American Perspectives: Broken Pin Pt. 2 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 41)

 

“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.

 

 

 

"I never thought those demons would be so persistent," says Valley Master Rong.  "They just stole the spirit key of Diangjing Valley.  Then, they came here to steal the Crystal Lamp from Shaoyang's secret ground."

 

Valley Master Rong, Sect Leader Chu, and Dongfang are anxiously meeting in the main hall.

 

"They are too unruly," Valley Master Rong continues.

 

"I'm afraid that Tianxu Hall is bringing those keys to open the Dimension Chain.  Once they've gotten Juntian Hoop and Cehai Hook, they'll gather their forces  to attack the secret ground of Shaoyang," says Sect Leader Chu.

 

"The keyhole of the Dimension Chain is at the Demon Citadel in Mount Buzhou," says Hao Chen.  "I don't think they'll unlock the Dimension Chain yet."

 

"Demon Citadel?"  Asks Sect Leader Chu.  "The world that was led by the Asuras more than 1,000 years ago?"  It doesn't occur to him to ask how Hao Chen, a sect member below him in status, would know about the location of the Dimension Chain, or have knowledge about the Demon Citadel.

 

"Yes," Hao Chen confirms.  "If they want to go there, they have to wait for Fenru City's gate to open on the 15th of every month.  So, we still have time to get back the spirit keys."

 

"Now," says Dongfang, "we have Yu Sifeng in our hands.  Actually, we can exchange him for those spirit keys from Lize Palace."

 

"Those demons have been plotting this for centuries," says Sect Leader Chu.  "Do you think they'll ruin it for one person?"

 

"But he's the Twelve Feathers Rose Gold Bird," Valley Master Rong insists.  "He's very useful for those demons.  Even if we can't exchange him for the four keys, we can get at least one.  Then, we can stop them for awhile."

 

"That's right," Dongfang agrees.  

 

"If that's the case," says Sect Leader Chu, "I'll ask Min Xing to send a letter to the Lize Palace tomorrow.  I'll ask them to exchange a spirit key for Sifeng's life."

 

"Sect Leader," says Aunt Hong, "you can ask Minyan to go with Min Xing.  Although he is no longer Shaoyang's disciple, he has fought many times with Tianxu Hall.  He knows how to deal with them.  I think it'll be better if he goes with Min Xing."

 

"Okay," Sect Leader Chu nods.

 

 

 

Xuanji opens her dresser, and is on a mission to find Sifeng's hairpin.  "Where is the hairpin?"  She panics.  Where could it have possibly gone?  "Why is it missing?"

 

"Since you left without saying goodbye," she recalls Sifeng saying, "that is your answer.  Why did I come here to find you?"

 

"Sifeng," whispers Xuanji.  "Sifeng must have accidentally gone into the secret ground because he was here for me.  That must be it.  That must be it."   She anxiously figets with her hands.

 

As she runs out of her room, Linglong crosses her path.

 

"Xuanji," Linglong says accusatorily.  "Where are you going?"

 

"I'm hungry," Xuanji says quickly.  "I want to eat something."

 

"Are you going to visit Yu Sifeng?"  Linglong asks judgmentally.

 

"Linglong..." Not her, too!

 

"You haven't given up hope on him, right?  I won't let you go out.  You won't be going anywhere."

 

"Fine," says Xuanji.  "I won't go.  I won't go anywhere.  Calm down.  I'll go back to my room now.  Calm down."  She dutifully walks back to her room, and slides the doors shut.  She's going to have to find another way to sneak past them.

 

 

 

 

Teng She makes an attempt to work his magic in order to enter the Mingxia Cave.  Unfortunately, a barrier at the entrance pushes him back, and then proceeds to pull him forward, therefore making his job much harder.  He applies fiery energy to the entrance.  He uses as much strength as he can, only to be pushed back some more.

 

Xuanji, Sifeng thinks as he hears a bunch of noise toward the entryway.  He looks over to the side.

 

Teng She snakes his head.  "This is the Black Hole Cave that can absorb everything.  Chhh...Do you think this petty thing can stop me?"  He pulls back a strand of his hair.  He maneuvers his hands, and generates more fire energy.  The fire in his hand is snuffed out as Sifeng approaches the entrance.

