American Perspectives: No Turning Back Pt. 2 ("Ashes of Love" Ep. 34)

 

 

***The intent of The Flower Realm by 사극 Paradise is to support women and men in rejecting the culture of pornography, and to live a life of integrity without manipulative intent.***

 

"Ashes of Love" is a Xianxia drama based on the novel "Heavy Sweetness. Ash-Like Frost," by Dian Xian.  The writing presented here is based on observations from the television show "Ashes of Love."  Dialogue credit goes to the English subtitle translaters from the "Gone with the Shirt Team" at Viki.com.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

"So, the person who wanted to assassinate Jin Mi is a descendant of the Soul Destroying Tribe?"  Xu Feng asks.

 

"His name is Mu Ci, a member of the Soul Destroying Tribe," Liu Ying confirms.

 

Xu Feng sighs.  "So, he's a Soul Destroying Tribe member.  No wonder he was able to create a Soul Destroying Arrow."

 

"The Soul Destroying Arrow requires the blood of his bone marrow to make," says Liu Ying.  "Once he's able to create one, he'll incite the Wrath of Hades.  If no one threatened him, he wouldn't have risked the danger of getting found by the Demon Clan to create this Soul Destroying Arrow.  Also, the Mu Ci before wasn't a person who couldn't discern between right or wrong, good or evil.  If we can find who was threatening Mu Ci, we then will know who wants to kill Jin Mi."

 

I already know, Xu Feng thinks.

 

"I can also save Mu Ci," Liu Ying continues.

 

"This concerns the safety of Jin Mi," says Xu Feng.  "I will surely investigate the truth.  It's just that the actions of Mu Ci..."

 

"Brother Feng, can you spare Mu Ci's life by giving considerations that he used to be my savior, and that he's innately kind?"

 

"I know that without you, Jin Mi would have died.  You saved her, and that's the equivalent of saving me.  Don't worry.  If there is news about Mu Ci, I will surely tell you right away."

 

"Thank you," says Liu Ying.  "One more thing.  You must be careful of King Gucheng of the Demon Realm.  While you were going through your mortal trials, he wanted to steal the Soul Destroying Arrow and harm you."

 

Xu Feng smiles.  "Good.  It's been a long time since I played with him.  Now that I've returned to my immortal body, the more he can't harm me."

 

Liu Ying bows.  "Then I'll take my leave now."

 

After Liu Ying exits, Xu Feng lets out a big sigh.  "Lord Liaoyuan!"

 

Liaoyuan enters the room and bows.  "Your Highness."

 

"Covertly help Princess Liu Ying find the whereabouts of that Mu Ci."

 

Liaoyuan nods.

 

"I fear that this matter is connected with Heavenly Mother," Xu Feng continues.  "Be more vigilant and find that Mu Ci as soon as possible."

 

Liaoyuan nods.

 

"Go and call Heavenly Mother to come here," says Xu Feng.

 

Liaoyuan bows.  "Yes."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xu Feng walks his evil mother through Qiwu Palace.

 

"Xu'er," says Tu Yao, "you've suffered.  From now on, you mustn't be that willful again.  Recalling those hardships you've experienced in the Mortal Realm, I am unable to sleep all day.  Also, this time, you and Jin Mi went down together to experience trials, it will surely invite a lot of gossip.  Don't be too muddled again."

 

"Even if there is gossip," says Xu Feng, "I will bear it all."

 

Tu Yao gasps.  "Nonsense!"  She says sharply.  "What really is good about Jin Mi that you keep being like a moth flying into the fire?"

 

"Just like what Heavenly Mother has seen, no matter if I'm mortal or an immortal, only Jin Mi can enter my heart.  Heavenly Mother, you should stop going through all the trouble."

 

Tu Yao's blood boils.  "Have you forgotten?  Don't you know that Run Yu and Jin Mi's wedding date has been set?  If you continue to be this willful and rash, do you plan on being the laughing stock of the Heavenly Realm?  I've painstakingly paved your path, and you are obstinately persistent in going the wrong way."

