American Perspectives: Devil Maleficent Pt. 2 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 55)

 

 

“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.

 

 

 

 

Wu Zhiqi is in full armor, and on the move.  Two masked guards follow behind him.

 

"Left Lieutenant," a third guard approaches them.  "Left Lieutenant, we found a suspicious looking person."  He bows.  "She's wearing a mask and looking around.  She might be a spy for the heavens."

 

"Take me to her," says Wu Zhiqi.

 

"Yes, Left Lieutenant."

 

"Both of you can wait for me here."

 

"Yes, Left Lieutenant," the two guards bow.

 

 

 

 

 

"Don't kill us!"  The prisoners beg Sifeng.

 

"Don't worry," says Sifeng.  "I won't hurt you.  Leave through the back of the mountain now that it's nighttime.  Continue north, and you'll find an exit.  If you go out from there, you can go back to the human realm."  Generating golden energy from his index and middle fingers, Sifeng busts the lock, and releases the prisoners.

 

The prisoners jump back in fear.

 

"Come out," says Sifeng.

 

"Let's go now."

 

"Let's go."

 

"Thank you."

 

"Thank you."

 

They rush out en masse like a herd of cattle released from the holding pen at the slaughter house.

 

Sifeng walks into the cell, and summons the Fallen Bell.  The bell expands and becomes silver.  He generates golden energy between his hands, repositions them, and shoots the energy from his left index and middle fingers into the bell.

 

He begins to sweat, and he withdraws the energy, motioning his hands downward.  He takes several deep breaths, as pulling out his own resentful energy is very, very draining.  Considering what he's had to deal with, he most certainly has more than enough.

 

 

 

 

 

Wu Zhiqi is leading Fox Demon down the stone stairs by her wrist.   He doesn't want her there because Devil Star and Yuan Lang wouldn't hesitate to hurt her, and there's very little he can do about it.

 

"Little Fox, why did you come to this Demon Citadel?  Let me tell you.  Wait for me here."

 

"Wu Zhiqi," says Fox Demon, "I don't want to wait anymore.  You were detained in Fenru City for 1,000 years, and I waited for you.  And I waited for you when you helped Xuanji open the Crystal Lamp.  Now that you want to go to war with the heavens, how can I wait again?  You've just gotten your freedom.  Why are you putting yourself in danger again?  What if they heavens catch you again?  I don't want to live another 1,000 years of suffering."

 

"I can't believe you, you sour fox.  I'm going to war soon."

 

"Wu Zhiqi, you know better than me how the Demon-Immortal War ended.  No matter who wins, what has it got to do with us?  We'll still live our own lives in the end.  If that's the case, why do you have to be involved in this?"

 

Wu Zhiqi knows she's right, but he feels his options are limited.

 

"Isn't it nice to leave now and go back to that little hut with me to live our lives in peace?  You don't like me in human form?  Fine.  I'll turn back into a fox.  As long as..."

 

"Little Fox, look up there.  Tens of thousands of demons are waiting to take revenge on the heavens.  We have to seek revenge, too!  Have you forgotten who ruined your face and locked me up for so long?  I've endured them for more than 1,000 years!  I can't endure it anyore!  We should've gone to war 1,000 years ago.  I'm going to beat them up today!"

 

Fox Demon looks at him sadly.  Wu Zhiqi closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.  Fox Demon lowers her eyes.  He puts his hand on her shoulders.  She looks up at him tearfully.

 

"Little Fox, just wait for me here.  Don't worry.  It won't take long.  I'll take down the White Tiger Star Lord, and use his fur to make a cape for you.  Then, I'll extract his core and spread it on your face.  Wait for me here."  He smiles at her, and is about to head up the stairs.

 

"Wu Zhiqi.  This is the last time I'll beg you.  If you don't leave with me, I'll go into hiding, and you'll never find me again."

 

"Little Fox, I know what kind of power you have.  Where can you hide?  Stop fooling around.  Wait for me."  He smiles and walks up the stairs.

 

 

 

 

 

King Bailing and his men are gathered at the entryway to the heavens.

 

"What kind of golden ray is that?"  Asks White Tiger.

 

"I think it's the Fallen Bell," says Lord Green Dragon.

 

"It's the Fallen Bell that broke Heaven's Gate 1,000 years ago.  It still exists?"  Asks Vermillion Bird.