 

"Little Chef?"  Asks Teng She.  

 

"It's you," says Sifeng.  He's not sure how to feel about that.  He kind of wanted to see Xuanji, but he kind of didn't.  Seeing Teng She isn't much better.

 

"Uhh," Teng She says awkwardly.  "The stinky woman asked me to give you this package."  He holds out a bag for Sifeng.  "I was just thinking about how to go in."

 

"I don't need her pity," says Sifeng.

 

Teng She giggles.  "Are you upset that she's not here?  Ai ya.  She can't leave because of her sister.  So, she asked me to check on you.  But, this is weird.  You are a Twelve Feathers Rose Gold Bird.  How can you be captured by some mortals?  So embarrassing.  I've seen Twelve Feathers Rose Gold Birds from 1,000 years ago.  They are not as weak as you.  Little Chef, why aren't you talking?  Are you feeling embarrassed?  By the way, the stinky woman wants me to ask you about the ins and outs of this incident, as well, so that she can plead for you.  Tell us if you are in a difficult situation.  Since you can cook so well, I can consider helping you out, too."

 

"I swear that I'll focus on killing demons," Sifeng remembers Xuanji saying, "and break up with Sifeng."  He can't bear to remember it.

 

"What should you do when you see Yu Sifeng again in the future?"  Sect Leader Chu asks.

 

"We'll be sworn enemies."

 

"Humans and demons are different," says Sifeng.  "If she doesn't believe me, I have nothing else to say."  He walks away from Teng She.

 

"Hey!"  Says Teng She.  Sifeng continues to walk away.  "Why are you venting out your anger at me?  You are so ungrateful.  I won't care about you.  Chh..."  With a wave of his arm, he disappears in a gust of fiery energy.

 

Sifeng stands in the falling snow, and his heart begins to hurt.  He sits down on a rock and meditates.  He looks up, and a huge gust of snow swirls around him.  He tries to shield himself from it, but it doesn't work.  He generates blue energy from his index and middle fingers on both hands.

 

 

 

"I summoned all of you today to tell you something," says Yuan Lang.  He is in the main hall, talking to the Lize Palace disciples.  "From now on, Tianxu Hall and Lize Palace are one.  Lize Palace will help Tianxu Hall complete their mission and revive the Demon Clan.  In the future, you'll be the Demon Clan's meritorious subjects."

 

A young disciple walks into the hall, and approaches Elder Luo.  "We have a letter."  He hands the envelope to Elder Luo.

 

Elder Luo walks forward.  "Deputy Chief," he bows, "there are two of Shaoyang's disciples outside.  They brought a letter."  He places the letter on Yuan Lang's open fan.

 

Yuan Lang opens the envelope, and takes a look.  "We've seen through your plan," it reads.  "We've captured the Rose Gold Bird."

 

Yuan Lang snaps his fan shut.

 

"What does Shaoyang Sect want?"  Asks Elder Luo.

 

"Yu Sifeng has been captured by them.  Those Sects want to exchange him for my spirit keys?"  He chuckles.  "What a joke."

 

"Deputy Chief," says Elder Luo, "we have to find a way to save Sifeng."

 

"Save Sifeng?"  Yuan Lang looks at him contemptuously.  "He let himself get caught because of his obsession with the God of War.  What can we do about it?  Moreover, he's a Rose Gold Bird.  If he can't even save himself from those mortals, why should we save him?"

 

"But--"

 

"Elder Luo, you are quite talkative today."

 

Elder Luo looks down.

 

"What about those two disciples?"  Asks Yuan Lang.

 

"They're outside," says Elder Luo.

 

"Kill them," says Yuan Lang.  "Send their heads to the Shaoyang Sect.  Tell them they can do whatever they want with Yu Sifeng."

 

"Yes," Elder Luo bows.

 

 

 

Little Six and First Senior are approached by Lize Palace disciples.  The disciples are ready for a fight.

 

"What are you doing?"  Asks Little Six.

 

"Do you think you can exchange Yu Sifeng for the spirit keys?  What a joke!"  says a disciple.  "Deputy Chief has ordered us to behead you, and send your heads back to Shaoyang!  Attack!"

