The small wooden house stood humbly under the blanket of the night sky. Inside, the warm, earthy scent of pine filled the air, its simple charm a stark contrast to the opulent jade palaces of the heavens.
Yao, with his bright, curious eyes, looked up at Tianlong, who was seated by the modest hearth. Tianlong's divine aura, though subdued, seemed to shimmer faintly even in the dim light. Despite his attempts to conceal his presence, he was unmistakably otherworldly.
Yao broke the silence with a shy laugh, his voice light and unassuming. "It's not much, is it? This place is small, not big or golden like the palaces in the stories. It's made from green pine wood, not like the jade or gold you must be used to." He paused, glancing at Tianlong's "I bet your rooms in the heavenly realm are as grand as the night sky itself. Probably as big as this whole house. Am I wrong?"
Tianlong raised an eyebrow, a faint smile touching his lips. "The heavens are vast, and their splendor can be overwhelming, but grandeur does not always mean warmth."
Yao smiled wistfully, tilting his head toward the small window. Outside, the stars glittered like scattered pearls, casting faint beams of silver light onto the ocean floor. "We don't have much wealth here," he said softly, "but we have something better. We have kindness, and that's enough to heal even the deepest wounds." His voice grew quieter, almost reverent. "I bet the night sky looks magnificent from the heavenly realm. It seems so far away from here. As a kid, I always wished I could see it up close."
Tianlong gazed at the boy, his golden eyes reflecting the faint glow of the hearth. He didn't reply immediately, sensing the sincerity in Yao's words.
A soft voice broke the moment, calling from the next room. "Yao, dinner is ready!"
Yao turned toward the door, his face lighting up with a grin. "Coming, Mother!" He glanced back at Tianlong. "Stay here. I'll bring you something. You must be hungry, right? Heavenly gods still need to eat sometimes, don't they?"
Tianlong chuckled quietly. "Perhaps," he replied.
As he left, Tianlong leaned back slightly, closing his eyes. The warmth of the house, the innocence in Yao's voice although insolent and ignorant—it was a far cry from the cold, calculated world of the heavens.
Yao called out from the kitchen, his voice carrying a mix of arrogance and rudeness. "Tianlong! My mother says you should join us for dinner… if you want to, that is. If not, just stay there and… do whatever you do, I guess." His tone was rude, but there was an underlying sincerity in his words. Without waiting for a response, he dashed back to help his mother set the table.
He clenched his fists lightly, feeling the faint pulse of his fractured qi struggling to realign. This was no ordinary injury. The curse of the Demon Clan's last ambush had drained his celestial essence, forcing his cultivation into a fragile state. If Yao or his family knew the truth about who he was—or the perilous forces hunting him—they would likely flee in terror. Worse yet, they might be caught in the crossfire of divine retribution.
"I cannot stay long," Tianlong murmured to himself, standing and gazing out the small window.
as he raised a hand, summoning a golden scroll imbued with his remaining spiritual energy. He etched a brief but commanding message with his qi before releasing the scroll into the air, where it dissolved into shimmering light.
To Clan Leader Biaotian:
I am safe but incapacitated for now. Hold the Heaven Realm in my stead. Fenglie shall oversee external threats until I recover. Investigate the movements of the Demon Clan and any signs of their God of Curses. I shall return once my cultivation stabilizes.
—Tianlong
The golden glow of the message lingered in the air for a moment before vanishing into the celestial void, destined to reach its recipients in the Heaven Realm. He sighed, feeling the weight of his responsibilities. It would take at least ten days before he received any answers from the Heavenly Guard. For now, he had to remain hidden
"How strange," he thought, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Even amidst all this simplicity,and arrogance there is a strength in him—one that no divine artifact or immortal power can rival."
With a deep breath, Tianlong descended silently from the rooftop, stepping into the house. The warmth of the small wooden room embraced him, a stark contrast to the chilly vastness of the celestial gardens he was accustomed to. The simple table was set with modest dishes—steaming seaweed soup, freshly grilled fish, and a small bowl of rice, each plated with care.
Before Tianlong could take a seat, a girl with bright, curious eyes darted forward, holding a bowl in her hands. "Here, Gege! Have some!" she chirped, her voice as sweet as a lark's song. "It's really yummy!"
Tianlong blinked in mild surprise, unused to such open generosity. He accepted the bowl, his golden eyes softening as he looked at the girl, her innocence reminding him of a time long past.
"Niao Niao!" Yao groaned dramatically, crossing his arms . "That was for me! You forgot your Gege already? So rude!"
The little girl stuck out her tongue playfully. "Sharing is nice, Gege. You should learn that too!"
