American Perspectives: Wu Zhi Qi's Release Pt. 2 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 45)

 

 

“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.

 

 

 

 

Wu Zhiqi is in his cell, trying desperately to bust out of his chains.  "These four damned chains!  One day, I'll stuff them inside the mouths of you immortals!  Did you hear me?"  He points at the sky.  "I'm going to stuff them inside your mouth!"

 

The chains immediately break, one by one.  Wu Zhiqi jumps back in surprise.  "They broke?  They actually broke!"  He can't believe his luck.  He jumps up with delight, and in a poof of purple energy, he unshackles the chains from his limbs.  He feels an amazing surge of power.  He shapeshifts from his monkey form to his human form.  He is ecstatic.  "It's been over 1,000 years!  My powers have finally been restored!  Which one of you saved me?  I will express my gratitude!"

 

He sees a beautiful woman in a light purple hanfu falling from the sky.  He immediately catches her.

 

"Little Fox?  It's you?"

 

She smiles.  "Wu Zhiqi.  I-I did it.  It's me.  I saved you!"  She starts to choke.

 

"Little Fox, are you okay?"

 

"I'm fine.  I'm doing well."  She touches his face with her cut up hand.  "Wu Zhiqi, you...Are you okay?"

 

"I'm fine.  Little Fox, I'm doing very well now.  I've broken free of those chains.  I'm brimming with energy now.  Little Fox, you did all of this to save me.  It must've been tough."

 

Fox Demon shakes her head.

 

"How about this?  When we get out later, I'll pluck some grapes for you, okay?"

 

"Stupid monkey, who cares about your grapes?  I want you to never abandon me again."

 

He smiles at her awkwardly.  "Little Fox, this is not the time for talks like this.  We'll talk about it after we leave.  By the way, where did you come from?"

 

"I...the Demon Citadel.  Wu Zhiqi.  Sifeng.  It's Sifeng.  He and I unlocked the chains together.  You need to help him."

 

"Okay," says Wu Zhiqi.  "I'll help him."

 

She touches his face.  "It's good to see you."

 

"Little Fox!"

 

She struggles to breathe.  

 

"Little Fox!  Little Fox!  Little Fox!"  He applies purple energy to her head.  He smiles at her.  "You're as useless as you were before."  He looks up at the sky.  "Sifeng?  I'll meet you right now!"  In a poof of smoke, Wu Zhiqi and Fox Demon fly out of his cell.

 

 

 

 

 

A long, vertical beam of pink fire is visible in the sky from Shaoyang Sect.

 

"Look."

 

"What's going on?"

 

"That's strange."

 

Several members, including Hao Chen and Sect Leader Chu, are staring at it from the steps outside.

 

"What's going on?"  Asks Sect Leader Chu.

 

"The Dimension Chain has been broken," says Hao Chen.  He does not feel good about this, and his own secrets he's been keeping from Xuanji, which are significantly worse than Sifeng's, have a high probability of blowing up in his face.  "And it has alerted on our land."  He's shit your pants nervous.

 

"They've saved Wu Zhiqi," Sect Leader Chu observes.

 

Xuanji, Wu Zhiqi has been saved.  So, will you go soft on him?

 

 

 

 

Lightning strikes on the Demon Citadel border.  "Wu Zhiqi is saved?"  Asks Yuan Lang.  "Wu Zhiqi is saved!"  His heart races.  He didn't think Sifeng could do it.  He was sure that pesky puppet of Hao Chen's would get in the way.  Hot damn!  Sifeng has saved the day!

 

A big grin appears on Yuan Lang's face.  "Now, the demon clan will dominate the three realms!"  He laughs triumphantly.  "We'll dominate the three realms!"

 

 

 

 

Sifeng and Xuanji are fighting to the death.  Well, Sifeng is fighting to block Xuanji from sabotaging his efforts to free Wu Zhiqi.  Xuanji, however, is fighting to the death.

 

They hit an impasse.  "Yu Sifeng, do you think that I can't kill you?"