 

The swarm of Lize Palace disciples charge at Little Six and First Senior with their swords.  With their amazing blocking skills, Little Six and First Senior fight off the disciples.

 

A swish of beautiful purple energy pushes the Lize Palace disciples back, and Fox Demon emerges like the demon diva that she is.

 

"Come with me now!"  Yells Fox Demon.  She disappears in a swish of purple, and the two men push away the disciples within their grasp.  The two men fly forward, and they join their ally in the foggy forest.

 

As she's leading them away, First Senior has his biased doubts.  "Stop right there," he says warily.  "Who are you?"

 

"Senior," says Little Six, "she's my friend."

 

"But she was using a demonic spell just now," says First Senior.

 

Fox Demon chuckles.  "What a dumb mortal.  At first, I didn't want to save you.  I was just passing by.  Since you are so ungrateful, I'll eat you now."

 

First Senior's eyes widen, and he moves forward.

 

"Purple Fox," Little Six interjects, "stop scaring my senior."

 

"I heard from those stupid birds just now that you caught Little Sifeng?"

 

Little Six looks down.

 

"So, it's true," says Fox Demon.  She pauses.  It's best not to rip Little Six a new one at this point, as she may need him in the near future.  "Don't you know what kind of person Little Sifeng is?"  These mortals and their unshakeable prejudices... "He did not care about his own safety to find Xuanji at Shaoyang Sect.  But your sects just caught him without any solid reason at all.  You even sent a letter in person to exchange Sifeng for the spirit keys?  What were you thinking?"

 

"But he was at Shaoyang Sect's secret ground, and he destroyed the Candle Dragon," says Little Six.  "We didn't accuse him wrongly."

 

Fox Demon chuckles.  "Did you see it with your own eyes?  Back then, you also accused me of killing those people in Zhongli City, without any solid reason, as well, right?"

 

"Now, I don't know what to believe, and what not to believe," Little Six admits.  "But to be truthful, I don't want anything to happen to Sifeng.  If Lize Palace accepted our offer, I could save Sifeng and get back the spirit keys.  As for others, it's out of my power to do anything about them."

 

Fox Demon laughs.  "Are you dumb, or are you too naive?  Do you think that despicable Yuan Lang will take Sifeng as his friend?  Or do you really think that he'll care about Sifeng's life?"

 

"It's our last solution to exchange Yu Sifeng for the spirit keys," First Senior interjects.  "But now that they won't do that, what should we do, then?"

 

"Steal them," says Fox Demon.  "Since your Sects are useless, and let Yuan Lang take away everything, I can only do everything myself.  But now, I need your help.  I can't get into Lize Palace alone."

 

"You want us to help you?"  First Senior inquires.  "Don't play tricks on us."

 

Fox Demon smiles.  "But do you have any other choice right now, except working with me?"

 

The two men know she has a point.  Are they ready to deal with Sect Leader Chu's predictable jumps to conclusions, and knee jerk reactions?

 

"Since you have no other way," says Fox Demon, "we'll do it the usual way.  We'll find a way to get into Lize Palace first.  Then, we'll split up to search for the keys, and the keys will belong to whoever finds them first."  She turns to face the men.  "How about that?"

 

Little Six looks over at First Senior.  Can First Senior stand firm against Sect Leader Chu's outbursts?

 

 

 

 

Fox Demon, Little Six, and First Senior stealthily walk through a side door in the darkened torture chamber.  They come upon a pool of nasty, slime green water.

 

"This is the Kushui Poison," Fox Demon explains.  "After Kushui Poison, we'll reach Lize Palace."

 

"Okay, let's go," Little Six says without hesitation.

 

"Wait," says Fox Demon.  "You have to carry me."

 

"What?"  Asks Little Six.

 

"The water in Kushui Poison has no effect on you, but it's painful for demons, especially for the Fox clan.  It's deadly for us.  I can't even fly through it."

 

"No wonder you need our help," says Little Six.

 

"What is it?"  Asks Fox Demon.  "Are you shy?  Who's the one who almost became my consort back then?"

 

Little Six blushes.  "If you say it again, aren't you afraid that I'll leave you behind, and get the spirit keys myself?"

