Jian Yu smiled. He outstretched his hand for Mei Ying as the ethereal moonlight illuminated his soft features. “May I pour the wine?”

Gradually, the surrounding trees shivered under the frosty breeze. A wave of vermilion-red maple leaves flittered over the two, with several scattering onto the same rooftop where they sat.

The young woman spotted the gentle shine in Jian Yu’s cheerful eyes. She wondered, Should I ask him about the Red Omen? But it has been about seven days since the friends had seen each other, and Mei Ying did not want to ruin their pleasant moment.

“...Alright.” Recalling more of an earlier conversation, the huntress soon asked, “Oh, Jian Jian! If you do not mind, can you share how you ascended into the Heaven realm?”

Quickly, she added, “Hong Rui told me that the tales told by mortals are often only half true. Though Bing Wen’s fairytale about you was inaccurate, I want to know how you became a Heaven Immortal...” Mei Ying trailed off, noticing the other's intense stare.

Jian Yu took a long look at the maiden’s curious face. He was quiet.

Bit by bit, the young man bent toward her. “Mei...Ying.”

There was a hard flick at the huntress’ forehead, right where the red floral birthmark was. Leaning back, Jian Yu swiped the jar of wine from his friend’s hands.

“Ow!” Closing her eyes, Mei Ying rubbed at the burning spot of her forehead. “Ta-ta-ta, Jian Jian! That really hurts!”

With a soft chuckle, the young man poured the wine into the pair of floating cups. “Shhh…”

“Oh!” Covering her own mouth, the huntress remembered that she was supposed to conceal her original intention for coming outside.

Guarding her bedroom’s front door was Xiao Dan!

Mei Ying then lowered her hands and whispered out, “You… That was hard, ah!”

“Mei Ying.” Now that the other has stopped talking, she could see Jian Yu’s amused expression and the upward tug of his red lips. “Did...you miss me? You seem to enjoy chattering away and asking me questions about myself.”

Instantly, the maiden went rigid. Her heart jumped. She casted her eyes to the roof tiles and hovering red fireflies, twinkling ever so faintly in the night. Did I...miss him?

There was a short moment of silence.

“Haha! I was just joking!” With that said, Jian Yu laughed and handed the huntress her cup of peach blossom wine. “Please don’t take my jokes seriously.”

“Haha… Of course, of course!”

After they both clinked the cups together, each person chugged down their shot of sweet alcohol.

Time seemed so fleeting at times. Did they ever drink all of the wine on the rooftop? Did Mei Ying guzzle more peach blossom alcohol than Jian Yu? She was unable to recall.

Whenever the huntress stopped to admire the false night skies, created by magic, the stars never faded and the dark satin heavens continued to run dark and deep as the ocean. Even the full moon persisted in glowing gently.

“Ah, the alcohol was so smooth!” Once she had downed another cup, the young woman giggled. She could not suppress her joy anymore and even had trouble sitting upright. Fortunately, Jian Yu’s shoulder was nearby for Mei Ying to lean onto. “I think this one is my favorite peach blossom wine of all time!”

“Maybe it will help you sleep easier tonight.” With a wave of his hand, Jian Yu dismissed the cups into a mist of red fireflies.

“Wait a second…” Trying to sit up, the huntress tapped a finger against the white jade ring. Out of the magical storage space, she pulled out a large green leaf. “Jian Jian, want to hear me play a song?”

The amused Demon King chuckled. “Yes, if Mei Ying wishes to.”

“There is a story behind this though!” Mei Ying hiccuped. Her face was flushed red like a rose. “It all started when I remembered an event from a long time ago during the Tian Shan Feng martial arts tournament!”

“Is this a memory from your childhood?”

The drunk young woman shook her head. “Maybe it occurred when I was still the Ninth Flower Immortal… It felt too long ago, ah. In that memory, I was wearing an all-red outer robe, with En Lai and...this boy.”

The other listened carefully. “En Lai was the former God of Fate before Wei Sheng received the position.” His soft eyes were full of warmth. “...And what happened?”

