American Perspectives: Savior or Murder Toy? Pt. 2 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 40)

 

 

“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.

 

 

Three Dianjing Valley Sect disciples confidently enter the shop, like a group of spoiled rich boys who are used to everyone complying.  "Valley Master insisted on sending us here to follow the Shaoyang Sect."

 

"He wants us to follow the God of War."

 

"We left in such a hurry.  We didn't even have time to pack our clothes."

 

Linglong looks behind her to see who they are.  Her blood immediately runs cold, and she hopes they won't notice her.

 

"Shopkeeper!"  Calls one of the disciples.

 

"Hello, gentlemen," says the shopkeeper, whose arms are full with Linglong's fabrics.

 

"Do you sell silk cloth here?"

 

"Of course we do," says the shopkeeper.  "But please wait a moment."

 

Linglong keeps her back turned, continuing to hope and pray the disciples won't notice her.

 

"I need to give this to that lady," the shopkeeper continues.

 

"Wait," a disciple reaches for the fabric.  "I think this fabric is quite good.  It's suitable for us.  Wrap it up for us."

 

"Sir, that lady placed an order before you."

 

Linglong turns her head slightly, and the disciples glare at her.  She quickly looks away.

 

As the young men approach her, her heart begins to pound.  She wonders if everyone in the shop can hear it.

 

"I thought it was someone else," snorts a disciple.

 

"So, it's the young lady of the Shaoyang Sect."

 

Linglong sharply turns around like a confident ballerina, even though she's scared shitless.

 

"Wait.  I heard that she has been kicked out of the sect.  What was that reason again?"  He touches the side of his head, feigning ignorance.

 

Linglong isn't going to retraumatize herself for their spank banks.  She walks right through their little rich boy clique without saying a word.

 

"Shopkeeper," says Linglong.

 

"Miss," he hands the fabrics to her.

 

She hands him some money, while telling herself to take a deep breath, and stay focused on the task at hand.  Everything else is irrelevant, and will be out of the way in two minutes.

 

"Thank you, miss."

 

The Dianjing Valley sect disciples block her from leaving.

 

"Didn't you hear me?  The fabric is ours."

 

"Step aside," Linglong says authoritatively.

 

A disciple blocks her with his sword.  "She's scary, huh?  Why didn't you act like this while you were with the demons?  You only like demons?"

 

"Humans are not that bad, you know!"  Another disciple chimes in.

 

Linglong clutches her fabric to her chest, and takes a deep breath.  I can do this.  I'll be out of here in two minutes...

 

"Is that so?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Look," a disciple smiles and holds out his arms.

 

Linglong grips her fabric tighter, and then, she takes one piece of fabric, winds it tightly, and uses it like a whip to knock the disciple into the wall.

 

The other two disciples show their swords.  Linglong wraps her fabric around one disciple's sword, and moves it away.  She kicks the other disciple under the chin, sending him falling backwards onto the hardwood floor.

 

The disciple with the sword that Linglong bound with fabric is still trying to stab her.  He twists his sword, and slices her fabric.  She loses her footing, and he pushes her outside, causing her to fall down the steps.

 

The three stand over her with their swords, though they may as well have had their dicks out, with the humilation she is experiencing.  Several people gather to watch.  Linglong, with all the dignity she can muster, picks herself up from the ground.

 

"You thought you were a real young lady?  In our eyes, you're worse than a village girl.  Even village girls know how to keep their chastity intact."

 

"Shut up!"  Snaps Linglong.  She's doing everything she can to keep from falling apart, and adding to the humiliation.

 

"This is my mouth.  I can say anything I want.  Moreover, you fooled around with demons before.  Are you afraid people might tease you?"

 

The villagers and the disciples laugh at her.  Even the women.   Especially the women.

 

Linglong looks at the circle of people pointing and laughing at her.  She wonders if there's any point for her existence.  She looks at the sword pointing directly at her, and she steps forward.

 

With a great force of strength, Little Six furiously pulls her back, and kicks the disciple in the wrist, knocking the sword out of his hand.

 

"Are you tired of living?"  Asks Little Six.

