American Perspectives: Resisting Xuanji Pt. 1 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 51)

 

 

“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.

 

 

 

 

The demon approaches Xuanji and Sifeng with an unconscious A'Lan in his arms.  He is laughing wickedly at his accomplishment.  He stops and stands A'Lan up, while he has his arm around her.

 

"If I'm not mistaken," says Sifeng, "you're an ape demon that transformed into human form recently.  Your kind usually lives in Xishu.  Why have you come here to hurt people?"

 

"Ape demon?"  Asks Xuanji.  "When I passed by Xishu before, I'd heard that many brides were captured and killed.  So, it turns out you're the culprit!"

 

"You've got a good eye," says Ape Demon.  "I never expected a small place like Xigu would have two powerful cultivators.  Get out, both of you, or I'lll strangle her to death now!"

 

"It's hard for you to take a human form," says Sifeng.  "Let go of A'Lan.  I'll spare your life."

 

"I'm saving you!"  Growls Ape Demon.  "All the women in the world are unfaithful.  They're the worst when they're wearing red wedding dresses.  When I just cultivated to human form, I almost married such a woman.  I didn't expect that she was a cultivator.  She knew I was a demon long ago, and set up a formation on our wedding night to kill me, so that she could raise her cultivation.  Luckily, I couldn't get killed that easily, and so I survived.  However, all my clansmen were killed by that woman and her sect.  Tell me!  Does she not deserve to die?"

 

"So you sought revenge on all these newlyweds?"  Sifeng asks.

 

"I want the world to know that when women get married, they might seem affectionate, but it's all just an act!"

 

"You were indeed innocent while you were betrayed," says Xuanji.  "But as you shifted your grudge onto these innocent people, you've become a great sinner.  You should die!"

 

"Why aren't you leaving yet?"  Asks Ape Demon.  "If worse comes to worse, I'll make her die before I'm going to.  Believe it or not, I'll kill her now!"

 

"Stop!"  Says Sifeng.  "I understand what you've been through.  I can let you go.  Will you leave right now?"

 

"Sifeng," whispers Xuanji, "you can't let him go."

 

"Shut up," says Sifeng.  "How could you possibly understand the feeling of betrayal?"

 

Xuanji's heart pounds.  She knows he has a point.

 

"Back then, when you knew I was a demon," he continues, "weren't you just as merciless as her, and tried to kill me?"

 

"I've never thought of killing you," says Xuanji.  "I never wanted you to die."

 

Sifeng looks at her icily.  "You besieged Lize Palace, killed the young, innocent Rose Gold Birds, and tried to kill me with the Vermillion Bird Bottle.  Even though I'm a demon, was all the love and affection before completely fake?"

 

"I really had no idea they would raid Lize Palace using the secret passages.  As for the Vermillion Bird Bottle, Senior said it would only trap you, but it wouldn't harm you.  Sifeng, I was foolish and I made mistakes, but I can explain everything!"

 

Sifeng looks at her coldly.

 

"What?  You're a Rose Gold Bird?"  Asks Ape Demon.  "You're a demon, too?"

 

"That's right.  I'm a Rose Gold Bird," says Sifeng.  He steps forward.  "You and I are both demons.  Demons are each other's companions, right?"

 

Xuanji doesn't feel good about this.

 

Sifeng generates golden energy from his index and middle fingers as he walks forward, and he fires it at the Ape Demon.  He pushes Ape Demon away, and grabs A'Lan.  He summons his sword, and stabs Ape Demon in the chest.

 

"Aren't you a demon?"  Asks Ape Demon. 

 

"No matter how splendid your excuse is, there's no reason for you to harm others."  With a movement of his fingers, Sifeng generates golden energy, and drives the sword further into Ape Demon's chest.  Ape Demon disintegrates on contact.

 

Xuanji approaches Sifeng and A'Lan.  "Sifeng, listen to me.  It's not that I don't believe you.  I've always..."

 

"Chu Xuanji, mortals and demons cannot be together after all.  Don't you get it?  The past is over."  He averts eye contact.  "I did love you before, but I don't want to be with you anymore."

