The Celestial Realm, vast and infinite, stretched like an ocean of golden clouds beneath a shimmering sky. Suspended mountains pierced the horizon like pillars, and rivers of light flowed as if time itself had come alive. At the center of it all lay a serene lake, surrounded by a garden of golden lotuses. Yet, among all the flowers, one stood out. Its golden radiance was so intense that the heavens trembled in response.
This was the moment awaited for ages.
Thousands of figures gathered around the lake — deities, immortals, and ancestral spirits. Some watched with reverence; others with skepticism. Yet all were there for a single purpose: to witness the birth of a new deity, an entity promising balance.
In the front row stood a woman with her hair elegantly tied in a bun, clad in robes as black as night. Her eyes, deep and enigmatic, were fixed on the lotus pulsing with vibrant energy. Her name was Mei Xuanling, the goddess of the oracle, whose predictions had never failed. She knew what was coming. "The Deity of Waters," as foretold in her visions, would defeat the Grand Master of Mystical Arts, whose tyranny threatened both the mortal and celestial realms. Yet one detail remained unclear: who or what this deity would be.
Suddenly, the golden lotus trembled. A gust of wind swept through the garden, and a beam of light erupted from its base. The heavens grew brighter, and the sound of an ancient melody echoed through the air. Slowly, the petals began to unfurl. Inside the lotus, wrapped in divine light, was a boy of about fourteen years old. His skin resembled porcelain bathed in light, and his midnight-black hair shimmered. When he finally opened his eyes, they revealed golden irises that seemed to hold the cosmos.
He stepped out of the lotus with a lightness that defied gravity. Stopping at the center of the lake, he stretched lazily, like someone waking from a long slumber. A faint smile formed on his lips as he glanced around.
"What a strange dream," he murmured. His voice, though youthful, carried a depth that resonated through every corner of the Celestial Realm.
Murmurs rippled through the onlookers. "A child?" "This must be a mistake!" "How could he defeat the Grand Master?" Doubts spread quickly, but Mei Xuanling remained still, her eyes fixed on the boy. She stepped forward and bowed slightly in reverence — a rare gesture from her, even to the Celestial Emperor.
"Welcome to the Celestial Realm, Liu Weishan," she said, her voice firm yet gentle.
The boy frowned, looking at her.
"Liu Weishan?" He touched his face as though testing the familiarity of a forgotten name. Suddenly, memories began to flood his mind: battles, victories, disciples kneeling before him. He had been a great master of martial arts in his past life. Yet, like sunlight fading over the horizon, the memory of his death remained unclear.
"I… died, didn't I?" he asked, more to himself than to others.
Mei Xuanling nodded.
"Yes, but now you have been reborn. You are the Deity of Waters, destined to bring balance to this world and to vanquish the Grand Master of Mystical Arts."
"Deity?" he repeated in disbelief, staring at his hands, which seemed so human. "I don't feel much different from before."
Mei Xuanling tilted her head, studying him.
"Divine power begins subtly but grows with time. Your heart will determine how you wield it."
Liu Weishan looked up at the golden sky, his fragmented memories swirling. He did not know who this "Grand Master" was, but the name evoked a disquieting connection.
"And what if I refuse?" he asked suddenly, his gaze locking onto Mei Xuanling.
A heavy silence fell over the crowd. It was a question no one dared to ask. Yet Mei Xuanling did not seem surprised.
"Then chaos will continue," she replied, her tone devoid of judgment, carrying only truth.
Weishan chuckled softly, the sound tinged with faint disdain.
"It seems I don't have much of a choice."
Mei Xuanling stepped closer.
"We all have choices, Liu Weishan. But some choices carry consequences that no one can escape."
The boy remained silent, his gaze fixed on his reflection in the lake. Liu Weishan felt the weight of something far greater than he could comprehend, but a growing curiosity stirred within him. Who was he now? And who had he been? As these questions echoed in his mind, the heavens continued to glow with golden light, proclaiming to the world the birth of a new deity — Liu Weishan, the boy reborn from a golden lotus.
The murmurs around him were inevitable. Many of the celestial beings gathered were high-ranking officials responsible for maintaining the order and prosperity of the realms. To them, Liu Weishan's emergence represented uncertainty — a potential disruption to the balance they strived to protect.
A group of soldiers approached with disciplined precision, their eyes on Mei Xuanling. Dressed in gleaming armor that reflected the golden light, they whispered something to the goddess of the oracle. Their gazes frequently flicked to Liu Weishan, evaluating him with expressions ranging from skepticism to curiosity. Mei Xuanling, however, remained serene. Her expression was an impenetrable mask, but her dark eyes, deep as an abyss, missed nothing.
"The boy isn't what we expected," one soldier murmured, his voice tinged with doubt.
"He's too young…"
"Youth does not mean incapability, and age is irrelevant to a deity," Mei Xuanling retorted sharply. "If the Dao Celestial chose him, there is a reason beyond our understanding."
