American Perspectives: Saving Sifeng Pt. 1 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 23)

 

 

“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 Five Great Sects were arrogant and selfish," says Sifeng, as he's chained up to a cross and bleeding in the torture room.  "All of you didn't treat Tianxu Hall seriously.  Now that everything has gone to hell, and the spirit keys have been stolen, you are just trying to find an excuse for your mistakes."

Dongfang nods.

"You want someone to take the blame.  This blame will not be borne by me and my spirit beast.  I will be suffering alone from this heavy punishment."

Valley Master Rong nods.  "Fine."  He viciously hurls the Hell's Nails back into Sifeng's chest.  Sifeng screams, but he still doesn't comply.

Sect Leader Chu twitches with discomfort.

 

 

Wu Tong is casually walking through the rain when he senses something unusual behind him.  He turns around, and Linglong tries to attack.  Instead of attacking back, he embraces her, and she looks at him seductively.

"I knew it was you," says Wu Tong.

Linglong smiles.

"You changed?"

She spins around, showing off her red hanfu. "How is it?  Do you like it?"

"You changed for me?" asks Wu Tong.

Linglong confirms.

"What if I don't?" asks Wu Tong.

Linglong moves closer to him and touches his chest.  "If you don't, I won't dress like this."  She puts her arms around him.  "What do you like?  Tell me."

Wu Tong breaks from her embrace.  "I don't need it."

Linglong grabs his arm.  "What?  You don't like that I'm trying to make you happy?"

Wu Tong recoils.  "You are not the type who will purposely make people happy.  You are arrogant.  You never bat an eye.  You will provoke someone when you are unhappy.  You were like that when I first met you under Mount Shaoyang.  Your temper angers people.  But I like to make you angry.  I like to see you getting angry.  I like it when you get impatient.  I like it when you stare at me with anger."

"What are you talking about?  I don't know."

Wu Tong sighs.  He grabs her arms.  "Although you've forgotten about everything in the past, you are still Linglong.  You can't change!  You can't change!"

Linglong recoils.  "What are you talking about?  I don't know anything!  You are my benefactor.  I just want to make you happy.  I'll leave if you don't like it."

He grabs her waist and pulls her to him.

"Let me go!" Linglong shrieks.

"Who allowed you to leave?"  asks Wu Tong.  "Who asked you to repay me?  I like how you are right now.  Willful.  Bossy.  Opposing me angrily."  He chuckles.

"You're crazy," says Linglong.  

"You don't know how charming you look right now?"

Linglong smiles.

He touches her face, and moves in to kiss her, but then moves away.  "That's not right.  How could you not resist me?  You were never the type to obey people.  I'm even trying to kiss you.  You should hit me, scold me, and oppose me.  You should push me away.  You should slap me!  Slap me!"

With all of her strength, Linglong slaps him across the face.  She looks at her hand.

Wu Tong feels his face, and he's getting excited.

"You asked me to slap you," Linglong says anxiously.

He smiles and laughs.

"What is that expression?" asks Linglong.  "What do you want me to do?"

"Yes.  You are really Linglong."  He chuckles.  "Just keep it this way, and be by my side obediently, all right?"  He grabs her hands.

She breaks from his grasp.  "I have a temper!  I will ignore you if you keep this up!"

Wu Tong smiles.  He embraces her from the back.  "If you stay like this, I will listen to you."

Linglong smiles.

 

 

 

Xuanji is in her room, trying to unseal her powers.  She can get little bits out, but not enough to make a difference.

Little Six knocks on her doors.  "Xuanji."

She doesn't hear him.

He knocks again.  "Xuanji.  Xuanji!"  He slides her doors open, and sees her in a trance.  She begins to fall sideways from all the attempts to unseal her power.  "Xuanji!"

Little Six helps her sit up.  "How are you?  Are you trying to force your sealed inner force?  Nonsense!  Senior Hao Chen's power is far greater than yours.  Your inner force sealed by his Qi will not be easily broken by force."

"Unfortunately, I didn't succeed," says Xuanji.  "I'm so useless."  She moves her arms, ready to try again.

"What are you doing?  You're still trying?  Do you want to die?"

"I am restricted in the way I am.  I can't help Sifeng at all.  I couldn't find the demon hiding on Fuyu Island.  I don't even know how Sifeng is right now.  Even if...Even if none of you believe him, I still won't give up.  Sixth Senior, I will be responsible for my own life.  I'm willing to take such a risk for Sifeng."  She positions her arms.

