American Perspectives: Opening the Crystal Lamp Pt. 1 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 54)

 

 

“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.

 

 

 

 

 

A'Lan is waiting in Sifeng's home to pay a visit.  Yu Sifeng approaches her with a tiny book in his hand.  "This is the medical book that I've copied.  This is for you.  Your cultivation is not that advanced yet.  When you meet strange demons, don't force yourself.  Be careful."  He hands her the yellow book.

 

She looks at it tearfully.  "Young Master Yi, I'm already very grateful to be able to have this memento."  She looks over at Xuanji.  "Ever since I first saw him, I already knew that I was not for him.  I'm just a half disciple to him, and that's it.  Chu Xuanji, if both of you are married one day, send me a wedding invitation.  No matter where I am, I'll go there and congratulate you."

 

Xuanji leans into Sifeng, and smiles at A'Lan.  "Okay."

 

"Young Master Yi," says A'Lan, "go now.  I hope that everything will go smoothly for you from now on.  I'll pray for you here."

 

"Miss A'Lan, take care of yourself," says Sifeng.

 

A'Lan is trying her best to hold back the tears.  She has a strong fear that Sifeng's days are numbered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Greetings, King Bailing," Teng She kneels.  The Four Sacred Beasts are beside him, two on each side.

 

"Guards," says King Bailing, "detain Teng She in the sky prison."

 

Teng She looks up in shock.  "King Bailing, what did I do wrong?  Why do I have the be detained in Sky Prison?"

 

"Look towards your left and right," says King Bailing.

 

Teng She gulps, and does as the king commands.

 

"The God of War has deep anguish to her that even 1,000 years can't mellow out.  You must have heard about the great bloodshed that happened here back then.  Now, when I sent the Four Sacred Beasts to capture her, you foiled my plan, and chose to stand by her.  What is it?  Are you going to betray the heavens, and let her bring great disaster again, just like before?"

 

Teng She takes a deep breath.  "I did help her out a little bit, but I did it for our friendship.  I wasn't trying to revolt against the heavens."

 

"Is that so?"  Asks King Bailing.  "You stole the scroll from my palace, and went to the human realm to give her the information.  You foiled my plan to make her destroy the Crystal Lamp.  Does that count as betrayal?"

 

"Make the God of War destroy the Crystal Lamp?"  Teng She mutters.

 

"Is that strange?"  Asks King Bailing.  He looks Teng She in the eye.  "Teng She, actually, you had already suspected my identity before this, but I used the spell of deceit on you.  So, you couldn't tell."  He shoots a stream of white energy into Teng She's eyes.

 

Teng She winces.  His eyes open, and he looks up at the King he used to admire.  He sees Hao Chen, the obnoxious disciple he used to torment and mock.  "So, that person is indeed you.  Yes.  King Bailing, since you've already spent twenty years with her in the human realm, you should know that she's kind.  She won't attack the heavens.  Why can't you spare her?"

 

King Bailing side eyes him.  "She's kind?  Since you've read the scroll, you should know her identity by now.  Her kindness has a time limit to it.  Her ego and arrogance have never changed.  I tried to help and save her, but she's being difficult!  All of my efforts have been wasted!  It's hard to get rid of her demonic character and anguish."

 

Teng She wonders if they are talking about the same person, but he dare not interrupt.  He's also strongly considering the idea of switching teams, as King Bailing seems to be the psychopath.  Not Xuanji.  His perception of King Bailing as an honorable role model has fallen apart.  Sifeng could run circles around this ass hat.

 

"She is destined to bring chaos to the three realms," King Bailing continues to lecture.  "Now, she is even tempted to open the Crystal Lamp.  If we spare her again, she'll eventually come for the heavens!"

 

Teng She sighs.  He can't believe everyone has enabled King Bailing for so long.  "I did read the scroll before," Teng She admits, "but it's just a broken scroll.  I don't understand why the scroll stated that the God of War was born from the destruction of the Devil Star.  I don't understand why it stated that God of War and the Devil Star are the same.  Is the scroll mistaken?"

 

The Four Sacred Beasts look at Teng She curiously.  This is most certainly news to them.

 

"You are asking too many questions," says King Bailing.  "You just need to know that no matter if it's Devil Star or the God of War, if they are a threat to the heavens, they'll have to be destroyed."

