Chapter 1: Shore of Memory
Two decades passed, and the kingdom of Huǒyuán beamed above the neighbouring kingdoms. The border stood strong; the crown prince had returned from his cultivation and martial training.
Crown Prince Tiān Jùn stood before Sì Tiān Temple; he completed the monarchy rite with the queen present.
Prince Tiān Jùn's chariot rolled to a gentle halt along the winding hill's coastal road. He dismounted, standing beside it.
Sì Tiān is always the best. He took a deep breath, releasing his ethereal energy, and his imposter face faded.
He looked up at the cloud, placing his hands behind his back.
He looked around, his attention shifting to the horizon and then to the figure that broke it.
A lone figure sat at the water's edge.
She was small against the vastness of the sea, seated where the tide crept close enough to wet her toes. She did not flinch when the water reached her, nor did she retreat when it withdrew.
Tiān Jùn squinted, curiosity stirring in his chest.
Hmm…
"Was the order carried out?" His gaze remained fixed.
"Yes, my lord. The shore is supposedly empty of mere man." The general bowed slightly, straightening.
"Who is she?"
What could catch his attention?
"Your Highness, that's Mò Lián. Lord Chen's only child. Lord Chen is from the south, and married a temple keeper's daughter; Should I do more research?"
Interesting. Intrigue flickered in Tiān Jùn's sharp gaze.
"I'll be back," he waved, descending the hill.
"My lord." Before he could object, the prince dismounted, already moving, his steps lightened as he descended toward the shore.
'There are royal visitors,' she added. 'If they find you here again, the punishment will be worse.'
Yù Xuān has been scolding me,
Mò Lián sat on the lonely shore, drawing her knees to her chest, remembering Yù Xuān's words.
She stared at the endless water, the wind tugging at her hair.
"Father," she whispered to herself. "I miss you."
The waves answered, creeping to her shoes.
She didn't move; she remained seated; her gaze locked on the shimmering sea.
Footsteps approached — measured, unhurried. Not the shuffle of villagers.
Father!
"I knew you'd find me here," she mumbled, not turning. "One day."
After all, the annual festival is just a few months away. Her hope rose unbidden.
"I'll come back later," she added, her voice quieter.
The footsteps did not stop.
She let out a sigh, defeated.
Brushing damp sand from her gown, she rose to her feet, turning to her side.
"Father?"
Her gaze met a man dressed in royal robes.
She blinked in disbelief.
"This is not my father." She mumbled to herself, scanning the figure from head to toe.
He looked unreal. And that's how the rumor said the royal looked. Unearthly beautiful.
"Are you… royal?" She murmured, the words slipping out before she could stop them.
Dizziness swept over her, and she lost her balance. She wobbled.
Her knees buckled.
Tiān Jùn appeared next to her, carrying her steadily in his arms before she fell.
"Young lass," his voice calm, grounding.
Her breath skipped. Who are you?
She pulled back at once, bowing hastily.
She's bold. He smirked.
"Lián,"
What! She froze mid-step.
"You know my name?" She turned, pointing faintly at herself.
"Hard not to, aren't you famous around here?"
Grandma, please don't say you sent this person to get me home; I don't want to go home yet. She folded her arms.
"What's your name?" Her eyes narrowed; suspicion flickered across her face.
"I'm Tiān Jùn."
Tiān? Such a rare name.
"Are you unfriendly to strangers?" His lip curved upward, admiring her look.
"…Good," she mumbled. "Where are you from?"
Her folded arms released, looking at his calm eyes.
"I know everyone on this island." She pouted her lips, walking forward.
"I'm from the capital," he followed her step with a teasing smirk.
She's beautiful and smart.
"Why were you sitting out here alone?"
None of your concern, stranger. She sighed, turning to him.
"That's none of your business." Looking at him from head to toe.
You look royal, hmm… Yù Xuān surely can tell.
The water crept forward, brushing his boots.
This place's conserved energy is always overwhelming. He sat, taking a deep breath.
"Join me," he smirked as he looked up at her.
Handsome man, what do you want from me?
She adjusted, sitting a few inches away from him. "How is the capital?"
He turned to the sea, raising his face.
No! His energy slowly slipped from his hold; he turned sharply to her.
Stop looking at me like that; I could poke your eyes out.
"What? Was my question bad?" She rolled her eyeballs, turning to the sea.
"Not bad. Its streets are always busy." His breath ceased as he held his power.
Hopefully, it wasn't out.
He took a deep breath, relief watching his drained face, knowing well how destructive it would have been.
A smile tugged at his lips as she turned to him.
She smiled back, surprising herself.
Why am I smiling? I can hear my heart beat, no. She waved her head as her face straightened, looking at him.
"Your attire must have been made in the capital; it looks expensive."
"No."
Where can this material be seen then? She placed her palm on her chin, her eyes scanning the robe.
Stop guessing, I just returned to this realm. His heart rose, staring at her troubled face.
Her gaze stopped at the brocade on his sleeve.
Father has this in his stock.
"This should be from a royal store." She scratched her chin, giving him a funny look.
Their conversation varied on random topics.
He never mentioned who he was; he sat locked in her bright eyes.
When the sun dipped low, staining the sea with gold, he walked her home.
The seaside was both their favourite place; they always coincidentally met, and their friendship became stronger.