Little Six grabs her wrist.  "I think you've gone mad.  I didn't say I didn't trust him.  I've gotten Master's approval to talk to him in prison.  Let me see how he's doing, and talk about it when I'm back."

Xuanji nods. "Fine."

 

 

 

Hall Master is sitting imposingly on his throne, while Wolf is facing him without his mask.  Wu Tong enters the room.  Wolf smirks.  The tides have most certainly turned.

Wu Tong bows.  "Hall Master."

Red flames come out of Hall Master's mask, and he uses them to strike Wu Tong.

Wolf gloats.

"I fought courageously for you and made the plan," Wu Tong insists.  "I helped Wolf obtain two spirit keys.  I don't know why I deserve this punishment."

"You did contribute to the battle of Fuyu Island," Hall Master acknowledges, "but it's not enough to atone for your mistakes.  What did you do when I asked you to fake an attack on Fuyu Island?"

The smoke constricts around Wu Tong.

"You took Tianxu Hall's Demon Forces and rushed to battle," says Hall Master. "What a glorious moment for the North Superintendent.  Do you know how many casualties our demon force has suffered?"

"But the sect suffered damages, as well," says Wu Tong.  "Isn't your final aim to destroy the Five Great Sects?"

Wolf is enjoying every second of Wu Tong's humiliation.

"Why are you just stealing spirit keys?" asks Wu Tong.

Hall Master strikes him with more smoke energy, sending Wu Tong sprawling on the floor.

"From this day onward," says Hall Master, "Wolf will be solely responsible for the spirit keys.  You shall not interfere.  You no longer have the authority to command Tianxu Hall Demon Force.  Stay here and wait for the next order.  Get lost if you understand."

Wu Tong rises from the hard ground, and exits the hall.  There is so much he wants to say, but he has the common sense not to push his luck.

Wolf stands in front of Hall Master.  "You are wise, My Lord.  My Lord, I wonder if the Flower Demon beside Wu Tong..."

"Do you think I don't know about it?" asks Hall Master.  "He can have fun since I have no use for her now.  She will be of use to me later.  Make the necessary preparations to take the remaining spirit keys."

Wolf bows.  "Yes."

"We have verified that the Crystal Lamp that is sealing Devil Star's primordial spirit is in Shaoyang Sect's Secret Ground.  We are just waiting to gather the spirit keys and obtain the Divine Weapon.  Even the Heaven's are helping me.  Everything is proceeding smoothly according to our plan.  Looks like Heaven agrees that it's time to break the balance of the three realms," smirks Hall Master.

 

 

 

Sifeng is finally in his cell, sleeping.

Little Six enters, carrying a drink.  Sifeng is facing the stone wall, sleeping in a sitting position on his bed.  Bruises and cuts are all over his face and body.

Little Six extends his arm.  "Sifeng, have a drink."

Sifeng barely opens his eyes before closing them again.  "You should know that I'm a particular person," he whispers.  "How can I drink this water?"

"You won't drink, or you can't even drink at all?"  asks Little Six. "Don't tell me that you can't even lift this bowl up?"

"You shouldn't expose me," says Sifeng.  "Don't you think I will be embarrassed if you put it like that?"

"What good will it bring you by being stubborn?" asks Little Six.  He takes a seat next to Sifeng.  "Here."  He puts the small cup to Sifeng's lips.

Sifeng begins to choke.

"Sifeng, are you alright?"

Sifeng's head falls onto Little Six's shoulder.  He struggles to keep his eyes open.

Little Six examines the blood stains on Sifeng's hanfu.  "What is this?" Little Six whispers.

"Don't worry," whispers Sifeng.  "I won't die."

"Why did you torture yourself like this?"

"You are here to advise me, right?"

"Even if I want to advise you, I still need you to listen.  As your brother, I can't bear to see you suffer.  Is it necessary to ignore your friends and your own life for that Lu Yan Ran?"

"Lu Yan Ran is her fake name, indeed," murmurs Sifeng.  "But she went on our adventures and shared our troubles with us along the way.  Isn't she our friend, as well?  Shouldn't I protect her?"

"That's different.  She's a demon.  By protecting Tianxu Hall's demon, you are destroying the only hope of saving Linglong.  Do you know that?"

"Minyan, to save Linglong, please find another way.  Little Silver Flower will not be able to help."

"I know this will be the result in the end," whispers Little Six.  "Fine.  Even if you don't care about your friends, or your own self, you should think about Xuanji, at least.  She is risking her life to save you.  I couldn't stop her at all.  You want her to get involved?"

Sifeng doesn't answer.

