Vows Under Heaven
The soft glow of the moon bathed the room in silver light, highlighting Yuqing's calm yet contemplative expression. She still sat by the window, her hands resting gently on her lap, as if she hadn't moved an inch since Tianyang's heartfelt declaration. For a long time, silence hung between them, the weight of the recent revelations filling the space.
Tianyang, sitting across from her, was brimming with unspoken emotions. His mind raced with thoughts of his mother, the Divine Demonic Clan, and the uncertain road ahead. But he kept his gaze steady, waiting for Yuqing to break the silence.
---
After what felt like an eternity, Yuqing finally spoke, her voice soft yet firm. "Tianyang, what are you going to do now? Will you stay here, hiding behind defenses, or will you build your strength, confront the shadows, and look for your mother in the Divine Demonic Clan? What's your path forward?"
Tianyang's eyes sharpened, his resolve solidifying. "I'll build my strength. Staying here would only make us sitting ducks for the shadows and the other families waiting to strike. The Celestial Clan is vulnerable, and I can't let it fall further." He paused, the fire in his gaze unwavering. "I'm going to travel across the Azure Continent, search for opportunities, and grow stronger. When I've transcended the limits of this continent, I'll head to the Divine Continent to find my mother. I'll reunite my family, no matter how long it takes."
---
Yuqing studied him intently, her expression unreadable. Slowly, she reached into her robes and pulled out the marriage contract he had given her earlier. Tianyang's heart clenched as she held it up. But instead of tearing it, she gently placed it on the table between them.
"Tianyang," she said softly, her gaze locking onto his. "Would you mind if I accompany you on this journey to your destination? Not just as a traveling companion, but as your wife and your daoist companion."
Tianyang's breath caught in his throat. The weight of her words, the unwavering commitment behind them, stirred something deep within him. He reached out, taking her hand in his, and held it tightly.
"You would do that for me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yuqing smiled faintly, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. "I've already made my choice, Tianyang. You don't have to carry this burden alone. Together, we'll face whatever comes our way."
---
Tianyang's grip on her hand tightened as his voice grew firm with emotion. "Yuqing, I swear to you, I will never disappoint you. I will rebuild my clan to its former glory and surpass even my greatest ancestors. I will prove myself worthy of you, not just as your husband, but as a man who stands at the pinnacle of the world."
Yuqing's blush deepened, but she didn't pull away.
"If you'll be the Phoenix Empress," Tianyang continued, his tone filled with unshakable determination, "then I'll be your Dragon Emperor. In this lifetime, the next, and even beyond that, you'll be my only woman, Lin Yuqing."
Yuqing's eyes glistened as she lowered her head slightly, her voice soft. "Tianyang… you really are a fool, aren't you?"
"Perhaps," he said with a chuckle, his hand never leaving hers.
For a brief moment, the weight of their circumstances melted away, leaving only the bond between them.
---
The next morning, Tianyang rose early to begin fortifying the clan. Alongside the remaining elders, he worked tirelessly to reinforce the clan's defensive formations. His knowledge of celestial arrays allowed him to weave layers of protective barriers, ensuring that the Celestial Clan would have a fighting chance against future attacks.
Yuqing stayed by his side, assisting him with her understanding of Eternal Bloom Clan formations. Together, they created a network of overlapping protections that would safeguard the clan in their absence.
By the end of the third day, the work was complete. Tianyang stood before his father, Patriarch Wulong, ready to bid farewell.
---
"You're leaving," Wulong said, though it wasn't a question. His expression was a mixture of pride and sadness.
Tianyang nodded. "I have to, Father. Staying here would be a mistake. The clan needs strength, and I can't provide that from within these walls. I'll grow stronger, and I'll come back to reclaim our place at the top."
Wulong smiled faintly. "And Yuqing?"
Tianyang's gaze softened. "She's coming with me. She's chosen to stand by my side, not just as my fiancée but as my daoist companion."
Wulong's eyes widened slightly before a genuine smile broke across his face. "Truly, a Phoenix and Dragon couple. Your mother would be proud."
Tianyang felt a pang of emotion at the mention of his mother but quickly steadied himself. "Thank you, Father. For everything."
Wulong placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Go, Tianyang. Find your strength, your mother, and your destiny. And remember, the Celestial Clan will always be here, waiting for you to return."
---
With their farewells said, Tianyang and Yuqing set off. Their first destination was the Eternal Bloom Clan, where Yuqing needed to inform her father of her decision. The journey was peaceful at first, the winding mountain roads offering breathtaking views of the Azure Continent's vast landscapes.
As they traveled, the two grew closer, their bond deepening with each shared moment. Yuqing's laughter became a constant companion to Tianyang, and his unwavering determination inspired her in return.
When they finally reached the Eternal Bloom Clan's verdant territory, the sight was awe-inspiring. Lush forests stretched as far as the eye could see, and the clan's main hall stood atop a hill covered in blooming flowers of every color.
Yuqing's father, Lin Haoyan, awaited them at the gates, his imposing figure radiating authority. Tianyang straightened his posture, ready to face the patriarch of one of the most powerful clans on the continent.
"Father," Yuqing said as she approached, her tone respectful yet firm. "There's something I need to tell you."
---
Lin Haoyan's sharp gaze shifted between his daughter and Tianyang. "Come inside," he said simply.
---
Tianyang and Yuqing stepped through the gates of the Eternal Bloom Clan. The fragrant aroma of blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with a faint energy that felt alive, pulsating from every blade of grass and petal.
