In a world divided into four realms—Celestial, Infernal, Mortal, and Nether—each domain thrived with its own unique races and wonders. Beyond these realms lay a hidden haven untouched by strife: Rainbow Valley, where nature flourished under an eternal harmony. But amidst its beauty, fate wove a tragic tale.
A man held a newborn baby in one arm, while his other hand pressed firmly against the back of a pale, fragile woman. His face was etched with despair, beads of sweat rolling down his furrowed brow as he poured his spiritual energy into her weakening body. The woman, though clearly drained, looked up at him with a gentle, unwavering gaze.
"Don't waste your energy on me anymore, Huan," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "The poison has reached my heart. There's no saving me now… but you must save our child."
"No, Qing! Don't say that!" Huan cried, his voice cracking as his arms trembled. "I'll save you both—I will find a way. I have to!"
Nearby, a young girl in a yellow robe clutched another infant tightly to her chest. Her tear-streaked face was filled with both fear and determination. "Master, please don't despair! Senior Brother Situ Juekong will be back any moment now. He'll know how to save Mistress and Little Brother!"
As if summoned by her words, a dark silhouette streaked across the horizon. Moments later, a black-robed youth landed gracefully before them, holding a dragon-shaped jade pendant in his hand. He knelt, presenting the artifact with reverence.
"Master, I've returned," he announced urgently. "This is the Demon Dragon Jade, the sacred relic of our Situ Dragon Clan. It contains the spiritual power of our founding ancestor. It should be able to halt Mistress's and the child's poison, but…"
The youth hesitated, his expression conflicted, before continuing in a strained voice, "…but it will only delay the poison's spread. It cannot cure it completely."
At that moment, Qing coughed violently, a streak of black blood spilling from her lips. Her life force visibly dimmed, and Huan 's panic deepened. He increased the flow of his energy, sweat soaking his temples.
"Ling," Qing called weakly to the yellow-robed girl, "bring the child to me."
Ling choked back a sob and nodded, carefully placing the infant in Qing's arms. Qing reached for the other child in Huan 's embrace, holding both babies close. She looked down at the twins—one crying loudly, the other sleeping peacefully—and a faint smile graced her pale lips.
"Huan , look at them," she whispered. "Our children… they're so beautiful."
Huan forced a smile, though his eyes were red with grief. "Yes, just like you. Their noses and mouths are yours."
Qing chuckled softly, though the effort made her cough again. "And their eyes and brows are yours. They'll grow up to be as charming as you, breaking countless hearts… cough, cough…"
"Qing, stop talking!" Huan pleaded, his voice thick with emotion. "It'll only make the poison spread faster."
Qing shook her head gently. "Huan … we haven't named them yet. What should we call them?"
Huan stared at her, his heart heavy with unspoken sorrow. He forced himself to smile and said, "Let's call them Luo and Nuo."
"Long Luo and Long Nuo…" Qing repeated softly, her smile deepening. "Such lovely names."
She turned her gaze to the twins. The crying child seemed to calm at the sound of her voice, while the sleeping one slowly opened their eyes, staring intently at their mother.
"Luo'er, Nuo'er," she murmured, her voice filled with both love and sorrow. "Grow up happy and strong… even if your mother won't be there to see it."
"You will see it, Qing!" Huan exclaimed, his desperation mounting. "I'll heal you, no matter what it takes!"
Qing shook her head, her strength fading. "I know my body… don't waste your energy on me anymore." She turned her gaze to the black-robed youth. "Situ, come here."
The youth stepped closer, kneeling by her side. Qing handed him one of the twins—the one still crying. The moment the baby left her arms, their cries grew louder, as if sensing the separation.
"Take the Demon Dragon Jade and use it on Nuo'er," Qing instructed firmly. "Don't waste it on me. And this way, you won't be punished by your clan for using such a precious artifact."
Tears welled in Situ's eyes as he nodded. He channeled his energy into the jade, which transformed into a black light and merged with the infant's chest, leaving a dragon-shaped mark. The baby quieted, their breathing stabilizing as they drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Relieved, Qing turned to the white-robed youth. "Dongfang, come here."
He stepped forward, and she gently placed the other twin in his arms. "Dongfang, I entrust Luo'er to you. Treat him as your own brother."
"Rest assured, Mistress," Dongfang replied solemnly. "I will raise him as my own."
Qing smiled faintly, then turned to Huan . "Huan … take me back to Rainbow Valley. I want to see it one last time."
Huan 's lips trembled as he gazed at her. Without a word, he gently lifted her into his arms and whispered, "Qing, we're going home."
As the two soared into the sky, Ling, Situ, and Dongfang stood silently, watching their departing figures.
"From now on, their children are our responsibility," Xiao Ling said, her voice resolute. "We'll raise them well, no matter what."
Situ and Dongfang nodded in unison, their gazes fixed on the horizon.
In Rainbow Valley, the perpetual rainbow arched gracefully over fields of seven-colored flowers. By a tranquil riverbank, Huan cradled the now-sleeping Qing, his eyes burning with anguish. As he stared at the serene beauty around him, his heart seethed with rage and despair.
He lifted his head to the heavens, his voice echoing with unyielding defiance. "If the heavens are so unjust, then let the world pay the price!"