The Grand Palace was the house of Lord Wen. It was his sole responsibility to protect it and the beings associated with the Grand Palace. In general, it means he is responsible for all the exorcists that exist between the human life and death. For any harm that must come along an exorcist's way, he would be questioned first.
For this reason, Lord Wen had to take an important decision for his only disciple. This disciple was none other than Wang Lei. For many centuries, Wang Lei had exorcised countless Revenants.
Revenants were souls that were supposed to depart from humankind to go on the next life but dragged back due to wrath. Wraths and grudges make these Revenants stay and cause annoyance to humans, sometimes even harm them.
Some Revenants' wraths are so strong that they can even kill humans. Normal human exorcists can only do much. Therefore, to completely annihilate these Revenants, imperial exorcists are made.
Imperial exorcists were also once humans. These exorcists are different from human exorcists. To kill Revenants, you need to use imeprial weapons for exorcism. However, these weapons cannot be contained by a mere human.
When a human stands at the brink of death, the emotions surging within their soul decide whether they are worthy of a second life. If the will to survive burns strong enough, it sends a silent pulse into the ether, an unspoken cry that reaches the nearest Imperial Exorcist. Should the Exorcist answer, they may bestow upon the dying human a fragment of their own power, a quarter of their essence, granting the soul a chance at rebirth.
The Imperial Exorcist is automatically known as the Saviour to the rebirthed Exorcist.
Lord Wen sat silently upon his silver throne, lost in thought. A strand of his golden hair slipped forward, brushing against his lashes before he gently tucked it behind his headpiece. The golden ornament was crafted with such intricate detail that no other could compare; it was as if it had been made for him alone. Its brilliance reflected his own, regal and untamed.
He wore a robe of white and gold, embroidered with faint patterns of yellow clouds that shimmered softly when the light touched them.
Most would imagine the ruler of such a grand palace to be an old and wise man. Yet Lord Wen was only seventeen. Despite his youth, his calm gaze and quiet strength carried the weight of authority. One could only wonder how much power lay behind that serene expression -- enough, perhaps, to make even the heavens bow.
"I believe he's already here," said a calm voice.
Across from Lord Wen sat a woman in her thirties, her tone gentle yet steady. She wore a robe of soft lavender, its design almost mirroring his own. Yet where Lord Wen radiated with brilliance and grandeur, she bloomed with grace and fragrance. Her robe was adorned with delicate patterns of petals, perhaps jasmine, each one seeming to carry the faint scent of spring. Rather than a headpiece, she wore a finger bracelet woven entirely from flower stems.
"MeiLan." Lord Wen called, "I have made a decision. But it is up to him if he wants to accept it. I won't force him."
"Master Wen, I'm sure your decision would be his choice. " MeiLan crosssed her long pale fingers together into a ball.
The door creaked open, and a servant woman stepped inside, bowing respectfully to greet her elders. Behind her, another figure followed -- a tall man whose presence seemed to command the very air around him.
He had broad shoulders and deep green eyes that gleamed with quiet intensity. His sleek black hair was swept to one side, highlighting the sharp lines of his face. He wore a sleeveless, high-collared vest of dark turquoise, its sides split at the hem and embroidered with faint threads of gold that shimmered with every movement. The clothes were so fit that his muscles and abs could be very clearky defined. Around his waist, a golden belt cinched the vest snugly, from which hung his jade sword, polished to a gleaming perfection.
White trousers complemented the ensemble, and his shoes shone faintly with the glint of imperial gold. A single golden earring dangled from his left ear, catching the light as he moved. Every detail, from his attire to his stance, radiated power and elegance. There was no doubt about it -- this man was more than extraordinary.
"Come in, Wang Lei."
Lord Wen forwarded his arms as to welcome his disciple. MeiLan slightly bowed, her white lashes brushing against her eyelids as she closed. Wang Lei followed the same to respect his superiors.
He walked towards them with a stern look on his face. It didn't seem like he was really excited to meet them after all these centuries. It was afterall, his first time meeting them in person after his rebirth. It didn't look like it but he was really brimming with excitement inside.
