In a secluded corner of the heavenly realm, a figure lay unconscious on a stone pedestal. The figure was none other than Jiǎo Lóng, who had been searching for Lingye in the Underworld.
Just then, a group of Underworld guards arrived, carrying Jiǎo Lóng's unconscious body. They gently laid him down on the pedestal and bowed to the heavenly Lord standing before them.
"This is the person we found in the Underworld," one of the guards explained. "He was badly injured and unconscious. We brought him here, hoping that you could help him."
The heavenly Lord, Liu Huang, nodded graciously. "Thank you for bringing him here," he said. "I will make sure to take good care of him."
Liu Huang gestured to his attendants, who quickly came forward to tend to Jiǎo Lóng's wounds. They applied herbal remedies and channeled divine energy into his body, slowly nursing him back to health.
Days passed, and Jiǎo Lóng slowly regained consciousness. As he opened his eyes, he found himself in a beautiful garden, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
"Where is this place?" Jiǎo Lóng asked, his voice weak but curious.
Liu Huang smiled and approached him. "You are in the heavenly realm, in my humble abode," he replied. "You were brought here unconscious by the Underworld guard."
Jiǎo Lóng's eyes widened in surprise. "The heavenly realm?" he repeated. "I've never been here before."
Liu Huang nodded. "Yes, this is a sacred place, home to the heavenly gods and goddesses. But do not worry, you are safe here."
Jiǎo Lóng felt a surge of gratitude toward Liu Huang. "Thank you for taking care of me," he said. "I don't know how to repay you."
Liu Huang smiled. "You don't have to repay me," he said. "But if you insist, you can make me an offer."
Jiǎo Lóng thought for a moment before speaking. "I want to be your disciple," he said. "I want to learn from you and become stronger."
Liu Huang's expression changed, and he looked at Jiǎo Lóng with a hint of surprise. "I'm not sure that's a good idea," he said. "I already have several disciples, and I'm not sure I'm willing to take on another."
Jiǎo Lóng's face fell, but he refused to give up. "Please, Lord Liu Huang," he said. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to become your disciple. I promise to work hard and not disappoint you."
Liu Huang looked at Jiǎo Lóng, seeing the determination in his eyes. He sighed, knowing that he couldn't resist Jiǎo Lóng's plea.
"Very well," Liu Huang said finally. "I will take you on as my disciple. But remember, I'm only doing this because you asked me to. You will have to work hard to prove yourself worthy."
Jiǎo Lóng's face lit up with joy, and he bowed deeply to Liu Huang. "Thank you, Lord Liu Huang," he said. "I won't disappoint you."
Liu Huang smiled, feeling a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this young man would become a powerful ally in the future.
And so, Jiǎo Lóng began his training under Liu Huang, learning the ways of the heavenly gods and goddesses. He worked hard, determined to prove himself worthy of Liu Huang's trust.
As Jiǎo Lóng trained, he couldn't help but think of Lingye. He wondered where she was, and whether she was safe. He knew that he had to find her, no matter what it took.
One day, the two heavenly Lords, Tian Shang and Liu Huang, decided to meet in Lord Tian Shang's place. Liu Huang took his new disciple, Jiǎo Lóng, along with him. As they arrived, they found Tian Shang sitting alone, sipping tea in his elegant garden.
Tian Shang welcomed Liu Huang warmly, gesturing for him to take a seat. Jiǎo Lóng remained standing, respectfully waiting for permission to sit.
"Lord Liu Huang, it's been a while," Tian Shang said, smiling. "I see you've brought someone with you. Who is this young man?"
Liu Huang looked at Jiǎo Lóng with a hint of pride. "This is my last disciple, Jiǎo Lóng," he said. "Jiǎo Lóng, greet Lord Tian Shang."
Jiǎo Lóng bowed deeply, his eyes cast downward. "Greetings, Lord Tian Shang," he said, his voice respectful.
Tian Shang nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he examined Jiǎo Lóng. "Welcome, Jiǎo Lóng," he said. "Please, take a seat."