 

King Bailing scowls.

 

A thin golden streak shoots up through the heavens.

 

The men of the heavens block it with their palms, but it only creates an intense wave of gold, which knocks them backwards.  The Four Sacred Beasts are able to gain their footing at the top of the entryway staircase.

 

 

 

 

 

Devil Star is down below in the demon realm, proud of what he just inflicted on the heavens with the Fallen Bell.

 

"Demon Lord, once the war starts, it'll poison the three realms!"  Sifeng yells.

 

"Keep quiet!"  Devil Star commands.  With a poof of purple and black smoke in his palm, he makes Sifeng disappear.

 

Fox Demon is spying on Devil Star.

 

"Wu Zhiqi," says Devil Star, "listen to my command.  Attack the heavens now!"

 

"Okay," Wu Zhiqi says balefully.  "Here I go."  He brings his crossed arms down, and flips upwards like a bottle rocket towards the heavens.

 

The Demon army makes itself disappear row by row in a poof of black smoke.

 

Fox Demon spins upward, and disappears in a poof of purple smoke.

 

The Demon army, led by Wu Zhiqi, quickly ascends through the clouds.  Wu Zhiqi is excited and ready to fight.  Finally, vengeance will be his.

 

 

 

 

 

The Heavenly military is laying on the ground, everyone writhing in pain, struggling to get up.  Lord Green Dragon is the first to pull himself up.  He helps King Bailing stand.

 

"King Bailing," says Lord Green Dragon.  "King Bailing, they're coming.  We can't hold them back without Heaven's Gate.  Let's retreat."

 

"Retreat?"  King Bailing snarls.  "Why should we retreat?  They are the ones who should retreat."

 

The remaining members of the Heavenly Army rise.

 

The Four Sacred Beasts look at King Bailing in disbelief.

 

"Pass down my order," commands King Bailing.  "Tip over the Mutton Fat Jade Jar, and release the Sea of Life and Death!  Separate the heavens from the human realm!"

 

White Tiger and Vermillion Bird exchange glances.

 

Lord Green Dragon bows.  "King Bailing, if you release the Sea of Life and Death, it'll disrupt the cycle of the universe's aura.  The corrupted aura will then accumulate and it'll turn into another Demon Citadel.  Humans will perish."

 

The other three Sacred Beasts, and the Heavenly Army bow.  "Please take back your order!"

 

King Bailing turns around and looks at them hatefully.  "We have the order of priority.  The heavens are in grave danger now.  We have to protect ourselves first!  Heavenly King is not here.  I'm in charge here.  Do as I say, now!  If you hesitate, you'll be beheaded without mercy!"

 

The Four Sacred Beasts exchange uncertain glances.  King Bailing is going rogue, and Lord Green Dragon is increasingly envious of Teng She and his courage to switch teams.

 

 

 

 

 

The Demon Army and Wu Zhiqi continue to fly upward.  The crisp air feels refreshing on Wu Zhiqi's face.  Having a purpose makes him feel very important and manly.  Like a good boyfriend, protector, and provider.  If only his little fox would understand.

 

The clouds turn from white to black.

 

"What is that?"  The Demons mutter amongst themselves.

 

Lightning emanates through the clouds.  

 

"Sea of Life and Death?"  Wu Zhiqi growls.

 

They continue to sail through the stormy skies, but with caution.  A bolt of lightning knocks some of the demons over. Many more get hit with multiple bolts, and they all fly backwards.  The Fallen Bell shatters into multiple pieces.

 

Demon Lord and Yuan Lang are observing from the Demon Citadel.

 

Many demons free fall onto the grounds of Demon Citadel, and disappear in puffs of black smoke.  

 

Demon Lord looks upward.  "You would rather use the Sea of Life and Death at the cost of the Human Realm?  Fine.  Let's see how long you can hide up there."

 

More demons fall out of the clouds, while Wu Zhiqi cautiously sails through.  As a bolt of lightning heads to him, he crosses his arms in front of his chest, bracing himself for the worst.    As it is about to strike, Fox Demon flies in front and intercepts it.

 

Little streams of white electric energy course through her body.  She stays in front of Wu Zhiqi and refuses to move.  A huge burst of white energy emerges from her torso, causing her mask to tear off, and she free falls downward.