 

"I've asked Heavenly Mother to come today, for I have one matter to ask.  Is the Soul Destroying Arrow your doing?"

 

Tu Yao's heart freezes.  She gets herself together and smirks.  "Good.  Today, just for Jin Mi, you're actually interrogating me?  You really disappoint me.  Aren't you afraid of hurting my feelings?"

 

Xu Feng steps forward.  "Heavenly Mother, aren't you afraid of hurting my feelings?  You just had to use the Soul Destroying Arrow to hurt the person I love."

 

"Where did you hear these rumors that you are now falsely accusing me of being connected to the Soul Destroying Arrow?" Tu Yao deflects.

 

"If not because you wanted to take advantage of Jin Mi's mortal trials to assasinate her, why would I be willing to go through the mortal life with her?  If you kill Jin Mi, that's like killing me, too."

 

"How did I give birth to a muddled son like you?  Don't blame me for not warning you.  If you still insist on being with that little seductress Jin Mi, you will regret it one day."

 

"Since Jin Mi is fine," says Xu Feng, "I'll drop this.  If Jin Mi will be hurt in any way, I surely will not just sit and watch."

 

"You..." Tu Yao raises her hand, ready to slap him.

 

Xu Feng looks at her defiantly.  Hit me, and I will hit you back.  

 

Tu Yao drops her arm in frustration.  You are no longer the Mama's boy who'd drop to your knees the minute I would raise my voice.  That Flower Realm trash must be eliminated, pronto!  She pointedly scowls at him and exits Qiwu Palace in a huff.

 

Xu Feng's heart pounds.  This is the first time he has ever openly defied his mother.  He feels a mix of empowerment and guilt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liu Ying strolls across the well manicured Heavenly Palace yard.

 

"Princess, please wait!"  Liaoyuan calls out.

 

Liu Ying stops walking and turns around.  "Immortal Lord?  What is it?"

 

"His Highness ordered me to help Princess find the whereabouts of Mu Ci.  It's just that I've never seen that Mu Ci.  I don't know what he looks like.  May I ask Princess to describe him?"

 

"Lord, look at how muddled I am," says Liu Ying.  "I almost forgot.  Wait a minute."  She swings her hand in the air.

 

Amidst some purple smoke, a mirror showing Mu Ci appears in the sky.

 

"He'll usually wear a mask," Liu Ying explains.

 

Liaoyuan nods and bows.  "Thank you, Princess."

 

"I should be thanking you instead," Liu Ying bows.

 

"Princess, you're welcome," says Liaoyuan.  "His Highness already gave me instructions since it's not presently convenient for him to go out and move around.  If you have any orders, just tell me.  I surely will do my best to fulfill it."

 

Liu Ying sighs.  "Brother Feng is so considerate and warm hearted.  I have no way of repaying him."

 

Liaoyuan nods.  "Oh, right, Princess."  He pulls the pendant from the demon elder out of his belt.  "Princess, do you recognize this thing?"

 

"Where did you get this seal?"  Liu Ying asks.

 

"When I went down to accompany His Highness in enduring trials, I coincidentally helped a mysterious man.  That man was the one who gave me this seal.  That mysterious man even added a following chant on it.  When I was still in the Mortal World, it never left my side.  The spell was only broken when I arrived her in the Heavenly Realm," says Liaoyuan.  "Based on the form of the item, it seems to be from the Demon Realm."

 

"This seal was indeed made using our Demon Realm's demon iron," says Liu Ying as she turns the pendant in her hand.  "But to whom it really belongs, I don't know."  She hands the pendant back.

 

Liaoyuan stops her.  "Since it's a Demon Realm item, why don't I just give it to you for safekeeping?"

 

"How can that be?  Someone gave this to you.  How could I take it on behalf of others?"

 

"That mysterious man promised me that he'll fulfill one wish of mine if I show him this item," says Liaoyuan.  "I only exerted an effortless help, and don't plan to ask for anything in return.  Also, I don't have any unfulfilled wish.  Why not have you take this back to the Demon Realm?  Maybe, you might bump into its master and return it to him, or maybe you can find him to help you.  It's much more useful than keeping it."