 

"You can kill me, but I need to tell you something before you do.  I'm not the Devil Star."

 

Xuanji has had it with the lies, mind games, and cover ups

 

"I have good reason for everything I do," Sifeng continues.

 

She smacks his sword away.  "When will you stop lying to me?"

 

"I'm not lying," Sifeng insists, even though he knows she has good reason to believe otherwise.  "You want to know my bitter reasons?  Its a fact that I will risk myself and do anything in order to protect the person I love.  I just wanted her to live in peace.  It's fine, even if I have to pretend to be the Devil Star.  It's fine, even if the world misunderstands me.  I just hope that one day, we will be together again.  Xuanji, please give me some time.  I will surely explain everything to you."

 

"I don't believe a single word," says Xuanji.  Her Dingkun Sword disappears.  "I hate myself for thinking that my Sifeng might be able to turn over a new leaf, and return to his original self.  That would've been great.  But now, I have only realized that my Sifeng has changed.  He will never return!"

 

A tear rolls down Sifeng's cheek.

 

The two silently cry over their innocence going up in smoke.  She summons the white cleansing bottle Hao Chen had given her.  She genuinely believes it will bring back the Sifeng she remembered.  With her energy, the bottle turns red.

 

So, is my tenth reincarnation going to end just like the other nine?  Sifeng thinks.

 

She hurls the bottle at him, and he is engulfed in fiery red energy.  Xuanji is convinced that it's a purifying fire.  It forms a dome around him that he can't escape.  He feels the strength losing his body, he feels like he's in an oven, and he feels like he's suffocating.

 

"Sifeng, hang in there," says Xuanji.  "You'll be fine after a while."

 

He feels the oxygen leaving his body, and blood streams from his mouth.

 

"Sifeng, it's hard for you to get rid of your anguish.  Hang in there.  We'll be able to return to the past when your anguish disappears.  Sifeng!"

 

Sifeng begins to convulse, and he drops his sword.  He screams and falls to his knees.

 

"Sifeng!  Sifeng!"

 

"Xuanji," whispers Sifeng.  "No!"

 

"Sifeng!"  Her eyes are wide with horror.  Surely, this is supposed to help him.  Hao Chen would never lie to me.

 

Sifeng's condition rapidly deteriorates.

 

Did I use this incorrectly?  "Sifeng, what's wrong?  Sifeng!"

 

He feels his insides tearing open.

 

"Sifeng!"  She applies her ice blue energy to the dome.  He continues to experience seizures.  His head feels like it's going to explode.

 

"Sifeng, why is this happening?"  Xuanji cries desperately.  "Why?"

 

The pain in his head escalates.

 

"Sifeng!"  She hurls as much energy as she can at the fiery dome, but it pushes her back.  "Sifeng!"

 

He falls to his side.

 

"Sifeng!  Sifeng!  Sifeng!  No!"  She summons her sword, and strikes the dome.  The dome pushes her back.

 

Sifeng is sweating profusely.  She continues to strike at the dome with her sword.

 

"Sifeng!"  Xuanji screams.

 

"Little Beauty!"  Wu Zhiqi interrupts, as he materializes out of the sky.  In his arms, he's carrying Fox Demon in her purple fox form.  "Little Beauty, do you have a deep feud with this guy?"

 

Xuanji shakes her head no.

 

"Why are you torturing him with the Vermillion Bird Bottle?"

 

"Vermillion Bird Bottle?"  Xuanji gasps.  "Isn't this the Cleansing Bottle?  Senior said the Cleansing Bottle can get rid of one's anguish."

 

"Get rid of one's anguish?"  Wu Zhiqi is astounded at her blind faith in this senior of hers.  "Listen, the Vermillion Bird Bottle contains the most anguish in the world.  It would even turn immortals into water.  Your senior lied to you."

 

Xuanji feels so stupid.  "This can't be.  This can't be.  This can't be!"

 

Sifeng begins to lose consciousness.

 

"Sifeng!"

