The sky was suffused with hues of orange, yellow, and white—the luminous thousand lanterns drifting around outside the heavenly palace.
In the midst of the heavenly palace stood a mesmerizing, unfortunate "angel"—but for what was the worth of his beauty if he was shackled, restricted, and bound to the epitome of what was supposed to be good?
It's Lunar New Year, my 12800th year and 99th lifetime living in this hell! Yuan Huangqi thought to himself.
He had no use of struggling due to his knowledge of what punishment awaits him if he does.
That monstrous fucker still won't let me go, huh? Fine. He'll see what happens to his palace once I break free.
Speaking of… wasn't it that wretched obsession of his— his obsession with me—the reason why I got chained up in the first place?…?
Suddenly, the doors flung open, and his shackles shattered.
Yuan Huangqi blinked, his breath hitching. "Who are you?"
A man walked inside the prison, and his outfit consists of a modified Hechang-pao on top of a graceful Ruqun with a sheer Daxiushan around his shoulders that creates a powerful impression of a supreme noble or celestial being.
A light-colored inner robe features black-trimmed V-shaped collar which contrasts against the dark blue-black Hechang-pao that spreads like ink-stained clouds. The transparent Daxiushan clouds above him to form spiritual patterns that resemble mist or starry night.
The ensemble is secured by a black embroidered belt yaodai that carries silver decorations and delicate chains which highlight his refined, handsome nature. The fabric's gradient reflection combined with celestial designs and silver addons as well as his noble attitude gives him the look of both a wise wandering scholar and a capable swordsman from an heroic sect, perhaps even a dazzling emperor.
His complexion is pale, almost porcelain-like, he has an intense gaze fixated towards me, I would be lying if I said I didn't want to tremble and cry right then and there.
The man before me remained silent. His facial expression was... so... warm... Sincerity is not too much deep of a word for it, perhaps?
There's more to this. I can feel it.
"I said who?! Are you here to capture me?" Yuan Huangqi snapped, his eyes filled with a rage that was pent up for a very long time.
"No... I'm here to set you free." the man muttered while he extended a hand.
Setting me free was a cruel joke, it's a mockery consisting of enterprises that washes out my pitiful attempts to escape.
Yet, Yuan Huangqi took the hand and remained silent.
The man brought him in the courtyard where white plum blossoms should have bloomed, only fallen petals remained, trampled into the earth, the austere blossoms scattered around the sanctuary, where a sanctimonious god once served opulence.
They walked even further into the world that somehow, the man brought them both in. No matter the place, it was exceedingly comforting than the confines of a shackled prison.
"Naiads, Loreas, Undines, Pelagiennes—each one a whisper in the vastness of the waters. But none could stand against the Limnarch.
He is a deceitful and ancient being, the true ruler of rivers and streams, his name is woven into every stream of water there is, the truth of the ocean. To provoke the Limnarch is to awaken an old wrath, one that does not just merely stir the waters but commands them. When angered, the oceans themselves become his plaything—storms, floods, and tidal waves that sweep across the land, leaving devastation in their wake. It is said that his fury is not a force of nature, but nature itself, rearing to reclaim what it has always owned." The man exclaimed.
"I haven't caught your name yet... for me, its Yuan Huangqi..." "Call me, Xiulan'ge..."
...
"No."
As we proceeded deeper in this strange, yet soothing haven. We paused at another lovely garden, water lilies drifted on a quiet pond in the garden. The water is dark or nearly black and reflects dainty patterns from above-hanging branches. Swaying willows surround the pond with lengthy, yet wispy slender branches reflecting softly on the water.
Lotus flower blossoms bloom in clusters—their pale pink and white petals stand out against broad, flat leaves that float like lovely islands. Their long stems emerge from the depths, leading to the flowers spread out gracefully on the pond. Koi fish swam fast beneath the surface, specks of gold, white, and orange against the dark water. Now and then a fin breaks the surface sending ripples outward.
Grassed stones gently rest along the pond perimeter to exhibit a natural, tranwuil stepping path alongside its banks. The garden features blooming peonies together with orchids and water lilies which generate brilliant colors alive with the transparent sunlight. The drizling bamboo fountain creates soft sounds which mingle with nearby tree birds chirping. The tall grasses waves gently. The pond emits delicate jasmine perfumes which flow through the air.
This low stone bridge followed the water to connect both parts of the garden while its aged surface covered by mos revealed enduring care. A bamboo plantation stretched elevating its thin trunk while its extended shadows cross paths.
It was such a peaceful scenery. I couldn't believe I missed it for 800 years...
We entered through the divine architecture behind enchantment garden where we observed the walls and pillars of lacquered wood covered in detailed filigree gold patterns depicting dragons phoenixes along with auspicious clouds.
Through carved wooden lattice screens the afternoon light danced in patterns because of the floral patterns and water scene painting where the prince appeared in the designs. How aesthetically pleasing
Large silk hand-painted murals on the walls presented heavenly royal images together with imperial ceremonies and mountain scenes that shone with golden illumination.
A vaulted ceiling features golden roof tiles that let sunlight fall as if heaven has granted its divine order.
The man, or now referred to as "Xiulan'ge" glided gracefully along the steps.
Xiulan'ge gazed at Yuan Huanqi intensely, a silent invitation to follow.
I remained hesitant and wary, yet I knew I can't afford to be picky right now.