American Perspectives: The Search For Sifeng Pt. 2 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 49)

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by 사극 Paradise 2025. 3. 4. 21:47

“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.

At the dark waters of the Demon Citadel, the lid on Yuan Lang's casket is violently pushed off. A murder of crows flies from it before Yuan Lang emerges in a mix of electric blue, and black, smoke. He remains in his spirit form, so his body is transparent. "No wonder Sifeng has been impersonating the Devil Star. So, this is the truth he's trying to hide." He looks at the mural in front of him, which shows King Bailing killing the Devil Star in order to construct the God of War.

Xuanji is kneeling in the main hall in front of Sect Leader Chu.

"Are you leaving us to find Yu Sifeng?" Asks Sect Leader Chu.

"Yes," says Xuanji.

"But, Xuanji," says Sect Leader Chu, "you know you're a human and he's a demon. How can you...?"

"Father, everything is crystal clear now. He has never done anything malicious. He wanted me to believe him, but I still judged him like any other sect would have. I regret not trusting him like he trusted me. Regardless of whether he is human or demon, or even the Demon Lord, I want to be with him forever."

"Even if he has done nothing, he has been avoiding you. He doesn't want you to find him. Do you want to look for him forever? But, Xuanji, you are now the God of War. Everyone hopes you can stay and protect the mortal world."

"Father, Tianxu Hall no longer exists now. For now, everything is safe. Even without me around, nothing will happen to the mortal world. I've thought about it. In this life, I am just Chu Xuanji. I am not the God of War. I know you have been hoping that I would become a heroine who could bring peace to the world. But I just want to be a commoner. I can feel that no matter how victorious the God of War is, despite her shining armor, her heart is nothing but empty. For this life, I just want to lead a common life. I want to be with someone, be a dutiful wife, and reside in a place of my choosing. Sifeng is that special someone I want to be with. Father, when I find Sifeng, and if you still don't want to associate yourself with demons, then..." she tearfully continues, "then, I shall not return."

Sect Leader Chu lowers his head and sighs. He walks over to Xuanji. "Get up," he whispers. He wipes the tears from her face. "Silly child. What are you talking about? Fine. You may go. If you ever feel tired, just come back. Shaoyang will always be your home."

Xuanji smiles, and Sect Leader Chu gives her a hug.

Teng She and Xuanji are ready to go on their next adventure. As they exit Shaoyang, Linglong yells, "Xuanji!" She catches up to them. "Xuanji!"

"Linglong, are you here to persuade me?" Asks Xuanji.

"No. I'm here to give you some money." She puts a full white pouch in Xuanji's hand. "I've been saving it for myself. I think you'll find it useful. I should be following you, but I can't leave when Little Six hasn't recovered. I'm sorry." She gives Xuanji a hug. "Xuanji...I believe you will find him. I will be waiting here for you two." She looks at Teng She. "Teng She, she's your master. Take good care of her."

Teng She nods his head and sighs. "What a nag," he whispers.

"I'm off," says Xuanji.

The two exit, and the Shaoyang Disciples guarding the entrance bow.

Linglong tearfully watches them leave.

Xuanji and Teng She are walking through the forest.

"Stinky Woman, where are we going now?" Asks Teng She.

"Actually, you don't have to follow me. Weren't you enjoying all the good food in Shaoyang? You can go back for more."

"Zhhhh...what am I, an unwanted presence now?"

"Teng She, do you know any ways to break a blood contract without hurting anyone?"

Teng She looks at her in horror. "What? You're breaking our contract? Really?"

"I tamed you as my beast to attack Tianxu Hall. But now, this is my personal quest. I can't drag you down just to look for Sifeng."

Teng She is pissed. "I've been helping you with my whole heart, and you're not appreciating it at all! Fine, terminate all you want! I'm going! I'm not following you!"

"Haven't you been pestering me to terminate our blood contract?"

"Sss..." Teng She's eyes widen, and he clenches his teeth. "That was the past. Things are different now." He crosses his arms, and turns his back.

"Things are different now? You're mad?"

Teng She slightly turns his head to give her the side eye.

"Fine. I won't mention it anymore. Since you're a good fighter, I can't bear to let you go."

"Hmmph," he flips his hair.