 

Xuanji looks at him and the unconscious A'Lan awkwardly.  "Still, I won't leave.  You said that I forgot about you in all of my previous life times.  You wanted me to remember you in this one.  It took me one whole year to find you.  This time, even if you resent or hate me, I'll hold you tight."  She grabs his arm.  "I won't let you go, no matter what happens."

 

"If you don't leave," says Sifeng, "I'll die."

 

Xuanji slowly backs away.

 

Sifeng picks up A'Lan, and carries her away.

 

Xuanji feels weak.  She doesn't know if Sifeng is being serious, or if it's just a means to push her away.

 

 

 

 

 

Sifeng takes A'Lan to a bedroom and lays her down.  He begins to vomit blood on the hardwood floor.  He gasps for breath.  This is bad.  I used too much power just now.  It triggered the Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook.

 

He looks over at A'Lan, who is still asleep.  He bolts out of the room.

 

 

 

 

Sifeng is attempting to heal his ailment in the Glacial Springs.  He can't stop coughing, and he feels himself seizing.  His healing is beginning to take longer, and it profoundly worries him.  He takes several deep breaths.  He's terrified.  He looks up at the rock wall across from him, and sees a mushroom growing.

 

My time is running out.  I'm afraid I can't wait until you grow up.

 

 

 

 

 

"My King," says Lord Green Dragon, "I once saw Chu Xuanji at the Beihuang region in the mortal realm.  But lately, it's been hard to trace her."

 

"Uh," Si Ming kneels.  "My King, I don't know why I was unable to trace the aura of the God of War.  Perhaps she cast a spell to hide her whereabouts."

 

King Bailing glares at Si Ming and the Heavenly Officers.  "In this lifetime, she's merely a mortal.  You couldn't even locate a mere mortal?  What about those fellows who always fool around with her?  Once you find one of them, you'll be able to track her down!"

 

"Uh," Si Ming says awkwardly, looking side to side.  "Those people might have cast a spell to hide their whereabouts, as well."

 

"Then find a Rose Gold Bird Demon named Liu Yihuan."  King Bailing snaps.  "Didn't he steal the celestial eye?"

 

The heavenly officers feel awkward and stupid.

 

"He can hide his own tracks," says King Bailing, "but a celestial eye can't be hidden."

 

"My King, how did you know the celestial eye was gone?"  Asks White Tiger.

 

King Bailing stares at him hatefully.  "Are you asking me now?  The celestial eye is lost, and yet I have to tell you about it?  You're useless!"  

 

The Heavenly Officers hang their heads.

 

"Why are you still here?"  King Bailing rages.  "Hurry and track down Liu Yihuan!"

 

The officers aren't too keen on tracking down the God of War, as they don't want a sequel to the last time she nearly demolished the heavens.

 

"Yes," the officers bow.

 

 

 

 

 

Xuanji is listlessly standing in front of Sifeng's run down bamboo house, unsure if she should try to go inside, or to just go away.  Teng She materializes beside her in a poof of golden energy.  He looks at her sideways.

 

Teng She snakes his head.  "You haven't reconciled with him?  What's the matter?"

 

Xuanji sighs.  This is so much harder than she anticipated, as Sifeng isn't nearly as forgiving as he was before.  "Teng She, tell me.  What should I do?  He still refuses to see me.  He said if I go near him, I'll be hurting him.  But I want to keep him by my side.  Am I being too selfish?"

 

"As I see it, you've traveled so far to find him, just to keep him by your side, isn't that so?  What do you mean you don't know whether to stay or leave?  That's why I disapprove of mortals' behavior.  You're always indecisive."  They quietly stand in front of the house for a few more minutes.  "Stinky Woman, are you going in or not?  The sky is already dark.  I'm Lord Teng She.  I've taken a long journey with you.  Why should I stand here as punishment?"

 

Xuanji sighs.  "I want him to stay by my side, but I wish him to be well.  Eldest Brother Liu said he was already attacked twice by the Lover's Curse...If it happens again, he'll die.  If it's because of me that the Lover's Curse is triggered again, I'll never be able to forgive myself."