 

Wu Zhiqi's heart drops, and his blood runs cold.  Chills go down his back.  "Little Fox!"  He descends quickly, and catches her under the small of her back.  "Little Fox, are you okay?"

 

"Stupid Monkey," says Fox Demon.  "You--You just care about fighting, right?  Why...Why do you care about me now?"

 

"Little Fox, are you dumb?  Why did you do that?  Why?"

 

"Yes," agrees Fox Demon.  "Why is it so painful?  You are my everything.  You can throw away your life, but I don't want you to die."

 

"Little Fox, stay strong.  I'll find you the best medicine.  I'll cure you for sure."

 

"No.  Stupid Monkey.  You'll definitely keep your promise to others without any care for your life.  You don't even care about me."

 

"I care about you," Wu Zhiqi insists.  "It's just that sometimes, I don't know what to say.  Little Fox, don't worry.  I won't let you suffer anymore after this."

 

"Stupid Monkey, this promise is already enough for me.  Wu Zhiqi, you made promises with others everywhere.  Can you promise me something, too?"

 

"Okay," Wu Zhiqi nods.

 

"After I die, can you bring me back?"

 

A tear rolls down Wu Zhiqi's cheek.  

 

"Let's leave the Demon Citadel," Fox Demon continues.  "Stop fighting."

 

"Okay.  I promise you, Little Fox.  I won't fight anymore.  I won't fight anymore, Little Fox."

 

"Can you kiss me?"

 

He leans over, closes his eyes, and tenderly kisses her forehead.  They look at each other and smile.  She tenderly touches his face.

 

"Wu Zhiqi, I...I love you."  She looks at him and smiles.  His heart flutters.  "Wu Zhiqi."

 

She vanishes from his arms in a gust of purple glittery ash.

 

"In the next life," her voice continues.

 

"Little Fox!"

 

"I don't want to become a fox anymore."

 

"Little Fox!"

 

"I'll become even more beautiful with the appearance that you like.  If I become like that, will you like me then?"

 

He looks at her silk mask in his hand.  "Little Fox, I've been lying to you.  You are beautiful.  You are really attractive."  He clutches the mask to his chest and cries.

 

 

 

 

 

Sifeng is patiently waiting in the Demon Citadel Prison, when the lock is broken off, and his cell door swings open.

 

Wu Zhiqi materializes in a poof of purple energy.  He looks extremely dejected and depressed.  He slowly walks into Sifeng's cell.  Sifeng meets him at the barred door.

 

"Eldest Brother Wu, what has happened outside?"

 

Wu Zhiqi looks up, his heartbreak written all over his face.  "I won't fight anymore.  I'll get you out."

 

"Eldest Brother Wu, what happened?"

 

"Little Fox is dead.  I promised her that I wouldn't fight anymore.  So, I came here to save you.  Let's go."

 

Devil Star and Yuan Lang materialize in cloud of black smoke.

 

"Both of you are just going to leave without goodbyes?"  Asks Yuan Lang.  "Such disrespect for the Demon Lord."  He bows to Devil Star.  "Demon Lord, I've already said that Yu Sifeng was going to rebel.  Now, looks like Wu Zhiqi wants to leave, too.  Both of them are traitors."

 

"Wu Zhiqi," says Devil Star, "I respected you 1,000 years ago.  And now, you are the only one who doesn't need to address me as Demon Lord.  I treated you well.  Why are you leaving me now that we are defeated?  Is it just like Yuan Lang said?  Are you going to betray me?"

 

Wu Zhiqi walks forward.  "I don't know what betrayal means.  Just now, Little Fox died saving me from that battle.  I've already promised her not to fight anymore.  I'm going to bring her home, and bury her demonic core.  Devil Maleficent, I think I've repaid you enough for speaking up for me to King Asura back then.  From now on, I'm no longer in debt to you."

 

"Old Wu, you want to bargain with the Demon Lord?"  Yuan Lang asks incredulously.  "Aren't you being too arrogant?"

 

"What did you say?"  Asks Wu Zhiqi.

 

Yuan Lang smirks.

 

"I misunderstood you, then," says Devil Star.  "Being sentimental and loyal are your best qualities.  I wasn't expecting you to pay me back when I spoke up for you back then.  Since you want to leave now, I won't force you to stay.  You can leave, but Yu Sifeng has to stay."

