My First Love Finally Chose Me

Adrian was about to say something, but I raised my voice. “Queen Mother West! Lord Marcus! What are you doing here?”

He shut up when others arrived and turned to the doorway.

Queen Mother West squeaked at my shout, lost her balance and tumbled in a blossom of skirts. Marcus tried to steady her but failed and went straight to covering his own eyes, as if that would erase her embarrassment.

Adrian didn’t grin; instead he looked colder and stood to bow.

Queen Mother West was helped up by Sebastian, limped in and sat, scolding me with one glare. I shrugged—don’t blame me.

“You’re too courteous, Crown Prince.”

Queen Mother West huffed, not unkindly.

Adrian glanced at me, bowed again. “Since the four of you gods have matters to discuss, Adrian will not disturb—excuse me.”

Sebastian nodded with a cultured smile.

I buried my face in pastry, avoiding Adrian’s gaze.

Once Adrian left, Marcus and Sebastian sat immediately, gossip sparkling in their eyes.

“Rowan! Explain! What happened between you and the Crown Prince? How does he end up in your palace?!”

Queen Mother West squawked and bit into a pastry.

Sebastian chuckled, “Lord Marcus and I had a little briefing. The Crown Prince didn’t recognize you, did he?”

Marcus snorted. “Look at her—shoving food in her face like she can’t bear to meet eyes. Clearly he hasn’t recognized her.”

I raised an eyebrow. Look down on people who can eat, will you?

I belched, patted my belly. “No, the plot doesn’t move that fast…”

Queen Mother West tutted. “Rowan, you troublemaker. I watched him—he stared at you nonstop! Never looked away! Maybe he recognized you and is just pretending not to—he’s itching to hate you!”

Marcus scoffed, “If I’d been mistreated in the Mortal Realm and the culprit vanished—especially if that culprit was a celestial—I’d harbor grudges forever.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Not likely. I can’t think of anything I did so heinous he’d chase after me into the Afterworld. And I didn’t vanish on purpose—I was forced to ascend by a tribulation. I couldn’t exactly stroll over and say goodbye before lightning split me to pieces.”

Queen Mother West tossed her head. “Who knows? I heard he went down to the Underrealm as soon as he ascended—he must’ve been hunting that little beggar that day.”

I deflated and nodded. “Yes, I know. I just can’t understand—did he really have to go that far? Chasing a soul in the Underrealm after ascending? Lucky I became a god, or I’d still be on the receiving end of his bullying.”

Sebastian didn’t say anything. He just smiled at me in a way that made my skin prickle. I lobbed him a pastry crumb. “What are you smiling about?!”

He leaned in with a knowing grin. “Lord Rowan, judging by the Crown Prince’s behavior, I have a bold theory.”

I felt a bad premonition and backed up defensively. “Keep it to yourself. The Celestial Court has a whole method for dealing with god-slaying.”

10. “Lord Rowan, the Crown Prince might not be targeting you. From my analysis…he might rather like you.”

Sebastian’s smile carried layers. It crawled under my skin.

I immediately shot him down. “Impossible! He’d develop a crush on the little beggar who teased him? A masochist?”

Even as I denied it, I couldn’t stop paying attention.

Adrian’s gaze could not be called pure, but I truly couldn’t see any of the usual signs of that kind of feeling. If anything, his every move made me uncomfortable.

Queen Mother West slammed the table, exasperated. “Rowan! You’re a god—show a god’s presence!”

I sneered. Easy for you to say—did you offend the Crown Prince?

I’m a god all right, but the Celestial Court listens to the Crown Prince. If I’ve offended the future emperor, when will I ever have a good day?

I bit into the lotus pastry with a sour face. Well, I might as well eat first.

Being a deity is hard.

Sebastian and Marcus had to get back to work, so they only played around here for a little while—made a little bow and vanished in a curl of smoke.

The Queen Mother West, though, was a carefree spirit and kept me drinking. I hadn’t even started to taste the wine before she was plastered, caused a ruckus in the High God Palace, and practically wore Finn out. Later we had to force her to lie down in a rattan chair and sleep it off.

I found their noise annoying and wandered to the back hill of the High God Palace with my cup.

There’s a big patch of bamboo back there—quiet, perfect for cultivation baths. I come here often to drink. I knew there was a pavilion deep in the bamboo where a hidden fairy pool hung in mist; the immortal energy made it hard to see straight.

I’d come looking for that pavilion, not to make a fool of myself.

Before I could be dignified, my foot slipped—moss was slick. I fall here all the time because of the pool; the moss grows thick. It’s become a habit. As I stumbled toward the water, my only thought was don’t spill the wine.

Of course, fate had other plans.

A pair of hands scooped me up, and I froze.

The wine ewer in those hands tipped, the wine sloshing out.

Glug. Glug. Glug.

I stared into Adrian Morrow’s eyes—ah, there he was.

“Why is it every time we meet you take a fall?” he asked in a low voice.

Our lips were dangerously close; the smell of alcohol hit me. I squinted and put on a drunk act. “Prince Adrian, why not say it’s because I always run into you when I go out?”

He steadied me and looked like he was in a good mood. “I don’t believe it’s that coincidental, so I staged the encounters on purpose.”

I pursed my lips and let out two dry chuckles, glancing regretfully at the empty ewer in my hands.

“Do you still like the lotus pastry?” he asked.

I looked up and froze.

He was bare-chested. He was—bathing. Damn it.

I turned my face away, then admitted, “It’s tasty, but too sweet—sickeningly sweet.”

“You’ve always liked sweets, haven’t you?” His voice hit me like a shock. In my time among mortals, I really did love sweets.

I bit my lip. When I looked back, he’d dressed and was using a spell to dry his hair.

“Prince Adrian, I don’t know what I did to offend you to deserve so many tests. I’m only newly promoted to High God; surely there’s nothing about me that would displease you,” I said, teeth gritted—did he really have to jab at my spine like that after he’d been teased for a decade? After a long silence he blurted, “Did the High God misunderstand?”