 

"Sifeng is my savior!"  Says Wu Zhiqi.  "I can't just let him die!  Juntian Hoop!  Cehai Hook!"  In a blast of black energy, the weapons emerge.  "Break!"  The hook shatters the glowing white bottle, disintegrating the dome.

 

"Sifeng!"  Xuanji runs to his unconscious body.

 

"Little Beauty, you almost killed him just now.  But now, you're concerned about him?  It's lucky that I saved him in time.  If not, he would've been covered with pus.  Never mind, I won't hold it against you since we're old friends.  But, he needs to leave with me."

 

"Sifeng, wake up!"  Xuanji sobs.  "Sifeng!"

 

"The Demon Citadel is a detestable place, indeed."  Wu Zhiqi swings his arm, and slices the barrier in the sky open with his hook.

 

Xuanji is sobbing by Sifeng.

 

"Little Beauty," says Wu Zhiqi, "I'll see you next time."  He, Sifeng, and Fox Demon disappear in a poof of fiery energy.

 

"Sifeng!  Sifeng!"  Cries Xuanji.  She clutches her heart.  It hurts to breathe.  "Sifeng!"

 

 

 

 

A purple slit appears on the Demon Citadel border.  Yuan Lang jumps back.  He smiles.  "The Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook are amazing, indeed."  He feels profound adoration for these divine weapons.  "It ripped apart the very fabric of space.  It even connected the Demon Citadel with Mount Buzhou!"  He laughs with delight.  He has been waiting so long for this moment.

 

Wu Zhiqi materializes and smiles.  "I thought it was someone else.  Yuan Lang, it's you?  You're still alive?"

 

"My brother!"  Yuan Lang approaches him enthusiastically.  "I tried my best to rescue you over the past 1,000 years.  I've finally succeeded today."

 

"Ah," says Wu Zhiqi.  An unconscious Sifeng materializes, resting his head on Wu Zhiqi's shoulder.  "But Little Fox told me that Sifeng was the one who rescued me.  What?  Were you involved, as well?"

 

Yuan Lang smiles awkwardly.  "I put in much effort to obtain the four spirit keys.  As for Younger Brother Yu Sifeng, he did give me some minor assistance."

 

"Ah," says Wu Zhiqi.  "So, going to the Demon Citadel is only considered 'minor assistance?'  My brother, since you've put in so much effort, why didn't you come and personally save me in the end?"  The hook swirls above them.  "Do you miss me?  Or do you miss my Juntian Hoop and Cehai hook?"

 

"My brother, you're so humorous.  I just think that your divine weapons are truly amazing.  Can you show them to me?"  Yuan Lang is having a total fan boy moment.

 

"My brother, are you kidding me?  There's nothing for you to see.  What if you lose them by accident?  Return!"  He yells to his weapons.  "By the way, Sifeng has sustained some serious injuries because of me.  Where are you staying?  I'll treat his injuries there."

 

"Lize Palace over the West Sea," says Yuan Lang.  "But this is not urgent, right?"

 

"Of course it's not urgent when you aren't the one dying.  I'll go to Lize Palace for now.  See you there."  Wu Zhiqi and Sifeng disappear in a haze of purple energy.

 

Yuan Lang's smile fades.

 

"This Wu Zhiqi doesn't appreciate us at all," says Elder Feng.

 

"He's the Left Lieutenant.  He's more powerful than me.  It's normal for him to be arrogant.  Relay my orders.  Set up a feast, and welcome Wu Zhiqi."

 

"Yes," Elder Feng bows.

 

 

 

The paint on the Immortal-Demon War Mural begins to peel off in  large chunks.  In its place is a mural of King Bailing standing in front of Devil Star's body, while the God of War rises from the corpse.

 

 

 

 

Yuan Lang is sitting at his table in Lize Palace, half asleep.

 

"Two hours have passed since then," says Elder Feng.  "Why isn't Wu Zhiqi here yet?  We set up a feast just for him.  The food will be cold if we wait any longer."

