As night fell, a heavy silence blanketed the Nine Heavens, broken only by the whistling wind. Towering high above, the celestial towers stirred the air with a power greater than that of any earthly gale. Inky clouds surged like roaring mountains and tumultuous seas, pressing down with a silent, oppressive weight.
Before the cave abode of a deity, two stone lions stood in eternal vigil. The left lion held its head high, fierce and majestic; the right lion lowered its gaze, serene and compassionate. Though unmoving for millennia, the long, lonely nights in heaven weighed even upon them, and in the dark, they murmured to one another.
The left lion’s gaze pierced the sky. "What's that over there?"
The right lion remained silent at first. After repeated questioning, it finally opened its eyes and observed calmly. A pale golden light shimmered through the dark clouds to the west, interwoven with faint iridescent colors. "Kunlun Mountain," it said softly.
"Kunlun Mountain? Has anyone ascended from the mortal realm recently?"
"You keep watch every day, but your eyes deceive you," the right lion replied. "Didn't you see the phoenix in the clouds? This isn’t an ascension… it’s a wedding."
"A wedding?" The left lion’s voice trembled with surprise. "With the Northern and Central Emperors’ fates uncertain, the heavens in chaos, who would dare celebrate now?"
"Besides the Queen Mother of the West, only the Bright Goddess could command a phoenix from Kunlun Mountain."
The left lion lowered its voice conspiratorially. "The fiancé of the Goddess Mingjing is the deposed prince of Beitian Palace. Didn’t he elope with a witch?"
The right lion shook its head meaningfully. "The Queen Xuan said he went to the human world to gain experience. Who saw him elope? Now that Emperor Xuan and Queen Xuan are gone, whether he eloped with the demon clan is irrelevant."
The left lion argued, "Who says Emperor Xuan is gone? Didn’t he proclaim himself emperor?"
"That doesn’t count."
"Why not? Even the Central Heavenly Court has fallen. Recently, he journeyed to the South Heaven—perhaps he will be the first god in history to rule North, Central, and South."
"He is not a god."
The right lion smirked. "A hybrid of gods and demons. Half divine, at least. And now, his half-brother, the Goddess of Purity, openly marries the deposed Crown Prince. Kunlun Mountain will be lively indeed."
And lively it was. Kunlun Mountain shimmered with celestial lights, the air filled with enchanting music. A crimson carpet stretched from the mountain steps to Qionghua Palace, culminating at a grand, ornate platform. Celestial maidens floated, scattering spiritual leaves and jade flowers that danced in the air.
Immortals gathered, whispering and laughing, until the ceremonial officer’s voice echoed: "Goddess of Purity and Crown Prince Xuandi have arrived."
The crowd fell silent. Auspicious birds circled above, phoenixes singing as their long, colorful tail feathers painted streaks of brilliance across the sky. The mountains, once still as ink, blazed with celestial spectacle.
A crimson canopy adorned the palace gate, while fairies used phoenix-feather fans to shield the couple. Through the layers, glimpses of the bride and groom appeared: Xi Jiuge, the radiant Goddess of Purity, and Crown Princess Ji Shaoyu of the Xuan Emperor, childhood sweethearts now united.
The newlyweds walked the crimson carpet, petals swirling around them, passing the assembled immortals. The groom, Ji Shaoyu, retained youthful handsomeness despite his hardships, his eyes gentle and bright. The bride, Xi Jiuge, shone in a grand red gown embroidered with sun, moon, clouds, and phoenix motifs, her golden headdress gleaming. A red veil partially obscured her face, leaving her features tantalizingly mysterious.
Immortals marveled at the match, admiration and envy in equal measure. The Goddess of Purity’s unwavering love for her husband was evident, and Ji Shaoyu’s noble poise complemented her perfectly.
At the main dais, the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady rose to officiate. Her voice, wise and commanding, rang across the palace:
"The Queen Mother is in seclusion and unable to attend. I will officiate this union. Ji Shaoyu, Xi Jiuge, before Heaven, Earth, and all the vast lands, do you swear to become husband and wife, to share life and death, and never part?"
The woman beneath the crimson veil spoke without hesitation: "I do."