 

Xuanji couldn't care less about the heavens!  Teng She thinks, but he decides to pick his battles.

 

"As for you, if you help the God of War again, you'll meet the same fate."

 

"Kssh..."

 

"Green Dragon."

 

"Yes, King Bailing," Lord Green Dragon bows.

 

"Take him to the Sky Prison."

 

Teng She slumps his shoulders and sighs.

 

"Yes, King Bailing," says Lord Green Dragon.

 

Lord Green Dragon puts his hand on Teng She's shoulder.  Teng She sighs, and they shoot up in the air together to get to the Sky Prison.

 

King Bailing summons the celestial eye.  He looks into it, and sees Xuanji and Sifeng walking through the forest together.  Wu Zhiqi follows behind them.  "Chu Xuanji, I know why you are going to Mount Shaoyang.  Since you want to open the Crystal Lamp to destroy the three realms, don't blame me for being so unforgiving."

 

 

 

 

 

Brother Liu, Ting Nu, Xuanji, Sifeng, Wu Zhiqi, and Fox Demon are traveling through the forest together.  No suspicion whatsoever that King Bailing has been stalking them from the heavens.

 

"The Shaoyang Sect is just right ahead of us," says Wu Zhiqi.  "I think we demons shouldn't go there.  We don't want to ruin a birthday party.  Sifeng, peform well when you go to meet your father in law, so that he can marry his daughter off to you without any worries."

 

"Don't worry, Eldest Brother Wu," says Sifeng.  "I'll send you a letter as soon as there's good news."

 

"All right," says Wu Zhiqi.  "We'll wait for your good news here.  Go."

 

The happy couple walks ahead while the Demons remain behind.  Wu Zhiqi is about to leave when Fox Demon stops him.

 

"Wu Zhiqi, where are you going?"

 

Ting Nu and Brother Liu observe them, cautiously anticipating a fight.

 

"I have something personal to do,"  says Wu Zhiqi.

 

"Don't think kthat I can't tell," says Fox Demon.  "You were whispering to Xuanji.  You are planning to open the Crystal Lamp, right?"

 

"So what if I am?"  Asks Wu Zhiqi.

 

"I won't allow you to go," argues Fox Demon.  "Why do you have to let things get out of hand?"

 

"Even if you don't do anything," says Wu Zhiqi, "those deities from the heavens will kill us.  When that happens, it'll really be out of our hands.  Just wait for me here."  He faces Ting Nu and Brother Liu.  "Please help me take care of this Little Fox.  Something big will happen today.  Find a place to hide."  He disappears in a swirl of black and purple energy.

 

"Wu Zhiqi!"  Fox Demon yells at the sky.

 

 

 

 

 

Xuanji and Sifeng make it to the Shaoyang Sect entrance, but Sifeng is already fatigued.  He just wants to take a warm bath and go to bed.

 

The Shaoyang disciples at the entrance bow.

 

"Senior Xuanji, you're back," says a disciple.  He looks at Sifeng.  "He is..."

 

"We are here to celebrate Father's birthday," says Xuanji.

 

"Senior, let us go in and inform him first."

 

"One is your senior, and the other is Shaoyang Sect's savior."  Linglong and Little Six walk through the gate at the top of the stairs.  "Why do you have to inform him first?"  Linglong inquires.

 

Xuanji smiles, Sifeng looks hesitant.

 

"Linglong," says Xuanji.

 

"Xuanji," Linglong says happily.  She runs down the stairs with Little Six.  "You're finally back.  The party has already started.  I thought you couldn't make it.  Let's go."

 

Little Six throws his arm around Sifeng's shoulder.  "Sifeng.  How are you?"

 

"Senior Linglong," says the disciple.

 

"What, senior?"  Linglong asks impatiently.  "Without them both, Mount Shaoyang would have been burned to dust."  She turns to Xuanji and smiles.  "Let's go."

 

 

 

 

 

"It's good that you came back this time," says Linglong as they walk through the foresty trail to the main building.  "Now we have someone to talk to.  But Sifeng doesn't look too well."

 

"Maybe he's tired from the long journey," says Xuanji.

 

"With your power, you won't be this weak, even if you fly to the sky," says Linglong.  "Did something happen?"

 

"Actually, besides celebrating Father's birthday this time, Sifeng is here to ask Father for my hand."