 

Devil Star approaches Sifeng.  "Yu Sifeng, you put down an order to foil our military plan.  That's a fatal crime.  Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

 

"Devil Maleficent, you have Xuanji's memories inside you," says Sifeng.  "I did it so that you wouldn't commit even more sins of murder, and suffer in the future."

 

"Hmm," says Devil Star.  "I can kill you.  I can let you go, too."

 

"Xuanji is making you do it, right?"  Sifeng asks.

 

"Don't think too much," Devil Star says sternly.  "For me, Chu Xuanji is just a fragment in my mind.  She's powerless, but you are quite interesting.  How about this?  I know that you are the leader of the Rose Gold Birds.  If you do something for me, I'll forgive you for the crimes that you've committed."

 

"What is it?" Sifeng asks.  

 

"Find the Rose Gold Birds, order them to burn their demonic cores, and carry my army over the Sea of Life and Death."

 

"Burn their demonic cores?"  Wu Zhiqi asks.  "You'll destroy their cultivations and turn them into cripples!"

 

"It's their honor to be able to die for the Demon Lord," says Yuan Lang.  "Yu Sifeng, just agree to it."

 

"Unfortunately," says Sifeng, "I'm already not their leader since a few years back.  So, I don't know where they are.  But Yuan Lang is the Rose Gold Bird with the most advanced cultivation.  With his power, he can fly through that sea seven to eight times without a problem.  You can bestow to him this honor of burning his demonic core instead."

 

Yuan Lang tensely grips his fan.

 

"Yu Sifeng," says Devil Star. "I'm giving you this chance because I think that you are very amusing.  Don't be so imperious."  He turns away.  "Since you won't tell me the Rose Gold Birds' whereabouts, I'll have to kill you."

 

"I really don't know," Sifeng says matter of factly.  "If you don't believe me, just kill me, then."

 

"Okay," says Devil Star.

 

Wu Zhiqi jumps back in surprise.  As Devil Star is about to strike Sifeng with his energy, Wu Zhiqi stands beside him.  Together Wu Zhiqi and Sifeng shoot their energy at the Devil Star.

 

"Eldest Brother Wu," says Sifeng.

 

"Devil Maleficent," says Wu Zhiqi.  "Sifeng is my friend and savior.  If you want to kill him, I'll help him, even if it'll cost me my life."

 

"Eldest Brother Wu," warns Sifeng.

 

"Demon Lord," says Yuan Lang, "they are obviously trying to revolt against you.  Just kill them to prevent any future troubles."

 

"Interesting," says Devil Star.  He withdraws his deadly red energy.  "I haven't seen such loyalty in a friendship for a long time.  It'll be a pity if I kill you both.  But, if I just pardon Yu Sifeng like this, others will think that I'm unfair.  What a dilemma.  How about this?  If the two of you can withstand three attacks from me, I'll consider Yu Sifeng's crime paid for.  But if you die, you can only blame yourself for not being powerful enough."

 

"Demon Lord," Yuan Lang whispers, "Rose Gold Bird is useful for us.  We can't let Yu Sifeng go."

 

"I've already made up my mind.  No need to say anything else."  He hurls red smoke energy at Wu Zhiqi, sending him flying backwards.  He falls into a stone pillar, and hits the ground.

 

"Eldest Brother Wu!"  Yells Sifeng.

 

Devil Star hurls his red smoke energy at Sifeng.  Sifeng crosses his arms to block the energy, but is rammed into another stone pillar.  He gracefully descends to the ground on his knees.

 

"Sifeng!"  Yells Wu Zhiqi.  "Sifeng, how are you?"

 

"Don't worry, I'm fine."  With his index and middle fingers, he generates orange flame energy.

 

"You are using the Solar Palm from the Golden Crow Tactic to attack yourself," Devil Star observes.  "In order to expel the demonic power of the Ocean Wave?  Interesting.  But both of you are seriously injured right now.  The third one, Soul Breaker, will attack your heart and soul.  It's very dangerous.  You still want to try it?"

 

"Sure," Wu Zhiqi says gallantly.  He and Sifeng hold hands.  They rise together.  "If we are to die here together today, I'll be content with that!"  The two men look at each other and smile.

 

"Do it now," says Sifeng.

