The four of them were walking along a path to leave the mountainous area.
"Little one, how should I call you?" - Xiao-Ri
"Ah, just call me Xiao-Ran." - Leinui
"Really?" - Yao-Shi
Leinui Yoran nodded.
"Mm."
"Alright then." - Xiao-Ri
"Xiao-Ran, how long has it been since you came down the mountain?" - Yao-Shi
"Maybe two or three years ago?" - Leinui
"What? You said you often go to settlements? Do you even remember the way?" - Xiao-Ri
"That was often for me." - Leinui
"Xiao-Ran, are there any other creatures besides you here?" - Zhao Tian
"Of course, like frogs almost the size of trees. And quite often, creatures from outside come here too." - Leinui
"Frogs? Disgusting, I've never liked frogs." - Yao-Shi shivered at the thought.
"Disgusting? Why are you so rude?" - Xiao-Ri
"Really? The problem is, we'll definitely encounter it when heading down. It's always around the trees at the mountain entrance." - Leinui
"But we didn't see it earlier." - Zhao Tian
"Maybe because it was handling some personal matters. I often call it Grandpa." - Leinui
"Why'd you call a frog grandpa?"-Xiao ri
They arrived at the place where Leinui said the giant frog usually appeared.
"Old Grandpa, come out!" - Leinui
Then, a huge frog appeared before them, emerging from behind the trees.
"Why did you call me? That's unusual."
Upon seeing a hug Frog that suddenly appear "There is really a frog this size"-Xiao tian
Yao-Shi hid behind Xiao-Ri upon seeing the frog.
"What are you scared of?" - Xiao-Ri
"Shut up." - Yao-Shi
The frog transformed into an old man with white hair, looking elegant in dark green robes.
Seeing that, Xiao-Ri turned toward Yao-Shi, frowning.
"What are you staring at?" - Yao-Shi
"Nothing." - Xiao-Ri turned back to Leinui.
"Grandpa, I'm leaving." - Leinui
"Where to? Down the mountain again? Suit yourself."
"No, this time I might not come back. I'm going on an adventure, Grandpa." - Leinui
"With them?"
Leinui nodded. "Mm."
The old man walked toward Xiao-Ri, Zhao Tian, and Yao-Shi.
"Please take care of this child. He's mischievous, but always listens to me. Please watch over him while he's with you. Thank you."
The three of them nodded.
"Don't worry." - Xiao-Ri
"We'll take good care of him." - Yao-Shi
"I can protect myself too!" - Leinui pouted.
"Hush."
The old man extended his hand and summoned a green-colored spear, handing it to Leinui.
Leinui stared, surprised. "?? For me?" - Leinui
The old man nodded slowly.
Leinui took the spear and examined it.
"No way, Grandpa's really giving this to me?" - Leinui
"Yes."
Zhao Tian looked up at the sky, now covered with dark clouds.
"Master, we should go. Looks like it's going to rain." - Zhao Tian
"Alright." - Xiao-Ri
"Sorry for interrupting, but we need to find an inn before the rain" - Xiao-Ri
"Very well then. Yoran, go on."
"Thank you. We'll head out first." - Yao-Shi
The three of them started walking, but Leinui was still in shock. Noticing this, Zhao Tian tugged on Leinui's clothes.
As they walked, Leinui turned back and shouted,
"THANK YOU, GRANDPA! I'LL VISIT AGAIN, I PROMISE!!" - Leinui
The old man simply waved with a smile.
"Another boring day on the mountain... I just hope that spear serves him well."
The four of them arrived back at the settlement just as the rain began to fall.
"Young Master, please wait under shelter. I'll go find an inn." - Zhao Tian
"Alright, be careful." - Xiao-Ri
Xiao-Ri, Yao-Shi, and Leinui Yoran took shelter under a covered spot.
Xiao-Ri summoned fire from his hand to keep them warm.
"A-Xiao, don't you usually bring an umbrella? That's odd." - Yao-Shi
"I gave it to Zhao Tian." - Xiao-Ri
"Jiejie." - Leinui
"What is it, Xiao-Ran?" - Yao-Shi
"Can you shrink this spear so I can carry it more easily?" - Leinui
"Of course." - Yao-Shi
Suddenly Zhao Tian arrived.
"Let's go, young Master. I've found a place." - Zhao Tian
"Let's go!" - Xiao-Ri ran after Zhao Tian, followed by the others.
