American Perspectives: Confronting Hao Chen Pt. 1 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 46)

 

 

“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.

 

 

 

 

"Now that Wu Zhiqi has been saved," says Sifeng to Brother Liu, "my plan will succeed soon, and everything will be clear."

 

Brother Liu has his doubts.  He's never been president of the Xuanji Fan Club, but now, it's all just too much.

 

"I saw Xuanji's background within the Demon Citadel," Sifeng continues.  "She's the God of War and the Devil Star.  Although I don't know why, I suspect that...the heavens were up to something.  That's why Xuanji had to withstand the Nine Lives of torture.  Maybe this is connected to everything."

 

Brother Liu snorts derisively.  "It's tough for her?  What about you?  Do you think you're happy when she's suffering?  Yu Sifeng, you suffered the same fate yourself!"  Brother Liu stands up and paces.  "Forget it.  Just sever your ties with her.  If you continue this, you'll be dead next time."  He crosses his arms.

 

"In this life," says Sifeng, "as long as the two stars do not align with each other, she will never become the Devil Star, and she won't suffer again.   If I die, I will only miss out on this life.  But if I do so, Xuanji will never suffer again."

 

"Are you silly or just pretending to be silly?  As long as the two stars don't align with each other?  Do you think you can determine the movement of the stars?"

 

"I can't do it on my own," Sifeng admits.  "So, I need someone to help me."

 

"Heh.  Don't say that.  I'm not that capable.  I can't help you with this."

 

"Wu Zhiqi," says Sifeng.

 

"Wu Zhiqi?  Are you kidding me?  He's one of the strongest demons around.  Maybe it's his wish to revive the Devil Star, too.  Why should he help you?"  He looks at Sifeng.  "Are you saying that you can trick him into helping you?"

 

"Wu Zhiqi is a loyal person.  If I want him to help me, I need to be honest and sincere.  Eldest Brother Liu, please prepare a feast for me.  I'll meet him."

 

 

 

 

Xuanji walks across the covered wooden walkway, which connects all the residential quarters of Shaoyang Sect.  She is a mix of nervous, angry, and confused.  The man whom she assumed she could trust as much as her father, has been significantly more deceptive than Sifeng could ever be.  What kind of justifcation is he going to give her?

 

"Xuanji," says Linglong.

 

She stops, and internally groans.  Not now.

 

Linglong approaches her with a red wedding dress on a tray.  "Our wedding dresses are done.  They just sent them to me.  Aren't they nice?"

 

Now is not the time.  Xuanji looks down at the dresses, and not only does she want to throw up, she wants to personally slice her wedding dress to pieces with the Dingkun Sword.  How can she marry someone more deceptive than Sifeng?  How can she marry someone who tricked her into almost killing Sifeng in the most cruel way?  Why is she having this eerie sense of Deja Vu?

 

"Both of our weddings will be held in two days," says Linglong.  "Everyone is busy preparing for that."

 

Xuanji wants to cry.  They won't even give her time to process her break up with Sifeng, and they are already rushing to marry her off to Hao Chen the scum bag.

 

"Xuanji, what's wrong?  Are you listening to me?"

 

Nothing Xuanji is going to say will be the right thing.  Linglong will admonish instead of listen, so Xuanji does the next best thing.  She runs off.

 

 

 

 

 

Xuanji nervously walks into Hao Chen's room.  Staying as calm as possible, she asks, "Senior, why did you lie to me?"

 

Hao Chen has his back to her.  "Seems like you still can't bear to kill him.  You did use the Vermillion Bird Bottle."

 

"Yes," says Xuanji.  "I've asked myself 1,000 times, but I really don't want him to die.  That's why I tried to cleanse his anguish by using the bottle.  I just wanted to bring him back, even if I had to lock him up forever.  But the Vermillion Bird Bottle almost killed him instead!"

 

"I knew you would go soft on him.  That's why I helped you out."  He turns to face her.  "I'm doing this for your sake."