 

"Look who's here," a disciple smirks.  "It's Zhong Minyan, the traitor of Shaoyang Sect.  Seems like you're the only guy in the world who would fall for a woman like Chu Linglong."

 

Little Six swiftly punches him in the jaw.  The two other disciples charge at Little Six with their swords, but he effectively blocks them.  Using his blocking strategy as leverage, he pushes himself upward, and kicks both disciples in the face simultaneously, sending them to the ground.

 

One tries to charge at him again, but Little Six breaks his wrist, and back hands him across the face.  But he's not done.  He turns around and gives the disciple a swift kick to the torso.  "Scram!"  Yells Little Six.

 

The disciples, not expecting to be publicly whipped by someone so far beneath them, get up and run away.  They have no desire to be mocked by the same peasants who just now mocked Linglong.  Especially from the women.

 

Linglong feels mortified, as she doesn't think she's worth the effort.  She wonders if other people's judgments about her exist for a reason.  She feels terrified and vulnerable.  She wants to just run away, to a place where absolutely no one knows her.

 

Little Six drops his sword.  "Linglong, are you okay?"

 

Linglong feels like she can't breathe, but she doesn't want to cause any more problems.  "I'm fine."  All these people surrounding her, judging her, pointing at her, who just won't go away, are making her nauseous.  She makes a run for it.

 

"Linglong!"  Calls Little Six, chasing after her.

 

They run to the small home they're staying in.  She doesn't feel safe anywhere.  She feels like Wu Tong is hiding somewhere in the walls, and the misogynistic Dianjing Valley Sect disciples are hiding in the trees.

 

"Linglong!"  says Little Six.

 

She stops in front of the porch.

 

"Do you remember what I said before?"  Asks Little Six.  "You didn't do anything wrong.  Don't torture yourself because of their words."

 

"But in the end, I still hear their words."  Not only that, she has to deal with their disrespect and their entitlement.  Other women chiming in, as loudly and obnoxiously as they can because they don't want to be the next target.  The assumption that because she was sexually assaulted by someone else, she *must* be a nymphomaniac.  She *must* be wide open for business!  "I'm not the past me anymore.  I can't hide from them."

 

Little Six steps in front of her.  "In my eyes, you're Chu Linglong, the person I love the most.  There's no difference between the past you and the present you.  Linglong, I'm beside you.  You don't need to hide."

 

"Do you know what I dream of every night?"  Asks Linglong.  "It's Wu Tong."  She covers her ears and sobs.  "It's like he was implanted in my brain!  I can't avoid him!  There's no place for me to hide!"

 

Little Six grabs her hands.  "Linglong, that's not you.  Don't think about it anymore."

 

"But the images I see are so clear and vivid.  I can't avoid him.  I can't avoid him!"

 

Little Six hugs her tightly, and does not make it about him.  He does not dismiss her, or minimize her feelings.  "Linglong, I'm here.  Don't be afraid.  I will help you to forget him.  I will help you to forget him."

 

 

 

Linglong is asleep in her room, while Little Six is sleeping in the chair beside her.

 

"Linglong," Little Six says in his sleep.  "Linglong."

 

Linglong rolls over and looks at him.

 

"I'm here," he whispers in his sleep.  "Don't be afraid.  I'm around."

 

She sits up.

 

"Linglong," Little Six says in his sleep.  "Linglong."

 

She takes off her blankets.  If you stay by my side, you'll be despised no matter where you go.  Unless I die, I'll never be able to escape Wu Tong.  I'm sorry.  See you in my next life.

 

She quietly exits the house.

 

Little Six awakens, and is startled to see that she's gone.  He walks outside, and decides to investigate.  "Linglong," he looks around the front yard.  The realization of what could possibly be happening hits him, and without a second thought, he runs out of the yard.

 

He waits for the Shaoyang sect disciples to appear at the Dianjing Valley Sect entrance.  Sect Leader Chu appears first.  "What happened?"  Asks Sect Leader Chu.

 

"Master, Linglong is missing."

 

Sect Leader Chu's eyes widen with fear.  "How did that happen?"