 

Liu Ying smiles.  "Okay, then.  I'll ask around when I go back."

 

The two bow to each other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a great sweep of energy, Tu Yao hurls Mu Ci onto the floor.  He vomits blood on impact.

 

She walks up to him with a look of pure hatred in her eyes.  "You are currently here in the Heavenly Realm.  If Xu Feng and the others discover you, then we're in big trouble.  Immediately go to the Mortal Realm's Earth Palace, and hide there.  Without my orders, you mustn't come out."

 

Mu Ci's heart pounds.  "Then...the Corpse Dissolving Heavenly Silkworms?"

 

Tu Yao looks at him sharply.

 

Mu Ci lowers his eyes.  "Yes."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xu Feng is excited about his romantic night with Jin Mi as they walk over to Liuzi Pond.

 

Jin Mi looks up, and is happy to see the red phoenix lanterns King Yi had made.  "So beautiful!"  She turns to Xu Feng.  "How were you able to bring them all up here to the Heavenly Realm?"

 

"I've already put magic on them, and they will never leave this place," says Xu Feng.  "If you want to see them, you can come to Liuzi Pond any time."

 

Jin Mi immediately notices the lantern they made together.  "That one is so ugly, yet you still brought it up here, too?"

 

"I instead feel that lantern is the most beautiful among all these," says Xu Feng.

 

Jin Mi grins.

 

"Because that is a memory we shared," Xu Feng explains.

 

"It's a memory between Saintess and King Yi."

 

Xu Feng gazes into her eyes.

 

Jin Mi's face flushes and she averts her eyes.  "With such a beautiful scene, it's best if we can pair it with the osmanthus wine I made.  Actually, before I went down to the Mortal Realm, I buried the osmanthus wine I personally made over there."  She points out the spot.

 

"I've already asked them to dig it out a few days ago," says Xu Feng.  "Today, let's taste the wine that you made."

 

Jin Mi nods happily.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jin Mi and Xu Feng clink their blue wine cups and take their sips.

 

Xu Feng watches Jin Mi, wondering if tonight will be the night.  She looks at him shyly.

 

"This wine that you made is indeed unrivaled in fragrance and freshness," says Xu Feng.

 

"To travel around the Six Realms, one must have some skills," says Jin Mi.

 

Xu Feng stares at her while she takes another drink.

 

Jin Mi looks at him nervously.  "Why are you looking at me like that?"

 

"Looking at you without any veil between us is really great."

 

Jin Mi blushes and takes a drink.  She giggles and walks toward the Phoenix Tree.  She stands at the edge of the pond, and with a movement of her arms, she makes a circle of silver energy.  The energy thickens.  She spreads her arms, and lotuses appear in the pool.

 

Xu Feng looks at the lotuses with intrigue.

 

Jin Mi smiles at her handiwork.

 

Xu Feng rises from his seat.

 

"Is it beautiful?"  Jin Mi abruptly turns around and loses her footing.  She falls backward, almost plunging into the pond.

 

Xu Feng grabs her wrist.

 

Jin Mi breathes a sigh of relief.

 

A wicked thought crosses Xu Feng's mind.  He spins her through the air, instead of pulling her back up.

 

Jin Mi smiles.  Wow, this is fun!

 

He releases her hand, and throws her across the pond.

 

Jin Mi gasps.

 

Xu Feng sails through the air.  He extends his hand, and catches her just under the small of her back.  He holds her closely, and they warmly gaze into each other's eyes.

 

This is who I want to be with, Jin Mi thinks.

 

They land on the other side of the pond.

 

He looks at her warmly and touches her waist.  Slow down, he tells himself.  "In the Mortal Realm, you once promised to marry me."  His heart pounds.  "Are you still willing now?"

 

Jin Mi's face flushes.  "But..."

 

"But what?"  Xu Feng asks.

 

"But Little Fish Immortal and I still have a marriage agreement," Jin Mi says nervously.

