Bai Jue sat across from Yang Mi, watching her with a sense of deep conflict. The simple wooden table between them was not what a prince's bride should have. It was old and worn, the chairs creaking under the weight of his large frame, but it wasn't the furniture that weighed on his mind. It was the sight of her, so content with this humble life, so unaware of the world that was supposed to be hers. This wasn't the life his strong, proud Yang Mi deserved. The powerful, intelligent woman who had once commanded the heavens and earned the respect of gods should never have been reduced to a poor, lonely girl living in the middle of nowhere.
He clenched his fists under the table, his heart aching. He was supposed to let her follow her trial in the mortal world, endure hardships, and pass her tribulations. But how could he stand by and let her suffer? It was tearing him apart. She didn't remember him, didn't know the love they shared or the life they had. She had no idea of the sacrifices they both had made for their destiny.
And so, despite his better judgment, Bai Jue had come up with a plan—a plan that would allow him to stay by her side, to protect her without breaking the sacred rules of the mortal trial. He would marry her here in the mortal world. It wasn't cheating her destiny, he reasoned. It was simply an act of love. And though it was a trick, luring her into marriage with the promise of a better life, it was for her own good. He couldn't bear to see her live like this, not for a moment longer.
"Yang Mi," Bai Jue began, his voice soft and persuasive, "would you like to leave this place? Live in the city, where you can have a home, fine clothes, good food... Everything you've ever wanted." His deep eyes searched hers, watching the innocent curiosity rise within her.
Yang Mi, who had never known anything beyond the small, desolate life she'd led in the woods, looked at Bai Jue with wide eyes. "Leave this place?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, filled with uncertainty.
"Yes," Bai Jue said, leaning in slightly. "You don't have to live like this anymore. You can come with me to the city. I'll take care of you."
Her face lit up at the thought. "Really? I could live in a real house? Eat real food?"
Bai Jue smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "All you have to do is marry me."
The words left his mouth so casually, but they carried the weight of eternity. Yang Mi, blissfully unaware of the significance, nodded without hesitation, a childlike trust in her eyes. "Marry you? That sounds nice."
Her naive agreement struck a chord in Bai Jue's chest. She didn't understand what marriage meant, not fully, and she certainly didn't understand who he was. Yet, he couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. He had her. She was his, even if it was in this roundabout way. He didn't waste any time. As soon as the agreement was made, Bai Jue took her hand and led her to his horse, with Da Yi, Tan Qi, and the rest of his loyal followers trailing behind. They made their way to the city, Bai Jue holding Yang Mi close as they rode, her small, fragile body pressed against him as they moved toward a life that would never let her suffer again.
The city was bustling with life, and Yang Mi's eyes widened in awe as they arrived at the grand mansion Bai Jue had prepared for them. It was the largest in the city, with towering gates, beautifully manicured gardens, and elegant architecture that seemed to rise from the earth like a palace from a dream.
"This... is where we'll live?" Yang Mi whispered, her voice trembling with amazement.
Bai Jue nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Yes. It's our home now."
Tan Qi and the servants quickly whisked Yang Mi away to prepare for the wedding, while Da Yi helped Bai Jue change into his ceremonial robes. Everything had to be perfect. Yang Mi, though unaware of the gravity of the situation, was being dressed in the finest gown, adorned with golden threads and embroidered symbols of prosperity and longevity. Her hair was pinned up with delicate combs, and a soft red veil was placed over her face. She looked every bit the bride, though she had no idea just how much this moment meant.
Bai Jue watched her from a distance, his heart swelling with emotions he couldn't quite put into words. She was his bride once again. Despite the trials of fate, despite the separation of worlds, she was here, with him.
The ceremony was simple but sacred. The city officials arrived, performing the rites that bound them together in this mortal world. Bai Jue performed each step meticulously, his every move filled with meaning that only he and the heavens understood. When it came time to lift her veil, he used the golden spoon with the dragon head, revealing her beautiful face beneath. His breath caught in his throat as he gazed upon her.
