The royal flower guard's quarters exuded an aura of reverence just like the gardens, its walls adorned with intricate tapestries depicting the legendary battles and heroic deeds of ages past. The scent of fragrant blossoms hung heavy in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of polished armor and the faint hum of anticipation.
Tang Wei stepped into the quarters, her senses immediately assailed by the sight of stalwart warriors, their imposing figures clad in armor woven from the hardened petals of sacred blooms. Each warrior stood with unwavering resolve, their eyes gleaming with determination as they awaited their commander's orders.
Commander Ling, a formidable presence in her own right, stood at the head of the room, her steely gaze sweeping over her assembled troops. Despite her stern demeanor, there was a subtle warmth in her eyes as she addressed Tang Wei. A unique aspect of Immortal Lotus's domain was that all residents, including the formidable flower guard, were women, garnering respect for their unity.
"Tang Wei," Commander Ling's voice boomed with authority, yet there was a hint of respect woven into its tone, "I hear you have been entrusted with an important task."
Tang Wei met the commander's gaze with unwavering determination, her chin lifted in a gesture of unwavering resolve. "Yes, Commander," she replied, her voice ringing clear and true through the chamber, "I am honored to assist in any way I can."
A flicker of approval danced across Commander Ling's features, her expression softening imperceptibly. "Good. The envoys from the Beast Realm await in their lands," she continued, her words carrying the weight of responsibility, "It is our duty to ensure their safe passage to the Gardens. So we must first venture to the Beast Realm and ensure their safe passage."
Tang Wei nodded in understanding, her mind already racing with thoughts of the journey ahead. The envoys' arrival heralded a time of great significance for the immortal realms, and she knew that the task entrusted to her was no simple matter. She also knew Immortal Lotus's role in the Sacred Sky Temple and duty to the Sun King.
"Okay, since we are all of understanding, let's move out. As instructed, I want the four of you to stand in formation around Tang Wei, the rest will flank in our usual formation." With a final nod from Commander Ling, Tang Wei and the royal flower guard set forth, their footsteps echoing against the stone floors of the monastery. As they made their way towards the gates, Tang Wei's anticipation grew with each step, excitement bubbling within her.
The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden rays across the lush gardens that surrounded the monastery. The air was alive with the hum of insects and the gentle rustle of leaves, a symphony of nature that seemed to welcome them on their journey. Tang Wei's heart swelled with anticipation as they stepped out into the sunlight, her eyes alight with the promise of adventure. She knew that whatever trials lay ahead, she would face them with unwavering resolve, because that was what Immortal Lotus had entrusted to her.
The path leading from the monastery gates wound through a verdant forest, its ancient trees towering majestically overhead. Shafts of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, dappling the forest floor in a mosaic of light and shadow. Tang Wei breathed in the scent of pine and earth, feeling a sense of exhilaration coursing through her veins. Whereas the monastery always smelled of floral accents, the earth was musky and real. She couldn't inhale enough of its scent. Couldn't ground into its natural energy enough.
Beside her, the members of the royal flower guard marched in disciplined formation, their armor glinting in the sunlight as they moved with silent determination. Tang Wei couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at their dedication, knowing that they were entrusted with the important task of safeguarding the envoys from the Beast Realm. Her robes swayed with each step she took, light and airy as the breeze jostled them, opposite of the unmovable armor of the Flower Guards.
As they journeyed deeper into the forest, Tang Wei's thoughts turned to the envoys themselves. She wondered what manner of beings they would be, creatures of myth and legend from the distant Beast Realm. Tales of their exotic forms and formidable powers had always intrigued her, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity tinged with apprehension. She had, after all, only heard stories of the Beasts that inhabited the realms.
The forest grew denser as they pressed on, the ancient trees closing in around them like silent sentinels. Tang Wei's senses were alive with the sights and sounds of the forest, every rustle of leaves and chirp of birdsong heightening her awareness of the world around her. As they ventured deeper into the forest, Tang Wei's anticipation grew, her senses heightened by the unfamiliar surroundings.
The royal flower guard moved with practiced precision, their vigilance unwavering as they escorted Tang Wei to the Beast realm.
The journey was uneventful for the most part, the forest alive with the symphony of nature as they passed through its ancient groves and meandering streams. Tang Wei found herself captivated by the beauty of the untamed wilderness.
Along the way, flower guard regaled Tang Wei with tales of what they'd encountered in their travels, painting vivid pictures of a realm teeming with exotic creatures and breathtaking landscapes. Tang Wei listened with rapt attention, her imagination ablaze with visions of distant lands and fantastical beasts. As they neared the borders of the Beast Realm, Tang Wei's excitement reached a fever pitch, her heart pounding with anticipation at the prospect of finally setting foot in this fabled land. The royal flower guard maintained their vigilance, their eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger as they pressed on towards their destination.
And then, at long last, they emerged from the depths of the forest into a clearing bathed in golden sunlight. Before them lay the gates of the Beast Realm, towering monoliths of stone adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures. So very sturdy and rigid, so very much the opposite of her Celestial dwellings and yet all the same majestic.
Tang Wei's breath caught in her throat as she gazed upon the magnificent sight, her heart swelling with awe at the grandeur of the Beast Realm's front gates. The envoys from the Beast Realm exchanged greetings with their counterparts stationed at the gates, their voices filled with warmth and camaraderie as they embraced their long-awaited reunion. Their robes were adorned with various animal like cloth and accessories. Their hair looked exotic compared to Tang Wei's own long, black hair neatly combed and swept into an ornate hairstyle with accenting jewels and hair pins. Their hair was adorned with braids and beads.