 

"She was teased in town yesterday, and she left without a word this morning.  Master, please help me find Linglong."

 

"Lead my men and search the area."

 

"Okay," says Little Six.  "All of you, follow me."

 

"Yes."

 

As the disciples leave, Sect Leader Chu vomits blood.

 

"Your injuries haven't healed yet," says a disciple.  "You better rest."

 

Sect Leader Chu takes a deep breath.  "Linglong is a generous and forgiving girl.  What exactly did she suffer?"  He has a pretty good idea, but he doesn't want to acknowledge that it could happen to his daughter.  "How did this happen?"

 

 

 

"Senior!"

 

"Linglong!

 

Little Six and the disciples run through the forest.  "Linglong, where are you?"  Shouts Little Six.

 

"Senior, where are you?"

 

"Senior!"

 

"Senior!"

 

The disciples run through the cold and rainy market.  Little Six anxiously looks from side to side.

 

"Where is Senior Linglong?  In the past, she would hide in places we couldn't find when she was angry," a disciple remarks.  "We never found her."

 

A sudden realization dawns on Little Six.  "I'm such a fool."  He darts ahead of the disciples.

 

"Senior!"

 

"Senior!"  They shout behind him.

 

 

 

 

Linglong is walking to the edge of the river.  She looks out at the roaring current.  She picks up her sword and studies it carefully.  "Duanjin Sword, I've embarrassed the Shaoyang Sect.  I'll leave you here so that you can slay more demons and atone for my sins."  She stabs her sword into the gravel.  She bravely steps into the freezing cold water.  The depth increases as she gets closer to the middle.  She is unaffected by the cold, and the water is now up to her neck.

 

She closes her eyes and goes under.

 

Like a majestic duck flying across the surface of the lake,  Little Six flies across the river.  He reaches down, and pulls her up.  He flies her over to the shallow end.

 

Linglong coughs.

 

"Linglong!"

 

"Let me go!"  Linglong screams.  "Can't I even choose to end my life over such a terrible fate?"  She tries to break free, but Little Six grabs her.

 

"Chu Linglong!  I thought you were only willful, but I didn't expect you to be this selfish!  Think about this carefully.  How did you manage to stay alive after you were captured in Tianxu Hall?  I risked my life to save you.  Second Senior sacrificed his life for you.  Do you think you can die when you feel like it?  Did you even ask for my permission?  Don't you think you're letting down our second senior?  You've loved to serve justice ever since you were young.  But now, some other people are committing misdeeds.  Why didn't you go and punish them?  Why are you trying to punish us with your death instead?  Are you going to let your father, Xuanji, and I suffer forever?"

 

Linglong shakes her head and bursts into tears.  "It's not that."

 

"If you want to die, fine.  I'll die, as well.  I'll die in front of you.  I'll let you know how it feels to see your loved ones die before you."  He walks further into the river.

 

Linglong grabs his arm.  "No, Minyan!  No, Minyan!"  She pulls him close to her, and gives him a hug.  "I'm sorry.  I'm sorry!  Please don't die.  Please don't die."

 

He puts his hand on her back.  "Linglong, I will always stay by your side, no matter what happens to you.  Please don't leave me behind.  You can't just sacrifice our happiness because of something that didn't happen, okay?"

 

"Okay."

 

They embrace in the middle of the calm river.

 

 

 

 

Linglong is sleeping while Aunt Hong scans iridescent energy over her body.  Sect Leader Chu, Hao Chen, Little Six, and First Senior are in the room with them.

 

"She's fine," says Aunt Hong.  "She's unconscious because she was grieving too much.  She'll be fine after a few days."

 

Sect Leader Chu and Little Six nod.

 

Sect Leader Chu sighs.  "It's all thanks to Minyan.  It's lucky that he found her in time.  If not, she would've...We'll let Xuanji accompany her.  Maybe she'll feel better that way.  Eh?  Where's Xuanji?  This is a huge matter, but Xuanji is not around at all.  Didn't you tell her?"  He gestures to Hao Chen.

 

 

 

Hao Chen grabs Teng She by the neck, and slams him into a post.  "Where's Xuanji?"