Lord Wen gestured for him to sit, and the man stepped forward, taking his place with quiet grace. The conference hall before them was unlike anything found in the mortal realm; vast and resplendent, its golden walls adorned with intricate celestial patterns.
At the center of the room floated a grand table, carved from silverstone and suspended in midair without a single leg to support it. Around it stood five silver chairs, each crafted with delicate precision. Yet among them, one stood apart -- a throne of gleaming silver and gold, adorned with cloud motifs and radiant gems. It was a seat that could belong to no one else but Lord Wen himself.
MeiLan quiety strode towards the servant woman and whispered, "What is he wearing?"
"Didn't you like it? I figured his biceps would be a waste if not shown off," she seemed proud of the attire she had chosen for him.
"At least you could have picked up something that would suit his face."
"What do you mean? He looks handsome!"
MeiLan sighed. The servant woman had not changed ever since she was a human. She was a sucker for hot men, regardless of what they were.
"He is, without a doubt, handsome. You could have atleast thought about his preference..."
Clearly, no one at the room was accustomed to seeing Wang Lei in such revealing clothes. He had always worn full sleeved turtlenecks with black color being the most prominent color for his attire. However, MeiLan could not disagree that Wang Lei really looked handsome in the change of clothes. If he had continued to wear such vibrant clothing, maybe MeiLan would not be as surprised as she was today as she was used to seeing him wear funeral clothes.
After Wang Lei took a seat, the woman servant bowed and quietly left to give privacy. MeiLan followed and took a seat as well. Lord Wen sat on his throne as usual, Wang Lei sat exactly on the opposite side and MeiLan on the seat between the left sides of them.
"You look healthy and well, Wang Lei." Lord Wen began.
"Likewise," Wang Lei replied with barely any emotions.
"...."
"How was your previous quest?" MeiLan broke the silence.
"It was successful."
Of course, Wang Lei wasn't much of a speaker. He only speaks through actions and the most he have spoken was to Revenants. He had no friends in this realm but a deep respect for Lord Wen and MeiLan. Even that, he was not able to express. MeiLan felt an inevitable awkwardness raging towards her. She wanted to start a conversation but it ended before it could even start.
Lord Wen noticed it. He knew Wang Lei was not good at communicating, it was not a subject of disrespect either.
"You must know why I summoned you today."
"...."
"All these years, you have shown great work. You have exorcised many Revenants and you are the most feared exorcist. I'm proud to have taken you in. "
"...."
Lord Wen wasn't expecting much of a response anyway and continued.
"However, I noticed that the scent of revenants have grown stronger in you. I can't blame you because you were on a mission of killing spree. This was bound to happen. Your sole mission was to eradicate evil from its roots."
"...Yes."
"If the scent grows stronger, it can affect you. Your heart will be corrupted and you will eventually lose control. It may result in killing you. I do not want that kind of ending for you."
Lord Wen glanced at MeiLan to carry it from there.
"So Master Wen has taken a very difficult decision for you. It is for your best. Consider it your retirement."
"...I will be called off from my duties?"
"No, Wang Lei. You have done nothing wrong," MeiLan explained, "Every Imperial Exorcist wishes to be a Territory Guardian. Do you know what that is?"
"...."
"Territory Guardians are exactly as the name suggests," Lord Wen began, his tone calm yet commanding. "I am one myself. My domain is the Grand Palace and everything within its reach falls under my protection. It is my duty to defend all who dwell here with my full strength.
Likewise, certain territories in the human realm have been plagued by an increasing number of Revenants over the years. To maintain order, a Guardian is assigned to each of those regions, taking full responsibility for all that occurs within their borders.
Your duties will remain within your assigned territory. With the power you possess, I doubt any Revenant would dare set foot near it, so your work should be minimal."
Though Wang Lei barely had any emotions, it seemed as if he was drooping when he heard the last sentence.
"However..." Wang Lei looked up as he continued, "The Territory I will be assigning you has an unusual Revenant reported. You must investigate and exorcise it accordingly."
"Master Wen," Wang Lei finally spoke. MeiLan listened intently. "Where will I be assigned?"
