Chapter 9: Xu Xian's Doubt
Capítulo 9: A Dúvida de 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 He became quiet and withdrawn, unable to trust his own senses.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.
Apesar de todos os esforços de Bai Suzhen para explicar e cuidar de Xu Xian, a desconfiança dele não desapareceu. Xu Xian começou a se distanciar da esposa e frequentemente ia consultar Fahai no Templo Jinshan.
"Is something wrong, my husband?" she asked one evening, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You have been so distant since you recovered."
"Mestre, eu vi com meus próprios olhos minha esposa se transformar em uma cobra. Mas quando ela explicou, comecei a ficar confuso. O que devo fazer?", perguntou Xu Xian angustiado.
Xu Xian flinched at her touch. "I... I saw something during the festival, Suzhen. A monster. It was in our bed."
Fahai sorriu vitoriosamente. "Benfeitor, o que você viu é a verdade. Esse demônio tem grandes poderes e pode enganar os olhos humanos. Você deve cortar os laços com ela e se refugiar no Templo Jinshan para sua segurança."
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 hesitou. Ele ainda amava sua esposa, mas o medo também era grande. Finalmente, Fahai usou um estratagema para prender Xu Xian no Templo Jinshan, não permitindo que ele voltasse para casa.
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 e Xiaoqing esperavam ansiosamente pelo retorno de Xu Xian. Quando souberam que ele estava preso no Templo Jinshan, correram para o templo para exigir sua libertação.
"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! Liberte meu marido agora!", gritou Bai Suzhen na frente do templo.
"What should I do?" Xu Xian asked, his voice breaking. "I love her, but I am terrified."
Mas Fahai se recusou a aparecer e ordenou que os monges fechassem os portões com força. Bai Suzhen tentou negociar, mas foi em vão. A raiva começou a crescer em seu coração. Um grande confronto entre a Cobra Branca e o velho monge estava prestes a explodir.
"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.