 

Teng She snakes his head.  "Are you stupid?  If he didn't love you, he would've taken the Heartless Pill to forget about you long ago.  But he didn't.  Which means he still can't get over you.  Even if you leave or stay away from him, there's still no cure for a Lover's Curse.  A Lover's Curse will break out one day, and he won't be able to escape from death.  So, why don't you just go for it?  You can either be utterly shameless, or just wheedle your way in.  However, you have to convince him that you adore him with all your heart.  This is the only way to cure the Lover's Curse.  Otherwise, if you run away because of his words, then...do you want me to stay and cure the Lover's Curse?"

 

Xuanji looks at him and smiles.  Teng She laughs.

 

"Right," says Xuanji.  "You've got a point there.  Why didn't I think of that?"

 

"All in all, this is the only way to cure a Lover's Curse.  You're usually quite smart.  Why are you so dull when it comes to this?  Why don't you understand this?"  Teng She smells the air.  "It smells so nice.  Stinky Woman, I won't stand here as punishment with you.  Are you going in or not?  Anyway, it's been awhile since we've tried Sifeng's food."  He laughs as he walks ahead of Xuanji.

 

Xuanji smiles and jogs after him.  They go up the steps, and Teng She pushes the doors open.

 

Sifeng was peacefully eating alone at his table.

 

"Sifeng!"  Says Teng She.  "Why are you eating alone?  You even made three dishes.  That doesn't seem right.  How about this?  Both of us will force ourselves to share your burden."  Teng She leans forward and snatches a vegetable off the plate.

 

"Well," says Xuanji, "it's raining out there, and so I came in to get shelter from the rain."

 

Sifeng ignores her.

 

Teng She tugs on her arm.  "Why are you being so polite?  We're old acquiantances.  Come here.  Take a seat."

 

"My poor house is small," says Sifeng, "there's no room for so many people.  Please leave."

 

"Sifeng," whines Teng She, "we're well acquainted, and haven't met for such a long time!  Why don't we catch up with each other?  Hmm?  Hmm?  Hmm?  Stop pulling a long face.  You'll get old easily.  Besides, the weather is freezing cold out there.  We may fall and break our legs at night."

 

Xuanji nods in agreement.

 

"Don't you know how to fly on a sword?"  Sifeng asks curtly.

 

"Fly on a sword?"  Asks Xuanji.  "We can still get into an accident, right?"

 

Teng She nods.

 

"Did I not make myself clear enough?"  Asks Sifeng.  "Chu Xuanji, I never imagined you to be so annoyingly persistent."

 

"Sifeng," says Xuanji.  "People change.  I've changed."  She can't persuade him like she used to.

 

"Sifeng, these dishes do not seem to be enough for three people," says Teng She.  "You're so good at cooking.  Why don't you make a couple more dishes?"

 

"It's just enough for me," says Sifeng.  "Don't you feel like you're not welcomed here?"

 

"No, not at all!  I'll go make them!"  Says Xuanji.  "I know what Sifeng likes to eat.  I'll do it."  She darts into the kitchen like a very fast moving fish.

 

Teng She slurps some soup from a large wooden spoon.

 

Sifeng gives him the side eye.  Teng She looks toward the kitchen, and back at Sifeng.  He does it again, this time more vigorously.

 

Sifeng does nothing.  Teng She stands up and joins Xuanji in the kitchen.  Sifeng steps outside onto the deck.  Teng She immediately takes notice, and joins him.

 

"How much longer are you going to keep this up?"  Asks Sifeng.

 

"I should be the one asking that question," says Teng She.  "How much longer do you want to avoid her?  Others might not know about it, but I know it very well.  The reason why you're here is because of the Snow Lingzhi in the Glacial Pool, right?  It's because your body is about to--"

 

"Teng She," says Sifeng, "I don't want to talk about this.  Don't bring it up again."

 

"Why?  Since you've done it, why would you be afraid of others talking about it?"

 

The two men have a confidential heart to heart, the contents of which will be revealed in a later episode.

 

"Life is short," Teng She concludes.  "But you shouldn't push away Xuanji because of a reason like that."

 

"You're overthinking it," says Sifeng.  "I just don't have any extra energy to deal with unnecessary people or things."

 

Teng She snorts derisively.  "Is there any point in lying to yourself?  You've done so much for her.  Why can't you forgive her one more time?  Xuanji tried every means to look for you.  She has had a hard time."

