American Perspectives: Yuan Lang's Revenge Pt. 2 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 53)

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by 사극 Paradise 2025. 3. 16. 22:28

“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.

Night has fallen, and Xuanji is making the rounds throughout Sifeng's home. "Eldest Brother Liu, does your wound still hurt?"

"The wound is nothing," says Brother Liu. "I stole the celestial eye in the first place. It's fine if they want to take it back. I'm just worried about Yu'er." He abruptly stands up. "She was implicated because of me. I don't even know where she is right now. I told them to come at me for my misdeeds! I will make them give me an explanation!"

Wu Zhiqi pushes the door from another room open. "These dogs from the heavens are too much!" He and Fox Demon walk down the steps. "I just wanted to lead a peaceful life, yet they're coming for us! " He shouts at the night sky. He points upward. "I will destroy every single one of you!"

Fox Demon pulls on his arm. "Wu Zhiqi, we were just hurt. We'll be fine after some rest. Don't be so angry. Moreover, you said I was ugly, right? This is better. I can train for a few hundred years, and take on the appearance that you like."

"How is this better?" Asks Wu Zhiqi. "I'll make the call whether you change your appearance or not! They have no right to interfere!"

Ting Nu meets them in the yard.

"Ting Nu," says Fox Demon.

"Ting Nu," says Xuanji, followed by Brother Liu. "How's Sifeng?"

Ting Nu hesitates before answering. "He's very weak, and his qi was damaged. I'm afraid he can't withstand the power of the Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook anymore."

Xuanji's lower lip trembles. "How much time does he have?"

Ting Nu sighs. "Even if he's lucky, he'll survive for one month at most."

"Ting Nu, although the Snow Lingzhi is gone," says Fox Demon, "are there any similar herbs or grasses in the world? There are so many great herbs in this world. Don't tell me all of them are useless?"

"Just like you, I want to save Sifeng, too," says Ting Nu, "but the Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook aren't from the mortal realm. His body can't stand it if he absorbs them by force. We can't do anything about it."

"Don't tell me, Little Phoenix has to face the same fate again?" Brother Liu asks angrily.

"No," says Xuanji.

Everyone looks at her.

"There is another way. Ting Nu, if I unseal the Crystal Lamp and revive the Devil Star, the Devil Star will absorb the Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook, and Sifeng will be saved. Am I right?"

"That's possible," Ting Nu admits. "But once the Devil Star is revived, the three realms will be plunged into chaos."

"That's right, Xuanji," Fox Demon agrees. "The Devil Star is a violent and cruel entity. If you revive him, everyone else will die!"

"Yes," Brother Liu agrees. "If the three realms are plunged into chaos, the lines between immortals and humans will be blurred, and everything will be too late by then."

Xuanji takes several deep breaths. I can't let him go.

Xuanji sees Sifeng sitting up in bed as she's bringing in the food and medicine. She takes one look at him, and she knows what she needs to do, whether anyone likes it or not. "Sifeng." He looks at her, and she brings his tray to his bed. "Here, have some soup." She takes a spoonful , and blows on it before giving it to Sifeng. He graciously takes a sip.

"I'm really lucky," says Sifeng.

Xuanji blows on another spoonful.

"I have someone to feed me."

"If you like it," says Xuanji, "I can feed you everyday."

Sifeng pauses before taking the next spoonful. "Doesn't that make me useless?" As he's about to take the spoon, he turns his head away and coughs.

Xuanji lovingly wipes his mouth.

"But, judging by your condition, you're useless, indeed," Sifeng teases.

"Don't worry, Sifeng," says Xuanji. "You'll get better soon."

Sifeng gently holds her hands. "Xuanji, are you trying to revive the Devil Star?"

Xuanji says nothing.

"Are you trying to unseal the Crystal Lamp?"

Xuanji thinks carefully before replying. "That's the only way I can save you."

"This is Yuan Lang's trick. You mustn't believe him."

"Yes," says Xuanji. "I know Yuan Lang is trying to revive the Devil Star. But I can save you with this method, as well."

"If you do revive Devil Star," says Sifeng, "the mortal realm may be pushed into an endless sea of torment."

Xuanji's heart is racing. All she wants to do is save her beloved. She doesn't want the mortal realm destroyed, but she does not want to watch Sifeng die when it's preventable.

"I know that," says Xuanji. "But that's just a possibility. I don't know what exactly will happen once the Devil Star is revived, but I know that you will die if I don't unseal the Crystal Lamp. Don't worry. I'm the God of War. I've recovered my powers. I defeated the Devil Star 1,000 years ago, and sealed him into the Crystal Lamp. And now, for your sake, I can defeat him, and seal him again. I won't let him wreak havoc in the world."