 

"I believe that you won't do that," says Fox Demon.  "Stop talking.  Carry me now."

 

Little Six nods.

 

Little Six wades through the nasty green while carrying Fox Demon on his back.  First Senior follows.

 

"Actually," Little Six admits, "I was biased towards you.  That's why I always picked on you.  I only realized that you are a worthy friend after I thought that you were dead."

 

"I'm not interested in becoming your friend," says Fox Demon.  "But since you can drop your prejudice against me, shouldn't you trust Sifeng more?"

 

They reach the end of the nasty pool of water, and walk up the steps.

 

"Stop talking," says First Senior.  "Let's go."

 

"Okay.  Let's go," says Little Six.

 

 

 

 

Little Six and First Senior walk through one of the dark halls.

 

"Lize Palace is huge," says First Senior.  "Where will they keep the spirit keys?"

 

They enter a room filled with candles, and a pool in the center.  In the middle of the pool, they see a rotating pillar with a sculpture of several interconnected circles on top.

 

Little Six and First Senior exchange glances.  They hear footsteps, and hide behind a wall.

 

The Elder of Constellations, followed by Yuan Lang, enters the room.  They walk up to the edge of the pool.  The Elder of Constellations takes out a three tiered disc.  The disc begins to sparkle a glittery blue.  The walls in front of them begin to shift, as if they are being unlocked.

 

"Master," says Elder of Constellations, "according to my observation, both Luohou and Jidou are moving again."  He grins broadly, and the walls in front of them open up to reveal stars in a variety of colors.

 

"Both Luohou and Jidou are going to be aligned soon," says Yuan Lang.

 

"Yes," Elder of Constellations smiles.  "Luohou and Jidou represent the Devil Star's soul and primordial spirit respectively.  But Luohou has already started to flash.  This means that the Devil Star's soul has sensed his spirit that is on a trial right now.  He is calling out to his primordial spirit."

 

Yuan Lang can't stop grinning.  "Looks like the Devil Star is going to be revived soon."

 

With a sweep of his hand, Elder of Constellations puts the wall back into place.  "Congratulations, my Master," he bows.  "Even the sky is helping you complete a grand mission."

 

Little Six feels sick to his stomach.  Sifeng is not the real enemy here, but he most certainly did step in a steaming pile of prejudice and mass hysteria.

 

Yuan Lang hears a slight rustling, and he quickly moves forward.  Red and black flames poof behind him.  He sees no one.  Who is it?

 

 

 

Little Six and First Senior are running for their lives through the hallway.

 

"Chase after them!"  Several disciples are behind them, and they are intercepted by three disciples in front.  Fuck.  

 

Little Six and First Senior block and kick.

 

Fox Demon peeks out from behind a wall.  "They are really dumb."  She opens the palm of her hand, and the adorable Dang Kang appears.  "Little Pig," she whispers, "go and help them."  The pig flies and flips through the air.  He divebombs the Lize Palace disciples who are attacking the two men, and he moves like a speeding bullet.  He knocks out all the disciples, and in a stream of blue energy, the two men disappear with Dang Kang.

 

Fox Demon smirks.

 

Dang Kang and the two disciples materialize outside the palace.

 

"You're Ting Nu's spirit beast, Dang Kang?"  Asks Little Six.

 

The adorable little pig nods.

 

"Purple Fox asked you to save us?

 

The little pig nods, and then zips away.

 

"We've already exposed ourselves," says First Senior.  "It'll be hard for us to go in again."

 

"I hope that Purple Fox can get the keys," says Little Six.  "Then, we'll still have a chance."

 

"Just now," says First Senior, "they said that the Devil Star is going to be revived soon.  We have to tell Master about it at once."

 

"Let's go," says Little Six.

 

 

 

 

"I never thought that those demons could be so cruel and cold hearted," says Sect Leader Chu.  "They don't even care about their own people."

 

"The Deputy Chief of Lize Palace has always picked on Sifeng," Little Six points out.  "Maybe Sifeng is really not a part of their conspiracy."

 

"Minyan," says Hao Chen, "have you not suffered enough at the hands of the demons?  Even if there's a wedge between them, we still have to hunt those Twelve Feathers Rose Gold Bird demons down."