Misunderstand my butt! I rolled my eyes and stepped farther away. “Is that so? Then the fault must be mine. If I’ve misunderstood anything, perhaps it’s better if the Prince keeps his distance from the High God Palace.”

I was about to walk off when his fingers closed around my wrist. “Is the High God mad at Adrian because the lotus pastry was too sweet?”

I almost spit blood. “It wasn’t the pastry!”

He tugged me back. “If not the pastry, then what?”

“You—”

I snapped my mouth shut before the words escaped.

Was it my imagination, or did he look a little excited?

“It’s me?” he repeated and wrapped an arm around my waist, forcing me to step backward.

Pressure pressed in. I was unnerved and kept backing up until the bamboo was right behind me.

“Yes… yes! It’s you!” I said stubbornly. “You always show up this way and it causes me great trouble! Everyone knows about it! It seriously damages my reputation!”

He was quiet for a moment and then said softly, “Is the High God hinting to me?”

I stared. “What the hell are you talking about? Hinting at what?”

He smiled like spring and let go of my waist.

I bolted to the side and hid behind the bamboo, then felt cowardly and straightened, lifting my chin to face him.

He only smiled and said, “The High God is considerate. Adrian understands.”

Me: ???

I’d had no idea I was qualified to enlighten anyone.

I tested him, “You really understand?”

Not going to trouble me anymore?

He nodded, smiling. I breathed out a little relief. People should be kind—if the poor little beggar was pitiful, as a prince Adrian could show mercy and let him vanish into the wind.

He bowed to me and left.

I was left holding an empty ewer like a quail, hiding in the bamboo.

When I returned to the High God Palace, Queen Mother West had already fallen asleep and Finn was picking up the broken cups she’d smashed.

Finn straightened and looked at me. “High God, you’re back… Why is your face so red?”

I frowned and snapped, “I ran eight hundred meters! I’m hot!”

Finn didn’t quite get the eight hundred meters thing but said nothing.

I sat in the rattan chair and stared at the palace path paved in white jade.

Could Adrian already know I was that little beggar?

He shouldn’t—right?

A messenger came: the Emperor requested I attend a meeting in the council hall.

Of course I went.

Heaven was peaceful, but the demon realm wasn’t. The demons were always itching for a clash with the immortals. The immortals were like, who are you, don’t bother us.

But I’m a High Martial God; attending council was part of the job.

I stepped into the hall and saw Adrian smiling. I immediately turned my face away and walked out.

I hadn’t gone far when the Emperor called me.

“High God Rowan?”

He addressed me. I set my jaw and went back, sitting at the Emperor’s side.

High Gods don’t need to kowtow to the Emperor, but the Prince did bow first to me.

Adrian bowed. I refused to look at him.

The Emperor pretended not to notice my dislike for his son and smiled. “Rowan, I asked you here for a favor.”

I had a bad feeling. “May I ask what it is, Your Majesty?”

The Emperor smiled and pointed to Adrian. “My son has returned to the palace and I’ve arranged a new task for him: to survey the incense offerings at mortal temples. He’s unfamiliar with mortal temple locations and I ask High God Rowan to guide him.”

I snorted inwardly. Old man, give your son a map from Lord Hundred Eyes—those charts are obvious. But I couldn’t argue with the Emperor.

I sighed and stood. “Your Majesty’s favor is too great. Rowan will comply.”

The Emperor clapped happily. “Good, good. Adrian, have you thanked the High God?”

My hand, hidden under my white robe, clenched into a fist. Can’t you both stop the flirting? Adrian stepped forward and bowed. “Adrian thanks the High God.”

I smiled with all the wrong muscles. I wanted to bonk him.

I escorted Adrian out of the hall, glowering at him the whole way. He smiled like a warm breeze and didn’t care.

Everyone greeted him as we passed; he greeted each back. Pretty popular, the Prince.

He noticed my stare. “They were classmates at the academy.”

“Hmph,” I said. “You don’t need to explain. I don’t care.”

He gave a low laugh and that laugh unsettled me.

“Prince Adrian… any leads on the cause?” I asked cautiously.

“No,” he confessed. “I can’t find her. I don’t even know if she’s alive or dead, immortal or demon.”

I let out a breath. Then he added, “Judging by her temperament, she’s probably a little demoness.”

I feigned surprise. “A woman?”

He nodded. “A woman. She has a beautiful smile.”

I teased, “So the Prince is smitten?”

I’d meant it as a joke, but he stopped walking. I turned and met his gaze and found him serious. My heart thumped.

He stepped forward and said, “Yes. I like her. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know.”

I was speechless. I wanted to say I knew now.

12.
We descended to the mortal realm and masked our forms—one dark, one light—and stepped into an inn.

I was distracted the whole time and blankly paid, grabbed the key, and rushed upstairs, leaving Adrian standing there like someone who might cry.

What else could I do? This was my first time being confessed to in tens of thousands of years. I couldn’t at least fake being flustered?

I sat on the bed biting my nails and stared at the floor until something nagged at me.

“No, I’m not going to get all coy. He said the one he likes is the little beggar—so why am I hiding from him?”

I slapped my forehead and flopped onto the bed.

No. This isn’t acceptable. Now that I knew the Prince wasn’t out for revenge but for a wife, I had even more reason not to let him discover me.

It’s mortifying. I’d misread him as hostile before, spoken out of turn, dodged him—anyone could tell.

I wiped my face. My life is hard.

A knock sounded. Adrian’s voice called, “High God?”

I sprang up, took a deep breath, waved the door open.

He stood there with a teapot, looking at me with a pout. “Prince Adrian…does the young prince need anything? It’s late—should rest.”

Adrian set the teapot on the table and looked at me with mingled grievance and longing. “Surely the High God doesn’t refuse Adrian a reason to come see you?”