"No," Sifeng whispers. "You won't be able to seal him away."

"Don't you believe in me?"

Sifeng answers very carefully. "Xuanji, it's not that I don't believe in you, but everything is uncertain. If you fail, the Devil Star will be revived. The three realms will be plunged into chaos. Your father, Shaoyang Sect, Minyan, and Linglong, everything around us will be engulfed by the hatred of the Devil Star. What can we do by then?"

"What can we do?" Xuanji asks tearfully. "We've missed out on too many things. Sifeng, I just wish that we can live together, and grow old together."

"Xuanji, that's my wish, as well. But as a human, I wish to live without guilt. If the three realms are plunged into chaos because of me, I will be the biggest sinner. Even if I live, I will never live in peace. Xuanji, promise me. Promise me that you'll never do it."

It's a promise Xuanji doesn't want to make, and if she does, it's a lie she doesn't want to tell.

Sifeng coughs.

"Sifeng!"

He clutches his chest and vomits blood.

"Sifeng! Sifeng!" She puts a napkin up to his mouth. "I promise you! Please don't move! You mustn't exert your body! I promise you! Okay?"

Sifeng smiles. "Xuanji, let's cherish our remaining days. WIth you by my side, I have no regrets now."

"But Sifeng, I still need to return to Shaoyang Sect. My father's birthday is coming. Linglong has prepared a banquet for him. She wants us to return together. And...there's another important thing I must do."

"Marry me," says Sifeng.

Xuanji smiles brightly. She nods her head in agreement. Sifeng hugs her tightly. He doesn't want to let her go.

"But I don't have much time left," says Sifeng. "Won't this...ruin your future?"

Xuanji won't let him go. She begins to cry. She breaks away for a moment, and looks him in the eye. "I won't marry anyone else besides you." She grabs his hand. "So, no matter how much time you have left, I want to leave no regrets behind, just like you. So, you must promise me that you'll marry me."

Sifeng touches her face. He brushes away the stray hairs that stuck to her teary face. "I promise you. I promise you."

Teng She is resting against a tree trunk in the forest. A flaming beam of light disrupts his pleasant slumber.

Ugh. It's King Bailing. Teng She abruptly jumps up and kneels before the King. "Greetings, King Bailing."

"Teng She, seems like you've been leading a carefree life."

"I don't dare to do so," Teng She stutters.

"You don't dare to do so? You came to the mortal realm without permission. And now, you're turning against the heavens."

"This is bad," Teng She whispers.

"You're too daring for your own good."

Teng She looks up. "My King, please listen to my explanation."

"No need for that. I'll give you one day to return to the heavens."

Teng She looks away and rolls his eyes.

"If not, I'll strip you of your powers, and charge you with treason. The longer you delay this, the heavier the punishment your servants will get. You better know what's good for you." The image of King Bailing dissipates.

Teng She is sitting on the railing outside of Sifeng's house, while Xuanji is eating a roll.

"Mmm! So delicious!" She says to Teng She. "Why are you acting so nice today? You even prepared food for me."

"I bought the buns from a distant town. Save your breath. Just eat."

"Just tell me what's going on," says Xuanji.

Teng She sighs. "Xuanji, please think of a way to terminate our contract."

She looks at him with surprise.

"Or, just grant me permission to leave forever. I'm going to leave," Teng She says wearily.

Xuanji smiles and touches his forehead. "You don't have a fever. Why are you speaking nonsense?"

"Stop pretending," says Teng She. "Didn't you say that you'd allow me to leave whenever I wanted to?"

"But, Teng She, why are you leaving right now? Did I make you upset? Is it because there's no delicious food here?"

Teng She feels terrible. He's fearful of disclosing the real reason for his departure.

"Or is it because there's no fights over here?" Asks Xuanji.

"I'm a heavenly officer," says Teng She. "I can leave whenever I feel like it! I don't want to be your spirit beast anymore!"

"You're lying," says Xuanji. "We've been through thick and thin together, and you didn't say you wanted to leave."

Teng She scowls at her.

"Why are you...Is it because you know the heavens are pursuing me?"

"I don't know!" Teng She says quickly. "What? You think I'm happy with you? I have to obey your command! They even said I'm a spirit beast! You recalled me in front of the Four Sacred Beasts! Have you ever thought of my feelings? I have my own pride, you know! I've had enough!"

Xuanji throws the rolls on the deck. "Just tell me the reason you're upset with me! Why are you trying to terminate our contract? It's upsetting, you know."

Teng She looks away guiltily. "You're a heartless person in the first place. Why would you be upset?"