"That's enough," Xuanji says gently. "Please forgive me, Lord Teng She."

"That's more like it." Teng She turns to face her. "But remember this. You pleaded with me first, that's why I'm going the extra mile to keep you this time."

"So, where shall we head now?" Asks Xuanji.

"Let's go somewhere you two have been. Maybe Little Phoenix is there."

"Have you two been here?" Teng She asks. They're roaming around a different forest, and their search so far has been unsuccessful.

"This is the place Sifeng and I defeated Gudiao and saved Ting Nu. Back then, he didn't smile much. He was always stern and cold, but he actually looked very handsome when he smiled." She pauses. "Sifeng loves eating lotus seeds, but he said the core of the seeds is bitter."

"Lotus seeds?" Asks Teng She. "Why are they bitter?"

Xuanji smiles. "Sifeng taught me about different tastes. He said bitterness means unhappiness, but he's been through so much bitterness for me. When I find him, I won't let him go through that anymore."

Teng She coughs.

"Let's go," says Xuanji. "I have to find Sifeng."

Teng She rolls his eyes before following her.

The two reach a tavern with an inn.

"We stayed in this inn before," says Xuanji. "Excuse me," Xuanji says to a worker.

"Coming!" Says the worker.

"Do you still have empty rooms?" Asks Xuanji.

"It's you," says the worker.

"You know me?"

"Of course I do. Weren't you the heroine who captured the Quru Bird?"

Xuanji unfurls a scroll. "Then, do you still remember this man?" She shows him a drawing of Sifeng. "Back then, he was always wearing a mask."

"Oh. Him? I remember him quite well."

"Have you seen him?"

"Well, I haven't, but I remember that for some unknown reason, he'd wake up our chef in the middle of the night to learn how to cook. He said there was a fussy eater that he has to please, no matter what. I've never seen someone so clever. Even our chef was impressed by the dishes he could prepare."

The three walk over to the kitchen. "Here we are," says the worker.

"Excuse me," says Teng She, "can your chef prepare food that's better than Sifeng's?"

"Yes," the worker smiles.

"Get him to prepare us some food," says Teng She.

"Our chef is not here," says the worker.

"Ksss..." says Teng She. "Are you turning me down because I look poor?"

"No, no," says the worker.

Teng She puts his arm around the worker. "Bring me to him."

"Yes, sir." The two leave Xuanji alone in the kitchen.

She visualizes how Sifeng must have looked back then, cooking for her, Lover's Curse mask fully intact.

"Xuanji, I made this for you." She imagines him handing her a plate full of food.

"Sifeng," she whispers, so desperately wanting to believe it's real. She tries to touch his mask, and the mirage disappears.

Teng She and Xuanji are sitting at the entry way to Mount Buzhou. No sign of him there.

Teng She observes Xuanji as she mopes. He clears his throat. "Stinky Woman, what are you thinking?"

"I didn't expect that the yard in Qingmu Town had been burned to ashes. Even the tree with the wind chimes is no longer there. That holds special memories for me and Sifeng. Why have things become like this?" Little does she know, it was her Ninth Heaven Fire that burned everything down. Her Ninth Heaven Fire that was exploited by Hao Chen.

"Stinky Woman," Teng She says awkwardly. "Don't be sad. It's destined."

"Destined? I don't believe in destiny. I want to control my own life."

"Forget about that," says Teng She. "Stinky Woman, what's our next destination?"

Xuanji closes her eyes and tries not to cry. She has cried so much on this journey, that it's giving her daily migraines. She grips her sleeve. "I've reminisced about everything between Sifeng and me. All that came to my mind is what he did for me, but I was so cruel to him. I even stabbed him. He must have been so hurt. Teng She, Sifeng is so nice, but why am I so awful?"

Teng She stutters. Heterosexual relationships are not his specialty. Heck, he's not even an ideal boyfriend to Lord Green Dragon. "Oh right! Where does Liu Yihuan live? Doesn't he have a celestial eye? I'm sure he can find Sifeng."

Xuanji looks up. "Eldest Brother Liu."

"The east wind thaws the winter," says Yu'er's teacher.

"The east wind thaws the winter," her classmates repeat.

"The insects come back to life."

"The fish swim to the water's edge."

Yu'er is sound asleep at the very back of the classroom, while the other students are dilligently reciting.