Once they arrived at the inn and sat at the dining area:
Yao-Shi took out her guzheng, with the spear placed in front of her.
She gently played a melody.
The spear shrunk down to the size of a twig.
"You're amazing, jie! Thank you!" - Leinui
Yao-Shi smiled and handed the small spear to Leinui.
"Is that spear special?" - Xiao-Ri
"Of course! It's a gift from Grandpa. Of course it's special." - Leinui
"Right. What a dumb question, A-Xiao." - Yao-Shi
"Grandpa always told me stories about this spear. I thought they were just fairy tales he made up... who would've thought they were real?" - Leinui
"Just like when Uncle used to tell me his stories." - Xiao-Ri glanced at Zhao Tian, who smiled in agreement with his master.
Leinui held his stomach and pouted at Yao-Shi.
"Jie jie, I'm hungry." - Leinui
"Should we order food?" - Yao-Shi smiled.
"Zhao Tian, please order something." - Xiao-Ri
Zhao Tian immediately stood up and went to the staff to order.
After their food arrived, Leinui began eating.
"Slow down." - Yao-Shi
"Mm." - Leinui
"Little one, what do you usually do up on that mountain?" - Xiao-Ri
"I search for food, train my powers, or meditate with Grandpa by the waterfall." - Leinui
"Who is your grandpa, really?" - Zhao Tian
"His name is Ling Wansheng. When I first arrived on the mountain, he was the first person I met." - Leinui said while eating.
Xiao-Ri, Yao-Shi, and Zhao Tian exchanged glances.
"Ling Wansheng?" - Xiao-Ri
"General Ling Wansheng? No way." - Yao-Shi
"You know him? A general? I don't know about that, but he once told me he fought someone powerful, and he always told me stories about it." - Leinui continued eating calmly.
"Can you tell us one of those stories?" - Xiao-Ri
Leinui looked at Xiao-Ri.
"Now? It's hard to tell right now. Maybe next time." - Leinui kept eating.
Xiao-Ri looked like he was about to smack him on the head.
Yao-Shi smiled gently. "Alright, Yoran." - Yao-Shi
Leinui noticed Yao-Shi suddenly calling him Yoran.
"Is that okay?" - Yao-Shi asked.
Leinui smiled between bites.
"Of course." - Leinui
Yao-Shi smiled. "Go on, eat." - Yao-Shi
She stood up and left.
"Where are you going?" - Xiao-Ri
"I'm going to practice my guzheng a bit and then sleep. A beautiful woman like me can't stay up too late, or my skin will suffer." - Yao-Shi headed to her room.
Xiao-Ri clicked his tongue. Then suddenly-
"Hey! Jiejie I'm coming too!" - Leinui tried to stand up, but Xiao-Ri held his shoulder down.
"Where do you think you're going, little one?" - Xiao-Ri smirked mischievously.
Seeing that expression, Leinui grinned back.
As he was about to stand up again, he was lifted up...
"You'll be sleeping with us tonight," said Xiao-Ri.
"JIE JIE, JIEJIE!!" Leinui shouted, hoping his voice would reach Yao-Shi.
Meanwhile...
In the northern area of the kingdom, still within the forest and surrounded by large trees
A massive tree was encircled by crows. Inside the tree, a man dressed in black and red appeared to be trapped, sitting on a large stone. Beside him was a snake, sound asleep.
The man still had his eyes closed.
---
Back to Xiao-Ri
Morning had arrived. The sky had not yet lit up, and Xiao-Ri was sitting alone on the roof of their lodging.
He let out a sigh when suddenly Zhao Tian appeared.
"What are you doing up here so early, Young master?" Zhao Tian sat beside him.
"Waiting for the sun to shine its light," said Xiao-Ri.
"Very well, then I'll accompany you," said Zhao Tian.
"How did you know I was here?" asked Xiao-Ri.
"I just stepped out for some fresh air and saw you sitting alone on the roof," Zhao Tian replied.
"Then... what about Leinui? He's alone," Xiao-Ri said with concern.
"Don't worry, young master. Miss Yao-Shi is already awake. She'll be with him," Zhao Tian reassured.
"Alright," Xiao-Ri nodded.
He closed his eyes to feel the fresh breeze.
"Zhao Tian, you can just call me A-Xiao. I don't mind," Xiao-Ri said.
