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Jin's path through the world remained unhurried, filled with quiet moments of observation and introspection. His announcement of seeking a partner had thrown the world into a frenzy, with noble daughters polishing their charms and powerful female cultivators exuding ethereal grace. Yet, Jin had no interest in the superficial beauty of courtly elegance or the imposing presence of immortal heiresses.
He sought something simpler—someone with a pure heart, an unyielding spirit, and an alluring body that stirred even his ancient, unshakable soul. Power, lineage, and wealth held no meaning to him.
---
A Small Town by the River
Jin's travels brought him to a quaint riverside town, where he watched as life unfolded unbothered by grand ambitions. He spent his days fishing on the banks, his simple wooden pole at odds with his divine essence. Children played nearby, laughing as they skipped stones across the water.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Jin found himself seated in a humble inn. The scent of freshly baked bread and spiced stew filled the air, blending with the chatter of villagers. A woman moved between the tables, serving guests with a smile that lit up the room.
She wasn't like the immortal beauties who had declared themselves potential suitors. Her clothes were plain, her hands calloused from labor, but there was something magnetic about her presence. Her figure was curvaceous, her steps graceful, her demeanor unyielding yet kind.
When she approached Jin's table, he observed her with quiet interest.
"Will you be staying another night, traveler?" she asked, her voice soft yet firm.
Jin nodded, his gaze steady. "Perhaps. Your inn is peaceful, and the food is pleasant."
She smiled faintly. "Peaceful isn't a word most use these days, with all the talk of tournaments and gods walking the land."
He tilted his head. "Does that trouble you?"
She set a steaming bowl of stew before him. "Not really. Life is hard enough without chasing after things beyond reach."
Jin chuckled softly. "Wise words. You seem content with your place in the world."
"Content enough," she replied before turning to serve another table, leaving Jin to ponder her words.
---
A Bandit's Ambush
The next day, as Jin wandered along the riverbank, the tranquility was shattered by the sound of screams. He turned to see a group of bandits harassing a caravan.
Among the travelers was the innkeeper, clutching a small bundle protectively. She stood between the bandits and a younger girl, her defiance evident despite the odds.
"Hand over your goods, woman!" a burly man snarled, waving a rusty blade.
"Take what you want, but leave the girl alone," the innkeeper spat, her voice trembling yet resolute.
Jin watched from a distance, his expression calm. When the burly bandit raised his sword to strike, Jin finally intervened. With a flick of his wrist, the blade shattered into dust, and the bandits froze in terror.
"Leave," Jin said simply, his voice carrying a weight that crushed their spirits.
The bandits fled without hesitation, leaving the travelers to stare at Jin in awe. The innkeeper approached him cautiously.
"Thank you," she said, her eyes searching his face for answers.
"Kindness should not go unrewarded," Jin replied, glancing at the bundle she held. "What's so precious that you'd risk your life for it?"
She hesitated before unwrapping the cloth, revealing a small jade figurine. "It belonged to my mother. It's worthless to anyone else, but…"
"It's priceless to you," Jin finished, a rare softness in his tone.
She nodded, and for a moment, their gazes held. Jin felt a flicker of something he hadn't in centuries—genuine admiration for her courage and resolve.
---
A Decision Unspoken
That evening, back at the inn, Jin lingered by the hearth, his thoughts uncharacteristically tangled. He had no intention of revealing his identity or his growing interest in the innkeeper, yet her resilience and simplicity intrigued him.
He watched as she tended to her guests, her movements fluid and unpretentious. She laughed with the villagers, scolded a drunken farmer with playful sternness, and sang a soft lullaby to a crying child.
"She's nothing like what they expect," Jin thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "And perhaps that's exactly why she's perfect."
For now, he chose to remain silent. His journey wasn't over, and neither was hers.
---
Whispers Across the Land
Meanwhile, the world reeled from Jin's announcement. In grand sects and hidden sanctuaries, cultivators speculated endlessly about his intentions.
In a celestial palace high above the clouds, an empress scoffed. "A partner? For a being like Jin? Whoever he chooses must be extraordinary beyond words."
In shadowed forests, lone cultivators grumbled. "What does he seek that the rest of us lack? Is it a test? Or does he simply toy with us?"
Even mortals debated the matter over their evening meals.
"What if he chooses someone ordinary?" a farmer mused to his wife.
"Don't be ridiculous," she replied. "A god needs a goddess."
"Maybe he's tired of goddesses," the farmer said, chuckling.
Unbeknownst to them, Jin was already walking among them, his eyes open to the beauty of the ordinary.
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Jin's Promise
As the weeks turned into months, Jin continued his journey, quietly observing, helping where he saw fit, and searching for the one who could share his eternal existence. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he also knew he had time—more than the world could ever comprehend.
And so, the Creator of All wandered, leaving ripples of change and quiet inspiration in his wake.
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