 

"Elder Feng, that's enough," Yuan Lang says calmly.  "Let's take a look outside.

 

 

 

 

Like a fast rocket, Wu Zhiqi jets through the air, and lands at the Lize Palace entrance.

 

Yuan Lang is in the main hall, one elder on each side.  They stand and wait for Wu Zhiqi.

 

"Don't trouble yourself," says Wu Zhiqi.  "I'm here."  He flies into the hall, accidentally breaking a table with his foot, and sending foot scattering.  He lands in front of Yuan Lang.

 

Yuan Lang smiles.  "My brother, you've made us wait.  Come, have a seat."

 

"I didn't expect the demons to be so disrespectful," says Wu Zhiqi.  "And cold blooded after my absence."

 

"What do you mean by that?"  Asks Yuan Lang.

 

Wu Zhiqi smirks.   "The Palace Master is the reincarnation of the Devil Star.  He's my savior, as well.  Now his life is in danger, yet you're throwing a feast?"  He violently swings his arm to the side.  "What do you mean by this?  Listen, if Yu Sifeng doesn't survive today, if you dare to eat or drink," he points at the sect members, "I will make you pay!"  With a sweep of his arm, a huge wave of red smoke energy washes over the sect members, knocking all tables of food over.

 

Yuan Lang calmly waves his fan.  "We did this out of good intentions.  Why are you so angry?"

 

"Yuan Lang, save your breath.  Go and save him right now," demands Wu Zhiqi.

 

"Save him?"  Yuan Lang asks innocently.  "I'm not a medical expert.  How could I save him?"

 

Wu Zhiqi smirks.  "It's fine.  I know someone who's a medical expert.  "Ting Nu!"

 

Ting Nu calmly wheels himself into the main hall.

 

 

 

 

Teng She is back in Siming Hall with a focused vengeance.  He flies back up to the highest bookshelf.  He has to get this done for Xuanji.  He goes through the scrolls again, and drops the ones that don't suit him.  He wrinkles his nose as he finds useless scroll after useless scroll.

 

On one of the shelves, he comes across a wooden box.  He looks around before opening it up.  He pulls out the scroll, but puts it back.  He opens the small drawers in another box.  He finds a lot of blank scrolls.

 

He finally gets to a red box and pulls out a scroll...

 

 

 

 

Wu Zhiqi flies across the hall, landing directly in front of Ting Nu.  "Ting Nu, tell him the things you told me just now."

 

"Sifeng was struck with the malignant aura of the Demon Citadel," says Ting Nu, "and the blood fog of the Vermillion Bird bottle.  Either one of them is hard enough to treat on its own.  Now, there's only one way to save him."

 

Yuan Lang waves his fan apathetically.

 

"We need two demons who are more powerful than him," Ting Nu continues.  "They must have equal levels of power, and they need to use their powers together in order to force out the malignant aura in his body."

 

"You hear him?"  Asks Wu Zhiqi.

 

Yuan Lang closes his eyes.

 

"Powerful demons, equal levels of power," says Wu Zhiqi.  "What a coincidence.  You and I are the right candidates.  Let's go."

 

Elder Feng and Elder He exchange glances.

 

Yuan Lang doesn't move, acting like a very popular high school girl who feels the rules don't apply.  Wu Zhiqi pointedly stares at him.  Yuan Lang continues to wave his fan apathetically.

 

"Yuan Lang, what do you mean by this?  Are you not willing to save the Devil Star?"

 

"If Yu Sifeng was the reincarnation of Devil Star, I'd save him.  But he was seriously injured by the malignant aura and the Vermillion Bird bottle.  I suspect that he's not the real Devil Star."

 

Yuan Lang's selfishness appalls Wu Zhiqi.  "Let me ask you this, then," Wu Zhiqi walks forward.  "Who else can endure the power of the Vermillion Bird bottle, and the malignant aura besides the Devil Star?  Moreover, his soul hasn't returned to his body yet.  He has less than half of his powers.  Your logic doesn't work at all.  Ah, don't tell me that you're plotting something, just like what you did 1,000 years ago?"