As she gazed upon the envoys of the Beast realm, Tang Wei felt a sense of wonder wash over her, her senses overwhelmed by the way the Beasts conducted themselves. She even noticed the deep brown eyes of the dashing young man at the center of the envoys. Tang Wei had always been one to enjoy the sights and this boy was certainly a sight to behold.
"At the gates, they were met by a group of dignitaries from the Beast Realm, led by a young prince with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. His name was Prince Jin, known for his charm and wit throughout the realms. Beside him stood his loyal guard, a fierce warrior named Huo Feng, whose loyalty to the prince was matched only by his skill in battle.
"Ah, Tang Wei, it's a pleasure to finally meet you! Immortal Lotus had told me she was sending a rather special escort. I must say I am not disappointed," Prince Jin exclaimed, his voice ringing out with infectious enthusiasm. Tang Wei smiled warmly at the young prince, charmed by his easygoing demeanor. "The pleasure is mine, Prince Jin," she replied, her tone playful. Prince Jin chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, you flatter me, Tang Wei," he said, bowing graciously. "Are you the envoy we are escorting?" Prince Jin grimaced. "I'm afraid not, dear Tang Wei. You'll have to suffer with my father's right-hand man, I'm afraid. A real stickler, that one." Prince Jin pointed to a brusque and serious man talking with Commander Ling. Tang Wei laughed. She could certainly relate to stuffy elders.
"My trusted guard, Huo Feng, however, will be accompanying you, and he is much better company." Tang Wei couldn't help but smile at the prince's bold proclamation, her heart lightened by his infectious optimism. Huo Feng was also quite handsome, she couldn't deny that. "I have no doubt, Prince Jin," she replied, her tone affectionate as if she'd known the Prince all her life. "I must say, I am disappointed that I cannot stay to explore your lands more. But I am bound by a great duty, you see, and I can't dare to disappoint Immortal Lotus."
Prince Jin's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Fear not, my dear Tang Wei," he said, his voice filled with confidence. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it, a gesture that sent a jolt through Tang Wei, unexpected and perhaps a bit too forward. "We will meet again, I am sure." Tang Wei rolled her eyes playfully at the prince's bravado, her spirits lifted by his irrepressible charm. Quite the glib tongue, it seemed. Once Commander Ling had given her orders, Tang Wei bid a quick goodbye to her new friend, Prince Jin, and allowed Huo Feng to escort her back towards the Flower Guards. As they set off towards the Lotus Blossom Monastery, she couldn't help but feel free and happy, eternally grateful to Immortal Lotus for allowing her a little glimpse of freedom.
As they journeyed back to the Lotus Blossom Monastery, Tang Wei found herself engaged in lively conversation with Huo Feng, Prince Jin's royal guard. While Huo Feng regaled her with tales of his adventures in the Beast Realm and various tasks he'd been given by Prince Jin, Advisor Zhan remained stoic and reserved, his demeanor as prickly as the thorns of a rose bush. Just as Prince Jin had described.
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape as they neared the monastery gates. The familiar sights eased Tang Wei's apprehension only slightly. The journey had been smooth, too smooth in fact that it almost seemed suspicious. Tang Wei's anticipation grew with each step, her senses on high alert for any sign of danger. Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes ahead broke the peaceful silence, sending a shiver down Tang Wei's spine. It was as if all the peaceful energy had been sucked into a vacuum and had been replaced with a suffocating and heavy smog. It felt like misery and darkness.
Before she could react to the shift in energies, a group of demons emerged from seemingly thin air, their sinister grins sending a chill through the air. It was impossible to reach this close to the Lotus Blossom Monastery…someone had to have let them in. But who could be so powerful to usurp Immortal Lotus's protective shields and enchantments?
Prince Jin's royal guard, Huo Feng, sprang into action, drawing his weapon with practiced precision. Advisor Zhan also tensed, surrounded tightly by the Flower Guard. Tang Wei, while not nearly as powerful as an immortal, summoned her own small cultivation powers, ready to defend herself and her companions against the imminent threat. But just as they prepared for battle, a mysterious figure stepped out from the darkness, his presence commanding and enigmatic.
Tang Wei's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of the stranger, his features obscured by the shifting shadows. But his eyes, oh his eyes, they were such an enchanting and alluring bright blue that Tang Wei could not peel her eyes away for even a second. It was as if her breathing had ceased and time had stopped. She'd never seen such a striking Ice Blue. With a graceful flourish, the stranger dispatched the demons with ease, his movements a mesmerizing blur of speed and skill. His black scepter swept with practiced precision, vanquishing the demons in a burst of flames as he did so. Huo Feng and Advisor Zhan watched in awe, their weapons forgotten as they bore witness to the stranger's unmatched prowess and considerable knowledge of the demons and their powers.
As the last demon fell, Tang Wei tried to make light of the features obscured by the shadows that cloaked his countenance. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. The stranger turned to face her, his eyes meeting hers in a piercing gaze. "It is not you who should be asking that question," he replied, his voice smooth and melodious. "I am no one." Tang Wei's pulse quickened at the seriousness of his voice, deep and powerful, yet young and lilting, as if this boy couldn't be much older than her. Though she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach, somehow, in her heart she could not feel threatened.
"Tang Wei, let us go," Commander Ling called, not wanting to waste a minute longer outside the protection of the Monastery gates. Tang Wei glanced another look towards the figure whose features were obscured by shadows, his bright blue eyes his only giveaway that he was indeed human. "I do not mean harm. Sorry to have disturbed your hallowed grounds," he said, his voice tinged with regret. And with that, the stranger disappeared into the shadows that surrounded him, leaving Tang Wei to ponder the enigmatic encounter that had just unfolded before her.