Wen Shia stood before his father, desperation etched across his features as he pleaded for understanding. "Father, you have to listen to me! This stone means more than you realize! It's tied to Xiang—"
But the Heavenly God's eyes were resolute, cold as steel. "I care not for your words, Wen Shia. All I want is the stone! You're too naive to see the power it holds. It belongs to us, and I'll take it by any means necessary." With a swift motion, he cast Wen Shia into a containment vessel, its shimmering surface sealing him inside. "You'll remain here until I have what I seek."
Frustrated and heartbroken, Wen Shia banged against the walls of the confinement, feeling helpless. "Father, please!" But his pleas fell on deaf ears as the Heavenly God disappeared into the ether, intent on reaching Xiang.
When he found Xiang, her anger flared at the sight of him. "Why have you imprisoned me?" she shouted, her voice laced with fury. "What do you want from me? Do you think I would ever harm you?"
Xiang's eyes blazed, filled with determination. "I am Xiang. I just want one thing: a stone that's mine. If you give it to me, I swear I won't pose any threat. But if you refuse..." Her voice trembled with anger. "I might have to kill you to keep it safe!"
The Heavenly God scoffed, dismissing her threats. "You think you can manipulate me? You can't remove the stone on your own. If you kill me, it will be destroyed along with you, and you'll lose everything."
"I don't believe you!" he barked, shaking his head. "I know what's at stake. I brought an old man with me who knows how to extract the stone from within you. But there's no guarantee for your safety—only for the stone."
Xiang's resolve began to waver, but she quickly gathered herself. "I don't want this stone with me, but I won't let it fall into the hands of someone like you. I thought you were good, that you would never turn to greed or evil, but now…" Her voice quivered with disappointment. "You're willing to harm anyone for power."
The Heavenly God's laughter echoed in response to her defiance. "You think you can threaten me with your empty words? You know nothing!" He snarled and motioned for the guards to restrain Xiang further, chaining her in place. "Let me show you true power."
As he initiated his magic, he invaded her mind, forcing his way past the barriers she had erected around the stone. Suddenly, a crack manifested in the protective enchantment, causing Xiang excruciating pain. She screamed, a raw cry that resonated with anguish and desperation, and in that moment of torment, the armor around the stone shattered completely.
All at once, Xiang felt a rush of energy surge through her, awakening her powers. She gasped, her vision blurry, and as she remembered Wen Shia, her longing to be with him became her anchor. Closing her eyes tightly, she focused on that desire, and in an instant, she found herself transported to his side.
However, the abrupt transition overwhelmed her, and she fainted as soon as she appeared in his room.
Wen Shia was stunned to find her unconscious form before him. He rushed toward her, scooping her gently into his arms, calling her name in earnest. "Xiang! Wake up!" His heart raced with concern as he assessed her condition—her body was burning with fever.
"Please, hang on," he murmured, desperately trying to cool her down. He quickly fetched a wet cloth, placing it on her forehead, but it did little to ease her suffering. Dismayed, he reached for the medicine he always kept nearby, feeding it to her, but her fever showed no sign of abating.
Feeling a swell of anxiety, Wen Shia removed his own layer of clothing and wrapped his arms around her, hoping to share his warmth, his strength. The heat from her body began to recede gradually, but night fell heavily, and he wouldn't leave her side. As he cradled her, exhaustion took hold, and soon, he drifted into sleep, his arms protecting her through the night.
Meanwhile, the Heavenly Gods searched relentlessly throughout their domain for any sign of Xiang, pacing through their halls in agitation. They checked every room, every chamber, but Wen Shia's space remained a source of frustration. The barrier he had placed was impenetrable, keeping them from discovering her location; thus, they reluctantly moved on.
The Heavenly God even suspected his wife of harboring Xiang and hastily