 

"For my sake?"  Xuanji almost wants to laugh at his obvious bullshit.  "You want me to master the Sentimental Tactics, yet you want me to be heartless?  Isn't this ironic?  I can't do this.  Senior, I'm sorry."  She turns away.

 

"Xuanji!  Initially, I wanted us to get married, and let everything return to normal.  But in the end, it was only my wishful thinking.  Fine.  Since it has come to this, let's end this once and for all."

 

Xuanji, with her back still to Hao Chen, wipes a tear.  She turns to face Hao Chen.

 

"For our wedding, I won't force you if you're not willing to marry me," says Hao Chen.  "I will give everyone an explanation.  But no matter what happens, I will always be your senior."

 

The power dynamic between them is reason enough as to why they absolutely should not marry.

 

"Senior, you've always been the person I respect the most."

 

"Fine," says Hao Chen.  "I hope you can remember your vow as protector of the secret ground.  Protect the Crystal Lamp."

 

"I will never forget my responsibility.  I won't let anyone acquire the Crystal Lamp."

 

"But now, I'm afraid that isn't enough.  Now that Devil Star has reincarnated, the secret ground is easy to invade, as the barrier has disappeared.  The Crystal Lamp is in a dangerous position.  Promise me this.  If one day, you can't protect the Crystal Lamp any longer, you must destroy it yourself.  If not, the world will be jeopardized once the Devil Star obtains its soul."

 

In spite of a major lie he has just told her, because what he's currently saying sounds so logical, she once again falls into his trap.

 

"The Shaoyang Sect has been protecting the Crystal Lamp for many years," says Xuanji.  "Should I really destroy it?"

 

"The heavens wanted to initially show mercy.  They wanted to purify the Soul of the Devil Star, so that he may return to the heavens one day.  But now, it seems like he has no remorse at all, and he has let the heavens down again."

 

Hao Chen's brainwashing game is impeccable.

 

"Since that's the case," Hao Chen continues, "we  have no choice, but to destroy his soul, and only the God of War can do it."

 

Xuanji wants to cry.  Hao Chen's obsession with killing Sifeng is exhausting.

 

"Since you can't bear to kill Yu Sifeng," says Hao Chen, "You should never let him obtain the Crystal Lampp.  You need to do this in order to protect the world, and to prevent that kid from making further mistakes."

 

"If that day has come," says Xuanji, "I will destroy the Crystal Lamp myself."

 

 

 

 

"I heard that you're going to treat me to a feast," says Wu Zhiqi.  "I even skipped lunch for this."

 

"Eldest Brother Wu," Sifeng bows.

 

"You don't need to be too courteous," says Wu Zhiqi.  He pats Sifeng on the shoulder.

 

Sifeng sighs.  Wu Zhiqi smiles.

 

"Your injuries haven't healed yet," Wu Zhiqi observes, "but you're treating me to a feast already?  Seems like this is not a free meal, right?"

 

"Honestly speaking, I have a favor to ask of you."

 

Sifeng and Wu Zhiqi sit down at a table full of delicious food.  Sifeng carefully pours their wine.

 

"Eldest Brother Wu, actually, I didn't save you because I wanted to revive the Demon clan.  It's because of my own selfish desire."

 

Wu Zhiqi laughs.  "You're pretty interesting.  Everyone else wanted to hide their true intentions, but you're funny.  You tell me immediately.  It's either you're stupid, or you're the smartest person around.  But it's fine.  No matter which type you belong to, you're my savior.  I've laid out some rules before.  Anyone who saves me will become my brother.  I will promise you three wishes, and I'll do anything to accomplish them.  So, just tell me what you need."

 

"Eldest Brother Wu, please promise me that you will not give Yuan Lang the Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook, no matter what."

 

Wu Zhiqi pauses, and takes a drink.  "I think that's fine.  But, I have three questions for you.  First question.  You don't want him to obtain the Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook because you don't want him to unseal the Crystal Lamp, right?"

