"Long live the Emperor! Long live Lord Feng!"
The roar of the crowd shattered the night sky above the Golden Lotus Kingdom. Feng Haoran descended from the imperial altar with the grace of a living god. His silk robes, embroidered with intricate gold thread, shimmered brilliantly under the light of thousands of lanterns released by his subjects.
"My people," Feng Haoran's voice resonated, gentle yet commanding. "You are the most precious treasures in my life. Without your loyalty, this throne is nothing more than a pile of useless trash."
The citizens wept with gratitude. They bowed until their foreheads touched the dirt. At the Melody Pavilion, dancers moved to the rhythm of grand music that sang praises of the emperor's mercy. To the world, Feng Haoran was the light. He was a saint who ruled with nothing but love.
Yet, amidst the celebration, a shadow drew near.
"Great Emperor, may you live for thousands of years," Deng Rao whispered while kneeling, his breath coming in short gasps.
Feng Haoran frowned slightly. He felt a flicker of annoyance at being disturbed during his performance. "Speak, Deng Rao. What is it?"
"The ritual," Deng Rao said in a low voice meant only for the emperor's ears. "The Grand Elders of the Heavenly Lotus Sect are waiting. Everything is prepared."
The warm smile on Feng Haoran's face did not fade, but his eyes transformed. They became cold and predatory. "Good," he whispered. "Let them wait a little longer. I still have to finish this drama of benevolence."
"Deng Rao, are you listening to me?"
Feng Haoran's gaze turned into that of a demon as he stared at his subordinate. The sheer pressure of his killing intent forced Deng Rao to cough up blood instantly.
"As you command, Your Majesty," Deng Rao replied before vanishing into the darkness.
"My beloved people, I am overwhelmed with joy. The worship for the Buddha and the Ninth Heaven is ready to begin!" Feng Haoran shouted to the masses.
"Eternity belongs to the Golden Lotus!" the people cheered in blind euphoria.
"Soon," Feng Haoran looked up at the stars and smiled wide. "The Ninth Heaven will surely bless our kingdom."
His eyes glowed with a crimson light, reflecting a primal thirst for immortality. He turned away and retreated into the silence of the palace. Once he was inside his private chambers, the mask of the kind ruler crumbled entirely.
"ETERNITY!"
His voice was no longer that of a wise sovereign. It was the roar of a hungry demon. He laughed, a sound so saturated with dark energy that the mirrors in his room shattered into a thousand jagged shards, reflecting a face twisted by obsession.
Meanwhile, deep within the dark forest, the beautiful RuiXue was being carried in a palanquin under heavy guard.
"What is this feeling? Why do I feel so uneasy?" she murmured.
RuiXue suddenly thought of Feng Haoran. A dark premonition gripped her heart, and she could not explain why. Throughout the journey back to the Golden Lotus Kingdom, her mind was haunted by grim thoughts. Her brow furrowed in worry, yet she remained confused by her own fear. Torches lit the path through the pitch-black woods, where only fragments of moonlight reached the forest floor. Leaves rustled and the heavy footsteps of her guards broke the silence of the night.
"Guang, is it still far?" RuiXue asked.
"Halfway there, Your Highness," Great Officer Guang replied.
"Why is Your Highness in such a hurry tonight?" one of the guards asked. "Doesn't Emperor Feng already know that you visit the Garden of Red Lilies every night?"
RuiXue did not answer. "The Garden of Red Lilies," she whispered to herself. "He used to accompany me there so often. But everything changed after he met the Heavenly Lotus Sect."
Her mind drifted back to a few years ago.
Feng Haoran and RuiXue were walking through the breathtaking field of red lilies. "My husband," RuiXue called out.
Feng Haoran turned to her. "I am so happy today. Thank you for bringing me to such a beautiful place."
"There is no need for such formality between us," Feng Haoran replied softly. "I will take you to my eternal world."
"An eternal world?" RuiXue asked with curiosity and warmth.
"Yes. A world where time is no longer a barrier to our love. I will make you happy, RuiXue."
RuiXue's eyes welled with tears. As they rolled down her cheeks, Feng Haoran gently wiped them away. "My woman shall not cry, not even tears of joy."
RuiXue embraced him tightly as a heavy rain began to fall, drenching them both. Feng Haoran looked at her tenderly. "You are so beautiful, even when the rain washes away your makeup." They held each other amidst the red lilies and the downpour, looking like eternal lovers who would never be parted.
"Officer Guang, why do you even ask? It is obvious that Her Highness misses her husband," one of the guards chimed in.
"IMPUDENT!" Guang interrupted. "Do you think it is appropriate to speak to Her Highness in such a manner?"
"Forgive me, Officer Guang. I was out of line. I deserve punishment."
"Enough," RuiXue intervened. "Let us move. Do not argue. It is getting late, and I am afraid the Emperor has been waiting for me for too long."
"Yes, Your Highness!" they replied in unison.
They continued their journey toward the kingdom, passing by rivers adorned with pure jade stones.
"Wait," RuiXue said, causing the procession to stop.
"What is it, Your Highness?" Guang asked.
"I want to take that glowing jade stone for the Emperor," RuiXue said.
"But that is far from your palanquin, Your Highness. I will fetch it for you," Guang offered.
"No. This is a gift that comes directly from my heart, so I must take it myself."
"Very well, Your Highness. But please, allow me to accompany you."
"Alright, Guang. But do not touch any stone. Only I know what my husband likes."
They walked toward the riverbank and picked one of the pure jade stones. "My husband will surely love this one," RuiXue said. Her eyes sparkled, and her lips curled into a graceful, tender smile.
Guang laughed joyfully. "You truly understand the Emperor, Your Highness."
"Of course. He is my husband, and only I understand him," RuiXue replied with a happy smile.
"Let us return to your palanquin, Your Highness."
"Very well, Guang. Let's go."
Back at the Golden Lotus Palace, the atmosphere was far from peaceful. The doors to the private chambers swung open as a sudden wind howled through the corridor. The windows followed, allowing the pale moonlight to flood the magnificent room.
"Deng Rao?"
"I serve the Emperor," the shadow replied from the corner.
Feng Haoran turned around. The moonlight that poured through the window seemed hesitant to touch his skin, as if the darkness within his heart was deeper than the night itself.
"Has she arrived?"
"Great Emperor Feng, may you live for millions of years," Deng Rao answered. "I have received word that your vessel for sacrifice is currently on her way."
"Do not speak of it like that, Deng Rao," Feng Haoran smirked. "I love her very much."
"I understand, Emperor. But is it not time yet?"
"Deng Rao, do you think anything in this world can buy my love? I truly, deeply love my woman."
Feng Haoran's smile widened, but his eyes remained as cold as the void. And then, he laughed.