Mei Ying straightened the green leaf over and over with her numb-feeling thumbs. “I had hummed a song for the boy...which sounded like this.” Gently, the young woman placed the leaf between her red lips and blew against the crisp blade.

Soon, in the autumn night air, there came a slow, soothing melody that sprung with hope. At the crescendo’s peak, there was even a tenderhearted moment where one can imagine two lovers who are almost at each other’s fingertips.

Next, the tune itself spiraled down into bittersweetness.

As the music rose and fell and twirled, the listener can feel the wishes and dreams that someone may have blossomed and withered. There was a deep longing to break free of a melancholic fate. When the melody soared, one may even visualize another’s happiness in achieving the near impossible before it was stolen from them again and again.

Gradually, the tune ended with a spark of hope, the embers still thriving despite the ashes of a faded dream.

The young woman drew the leaf away from her lips and turned to Jian Yu who had seemed entranced by the song. “Did you know that in the Song clan, there are two purposes for leaf-blowing music?”

The other person, whose eyes never strayed from hers this entire time, replied, “No, I didn’t. I only heard leaf-blowing music being used by cultivators once...but what are these purposes?”

While her mind was fuzzy, Mei Ying raised one finger in the air. “One, we blow on the leaves in times of war to send signals to each other and to warn other people of danger.” She raised another finger. “And two, when we are in love, there is a tradition of playing leaf-blowing music to express our affections.”

Jian Yu laughed, “This song was delivered quite beautifully. Even when you are drunk.”

The red-faced huntress shook her head. “I’m not drunk.”

“If you are not drunk, you should know what you are doing. Then, can you tell me why you wanted to play music for me?” Jian Yu teased with radiant eyes. “Hold one finger up for declaring war or hold two fingers for expressing your affections.”

For a moment, Mei Ying only stared at the handsome young man. She tilted her head, squinting at his alluring eyes, which were as bright as rubies and also multicolored like the sunset. The red ribbon in Jian Yu’s hair reminded the huntress of the red string of fate as well.

The compassion in the young man’s face was palpable. It made Mei Ying want to grab both his cheeks and tell him that nothing bad would ever happen to him again after she goes to the Heaven realm and gives them a piece of her mind.

Following that, the maiden thought of how wonderful it would be if Jian Yu could find someone to make him this happy every day and every night of his eternal life. Then, she would not need to worry about her friend if she is doomed with the brief lifespan of firefly. She could wilt away without regrets.

Her eyes were getting heavy… Ah, which number of fingers is for which?

“Haha! Well?” Jian Yu laughed. “I am waiting...Princess.”

Acting on impulse, Mei Ying raised two fingers in the air.

On the spur of the moment, the young man became still. His shoulders tensed. His pupils contracted. Brows raised.

“Jian Jian…” With an open palm, the huntress covered her mouth and yawned. She lowered her hand and closed her eyes, unable to keep them open anymore. Her soft shoulder pressed against her friend’s. “Let us stay like this...just for a bit...”

In a slump, Mei Ying dozed upon the young man’s chest . Slowly, he wrapped his arm around her to keep the maiden close and secure.

As the crickets hummed into the night, Jian Yu did not move on the rooftop. Quietly, the crimson fireflies danced around them. The young man continued to watch the stars glitter from above.

The passing breeze had become cooler, causing Mei Ying to shiver in her sleep.

At an instant, a crimson boundary erected around the two. Inside the enclosure was warmer, allowing the young woman to sleep more peacefully.

It was only then that Jian Yu exhaled and averted his attention to the resting huntress who had dropped her guard. Mei Ying was unafraid of the ghosts and demons in the palace. She was trusting of everyone, including him. She believed in him.

“Xiao Dan.” At the call, Jian Yu knew that the twin had flashed behind him. “Take Mei Ying back to her room without waking her.”

While half-kneeling, Xiao Dan bent her back. “...Don’t you want to stay out here a bit longer with her?” The girl had also bowed her head, facing the clay tiles under her.