Liu Huang turned to Tian Shang. "Where is the young goddess?" he asked. "I was hoping to meet her."
Tian Shang smiled. "Ah, you mean Lingye? I'll summon her immediately."
He ordered a servant to summon Lingye, and a few moments later, Jiǎo Lóng heard the sound of footsteps approaching. He turned to look, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw Lingye walking towards them.
Background music started playing, the music lyrics echoing in Jiǎo Lóng's mind as he stared at Lingye.
🎶In the shadows, I see your face🎶
🎶A fleeting memory, a distant place🎶
🎶My heart is breaking, my soul is torn🎶
🎶Without you, I am lost, forever forlorn🎶
Lingye passed by Jiǎo Lóng, greeting the heavenly Lords with a respectful bow. Jiǎo Lóng's eyes followed her, his heart racing with excitement.
But to his surprise, Lingye didn't seem to recognize him. She greeted the heavenly Lords as if Jiǎo Lóng was a stranger, and Jiǎo Lóng felt a pang of disappointment.
He didn't want to act aggressively, so he remained calm, his eyes fixed on Lingye as the music lyrics continued.
🎶Through the darkness, I search for your light🎶
🎶A guiding star, that shines through the night🎶
🎶I'll brave the unknown, and face my fears🎶
🎶To find you again, my love, and wipe away my tears🎶
Jiǎo Lóng's heart ached as he looked at Lingye, wondering why she didn't recognize him. He felt a surge of determination, knowing that he had to find a way to make her remember him.
But for now, he remained calm, his eyes fixed on Lingye as the heavenly Lords began to discuss important matters. Jiǎo Lóng listened intently, his mind racing with thoughts of Lingye.
After the meeting, Lingye excused herself and walked out of the garden, her elegant robes fluttering behind her. Jiǎo Lóng's eyes followed her, his heart racing with excitement. He couldn't believe that he had finally found her.
Without hesitation, Jiǎo Lóng followed Lingye, his footsteps quiet on the stone pavement. He caught up to her and called out her name.
"Lingye!"
Lingye stopped and turned around, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Jiǎo Lóng. She bowed respectfully, her voice polite.
"How may I help you, sir?"
Jiǎo Lóng's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Lingye. How could she not remember him?
"You really don't remember me?" Jiǎo Lóng asked, his voice shaking with emotion. "I've been looking for you for a hundred years."
Lingye's expression didn't change, but Jiǎo Lóng could sense a flicker of recognition in her eyes. She was acting, pretending that she didn't know him.
"I'm sorry," Lingye said, her voice cool. "Maybe you took me for the wrong person."
With that, Lingye turned and walked away, leaving Jiǎo Lóng standing behind, feeling stunned and confused. But what Jiǎo Lóng didn't know was that Lingye was just acting, pretending that she didn't know him.
In reality, Lingye remembered everything about their time together in the mortal realm. She remembered the way Jiǎo Lóng had looked at her, the way he had smiled, and the way he had held her in his arms.
As she walked away, Lingye couldn't help but wonder how Jiǎo Lóng was still alive. She had thought that he had died in the mortal realm, but here he was, standing in front of her, looking more handsome than ever.
Meanwhile, Jiǎo Lóng was still standing, trying to process what had just happened. He couldn't believe that Lingye didn't remember him.
Just then, Lord Liu Huang came out of the garden, a look of curiosity on his face.
"Jiǎo Lóng, what's wrong?" Lord Liu Huang asked, noticing the look of shock on Jiǎo Lóng's face.
Jiǎo Lóng turned to Lord Liu Huang, his eyes still wide with surprise.
" Master may I ask who she is?" Jiǎo Lóng asked, nodding towards Lingye's retreating figure.
Lord Liu Huang smiled. "That's the young goddess who was just reborn," he said. "She's a powerful deity, and we're all very excited to see her grow and develop."
Jiǎo Lóng's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with thoughts and questions. He couldn't believe that Lingye was a goddess, and he couldn't understand why she didn't remember him.