I felt my breath catch and my gaze dart. “What are you talking about? I didn’t—”

He took a few steps toward me and I staggered back, my hip hitting the corner of the table, sharp pain shooting through me.

“High God!” he said.

He shoved the table aside in one motion to shield me. “Did it hurt?”

My face went pale. So close—what was this for? I bent and spun in a circle and hurled myself onto the bed to get out of his reach. He looked almost wounded, staring at me with hurt in his eyes.

I forced myself not to look at him, turned my face away and fumbled with the bedding, laughing awkwardly. "Ahahaha, this silk blanket is really nice. Thanks to Crown Prince Adrian for—uh, whatever. Prince, you should get some rest."

Unexpectedly, Adrian stepped forward another pace. I genuinely started to get scared of him.

"Lord Rowan, did you know celestials don't need to sleep?"

He glanced down at the silk beneath me. "When you say the blanket is good quality, are you trying to hint something at me?"

My expression must've said everything; I almost blurted out three questions in a row. "You think I'm hinting—"

Then Mother Desire clamped down on me.

I forced a smile, stood and put my hands on my hips. "Alright then! Celestials don't sleep? Fine. Come on—weren't you supposed to be doing business down here? The sooner we finish, the sooner we can leave."

Adrian looked taken aback. "N-now go do it?"

I snorted. "Yes! Come on!"

13. They called it collecting temple incense and offerings, but it was really just walking through every shrine one by one. Boring.

I walked behind him with my arms folded while Adrian questioned the local earth deity up ahead.

Once he started working, he wasn't focused on me at all—he got serious, tracing seals, collecting the offerings, bowing to the temple attendants. Everything went smoothly.

"The main temple is up ahead. Lord Rowan, Prince Adrian, this old one takes his leave."

The earth deity bowed to Adrian, then to me, and slid back into the ground.

Adrian turned and smiled at me. "Lord Rowan, the temple ahead is yours."

I stuck out my tongue; I already knew.

I'm the only martial deity. Every nation eager for victory set up a shrine to me. But sorry—not the kind that helps mortals wage war. I protect safety and peace, not armies.

I looked up at the temple name: Pear Shrine.

I rolled my eyes. Whoever named it has taste about as refined as mine.

I followed Adrian inside and was immediately swallowed by a crowd.

I hadn't expected my shrine to be so popular.

I edged in and saw Adrian standing before my statue, eyes gently closed.

I could see his true form rising from him—his celestial self: black robes, regal and poised.

And a giant version of me bloomed from the statue.

When a deity's attendants bestow their blessings among mortals, those favors attach to the statue and form an echoing consciousness. When another deity visits and bows, it records the visit and sends the message back to the original.

The statue-version of me looked like when I had just risen to godhood—white jade robes, Silver Lance in hand, standing atop clouds. The face was indistinct; you could only see hair tied high, a silver cloak fluttering though the air was still.

I pressed my lips together; watching myself like that felt bizarre.

Adrian and the statue exchanged bows, then he folded away his awareness and walked toward me.

There were so many people, so he walked slowly.

My inner sight pinged: Crown Prince Adrian had been here.

I watched him get closer.

I heard him say, "Lord Rowan, absolutely stunning."

My cheeks warmed and I turned away with impatience. "Flattery. Move on. Next."

He chuckled softly before falling into step with me.

As we walked, a breeze rose for no reason.

The temple's clamor faded around us.

I frowned and slowed. Adrian noticed my change in pace and murmured, "Lord Rowan—"

Before he could finish, I grabbed his robe and pulled him toward me, simultaneously dodging a ghostly claw.

Adrian steadied at my side and narrowed his eyes. "A ghost?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes. "Prince Adrian, can't you tell this kid hasn't been out demon-slaying much?"

Adrian pressed his lips together and nodded.

As if it were anything to be proud of.

I reached into the void with my right hand and materialized my Silver Lance. Before I could move, Adrian drew his sword and hacked at the black mist.

I leisurely sheathed my weapon and watched.

Adrian's instrument is a blade—an all-black blade that seems to be one with him. He stood, sword in hand, black fog coiling by his side. He shut his eyes and a massive wyrm erupted from behind him, devouring the black mist. Adrian spun and drove his sword through the thing in the fog, pinning it dead through the heart.

I folded my arms and stepped forward. Oh—was a fox spirit.

"This fox spirit smelled the celestial aura on both of us. Probably hoped to eat us and become immortal," I snorted, watching the now-dead fox on the ground. "Let's go. Just a minor detour."

Adrian sheathed his sword and drew in breath before falling in behind me.

"Is your weapon the Silver Lance?" he asked.

I nodded. "Handsome, right?"

He smiled. "No matter how many times I see it, it still amazes me."

This kid making me blush with compliments.

I pursed my lips and returned his smile. "My weapon isn't just the lance. I have a suit of armor too."

Adrian: "Mm. I saw it the day I received your blessing."

"Speaking of your blessing, I must thank you again," he said more quietly. "Dividing soul to save a life—that's enormous."

I shrugged. "I'm the martial deity. I don't manage fate like the Queen Mother West and the others. I don't have many gifts to give. Giving you an extra life? That's my act of mercy."

"Then, Lord Rowan, is there anything you want?" Adrian grabbed my sleeve and asked.

I blinked. "W-what do you mean…want?"

He smiled. "Like—a match? A marriage?"

It felt like being struck by lightning. My skin buzzed.

13. Why do I get this feeling Adrian's off? Very off.

I frowned across from him. He looked at me, smiling, eyes soft.

"Prince Adrian, that's the Matchmaker's work. Don't meddle," I warned, annoyed. "Don't forget you have that little beggar you adore—don't start stirring things up…"

The last sentence I said so quietly I could barely hear it.

Adrian's expression shifted and his gaze flickered. He said, low and calm, "Lord Rowan, I've never said the woman I favor is a beggar."