Silence immediately fell over the hall, heavy and suffocating. The guests held their smiles, their postures respectful, but no one dared speak. Only the delicate notes of ritual music filled the vast wedding chamber, echoing like a heartbeat in the stillness.
Xi Jiuge’s eyes, veiled yet sharp, remained unmoved. The longer the silence stretched, the colder her gaze became. She didn’t prod Ji Shaoyu, didn’t rush him to answer, nor did she glance sideways. If he hesitated, she would wait. Time was hers; she had two thousand years of patience to draw upon.
She recalled their journey from the mortal world last year. Back then, the once-honorable Emperor Xuan, now disguised as a simple mortal, had carried a bamboo basket on his back, hoe in hand, eyes as clear and sincere as a child’s.
Ji Shaoyu finally spoke, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Jiuge, I’m sorry about the engagement. I’ve pleaded with my mother countless times, but she refused to cancel it. I have no choice… I care for her, and I can’t be with anyone else. If I stayed with you knowing your heart still clings to her, it would dishonor you. You deserve someone better. Let us forget our engagement."
Xi Jiuge stared at him in disbelief. Two millennia together, and this was the man she had known? Her voice trembled slightly. "Gods and demons have warred for thousands of years, with blood feuds spanning generations. You… would abandon your princely duties for a witch?"
"You won’t understand," Ji Shaoyu admitted, sorrow in his eyes. "Think me mad, if you will. The conflicts between gods and demons aren’t as simple as they appear. Even if hatred exists, it belongs to our ancestors, not to me. I cannot be entangled with demons, so I relinquish my claim as prince. My father has many sons; I am not the wisest choice. He has always found me indecisive. Better I step aside and allow the Northern Heaven Court to select a leader suited for them."
He bowed solemnly, gathered herbs scattered on the ground, and continued, "I am weary of heaven’s rules. I wish only a life in seclusion with her in the human world—men tilling fields, women weaving. Jiuge, for the sake of our childhood bond, promise me you won’t tell my mother of this place."
Xi Jiuge’s gaze followed him as he walked into the mountain path. Her voice rang out softly, "And what if your mother can no longer find you?"
Ji Shaoyu paused. "What do you mean?"
"With your divine power, do you truly think you can evade the masters of Beitian Palace and live in seclusion safely for eleven years? Emperor Xuan and Empress Xuan never searched for you. It’s not your cleverness—they simply could not manage it."
Finally, Ji Shaoyu’s sharp, princely eyes returned. "What happened to my father and mother?"
Xi Jiuge explained, voice steady and unyielding: "After your elopement with Chang Ju, Empress Xuan tried to hide it. A month later, Emperor Xuan discovered you. He ordered your capture, plunging Beitian Palace into chaos. Li Hanguang seized the opportunity, stripping your father and mother of their power and imprisoning them in Api Prison. No news reached anyone for eleven years. Now, Li Hanguang calls himself Emperor Hanguang. Eleven years ago, the Yellow Emperor sought to quell his rebellion. After ten years of war, Li Hanguang emerged victorious, invading the Central Heavenly Palace, seizing the Emperor’s Seal, and wounding the Yellow Emperor. Now he rules the North and Central realms. He remains trapped in the southern battlefield and may not return for a year or two. This is our chance to rescue your parents. Will you abandon them to live in seclusion with a witch?"
Ji Shaoyu’s mind raced. How could a lowly demon like Li Hanguang topple generations of Celestial masters? Yet Xi Jiuge’s calm certainty left no room for doubt.
She added with quiet authority: "You and I were childhood sweethearts. So were he and Chang Ju. While I value our bond, you must acknowledge the stakes. Call him brother when you meet him."
Her words broke the final barrier in Ji Shaoyu’s heart. He relinquished his desire for seclusion, agreeing to return to Kunlun and honor their engagement. Xi Jiuge would help him raise an army—but only as her betrothed.
The wedding remained grand, yet filled with tension. Ji Shaoyu’s silence mirrored hers, until a woman’s voice rang out sharply from outside the Qionghua Palace: "Shaoyu!"
Guests turned, murmuring in shock. At the entrance stood a petite woman in black. Her figure, highlighted by form-fitting attire, contrasted sharply with the flowing gowns of the immortal attendees.
Whispers spread: "The Goddess Mingjing’s wedding… and a demon appears?"