 

"She used to be a condescending God of War.  Back then, when we were in the heavens, she would come and talk to me because she was afraid of being alone.  What she's doing now is just the same as before.  Actually, some people are like wine.  You feel warm as you get closer to them.  But some people are like water.  The more you drink, the colder you get.  As time goes by, you will feel reluctant to drink it again."

 

Teng She looks at him critically.  "Fine.  Since you're so disappointed now, and don't believe Chu Xuanji anymore.  You won't care whether she lives or dies.  Just leave her to her own devices, then."

 

"She's the God of War.  What could happen to her?"  Sifeng asks.

 

Teng She laughs.

 

"You don't need to lie about that," Sifeng continues.

 

"Let's stop beating around the bush.  We both know very well about the mystery of Xuanji's identity.  Otherwise, you wouldn't have gone to great pains and pretended to be the Devil Star."

 

Sifeng turns to Teng She.  "I can't figure it out.  The two identities are totally different.  How could they exist within the same person?"

 

"I don't know.  What I saw was..." Teng She begins to gag as he tries to say more.  "I can't describe it.  But I guess that the heavens are probably looking for her.  Whoever is holding a post in the heavens must return once the mantra is recited.   I've disobeyed the decree once.  Also, I have a vague feeling that they're calling everyone back because of Chu Xuanji."

 

Sifeng looks flustered.  "You don't have to lie to me.  The Crystal Lamp is still intact.  Xuanji won't be sanctioned by the heavens."  Even he knows that last sentence is a damnable lie.

 

Teng She sighs.  "How would I know about that?  Regardless of anything, she's my master.  I should get back to the heavens and fish for some information."  He grabs Sifeng's arm.  "I'll leave the Stinky Woman with you for now.  There's nothing much I can do about your issues, but I still have to find out what fate awaits my master."  He disappears in a poof of gold.

 

A crow perching on the roof flies away.  The same crow that had been following Teng She and Xuanji.

 

 

 

 

 

Sifeng hears the sound of ceramic breaking.  

 

"Ah!"  Cries Xuanji from the kitchen.  

 

Sifeng quickly walks over.  Xuanji is sitting down, and rolling up the leg of her long underpants.  "It's so hot," she says.

 

Sifeng sees a bowl of steaming chicken feet on the floor.  "Are you alright?  Did you burn yourself?"

 

Xuanji whimpers.  "Look, I'm blistering already."  She rolls the leg of her underpants further back, showing several blisters just above her sock.

 

"Why are you covering the wound, then?"  Asks Sifeng.

Xuanji looks up at him sadly.  "Sifeng, you do care about me, right?"

 

He avoids the question.  "I have some medicine inside.  Come in."

 

Xuanji limps up the steps.

 

"Second cabinet, on the left,"  says Sifeng.  "Start counting from the right side, there's some ointment in the drawer."

 

Xuanji limps over to the cabinets.

 

"Mix it with water and apply it," says Sifeng.

 

She finds the vial and limps over to Sifeng.  "Sifeng, are you not going to apply it for me?"

 

He stares blankly at the vial.

 

"Young Master Yi,"  A'Lan enters his home.  She sees Xuanji, and gives her the side eye.

 

"Miss A'Lan, what can I do for you?" Asks Sifeng.

 

"Dear, have you eaten?"  A'Lan asks sweetly.  "I've brought many dishes for you."  She takes a seat beside Sifeng.  "Yesterday, we finally got rid of that annoying person.  We can celebrate now.  By the way, I heard from the boss that you carried me back. Thank you."

 

Xuanji looks up in surprise.

 

"I've learned from this matter that you're someone I can trust with my life," A'Lan continues.

 

"I know your marriage was a sham!"  Xuanji explodes.  "Stop lying to me."

 

A'Lan stands up.  "So what if it's real or fake?  Young Master Yi has said that he doesn't welcome you here.  Yet you still linger around.  You should stop pestering him."

 

"Miss A'Lan, I've known Sifeng for many years.  We only separated because of some misunderstandings.  Now that I finally found him, I will never leave him."

 

"You just want to tell me about your past relationship with Young Master Yi, right?  So what?  He's no longer that Sifeng now.  He's Young Master Yi.  He already said he wants to let go of the past and start over.  Why are you bringing up the same old boring affairs?  Don't try to use it as an excuse to stay."  She pushes Xuanji.  "You better get going."