"You should know Xuanji's personality," says Little Six.  "I'm really worried that she might try to force her way in to save you one day.  Think about the consequences.  Actually, I want to help you, too.  But Sifeng, you..."

"Minyan," whispers Sifeng, "tell Xuanji...tell her that I'm fine.  The sect leaders called me here just to ask me some details.  They will release me if they can't get anything from me.  After all, I'm still someone from Lize Palace.  Don't worry.  Tell her...that I'm fine.  She wants to protect me out of friendship.  I appreciate that.  This is my own problem.  It's none of her business.  Ask her not to cause any trouble.  I will feel better, too.  Minyan, can you do it?"

"Sifeng."

Sifeng begins to choke.

"Sifeng."

Sifeng continues to choke, and struggles to breathe.  With white energy emitting from his palm, Little Six places his hand on Sifeng's back.  He transmits the energy into Sifeng's body.  The choking begins to abate, and Sifeng is able to breathe.

 

 

 

Xuanji is walking through the prison, as she will see Sifeng, whether anyone likes it or not.  The Fuyu Island guards block her with their swords.  She sees Little Six on his way out.

"Sixth Senior!" she exclaims.

Little Six pushes past the guards, and walks past Xuanji.

"Sixth Senior," Xuanji chases after him.  "Sixth Senior."  She stands in front of him.  "Did you see Sifeng?  How is he?  Is he fine?"

Little Six avoids eye contact.  "He's fine.  Nothing happened.  He said this is his own problem.  It's none of your business."

"None of my business?"  Xuanji looks down and sees Sifeng's blood on Little Six's sleeve.  She grabs his arm.  "What is this?"

"Xuanji," he pulls his arm back.

She grabs his arm again.  "This is Sifeng's blood, right?  You lied to me.  He isn't fine."

Xuanji grabs his dagger, and goes straight to the guards.

"Xuanji!" exclaims Little Six.

Some blue energy is thrown at her back, and she is frozen in her tracks.

Hao Chen is at the top of the stairs, controlling Xuanji.  He immediately withdraws the energy, and the dagger falls from Xuanji's hand.  She turns around to face him.

"Xuanji, what are you doing?" asks Hao Chen.

"Senior Hao Chen," says Xuanji.

They approach each other.  

"Senior Hao Chen," says Xuanji.  "Sifeng went through interrogation and punishments.  Why isn't he released yet?  He is innocent."

"We have to be careful with the enemy ahead of us," says Hao Chen.  "He and his demon snake are involved in two deaths.  There is no evidence, at all.  How can the case be solved?  He might be innocent.  But there's also another possibility where he is the culprit.  He is indeed a demon from Tianxu Hall.  The Four Sects are walking on thin ice now.  No one dares to guarantee his innocence.  Who will take responsibility if he is wrongly released?"

"Sifeng is innocent.  He is not a demon," Xuanji insists.

"When will you grow up?  How are you vouching for his innocence?  With that friendship when both of you were young?  Do you know that love is the weakest thing of all?  Isn't the love deep between Master Dongfang and his wife?  Didn't he end up getting betrayed?  Your relationship with him is nothing.  How could you know Yu Sifeng didn't pretend to be friends with you, but tried to lurk around the daughter of Shaoyang Sect Leader to become the spy of Tianxu Hall?  When he first entered Shaoyang, he baited you to go to the Secret Ground.  Don't you think that was pre-planned?  What did I teach you?  Don't judge with emotions.  Be rational.  Think about it!"

Xuanji takes a deep breath.  "If that's the truth, there will will be no real emotions in this world.  If I have to sacrifice friendship, I would rather give up my rationality.  The Sifeng I know is not that kind of person."

Hao Chen turns away, royally pissed off that his control over Xuanji is rapidly eroding.  "Because of him, you'd rather forget everything I taught you at Xuyang Peak, and keeping acting rashly without considering the big picture?"

Xuanji doesn't answer.

Hao Chen turns around to look at her.  "You trust him that much?"

"Yes, I trust him." Xuanji says sharply.

Hao Chen's heart drops.  All the efforts he made in the Heavenly Realm are rapidly falling apart.  "It's no use, even if you trust him," Hao Chen says, trying to shake her confidence.  He coldly walks past her.

"Open the gate," Hao Chen tells a guard.  He walks into Sifeng's cell, and beats him with a wave of ice blue energy.

Sifeng falls to the ground.  "What's wrong?" asks Sifeng.  "You won't wait until the Sect Leaders are here before interrogating me?"