I clamped my mouth shut—wish I could slap myself.

I kept my face neutral and turned away, then back. "No, you did say it. You just forgot."

Adrian hesitated but didn't argue.

Inside, I was howling, but on the outside I kept my breath light.

"Ahem. Continue. There are many more temples to see."

I stood, about to move, and realized Adrian was still sitting. He hadn't budged.

I raised an eyebrow. "Prince?"

"Lord Rowan, doesn't that temple look familiar?" he asked.

I looked toward the Pear Shrine. He hadn't moved—so I couldn't either, and begrudgingly sat. "Familiar? How?"

"That statue—that's how you looked the moment you ascended, right?" Adrian's eyes were oddly bright when he asked.

I still didn't see it. "Yeah. Must be some celestial who witnessed my ascension and carved it."

"Do you happen to know which country we're in right now?" he pressed.

I really didn't know.

Adrian sighed and stood with a huff. "Fine. Lord Rowan, you really are obtuse."

I froze. This brat insulted me?

I hadn't even had a chance to get mad before he strode off.

"You're Prince Adrian—you're so mighty, your power is unmatched! Hah, you gonna bite me?!" I fumed, my temper flaring, and followed him.

Adrian went the whole time without speaking and I kept quiet too.

He traveled a thousand miles in a blink, then started working again—tapping the ground to summon earth gods. We walked with them all over until I was exhausted and dawn was breaking. I finally stopped.

How long had it been since I'd watched a sunrise?

The sky brightened until it stung my eyes. They watered; everything went black for a moment. Adrian's muffled voice was at my ear. "Don't stare. It'll hurt your eyes."

I smiled faintly. "How thoughtful of you, Prince."

This last temple in the region was mine again, but this time it wasn't called the Pear Shrine. A straight-up Martial God Shrine.

I stepped in and froze.

The statue inside wasn't my ascension form. It was me in silver armor, wielding the Silver Lance, battle-hardened! My eyes widened. I visited many martial shrines later and they all showed me in warlike armor—proper Martial God shrines.

So why did the Pear Shrine show my exaltation form? Who carved that? Who saw it? Who—?

My eyes locked with Adrian's and I went blank.

"Um, Prince, I have something to do. I'll step away for a moment."

I bowed, and before he could reply I cast a small spell and returned to the Pear Shrine.

I swept the mist aside. The statue there indeed captured my ascension moment.

I circled it and finally found the carved signature on the lotus pedestal.

"Crown City, Prince—Eighteen Final Strokes."

My mind went empty.

"Crown City…Prince…"

"Prince…"

"Little…Prince!"

14.

When I returned, I only saw the wounded earth deity and the ground stained with blood.

My heart jumped. I placed a hand on the deity's brow and poured in some celestial power. He stirred, and when he saw me he scrambled up and knelt. "Lord Rowan, quick! Save Prince Adrian! Demonic forces attacked—Prince Adrian was wounded and taken!"

I frowned. I hadn't expected that the Demonic Realm would kidnap Adrian the moment I left.

I summoned the Silver Lance and flew on the wind.

The Demonic Realm had been provoking the Celestial Realm for a while. The Celestials had maintained peace and refused their challenges—now that they had taken Adrian, it looked like war was imminent.

When I arrived at the Heavenly Court, the Emperor and the three senior deities met me, holding a torn corner of clothing.

It was Adrian's, spattered with blood. He was hurt.

"Rowan!" the Queen Mother West scanned me top to bottom and relaxed when she saw I was uninjured. "Where were you? Weren't you with the prince? How could the Demon Lord personally abduct someone?"

The Demon Lord came personally?

I raised an eyebrow. That brat probably wasn't their target—this villain came for me. Great. I ran off and Adrian paid the price.

"This is Lord Rowan's fault. The prince has been endangered. Lord Rowan must bring Prince Adrian back safe and sound, and afterwards face imperial punishment!" the Queen Mother West declared.

For once I bowed to the Emperor.

He didn't look angry. He patted my shoulder. "Lord Rowan—my son is in your care."

I hesitated, then asked, "Your Majesty, has Prince Adrian ever suffered a severe injury? Given his strength, even facing the Demon Lord, he shouldn't have been captured so easily. He could've escaped."

The Emperor was silent a moment and then looked at me oddly. "Yes. He took lightning for someone."

I felt like I understood.

When I ascended, some of my thunder tribulation had been diverted by others, which is why my ascension was relatively effortless.

The thunder trial for ascending to deity—either you endure it and become a god, or you are struck down and reincarnate to cultivate again.

I thought I was going to die under the thunder tribulation.

But somehow I survived it.

Could it have been Adrian?! No—that can’t be right. Didn’t I tell him to stay away when I was crossing the tribulation?

I was careful not to let him know, wasn’t I?

So does that mean he recognized me as Lord Rowan back when he was still mortal?

That brat was playing coy with me?! He knew I was going to face the tribulation, so he purposely knocked over the wine I’d spiked with a sedative?

Oh—so that’s why there was a statue of my ascension.

So that’s why Rowan Shrine exists.

So that’s why Prince Adrian of Serene City left those eighteen final words.

Because he took the thunder for me, his trial had to end. The prince, only eighteen, built a shrine for my ascension…and then died.

My hands were shaking. Adrian’s pitiful eyes flashed across my mind, and I wanted to slap myself.

He even asked, carefully, whether I knew where the Rowan Shrine was located. How could I not know? Military shrines are sanctioned only by the royal family—either the monarch or the crown prince.

And the first district we went to was Serene City—the same Serene City where I met the young prince.

Since Adrian ascended and came back, what have I been doing? Ignoring him, avoiding him, while he knew everything.

Rowan, Rowan, you’re so dense.

Foolish!

Queen Mother West patted my back in concern. “Rowan, are you all right?”