Zhao Tian looked at him, startled. "N-no, I wouldn't dare-"
"Come on, just try. You're only three years older than me, and I already think of you like a gege," Xiao-Ri insisted.
(*Gege = older brother)
Zhao Tian stayed silent, not replying.
"Just give it a try," Xiao-Ri said again, knowing Zhao Tian's hesitation. They had been together for so long that Xiao-Ri understood him completely - and Zhao Tian, him.
"A... A-Xiao?" Zhao Tian said.
Xiao-Ri cleared his throat and smiled slightly, eyes still closed.
"A-Xiao," Zhao Tian repeated.
Xiao-Ri opened his eyes.
"See? You can do it," he said proudly.
"Are you really sure it's okay?" Zhao Tian asked.
"Of course! I'm the one who told you," Xiao-Ri replied.
The dark clouds slowly drifted away, revealing the bright morning sun.
Xiao-Ri closed his eyes again and enjoyed the morning breeze.
Soon after, voices came from below - Yao-Shi and Leinui calling out to them.
"A-Xiao, let's go!" Yao-Shi shouted.
"Tian gege, come down!" Leinui called, eating a steamed bun while holding another one in his left hand.
Hearing that, Xiao-Ri and Zhao Tian climbed down from the roof.
"How was it? Refreshing?" Yao-Shi teased.
"Of course," Xiao-Ri replied.
Leinui handed the extra steamed bun to Zhao Tian with a smile.
"Thank you," Zhao Tian said.
Leinui smiled brightly.
Seeing that, Xiao-Ri immediately felt jealous. "Ei?? Where's mine?"
Leinui smirked at Xiao-Ri. "Get it yourself. This one was given to me by Yao jiejie."
"You little-" Xiao-Ri started.
Yao-Shi handed a steamed bun she brought to Xiao-Ri.
"Here, eat this," she said.
Xiao-Ri frowned. "Did you eat already?"
Yao-Shi nodded softly. "Yes, Yoran and I had soup earlier."
"Alright," Xiao-Ri said, taking the steamed bun and eating it.
"Let's go," Xiao-Ri said.
The four of them stepped out of the inn and resumed their journey.
On the other side (Northern region of the Bei Xiao-Ri family kingdom)
A beautiful woman stood in front of a large tree. She wore a pink outfit mixed with white, exuding elegance.
Gracefully, she stood there, brushing away fallen leaves around her, letting out a sigh and speaking,
"The world has become so chaotic since you've been gone, oh beautiful night sky... Come back. I want us to gaze at the stars together again and breathe in the cool night air."
Slowly, the woman placed a few small pink and white flowers on the ground, then left the forest area.
---
Meanwhile...
Xiao-Ri, Zhao Tian, Yao-Shi, and Leinui Yoran were walking along a narrow path surrounded by forest under the night sky.
Yoran was being carried by Zhao Tian and had fallen asleep in his arms.
Yao-Shi looked around.
"How about we take a break?" - Yao-Shi
Xiao-Ri looked ahead and pointed toward a large tree with his sword.
"Let's rest over there."
Once they arrived, they sat on a large fallen branch beneath the tree.
Zhao Tian gently laid Yoran against the trunk.
"Young Master, I'll go gather some twigs." - Zhao Tian
Xiao-Ri gave permission with a wave of his fan, and Zhao Tian left.
Yoran leaned against Yao-Shi's shoulder, while Yao-Shi, feeling a bit cold, tried to warm his hands.
Seeing this, Xiao-Ri created a small flame from his hand to make the surroundings less chilly. Yao-Shi smiled.
Not long after, Zhao Tian returned with a bunch of small branches and placed them in front of them.
"Wait-didn't you say just a few? Why bring so many?" - Xiao-Ri was surprised at how many branches Zhao Tian brought.
"So the fire lasts longer. That way, you don't need to use your spiritual energy for too long. You'll tire yourself out." - Zhao Tian sat down, arranging the twigs and mixing them with dry leaves nearby.
Xiao-Ri could only smile and threw his flame onto the pile, which caught fire easily.
"Young Master, where are we heading tomorrow?" - Zhao Tian
"Secret." - Xiao-Ri, preparing to sleep
Zhao Tian had already prepared a resting place for his young master-a large leaf as a mat and a bunch of small leaves tied together as a pillow.
"Zhao Tian, you should sleep too." - Xiao-Ri said with his eyes closed.
"I'll sleep after you've fallen asleep, Young Master." - Zhao Tian
Yao-Shi had already been asleep for a while.