Then came the showering of rice and gold coins into her lap, a symbol of the wealth and prosperity he promised to provide as her husband. They shared the wedding wine, twisting their hands together as they drank from the same bottle tied with red thread. To everyone else, it was a traditional marriage. But to Bai Jue, it was so much more. It was the renewal of a bond that had existed for lifetimes.
When the ceremony ended, the official left, and Bai Jue wasted no time in scooping Yang Mi into his arms. She blushed beneath his gaze, feeling the weight of his emotions even if she couldn't comprehend the depth of them. He carried her to their wedding chamber, laying her gently on the bed.
The room was decorated with rich, vibrant reds, the symbol of joy and love. Bai Jue knelt beside her, his eyes never leaving hers as he removed the rest of her veil, revealing her fully to him. "Yang Mi," he whispered, his voice filled with tenderness. "You're mine now."
Yang Mi smiled shyly, her innocence shining through. "I'm yours."
With that, Bai Jue closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a kiss filled with longing, love, and a desire that had been building for lifetimes. The wedding night was a blur of passion and devotion, their bodies entwined as Bai Jue poured every ounce of his love into her. He held nothing back, letting her feel the depth of his emotions through every touch, every kiss.
The moon had long risen and set by the time the room finally fell silent. The soft glow of dawn began to creep into the room, casting a gentle light over the couple as they lay in each other's arms. Bai Jue watched Yang Mi as she slept, her chest rising and falling steadily, a picture of peace and serenity. His heart ached with love for her, a love that transcended the boundaries of heaven and earth.
As the morning sun began to rise, Da Yi and Tan Qi stood outside the door, the junior maids shifting nervously as they waited for the couple to wake. The maids' faces were flushed, their ears red from the sounds they had heard throughout the night. Da Yi smirked at their embarrassment and dismissed them with a wave of his hand. "Go, the master will call for you when he's ready."
Inside the room, Bai Jue finally stirred. He gently untangled himself from Yang Mi, placing a soft kiss on her forehead before standing. He dressed quietly, careful not to wake her. His duties called him, but leaving her was the last thing he wanted to do. With a heavy heart, he walked to the door, where Da Yi stood waiting.
"She's still asleep," Bai Jue said softly. "Don't wake her. Let her rest as long as she needs."
Da Yi nodded. "Of course, Your Highness."
As Bai Jue made his way to his office, Pei Yuan and Chang Er were already there, waiting with reports from the Heaven Realm. They bowed deeply as he entered, their expressions serious. "Your Highness," Pei Yuan began, "we've received troubling news from the South Sea."
Bai Jue frowned, his mind snapping back to the present. "What's happened?"
Chang Er stepped forward, holding out a map. "The eternal stone that seals the passage to the Yao Guai Realm is cracking. The earthquakes in the region have worsened, and if the stone shatters, the Yao Guai will be free to enter both the mortal and immortal realms. It would be catastrophic."
Bai Jue's jaw tightened. The Yao Guai were ancient, malevolent creatures that fed on the golden energy of the heavens and devoured human souls. If they were unleashed, the world would be plunged into chaos. "How long do we have?"
"We don't know," Pei Yuan admitted. "But the situation is worsening. We need to investigate immediately."
Bai Jue nodded, his mind already racing with plans. "Gather the troops. We leave at once."
As he prepared to leave, his thoughts drifted back to Yang Mi, still asleep in their bed. He hated the idea of leaving her, even for a moment, but the safety of the realms was at stake. He turned to Da Yi, his expression serious. "Take care of her while I'm gone. Make sure nothing happens to her."
Da Yi bowed deeply. "Of course, Your Highness. I'll watch over her."
With one last glance toward their chamber, Bai Jue mounted his horse and rode off toward the South Sea, determined to protect both the realms and the woman he loved.