"Yao," their mother interjected with a firm but gentle tone. "Don't be rude. There's enough for everyone." She turned to Tianlong with a kind, apologetic smile. "It's not much, but it's the best we can offer. I hope it's enough for you,
Before Tianlong could respond, Yao waved his hand dismissively. "Mom! You don't have to say that! We're already giving him food—it's more than enough. He should be thanking us!" He shot a teasing look at Tianlong,
Tianlong, unbothered by the boy's boldness, looked down at the bowl in his hands. The aroma of the soup wafted up, its simplicity strangely comforting. Taking a small sip, he froze momentarily as the flavors bloomed on his tongue.
It wasn't just tasty—it was warm, rich, and filled with care. He set the bowl down gently and looked at the family, a rare, genuine smile softening his usually stern expression. "It's… delicious," he said simply, his voice carrying a note of sincerity that made even Yao pause.
Niao Niao beamed. "See? I told you it's yummy!"
Yao rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the flicker of pride in his expression. "Well, of course, it's good. Mom made it."
As he took another sip of the soup, a thought flickered in his mind: Perhaps there is a strength in simplicity that even the heavens could not comprehend.
The night deepened, its serenity broken only by the faint lapping of waves against the shore. The modest house, illuminated by the soft glow of a single lantern, seemed to hum with quiet life.
Yao glanced at his mother, who was tidying up after the meal. "Mom," he said softly, "you always tell me to rest, but you're the one who works harder than anyone. You should go to sleep early tonight. I'll handle everything."
His mother smiled faintly, brushing her hair back. "Yao, you're growing up too fast. Don't worry about me."
As if to change the subject, she glanced at Tianlong, who remained seated at the table, silent but observant. "Make sure our guest is comfortable. He's injured, after all."
Yao hesitated before replying, his tone laced with reluctant agreement. "Fine, but only because you said so."
Once his mother and Niao Niao had retired for the night, Yao grabbed a worn blanket and approached Tianlong, who had been gazing out of the window, his golden eyes reflecting the distant stars.
"You can stay in my room," Yao said curtly, tossing the blanket onto a small mat. "I'll be back in the morning. Don't disturb my mom or Niao Niao—they'll fall asleep soon."
Tianlong turned his attention to Yao, tilting his head slightly. "Where are you going?"
"To work," Yao replied bluntly. "Tomorrow, I have to go to the Merman Palace to deliver some supplies. Someone has to keep food on the table, and that someone is me."
Tianlong's gaze lingered, curious. "You dislike me, don't you?"
Yao stopped in his tracks, the question catching him off guard. He turned back, his voice sharp but not angry. "I don't hate you," he said firmly. "I hate what you represent.
The Heaven Realm—you think it's perfect up there, don't you? Untouched by pain or struggle. But people like me… we have to fight for every little thing. So, no, I don't hate you. I hate what you stand for."
The words hung in the air like a distant echo.
"And don't get any ideas," Yao added, his tone lighter but still tinged with wariness. "If you try to steal anything, I'll… well, you don't want to find out."
Tianlong chuckled softly, surprising even himself. "Stealing from you? I wouldn't dare."
With a final glance, Yao adjusted the lantern's flame and prepared to leave. "Sleep wherever you want, but stay out of trouble. I'll be back by morning."
As Yao closed the door behind him, Tianlong leaned back, gazing at the small room.
Tianlong, seated by the window, looked out at the sky. The moon hung high, its silver glow spilling over the tranquil ocean, painting ripples of light on its surface.
The soft creak of the door broke the silence. Tianlong turned, his sharp senses relaxing as Yao's mother stepped in, her expression warm but hesitant. She carried herself with a quiet grace, her gentle demeanor a stark contrast to Yao's fiery temperament.
Tianlong stood instinctively, inclining his head in respect. "Auntie, is something the matter? Do you need anything? I can fetch it for you if you'd like."
She shook her head, offering a soft smile. "No, no, young master, there's no need. I simply couldn't sleep. The moonlight tonight… it feels so calming, doesn't it?"
He nodded and gestured toward a soft mat on the floor. "Please, have a seat. The night is always more beautiful when shared."
She sat down slowly, murmuring her thanks. "What a gentleman you are. Truly, it's a rare trait these days." Her eyes twinkled briefly before her expression softened. "I hope Yao hasn't been too rude to you. He… he can be quite arrogant at times."
Tianlong chuckled lightly, sitting back down beside her. "He has been… fiery, but nothing I cannot handle.