I drew a deep breath and laughed once. “I’m such an idiot.”

Queen Mother West looked oddly grim when I spoke and then scolded herself, “Don’t you worry. If it comes to it, we’ll go to war with the Netherrealm—like the Demon Lord could possibly beat you…”

I raised an eyebrow. “Then we’ll have to fight.”

15.
I led a million celestial soldiers to the border and pressed the attack, surrounding the Demon Lord’s forces.

The Demon Lord was an old man. He dragged Adrian’s limp hand and looked at me with a twisted smile. “Lord Rowan, what a surprise—dropping by for a visit?”

I looked at Adrian—his eyes bloodshot and unfocused. Because he’d borne the thunder for me, his root veins were damaged; he couldn’t withstand the Demon Lord’s torment.

He lay quietly at the Demon Lord’s feet, his hand clutched in the old man’s grip.

“No need for pleasantries. You stole something from me. I’m not pleased. Cut the chatter—finish quickly so you can step down early.”

I raised my right hand and grabbed the void. A silver dragon lance materialized. White robe rose, silver armor settled.

My face hidden behind the helm, hair tied high—white wind lifting me.

The Demon Lord flinched at the sight of my silver spear. After all, it was that spear that stole his left eye. He yanked Adrian closer and roared, trying to stop me, “Rowan! Stop! If you come any closer, I’ll tear this prince apart!”

My eyes widened beneath the helm. I drove the silver spear forward.

The heavenly soldiers surged into battle.

“Stop her! Stop Lord Rowan!”

The Demon Lord shrieked.

Three silver dragons coalesced by my side, roaring through the Demon ranks and clearing a path.

“Hand over the boy!”

I bellowed. A white light formed in my hand and stabbed toward the Demon Lord.

He held a sword and tried to throw Adrian onto my lance. I snorted and with a wrist motion hooked my spear around Adrian’s robes, pulling him into my arms.

Only then did I feel steadier. With a sweep of the spear, a massive silver dragon leapt and detonated atop the Demon Lord.

I glanced at the four blessing sigils on Adrian’s chest and froze.

There were only three.

Mine—my blessing—was shattered.

Rage flared through me. I raised my hand; the silver spear fractured into ten thousand lances, and as my hair streamed in the wind, they all aimed for the Demon Lord.

“I could have spared your life, but since you broke Adrian’s blessing, be ready to pay.”

When blood spurted, I summoned auspicious clouds and placed Adrian on them, intending to send him back so I could continue holding the line. If I didn’t secure this fight, I might as well not be Rowan.

As I withdrew my hand, Adrian woke.

He saw me turn and grabbed my sleeve.

I was surprised—my face was still masked in silver, so he couldn’t see me clearly.

He was weak, but he managed to ask in a small voice, “Did I…cause you trouble?”

I didn’t know how to respond. I reached out and stroked his cheek. “Not trouble. Go back and heal. I’ll be back soon.”

He pressed his lips together as if to say more, glanced at the battlefield around us, and simply said, “Thank you, Lord Rowan.”

I placed my hand over his heart and sent protective energy into his meridians, then lowered my voice: “Young Prince, don’t be afraid. I’ll come back quickly. This time I’ll really come back.”

His eyes brightened; he smiled and nodded, then fainted from exhaustion into a pool of his own blood.

Fear prickled behind my ribs. Good thing I’d bestowed a blessing on him—my blessing had taken the blow of his life-and-death tribulation.

Otherwise, he would have died.

I stood. A blue light spread across my silver armor. Queen Mother West had just finished bestowing a blessing and smiled behind me. “Rowan! Come back safe, hear me?!”

Always talking nonsense. I was already planning to come back safe.

I lifted my visor, speared in hand, with a million soldiers at my back. “Message received.”

16.
The battle dragged on. When I finally slew the last foe, I exhaled.

The soldiers behind me raised their weapons high, shouting my name.

“Lord Rowan! Lord Rowan!”

I didn’t stop to savor it. I summoned my dragons and headed back to the palace; the bloodstains on my armor looked savage.

Marcus Hale and Sebastian Vale blocked my way at the gate. “Hey, hey—are you really going to see the prince like that?”

I was still bristling with bloodlust; my arriving like that even startled Queen Mother West, and her tone softened: “At least bathe. The prince’s wounds need tending—don’t frighten him.”

She was right. I turned and walked toward the back of the temple—toward that slippery immortal pool. I sent a whisper to Finn to bring fresh clothes, removed my armor, and began to undress.

A proper bath did feel better.

I could have used a quick cleansing method with a spell, but I kept some mortal habits—water is more honest.

Someone approached; I assumed it was Finn.

“Finn, come pour me some wine.”

I lay on the stone, eyes closed.

The person hesitated, but dutifully poured a cup and set it by my hand.

I opened my eyes to reach for it and saw a pair of pale, long hands.

Looking up, I met Adrian’s grin-eyed gaze.

My heart missed a beat.

“Adrian!”

I leapt up, excited.

Don’t get the wrong idea—I’d been bathing, but I still wore a simple white underwrap.

Adrian, however, immediately closed his eyes, his earlobes flushed as red as if they’d bleed.

I looked at him. “Are you healed?”

He kept his eyes shut and nodded quietly.

I climbed from the pool and moved closer. “You already knew the beggar before you was a tribulation-crossing celestial, didn’t you?”

He sensed my nearness and shifted back a bit. “Yes… I knew.”

I put on a mischievous smile. “You, Young Prince, quietly stole glory and fame, didn’t you? Tell me—if you knew you were the future crown prince, and you knew I was a celestial, why not just tell me?”

I was only wearing the underwrap and wet pants that clung to me. I closed in on him and cornered him against the bamboo grove, just like he had cornered me that one time.