 

Yuan Lang's eyes widen.  He was sure Wu Zhiqi didn't know he was the one who had him imprisoned.

 

"Are you trying to betray the demon clan?"  Asks Wu Zhiqi.

 

The members begin to murmur amongst themselves.

 

Yuan Lang slowly snaps his fan closed.  "What do you mean by that?"

 

"I mean nothing," Wu Zhiqi shrugs.   "I just heard some rumors about you.  Don't be so nervous.  1,000 years ago, our Right Lieutenant wanted to become a spy in the heavens for the sake of our clan.  I think he wouldn't betray our clan.  According to my understanding, he's most concerned about our clan.  Am I right, old friend?"

 

Yuan Lang slowly waves his fan.  "You're right.  Brother, since you said that, I'll listen to you."  He flashes a fake smile.

 

"That's great."

 

Yuan Lang's fake smile fades as he realizes Wu Zhiqi knows more than he thinks he does.

 

 

 

 

Teng She is still rummaging through the shelves of Siming Hall, and he's exhausted.  "Where is it?"  He looks far across the hall, and sees a black box on a pillar.  Still nothing.

 

He sits down and stretches his neck.  He lays down on a rug, and looks to the side.  He finds a scroll laying under an end table.  Because he's been so absorbed in finding scrolls, he doesn't realize he's no longer in Siming Hall.  He picks up the scroll, and opens it.  He sits straight up after reading the first few words.  "Ai ya!"  He does not see Lord Green Dragon standing in front of him.  "I've been here for so long, but I haven't seen someone who suffered this much."  He shakes his head.  "Stinky Woman, you have a pitiful life."  He looks up, and jumps at the unexpected sight of his boyfriend.  He tries to run away, but Lord Green Dragon pushes him down.

 

"Teng She, I've forgiven you many times.  I didn't expect you to be so impudent!"

 

Teng She hides the scroll in an unnoticed poof of golden energy.  He hopes Lord Green Dragon will make it quick.

 

"How dare you sneak into King Bailing's chamber?"

 

"Wait, Green Dragon.  Listen to me.  I'm not..."

 

"Shut up!  Still trying to deny it?  Listen, you've broken the rules of the heavens.  This time, you'll be put behind bars."

 

 

 

 

 

Sifeng is sleeping in his warm, comfortable bed.  He slowly opens his eyes, and sees Brother Liu.

 

"It's good that you're awake," says Brother Liu.  He helps Sifeng sit up.  "Seems like your condition is stable."

 

"Sorry to trouble you again," says Sifeng.

 

"I only played a minor role," says Ting Nu.  "You were saved because of Wu Zhiqi's and Yuan Lang's power."

Brother Liu chuckles.  "Yuan Lang didn't want to save you at all.  You would've been dead if Wu Zhiqi didn't force him to do so.  It's good that you're safe."

 

"I'll make some tonic to help you recover your strength," says Ting Nu.

 

After Ting Nu leaves, Brother Liu speaks.  "Look at your lifeless face.  You narrowly escaped death once again.  Chu Xuanji is vicious, indeed."

 

"Maybe..." says Sifeng.  "It's because I've hidden too many secrets from her.  That's why Chu Xuanji did that.  One day, when she finds out the truth, she'll appreciate my effort."

 

"She used the Vermillion Bird bottle, you know?  Even if she didn't know the truth, it's obvious that she wanted to kill you when she uses something like that.  Yu Sifeng, Chu Xuanji is trying to kill you!  She wouldn't resort to that is she still had feelings for you.  That girl is too vicious.  I would have never taught you how to court her if I knew this was going to happen in the first place."

 

Sifeng sighs.  "Now that Wu Zhiqi has been saved, my plan will succeed soon, and everything will be clear by then.  I saw Xuanji's background in the Demon Citadel.  She's the God of War and the Devil Star."

 

 

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