The monarch's rite week was to an end; the royal family's departure was here.
It had been two weeks, and the royal family was to return to the capital.
At the throne hall…
The evening breeze swayed as royal soldiers marched past the temple.
The Queen Yù Yuè sat on her throne, controlling her ethereal energy.
The high priest stood at the center of the hall, holding his staff.
"Don't forget — the spell scroll is the only way." Urgency filled his tone as he rose into the air.
Only if you understand how hard his majesty is. Queen Yù Yuè beamed, releasing her energy slightly.
"Thank you, Your Holiness. I'll do my best to convince His Highness."
The high priest spun, dissolving into the air.
Queen Yù Yuè took a deep breath, holding her gown.
"Jùn." She turned to her right, and her son appeared, sitting in his seat.
Her grip on her gown released as she rose to her feet.
"How was your meeting with the island chief?"
Her majestic royal robe swept the marbled floor as she descended the throne stairs.
"It went well, Your Highness."
That old man must have been so annoying.
He had been waiting for the priest to leave.
"Did you receive His Highness ' call? Your duty here is completed." She turned to him, smiling.
"I have something to attend to before we leave." He rose to his feet, bowing subtly.
Without waiting, he dissolved into the air.
Son? Her soft gaze narrowed.
"Yán Lǐng!"
The general appeared before her, bowing. "Your Highness."
"My son has changed. Why?"
Her son never liked attending functions, so how does he have something to attend? She turned to him, her gaze filled with nothing but questions.
"His Majesty... noticed a young maid." He swallowed hard, unsure of her next move.
"Do I need to remind you of your task?" Her icy voice echoed in the hall.
He bowed deeply and led her to the great sea.
They appeared at Sì Tiān's shoreline.
They were immersed in the air, watching the villagers do their activities.
Queen Yù Yuè grew tired of waiting for her son; she disappeared, returning to the palace.
The shore stretched far in all directions; its soil was covered with footprints of different sizes.
It was late evening; children and parents returned home. It was dead slight.
Mò Lián sat in silence; the sea waves lapped softly before her.
It's been two weeks already, and she hasn't heard from Yù Xuān.
She sighed, looking at the water.
"It's boring out here," she mumbled, standing up.
"Why is Yù Xuān always busy?" She spoke to herself, demonstrating.
Every time, every day, every year!
"Pray, pray, pray. Every day incense." She dusted her palm, turning to leave.
But her gaze caught a figure from a short distance.
She stood, straining her gaze as the figure approached.
"Old woman, you must be blind now." The figure neared, raising sand from the ground.
She adjusted.
"Jùn?" She knew that height.
He threw the sand at her, laughing.
"Old woman!" he laughed out, scooping the sand again.
"You… Stop… Jùn!" she ran, covering her hair.
He chased after her, throwing sand at her.
"Aren't you smart?" He kept throwing sand at her.
"I was only pitying your expensive dress." She spun, beaming at her evil thought, and they collided.
She lost balance; he caught her in his arms, not at her waist, but under her thighs, and lifting her gently, his hand cradled the curve of her ass with unconscious boldness.
She pulled out, but her mind was still on ruining his attire.
"How about this?" She quickly scooped a huge amount of moist soil and plastered it on his face.
She burst into laughter, running to the sea.
"Run as you can." He scooped the wet soil and chased after her.
They played like children.
"You started it!" She splashed water on him.
"You are more dangerous than I expected." He laughed, dodging the splash.
"That's why I'm popular." She laughed, using her two palms to splash the water.
When the sun kissed the sea, they sat beside each other, drenched in water. She rested her head on his broad shoulder.
"You're not telling me something, Jùn," she said with a pout.
"I'm leaving tomorrow," he whispered.
"What?" She pulled away. Looking into his sparkling eyes.
Why do I feel bad? He sat still, guilty of his words.
"I'm returning to the capital."
She sat in silence, pinching her finger.
"Will you miss me?" he teased, noticing her fighting fingers. "Hmm? Why does your face look like that now?"
She stood to leave, but he caught her wrist, pulling her from moving.
"What?" she mumbled, not looking at his face.
'Why do you like the shore?'
'It's calm, just like a safe place.'
She remembered his words; she shut her eyes, trying to stand upright.
Her movement ached his heart, and he stood up, holding her chin.
"I will come back." He mumbled, with heaviness weighing in his heart.
Why can't I see her thoughts? His heart hammered.
"I'm sorry."
"So I'll be lonely again..." she murmured, her voice breaking as tears dropped from her eyes.
"You are not," he whispered, pulling her into a fierce embrace.
High above the shore, invisible. Queen Yù Yuè froze. Her heart beat wildly in her chest.
He closed his eyes, the weight of the moment settling deep in his chest.
He felt tears on his neck, and he patted her hair.
He felt her aching heart. It was the first time he did, and he wondered how lonely she must have been.
She didn't release from his embrace.
At dawn, the royal procession began.
Tiān Jùn did not look back.
He dissolved into the air as his masked face warned out.
He said nothing about his encounter, but Mò Lián's absence felt heavier than his sword.
The warmth of the sea was gone, replaced by monarch authority and power.
He appeared in the king's hall as the summons awaited.
King Tiān Lóngxuān stood alone before the throne, golden light flickering at his feet.
The air was shocked with incense and toxic aura, and the candlelight flickered until it went out.