“At first I didn’t know…”

His ear tips were burning. He sounded like he might faint. “Then you got struck by lightning but weren’t harmed. That’s when I realized you might be like me…”

I grimaced—another embarrassing backstory. Once, my celestial power had shown too strongly; the Thunder Lord suspected demonic interference and aimed a small bolt at me. Young Adrian watched me struck by lightning and then, quite understandably, nearly died of fright.

“So you also intentionally didn’t drink the sedative I spiked into your wine, then snuck off to watch my ascension?”

I pressed him. Today I would get the whole story.

Adrian blinked slowly. He opened his eyes a bit, then closed them again in melodrama. “You—the sedative you gave tasted like poison. It was like a paste. How could I drink it…? Besides, I was worried about your ascension…”

I clenched my fists. “So you decided to shoulder the thunder for me? No wonder you were kidnapped so easily.”

“I… I hadn’t completed my trials. The only thing I could do for you was…to bear it.”

He pressed his lips together and stared at the ground. “I thought you’d know I was helping you, but when I woke, you had vanished. I couldn’t find you.”

Pain hit my chest. Another day of scolding myself inwardly.

“So you built a Rowan Shrine?”

I raised an eyebrow. “That statue was carved really well—so detailed. Tell me, were you staring at my ascension without blinking?”

Adrian suddenly turned to me, catching his breath. “Yes.”

Yes?

Heat flamed my cheeks; my heart raced.

“What do you mean?”

I asked awkwardly.

“Beautiful.”

He answered simply. “Stunning—you took my breath away. I couldn’t get enough.”

“I built the greatest Rowan Shrine and memorized your face, planning to find you after I ascended. But you acted like you didn’t remember me.”

His expression looked wounded. “I thought I had failed the woman I admired—I thought I hadn’t helped her fly.”

Ah.

So that’s why he went to the Underrealm to steal names from the registry.

I smiled faintly and pinched his cheek. “You helped. Look at me now—I’m one of the Four Great Lords.”

He smiled obediently. “Little Rowan is the best.”

I pursed my lips. My mortal alias had been “Little Rowan.”

It was hard to imagine that, after my mortal death, he alone—dragging an already battered body weakened by having borne thunder—built the first shrine for me.

He even left Prince Adrian of Serene City’s final words on my statue.

How lonely.

“Lord Rowan—”

Finn’s voice snapped me back. I froze—here I was, wearing only an underwrap! I was about to dive back into the pool when Adrian reflexively grabbed me. I thought, why not—let’s both go.

Splash. Water flew and settled.

I heard Finn call my name twice.

Then I heard nothing else.

Because Adrian’s lips stole every other sense from me.

17.
A formal hearing—nothing more.

Queen Mother West sat in the center, Marcus Hale and Sebastian Vale at her sides.

I sat on the floor looking pitiful.

“Rowan, Rowan, what exactly happened between you and the young prince?!” Queen Mother West pouted.

I mimicked her pout. “Wasn’t it just a little romance?”

The Queen Mother West was so furious her fingertips trembled. "I sent you down to the mortal realm for your trial, and you go there and find a man!"

I chuckled. "Yeah — isn't that maddening?"

The Queen Mother's face twisted. She grabbed Sebastian, who'd been watching the spectacle, and barked, "Mother's green with envy! Sebastian — will you marry her?!"

Marcus's face went dark in an instant. "If you're getting married, go find someone else!"

Sebastian just smiled helplessly.

I slipped out of the Lord Rowan's Hall.

The first person I saw was Adrian Morrow waiting for me by the Lotus Pool. The corner of his mouth curled up; he jogged a few steps and reached out his hand.

"Have you been waiting long?"

I felt a little embarrassed. Blame the Queen Mother's gossiping.

Adrian didn't say anything. He only smiled at me.

Being stared at like that made me awkward.

"What are you looking at?"

I touched my face. "There's no makeup on…"

"You're pretty."

That was his reply.

We walked side by side through the peach grove.

"Why did you hide from me back then?" he tilted his head and asked.

I scratched my head. "My mind wasn't clear. I could only remember how I bullied you. I thought you'd get revenge. Back then I was a coward."

Adrian froze and stopped walking. "Why would I want revenge?"

I blinked. "Because I bullied you in the mortal world. Every time I saw you you'd be flushed with anger…"

"Did you really think that was anger?"

Adrian suddenly couldn't help laughing.

He laughed until he bent over, crouching down, but he still held my hand.

He gave me a little pull; I tumbled into the peach blossoms.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Rowan, you're really—so slow, hahahaha…"

END. There's an extra epilogue (*´◒`*)

[Epilogue] [Adrian's Part — Part One]

I was the young emperor of the Heavens.

On a trial mission, I forgot to ask Myrna for her stewing soup and, carrying my memory, reincarnated as the crown prince of Larkhaven.

Days passed, dull and steady.

Then I met that radiant girl.

She was perched on a wall, teasing me, laughing at the little tuft of hair that stuck up on my head.

I wondered: mortal kids — shouldn't they be angry at that?

So I decided to chase her a bit, to show I was offended.

But when she ran, she ran forever; I couldn't catch up, and it infuriated me.

Because mortal bodies are weak, I ran out of breath. I watched as she timidly came close and, in a small voice, apologized.

Suddenly I thought mortals were adorable.

"I’m called Little Rowan."

After that she visited often, bringing me lotus pastry.

She'd proudly tell me the aunt at Jin's Tea House liked her and gave her pastries every day.

That little fool — if I hadn't instructed it, one lotus pastry costs ten coins. No one would give you one every day for free.

I noticed I liked her, so I tried to learn how to be with her.

Watching her eat happily made me happy.

I hadn't realized my feelings were already wrong.

Life turned noisy, vibrant.

I treated a twelve- or thirteen-year-old girl with the feelings of an ordinary man.

As I grew, the girl began to bloom into a startling beauty.

Every time she neared me, my heart sped up.

She teased me, dragged me through dogholes to sneak out of the palace to see lanterns, to poke at bird nests.

