Ji Youyou woke to the sound of gongs and festive music. She opened her eyes slowly rubbing them she was exhausted and did not know how long she had slept. Light streamed through the window and the melody drifted upward. Curious she leaned out and looked down.
It was a grand wedding. The happy couple standing below were Yu Xuanhe and Xie Lin. It was ridiculous and heartbreaking. She was forced to watch him marry another. Petals swirled through the air in celebration and flocks of red-crowned cranes soared calling to one another. Disciples of Yuheng stood in rows smiling with joy. Both Yu Xuanhe and Xie Lin wore vivid red wedding robes cut in the style of men. One looked gentle and upright the other alluring and sharp-eyed.
Ji Youyou pulled back shrinking into the corner. She rested her head against the window and tears welled up spilling over before she could stop them. “Useless girl. Didn’t you say you didn’t love him anymore?” She wiped her eyes scolding herself. Confined so long she spoke to herself dazedly. “Never mind. Watch and let your heart break completely. Then you won’t feel it anymore.”
She leaned out again her hands cold as ice yet sweating. Yu Xuanhe had noticed her long before. Today was his wedding day yet his heart had been still as stagnant water. Even a stone thrown in would not raise a ripple only a dark malice to swallow whoever had cast it. But when he saw Ji Youyou peering from the tower the stillness broke. It surged and boiled like hot water. Any cultivator would recognize it—the first stirrings of a demon within. He kept his face calm suppressing the turmoil.
“He’er Xie Lin is entrusted to you now. Be a good husband. Be responsible steadfast and true to the path.”
“I shall remember your teachings Father.”
The one speaking was Yu Xuanhe’s father the Crane Immortal. He was a true immortal having ascended in flesh and bone. His physical form dwelt in the highest heavens serving the way of all things. What stood before them was but a spirit-shape without fixed form or hue shifting in the air beyond clear description. He had arranged the betrothal.
After Xie Lin had been rescued he had remained at Yuheng to heal. When he recovered he was meant to leave—Yuheng did not take mortals only spirits and immortals. But Xie Lin had refused weeping whenever departure was mentioned and Yu Xuanhe had always soothed him with gentle words. Months passed and Xie Lin had hoped to stay forever. Then the Crane Immortal was called back to the heavens.
He had seen how deeply Xie Lin loved his son. He knew Yu Xuanhe as cold as ice to all the world yet always patient and tender toward Xie Lin. Believing the feeling mutual and fearing his son would be alone after he ascended he had bound their fates together. As a crane the immortal did not see love as only between men and women.
On the eve of his ascent he called them both. “He’er Lin’er I go to the heavens. I may never walk among you again appearing only as a spirit.”
“Father.” Young Yu Xuanhe stood solemn—he had known no one else.
“He’er before I go I ask you do you love Xie Lin? Will you take him as your husband?”
Yu Xuanhe answered without hesitation yet as though carved from ice. “I will. I love him.”
Xie Lin’s heart flooded with warmth. He wanted to leap and cheer but held his joy in check. “I love Brother Xuanhe too. I will be his husband gladly.”
Those words sealed the bond. The Crane Immortal spoke the marriage vow. “Heaven and earth are witness sun and moon look down. This day is blessed this union made. Two houses joined one bond eternal. Groom Yu Xuanhe virtue like jade groom Xie Lin goodness and grace. The promise is made the pledge shall hold. By mountains and rivers by stars and streams may you sing together in the high heavens grow as one in the garden of bliss. May your days be peaceful may your love endure. Through storm and sunshine hand in hand. May all blessings attend. So it is spoken so it is done.”
Tears filled Xie Lin’s eyes. He had waited for this moment since the day Yu Xuanhe had saved him. “Xuanhe we are bound now. I love you.”
Yu Xuanhe paused his thoughts clearly far away. He roused himself answering flatly. “Yes. Xie Lin I love you too.”
Xie Lin’s jaw tightened briefly but it was their wedding day and he would not spoil it. He had chosen the place deliberately. They should have been wed in the main hall but he had insisted here where Ji Youyou could see. Revenge he thought—let her taste loss too. A cruel smile touched his lips as he looked toward the tower then leaned in to kiss Yu Xuanhe.
The disciples cheered. Yu Xuanhe started in surprise but did not pull away. He accepted the kiss his hand coming gently to cradle Xie Lin’s head deepening the embrace.
Ji Youyou saw it all and her heart shattered. She pulled back quickly. He had used his tongue. To her that was a kiss of true love. She turned away sickened curling into a ball weeping.
“Why weep? If you want him go take him.”
She started wiping her eyes. “Who is there?”
A snap of fingers and green ghost-light blazed filling the room. Before her stood a man in robes of rich green embroidered with golden thread and sky-blue dragons. His face was breathtakingly beautiful—soft features a mark of crimson between his eyes drawing the heart yet his bearing was distant and holy stirring longing that could never be satisfied. Ji Youyou stared bewitched. He seemed familiar. “Who are you?”
His voice was deep and rich yet sharp. “I am your ancestor. The one in the portrait.”
Her breath caught. He was the founder they had spoken of Fan Mo Xi.