"The otters hunt for fish."

"The geese fly here."

Brother Liu peeks in through the window. He is horrified to see his daughter sleeping.

Yu'er stirs, opens her eyes, and sees her dad at the window. Brother Liu glares at her.

"The son of heaven lives in the left chamber of Qingyang."

Yu'er quickly sits up and pretends to be studious, hoping her father hadn't been watching her for too long.

Brother Liu silently laughs at her.

Brother Liu waits for her by the doorway after the younger students are released. She's the oldest one in class. He smiles as she's the last one to leave. The other kids are thrilled with what they have just learned, while she is not.

"Old Fogey, I told you not to put your head on the window," says Yu'er. "It's scary."

"Ehh! You little wench," says Brother Liu. He wags his finger. "Is that how you speak to your dad after taking etiquette lessons?"

Yu'er suppresses a smile.

"So, what did you score for your test today?" Asks Brother Liu.

She proudly displays the test paper right in front of his face.

His eyes widen, and his grin gets bigger. She has passed the test!

"I want a pinwheel," says Yu'er.

"Sure!" Brother Liu is so thrilled.

"Make that two."

"Of course. You deserve it, my dear. Wait, I thought you'd always barely pass your tests. Why a distinction today?"

"That's simple," says Yu'er. "All I had to do was cast a spell, and I copied the answer scheme on my test paper."

Brother Liu glares at her. "You..."

"You made a promise, no regrets!" Says Yu'er. She darts away.

"You naughty brat, stand right there!"

Xuanji and Teng She are roaming the bustling market, trying to find some sign of Brother Liu.

"This is Qingyang City," Xuanji explains. "Eldest Brother Liu lives here. Sifeng has always been close with him. Maybe, he even came to visit him."

Teng She nods.

"Let's search."

Xuanji anxiously opens a set of double doors. "Eldest Brother Liu!"

Teng She is close behind her, sniffing the air. "Can anyone stay in a stinky place like this? Sifeng is a fussy guy, and this old bird is the exact opposite."

"He's not here," says Xuanji.

"Are you looking for someone?" Asks a woman standing outside.

Xuanji runs to the doorway, pushing Teng She aside. "Eh? She touched me?"

"Are you looking for Deity Liu?" Asks the woman.

Xuanji rushes down the steps. "Madam, do you know where Eldest Brother Liu is?"

"He must be visiting his daughter at the academy again. Wait here. They'll be back soon."

"Very well," Xuanji says graciously.

Yu'er is skipping through the entry way to the courtyard, one bright pink pinwheel in each hand, making up for a childhood she didn't get. Brother Liu follows behind her.

"These stupid toys sure cost a fortune," says Brother Liu. "I'll make them myself next time."

"Eldest Brother Liu," says Xuanji.

Brother Liu's eyes widen.

"Older Sister Xuanji!" Yu'er exclaims. She darts to Xuanji and Teng She.

Brother Liu tries to grab her. "Yu'er, let's go out for lunch!"

Yu'er plants herself beside Xuanji, and smirks at Brother Liu.

"Eldest Brother Liu," says Xuanji.

Brother Liu is visibly uncomfortable.

Teng She eyes Brother Liu critically.

Brother Liu laughs bitterly. "What are you doing here? We have nothing to entertain you with."

"Older sister Xuanji," says Yu'er, "forget about that old guy. Come on, let's go in!" She immediately leads Xuanji to their home.

Teng She gives Brother Liu judgmental side eye.

"What?" Asks Brother Liu. "I know you're a glutton."

"Chh..." Says Teng She.

"Older Sister Xuanji, take a seat," Yu'er says excitedly. "Let me get you some tea."

"Yu'er has regained her demon form," says Brother Liu. "Seeing you two here sure dampens my mood."

Teng She sits down on the table, and leans over to look at Brother Liu.

"We're doing really fine now," says Brother Liu. "Anyway, don't ask me where Little Phoenix is. I don't know." He reaches for a jar of wine.

Xuanji grabs his wrist. "Eldest Brother Liu, I know I was wrong. Just reprimand me. I've been trying to find Sifeng so I can apologize."

Brother Liu takes her hand off his wrist. "Why should I reprimand you? Does it matter who's right or wrong? Little Phoenix has been through hell for you. You should let him live the rest of his days in peace. That would be a great help."