I was amazed — how could one girl be so energetic, so luminous?

I wanted to marry her.

Even though she kept flirting and saying things that made my face burn.

I told myself I had self-control…okay, I didn't.

When I watched her drunk and blushing, calling me "Little Prince," I secretly—just briefly—kissed her mouth, like a thieving mouse. I was flushed all night.

It was that mischievous mouth that stole my soul.

That playful mouth, each little "Little Prince," made me start to care.

I tricked her into signing a betrothal agreement, childishly lying that I liked her. I thought she'd refuse, but she complied.

So she liked me too, right?

I even wanted to bind her with mortal customs. When she pulled at my clothes, I didn't stop her. I nearly confessed.

She looked at me with a pitiful expression. "Little Prince, if I die someday, or if I disappear, will you be sad?"

Her words plunged me into an ice cellar.

Right. I was a celestial, and Little Rowan was not. If I died, I'd return to the Heavens. What would happen to her?

I was greedy. I didn't want one lifetime — I wanted forever.

Even if she might never love me, I just wanted to keep seeing her smile.

My worry vanished with the thunder.

I watched as lightning struck her, and she wasn't harmed.

She even pointed at the sky and cursed, "Thunder King, are you crazy? You hit the wrong person!"

I nearly laughed out loud.

She was also a celestial.

Good. The only thought I had was to remember her and return to the Heavens to find her.

That night she brought me a cup of water.

Her lips were pale; her smile strained.

"Little Prince, drink."

She looked at me with hope.

When I reached for the cup, my hand slipped. The cup fell; drugs mixed into the water spilled on the ground.

I watched her sigh and mutter a spell.

I slipped into darkness, but I'd already called the Land Deity to break the charm if I collapsed.

I rode three horses to exhaustion and found her.

She stood on a cliff, wind screaming. She was no longer the girl-child but a heroic general, silver-white armor cold and sharp. She was more beautiful that way.

Suddenly she coughed blood that turned into mist, and my chest tightened.

The thunder grew stronger; her blood flowed more and more.

I heard her call, "Queen Mother West! Move me away! That little prince is still asleep…"

"No…"

I murmured, ripped my palm, and released a powerful young-emperor's spirit to draw some lightning.

When the pain hit, I stared hard at the person on the cliff.

She was reborn from fire; the blood that stained her white garments faded. Her fair face was serene as a lotus.

I watched her vanish into ascension.

A mortal body couldn't withstand thunder. The prince's health worsened day by day.

I struggled, using the prince's name to hold rites for her, to leave a remembrance. Word spread of someone ascending.

Many of our cohort ascended together; I didn't know who she served after ascension.

I left a memorial for her as the prince — and left one for myself.

I remembered her face. I vowed to find her.

At the brink of death I came to that temple.

In front of the great ascension statue she still shone — brilliant, dazzling.

I laughed and coughed blood, which splattered the idol.

I flapped at it with my sleeve.

No…no…my vision darkened.

The crown prince of Larkhaven died in a temple.

When I opened my eyes, Myrna was smiling at me. "Congratulations on returning from your trial, young emperor. It's time for ascension."

I returned to the Heavens. The first face I saw was her fleeing.

Someone by her side told me, "That's Lord Rowan, the martial deity — the only martial god at the Hall."

So her name was Rowan.

I went to the temple I'd raised, named it Rowan Shrine.

I went to her Hall to find her, but a fairy child told me she had left that night for the Western Sea.

Had she gone to see the deity of the West Sea?

So I waited at Rowan's Hall for a long time.

When she finally arrived, she smiled faintly when she saw me.

I fought the trembling in my hands and bowed. I heard my own voice.

"Adrian Morrow, greeting Lord Rowan."

[Epilogue] [Adrian's Part — Part Two]

I stared at her cool expression and briefly thought I'd mistaken the person.

But I kept seeing familiar little mannerisms.

We'd both changed appearances, but our souls remained.

I realized my girl seemed afraid of me sometimes — even started avoiding me.

She held fast to her status as a martial deity and kept distance, but when I pretended to be drunk she'd bring me back.

Caught off guard, she had no defenses.

She ate lotus pastry and timidly asked if I could be lenient; that hopeful look made me laugh.

Why did she think I was angry with her?

She was so lovely — her smile could eclipse sky and sea. There was no second like her.

Of course I liked her.

An uncontainable fondness, impossible to hide.

Because I loved her I indulged her. Anything she asked, I would do—just to see her smile.

How did a god who'd ascended become so slow to notice?

Then I realized it wasn't that she was slow — it was that I never let her know my heart.

So I asked the emperor to let her be closer to me, inch by inch.

You can't hide feelings forever.

In the sunset, her features edged with gold, tugged at my heart.

"That young emperor truly is smitten?" someone asked.

My heart raced with joy. I loved her and wanted her to know.

"I love her, but she doesn't know."

When I watched her clumsily descend to the mortal realm, relief washed over me. Saying it aloud felt like removing a weight that had pressed on me since my trial.

But I worried Rowan didn't want me to find out she was the little beggar girl. Why? Where had the plan gone wrong?

I hoped she'd notice the ascension statue I built for her, proof I'd always known who she was.

Rowan was really oblivious; I could only be patient.

I hadn't expected the Demon Lord's arrival.

Though the demon realm had always been unruly, out of respect for Rowan they hadn't dared full-scale war.

When I was struck down by the Demon Lord, my first thought before the fall was that I'd caused trouble for her.

Having taken lightning, my spirit was wounded; my power was far less. My golden body was tattered.

When I opened my eyes, heavenly troops filled the sky; across from us the demon camp stretched black. Rowan knelt half-forward before me in silver armor, wearing a silver mask that hid her face.

I saw the blood on her armor. I had always wanted to shield her, yet somehow I kept bringing trouble. Bitterly, I apologized — I had lost the right to protect her.

