A Poignant Legend

A Poignant Legend . . .

In the enchanting, snow-covered realm of Driftsnow City, Pei Yu, a vision of grace and elegance, turned to Cheron and Qin Wentian with a sweet, radiant smile. Her voice, like a melodious whisper in the winter wind, caressed their ears as she began to speak. "Ah, my dear friends, isn't it true that we are all drawn to the allure of beauty? I've heard tales of the illustrious Cheron from the Wondergate Immortal Manor, but never did I imagine you to be such a free-spirited soul."

With a subtle glance towards Qin Wentian, Pei Yu continued, her eyes filled with a playful spark. "Oh, and as for you, my acquaintance from the teahouse, our paths have indeed crossed before."

Qin Wentian nodded, his gaze locked onto Pei Yu. Simultaneously, Cheron couldn't resist chiming in with a gallant compliment. "The snow is undeniably beautiful, but it pales in comparison to the beauty before us. Might I inquire about the name of this enchanting lady?"

Pei Yu, her heart warmed by the compliment, replied with a demure smile, "'Tis Pei Yu."

Cheron's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't help but delve deeper into their conversation. "Ah, you hail from the Jiangling King Manor, do you not? Bearing the surname 'Pei' immediately brings to mind the grand Jiangling Country. After all, the Driftsnow City is one of its proud jewels, and tonight's splendid banquet is the handiwork of none other than Jiangling King Pei Tianyuan himself."

Pei Yu confirmed with a nod, while Qin Wentian, who was already privy to this information, simply nodded in agreement.

Cheron then introduced Qin Wentian to Pei Yu, but Qin Wentian, captivated by the woman's presence, couldn't help but interject with a hint of curiosity. "Earlier, Miss Pei was mentioning the master of Driftsnow City and a woman named Immortal Jade. Pray, could you enlighten us about these intriguing figures?"

Pei Yu, cognizant of the gathering crowd around them, suggested they continue their conversation while walking, making space for others to pass. Shoulder to shoulder, they strolled as Pei Yu resumed her narrative. "This legend, my friends, is a tale lost in the annals of time. Nowadays, people are fixated on the secrets hidden within the Nine Immortality Bells, and the story I share is but a distant memory, preserved only in the dusty pages of an ancient scroll within my manor."

Her voice, gentle and melodious, seemed perfectly suited to recounting ancient lore. "Long ago, before Driftsnow City even existed, there stood only the Driftsnow Inn. It was within the walls of this humble establishment that the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade found love. Their connection was one of profound affinity, fueled by their shared passion for the craft of divine weaponsmithing, a craft that consumed their every waking moment. The two were unrivaled masters, ceaselessly striving for greater heights in their art. Immortal Jade permitted the Driftsnow Master's pursuit of her affection only after he proved his superiority in the art of weaponsmithing, which ultimately led to their romantic union."

As Pei Yu continued, her words wove a captivating tapestry of emotion and history. "In their love, they became inseparable, constantly sparring in their craft to exchange knowledge. Immortal Jade harbored a fervent desire to surpass the Driftsnow Master, but victory always eluded her. On one occasion, she posed a question to him, asking if he would be willing to craft the perfect divine weapon at the cost of his own life. In response, the Driftsnow Master, with unwavering devotion, declared that he would sacrifice everything, even his life, for the sake of the art, but only if it meant fulfilling her desires. Tragically, this romantic sentiment did not bring Immortal Jade the happiness she sought, for in her heart, she realized that weaponsmithing had ascended to a level higher than her own life. In the end, her love for the craft surpassed even her love for the Driftsnow Master."

Their journey through the snow-covered streets of Driftsnow City continued, each step echoing with the resonance of a time-honored legend and the enchanting voice of Pei Yu, the storyteller.

In the mystical annals of time, a tale of passion, sacrifice, and divine craftsmanship unfolded, a story that resonates through the ages. It all began with Immortal Jade, whose heart was consumed by a yearning like no other. One day, she confided in the Driftsnow Master, expressing a desire to forge a divine weapon concept unparalleled since the dawn of existence. Her audacious dream? To create an entire city, a living, breathing divine weapon, where only the two of them would reside.

