Eighteen years had passed since that fateful day when a crying infant was found nestled in a heavenly blossom, and the world unknowingly welcomed its true goddess.
On the tranquil slopes of Mount Yuling, the day began as it always did—with the symphony of birdsong, the rustle of bamboo leaves, and the distant roar of the waterfall that guarded the valley like an ancient beast.
"Grandfather Ziyan!" a joyful voice pierced the morning air.
From the edge of a bamboo-built cottage near the waterfall, a young woman waved both arms in the air, her black hair flowing behind her like a banner. Yueqing had grown tall and strong, her eyes bright with determination and mischief. She stood barefoot, the grass cool beneath her feet, watching an elderly man approach from the forest path.
Ziyan, now slower in step but still solid in strength, carried two large baskets—one filled with wild fruits, the other with fresh bamboo. His weathered face cracked into a smile when he saw her.
"Hahaha! Yueqing, you woke the birds again with that shout!" he teased.
Yueqing rushed over, her feet barely touching the ground, and took the heavier basket from his shoulder despite its weight. "You shouldn't be carrying this alone, Grandfather! Let me help."
Ziyan chuckled and patted her head. "You've become such a diligent girl. When did you grow up so fast?"
They walked side by side toward the small hut. It had been their home for eighteen years—humble, peaceful, hidden. Here, away from the world, Ziyan had taught her everything: swordsmanship, herbal medicine, meditation, even how to read the stars.
As they unpacked the baskets inside, Yueqing spoke. "Grandfather… I was at the mountain peak again this morning."
Ziyan glanced at her. "And what did you see this time?"
"Tianhua Realms," she said quietly. "So close, yet so far."
Ziyan's expression darkened for a moment, but he masked it with a slow nod. "It is beautiful from afar, but not all things that shine are kind."
"I want to see it," she said. "Just for a short while."
Ziyan didn't reply. Instead, he busied himself sorting fruit. Yueqing didn't push further—for now.
---
Meanwhile, high above the mortal sky, the capital of Tianhua Realms shimmered like a jewel. At the edge of the Skywater Courtyard, stood Ying Luo, her long silver robes trailing behind her. Her presence was regal—she had been raised among gods, trained by immortals, and bathed in divine praise.
"Lady Ying Luo," a young disciple called as he approached, bowing deeply. "Master Qianlong requests your presence at the Hall of Celestial Wisdom."
She nodded slightly and walked away without a word.
Inside the hall, Master Qianlong waited by a high window that overlooked the Tree of Heaven's Bloom. He turned as she entered.
"Come, child. Sit."
She did as told, her expression calm and composed.
"Do you know why the gods named you the Sword Goddess?" he asked.
She hesitated. "Because… I was born from the sacred bloom. Because the heavens chose me."
He smiled. "And because you are strong, graceful, wise. You must never doubt who you are. You are the legacy of the prophecy—the one destined to guard this realm."
Ying Luo felt pride swell in her chest. "I will not let Tianhua fall. Not under my watch."
Master Qianlong placed a hand on her shoulder. "Good. The time is approaching when your strength will be needed."
---
Back on Mount Yuling, evening approached.
Yueqing stood again at the mountain's peak, her eyes fixed on the floating towers of Tianhua in the distance. Her heart raced. "Just for a day," she whispered to herself. "Just once."
She turned and ran down the trail, her excitement bubbling over.
"Grandfather!" she called breathlessly.
Ziyan was slicing bamboo outside the hut. "Aiya, if you fall off that ridge one day, I'll end up burying my only granddaughter with my own hands," he muttered.
Yueqing laughed, brushing off the warning. "I want to ask something."
He looked up. "Speak."
"Can I go to Tianhua? Just for a short visit? I promise I'll be back before the moon rises."
Ziyan stared at her, frowning slightly. "Why would you want to go there?"
She paused, thinking fast. "To sell your fruits. Maybe someone there will appreciate them."
The old man blinked… and burst into laughter.
"You want to sell apricots and wild pears to immortals and gods? Truly, my Yueqing is bold!"
"So is that a yes?" she grinned.
He sighed, amused. "Go. But don't trust what shines too brightly. And come back before dark."
"I will! I promise!"
That night, Yueqing couldn't sleep. She cleaned her best clothes and prepared a small basket of fruit.
She stared out the window, whispering to the stars, "Tomorrow, I'll step into the realm of legends."
Little did she know, the moment she passed through the mist that separated their worlds—her fate and Ying Luo's… would finally begin to intertwine.