A faint sigh escaped her lips. "Please don't take his words to heart. Yao may act tough, but he is kinder than anyone I know. That kindness of his… it was once so pure, so bright. But after he was hurt so deeply, that part of him only surfaces when he feels it's truly safe."
Tianlong's curiosity piqued, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. "Hurt? By whom?and why does he has such resentment against the heavenly realm
"Yao speaks often about his dislike for the Heaven Realm," she continued, her voice soft but tinged with sorrow. "He speaks of its leaders with bitterness, especially the God of War. It wasn't always this way, you know. As a child, he dreamed of visiting the Heaven Realm, of standing under its golden skies and marveling at its splendor."
Tianlong's gaze remained fixed on her. "Then what changed? Why does he harbor such resentment now?"
Her smile faded, replaced by a melancholy shadow. "The Heaven Realm failed him,
Yao believes the God of War, the Heaven Realm, and the immortal clans are all the same," she continued, her voice heavy with regret. "To him, they are symbols of power without compassion.
As she rose to leave, Tianlong stood as well, bowing slightly. "Rest well, Auntie. I will watch over this home tonight."
With a soft laugh, she patted his arm. "And here I thought you were the one who needed watching over." She disappeared into the shadows of the hallway, leaving Tianlong alone once more,
The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the wooden shutters, casting golden patterns across the room. Tianlong sat cross-legged on the floor, his posture relaxed yet composed. In front of him, Niao Niao giggled, her small hands trying to capture the glowing orbs of light he had conjured—a harmless illusion meant to amuse.
"You're so amazing, Gege!" Niao Niao chirped, her eyes wide with wonder. "Can you make one look like a fish? A big shiny one?"
Tianlong smiled faintly, flicking his fingers with a grace born of millennia of cultivation. The orb shifted, taking the form of a shimmering golden fish that swam lazily through the air. Niao Niao clapped her hands in delight,
At that moment, the door creaked open, and Yao stepped inside, his silhouette sharp against the bright morning light. He paused, his gaze narrowing slightly as he took in the sight of Tianlong entertaining his sister.
don't you have chores to do instead of playing all morning?" Yao said with a mock sternness, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "I've brought treats for everyone. Come here before they're all gone."
Niao Niao's face lit up, and she quickly scrambled to her feet, running to her brother. "Treats? Really? Did you bring the mooncakes?"
Yao chuckled, ruffling her hair as he set a small bundle on the table. "Of course, I did. You think I'd forget?" He turned to his mother, who was setting out breakfast. "Mom, here are some sweet dried apricots for you. They're from the town market."
Her eyes softened as she took them. "Thank you, Yao. You're always so thoughtful."
Tianlong, who had remained silent until now, rose gracefully and approached the table. "It seems you've been busy, Yao. Your family is fortunate to have you."
Yao frowned, crossing his arms. "You don't need to state the obvious, . My family and I manage just fine on our own."
The tension in the air was palpable, but Niao Niao, ever the peacemaker, tugged at Yao's sleeve. "Gege, don't be so mean. He's been really nice. He even made magic fish for me!"
Yao's expression softened for a brief moment, but he quickly masked it with a scoff. "Hmph. A few tricks don't change anything."
Tianlong met Yao's gaze, his golden eyes steady. "I have no intention of earning your trust with mere tricks. But I hope that, in time, my actions will speak for themselves."
"Let's eat," Yao said, breaking the moment. "We've got a long day ahead,
As they continued eating, the atmosphere was filled with the warmth of everyday bickering and laughter. Niao Niao playfully teased Yao about taking too long to finish his food, while Yao responded with exaggerated grumbling. Tianlong sat quietly, his golden eyes observing the family's dynamics. In this humble setting,
Yao, sensing Tianlong's lingering thoughts, furrowed his brow. "What are you thinking about now? Planning more tricks? Or did you finally find a way to scam us into giving you more?"
Tianlong blinked, his focus shifting back to the present. Yao's voice, sharp and mocking, was a reminder of how little the young merman trusted him. Still, Tianlong's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
"I was just thinking about how much you take for granted," Tianlong replied quietly, almost to himself, before catching Yao's gaze. "You have everything you need, yet you don't realize the value of what you have."
"Are you done daydreaming now?" he asked, his tone softening slightly. "You said you were here for trade, right? Let's get going. I have to visit the Merman Palace today to deliver supplies. You can trade there if you wish."
Tianlong nodded, rising from the table.
"I'll go with you," Tianlong said, his voice steady. "Lead the way."
Yao hesitated, then stood, pushing his chair back. "Fine, but don't expect me to show you any special treatment. Just stay out of the way."
