng," says Palace Master.

 

"She's smiling at you," Yuan Lang says with exaggerated enthusiasm.

 

Hao Feng's eyes open, and look at Palace Master.

 

"Hao Feng," whispers Palace Master.

 

Hao Feng smiles at him.

 

Tears roll down Sifeng's cheeks.

 

And just like that, Hao Feng's body turns to dust.

 

"Mother," says Sifeng.

 

Palace Master, however, still sees her.

 

"I will never...I will never be together with a demon like you!"  Hao Feng's spirit shouts at Palace Master.

 

Palace Master reaches for her, and Hao Feng says it again: "I will never be together with a demon like you!"

 

"As the two phoenixes fly side by side," says Palace Master.  "As the two phoenixes fly side by side!"

 

Yuan Lang smiles.

 

Palace Master crumbles.

 

"Father!" Yells Sifeng.  He flies over to Palace Master, and catches him before he falls backwards, and hits the floor.

 

"Sifeng," says Palace Master.

 

Sifeng nods.

 

"Your mother did love me before she found out that I was a demon.  We were...truly in love before."

 

"Both father and son suffer the same fate," says Yuan Lang.  "Such a pity."  He disappears, and then reappears on the throne.

 

"I've tried my best to travel the path that I'd chosen," says Palace Master.  "Yet, it was the most disgraceful path.  I've let you down.  I've let your mother down, as well."  He hands Sifeng the yellow vial with the Lover's Curse cure.  "Hurry.  Take the Heartless Pill.  Only then will you be able to cut off your feelings, so that you won't end up like me, and harm yourself and others in the process."

 

"I won't take it," Sifeng sobs.  "You should take it to save your life, Father."

 

"Sifeng, promise me that you'll lead Lize Palace with your all.  And take good care of the Rose Gold Bird clan."

 

Sifeng nods and cries.  "I promise you.  Father, please take the pill."

 

Palace Master looks to the side and sees Hao Feng's spirit floating.  With fiery wings extended, he floats out behind her.  (Though no one else can see her).  He sees her spirit meeting him at the doorway.  He flies outside, and she gestures to the heavens.  His body disintegrates, only leaving behind his Lize Palace robes, and the Golden Feather Medallion.

 

"Everyone, kneel down before the passing of Palace Master!"

 

Everyone kneels, except for Yuan Lang, who is sitting on the throne and smiling.

 

"Father!"  Screams Sifeng.  He runs outside and sees the robes and the Gold Feather Medallion.  He kneels on the robes, and mournfully kowtows.

 

Elder He, and another Elder supporting Yuan Lang's ideology stand up.

 

"What are you doing?"  Asks Elder Bai, who is a supporter of Palace Master.  "Why aren't you kneeling?"

 

"Every disciple needs to kneel down for the Lord's passing," says Elder Luo.

 

"Kneel now!"

 

"The Palace Lord was muddle headed before his passing," says Elder He, "and many things were left unsaid after his passing.  Of course, we won't kneel before his passing.  Unless the new palace lord can convince us."

 

Sifeng reaches for the Gold Feather Medallion.

 

"Only then, will we acknowledge him as our old palace lord," Elder He continues.

 

The two Pro-Yuan elders kneel at the throne.

 

"Vice Palace Lord is heroic and chivalrous.  I'll acknowledge him as our new palace lord."

 

Sifeng looks at Palace Master's remaining robes mournfully.

 

The rest of the disciples kneel before Yuan Lang.  "We will acknowledge him as our new Palace Lord!"

 

Sifeng looks at the medallion in his hand, and wipes his tears.

 

"Vice Palace Lord, Sifeng has the Gold Feather Medallion.  He's the new Palace Lord," says Elder Luo.

 

Sifeng squeezes the medallion.

 

"Are you trying to stage a revolt?"  Elder Luo asks Yuan Lang.

 

Yuan Lang stands up.  "What do you mean by that?  Now is a crucial moment for the sect's survival.  I just want Lize Palace to retain its legacy.  How could you say it's a revolt?"