 

"Really?"  Linglong asks ecstatically.

 

Xuanji nods.

 

"After going through so much, this day has finally come," says Linglong.

 

"Don't be so happy first," says Xuanji.  "Father hasn't agreed yet."

 

"He looks strict, but he's actually very soft hearted," says Linglong.  "Just beg him, and he'll agree."

 

Xuanji grins.

 

"Let's go," says Linglong, tugging on her arm.

 

"Sifeng," Little Six helps in keeping him steady, "the last time the four of us climbed this Mount Shaoyang was a long time ago.  We'll have to spend more time together this time.  I've been keeping a few jars of great wine for you."

 

"Later," says Sifeng, "I'll use your kitchen and cook us some drinking dishes.  We'll drink until we drop."

 

"That'll be for the best," Little Six grins.

 

Sifeng stops and feels intense chest pain.  He grabs his heart in hopes that the pressure will make it subside.

 

Little Six holds him up.  "Sifeng, you're faltering in your steps.  Is it because of your old wound?"

 

"Yes," says Sifeng, "but I'll be fine."

 

"Sifeng, I'm sorry."

 

"Why are you suddenly apologizing to me?"

 

"I doubted you before this.  As your friend, I didn't believe in you or support you, but you did so many things for us in secret.  I feel really guilty about it."

 

"This is a chaotic world," says Sifeng.  "It's normal to be cautious.  I would do the same thing, too, if I were you.  No need to feel guilty.  Everything is good now, right?  By the way, I haven't congratulated you for your marriage with Linglong."

 

"She and I are already married.  When is it your turn?"

 

Sifeng doesn't answer.

 

"Don't tell me that you're here this time..."

 

"You'll know about it soon," answers Sifeng.

 

Little Six smiles.  "Let's go."

 

 

 

 

 

The four friends walk the familiar wooden walkway that winds around the residential area of Shaoyang Sect.

 

"Sifeng," says Little Six, "don't leave anymore since you're already back."

 

"Sifeng," says Linglong, "Xuanji told me about your great news.  I was very lost before this because I stayed with the demons of Tianxu Hall.  So, I told Xuanji a lot of bad things about you.  Now, I want to apologize to you."

 

"You and Minyan really think alike," says Sifeng.  "You each apologized to me.  It's too much.  All right.  Everything is in the past now.  Luckily, after going through so many hiccups, the four of us are together again."

 

"Luckily, we are still here together," says Linglong.

 

"It's a happy day today," says Little Six.  "Let's not talk about the past.  Let's go.  Time to greet our birthday boy."

 

"Let's go!"  Linglong and Xuanji hold hands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"We hereby wish you an abundance of health and prosperity!"  Dongfang exclaims.

 

"Abundance of health and prosperity!"  Everyone repeats.

 

Sect Leader Chu is speechless.  He raises his cup to everyone in the dining hall.  "Thank you, everyone.  Cheers!"

 

"Father!"  Linglong calls as they enter the hall.  "Father, look who's here."  She's holding Xuanji's hand, while Sifeng and Little Six enter the dining hall beside them.

 

"Father," says Xuanji.

 

Sect Leader Chu slowly rises.  "Father, I'm back."  Xuanji bows.  "I wish you good health and prosperity."

 

Aunt Hong smiles.

 

"Okay," says Sect Leader Chu.  "It's good that you're back.  I'm very happy."

 

Xuanji looks up and smiles.  Linglong is beaming.

 

Sifeng bows.  "Happy Birthday, Sect Leader Chu."

 

"Isn't this the new palace master of that Lize Palace demon nest, Hero Yu Sifeng?"  Dongfang sneers.  "Why is he here?"

 

"But he helped Shaoyang Sect before, and he guarded the Crystal Lamp for us," says Aunt Hong.

 

"He's still a demon."  Dongfang scoffs.  "Our sects kill demons and monsters.  But now, we have a demon here?  Are we going to dine together with a demon?"

 

An awkward silence fills the room, killing the festive vibe.

 

"The four of you, come with me," Sect Leader Chu sternly says to Xuanji, Sifeng, Linglong, and Little Six.

 

The four friends follow Sect Leader Chu out, while Dongfang is left feeling more important than he actually is.

 

 

 

 

 

Sect Leader Chu is sitting at a small round table, while the four friends stand in front of him, waiting to be yelled at.  Just like old times.