She gently touched my face and spoke the first word that still made my heart race: "Little Prince."

I am the young emperor of the Heavens; no one had ever called me "Prince" like that.

But I was also the crown prince of Larkhaven.

The one I loved was Lord Rowan.

I had loved her for over ten years, watching her excel, watching her delight in life.

Watching her lounge in the immortal pool with that lazy expression — I swallowed hard.

Ugh, Adrian, what are you staring at! Rowan climbed wet from the water and cornered me in the bamboo grove.

I explained everything to her as calmly as I could.

Under the pool’s dark, deep blue, I felt my composure evaporate.

I pulled her into my arms and, through the water, pressed a soft, burning kiss to her lips.

Rowan was wonderful. Missing her for over a decade was my fault.

If there’s no meddling reincarnation, then I’ll make sure you see my face every day until you hate it.

[Adrian Morrow’s chapter end.]

[Afterword — "Following"] Everyone in the heavens knew the young prince had found someone he adored.

The white-bearded elders sat happily by the Lotus Pond, watching the prince chase after the celestial in the white robe.

"The prince is so devoted."

"Young lovers are always like that. Lord Vega, don’t you agree?"

Lord Vega, a quietly observant woman in green, had golden embroidery detailing the duties across her robe. The spirit attendant by her side spoke up: "The prince and the celestial make a perfect match. It’s only natural their feelings are intense."

Lord Vega is basically the heavens’ housekeeper.

She’s friends with Rowan and Prince Adrian.

"Vega!" A woman in white shoved open the chamber door and plopped down on Vega’s neatly stacked papers, looking furious.

Vega glanced at the papers she had just organized, then at the door Rowan had left open, and sighed, looking at Rowan in front of her.

The spirit attendant asked, "Rowan, what’s wrong?"

Vega sees the threads of fate but cannot speak freely, so she uses the attendant to voice what she can’t.

Rowan propped her cheek on her palm and leaned over the table. "Is the prince insane?

I told him I didn’t want lotus pastry, but he keeps making them for me."

Vega pursed her lips. Oh. A public display of affection.

She focused on tidying the documents.

Rowan chattered on for a long time before standing. "Much better. Let’s go!"

Vega silently closed the door with a sleeve, then straightened the papers into perfect piles.

No sooner were they finished than Rowan returned, barging back in and knocking the neat stacks to the floor.

Damn.

"Vega! Where can we hide someone?!"

Vega took a deep breath and pointed to behind a bookshelf.

Once Rowan ducked behind it, Vega was about to re-stack the papers when a dark shadow crashed through the door again.

Clatter.

Another pile went flying.

Vega clenched her fist.

The attendant looked worried—Vega might be furious enough to die.

The attendant asked, "Is there something wrong, Your Highness?"

Adrian raised a hand. "Ah, it’s nothing. I just came for Rowan."

Vega pointed to where Rowan hid.

Adrian smiled with understanding and headed to the bookshelf.

After the commotion, Adrian led a very reluctant Rowan out of Vega’s hall.

And once again, they left the door open.

Vega closed it with another sleeve flick.

The attendants quietly began to restore order, stacking papers neatly until everything looked clean and calm.

Vega allowed herself a small smile.

Yes, Vega is a control freak.

Unable to speak freely, she became a sounding board for Rowan and Adrian.

One day Rowan came in looking troubled.

Vega raised an eyebrow—today Rowan really did seem preoccupied.

The attendant asked, "Not showing affection today?"

Rowan slumped over the table. "What affection? Adrian’s being suffocating. I understand he wants to be with me, but must he follow me everywhere?

He doesn’t leave my side—I… I can’t get used to it."

Vega glanced around—no sign of Adrian.

Rowan waved a hand. "He had duties to attend. That’s why I’m finally free to visit you."

The attendant mimicked Vega’s expression and said, "They’re newly in love; clinginess is part of the process. Once they adjust, it won’t feel so uncomfortable."

Rowan sniffed. "I think he’s punishing me for leaving without telling him."

Vega smiled faintly and looked behind Rowan with deeper amusement. The attendant poured her a cup of tea and grinned. "Adrian is overjoyed. How could he be punishing you?"

Rowan wagged a finger like she meant it. "You never know. That boy’s head is a mystery."

Before she could finish, Adrian’s voice came from behind them.

"Oh? Rowan thinks she knows what I’m thinking?"

Rowan sprang up like she’d been startled, seeing Adrian standing there. "You’re back already?"

Adrian took her hand with a grin. "I finished quickly, so I came straight to you. Queen Mother West’s and Lord Sebastian Vale’s wedding is about to start. Shall we go now?"

Rowan finally smiled. "Okay!"

Vega sipped her tea and called after them.

"Your Highness, wait."

Rowan and Adrian exchanged a look, and Rowan obediently waited outside Vega’s hall while Adrian stayed.

Weren’t they supposed to dislike being together?

They seemed perfectly content.

Vega smiled. The attendant said, "My lord, the one you love is right there—when you reach for her, be mindful of your strength."

Adrian chuckled. "Thank you, Vega."

Vega checked the stars and the attendant’s notes. "Mid-next month—there’s a favorable day."

Adrian blinked. "Really?!"

Vega smiled. "All matters are auspicious."

Adrian bowed. "Thank you, Lord Vega!"

In the heavens, married couples need Vega’s blessing for a wedding date.

Lovers must ask her for a good day before they can marry. Without Vega’s guidance, they cannot selfishly set their own wedding.

When Vega sees a day is right, she sends the attendant with invitations to announce the wedding date.

Most requests are simply for marriage-appropriate days. "All matters are auspicious" is rare.

Vega watched the two of them walk hand in hand, shaking her head. Rowan only pretended to scold Adrian—her smile was too bright for anyone to believe she wasn’t happy.

"Blessings to the prince and the celestial: may all be auspicious and may wishes come true."

[End of this chapter]