The sun was already receding into the horizon by the time Lin Wei arrived back home. Dusty and soaked in sweat from the long hours at the smithing shop, he headed straight for the small washing chamber behind his room. There, he filled a basin with cold water, splashing his face and letting the coolness trickle 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 at six feet, with a long neck and slightly broad shoulders, his muscles lean but well-shaped from years of hammering iron. His skin was lightly tanned, his jawline sharp, and his features calm but captivating
His long, dark hair was tied back into a ponytail with a strip of red silk, something gifted to him long ago by his future bride to be. After drying off, he put on a fresh robe of ocean blue silk, lined with silver patterns that shimmered softly under the evening light. Around his neck hung a simple but elegant necklace that appears like a thin leather cord with a small blade shaped pendant carved out of unknown black metal that even him not even his Grandpa as an iron smithers have any idea of what kind of iron the metal is but also they didn't think much of it as well. It looked simple but held deep memories.
Lin Wei picked up his treasured flute carved from the rare whitewood of the Spirit Trees and tied it to his side. It was time.
He left his humble home and made his way toward the City Lord's residence, a trip that took almost three hours on foot through narrow paths and small hills. The palace stood tall and magnificent, framed by lush gardens and enclosed by towering stone walls. Lanterns flickered to life as night settled in, lighting the path that led to the grand entrance.
The guards knew him well. He was greeted with smiles and respect before being led inside. First, he met with the City Lord himself, Lord Qingshan, and his wife, Lady Meilin, "his future in-laws.
Ah, Lin Wei! You're always welcome here," Lord Qingshan said with a hearty smile.
They talked at length in the main hall about the upcoming marriage, which was to be held in two months. Lin Wei shared his plans about the journey he was to make the next day. He would travel to the city of Baishi—a full month's journey from here to sell the forged items and bring back gifts for the bride's family just as the custom and tradition demands.
The City Lord bestowed his benediction and congratulated him for his efforts. Lady Meilin murmured softly, "Our daughter is lucky to have a man who holds such love and honour in his heart. After a brief goodbye, a guard was summoned to accompany Lin Wei to the inner courtyard, but he declined the offer. He was intimately familiar with the palace, having played in its hallways since he was a boy. Instead, he followed the familiar path to the Jade Blossom Courtyard, where his bride-to-be awaited him.
Yue Lan was her name.
Yue Lan, a maiden as radiant as the morning star, was likewise eighteen. With eyes full of wonder and skin as smooth as polished jade, she projected a delicate and beautiful beauty. Her long, silky black hair was pinned and braided with moonflower-shaped hair decorations. She stood waiting for Lin Wei beneath the blossoming cherry tree, her lavender and white clothing streaming about her like mist.
Her cheeks flushed with shyness, but she smiled at his sight.
I must be dreaming, for how else would an iron-smith like me behold a goddess in silk?" exclaimed Lin Wei
who was always willing to make fun of others. With her eyes sparkling, she covered her mouth and giggled gently. "You always say such things."
He said, Because they're true, as he approached. She glanced down at the flute beside him. She said, "Will you play for me?
Lin Wei nodded. He took the flute, closed his eyes, and let his breath enter the instrument. A soft, relaxing song flowed through the air, like wind through a rain-soaked forest. Yue Lan sat alongside him, listening and moving gently. The song appeared to penetrate into her soul.
When the song finished, quiet fell like snow.
Then Lin Wei turned to her and described his journey. Of the city to which he would journey. Of the stuff he had to sell and the gifts he would bring back. She listened closely, her fingers brushing over the hem of her sleeve, her eyes lowered.
I will miss you," she said.
He looked into her eyes—deep, clear, and limitless.
"Yue Lan," he said gently.
She looked up. He leaned in. Their breath mixed. Her heart pounded like a drum inside her chest. Their lips touched slowly—warm, delicate, and reluctant at first. Then certain. Their bond grew deeper with that kiss, like roots entering the earth.
When they separated, neither dared to speak. To relieve the tension, Yue Lan reached towards his necklace. "It's beautiful," she said.
Do you like it?" he enquired.
She nodded. "Very."
It was my grandmother's," he explained. She was not a cultivator, like me as you also already know. When she was coming from a friend's house, she noticed a glimmer in a bush while emptying herself in the forest. She found this and brought it home. When I turned 15, she gave it to me. "Said it suited me.
That's a lovely story," Yue Lan replied.
"Can I touch it?"
"Of course."
As soon as her finger contacted the pendant's sharp edge, she winced. "Ah!" she exclaimed.
Blood welled up from her fingertip.
Lin Wei's eyes widened with shock. He dashed to her side, softly grasping her hand. "I'm sorry!" he exclaimed, then instinctively took her gushing finger to his lips and began sucking the blood to stop it.
"Lin Wei!" She exclaimed, shocked. But he did not stop. He sucked softly till the blood stopped. Then he swallowed unknowingly but he didn't even bother thinking about it.
Something changed.
Something rippled deep within Lin Wei. Something woke up. However, he was unaware of it, and even the thing that was happening to him was only very slight; it appeared to awaken but then went back to being dormant.
Yue Lan's eyes were inquisitive as she watched him in shock.
"You are my spouse," he stated plainly. "It's my job to care for you.
She grinned sheepishly, her cheeks flushed with intense affection. He kissed her forehead and rubbed her hair and that was at the moment that the sky darkened abruptly.
The clouds came in too quickly. Lightning flashed eerily brightly across the sky, and thunder splintered across the skies. And then it started to rain, a torrential downpour.
Lin Wei took Yue Lan's hand and led her into the courtyard's inner hall. They watched the storm together. Lightning flashed repeatedly, more fiercely than they had ever seen.
This… this feels like a sign," Yue Lan whispered.
Lin Wei placed her head on his shoulder and began to play his flute once more. The melody blended with the sound of the rain, creating a song of both calm and chaos.
Hours passed.
When the rain eventually stopped, devastation was left in its wake. Roads overflowed, roofs were shattered, and crops were destroyed.
It was time to go.
Isn't it too late already." Yue lan asked?"
Don't worry, you don't trust your future husband?, and am not treking, I will enter a carrier
He headed to the gate with Yue Lan.
Lin Wei gave her another kiss on the lips as they embraced firmly.
Prepare yourself," he said, smiling. When I return, I will come for you. And we will build a home filled with laughter, music, and many little ones.
Yue Lan's cheeks lit up as she giggled. I'll be waiting, flute god.
And with one final wave, Lin Wei walked into the night, the storm in the sky matched only by the storm that had begun to stir within his soul.