They left the house together, stepping out into the quiet morning. Yao's footsteps were quick, purposeful, while Tianlong walked with the grace of someone who had mastered the art of patience.
The atmosphere outside the Merman Palace had grown tense as Yao and Tianlong approached the gates. A guard stepped forward, blocking their path with a smug look. His name was Sifang, a member of the Merman Palace's elite guards, known for his arrogance and sharp tongue.
"Stop right there," Sifang sneered, his gaze cold as he looked down at Tianlong. "You think you can just stroll in without any respect?"
Yao sighed, stepping forward to defuse the situation. "Sifang, can you please act like a sensible guard for once and not get on my nerves? We're here on business, not to entertain your petty games."
Sifang chuckled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, look, the orphan is getting brave. What a sight!" His laughter echoed as the other guards joined in, amused by his taunt.
Tianlong stood silently, his golden eyes narrowing at Sifang's disrespect. The laughter of the guards only made it worse, and the air became thick with tension. He could sense Yao's discomfort, but he knew the young merman wouldn't back down without a fight.
Yao was about to say something when Tianlong finally spoke, his calm voice cutting through the mockery. "You can't say that," Tianlong said firmly, his eyes now fixed on Sifang.
Sifang turned to face him, his expression hardening. "And who are you to tell me what's right and wrong?" His eyes flashed with contempt. "You're just a piece of poor trash, nothing more."
Yao stepped forward, placing a hand on Tianlong's arm to hold him back. "He's just a dumb Flower Clan member," Yao muttered under his breath, more to Tianlong than Sifang. "Don't mind him, just let's go."
Sifang's mocking laughter filled the air as he moved to block their path again. "Go ahead, go! Get out of here, rat!" he taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.
Yao let out a frustrated sigh and turned to walk around him, but before they could move further, Tianlong stopped. His gaze turned sharp and cold, a look that made Sifang pause.
"Look," Tianlong began, his voice low and controlled. "I've tried to remain silent, but I can't ignore your disrespect any longer. Does your mother never teach you how to speak, or did she never have the chance?"
The words hit like a physical blow, and the air around them froze. Sifang's smug expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of something dark crossing his face before he masked it with anger.
"You...!" Sifang growled, his eyes narrowing as his hands clenched into fists.
Enough, Sifang. Let's go." He turned to Tianlong, his expression softer now. "Don't waste your time with him."
Tianlong, however, wasn't finished. "I don't tolerate insults, especially from someone who thinks they're better than others." He gave Sifang a final, cutting glance before turning to Yao. "Lead the way."
As Tianlong and Yao prepared to move forward, they were suddenly interrupted by a booming voice. "Who dares to speak to the elite guards of the Merman Clan like that?!" Sifang, filled with anger and arrogance, stepped forward, ready to lash out.
Before anyone could react, the ground beneath them trembled violently. Tianlong, with his eyes narrowing, felt a powerful force slam into the guards, sending them crashing to the ground. The air hummed with an undeniable authority as Tianlong's voice cut through the tension.
"I told you not to get on my nerves," Tianlong growled, his aura thick with anger. "Yet you continue to act like an absurd child, with no responsibility or respect."
The guards groaned in pain, stunned by the unexpected force. Yao, standing in shock, could hardly believe his eyes as Tianlong stood tall, a sense of controlled rage radiating off him. But then, Tianlong suddenly coughed up blood, the effort of releasing his full strength taking a toll on his body.
Yao's heart dropped, and he immediately rushed to Tianlong's side. "I told you, you should heal first, then show off," Yao muttered under his breath, his voice filled with concern. Seeing Tianlong's face pale, he hesitated.
Before he could speak further, Sifang—humiliated and enraged—moved to strike again. But Yao, not willing to let Tianlong suffer further, quickly moved between them, raising his hands in an attempt to stop the confrontation.
"I'm sorry, Sifang," Yao pleaded, his voice soft but earnest. "He won't do it again. I beg you, please leave us alone. In the name of the Merman Clan, we don't want any trouble."
Tianlong stood frozen, frustration boiling inside him. He was about to speak out, to fight back, but the intensity of Yao's gaze stopped him
Sifang hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he glared at the young merman. For a moment, the air was thick with tension. Then, with a final grunt of disgust, Sifang stepped back, though the sneer on his face remained.
"Fine," Sifang spat, his tone venomous.
With a final glance at Tianlong and Yao, Sifang turned, signaling the other guards to follow him.
As the two walked past the now-silent guards, Yao could feel the weight of the situation. There were many things he still didn't understand about Tianlong—the man who had come from the heavens, the man who had stood against so many, the man who had shown power beyond anything Yao had seen before.