Walking alongside Mei Xuanling, Liu Weishan was lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. He struggled to process what was happening. A "Deity of Water"? What did that even mean? Was he supposed to command seas, rivers, and currents? Or was his role more symbolic? The idea of divine responsibilities weighed heavily on his mind.
Something within him — a mysterious, ancient wisdom — seemed to stir. It was as if fragments of a distant memory sought to reconnect. He knew he had been someone important in his previous life, but the details remained veiled. Yet the shadow of a tragic death lingered, an unhealed wound beyond his reach.
"What do I do now?" he asked abruptly, his voice low but clear enough for Mei Xuanling to hear.
She turned her head slightly, surprised by the simplicity of the question.
"First, you learn," she replied, as if the answer were self-evident. "You learn to walk in the Celestial Realm, to understand your place here, and to master whatever lies within you."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly dissatisfied with the response.
"And if there's nothing? What if I'm just… this?"
Mei Xuanling stopped abruptly, causing Liu to halt as well. She looked at him with an intensity that seemed to pierce his very soul.
"Then the Celestial Emperor will decide your fate. Perhaps you will be sent back to the mortal world to live an ordinary life. Or perhaps… you will be destroyed."
Something in her gaze made Liu Weishan believe that possibility was not as distant as he would have liked. As he resumed walking, a gentle breeze swept through his midnight-black hair, causing it to ripple gracefully. Many among the crowd stole furtive glances at him, and the whispers persisted, audible despite their lowered tones.
"He doesn't seem special," remarked a minor deity.
"Maybe he's just an unusually pretty child." There was a muffled laugh. "Too pretty to bear the fate of the Celestial Realm."
But others, more cautious, reflected on the boy's potential.
"The golden lotus never blooms without purpose under the Dao Celestial. If Mei Xuanling remains silent about his gifts, perhaps it's because we're not yet meant to understand them."
Amidst the murmurs, Liu Weishan remained absorbed in his thoughts, indifferent to the admiring glances or veiled critiques. He was far more preoccupied with the question of who he was now — and who he was meant to become. The celestial hierarchy was clear; every being had a role, a purpose. Yet Liu Weishan was uncertain if he even belonged to the lowest rank. What would prevent him from being discarded?
And, as he walked, he looked up at the golden skies above and wondered, for the first time, what exactly fate had in store for him. Liu Weishan followed Mei Xuanling as she advanced with her steady strides, her long black robes billowing behind her like a river of shadows. Despite the consistent pace, she didn't seem to be in much of a hurry, but every movement she made exuded purpose. The young Weishan glanced around, trying to take it all in at once. To him, the celestial realm was a living tapestry, with clouds painted in hues of gold and silver moving like creatures, mysterious floating temples, and tiny spirits of light darting around crystal posts.
The immense steps ahead were undoubtedly a monumental challenge, stretching all the way to the summit of the towering palace. They appeared to have been carved from a single block of white jade, so polished that they reflected the faces of the few who dared to traverse them. For a moment, Liu Weishan found himself mesmerized, watching how the celestial sun's light danced on the stairs, creating prisms of color that spilled across the ground around him.
"Is this what I am now?" he thought. "A god?"
"Liu Weishan!" Mei Xuanling's voice jolted him back to reality.
He blinked a few times, realizing he had stopped walking without noticing. Mei Xuanling sighed and extended her hand toward him.
"We don't have time for you to marvel at every detail of the celestial realm. Take my hand."
With a light touch, he felt the air around him shift. In the blink of an eye, they were at the top of the staircase. Liu Weishan glanced downward, awestruck by the height they had reached. The wind blew fiercely there, tousling his hair and making the long sleeves of his newly formed robes ripple like flags. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Mei Xuanling remarked, noting his expression of wonder. "But if you keep staring like that, you'll become an easy target for the more experienced. Up here, appearances can deceive."
Liu Weishan tried to respond but was interrupted as she flicked his forehead lightly.
"Stop getting lost in your own thoughts. There are more important matters at hand."
She turned and strode toward the palace gates, leaving Liu Weishan with no choice but to follow. As they entered the palace, the young man felt his breath catch. The place was grand beyond the capacity of human words. Columns so tall they seemed to touch the sky supported a ceiling that reflected the vastness of a galaxy, with stars twinkling and comets streaking across its expanse. Every detail, from the intricate carvings on the walls to the floating crystal chandeliers, could only have been crafted by divine hands.
At the center of the hall, a massive golden throne commanded the space. It was immense, but not in an oppressive way. It seemed to stand as a symbol of order, of authority that needed no proclamation. Seated upon it was the celestial emperor, Zhao Mingye. He seemed less like a man and more like an incomprehensible entity. His long white hair, shining like the light of a full moon, fell to his knees. His eyes, dark as the void of space, seemed to observe everything and everyone all at once. He didn't need to move to appear imposing; his mere presence filled the hall with an almost tangible energy.