 

Sifeng enters the palace.  "Our Palace Lord has just passed away.  You can't even wait for a second?"

 

"Yu Sifeng," says Yuan Lang, "hand over the Gold Feather Medallion.  It's not a good thing for you to possess that.  Let me shoulder your burden.  What do you think?"

 

"How many of you have joined Tianxu Hall?"  Asks Sifeng.

 

Yuan Lang chuckles.  "All demons come from the same clan.  There's no difference between Tianxu Hall and Lize Palace."

 

"Elder Bai, what's the 25th Rule of Lize Palace?"  Asks Sifeng.

 

"Those who have joined Lize Palace cannot join other sects or groups.  If they do, they will be considered traitors, and they may be slain!" Says Elder Bai.

 

Sifeng lifts up the Gold Feather Medallion.  "The Gold Feather Medallion is here."  All the disciples who had been kneeling, rise.  "For those who joined Tianxu Hall, I'll spare you all from your misdeed only for today.   After today, I won't spare any of you.  Now, come out if you want to.  Quit Tianxu Hall."

 

The disciples deliberate among themselves.  Yuan Lang watches them warily.

 

"I grew up in Lize Palace," says Sifeng.  "We're a family.  We should take care of each other.  We shouldn't sacrifice our lives for the goals of the evil Tianxu Hall."

 

Many disciples walk toward Sifeng.  

 

"You!  Come back!"  Shouts Elder He.

 

They ignore him, and gather in front of Sifeng.

 

Sifeng lowers the badge.  "Deputy Chief, you colluded with outsiders, and betrayed us.  You've broken our rules.  I'd promised to protect the Rose Gold Bird clan.  I won't give up until I've arrested you."

 

Yuan Lang laughs.  "Fine.  Since you've agreed to protect our clan, I'm sure you don't want your people to die because of you, right?"

 

A number of disciples are brought forward by Tianxu Hall executioners.

 

"You!"  Says Elder Bai.  "You hold your clan members as hostages!  You're out of your mind!"

 

Yuan Lang throws his open fan at Elder Bai and slices his throat.  Elder Bai collapses to the ground.  The fan boomerangs back to Yuan Lang.

 

Yuan Lang flies forward, and lands in front of Sifeng.  He points his fan at Sifeng.  "Hand over the Gold Feather Medallion, and appoint me as the new palace lord to guarantee their safety.  If not, more of them will die."

 

As the two engage in a stare down, Sifeng's fiery, golden wings emerge in full splendor.  Sifeng flies forward, and knocks Yuan Lang back.  He stomps Yuan Lang to the ground like a bug.  He pulls his hand back, and then pushes it forward onto Yuan Lang's neck.  He tightens his grip.

 

As he does so, a Tianxu Hall executioner slits the throat of one of the Lize Palace disciples.

 

"Yu Sifeng, if you attack us, I'll make sure to kill all of them," Yuan Lang smirks.

 

Sifeng looks at him hatefully.

 

"We don't need to fight," says Yuan Lang.  "I'm just taking over for several days.  After the crisis has passed, I promise to return the Gold Feather Medallion to you.  What do you think?"

 

Sifeng stares at him, and does not remove his hand from Yuan Lang's neck.

 

"Or do you think that the Gold Feather Medallion is more important than their lives?"  Asks Yuan Lang.

 

Another disciple gets his throat slashed.

 

Yuan Lang grins wickedly.  Sifeng slowly takes his hand away.  He turns away, and looks at the medallion.  With grave reluctance, he throws the medallion to Yuan Lang.

 

"Very good!"  says Yuan Lang.  "From today onward, I will be the leader of Lize Palace.  All of you must follow my orders.  Here's my first order.  Everyone must join Tianxu Hall.  Those who disobey my orders will be exterminated. " 

 

The disciples and most of the elders follow after Yuan Lang.

 

 

...To be continued...

 

 

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