 

"Father, what is the meaning of this?"  Linglong asserts.  "Sifeng is Shaoyang's savior.  You brought us to this side hall because of a malicious comment.  This doesn't conform to Shaoyang ettiquette."

 

"Although this place is more secluded, says Sect Leader Chu, "it's easier for us to talk here."

 

"It's okay," says Sifeng.  "It's tranquil here.  It's more comfortable for us to talk."

 

Sect Leader Chu sighs.  "Xuanji, you've lost some weight.  Since you are back this time, stay.  Your sister and I have missed you so much."

 

"Thank you, father," says Xuanji, "but besides coming back to visit you, I have a request."

 

"Oh?"

 

"If you agree, I'll accompany you forever at Shaoyang."

 

"What is it?"  Asks Sect Leader Chu.

 

Xuanji holds Sifeng's hand.  The two kneel in front of Sect Leader Chu.  Xuanji bows.  "Father, I beg you to let me and Sifeng get married."

 

Linglong and Little Six smile at them.

 

Sifeng bows.  "Sect Leader Chu.  After so many years, Xuanji and I are deeply in love with each other.  Please give us your blessing."

 

Sect Leader Chu looks at them.  He isn't surprised, he just wasn't prepared.  He pours himself a cup of wine.  "This thing...This thing is a serious matter.  I have to consider it carefully."

 

"Father," Linglong interjects.  "Sifeng risked his life for Xuanji over and over again.  Nobody else in the world will treat Xuanji as well as he does."

 

"Marriage is no child's play," says Sect Leader Chu.  "How can I just agree to it?"

 

"You have prejudice against him," Linglong points out.  "When Little Six proposed, you agreed right away."

 

"How can you compare Minyan to Yu Sifeng?"  Asks Sect Leader Chu.  "Xuanji, I need to think about it."

 

"Father, you still mind that Sifeng is a demon, right?"  Asks Xuanji.

 

Sect Leader Chu says nothing.

 

"It's okay," says Xuanji, "I won't force you.  But I want to tell you that in this life, I'll only marry Sifeng and no one else."  Sifeng looks over at her, and she takes his hand.

 

"Xuanji," says Sect Leader Chu, "I know that both of you are very close.  But I just now..." he points toward the dining hall.  "Just now heard those malicious comments, as well.  I know Sifeng is a good man, ad Shaoyang is indebted to him.  But in the end, he's still a demon.  You are still young.  You don't know that gossip is a fearful thing.  I'm just afraid that it'll be hard on both of you in the future."

 

"Father, I know a lot of things now," Xuanji asserts.  "In this world, we'll meet a lot of people, but only a few are important to us.  The important people in my heart are you, Linglong, and Sixth Senior.  As long as you don't reject us, it won't be hard on Sifeng and me."

 

"Sect Leader, your guests are still waiting to drink with you," says a disciple from the other side of the closed doors.

 

Sect Leader Chu rises from his seat.  "Easier said than done.  Just like cultivation, and it's the same in life, too.  Get up first, both of you.  We'll discuss this later."

 

Linglong can't believe it.

 

Xuanji helps Sifeng stand up.  "Sifeng..."

 

"Looks like it'll be hard for your father to agree," says Sifeng.

 

"Don't think too much," says Little Six.  "I'm sure that he just can't accept it for the moment.  He'll be fine after some time."

 

"Yes, Sifeng."  Linglong agrees.  "We'll help you covince him."

 

"It's okay, Sifeng," says Xuanji.  "I'm very clear about what I want.  If my father agrees, I'll marry you at Shaoyang.  If he doesn't agree, we can get married anywhere in the world."

 

Sifeng begins to feel the room spin.

 

"Sifeng," says Xuanji.  She guides him to a seat at the round table.

 

"Sifeng, did you pull on your old wound?"  Asks Little Six.  "I'll get Auntie Yinghong to take a look at him now."

 

"No need to do that," Xuanji says quickly.  "I know Sifeng's body well.  He's just exhausted from the journey.  Go and celebrate Father's birthday first.  We'll be fine."  She holds Sifeng's hand, and rubs his back.

 

"Let's go, then," says Little Six.

 

"We'll get going, then," says Linglong.

 

After the two leave, Sifeng vomits blood on the floor.

