20,000 years ago, for the first time in all eternity, a mortal from one of the 72 Earthly Realms was reborn as a High Immortal earning the titled “God of War.” This god is now respectfully called “Your Majesty” by all creation, even the Heavenly King himself dares not to offend this god. 

Currently, His Majesty, Chu He Yang, is carrying a fairy spirit in his arms. His attendant, Bofan, who is hiding behind a tree, slowly backs away from the two figures. If he is to interrupt the king and anger him, then he is sure to lose his life. Even though he has only been serving His Majesty for 3 months, he hears that the mighty king has never acknowledged any woman before. What was special about this fairy? Bofan thought as he cranes his neck to catch a glimpse of the maiden. Unfortunately, His Majesty’s back is the only thing he can make out. Bofan turns around and runs back to the camp, but not before he notices a dress coat on the ground.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Xuehua raises her head to look at the handsome immortal. After collecting her thought she finally gathers the courage to speak again. She clears her throat, “Your Eminence, this humble one didn’t mean to trespass. I am grateful for your help. This humble one will find a way to repay you for your kindness.” These words should have been said with a respectful bow but Xuehua didn't know how to bow when being carried. Feeling embarrassed and awkward, she speaks up again, “Your Eminence, can… you let me down?” Xuehua didn’t know why the High Immortal continued to stare at her. Did she say something wrong? Did she have something on her face? She was lost in her thoughts again.

The soft wind blew and Xuehua wished she was a leaf and fly far away from this place. Perhaps she could use her magic to transform. That way she won’t have to suffer this embarrassment anymore. She should have observed the forest carefully before acting out of etiquette. What will she do if anyone else found out about this? She shook her head, no she had to get out of here. Just as Xuehue was planning her escape plan, a clear voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

“What is your name?” the man asks, his face not as gentle as before. His dark eyes seem to stare right into her soul as if he was testing her. Was he mad that she entered his territory? The scent of rain seems to be getting closer and closer. Xuehua didn't know what to care about more- the rain or his cold eyes. On one hand, she will get soaked and sick, on the other hand, she might die… after careful thought, she decides she should properly apologize. If that doesn’t work, she will act like Taotao and create a scene, forcing him to forgive her. She secretly smiled at the thought, never did she think she would use Taotao as an example.

Xuehua turns her attention toward the waiting king. She takes a deep breath and introduces herself. “This humble one is named Xuehua of Green-Bell Valley,” she replies, forcing herself to smile. “This humble one just exited the Valley and mistakenly entered this territory. This humble one will reflect on her mistakes.” Xuehua carefully says, making herself sound pitiful and innocent.

“Xuehua…” he says, looking lost in his thoughts. After a few silent seconds, he finally puts her back down on the ground. Xuehua didn't want to linger any longer, she had to preserve the remain ounce of dignity she had. She will pay her respects and leave- the quicker the better. She gathers herself and bows at the waist. “Your Eminence, this humble one is eternally grateful for your grace. Xuehua prays for your health and safety. May Your Eminence live a long eternal life. Xuehua will one-day payback this life debt.” She did everything perfectly, this High Immortal must be pleased with her bow; even she is pleased with herself. She waits for his acknowledgment. Another cold breeze hits her. The sky will rain any minute now.

His soft “En” calls her to rise. He continues to look at her but Xuehua is losing her patience. How could anyone be so shameless to stare at a complete stranger, especially a female? Your Eminence, this humble one will now bid you farewell,” she bows once more and turns around and grabs her outer coat, not waiting for him to reply. She starts to walk in the other direction with her back straight, walking soft, graceful steps. She prays she will never face this embarrassment again.

“Stop,” a deep voice commands her. Xuehua took a sudden breath. Was she supposed to do something else? She has already thanked and bid farewell. She started to think back to her teacher’s lessons. What else does she have to do? All these thoughts ran through her mind as she turned around. “Yes?” Xuehua asks, keeping her face calm and expressionless. The rainclouds gathered above the two figures, and the sky started to thunder. The little moonlight is now completely covered, but Xuehua could clearly see the High Immortal as if his body emitted light itself.

“Do you happen to know what tree you were climbing?” The High Immortal asks while turning his head to look at the large tree with twisted branches. His face was grim when questioning her. Xuehua sees the High Immortal’s reaction and her heart churned. She looks at the tree she just fell from. It didn't seem like she damaged it. Was it forbidden to climb trees in the outside world? She should have asked more questions during class. Her head started spinning again. “No, Your Eminence, Xuehua has never seen this tree before,” Xuehua says while looking at the tree up and down. Xuehua held her breath and curled her fingers into a fist. How could she have been so careless! How can she leave now? Xuehua cries at her fate. What awful luck. She has lived peacefully for 20,000 years and the moment she leaves the Valley she encounters death. Are the Heavens playing a joke on her?!

The High Immortal sees Xuehua face drain of all its color. His eyes glow with amusement. She has been staring at space for quite some time now. What could she be thinking about? Heyang carefully examines Xuehua while she is distracted. How can there be such a resemblance in this world? Could she possess a piece of Feihong’s soul that was shattered 20,000 years ago?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

20,000 years ago, he met Feihong as a mortal in the kingdom of Chu.

The weather had just turned cold and ground piled up with pure white snow. In the white world, she was the scarlet flower that stood above everyone else. He could never forget the fire in her eyes the time when she was pushed into the frozen lake by her mistress- the first time he ever saw her.

As a baby, Feihong was abandoned at left at the steps of the Lu family mansion with a piece of white jade with the words “Fei Hong” carved on top. After being taken in, she spent her entire life working for the Lu family as payment for saving her life. It was unfortunate that Feihong was born with a face that could topple an empire. Her beauty was widely known and some even claim that she the most beautiful woman in all the Chu Kingdom. She was both feared and envied by all those around her; her face was both a gift and curse from the gods. Some even claim that she was a fox spirit that will eat the souls of men. Others argue that she is a demon that took over the body of a young woman to drag men to the underworld. But matter what rumors go around, no one can deny her beauty, thus her jealous mistresses- the daughters of the Lu family made life difficult for the young girl.

It was that winter when Heyang saw the fifth daughter, Lu Yanwei, push Feihong into the freezing lake for spilling ink on her new novel. That time, he was an indifferent prince that never paid any attention to anything that didn’t concern him. He was a man that never cared for anything in the world and always wore a cold expression that made everyone fearful of him. He didn’t even give the young girl that fell in the lake a second look before returning to drinking his tea. After a while, he didn’t hear noise coming from the lake and believe the girl to have drowned to death. He let out a soft sigh before placing his cup back down on the wooden table. He turned his head toward balcony looking over the lake. Then he saw her. Standing with her back straight, her hands covered in blood, and soaked from top to bottom. She had fallen through the ice and had crawled back up- her bare hands gripping tightly on the sharp broken ice clinging on so that she could survive. Now she stood at the edge of the lake, staring at Yanwei with an expressionless face but Heyang could see the fire and rage in her eyes. She was like a broken scarlet flower that everyone took turns stepping on. Yet she never bends her back, always standing tall and proud- like a glorious queen. Some say she was born under the star of Venus, but Heyang knew better. This girl must have the blessing of Mars to have a heart of steel.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

This nervous girl that stood in front of him acted just like Feihong- modest yet proud and dignified. He had to think of a way to keep her by his side to see if she really is his Feihong.

He begins to speak again, “This tree is known for its poisonous purple leaves. Once you’ve touched them, the miasma will seep into your skin and you will be dead by sunrise.”