Lord Wen and MeiLan looked at each other for a split second. Lord Wen slightly nodded and continued, "The kingdom of Joseon."
Joseon. That was where Lord Wen had found Wang Lei first. Though he had no memories of what had happened there, he was still hesitant to step anywhere near. There was an unknown fear in him which even he could not explain. Wang Lei had travelled the world exorcising Revenants but not even once did he go Joseon after his rebirth. Going back there suddenly to spend the rest of his immortal life just sounded abrupt and absurd.
"However, I will not force you," Lord Wen let out a low sigh, "If you wish to continue to live like you always have, I will not stop you. In the end, it is your choice."
Wang Lei held his Master in high spirits. He would never want to let down his Saviour in any way. Reluctantly, Wang Lei replied, "What is your wish, Master?"
"I wish you would go to Joseon and act as a Territory Guardian. "
"Then so be it. I will do you as your wish."
Lord Wen clapped in joy and smiled, "I'm glad you chose the right thing. " His expression suddenly turned intense, "Now that brings us to your second most important task."
MeiLan nodded, "If you want to be a Territory Guardian, you must remember your life as human. You must remember your past."
"..."
"Normally an imperial exorcist would have remembered his life as a human over the years after his rebirth. However, you have not gained any memories of your past.
We can't help you in this case as this is something you must remember on your own. Sending you to where we first found you would probably help you recollect your memories."
"...Why must I remember it?"
"Human affection. To guard a territory and protect the humans, you must know the value of humans. You must know the feeling of human affection. Therefore, you must remember your past."
An uncomfortable feeling rose within Wang Lei. He had never wanted to remember his past for some reason. However, his past may have had to do something with his unusual habits. Maybe... remembering it would not be so bad. That's what he hoped for.
"I see," Wang Lei replied with indifference, "I will remember my past once I reach Joseon."
Lord Wen smiled, satisfied with the words he heard. He had expected Wang Lei to strongly oppose the decision and was ready to use force if required. However, it didn't seem necessary now.
"That's good. MeiLan, prepare for his departure to Joseon. Make the necessary arrangements and a place to stay."
MeiLan nodded and stood up, gesturing Wang Lei to leave. He followed and both of them bowed to their Master and began to leave.
"Be careful," a voice called with warning, "No matter what memory you recall, you must continue to do your duty. Do not intervene in human affairs. Carry out your task and continue to show great work like you always have."
Wang Lei turned back and bowed deeply, "I will not let you down, Master."
The stern face suddenly changed to a smile, "Good."
....
MeiLan and Lord Wen were the only ones in the room.
"I still don't think this is a good decision."
Lord Wen showed a little bit of annoyance, "Then would you rather I let him corrupt his heart so we can kill him?"
"No. Why Joseon? I had a medicine for him which can bring out his human affection from the past. We could have sent him elsewhere. Have you forgotten, Master, the state he was in when we first found him?"
"I have not," Lord Wen smirked, cupping his chin on his palm, "That is exactly why I'm sending him back there. He must remember everything if he wants to be a Territory Guardian. Not just the affection, MeiLan. "
"....I'm still against it. What if...he loses control?" MeiLan spoke out of concern.
"Do not worry. If he were to ever lose control, he will die with his own hands. We will not be questioned if he breaks the rules."
This is what MeiLan hated about him. Lord Wen was overly confident and his sinister smile irked her nerves. He did look like an immature kid afterall. She exhaled deeply and replied, "You never cared for him, didn't you?"
"Now you're falsely accusing me of using him for my entertainment," Lord Wen laughed off, "I do care for that young man. However, I can only care for him much. I must carry out my orders after all."
...
Wang Lei began to leave the Grand Palace when he spotted the servant woman holding a small pile of clothes near the front door. As soon as she noticed him, she smiled. Wang Lei did not return the smile back but took his clothes.
"....I will change."
The servant woman smirked and laughed, "It's okay, you can keep this. It suits you really well."
"I don't need such extravagant clothing..."
"Consider it a gift from the Grand Palace!"
Wang Lei had no reason to refuse. He quietly thanked the woman servant and left the Grand palace to prepare for his departure to Joseon.