 

"Sifeng!"  Yells Xuanji.  "Hold on, Sifeng.  Let me help you suppress the curse."  With a sharp movement of her hand, she generates blue energy and shoots it into Sifeng's chest with her right palm.

 

 

 

 

 

With a swish of his hand, King Bailing is able to see the Seven Emperors of North Heaven.

 

"King Bailing," says an elder, "you want us to open the Heavenly Meteor formation to attack Mount Shaoyang in the human realm?"

 

"Yes," says King Bailing.

 

Lord Green Dragon is secretly listening in from behind a pillar.

 

"The Heavenly Meteor Formation is a deadly formation that uses the power of stars," says the elder.  "Every living thing that is inside it will be annihilated.  The hill will be crushed.  Isn't it a bit excessive to use it against humans?"

 

"No," says the tyrannical King Bailing.  "The God of War is already at Mount Shaoyang.  She'll open the Crystal Lamp soon.  And the Devil Star will be revived, and the three realms will be in chaos.  I'm opening the formation to stop the God of War."

 

"But this formation is not targeting the God of War alone," says another elder.  "It's targeting all of Mount Shaoyang."

 

"To sacrifice millions of lives to defeat her?  This is too much."

 

"Yes.  Isn't there any other way?"

 

"For the past few days, I've been thinking about the solution," says King Bailing.  "But the Crystal Lamp and God of War are not ordinary in the human realm.  Normal ways won't be able to hurt them at all.  So, setting up the Heavenly Meteor Formation is our only choice.  Desperate situations call for desperate measures.  To bury all of Shaoyang and wrongly kill millions, is better than letting the Devil Star be revived, and bring ruin to the three realms."

 

No wonder Teng She is being disagreeable, Green Dragon thinks.

 

"Back then, Heavenly Emperor asked us to leave God of War alone," says an elder.  "He said that everything is pre-ordained fate.  Don't you think you should discuss this with the Heavenly Emperor first?"

 

"We are out of time," snaps King Bailing.  "The God of War is going to open the Crystal Lamp soon.  If Heavenly Emperor wants to blame someone in the future, I'll take full responsibility for it.  Please help me set up the formation to destroy Mount Shaoyang, seal the Crystal Lamp, and kill Chu Xuanji!"

 

Lord Green Dragon's jaw drops.

 

"Yes, King Bailing," the elders bow.

 

 

 

 

 

Teng She is peacefully sleeping on a white podium in the Sky Prison when Lord Green Dragon decides to pay a visit.

 

Teng She can pick up his scent in his sleep.  He opens his eyes.  His back remains turned to Lord Green Dragon.  "Why are you here?  Are you here to laugh at me?"

 

With a movement of his fingers, Green Dragon removes the blue energy barrier, and sends Teng She flying to him.  Teng She is a bit unsettled by all of this.

 

"What are you doing?"  Asks Teng She.

 

"Here's a dragon scale," says Lord Green Dragon.  "Keep it well.  The path of heaven is closed now.  To go to the human realm, you have to go through the heaven fire.  This dragon scale can help you with that.

 

Teng She looks at it disdainfully.  "Why do I have to go down?  King Bailing didn't punish me, right?"

 

Lord Green Dragon shoves the scale in his hand.

 

Teng She squirms.

 

"When you reach the human realm, look for Chu Xuanji at once, and ask her to forget about the Cystal Lamp.  Ask her to leave Mount Shaoyang at once without delay."

 

"What is the meaning of this?  Explain it to me," says Teng She.

 

"King Bailing has ordered the Seven Emperors of North Heaven to initiate the Heavenly Meteor Formation.  He's going to sacrifice Mount Shaoyang to kill Chu Xuanji, and bury the Crystal Lamp forever."

 

Teng She squeezes the scale.  "What did you say?"

 

"I heard it myself.  It's true.  The Seven Emperors of North Heaven have already departed.  If you don't go now, Chu Xuanji will die.  If she dies, you'll die, too.  I can't watch you die in vain.  Go now."

 

Teng She slowly turns away, and then faces Green Dragon.  "Green Dragon, if I can come back alive, I'll treat you to a drink as an appreciation."  Teng She flips his hair and walks away.  Showing affection and emotion to his boyfriend is something he struggles with, and goes to great pains to avoid.

 

Green Dragon shakes his head and smiles sadly.

 

 

...To be continued...

 

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