Liu Weishan felt his steps falter as he approached. Each step seemed harder than the last, as if the air around the emperor was denser, almost crushing. He tried to avert his gaze, but something in Zhao Mingye compelled him to look, challenging him not to shrink back. And when he finally reached close enough, Zhao Mingye inclined his head slightly, studying him with a gaze that seemed to pierce his soul.
"So, you are the reborn of the golden lotus," his voice was calm, but each word carried the weight of centuries. "A child... curious."
Liu Weishan swallowed hard. He didn't know how to respond, but he felt he needed to say something.
"I-I... I am Liu Weishan," he stammered, trying to sound confident.
Zhao Mingye chuckled softly, a sound that echoed through the hall like a gentle ripple.
"Yes, I know who you are. Your aura tells me more than your words ever could."
The emperor leaned back in his throne, crossing his arms with an almost amused expression.
"You are young, very young. But that is not necessarily a weakness. Sometimes, the young see the world in ways the old have long forgotten."
Liu Weishan tried to process those words, but before he could ask anything, Zhao Mingye continued:
"You likely have many questions. About who you are, why you are here, what it means to be a god. But let me tell you this: those answers do not come easily. And, more often than not, when they do come, they are not what we expected."
The boy simply nodded, unable to form a reply.
"Mei Xuanling," the emperor called, his eyes never leaving Liu. "He will be your responsibility. Teach him what he must learn. And if he fails, it will be you who answers for it."
Mei Xuanling bowed slightly in acknowledgment.
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
Liu Weishan felt a chill run down his spine. The weight of responsibility seemed greater than he could bear. But as he glanced back at Zhao Mingye, he saw something in the emperor's eyes. It wasn't just judgment; there was also a faint spark of... hope.
As they left the hall, Liu Weishan turned to Mei Xuanling, trying to conceal his confusion and unease.
"Does he... does he think I can be useful?" he asked quietly.
Mei Xuanling gave a slight smile but did not answer immediately.
"Useful or not, you are here for a reason. Discovering that reason will be your first test."
The oracle goddess walked ahead of Liu Weishan, her steps so light they barely made a sound on the smooth stone path. The wide corridors of the palace gave way to a narrower trail lined with vibrant gardens. Liu Weishan observed in silence as they moved away from the grandeur of the center and toward a more secluded area, where the sound of flowing water and the rustling of leaves in the breeze created an almost surreal atmosphere of peace.
When they finally arrived, he paused to admire the view before him. A beautiful field of roses stretched to the horizon, their colors ranging from deep crimson to pure white. At the center of the garden stood a majestic plum tree, its branches heavy with pink blossoms swaying gracefully in the wind. Beneath its shade was a small, elegant residence made of light wood.
They crossed a narrow wooden bridge over a crystal-clear pond. Lotus flowers floated on the water's surface, their petals reflecting the soft light that seemed to emanate from everywhere. Liu Weishan felt as though this place had been carved straight out of a dream. Mei Xuanling stopped by the bridge and turned to Liu Weishan, who seemed lost in his awe.
"From today onward, this will be your home," she said, her voice as calm as the surroundings. "Here, you will begin your training."
He looked at her, his eyes reflecting both curiosity and uncertainty.
"How long... will it take?"
"Five, maybe six years, if you are diligent," Mei Xuanling crossed her arms, gazing at him. "During that time, you will learn the laws of the Dao and the duties of a water god. It's not just about power; it's about stability, balance, and understanding. Your divine gifts are vast but unstable. Without control, you are nothing more than a destructive force waiting to be unleashed."
Liu Weishan nodded, still trying to process everything.
"So... I'll have to leave everything behind? My past life... my bonds?"
Mei Xuanling sighed.
"Your past life is already a distant shadow. In time, it will fade entirely. This is the price of rebirth. Your new existence will take over, shaping your destiny from now on."
She paused, observing the young man in silence before turning to leave.
"Stabilize your cultivation, Liu Weishan. And remember: a god who does not understand himself cannot protect what is under his care."
After throwing these harsh words over her shoulder, Mei Xuanling left him alone, disappearing down the rose-lined path back toward the palace. Weishan stood by the lake for a few moments, watching the lotus flowers float on the serene water. He took a deep breath and walked toward the plum tree, sitting under its welcoming shade. His fingers traced invisible patterns on the ground, and without realizing it, he began to murmur:
"The high mountain endures the snow, but it does not bend to the wind. The deep river reflects the sky, but it never holds onto the stars."
The words came out automatically, as if they were a part of who he was before. A fleeting memory, an echo of his old life. He closed his eyes, allowing the memories to wash over him. Images of his past surfaced — faces, places, laughter, and tears. But, like the petals falling from the plum tree, the memories soon faded, carried away by the winds of time. He knew that, soon, all that would remain would be fragments.
"Perhaps this is destiny," he thought. "To leave the old behind, so the new can bloom."
As the sun in the celestial realm began to set, bathing the garden in shades of gold and pink, Liu Weishan made a silent vow.
"If this is my destiny, then I will accept it. I will align myself with the Dao, master my gifts, and fulfill my role. No matter how long it takes."
To be continued...