 

Xuanji pushes A'Lan away, and the Rose Gold Bird hairpin falls out of her sleeve.  Xuanji picks it up.  "This hairpin...Sifeng, I've been searching everywhere for it.  It turns out..."

 

"It's something you discarded before," says Sifeng, "there's no need to put up an act."

 

A'Lan snatches the hairpin from her hands.  "Young Master Yi gave the hairpin to me.  Stop thinking about it."

 

"How could I possibly discard it?"  Asks Xuanji.

 

"You broke it off and discarded it in Qingmu Town," says Sifeng.  "Didn't you mean to cut all ties with me?"

 

"Broke it off?"  Asks Xuanji.  "Sifeng, how could I have broken it into two?  There must be some misunderstanding!"

 

"Enough," says Sifeng.  "That's all in the past.  There's no point in bringing it up.  If you're done applying the ointment, hurry and leave."

 

"Did you hear that?"  Asks A'Lan.  "Young Master Yi requested you to leave.  Get out."

 

"I won't leave," says Xuanji.  "I finally found you.  I won't leave you this way."  She turns to face A'Lan.  "Besides, this...Teng She isn't here.  I'm severely injured now.  If no one carries me, I can't even walk."  She dramatically drops down to the floor.

 

Ah, the helpless woman routine.  Classic.  A'Lan thinks.  "Don't be so shameless."

 

Xuanji looks up at Sifeng with pitiful doe eyes.  "Sifeng, do you really want to kick me out?  Look outside.  It's so late at night.  It's so dark and cold.  And my leg is...You're not going to let me limp all the way back to the inn, right?"

 

Sifeng rolls his eyes.  "Miss A'Lan, call the staff from the Inn to carry her back."

 

A'Lan smirks.  "That can be easily arranged."

 

"Ah!  Ah!  Ah!"  Xuanji grabs A'Lan's skirt.  "What's the point of finding an Inn for me?  There's no physician in the inn.  Sifeng, don't you practice medicine now?   I'm now severely injured.  I need you to take care of me.  You can't abandon me."  She firmly plants herself on the ground.

 

Sifeng sighs.  "Stop being so unreasonable.  I know such a minor injury is nothing to you."

 

"Sifeng, do you really want to oust me like this?  Once, when I didn't have the pain sensation, you told me to inform you when I was in pain.  Even though I don't know it, my body knows it.  Look!  I'm in so much pain right now.  Do you not care about me at all?"

 

"We only parted ways for two years," says Sifeng.  "Where did you learn such knavish tricks?"

 

Xuanji looks side to side.  "It's true!  Take a look if you don't trust me!"  She gets ready to roll up her pant leg.

 

"That's not necessary," says Sifeng.  "Miss A'Lan, you can go back."

 

A'Lan realizes her fantasy life with Sifeng truly isn't going to happen.  And even if it did, she would be getting Xuanji's left overs.  It really is best for A'Lan to move on.

 

"I'll settle this myself," says Sifeng.

 

"She's here with you," says A'Lan.  "I feel uneasy about it.  Why don't I stay, as well?"

 

Sifeng looks at her flatly.

 

"Fine, then," says A'Lan.  "I'll come and visit tomorrow."  She looks at Xuanji threateningly.  "I'm warning you.  Don't hit on Young Master Yi."  She turns and walks away.  Again, if A'Lan is smart, she'd cut her interest in Sifeng loose.  Because: Xuanji's left overs.  She would not want a man who drones on and on ad nauseum about his ex.

 

Xuanji looks up at Sifeng, and hides her smile, but then she can't help it.  She beams.  "Sifeng, you're letting me stay?"

 

"You're a girl," says Sifeng.  "If you stay here, it'll be bad for your reputation."

 

"You can marry me, then," says Xuanji.

 

"I'll boil some herbal medicine for you," says Sifeng.

 

Xuanji smiles a huge smile as Sifeng walks in the kitchen.  She's finally got her foot in the door!  Yes!  She's doing her best not to giggle like a school girl.  However, in all her excitement, she accidentally hits her blistered leg.  She winces.

 

 

...To be continued...

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