The sun was already dipping below the horizon by the time Lin Wei got home. Covered in dust and sweat from the long hours at the smithing shop, he went straight to the small washroom behind his room. He filled a basin with cold water and splashed his face, letting the coolness run down his neck and chest.
He took off his work clothes, revealing a slim but well-toned body for an eighteen-year-old. He stood tall, about six feet, with a long neck and slightly broad shoulders. His muscles were lean and defined from years of hammering iron. His skin was lightly tanned, his jaw sharp, and his calm features had a quiet charm.
His long black hair was tied into a ponytail with a strip of red silk—a gift from his fiancée. After drying off, he put on a fresh robe made of ocean blue silk, decorated with silver patterns that shimmered softly in the evening light. Around his neck hung a simple necklace—a thin leather cord with a small blade-shaped pendant made from an unknown black metal. Neither he nor his grandfather, who were both blacksmiths, could identify the metal. They found it strange, but never thought much about it. It looked plain but carried deep memories.
Lin Wei picked up his treasured flute, carved from rare whitewood taken from the Spirit Trees, and tied it to his waist. It was time.
He left his modest home and began the three hours walk to the City Lord's residence, taking narrow paths and climbing small hills. The palace stood tall and grand, surrounded by lush gardens and towering stone walls. Lanterns lit up as night fell, guiding the way to the main entrance.
The guards greeted him with smiles and respect. They knew him well.
Inside, he met with the City Lord, Lord Qingshan, and his wife, Lady Meilin—his future in-laws.
"Ah, Lin Wei! You're always welcome here," Lord Qingshan said warmly.
They spoke in the main hall about the upcoming wedding ceremony, which was only two months away. Lin Wei shared his plans for a journey he would start the next day. He would travel to the city of Baishi—a full month away—to sell forged items and bring back gifts for the bride's family, as tradition required.
The City Lord gave him his blessing and praised his dedication. Lady Meilin smiled gently. "Our daughter is lucky to have someone with so much love and honor in his heart."
When it was time to leave, a guard was called to escort Lin Wei to the inner courtyard, but he politely refused. He knew the palace well—he had played in its halls since he was a child. Instead, he made his way to the Jade Blossom Courtyard, where his bride-to-be was waiting.
Her name was Yue Lan.
She stood under a blooming cherry tree, looking as radiant as ever. Also eighteen, she had skin like smooth jade and eyes full of warmth. Her long, silky black hair was braided and pinned with delicate moonflower-shaped ornaments. Her lavender and white dress flowed gently in the breeze, almost like mist.
She blushed when she saw him but smiled brightly.
"I must be dreaming," Lin Wei said, grinning. "How else could a blacksmith like me be engaged to a goddess in silk?
She giggled and covered her mouth. "You always say silly things.
"Because they're true," he replied as he walked closer.
Her eyes dropped to the flute tied to his waist. "Will you play for me?
Lin Wei nodded. He took the flute, closed his eyes, and began to play. A soft, soothing tune filled the air, like wind passing through a quiet forest after rain. Yue Lan sat beside him, listening quietly, her body swaying gently to the rhythm. The music seemed to reach deep into her soul.
When the song ended, silence followed, calm and peaceful.
Then Lin Wei told her about his journey—about the city he was headed to, the goods he would sell, and the gifts he planned to bring back. She listened carefully, her fingers playing with the edge of her sleeve, her eyes cast down.
"I'll miss you," she said softly.
He looked at her—clear, deep, and full of emotion.
"Yue Lan," he said gently.
She looked up. He leaned in. Their breaths mingled, and her heart beat faster. Their lips met—soft, unsure at first, then full of quiet passion. It wasn't just a kiss. It was a promise. A bond that felt like roots growing deep into the earth.
When they pulled apart, neither of them spoke. Yue Lan gently touched the pendant on his necklace.
"It's beautiful," she said.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
She nodded. "Very much."
"It was my grandmother's," Lin Wei explained. "She wasn't a cultivator—just like me. One day, while coming back from a friend's house, she stopped in the woods. She saw a strange glint in a bush while relieving herself." He smiled. "She found this and brought it home. When I turned fifteen, she gave it to me. Said it suited me."
"That is such a sweet story," Yue Lan replied. "Can I touch it?
"Of course."
As soon as her finger touched the sharp edge, she flinched. "Ah!" she gasped.
Blood welled up from her fingertip.
Lin Wei's eyes widened. He quickly took her hand, concerned. "I'm so sorry!" he said, then instinctively raised her bleeding finger to his lips and began sucking the blood to stop it.
"Lin Wei!" she exclaimed, surprised. But he didn't stop. He sucked gently until the bleeding stopped. He swallowed without thinking and did not even realize what he had done.
But something shifted.
Something inside him stirred. A force deep within him trembled, like it was waking up. Then, just as quickly, it quieted down again. Lin Wei didn't notice anything unusual.
Yue Lan looked at him with curiosity and surprise.
"You're my wife," he said simply. "It is my job to take care of you."
She smiled shyly, her cheeks glowing with affection. He kissed her forehead and gently patted her hair.
At that exact moment, the sky suddenly darkened.
Clouds rolled in fast. Lightning flashed violently across the sky. Thunder cracked loudly. Then came a heavy downpour.
Lin Wei took Yue Lan's hand and led her into the inner hall of the courtyard. They stood together, watching the storm. The lightning flashed again and again—stronger than anything they'd ever seen.
"This… this feels like a sign," Yue Lan whispered.
Lin Wei rested her head on his shoulder and began playing the flute again. The melody blended with the sound of rain, a mixture of peace and chaos.
Time passed.
When the rain finally stopped, it had left destruction behind. Roads were flooded, rooftops broken, crops ruined.
It was time for him to leave.
"Isn't it already too late to travel?" Yue Lan asked, worried.
"Don't worry," Lin Wei smiled. "Don't you trust your future husband? I'm not walking, I'll be taking a carrier."
They walked to the gate together.
He hugged her tightly and kissed her once more.
"Be ready," he said with a soft smile. "When I return, I'll come for you. And we'll build a home full of laughter, music and many little ones."
Yue Lan blushed, giggling. "I'll be waiting, flute god."
With a final wave, Lin Wei walked into the night—his heart steady, but something deeper inside him already beginning to stir.