"That's not necessary," says Hao Chen.  "I'm just here to ask you what your motive is for getting close to Xuanji."

Sifeng closes his eyes.  "My motive?  Making friends depends on fate.  If we become friends, we might be normal friends, we might be a perfect match, or we might live and die together.  Senior Hao Chen, don't you have any friends?  What do you think my motive is?"

"Don't try to be smart with me.  Didn't you get close to Xuanji to urge her and trick her to find her six senses?  You tempt her to have greed and be reckless.  What kind of friend are you?"

"Xuanji is a human being," says Sifeng.  "She wants to have feelings like a normal person.  But you stopped her from feeling anything human.  Let me ask you.  What is your motive?"

"Xuanji is the protector.  That is her fate.  She is destined to have no senses.  That's also a blessing.  But you, you taught her to twist her destiny.  She was naive, but you let her fall into unnecessary worries and obsession.  How dare you say you don't have a motive in mind?  Tell me.  What are you trying to do, and what did you find out?"

"I don't know what you are talking about," says Sifeng.  "Fate and destiny.  Xuanji's life should be decided by her.  You don't have the right and authority to decide for her."

"When will you stop lying to me?"  Hao Chen remembers the God of War telling him in the Heavenly Realm.  "All these years, I was muddled.  I don't know where I am, or where I came from.  I have no name because you don't dare to tell me.  I have no family or friends because you are afraid I might find a hint of where I come from.  Tell me.  Why are you doing this!"

"Sifeng is not a demon!" He recalls Xuanji saying a few minutes ago.

In an outburst of anger (so much for being rational and morally superior), Hao Chen gathers ice blue energy in his palm, hurling it at Sifeng, and throwing him against the wall.

Sifeng struggles to breathe, and Hao Chen gets scared.  He pulls back his hand, and quickly exits the cell.

Hao Chen looks at his hand.  This Yu Sifeng...Xuanji opposed me because of him. He closes his hand into a fist.  I even got angered by him and lost my rationality.  What's wrong with me?  He cannot be kept alive.

 

 

 

Xuanji kneels in front of Sect Leader Chu.  "Father."

"What are you doing?"  Asks Sect Leader Chu.  "I told you.  It's impossible to release Yu Sifeng at a crucial time like this."

"Father, I beg you.  Sifeng just wants to save his spirit beast.  If you have evidence, I have nothing to say.  But you are only judging from assumptions.  It's too reckless to wrong an innocent person."

"Stand up," Sect Leader Chu says to Xuanji.  "Desperate times call for desperate measures.  This is related to every Sect's existence.  The Four Sects have reached an agreement on this.  You don't have to argue. Whichever is more important between the lives of everyone and a person's life, don't you know that?"

"I don't!" Xuanji fires back.  "The anonymous letter telling every sect aobut the existence of Tianxu Hall was written by Sifeng. The Four Dimension Chain, spirit keys, Devil Star.  Sifeng told me everything.  Everyone knew about the dangers, but wouldn't believe him.  Trying to cover it up and finally blaming it all on an innocent person after everything happened.  Will you right the previous wrongs by locking Sifeng up?"

"There are many things that you don't understand," says Sect Leader Chu.  "If the Devil Star is released, many people will be dead.  You don't know anything, yet you still argue with me.  Xuanji, you disappoint me."

"I'm disappointed, too!" says Xuanji.  "The cultivator sects claim to be benevolent and righteous, but because of an unproven accusation, they tried to sacrifice the innocent Sifeng.  Where are benevolence and righteousness?"

Sect Leader Chu slaps her across the face.

"Master!" Little Six says in shock.

Xuanji keeps her compsure.  "What's right is right, and what's wrong is wrong.  Treating Sifeng this way isn't fair!"

"You..." says Sect Leader Chu.

"Master," Fifth Senior Brother enters the room and bows.  "Dianjing Valley's Elder Zong caught the escaping Madam Dongfang.  She's been brought to prison.  Valley Master Rong requests your presence."

"Madam Dongfang," says Xuanji. "She knows who the hidden demon is on Fuyu Island.  She can prove Sifeng's innocence."

"But, Madam Dongfang has accused Sifeng," says Fifth Senior Brother.  "She said he is Tianxu Hall's Demon and their accomplice."

"What?" asks Little Six in disbelief.

"No.  That's impossible.  I have to ask her," says Xuanji.

She moves forward, but Sect Leader Chu uses his energy to knock her out.

"Master!" says Little Six.

"Lock her up," orders Sect Leader Chu.

 

 

...to be continued...