In the serene palace garden, Lin Xuanji (Mo Tianzun)—sat gracefully before a seven-string guqin of deep cerulean hue, etched with swirling cloud motifs. This zither had once belonged to the original soul of this body—the former Lin Xuanji, heir to a declining noble household.
Though Mo Tianzun had his own famed instrument—the Yuhen (羽痕)—it remained strapped across his back, untouched. A hybrid wind-chime harp shaped like drifting feathers, Yuhen was forged within the Miaoyin Jingjie by a silent spirit named Qingluan (青鸾). Only its true master could draw out its power.
Some say Liu Shengjie had once stolen it amidst the chaos of war, but was unable to wield it. Only when commanded by its master could Yuhen be held, and never played, by another.
Now, even as the familiar weight of Yuhen rested between his shoulders, Lin Xuanji's fingers moved effortlessly across the guqin strings. The melody that arose was like ripples on still water—soft, haunting, and transcendent.
Palace servants slowed in their tasks. Palace maids held their breaths. The sweet resonance floated through the air like falling plum blossoms in snow.
One by one, the newly arrived concubines of the Eastern Palace were drawn to the music, their expressions marked by awe—or envy.
Concubine Mingyue (明月嫔), of the Yuehua Sect (月华派)
Concubine Yanxue (焱雪嫔), from the fierce Huoyan Pavilion (火焰阁)
Concubine Bingruo (冰若嫔), of the frigid Xueyin Palace (雪隐宫)
Concubine Sheyao (蛇瑶嫔), from the notorious Wandu Sect (万毒门)
And lastly, the Chosen Consort Candidate, Lady Mu Shuirou (穆水柔), of the revered Linhua Sect (莲华宗)
Xuanji briefly glanced at the elegant Lady Mu and frowned slightly.
'So… I must replace her to complete the quest?' he thought silently, eyes narrowed.
Still, he returned his focus to the guqin.
But a sudden shift in the air disturbed his rhythm. The courtyard fell silent.
Whispers arose. Concubines murmured to one another. Every servant suddenly bowed low to the ground—not to him, but…
Xuanji turned slowly.
Standing behind him was the same white-haired man he had seen by the lotus pond.
Now garbed in full ceremonial robes, his presence radiated nobility and overwhelming command.
Zhao Longxuan (赵龙玄)—Crown Prince of the Tianxu Sect
'So he is… my future husband,' Xuanji mused, stunned at the realization.
Steeling himself, he rose from his seat and performed a graceful formal bow.
"This subject greets His Highness, the Crown Prince."
The Crown Prince's voice rang out, low and resonant. "Rise."
Everyone obeyed immediately.
His gaze fell on Xuanji, piercing and unreadable.
Xuanji faltered for just a heartbeat. 'Why… why does this man's eyes feel like they can see through my very soul? he shouted inwardly, his heart racing.'
Forcing composure, he returned to the guqin and sat.
Zhao Longxuan then spoke, his tone casual yet imposing. "You must be Lin Xuanji, sent in place of your sister… to become one of this prince's concubines?"
Xuanji paused. "Yes, Your Highness."
"Hmm…" The prince reclined slightly on the chair, eyes half-lidded. "Continue playing."
Without hesitation, Xuanji obeyed, placing his fingers back on the strings. The music returned, smooth and melancholic, weaving an invisible spell over the garden.
All eyes remained on them.
At the far side of the gathering, a young woman rose slowly, her knuckles white as she clenched her fists. Her eyes were locked on Lin Xuanji, but her words were directed at someone else.
"…Longxuan is mine. I am his future consort!"