Chapter 9: Xu Xian's Doubt
Bab 9: Keraguan Xu Xian
Although Xu Xian was alive, the peace of their home was gone. Every time he looked at Bai Suzhen, he saw the image of the giant white snake. He became quiet and withdrawn, unable to trust his own senses. Bai Suzhen tried to comfort him, but her presence only seemed to increase his fear.
Meskipun Bai Suzhen berusaha keras untuk menjelaskan dan merawat Xu Xian, ketidakpercayaan Xu Xian tidak hilang. Xu Xian mulai menjauhkan diri dari istrinya dan sering pergi berkonsultasi dengan Fahai di Kuil Jinshan.
"Is something wrong, my husband?" she asked one evening, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You have been so distant since you recovered."
"Guru, saya melihat dengan mata kepala sendiri istri saya berubah menjadi ular. Tapi ketika dia menjelaskan, saya mulai bingung. Apa yang harus saya lakukan?" tanya Xu Xian dengan sedih.
Xu Xian flinched at her touch. "I... I saw something during the festival, Suzhen. A monster. It was in our bed."
Fahai tersenyum penuh kemenangan. "Dermawan, apa yang Anda lihat adalah kebenaran. Siluman ini memiliki kekuatan besar dan bisa menipu mata manusia. Anda harus memutuskan hubungan dengannya dan berlindung di Kuil Jinshan demi keselamatan Anda."
Bai Suzhen's heart sank. "It was just a hallucination caused by the wine, Xian. You were very ill. Please, do not let a dream ruin what we have."
Xu Xian ragu-ragu. Dia masih mencintai istrinya, tetapi ketakutannya juga besar. Akhirnya, Fahai menggunakan tipu muslihat untuk menahan Xu Xian di Kuil Jinshan, tidak membiarkannya pulang.
But Xu Xian could not forget. He began to spend more time away from home, seeking solace in the local temples. One day, he found himself back at Jinshan Temple, where Fahai was waiting for him.
Bai Suzhen dan Xiaoqing menunggu kepulangan Xu Xian dengan cemas. Ketika mereka tahu bahwa Xu Xian ditahan di Kuil Jinshan, mereka bergegas ke kuil untuk menuntut pembebasannya.
"You have seen the truth now, haven't you?" Fahai said, his voice full of knowing. "The spirit saved you only to keep you in her power. As long as you stay with her, your soul is in danger."
"Fahai! Lepaskan suamiku sekarang!" teriak Bai Suzhen di depan kuil.
"What should I do?" Xu Xian asked, his voice breaking. "I love her, but I am terrified."
Tetapi Fahai menolak untuk muncul dan memerintahkan para biksu untuk menutup gerbang rapat-rapat. Bai Suzhen mencoba bernegosiasi tetapi sia-sia. Kemarahan mulai membara di hatinya. Konfrontasi besar antara Ular Putih dan biksu tua itu akan segera meledak.
"Stay here in the temple," Fahai suggested. "The sacred walls will protect you. If she truly loves you, she will let you go. If not, she will show her true nature."
Xu Xian agreed to stay, hoping to find peace and clarity. But his absence only fueled Bai Suzhen's desperation. She knew that Fahai was behind his decision, and she was determined to get her husband back, no matter the cost. The conflict between the spirit and the monk was about to reach a breaking point, and the city of Hangzhou would soon feel the weight of their battle.