However, the Driftsnow Master, burdened by the thought of the enormity of this endeavor, hesitated. But Immortal Jade, with unwavering determination, insisted that this city would be their sanctuary, their home. Thus, the Driftsnow Master embarked on a journey through the boundless immortal realms, amassing treasures and materials of unimaginable rarity and power. This epic quest would span tens of thousands of years, a testament to his dedication.

Their journey was marked by the grand ambition of creating something unprecedented. Drawing upon the treasures and rare materials they had gathered over millennia, they embarked on a refining and forging process that stretched over a thousand years. Their unwavering dedication bore fruit as the city slowly took shape, a testament to their unparalleled craftsmanship. However, their joy was short-lived, for an immensely powerful expert arrived at their doorstep, greedily seeking to claim their newly formed creation.

Defying this invader led to a fierce battle, in which they emerged victorious but gravely injured. To Immortal Jade's dismay, their divine weapon city did not respond as they had hoped in the heat of battle. Its potential remained untapped, a bitter disappointment. Immortal Jade, both physically and emotionally scarred, approached the Driftsnow Master once more, urging him to sacrifice himself to perfect their creation.

Yet, the Driftsnow Master's love for her was unwavering. He desired only to spend his life by her side. Frustrated and driven by her singular vision, Immortal Jade made a heartbreaking decision. She demanded that he leave the city they had built together. The Driftsnow Master, his heart heavy, complied, setting out on a journey to change her mind, unaware that this would be their last farewell.

Upon his return, he discovered a lifeless, ice-cold body and a letter left by Immortal Jade. Her poignant words echoed her undying love and her unfulfilled dreams. Heartbroken and with his hair turned white in a single night, the Driftsnow Master sat beside her lifeless form within the city they had crafted together, unmoving for three long years.

When he finally rose, he tenderly buried Immortal Jade, determined to complete the creation process she had started. He would perfect their imperfect masterpiece, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. Such was the depth of his devotion.

With his own flesh and blood, he infused the Driftsnow City, and his soul found a home within the Nine Immortality Bells. The city you see today stands as a testament to his love, constructed from his very essence. Each time he longed for Immortal Jade, the nine bells would chime in unison, a poignant reminder of their love. He wanted the Driftsnow City to forever be blanketed in snow, each flake a symbol of his eternal tears for their love.

In the heart of the enchanting Driftsnow City, the tale of the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade unfurled like a tapestry woven with love, sacrifice, and eternity. This wasn't just a story; it was a legend that had endured through the ages.

As Pei Yu's voice floated through the crisp air, it seemed to mingle with the drifting snowflakes, creating an aura of magic and mystique that enveloped her listeners—Cheron and Qin Wentian. The tale they were about to hear was more than just a story; it was a poignant, legendary love story.

The Driftsnow Master, an embodiment of dedication and unwavering love, had fulfilled the final wish of his beloved Immortal Jade. He had used his very life essence to forge an immortal-ranked divine weapon, and not just any weapon—a city. This divine city was not created out of a desire for destruction or power but out of a promise made to Immortal Jade long ago. For her, he was willing to surrender his life essence, forging not just a city but a place where they could be together for all eternity. His love for her transcended the boundaries of life and death.

Pei Yu's voice, like a gentle breeze, carried the weight of centuries of history. It was a love story that touched the deepest recesses of the heart, a story of selflessness and devotion.

Using his very flesh and blood, he had integrated himself into the city, becoming a part of its essence, all to safeguard the body of his beloved Immortal Jade. His soul, too, found a new home—in the Nine Immortality Bells. These bells, when they chimed, were not just a sound; they were the echoes of his longing for Immortal Jade, a testament to the enduring love that knew no bounds.

Every snowflake that descended from the heavens was not merely frozen water; it was a tear shed by the Driftsnow Master, a tear for the love he had lost and the love that still lived within him.

Cheron and Qin Wentian, enraptured by this mesmerizing narrative, found themselves lost in its depth. The city seemed to slow down around them as they became entwined in the sorrow and beauty of this epic love story.

"Is this legend real?" Cheron sighed, his voice trembling with emotion. It was a question that hung heavy in the air, a question that touched the very core of their souls.

Pei Yu, her eyes glistening with unspoken emotions, shook her head. "I have no idea. In this modern age, the people of the city are preoccupied with the secrets hidden within the Nine Immortality Bells. The love story of the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade has faded into obscurity."