---
Elsewhere...
"So, how's their journey going?"
"They just came from Mount Shui Tuan. I still don't know where they're heading next."
"Keep following them."
"Yes, Sir."
---
Morning arrives. Xiao-Ri, Zhao Tian, Yao-Shi, and Yoran are back on the road.
"So where are we actually going?" - Yoran
"I want to accompany someone." - Xiao-Ri
"Who?" - Yoran
Xiao-Ri looked at Yoran with a sly expression, "Curious little one..my uncle."
"Oohh..." - Yoran
"Young Master, in that case, aren't we heading south?" - Zhao Tian
"Yes." - Xiao-Ri
"Can we stop and eat a bit? I'm just a child who needs nutrients to grow." - Yoran
Xiao-Ri turned to Yoran and placed a hand on his head, ruffling his hair. "No." Then continued walking.
"What do you mean no? We need energy too, and so do you!" - Yoran
Yao-Shi smiled. "There should be a tavern up ahead. We can stop and rest there."
"Jiejie, you really are the best!" - Yoran
And sure enough, not long after, they reached a tavern and stopped there to order food.
"So, Yoran, can you now tell us about your grandfather?" - Yao-Shi
"Of course, I'd be happy to." - Yoran
The three of them listened carefully to Yoran's story.
---
Flashback
Back when Ling Wansheng was still in his teenage years and served the Celestial Realm.
At that time, Ling Wansheng was a half-god tasked with guarding the library that held the secrets of the heavens.
"A-Ling, there's word that messengers will be sent to the human realm. Will you go?" - asked one of Ling Wansheng's friends while they were on duty together.
"I don't know. The human world has been peaceful lately, and there haven't been many demon sightings. If no one guards the Celestial Realm because the gods go to the mortal world, wouldn't that be dangerous?" - Ling Wansheng organized the books.
"Come on, it's been 100 years since the last time this happened. And you didn't go then either."
"And I won't go this time either." - Ling Wansheng
"You-" His friend's words were cut off when someone entered the library and approached Ling Wansheng.
"Ling Wansheng, the gods request your presence. Please proceed to the second hall later."
"Understood."
The person bowed before leaving, and Ling Wansheng bowed in return.
"Come on..." - his friend tried to persuade him again.
"I can't..." - Ling Wansheng
The friend sighed. "Alright then, I have to go now. But if you change your mind, let me know. See you later!"
His friend left.
Night fell in the Celestial Realm, and Ling Wansheng now stood inside the second hall.
Ling Wansheng bowed. "Ling Wansheng, reporting to the deities."
In the second hall sat three gods and one goddess: the God of Earth, the God of Virtue, the God of Justice, and the Goddess of Animal Protection.
"Raise your head."
"Ling Wansheng, please take a seat."
Ling Wansheng sat down where he was directed.
"Sorry for taking your time, Ling Wansheng."
"Not at all, I can be called anytime." - Ling Wansheng
"Good. We've summoned you to discuss something."
"A call to descend to the mortal world will come soon. Gods and goddesses are free to go down to Earth."
"Will you be going?"
"I won't be descending." - Ling Wansheng
"Why not?"
"I feel like too many have already gone down, so I've decided to stay and guard the heavenly secrets." - Ling Wansheng
"A noble dedication, but unfortunately, this isn't a request-it's a command."
"A command for you to descend to the mortal world."
Ling Wansheng looked at the gods with a puzzled expression.
"If I may ask... why? For what reason?"
"There's something curious happening-though everything seems peaceful, it's too quiet, unlike 500 years ago.
We want you to observe and monitor for anything suspicious."
"Whether demons or criminal activity-you are our envoy to the mortal world."
"Will you accept, Ling Wansheng?"
Ling Wansheng paused for a moment. "I'm sorry, Goddess. May I have some time to think about it?"
"Very well. Take your time. Once you've decided, come see us."
"But the descent is scheduled in two days, so we can only give you one day to decide."
"That's more than enough. Then if you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave." - Ling Wansheng bowed and left.
Ling Wansheng returned to the library and met his friend again.
"So? What did you talk about with the gods?"
"They want me to descend to the mortal world." - Ling Wansheng sat on a chair.
His friend smiled excitedly. "That's great! You can come with me then. So, are you accepting it?"
"I'm still thinking about it." - Ling Wansheng
"What is there to think about? Just accept it! I'll go with you."