 

"Don't touch me," says Teng She.  "Can I say that I don't know?"

 

Hao Chen tightens his grip.  "Tell me!"

 

"Qingmu Town!"  Teng She blurts out, not realizing he has just played his part in starting a very lengthy shit storm between Sifeng and Xuanji.

 

Hao Chen releases Teng She and angrily walks away.

 

"I was actually frightened by a mortal," gasps Teng She.  "Is Xuanji's senior that scary in the first place?"

 

 

 

It's the middle of the night, and Sifeng is sitting on the roof at the Inn.  Fox Demon and Brother Liu are sitting in the gazebo down below.

 

"Little Phoenix is pitiful, indeed," says Brother Liu.  "His father just died, and Xuanji may become his enemy in the future."  Brother Liu sighs and takes a sip of wine.  "The heavens are truly messing with him."

 

"He's the Twelve Feathers Rose Gold Bird," says Fox Demon.  "I think he was influenced by sentiments, as he has been here for too long.  If he wants to be a demon, he should learn from Wu Zhiqi.  If I were Sifeng, I would've eloped with Xuanji.  The survival of Lize Palace has nothing to do with me."

 

Brother Liu gives her a sideways look.  "It's easy for you to say," he stands up.  "Let me ask you.  Sifeng chased after Xuanji in his previous nine lives, but did he ever complain about it?  This time, he just wants her to wait for awhile, yet she's unhappy.  She even wanted Sifeng to follow her back, and apologize to the other sects.  Being virtuous will cost him his life, you know?"

 

Fox Demon stands up.  "Let me ask you this, then.  Did the Rose Gold Bird clan kill Xuanji's mother?  Did the Rose Gold Bird clan hurt Xuanji's father?  Did the Rose Gold Bird clan slay many of their people?  If I were Xuanji, I would only be happy if all of them were dead.  Now, she only wants Sifeng to follow her.  She's very magnanimous."

 

"She wants him to leave?"  Asks Brother Liu.  "Tell me, where else can he go?  You said this yourself.  The deputy chief is Yuan Lang, the leader of Tianxu Hall.  Now that he has all four spirit keys, the three realms will be in turmoil soon.  Yet, you're asking him to leave Lize Palace, and elope with Xuanji?"

 

"What did you say?"  Asks Fox Demon.

 

"What?"  Asks Brother Liu.  He sits back down.

 

"Yuan Lang has obtained all four spirit keys?"

 

"Yes.  The three realms will be in turmoil soon.  Let's cherish our remaining days."

 

Yuan Lang is devious, Fox Demon thinks.  He'll surely trick Wu Zhiqi again.  I need to steal the spirit keys somehow.

 

 

 

Xuanji is alone in the bamboo forest, and she looks down at the Inn in the valley.  She jumps at the sound of leaves and branches rustling behind her.

 

Hao Chen descends.

 

"Senior?"  Asks Xuanji.

 

"Why are you here alone?"  Asks Hao Chen.

 

Xuanji looks around awkwardly.

 

"You don't need to tell me why."  Hao Chen pretends to be empathetic.  "You're here to meet Yu Sifeng, right?"

 

Xuanji's heart pounds, but she knows she must answer very carefully.  "I just wanted to clarify things with him."

 

"You saw his true form, the Twelve Feathers Rose Gold Bird, personally.  He deceived you for so long, yet you still want to clarify things with him?"

 

"Senior, Sifeng...Although he's a demon, he has never hurt anyone.  I believe in him."

 

Hao Chen looks at her with complete disgust.  "You know that he's a demon, yet you're still trying to defend him?  Xuanji, when will you stop being so naive?"  He has quickly forgotten that by removing her six senses, and grooming her for four years, he severely delayed her social development.  The only one he has to blame for that is himself.  "Do you think he's really in the dark about Lize Palace's scheme?"

 

"Sifeng is..."

 

"Enough!"  Hao Chen snaps.  "I didn't expect you to not know the difference between what is good or evil.  You even ignored the basic rules of being a cultivator!  And you came to meet that demon in secret!  Xuanji, I'm too disappointed in you.  Fine.  I'll sever your ties with him now."  He aggressively walks up to her.