 

"Okay," says Devil Star.  He generates his red fire energy, and hurls it at the two men.  They levitate, but stand strong.

 

As Wu Zhiqi is losing strength, he says, "Little Fox."

 

Sifeng closes his eyes and visualizes Xuanji walking in front of him.  They cross a lake covered in ice.  "Xuanji?"

 

She turns to look at him.  "Sifeng.  Sifeng!  Sifeng!"  She is immediately suctioned into a blue vortex.  He runs to her.

 

Devil Star continues to apply his red fire energy.

 

"Xuanji," says Sifeng.  "Don't be afraid.  I'll find you and bring you back!"  His eyes snap open.  He looks at Devil Star demonically, and crosses his arms in front of his chest.  Golden energy generates, and he makes a low V with his arms.  The red energy is violently pushed away.

 

Devil Star loses his footing and stumbles.

 

Sifeng and Wu Zhiqi sharply descend to the ground, landing on their feet.

 

"Little Fox," says Wu Zhiqi.  He feels dizzy, and Sifeng keeps him steady.

 

"Eldest Brother Wu."

 

"Little..." His eyes open.

 

"Eldest Brother Wu, are you okay?"

 

"Sifeng.  I'm fine."

 

"Yu Sifeng, you managed to withstand the Soul Breaker.  Looks like you are very determined.  I've changed my mind about you.  You've withstood my three attacks.  I will keep my promise.  You can go now."

 

"Sifeng, let's go," says Wu Zhiqi.

 

"Eldest Brother Wu, I can't leave with you."

 

"Foolish kid," whispers Wu Zhiqi, "if you stay, they won't let you go."

 

"If I leave now, I won't be able to forgive myself.  I promised that I would stay with Xuanji.  No matter what happens to her, I'll stay with her until the end.  Just now, I've already felt her presence.  She must be waiting for me.  Eldest Brother Wu, I'm sorry for wasting your effort."

 

"If I was the old me, I would laugh at you for having no guts.  But now, I have only admiration for you.  If I were like you, and realized this sooner, Little Fox would be..."  He sighs and shakes his head.  "Forget it.  Sifeng, I'll be leaving, then.  Take care.  See you later."  He disappears in a wave of purple smoke.

 

"Yu Sifeng," says Devil Star, "you wouldn't tell me about your clan's whereabouts, and you wouldn't leave.  Are you testing my patience?"

 

"I stayed because I want to make a bet with you.  I bet that within three days, I can call forth Chu Xuanji from the depths of your heart."

 

"Hmm," says Devil Star.  "What will you do if you win, and what will you do if you lose?"

 

"If I can do it within three days, you can't seal her at the bottom of your heart anymore.  Let her out to speak with me.  If I can't do it after three days, I'll put my life in your hands forever."

 

"Who do you think you are?"  Yuan Lang snaps.  "How dare you bet with the Demon Lord!"

 

"Devil Maleficent, do you dare to take this bet?"

 

"Fine," says Devil Star.  "I have a condition, too.  If you can't call forth Chu Xuanji within three days, I'll force you to tell me the whereabouts of the Rose Gold Birds.  How about that?"

 

"Okay," Sifeng smiles.

 

"For these three days, you can become my personal slave, then."  The three disappear in a swirl of black energy.

 

 

 

 

 

Sifeng approaches Devil Star with a tray of food in his room that sits over the water.

 

Devil Star grabs a green cake, and takes a bite.  He pauses before eating some more.

 

Sifeng smiles.  "These are qingtuan from Zhongli City.  It's Xuanji's favorite snack."

 

Devil Star sullenly puts it back on the plate.  He looks down at his cup of wine.  Sifeng smiles.  He promptly puts it down.  Sifeng refills the cup.

 

Devil Star splashes the wine on Sifeng's sleeve.  He gets up from his table and walks away.

 

  

 

 

 

Devil Star stands near the water, and Sifeng approaches him with some soup.  Sifeng holds out the tray.  Devil Star smells the soup.  "From the aroma of this soup, I can tell that you've put a lot of effort into it.  But this is fruitless.  It'll be three days already when tomorrow comes.  You'll have to admit defeat then."

 

"We'll have to wait until tomorrow, then."

 

Devil Star throws the soup into the water, and puts the bowl back on the tray.

 

 

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