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The Nine Heavens shimmered with the soft glow of divine light, yet to Xie Lian, they felt cold and distant. It was a beauty that he had once longed for, but after centuries of wandering between life and death, it now felt hollow, like a mirage in a desert.
Xie Lian stood at the gates of the Heavenly Court, a place he once called home, now a place of distant memories. The first time he ascended, he was celebrated as the Crown Prince of Xianle, a kingdom of prosperity and joy. But now, after two falls from grace and a history mired in tragedy, he was nothing more than a forgotten god.
His robes were the color of pale jade, symbolizing his third ascension. His expression was composed, though behind the serene mask was a heart heavy with regret and the quiet weight of a thousand years. The clouds parted before him as he stepped forward, entering the grand celestial hall.
"The Heavenly Court awaits you, Your Highness," a servant announced, bowing low.
"Thank you," Xie Lian replied, his voice soft but resolute, carrying a weight that had grown over his many lifetimes.
As he walked through the hall, the gods turned their gaze upon him, some indifferent, others with a glance of disdain. Whispers followed him like a shadow, murmurs of his past failures, his kingdom's destruction, and his fall from grace. The air was thick with judgment, and yet, it was as though he was invisible.
He had long since stopped trying to change their perception of him. His past was his burden, and no amount of divine grace would erase the sins of the past. His ascension was not one of honor; it was simply a chance to serve again, to be of use in whatever small way the Heavenly Court saw fit.
"Your Highness," a voice called, cutting through his thoughts.
Xie Lian turned to see a familiar figure approaching-the gentle, though wary, face of Ling Wen, the Minister of Justice. Despite the tensions in the Court, she had always been kind to him.
"Minister Ling," he greeted, offering her a polite smile, though it didn't reach his eyes.
"I trust your journey was uneventful?" she asked, her tone neutral, though there was a flicker of concern in her eyes.
"As uneventful as one could hope for in the mortal realm," Xie Lian replied with a half-smile. "I will fulfill whatever tasks the Court deems necessary."
Ling Wen gave a small, knowing nod. "The Court has assigned you a task to investigate disturbances in the mortal realm. You will find more information in the records room. There are rumors of strange happenings-some claim ghosts have been causing chaos."
"Ghosts?" Xie Lian's brow furrowed slightly, though his expression remained composed. "Are they dangerous?"
"It's not clear yet," Ling Wen said, her voice lowering. "But there have been signs. We need you to investigate and report back."
Xie Lian nodded. "I understand. I will leave at once."
Ling Wen hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Your Highness, I know that things have not been easy for you, but the Heavenly Court is still your place. Do not let their coldness drive you away. You still have a purpose here."
Xie Lian met her eyes, and for the briefest of moments, the weight of his past seemed to lessen. "Thank you, Minister. I will do my best."
With that, he left the Heavenly Hall, his heart growing heavier with each step. He had no illusions about his place in the Celestial Court. It was no longer about seeking approval or honor-it was about fulfilling his duty, no matter how small.
But as he reached the records room, something-no, someone -caught his attention.
A figure, draped in dark crimson robes, stood at the far end of the room, his back turned. The figure's presence was unmistakable, a force that seemed to fill the space with an unsettling intensity. A sudden chill ran through Xie Lian as his gaze locked onto the figure.
It was then that the figure turned.
"Xie Lian," a voice said, smooth and familiar, though laced with an underlying power.
Xie Lian's heart skipped a beat.
"Ghost King," Xie Lian said softly, his eyes narrowing as he took in the figure's appearance. The man standing before him was none other than Hua Cheng, the infamous Ghost King, whose name was whispered in fear by both gods and mortals alike. His crimson robes glowed faintly, like the blood of a thousand slain warriors. His eyes, sharp and intelligent, gleamed with a knowing amusement.
"What are you doing here?" Xie Lian demanded, though his voice lacked the edge it once had.
Hua Cheng's lips curved into a smile. "I should be asking you the same thing. But no matter, I was simply passing through. After all, the Heavenly Court has its secrets, and I find myself intrigued."
Xie Lian's hand tightened around the scroll in his hand. "You should not be here, Hua Cheng. The gods will not tolerate your presence."
The Ghost King's smile only deepened. "Oh, I'm sure they won't. But then again, who will stop me?"
Xie Lian took a step back, wary, but his eyes never left Hua Cheng. "You're here for something, aren't you? What do you want?"
Hua Cheng tilted his head slightly, his gaze lingering on Xie Lian with something unreadable in his eyes. "I'm not here for anything in particular, Xie Lian. But it seems we are both searching for something. Perhaps it's destiny that brought us together once again."
Xie Lian didn't respond immediately. Instead, his thoughts raced. He had heard of Hua Cheng's rise from the mortal world, how he had become a figure of legend and terror. There were many mysteries surrounding the Ghost King, but one thing was certain-he was not someone to be underestimated.
And yet, as Xie Lian stood there, facing the very man who had the power to tear apart the heavens themselves, he felt something shift within him.
Perhaps this meeting was more than coincidence. Perhaps the answers he sought-answers that had haunted him for a thousand years-could finally be found here, underneath the celestial veil.
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To be continued.....