"You--"

"I don't want to be your spirit beast. You better let me leave!"

"You--" She grabs his arm. "Do you forget how we made our pact?"

Teng She moves his arm from her grasp. "So what if you defeat me? I'm unhappy now! You shouldn't force me to be your spirit beast! If you're unhappy with me, just turn me into ashes! If not, you better let me leave! You can die alone if you want to. It was hard for me to obtain this position. I don't want to die with you!"

"Fine! You want to leave? Leave now! I grant you my permission! No matter what happens to me in the future, it has nothing to do with you!" She furiously turns away.

"Great! I'm free now!" Yells Teng She. "By the way, Stinky Woman, I need to tell you one last thing. You mustn't unseal the Crystal Lamp. You will regret it."

"It won't matter to you since you're leaving anyway!"

"You!" Teng She sighs. "That's right. Both of us are stubborn. My goodness, this is the end."

"Leave now! I will never acknowledge you even if you return!"

"Fine," Teng She says sadly. "We'll go our separate paths."

Xuanji sharply turns away from him as he walks down the steps. Both of their hearts are breaking. He turns to look at her once last time, only to see her back turned to him. He holds out his arms and disappears. He didn't want this to happen, but cannot let her experience the wrath of King Bailing.

Xuanji turns around, hoping to see Teng She, and to apologize. She stomps her foot when she sees no one is there. Her best friend is gone, and she just wants to scream.

Wu Zhiqi joins her on the deck. "That little snake belonged to the heavens in the first place. If he stays, he'll make it difficult for everyone. It's the best choice for him to leave now."

Xuanji's heart feels destroyed. They had been through so much together. "I know that," Xuanji has her back turned to Wu Zhiqi. "I just can't bear to part with him."

"Enough already. You're making me uncomfortable with this. We need to discuss our next plan."

Xuanji gathers her composure and turns around. "Wu Zhiqi, do you know the reason why the heavens are pursuing me? You went to the heavens before. Do you know why?"

"I think it may be connected to your meeting with King Asura.

"The time when you stole the Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook, and lured me into the Demon Citadel?"

"Yes."

"About the paintings within the Demon Citadel, I don't remember them. I didn't see them when I went to the Demon Citadel last time. What exactly is King Bailing hiding? Why did the God of War pursue him after she returned from Demon Citadel? While I was in the Mirror of Origin, I think I saw an argument between King Bailing and the God of War. She suffered a huge injustice. She said the heavens used her, and she wanted to destroy the heavens. After that, she was sent to the Altar of Banishment. But, I couldn't see the entire situation clearly. I think the heavens are hiding secrets about the God of War."

"I think all of them are connected to the Crystal Lamp and the Devil Star. You see, the heavens didn't pursue you for so many years, but after the attack on Shaoyang Sect, after the Crystal Lamp was disturbed, they hurt Little Fox, and took back Liu Yihuan's celestial eye. Now, they send the Four Sacred Beasts after you. I think all of them are connected somehow."

"I won't offend them if they don't offend me," says Xuanji. "Seems like I need to get to the bottom of this. And I need to unseal the Crystal Lamp, no matter what. That's the only way I can save Sifeng."

"Have you decided?" Wu Zhiqi grins mischeivously.

Xuanji nods. "Wu Zhiqi, you must help me once I return to Shaoyang."

"Don't worry, I'm glad to be of assistance."

Xuanji is helping Sifeng pack up his clothes for their journey to Shaoyang.

"Teng She is gone," says Sifeng. "If you can't get over him..."

"It's fine," Xuanji mumbles. "He's heartless. It's better for him to stay in the heavens." She changes the subject. "Sifeng, we can ask for my father's permission once we return to Shaoyang, and we can be together forever after that."

"Xuanji, listen to me. In my current state, I'm afraid that I will leave you soon, and it may ruin your future."

Xuanji covers his mouth. "Sifeng, we've been through so many ordeals. Don't you understand? I've recovered my six senses. I've thought it through. I will only be happy if I stay with you."

Sifeng brushes Xuanji's hair out of her face. "Are you going to meet your father like this?"

Xuanji touches her face. "Do I look ugly? I've spent a long time dolling myself up, you know."

"Take out your accessories," says Sifeng.

Xuanji smiles shyly, and with a point of her fingers, her makeup appears on the nightstand.

With a small brush, Sifeng carefully fills in her eyebrows.

"Sifeng, I want you to do my eyebrows everyday after we get married."

Sifeng begins to feel dizzy and drowsy. He falls forward, but manages to steady himself. "Okay. I'll draw them for you everyday."

She smiles as he fills in her brows, not wanting this moment to end.