 

"Yes."

 

Wu Zhiqi nods in acknowledgement.  "Second question.  You're not the reincarnation of the Devil Star, right?"

 

"That is correct."

 

Wu Zhiqi smiles.  "Just like what I've thought.  The reincarnation of the Devil Star would never sustain such injuries from the malignant aura.  Last question.  You know the identity of the Devil Star, but you don't want to revive him, right?"

 

"Actually, I just don't want our clan to be involved in an endless war."

 

Wu Zhiqi slaps the table.  "Good!"  He points at Sifeng and smiles.  "I like people like you.  Don't worry.  Don't worry.  I'll never let Yuan Lang obtain the Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook."

 

Sifeng bows.  "Eldest Brother Wu, thank you."

 

The two raise their cups and drink.

 

"Eldest Brother Wu, I have another question for you, as well.  Actually, you don't want the Devil Star to be revived, as well, am I right?"

 

Wu Zhiqi raises an eyebrow.  He stands up and walks toward Sifeng's desk.  "The Devil Star is the Lord of All Demons.  If he is revived, he'll surely invade the heavens in order to pay them back for our humiliations.  That would've been fun, but I hate it when people order me around.  As the Left Lieutenant, I need to follow orders if he's revived, and that troubles me.  Why don't we just forget it?  Just let him stay dead, then.  We should just enjoy our lives, and drink to our heart's content."

 

Sifeng rises and bows.  "Thank you, Eldest Brother Wu."

 

"Stop thanking me.  Aren't you tired of it?"

 

"By the way, Eldest Brother Wu, I have something to ask.  The furnace that can aborb human souls.  Where did Yuan Lang get that?"

 

"A furnace that can absorb human souls?  Don't tell me it's the Soul Furnace?"

 

"What's the use of the Soul Furnace?"  Asks Sifeng.

 

"For the Soul Furnace, if you absorb souls with it, it'll form a blood formation.  It enables the user to absorb the powers of live humans, and the victim will turn into a dry corpse."

 

"So, who is Yuan Lang targeting, then?  Don't tell me...this power has something to do with the revival of the Devil Star?"

 

"How could I forget this?"  Says Wu Zhiqi.  "The God of War used her own power to seal the Devil Star's soul.  So, in order to unseal the Crystal Lamp, besides using Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook, we need the God of War's power, as well."

 

Sifeng's eyes widen.  "Don't tell me Yuan Lang is targeting Xuanji?  It's no wonder he's trying to wake Xuanji's hidden power."

 

Wu Zhiqi chuckles.  "That old bird is devious indeed.  He even dares to target Little Beauty."

 

"This is bad.  Xuanji will be in danger.  I mustn't let him succeed."

 

"You're wrong," says Wu Zhiqi.  "I think you should let him succeed."

 

"Why?"

 

"Although the furnace is immensely powerful, Yuan Lang can't control it by himself.  If I'm not mistaken, he'll try to lure me with his words.  He needs my power."

 

"Eldest Brother Wu, are you saying that we should turn his trick against him, and destroy the Soul Furnace while we catch him off guard?"

 

"Yes.  He wants to use the furnace, right?  We'll make him understand the consequences, and give him a taste of his own medicine."

 

"A great plan, indeed," says Sifeng.  He bows.  "Eldest Brother Wu, sorry for the trouble."

 

"You don't need to stand on ceremony.  You don't need to deal with him on your own.  I want to settle my debts with him, as well."

 

"But to make sure we succeed in our plan, we still need to make him trust us."

 

Wu Zhiqi laughs.  "You'll handle that.  I'll handle the fight.  Oh, right.  I said I would grant you three wishes.  You told me only one wish.  What are the other two wishes?"

 

"I don't dare to be greedy.  Eldest Brother Wu, I'm satisfied with this one wish."

 

"Great!"  says Wu Zhiqi.  "I love to make friends with people like you.  But don't worry.  Since I've promised you three wishes, I will grant all three of them.  It's fine.  You can take your time.  Today, we'll drink to our heart's content.  Here."

