My mother pushed my wheelchair towards the throne room of the Heavenly Palace. She was gentle at every movement and guided me carefully, ensuring I was in no discomfort. Every day, every time, all my life, she did this for me.

The Heavenly Guards stationed at the door to the throne room immediately saluted and escorted us in. It was majestic as always, where the pillars are brocaded in gold and jade. The glimmering red fur carpet that stretched from the entry to the throne was from a divine beast that lived for a millennium.

I could see my father, the Heavenly Venerable Emperor, sitting on his illustrious dragon throne. A throne that was made from the highest density of minerals, forged in the purest of essence flames, and only - only to be used by the peak of cultivation itself.

All the ministers, dressed in noble clothing, bowed with respect as they saw us enter. Even my father, whom all cultivators must bow to, left his throne in a hurry just to walk up to me.

It truly fitted him, the title of the emperor. He was old, but each of his steps reverberated in tune with the Dao. His firm stature accompanied by his grand robe, a golden layered silk weaved from the whiskers of a true dragon, made him look majestic. I am proud that he is my father.

“Son, how are you feeling?” My father asked as his majestic bearing was replaced with fatherly concern.

“Father… I think my time is coming.” I gave the news myself as I know my body too well.

My mother let out a sorrowful wail and started to weep behind me. ‘Ahh… How I wish I could turn around and comfort her… But I can’t.’

Since I was born, I couldn’t move my body – only my eyes, mouth, and the ability to breathe. Brought into this world with a cultivation level of an Immortal King, a rank that is four tiers below my father’s, the kingdom rejoiced as it was the highest record of any cultivator to start at birth. However, they soon noticed that I was not capable of any movement.

Father gathered all the godly physicians and doctors, but they still couldn’t perceive the complications that plagued my body. Elite groups were formed to roam various heavenly grounds, places where beasts have been touched with divinity, to risk their lives and find elixirs. Some groups were sent out to raid ancient tombs, dwellings filled with nefarious mechanisms and traps that still haunt some of the cultivators that joined in that expedition. They explored every nook and cranny of the Highest Heavens to find a cure but to no avail.

Father optimistically thought that they could find a remedy for my condition as my initial cultivation could last up to 50,000 years, but even after thousands and thousands of years, there was still no lead. Eventually, my lifespan naturally had ran out. In response, I have been fed and bathed with the highest grades of precious herbs and medicines just to prolong my life. This, however, will have an end soon, as these concoction’s effectiveness will get less efficient the more I ingest them. Now, it has no effect.

“No… Send the imperial doctors and physicians to gather all the herbs we got from-” My father, the Heavenly Venerable, was already shedding a tear.

Usually, these kinds of defects when a child was born would be immediately disposed of to ensure the regality of blood… and family name. But he – the highest being, chose to help me grow.

“Father… stop, I know my body.” I stopped him because I know it was futile.

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“But there could still be a chance.” He knelt down and placed his hand on mine.

“Father… I’ve had a good life.” I told him how I truly felt while looking at the man who did everything for me.

His eyes reflected pain and helplessness. It must be extremely hard for him, that even if he was the most powerful being, he couldn’t stop the death of his child. He truly wanted me to live. If only I could embrace my father and tell him, I’m going to be fine. ‘If only…’

“When… my son…” He gritted his teeth and tears were now uncontrollably pouring out his eyes.

“Tomorrow… when the sun is at its peak… just like my name.” I tried to smile at my old man. My mother hugged me from behind as she started howling in despair.

My father slowly stood up and quickly tried to revert to his dignified presence.

“Stop every activity tomorrow and gather on the square!” He ordered the court.

“Yes, your Majesty!” They all answered in unison.

I just realized that all the ministers were also crying with balled-up fists.

“How do you think I’ll reincarnate mother?” I asked her while staring at the moon.

“If you wish for any, then I’m sure it will come true.” My mother was still crying even now. She truly loved me, even though I couldn’t do anything for her.

“You know, you could have another child with father.” I said to her

“Please… we had this conversation countless of times. You will be… our only child.”

“You should though… I couldn’t take the mantle of the name...” I felt mortified for my parents.

“We don’t need that. We just need you… our son.” She caressed my face.

How I truly wished I could feel her touch.

“And that son will be gone.” I looked into her eyes.

She was getting aged as her wrinkles were starting to get defined, but her black hair was still vibrant and smooth. Her silver eyes that glimmered were like ethereal entities as if there were twin moons. While there was me, withered and decrepit in a wheelchair.

“No… I will never…” She embraced me as she cried her heart out. I wanted to reciprocate but I guess even at death’s door, I wasn’t allowed to.

The night went on with my mother sobbing on my chest. I couldn’t sleep, as I knew the moment I closed my eyes, it was over.

The day of my death came, and my mother pushed my wheelchair as slowly as she can, trying to delay the inevitable.

I saw my father and high-ranking officials of the heavenly kingdom waiting in the hallway in front of the door. They all looked gloomy. It’s quite funny that each of their names would shake an immortal dynasty to its core, but now… they look like regular mortals, weak and helpless. I cherish them all.

Outside the kingdom’s palace was the square, but there was a long flight of stairs to get to where we are at.

We towered over the countless of cultivators that came. There were high-ranking soldiers that experienced life and death through grueling battles. There were elite cultivators from every clan that dedicated their lives to improving their skills and cultivation. They were all familiar faces. Some of them I called friends, while some of them called me their teacher. They all had tears running down their face.

‘Ahhh… am I worthy of such emotion.’ I thought as I felt my consciousness wavering.

“Zhengwu! Zhengwu! Zhengwu!” They all started to chant my name as their voices resounded in every corner of the Highest Heavens. Despite this loud noise, I could clearly hear my parents shouting my name with pride and love.

‘Such a good life… I tried my best to live.’ I looked at the people in gratitude as I remembered what I did in my life.

In my early days, I studied while my mother was flipping the pages for me, clearing all the books in the library. For thousands of years, I’ve observed countless duels until I’m able to perceive each move and techniques they used – to the point that they would come to me for consultations. History, Medicine, Runes, Combat, Alchemy, Formations, Forging… I’ve learned them all… but sadly, I couldn’t practice them. Such a shame.

‘If only… I could move…’ My eyes closed uncontrollably as I knew it was time. I took my last deep breath.

“Thank you...” I uttered my final words that I felt conveyed my whole life and surrendered myself to the arms of death.