It almost millenium years had passed since she is cycled to the Wheel of Reincarnation.
Li Zhihua perused over the jade band in his right thumb. The jade ring is carved by most talented jeweller in the entire realm. Its carving showed the intricate shape of floral pattern. Some part gleamed subtly under the ray of celestial palace. It was the same ring as his lover used, pair jade bands of love token. The same-shaped ring he threw under the oath he made during ascension to celestial realm right after he gave the throne to the owner.
I swear to the entire realms, upon my soul, that one day...I shall redeem my sins, and this ring shall be my only guide to thy only pure soul.
You must have return to where you belong, it seems?
With band still in his hand, those vibrant emerald eyes gazes afar, over the puffy clouds and lingerings mist which surrounds the dwelling of Celestial Sage, himself. All his eyes can see only white colours and sparkling radiant of divinity.
Sighs.
How much pain I have inflicted to you during our times together, Xiao Fang?
There is a slight repressed pang in his chest everytime he sees the band.
“Regret always follows after it comes to an end,” he mutters, while shifted from the velvet chair. “I am such a mess.”
His elegant being trode to the other side of palace. He went through many pillars entrance and doorguards. Sometime he nodded suavely at the passerby, and their giggles followed after they stole a glance or two over his impeccably-carved face.
Oh, such divine beauty who could make males in the entire realms envy!
In his white inner hanfu, flowy purple robes and gold embroidery chisells on it, his appearance could never better. Long silky hair moved gracefully as he shifts positions, with white-ribbons—personally embroidered by himself—tie some parts of his hair. The appearance he shows is simpler than any Celestial People, but anyone who sees him would either gasped in awe or struck by his magnificence aura. His dignified, amiable disposition and handsome face can make any living being with eyes on head go limp and beg, worshipping him in subjugation.
He gazed across the Lily Pavilion, watching his only disciple. Huang Yu, a crown prince of Celestial Palace was cultivating in his lotus position. Li Zhihua could sense some Natural Spirits had been sucked gradually into his body. His brows furrowed with amount of Natural Spirits inside his Dantian. Soon, his visage showed a smile of understanding.
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This brat must already has sneaked out again during his cultivation training.
“Supreme Venerable,” The Emperor of Celesial Palace greeted him politely. “How’s your feeling”
“Never better.”
Never better? Not a good sign. The Emperor had adjusted to Venerable’s mournful visage as part of his daily basis, but rumours of him become more doleful has been going for weeks. Some fairies gossiped around. Even The Empress also asked about that.
“Then it seems anything here is nothing but boredom, even with fairies and affairs in the palace.” Sighs. The Emperor catch a marked sadness, part of his facial expression since the day he knew him. “How about you take my throne and lead our Kingdom?”
“I never good in governing people, Your Majesty.”
“It was yours since long time ago, though.”
“And I have given it to you. What’s the point of position you gave me now if in the end, I still sit on your throne?”
Celestial Emperor took another deep breath. This Supreme Venerable was a magnificent man, the dragon among the men. The only one who even able to take his roles to protect the entire realm during Dark Age. Had it not for Li Zhihua’s confession of ‘not really good in leadership’, Celestial Emperor might never sit in his throne ever again out of his respect for Li Zhihua’s merit.
Then why, the man who could even flip universe under his palm is not able to forget his past?
“How’s Huang Yu doing with his cultivation?” Celestial Emperor changed the topic to lighten the atmosphere. Li Zhihua smiled mischievously, playing with his fan.
“I like his feistiness.”
“I beg your pardon?”
The mood shifted to quickly.
Li Zhihua playfully flick the fan and look over the man in front of him.
“He’s doing good in his stead. It’s just... you can’t rein him for being a Crown Prince just because he is.”
“You mean... I raised him wrong?”
“It is not entirely wrong but... you better give a slight freedom for him for being a son. He is righteous and loves a challenge; good personalities to develop further. You don’t have to worry much. He will be a good heir."
The Celestial Emperor thanks him solemnly. “Thank you, Supreme Venerable.”
“Well, I have teach him all he needs to learn. The rest is depend on him.”
“Your guidance has helped him a lot.”
After terse of abeyance, The Celestial Emperor broke the silence again.
“Do you have to leave now, Supreme Venerable?”
There was a dull look on his face as the emperor threw the question. It was hard for him already to stay until today, as everyday since her death Li Zhihua couldn’t help but wondering the exact moment to leave. But he made an oath, so sooner or later, he would fulfill it.
“The divination shows that today is going to be the day.” Li Zhihua tilted his head. “Thank you for letting me stay until this day in your palace, Your Majesty. It has been such a pleasure.”
Turning his back, The Celestial Emperor walked along with Li Zhihua to the portal. Seeing the title entrance he is going to go through, The Celestial Emperor makes a wary face. Another weight has ladened on his heart. Mortal realm will be his destination, now. Despite Li Zhihua’s status as ascended immortal, it was difficult to see him went to Mortal Realm. For thousands of years, he had been a good advisor, the only cofidante he had. Li Zhihua was the only man he considered equal, if calling him a good friend was too impolite for the Venerable. With his departure, he had lost a great friend and confidant in the palace.
“Then... I bid you a good luck, Zhihua.”
Li Zhihua smiled, before his figure slowly dissipate before the gate of realms.
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