 

Ah, Hao Chen and his genocidal behaviors, masked by righteousness...Little Six takes a deep breath.

 

"Master, my fellow sect leaders," First Senior interjects.  "We found out more bad news when we went to Lize Palace.  There's a star map in Lize Palace.  It shows that both Luohou and Jidou are going to fuse together soon."

 

"As soon as they become one," says Hao Chen, "it means that the Devil Star is going to be revived."

 

"Sect Learder!  This is bad!"  Aunt Hong bursts through the Main Hall entrance.  "I just came back from the secret ground.  Senior Heng Yang is leading the disciples to invite the spirit of the Candle Dragon.  But the demonic flame of the Crystal Lamp is getting stronger.  Senior Heng Yang has tried his best to suppress it, but he is hurt internally."

 

"How is he now?"  Asks Sect Leader Chu.

 

"I've already transferred some energy to him," says Aunt Hong.  "He's fine now.  He's still performing the ritual to invite the spirit of the Candle Dragon."

 

"There's an anomaly in the flame of the Crystal Lamp," says Dongfang.  "Could it be that the Devil Star is really going to be revived?  No wonder these demons are so fearless."

 

"We have to find a way to intimidate them as a warning," says Valley Master Rong.

 

"If that's the case," says Hao Chen, "let's form a formation, and ask the God of War to take the lead, and kill that Rose Gold Bird with her own hands.  Then, take his demonic core, and show it to those demons to show them our might."

 

"But the God of War was very close with Sifeng before this," says Valley Master Rong.  "She couldn't even attack him before.  Now, will she be able to kill him?"

 

"Xuanji was tricked by the demon that day," says Sect Leader Chu.  "She couldn't accept it so suddenly.  But she has already made a promise in front of everyone.  She'll lead us to defeat those demons.  I believe that she will be firm this time."

 

"If we want to extract the demonic core, we need the Demon Prison Formation in order to trap that Twelve Feathers Rose Gold Bird," says Hao Chen.  The very thought of doing so is totally turning him on.  "If you are worried, I'll enter the formation myself to suppress him."

 

"No," says Sect Leader Chu.  "If you go into the Demon Prison Formation, you'll be corroded by it.  Your life will be in danger if you go in for too long.  How about this?  I'll go in myself tomorrow.  I believe that Xuanji won't hesitate anymore."

 

"Sect Leader," Aunt Hong and Hao Chen say simultaneously.

 

"Say no more," says Sect Leader Chu.  "Tomorrow, please protect the eye of the formation.  We'll extract his demonic core to show it to the people."

 

Little Six looks at him in shock.  Persuading the sect leader is going to be like squeezing water out of a rock...

 

 

 

Xuanji is drinking tea in front of a fountain in the courtyard.  Little Six rushes to her.

 

"Xuanji, this is bad."

 

"What happened, Sixth Senior?"

 

"Just now, those sect leaders have decided for you to perform a formation tomorrow to extract Sifeng's demonic core."

 

Goddamnit!  "How did that happen?  Didn't Father agree not to kill him?"  Xuanji is also finding Sect Leader Chu's knee jerk irrationality exhausting.

 

"That's because they thought that Sifeng could threaten Tianxu Hall," says Little Six.  "But they never thought that they wouldn't care about Sifeng's life at all."

 

"I'll talk to my father now," says Xuanji, though she knows he has an unshakeable penchant for seeing the absolute worst in people, and throwing them away without a second thought.  If it weren't for Xuanji, he would have thrown away Linglong and Little Six.  She is facing a huge uphill battle.

 

"Wait," says Little Six.  "So many things have happened.  Everybody thinks Sifeng is the devil.  Do you think we can convince him?"

 

"I--" says Xuanji.

 

"Besides, the sect leaders of Diangjing Valley and Fuyu Island are here, too."

 

"That's right," says Xuanji.  "We have to save Sifeng first."

 

"Okay," says Little Six.  "I'll go with you."

 

"Sixth Senior, you..."

 

"I don't know about other things, but I know that Sifeng has gone through thick and thin with us.  No matter what will happen in the future, I can't just watch him die."

 

"Thank you, Sixth Senior," says Xuanji.

 

"Stop talking," says Little Six.  "Let's go."

 

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