At the entrance of the grand hall, Lin Haoyan stood tall, his piercing gaze fixed on the two of them. His deep green robes embroidered with golden vines shimmered in the sunlight, a testament to his stature as the Patriarch of the Eternal Bloom Clan. Beside him was a woman of striking beauty and dignity, Yuqing's mother, Lady Lin Meiyun.
"Tianyang. Yuqing," Lin Haoyan said, his voice steady and commanding. "Welcome home, daughter. And you, young master of the Celestial Clan… I've been expecting you."
Tianyang bowed deeply. "Patriarch Lin. Lady Lin. It's an honor to stand before you."
Yuqing followed with a respectful bow. "Father. Mother. I've brought Tianyang here because we have much to discuss."
---
The two were ushered into the grand hall, where several elders of the Eternal Bloom Clan were already seated. The room exuded a serene yet authoritative aura, with intricate carvings of phoenixes and blooming lotuses adorning the walls. Tianyang remained composed, his demeanor calm but respectful.
"Take a seat," Lin Haoyan instructed, his voice carrying no room for argument.
Tianyang and Yuqing sat side by side, their posture straight as they faced the assembled family. Lin Haoyan's gaze bore into Tianyang, his scrutiny heavy.
"So, what brings the young master of the Celestial Clan to my domain?" Lin Haoyan asked bluntly.
Yuqing glanced at Tianyang, who gave her a subtle nod before she began.
"Father, Mother, and esteemed elders, we come with important matters to discuss," Yuqing started, her voice steady but tinged with hesitation. "The Celestial Clan has suffered a grave attack. Shadows from outside the Azure Continent joined forces with some of the top-ranked families and inflicted heavy losses. More than half of the Celestial Clan's elders were killed, and its strength is greatly diminished."
---
Lin Haoyan's expression darkened, his hands gripping the arms of his chair. "Shadows? You mean those cursed figures from beyond the continent? How did this happen? Why was the Celestial Clan so unprepared?"
Tianyang interjected, his voice calm but firm. "Patriarch Lin, the attack was calculated and sudden. My father and I fought with everything we had, but the enemy's numbers and strength were overwhelming. The shadows were no ordinary foes; their techniques were alien and devastating."
An elder leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "And you survived this attack? How?"
Tianyang nodded. "Yuqing arrived with your clan's support at a critical moment. Without her help, the Celestial Clan would have been annihilated."
Lin Meiyun's eyes softened as she looked at her daughter. "Yuqing… you fought to protect his clan?"
Yuqing nodded, her voice resolute. "I did, Mother. The Celestial Clan is not just any family—it's my fiancé's home. I couldn't stand by and let it fall."
---
Lin Haoyan's gaze narrowed. "And what of the marriage alliance? Does the Celestial Clan expect to lean on us now that they're weakened?"
Tianyang straightened his posture, his voice filled with conviction. "Patriarch Lin, I am not here to beg for support. Yuqing and I have already discussed the situation. If she wishes to annul our engagement, I will respect her decision. But I will not use this alliance as a crutch. My path is one of rebuilding and surpassing what was lost."
The room fell silent as Lin Haoyan studied Tianyang, his expression unreadable.
---
After a moment, Lin Meiyun spoke. "And what is your plan moving forward, Tianyang?"
Tianyang glanced at Yuqing before answering. "I plan to travel across the Azure Continent, seeking opportunities to grow stronger. The Celestial Clan needs power, and I cannot achieve that by staying in one place. Once I transcend the limits of this continent, I will head to the Divine Continent to confront the shadows and, ultimately, to find my mother."
Gasps echoed through the hall. An elder frowned. "The Divine Continent? Do you even understand what you're saying? That's a land of monsters and gods!"
"I do," Tianyang replied, his voice unwavering. "But my mother is there, and she was taken against her will. I will find her, no matter the cost."
---
Yuqing hesitated before speaking, her voice softer this time. "Father, I intend to accompany him."
Lin Haoyan's eyes widened. "You… what?"
"Father," Yuqing continued, her tone firmer now, "this is my choice. Tianyang and I will face these challenges together. I believe in him and in our shared destiny."
Lin Haoyan stood abruptly, his expression furious. "Shared destiny? Yuqing, do you even understand what you're saying? You want to abandon your clan, your family, to follow him on a reckless quest?"
Yuqing didn't flinch. "It's not reckless, Father. It's a path that we've chosen together. And I trust him."
---
Lin Haoyan turned to Tianyang, his voice cold. "And you. You come here, broken and weakened, expecting me to send my daughter into danger for your sake?"
Tianyang rose to his feet, meeting Lin Haoyan's gaze head-on. "Patriarch Lin, I understand your anger, but I have not asked Yuqing to do anything. This is her choice, and I respect it. I am not forcing anyone to follow me. But make no mistake—I will accomplish what I've set out to do, with or without your blessing."
The tension in the room was palpable. Lin Haoyan's fists clenched as his aura began to rise.
"You dare to speak to me this way?" Lin Haoyan growled, his voice laced with fury. "Let me see if you're truly worthy of my daughter!"
Without warning, Lin Haoyan's hand shot forward, releasing a surge of energy that hurtled toward Tianyang.
---
Tianyang barely had time to react, his sword materializing in his hand as he deflected the attack. The force of the blow sent him skidding back several feet, but he held his ground.
"Father, stop!" Yuqing shouted, stepping between them.
"Stay out of this, Yuqing!" Lin Haoyan roared. "If he can't stand against me, he has no right to take you with him!"
Tianyang gritted his teeth, his aura flaring. "If this is what it takes to prove myself, so be it!"
The room erupted in chaos as Lin Haoyan launched another attack, and Tianyang prepared to defend himself.