A forced laugh escaped her lips, but it couldn't mask the pain that lingered in her eyes. She had stumbled upon this tale in the dusty pages of ancient scrolls, and it had captured her heart. It had brought her to the Driftsnow City to witness the place where the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade's love had blossomed, and where their creation had taken form.

"I believe it's real," Qin Wentian murmured softly, his gaze fixed on the Nine Immortality Bells. His mind wandered back to the blurry vision he had witnessed when he caused the bells to resonate. It was a scene of a lone figure crafting a city, their hand outstretched, snowflakes falling upon it, and an overwhelming sense of solitude and longing in the atmosphere.

Pei Yu turned her warm smile towards Qin Wentian. "You believe too? The passage of time may obscure many things, but I hope that the chiming of the bells means that the Driftsnow Master still longs for Immortal Jade. I hope that someday, someone will unlock the secrets of the Driftsnow City and confirm the authenticity of this poignant legend."

And so, in the heart of Driftsnow City, amidst the falling snowflakes and the echoing chimes of the Nine Immortality Bells, the legend of the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade lived on, waiting to be discovered by those who believed in the enduring power of love.

Amidst the enchanting backdrop of Driftsnow City, a spirited conversation unfolded among Cheron, Pei Yu, and Qin Wentian. They were delving deeper into the captivating legend of the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade—a tale of love and devotion that had endured the test of time.

Cheron, a skilled weaponsmith with an unquenchable thirst for mastery, couldn't help but marvel at Immortal Jade's unwavering commitment to her craft. He admired her for being willing to sacrifice her life in pursuit of the pinnacle of weaponsmithing. But what truly resonated with him was the profound love shared by Immortal Jade and the Driftsnow Master.

With a thoughtful chuckle, Cheron shared his perspective. "Even if the tale is rooted in reality, there might be some deviations in its retelling. The city they painstakingly forged together in the past might not resemble the grandeur of the Driftsnow City we see today. Perhaps, with the passage of time, this city has grown even larger and more majestic than the one they created together."

Pei Yu nodded, her eyes carrying a hint of mystery. "Maybe," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. As they continued their ascent, they reached the pinnacle of the Driftsnow Inn, where a magnificent tower made of glistening ice awaited them. The panoramic view from this height revealed a sprawling banquet, a feast fit for royalty. Guests from far and wide had gathered, their laughter and conversations filling the air with a festive atmosphere.

From their elevated vantage point, the landscape unfolded before them like a celestial painting. Man-made icy mountains adorned the terrain with such exquisite craftsmanship that they seemed the handiwork of deities. It was a breathtaking sight, one that left them all in awe.

Pei Yu, their knowledgeable guide, shared the historical significance of their location. "This tower is rumored to have been the residence of the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade, and it has remained unchanged since their time. However, today, it serves as the palace of the current city lord of Driftsnow City."

It was only fitting that the banquet, organized by the Jiangling Country, would be hosted at the residence of the Driftsnow city lord, who was a loyal subordinate of the Jiangling King.

As Cheron made his grand entrance, all eyes turned towards him, for he was a prominent figure among those who had gathered in Driftsnow City. As a chosen disciple of the esteemed Wondergate Immortal Manor, his status was second to none.

However, the attention soon shifted to those accompanying him: Qin Wentian, Pei Yu, and Pei Yu's devoted female servant. The trio drew curious glances from the assembled guests.

Upon spotting Pei Yu, Pei Tianyuan, the city lord, welcomed her with a warm smile. "Pei Yu, what brings you here with Cheron?"

Pei Yu gracefully inclined her head in greeting. "We happened to meet on our journey here and have become friends," she replied. Cheron, never one to shy away from a compliment, chimed in. "Your Majesty, Pei Yu is truly exceptional. I assume she hails from your esteemed clan. Her grace and talents are remarkable."

Pei Tianyuan's eyes twinkled with amusement as he responded, "Thank you for your kind words, noble nephew. Please, be seated. Since you and Pei Yu are friends, I insist you sit together. Your friendship is most welcome at our gathering."

Pei Tianyuan recognized the opportunity presented by the burgeoning friendship between Cheron and Pei Yu. With his shrewd political acumen, he saw the potential to strengthen his ties with the Wondergate Immortal Manor through Cheron. The art of forging bonds, it seemed, was not limited to weaponsmithing alone.