 

"If there's no such agreement, are you willing?"  Xu Feng asks.  I can't even grasp the pressure she is under right now.  

 

Jin Mi looks up at him, fearful and excited.  Are we finally going to do what we should have done in the Mortal Realm?  She blushes as she realizes she wants him on top of her, inside her, feeling her.  The thought of doing those things with Run Yu makes her recoil.

 

The love blocking pellet within her chest begins to crack further.  The cool breeze relieves some of the burning on her face.  I must be red as fire right now, Jin Mi thinks.

 

She closes her eyes and takes a breath.  "I will clarify things with father...and ask him to cancel this wedding agreement.  At that time...At that time, I will be--"

 

Xu Feng feels an intense heat radiating in his body.  "What will happen at that time?"

 

Jin Mi smiles.  "At that time, of course, I will be willing."

 

He pushes her against the Phoenix tree.  He feels himself getting hard.  "Say those words again," he whispers.  I want you, he thinks.  Take me.  

 

Jin Mi feels the heat in her body pulsing intensely.  "I said 'at that time, of course I will be wi--"

 

He leans over and kisses her on the lips, taking everything about her in, pushing her mouth open with his tongue.

 

Jin Mi melts into the trunk of the Phoenix tree.

 

Xu Feng slides Jin Mi's outer robes off her shoulder, and goosebumps form under his touch.  He kisses her neck, making a trail down to her collar bones.

 

He lays her down in the soft grass, and his kisses travel further down, teasing her with his tongue until she can no longer hold back.  He feels her climax, and he's ready to go.

 

He goes deep inside her, and they climax together, two finally becoming one.

 

She wraps her legs around him, wanting him to push further, never wanting this to end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xu Feng is sitting at his desk, in a daze, with a smile on his face.  If he could, he'd do several flying leaps through the air, but he can't be too obvious.

 

Danzhu leans over.  I know that look!  He wants to giggle with delight.  "Baby Phoenix, I can see that your face is like a peach flower."

 

Xu Feng closes his eyes.  Not now...

 

"Looks like the restriction on you was quite satisfying," Danzhu continues.

 

Xu Feng's face flushes.  "Uncle, you really know how to tell jokes."

 

Danzhu quickly steps back.  "Quickly tell me!"  He points at Xu Feng.  "What good thing has happened?"

 

"Uncle, you're overthinking," Xu Feng lowers his eyes.

 

"Quickly tell me!  There must be something good that has happened."

 

"Uncle, I asked you to come today because I want to ask you something."

 

"What is it?"  Danzhu asks.

 

"It's about Night Deity's birth mother.  Uncle, can you tell it to me in detail?"

 

"Huh?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mu Ci's black hanfu contrasts beautifully with the green bamboo forest.  He purposefully walks through, ready to serve his punishment.  He stops at a tree and observes his surroundings.

 

He spreads his arms out, and black energy rises from the ground.  He crosses his arms at his wrists.  Black energy emits from his hands, and a vortex of black energy forms on the ground.  He lowers his hands, directing more energy into the vortex.

 

Leaves fly up around him, and the vortex gets darker.

 

He sees a man in white flying down toward him.

 

Mu Ci reaches upward, and Liaoyuan slaps his palms against Mu Ci's palms.  Their energies collide.

 

The Corpse Dissolving Silk Worms move under Mu Ci's skin.  He begins to weaken as Liaoyuan bears down.  With the last remaining strength Mu Ci has, he throws Liaoyuan back.

 

Liaoyuan flips through the air as Mu Ci takes several steps back, feeling the pain of the insects under his skin.

 

Ugh, these fuckers hurt!  Mu Ci thinks.

 

Liaoyuan lands on his feet.  He spins toward Mu Ci and shoots a thick stream of white energy from his hand.

 

Mu Ci crosses his arms just in time, blocking the attack, but the impact makes him fall back, and he rolls toward the bamboo trees.

 

Liaoyuan walks over to an unconscious Mu Ci.  Gotcha!

 

 

...To be continued...