Chang Ju, thought missing for twelve years, strode boldly through the hall. Ji Shaoyu froze, recognition flooding his expression. For eleven years, they had roamed the mortal world. And now, the demon’s audacious appearance confirmed the rumors: she had returned.
Xi Jiuge remained poised, unaffected by Kunlun’s defenses or the breach. The Queen Mother of the Nine Heavens’ eyes gleamed with anger, but Xi Jiuge’s voice cut through the tension: "Anyone who comes is a guest. Treat the demon hostage well at this banquet."
Chang Ju’s sneer echoed across the hall. "Husband and wife? Shaoyu and I were married in the human world ten years ago. What right does the Goddess of Brightness and Purity hold now?"
Kunlun had long stood as the pinnacle of the celestial realm, but never had the Queen Mother of the Nine Heavens heard such audacity. Her anger flared, magical energy surging from her hands.
Jiu Tian Xuan Nu, her most prized maidservant, struck with devastating force. Ji Shaoyu, caught completely off guard, leapt instinctively in front of Chang Ju, taking the full brunt of the attack.
Blood seeped from his mouth, and Chang Ju’s heart clenched. She caught him as he staggered, her arms barely holding his weight. "Shaoyu! Are you alright?"
He swallowed the blood, steadying himself. Fighting back wasn’t an option—not here, not now. He had already wronged Xi Jiuge, and striking at her elders during her wedding would dishonor them further. Silently enduring, he ensured Chang Ju survived.
Jiu Tian Xuan Nu hesitated. Inflicting more harm upon the Xuan Emperor’s Crown Prince was a serious matter—even for one of the Nine Heavens’ elite. Her eyes flickered with uncertainty.
Ji Shaoyu, shaking his head, saluted the Queen Mother of the West. "Her words and actions were improper. If she has offended Your Majesty, I apologize on her behalf. Please forgive her."
The Queen Mother’s gaze was sharp. "Prince Xuan, your engagement to the Goddess of Brightness and Purity was proclaimed two thousand years ago. Today, I preside over this wedding, yet you defend a demon who disrupted it. Explain yourself."
Chang Ju clutched Ji Shaoyu’s sleeve, pleading, "Shaoyu, don’t. I don’t care about your identity or heaven’s rules. Don’t agree to her. Let’s go somewhere no one knows, live as we did for the past ten years."
Ji Shaoyu’s thoughts wandered to their peaceful human life, the freedom he had abandoned for a crown. His eyes softened, betraying his inner struggle. Xi Jiuge, sensing his hesitation, warned sharply, "Crown Prince!"
Two women. Two names. Two futures. Ji Shaoyu closed his eyes, wrestling with his heart, then slowly turned to the dais. "Jiuge… I’m sorry."
Xi Jiuge, taken aback, held the hem of her gown, her veil swaying slightly. "Crown Prince, have you truly thought this through?"
Since Chang Ju appeared, Ji Shaoyu had skirted Xi Jiuge’s gaze, but he could no longer evade her. His smile was bitter, his eyes downcast. Xi Jiuge’s calm, composed expression revealed nothing—she cared not for his indecision but for her rightful place as Crown Princess of Emperor Xuan.
Ji Shaoyu whispered once more, "I’m sorry," and, ignoring the pain in his back, lifted Chang Ju and strode from the palace. The snowy wind whipped around them, the guests’ murmurs swallowed by the cold.
The grand wedding ended in silence, leaving the immortals of Kunlun stunned. The Queen Mother of the Nine Heavens’ face was stormy, ready to speak—but Xi Jiuge, always dignified, lifted her veil, revealing her flawless features. A collective gasp echoed through the hall.
Ji Shaoyu, mid-step, paused, caught by the breathtaking sight of his bride. Chang Ju’s soft call of "Shaoyu" pulled him back to reality. He laughed at himself; Xi Jiuge’s composure, even now, made him feel both honor and shame.
The bride’s voice, calm yet cutting, followed him: "Why?"
Ji Shaoyu felt a sadness deeper than the cold wind outside. Without looking back, he replied quietly, "You are perfect in all things, yet I cannot love you. My heart… it belongs with her. I’m sorry, but matters of the heart cannot be forced. Let us forget the engagement."
Previous/Next
.jpeg)