 

Fox Demon rushes into the room.  "You're brothers now?"

 

Wu Zhiqi rolls his eyes.

 

"Wu Zhiqi," Fox Demon grabs his arm.  "I thought you needed to drink with someone for at least ten years before he became your brother."

 

"Can you stay away from me?"  Asks Wu Zhiqi.

 

"No."

 

Sifeng smiles at them enviously.

 

Wu Zhiqi cringes.  "Your injuries haven't healed yet.  Go back and sleep."

 

"No, I want to look at you.  My injuries will heal faster when I look at you."

 

Wu Zhiqi rolls his eyes.  "Fine!  But don't look at me like that!  You're really ugly.  Turn into a fox and eat your grapes."

 

"Why are you so heartless?  I'm also your savior, you know.  You need to grant me three wishes from today onward.  First, you can only praise me from now on.  Don't say I'm ugly."

 

"Annoying," says Wu Zhiqi through gritted teeth.

 

"Heartless person!"

 

"Unreasonable!"

 

"You!"

 

Sifeng softly laughs at them.  It's making him miss Xuanji even more, and it's also reminding him of the arguments between Linglong and Little Six.

 

"What are you laughing at?"  Asks Fox Demon.  "Are you not used to it?"

 

"No, I'm really envious.  I hope every couple in the world will have a happy ending like you two."

 

"What happy ending?"  Asks Wu Zhiqi.  "Sifeng, listen up.  If you spout nonsense like this, I'll leave."

 

"Don't leave!"  says Fox Demon.  "Little Sifeng, continue.  I love it when you say words like these."

 

Wu Zhiqi rolls his eyes.  "You're such a drag."

 

 

 

 

 

Yuan Lang is alone in his vast room.  He looks at a jug of wine, and it flies to him on cue.  Before he can catch it, it flies away, and is intercepted by none other than the incorrigible Wu Zhiqi.

 

Wu Zhiqi takes a drink from the jug, and then spits out the wine.  "What kind of lousy wine is this?"

 

"Wu Zhiqi?  When did you come in?"

 

"I'm here to drink and chat with you.  What?  You don't welcome me?  How dare you give me such lousy wine."

 

"I was waiting for you," Yuan Lang smiles.  "You made me wait for a long time."

 

Wu Zhiqi is given a different jug.  "This is what you can call a wine!  But it's lousier than the ones we drank in the past.  When we were in the Demon Citadel, we enjoyed our lives.  We fought the heavens once we finished drinking.  Those were the days."

 

"I didn't expect you to still remember our past."

 

"Of course.  I was glorious then.  The troops in the heavens were trembling when they saw me.  I almost demolished Mount Kunlun, as well."

 

"We were so close to success," says Yuan Lang.  "We would've been the rulers of the three realms if it weren't for that pesky God of War!"

 

Wu Zhiqi puts his arm around his shoulder.  "That's right.  That damned God of War caught me off guard.  I must get my revenge.  If only there's a way to kill her.  I'll do anything for that."

 

"Is that true?"

 

"Yes!"

 

"I'll gather all our brothers, and make preparations, as long as you're willing to do so.  We'll kill the God of War first.  We'll invade the heavens after that."

 

"Great!"  Says Wu Zhiqi.  "I'll use this chance to tell our brothers that I, Wu Zhiqi, have returned, and we'll invade the heavens together!"

 

Yuan Lang laughs.  The two clink jugs, and take a drink.

 

 

 

 

 

Hao Chen is standing at the edge of the dock over the lake concealing the secret ground.

 

Si Ming quietly approaches him.  "My king!"  He bows.

 

"What?"  Asks Hao Chen.

 

"My King, you're not meant to be in the human realm.  Now, your human body has reached its limits.  You mustn't stay here any longer."