It was then that Mei Ying stirred in her sleep, causing Jian Yu to wrap his wide crimson sleeve around her more. Little did he know, she was hearing bits of their foggy conversations.

“I don’t think it would be good if we stayed out here any longer.” The young man replied.

Xiao Dan looked up. “Your Highness.” She glossed over the resting person, embraced by Jian Yu’s arm. Her eyes stayed on the king’s back. “If...I may.”

“You seem to have another question,” said Jian Yu. “Please tell me whatever it may be.”

“...Is it not good for you or is it not good for her?”

Initially, Jian Yu did not reply. He looked down, surveying over the young woman’s peaceful face which was white like precious pearls. Her floral birthmark was vibrant and red as coral. Her eyelashes were lengthy and soft as winter’s first snow.

In a low and hoarse voice, Jian Yu responded, “It is not good for both of us.”

As the cool draft flipped past her long, white braid, Xiao Dan knitted her brows together and said, “So, it was her.” The person before her went stiff. “Mei Ying. Her sixth incarnation was there at the Ghost War when the Song clan--”

“Xiao Dan.” The Demon King’s response was short but frigid.

There was no room for discussion.

The servant swallowed and lowered her head once more. “Yes...Your Highness. My apologies.”

Oblivious to what was going on, the sleeping huntress stirred against the crimson silk. This warmth… It was nostalgic. She felt cozy, and it was like the weight of the Three Realms had been lifted off of her.

Thirteen years ago, little Mei Ying had once enjoyed the gentle flames of a demon boy’s barrier. The boundary also made the dumb disciple feel safe from the other ghosts, demons, and people around her. Since then, she has liked the color red. If the young woman gets to choose another color, it would be red, of course.

Just like in the dream that she is now dreaming...of what took place seven hundred seventy-seven years ago.

In the vision, the Medicine God, his two daughters, and the adopted Ninth Flower Immortal were suddenly summoned to the Pearl Lotus Palace, home of the Heavenly Emperor.

❁❁❁

Should His Highness demand to punish you for your sword dance, Father will deal with him himself. In the Spiritual Communication Channel, the silver-bearded man tried to assure the adopted daughter once more. Steadily, the family of four walked up the extensive flight of pearly-white stairs. Behind them were a few armored guards with glinting glaives. Do not worry, Mei Ying.

No, you should not worry. The red-robed maiden solemnly turned to the aging god. If it is meant to be, I will take on the punishment. She glanced over her shoulder to check on Xi Feng, who held the hand of a pale-faced girl. Ah, the youngest was sweating. Though she tried to put on a brave expression, her lips were nearly white. Each step was slowly taking a toll on the girl’s weak body. As a father, you still need to care for Xi Feng...and little Su Yin.

Mei Ying… The god nearly stopped walking forward, stroking his long silver beard. His thick brows creased together. Your late mother may have entrusted me with your care but I am still your father. This has nothing to do with whether or not you are my biological child.

If needed, I will pay with my own blood. After all, is it not what my parents had to do when confronted by His Highness?

As Mei Ying’s back receded away, the Medicine God shook his head. No, that’s…! With hesitance, the father raised his hand as though he wanted to stop the child from widening the distance.

“...Big Sister!”

A firm hand seized hold of the young woman’s wide crimson sleeve. Lavender meshed with red. Mei Ying turned to meet the sharp, golden eyes of Xi Feng, who also held the hand of Su Yin.

“Slow down!” Xi Feng said through gritted teeth. “Su Yin was calling for her second older sister, you know.”

Close behind Xi Feng, the youngest maiden was panting slightly. Her small pale face grew more red. As if sensing the tension between the two older ones, Su Yin rushed in between them. Her mint-green outer robe clashed with Mei Ying’s fiery-red hue and Xi Feng’s cool-lavender tone.

“Big Sisters, don’t fight!” Quickly, the girl pushed Xi Feng’s cold hand away from Mei Ying’s sleeve. “Aiya, let us three enter the throne room at the same time, alright? Let us relax a bit. We do not know why His Highness summoned us to his palace yet, so do not assume the worst yet.”