 

"Senior, I'm sorry for this."  As she moves her arms, Sifeng's hairpin falls out of her huge sleeve, and onto the ground, unnoticed.  Ice blue fire energy generates from her hands.  With tremendous force, she sends Hao Chen flying backwards.

 

He shields himself by crossing his arms, and Xuanji relentlessly continues to push him back with her fire.  With a stealthy flick of his fingers, he absorbs some of that fire for himself.

 

"Xuanji, you actually attacked me because of a demon."

 

"Senior, I'm sorry.  I don't want to do this.  Please don't force me."

 

"Fine," says Hao Chen.  "Since you've brought out your Ninth Heaven Fire, there's no way for me to defeat you.  Just forget it.  But I didn't expect you to use the God of War's power just to protect a demon.  Linglong's reputation was ruined because of a demon, and she almost committed suicide because of it.  Yet you're here, fighting against me, because of a demon."

 

"Committed suicide?"  Whispers Xuanji.  "What's going on?"  She asks cautiously.  "Is Linglong okay?  What exactly happened?"

 

"Although her life is not in danger, her reputation was ruined.  I'm afraid the trauma in her heart will never disappear."

 

"Linglong," whispers Xuanji.  "I'll look for Linglong right away."  She looks down at the Inn in the Valley.  She wants to spend more time with Sifeng, but she's gotta go.  Sifeng, wait for me.  Her hairpin remains on the ground, unnoticed as she walks away.

 

To Hao Chen, however, it shines like a beacon.  He looks at it, and malicious thoughts begin to form.

 

 

 

 

Xuanji slides open the doors to Linglong's room.  "Linglong!"  She rushes to her bedside.

 

"Xuanji," says Linglong.

 

Xuanji quickly looks over her.  "Why are you so silly?  Are you trying to leave both Father and me behind?"

 

"I'm sorry," says Linglong.

 

"How could you do such a silly thing because of a villain like that?  What about Father and me?  Sixth Senior will be very sad, you know?"

 

"Xuanji, I've thought about it.  I won't do silly things anymore.  I will stay alive and take my revenge against Wu Tong.  I will make him pay for all the humiliations I've faced."

 

"I'll avenge you," says Xuanji.  "I won't let Wu Tong, or anyone from Tianxu Hall off."

 

Linglong nods.  "And Sifeng, as well."  ...Of all people who should know better...However, old prejudices die hard, and it doesn't take much to trigger them.  "Sifeng is with them.  You mustn't show him mercy."

 

"Linglong, Sifeng has nothing to do with Tianxu Hall."

 

"Why didn't he return with you if he was innocent?"  Such short sighted double standards from someone who had to deal with similar questions while being sexually harrassed in the Dianjing Valley Market Place.  Again, prejudice is a strange thing.  The person inflicting it often thinks that the standards don't apply to them.

 

"He--" says Xuanji.  "It's because he's busy with something."

 

What Linglong should be asking, is why did her father leave her in Tianxu Hall for over a month, enable Wu Tong's rape for over a month, while it was Sifeng who made tremendous efforts to bring her back.

 

"Xuanji, don't fall for his tricks again," says Linglong.  "He's just trying to acquire your trust.  He's trying to find another chance."

 

"No!"  Xuanji insists.  "Sifeng isn't like that!  He told me that the only thing he lied to me about was his identity.  That's the only time he lied to me.  I believe in him."

 

"Xuanji, he's a demon.  Even if he's not a part of Tianxu Hall, you two won't end well together.  I'm your older sister.  You should listen to me.  The people will forsake those who affiliate themselves with demons.  I've embarrassed Father and Shaoyang Sect.  You mustn't disappoint Father anymore.  You're the only one he can depend on now.  You mustn't disappoint him.  You mustn't follow my steps."

 

Xuanji nods as a tear rolls down her cheek.  "I won't go anywhere.  I'll stay here and accompany you.  I'll stay here.  I won't meet Sifeng.  If Sifeng did commit these atrocious deeds, I will never let him off.  But if he's innocent, please give him another chance, okay?"