 

Hao Chen rolls back the sleeve on his hanfu, and sees a scar on his arm.  "Seems like I don't have much time.  I gave her a chance before.  She wanted love.  I used love to guide her.  But she was obsessed with it.  I tried my best to get rid of her obsession, yet she disobeys me time and time again.  She's walking towards the dark abyss, and I can't bring her back.  Seems like she is not the old God of War anymore.  Now, I'm powerless.  I can never guide her back."

 

"My King, are you saying that you're going to give up on her?"

 

"This tribulation was her last chance, yet she gave up on it.  Since that's the case, instead of witnessing her turning into a demon, and experience endless torture, I would rather destroy her myself."

 

"My King, could you bear to do so?  You brought her up on your own."

 

"So what if I can't bear to part with her?  My only concern is the three realms.  This all started because of me.  I should end it personally."

 

 

 

 

All of the Lize Palace members are gathered in the main hall, eating together.  Sifeng, Wu Zhiqi, and Yuan Lang are dining on the stage.

 

"Yuan Lang," says Wu Zhiqi.  "I didn't expect you to be so resourceful.  You gathered so many of our brothers within a short time.  Brothers, thank you all for being here."

 

"It's all thanks to our Right Lieutenant," says Sifeng.  "He has been planning this for 1,000 years.  And thank you, my brothers.  Thank you for helping me.  Here."  Everyone rises.  "Let me give you all a toast."

 

"We've been waiting for you!"  Shout the Sect Members.  "Demon Lord, we'll serve you forever!"

 

"Bottoms up!"  Yells Sifeng.  

 

Everyone sits.

 

"In the past," says Sifeng, "I've neglected our Right Lieutenant, and let him down.  But now, I know who's truly loyal to me.  Right Lieutenant, I hope you can forget the past."

 

"My Lord, you're too courteous," says Yuan Lang.  "In the past, I neglected you because I didn't know your true identity.  Now that the truth has been revealed, my Lord, I will do my best to assist you."

 

"I'm relieved to hear that," says Sifeng.  "Right Lieutenant has contributed so much to our clan.  I should reward him.  In the future, Right Lieutenant will govern the Lize Palace."

 

Yuan Lang stands up and bows.  "My Lord, I will do my best."

 

"But now," says Sifeng, "the thing I hate the most is that God of War.  I really loved her in the past, but I didn't expect her to be so heartless.  She almost killed me with the Vermillion Bird Bottle.  Since that's the case, I don't need to show her mercy any longer."

 

"That's right," agrees Wu Zhiqi.  "Now, we just need to retrieve our Lord's soul.  How about this?  Let's attack the Shaoyang Sect.  We'll acquire the Crystal Lamp.  After that, we'll try to force the God of War to unseal the Crystal Lamp.  What do you think?"

 

"That's too reckless," says Sifeng.  "I'm afraid it will fail."

 

"Do you have any great ideas, then?"  asks Wu Zhiqi.  "Are you able to make her unseal the Crystal Lamp?  Oh, right.  Yuan Lang!  You always come up with the greatest ideas.  Why don't you tell us your idea?"

 

Yuan Lang pauses, and opens his fan.  "My Lord, if you're worried gthat the God of War is hard to deal with, I have a formation which you could try."

 

"Oh?"  Says Sifeng.  "You have a formation as powerful as that?  Do you need my help?"

 

"Sure," says Yuan Lang.  "If My Lord and Left Lieutenant can assist me in this, that'll be the best."

 

Wu Zhiqi slaps the table.  "No problem at all!  We're brothers, right?  We'll do whatever you say.  My Lord, please give me three days to prepare.  By then, I will make sure you acquire your soul and recover your strength.  And the Demon clan will dominate the three realms."

 

"With Right Lieutenant's intellect, I'm sure this plan will succeed," says Sifeng.  We'll attack the Shaoyang Sect in three days.  We'll capture the God of War, and retrieve my soul."  Wu Zhiqi and Yuan Lang raise their cups.

 

 

...To Be Continued...

 

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