Ling Wansheng gave his friend a sharp look. "Shh. Get back to work. You've been running around all day and left the library to me, haven't you?"
"Hehe, A-Ling, don't be so mean!" - His friend hugged him.
"I'm going to rest. Time for you to work." - Ling Wansheng walked off.
"A-Ling, DON'T FORGET TO SAY YES!" - His friend shouted as Ling Wansheng walked away.
The Next Day
Ling Wansheng was eating when suddenly someone knocked on the door. Without any warning, that person walked in and sat directly in front of Wansheng.
"What? Coming to me this early in the morning?" - Ling Wansheng
His friend from the other day smiled at him. "Of course, I'm here to interrogate you. So? What's your decision?"
Ling Wansheng answered while still eating, "I'm going."
His friend's face lit up. "Really?! Finally... I'll help you get ready!"
Ling Wansheng finished his meal and got up to leave. His friend followed him.
"Where are you going?"
"I need to inform the gods first," - Ling Wansheng
"Alright, I'll wait for you in the library."
Ling Wansheng went to the second hall. Once he arrived, only the God of Justice was there. Ling Wansheng bowed to him.
"Sit down."
"So? What's your decision? We're not forcing you. If you can't do it, we can ask someone else. You don't have to feel bad."
"It's alright, God. I came here to give my answer-and my decision is that I accept it." - Ling Wansheng
"Very well then. Thank you for your decision, Ling Wansheng."
"Yes, God."
"Since you've accepted the offer, I must inform you of this: you will descend to the mortal realm where your status will remain as a half-god and half-human. Your powers will not change. However, your age will follow that of a normal human."
Ling Wansheng stared at the god in confusion.
"You'll descend to the mortal world as an envoy for a span of 30 human years. If you can endure for that long, we will come to bring you back to the heavens."
Ling Wansheng didn't respond-he just looked ahead with a blank stare.
"If you're hesitant, you may still inform me before it's too late."
"... No, God. I'll still accept." - Ling Wansheng
"Very well then. Stand."
Ling Wansheng obeyed. The god then summoned his power and marked Ling Wansheng's hand. "That's a sign so the gods can always find you."
"Thank you very much, God." - Ling Wansheng bowed.
"Alright, you may leave and prepare for tomorrow."
Ling Wansheng left the hall. After arriving at the library, his friend approached him.
"So?"
"Yes. Will you accompany me?" - Ling Wansheng
"Of course. For how long?"
"Thirty years." - Ling Wansheng
"Thirty years?! Why thirty years in the mortal realm?!" - His friend was shocked.
"What about it?" - Ling Wansheng
"Because usually gods/goddesses are only allowed to stay in the human world for one week at most."
"I'm sorry, A-Ling, but I'll accompany you for only a week."
Ling Wansheng sighed.
"Don't worry. You're an envoy of the gods-and that's a great thing..." - his friend tried to comfort him.
"Come on, let me help you prepare. We're descending tomorrow, right? You'll be in the human world for thirty years. Stand up."
His friend pulled Ling Wansheng to his feet, and then they went to his room.
The Next Day
At the gates of the heavens, many gods and goddesses had already gathered.
"A-Ling, ready? Let's go down."
The two of them descended and landed at a shrine to the gods located on a mountain.
His friend walked a few steps forward and took a deep breath.
"Finally..."
"It feels strange." - Ling Wansheng
"That's because it's been a long time since you descended. That's why you should come when I invite you."
"So where are we going now?" - Ling Wansheng
"There should be a settlement nearby. Let's head down."
"Shen Li, how many times have you descended to the human world?" - Ling Wansheng
"Seems like I go down every time there's an announcement." - Shen Li
They descended the mountain and reached a rather bustling settlement.
"Finally. Come on, A-Ling, I'll take you for a walk so that when I leave, you won't look like a lost soul." - Shen Li
Ling Wansheng simply followed.
"First, let's find a place to stay. It could be an inn or maybe I'll buy a house for us to live in-that is, if you have money, A-Ling." - Shen Li
"What about the money?" - Ling Wansheng
"Well, you'll have to work for it. But don't we usually receive something from the heavens to bring to the mortal realm...? Maybe you can sell it for a high price." - Shen Li
Ling Wansheng just listened to Shen Li's explanation.
"Come on, let's go to the inn, drop off our things, and after that I'll take you around to get used to this mortal world that you will be living." - Shen Li