As always, Su Yin’s soft-spoken and serene voice quelled the crossness of Xi Feng whereas it caused Mei Ying to think over her actions. The two young women sighed and glanced at one another.

“Yes, reconsider what Su Yin has said.” said the Medicine God, patting a hand on the girl’s crown of hair. “You two should each take hold of her hand, and we will make our entrance to the throne room. As a family, we will listen to what His Highness has to say. It may not have to do what we all had presumed at all.”

About a few steps ahead, the sky-looming white double-doors opened inward with a low groan. The Medicine God and his three lovely daughters’ heads snapped to attention. For a second, the four looked at one another.

“You all should hurry before His Highness grows weary of waiting.” advised one of the armored guards, standing behind the family.

“Yes, yes, we are about to go.” The Medicine God nodded. He gestured for the daughters to move on.

Hearing this, Mei Ying grasped hold of Su Yin’s frail hand. Xi Feng held onto the other.

When the family rushed to the top of the stairs, they glided past the high doors. Speedily, the god and his children positioned themselves in front of the stoic-faced Heavenly Emperor, the Empress, and the two princes in their majestic chairs. All the royal family members sat in their thrones on an elevated white platform, with a short series of steps.

Right away, the Medicine God, Mei Ying, and the other two maidens knelt down. The sisters released each other’s hands and, like their father, kowtowed to the Heaven realm’s supreme ruler. Their foreheads pressed against the cold, glassy floor.

“Shen Nong, you and your daughters may raise your heads.” spoke the Heavenly Emperor. He coughed into his broad golden sleeve. “This one...apologizes for the last-minute summon. It must have alarmed you all, no doubt. Get up now.”

Hearing the sickly tone, the Medicine God lifted his head from the floor. “Of course not. This one is more than happy to be of service to you at any given time.” Carefully, the man rose to his feet. He peered up at the other’s face. “But, Your Highness, are you not feeling well?”

“To be frank, I have not been feeling well for some time now.” Dropping the expressionless facade, the middle-aged man forced a hollow, sad chuckle. “My cultivated core has slowly weakened over the past thousand years… So, Shen Neng, I have a favor to ask of you and your daughter, Mei Ying.”

“Mei Ying?” Averting his attention to the red-robed maiden, Shen Nong swallowed. “Why...her?”

“Her sword dance performance had me thinking…” Leaning forward, the Heavenly Emperor continued, “...about life and death as well as the meaning of Immortality. As the Ninth Flower Immortal, Mei Ying’s divine floral arts draws on the chrysanthemum, which is also the flower of healing. Mortals use this specific flower for medicine, to ensure good health amongst their own, and to ward off evil spirits.”

Mei Ying’s stomach felt a knot. She was already back on her feet with the other maidens taking her lead.

By and by, the young woman lowered her eyes to the pearly white floor, which was so clean and shiny that it mirrored her own troubled eyes. She felt that nothing good would come out of this.

“While she is half-dragon, this plays into her advantage for healing as we all know that dragons can heal themselves faster than anyone else; hence, performing excellent acts of regeneration.” The Heavenly Emperor smiled and went on, “To add, the Flower Immortals are also famous for their ability to heal others well with their magic.”

Immediately, the Medicine God’s face ashened. Warm sweat gathered around his thick silver brows. “...Speak more clearly. This one does not understand…”

“I think you know where I am going with this, Shen Nong.”

At the same time, Mei Ying noticed that the two princes, sitting by their mother, gripped against the arms of their chairs.

Tilting his head back, the Heavenly Emperor no longer cared for discretion. Ruthless apathy glossed over his eyes. “The child of the late ice dragon and the former Ninth Flower Immortal, Mei Ying, has grown to carefully cultivate her core and power. As she is now, Mei Ying holds the answer to retaining my Immortality.”

While the Three Realms are as different from each other like land is to sky or oceans, regardless of which realm they are from, almost anyone will agree that they all fear death and that they all want to live. Forever. If possible.