"The rest of his days?" Xuanji asks anxiously. "What do you mean? Wu Zhiqi said he ate a Heartless Pill. Didn't he take it? Did his curse act up again?"

"He ate it," Brother Liu says quickly. "That's why he's already forgotten you. He doesn't remember you. Stop looking for him. You know Little Phoenix. He looks easy going at first glance, but he's obstinate inside. To him, it's all or nothing. Now he has chosen to leave. He's not changing his mind anymore."

"Eldest Brother Liu, I really know I was wrong."

Brother Liu takes a gulp from his wine jar.

"I'm angry at myself, too," Xuanji continues. "Before I met Sifeng, I never knew what it meant to be loved by someone. It was Sifeng who made me feel. No matter what happened to me, he was always behind me, protecting and guarding me. He treated me gently. I took everything for granted, but I really didn't know he suffered so much for me. I only know that I've hurt him deeply. That's why I must find him. I want to tell him that I know how to love now. Eldest Brother Liu, please help me. This time, I want to start all over again with him. It's my turn to protect him, please?"

Brother Liu hesitates. Teng She closely watches him.

"Stop wasting your breath on me," says Brother Liu. "I'm a stubborn guy myself."

"Kssh!" Teng She hisses. "What's with you, you old fogey? Even you could give yourself the chance to be a good father. Why can't you give Xuanji a chance to find Sifeng? Besides, you need the doer to undo what she has done. Perhaps Little Phoenix is waiting for Xuanji to resolve his troubles."

Xuanji puts her fist on the table. "Eldest Brother Liu, you know that...my past nine lives with Sifeng all ended in tragedy. I don't want history to repeat itself this time. I want to change. I want a happy ending this time. I know you care for Sifeng. Trust me, I won't hurt him this time. Even if he doesn't fall in love with me again, I'll stay by his side, just like how you are with Yu'er. I'll protect him forever."

Yu'er brings in some tea, and sets it on the table. "That's enough, Old Fogey. Stop hiding. You always sigh when you mention Sifeng anyway. Who knows, things might turn out better if older sister Xuanji approaches him. Just tell her."

"Stupid wench, why are you supporting an outsider?" Asks Brother Liu.

Yu'er smiles sheepishly.

Brother Liu sighs. "Forget it. There's no point in letting you know. I really don't know where Little Phoenix is. You should try searching in the south. Target places filled with energy. Maybe you can find him there."

Xuanji pats him on the arm. "Thank you, Eldest Brother Liu. I will bring him back." She gets up quickly and grabs Teng She, who chokes on his drink. "Let's go, Teng She."

Brother Liu remembers his conversation with Sifeng in Lize Palace.

"I wanted to pass this position to Elder Luo," says Sifeng. "Eldest Brother Liu, why did you stop me?"

"If I didn't stop you, I'd have to see you bang your head on the wall, put a Lover's Curse on yourself, and pretend to be the Devil Star until you're half dead. Now, I even have to see you pass all your duties to someone, and find a place to die alone. Isn't that what you're thinking, Little Phoenix?"

"The power of the Divine Weapons is raging within me," says Sifeng. "I don't know how long I can last."

"So, you're worried that you might succumb to the Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook's power, and the power would render you into pieces. Even when you die, the Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook may fall into the wrong hands, and cause the soul of the Devil Star to be released. By then, Xuanji will become an Asura zombie herself. That's why you have to stay away from Xuanji, even when you die, right?"

"Don't worry, Eldest Brother Liu. I've never thought about giving up on myself and dying. Wu Zhiqi told me that there's the Glacial Pool that can suppress the power of the Divine Weapons. I'm planning to stay there."

"Really?" Asks Brother Liu. "So, you and Xuanji..."

"I'm tired," says Sifeng. "I have been too obsessed. I thought we could end well, but the answer has already been written in history. Not having an ending is an ending in itself."

"You're completely discouraged. Are you letting go for good?"

"Perhaps I should have known that these matters can never be forced."

Yu'er is grinning from ear to ear, excited at the idea of Xuanji and Sifeng getting back together, and having more fun adventures in the future. Brother Liu, on the other hand, is feeling extremely unsettled.