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Beyond hither and thither spanning centuries the demon king has traversed through, be it fallen civilizations or rising empires, times of peace or war, the ruler of hell and overseer of the damned and tortured, Hua Cheng has witnessed all. And frankly, there was nothing else that could amuse him more than what the ever-changing world can possibly offer in its neverending vastness.
So it was that Hua Cheng still finds himself on the path toward a renowned kingdom ruling a prosperous nation; the country of Xian Le. A land whose treasures consist of beautiful men and women, priceless gold and silver accumulated by ages of successful trade, a culture enriched by their arts, ranging from music, literature, calligraphy, and last but not least; their illustrious crown prince, Xie Lian.
Many would describe him as kind and benevolent as one would expect of a prince; as strong as he is determined. A man who will take up arms to fight for the common people, fulfilling the people’s hope for a future king who could fend for them. Word of his beauty paints him an ethereal being that could only come from the heavens; scholars and poets alike sing praises of their crown prince descending to serve humankind.
Hua Cheng thinks exaggeration of grandeur amongst the mortals is something that has scarcely changed, and the case of this crown prince was certainly no different. It’s no wonder the king and queen had sent out a royal edict received by plentiful states throughout the continent and lands across the seas, proclaiming a competition in which the victor will be his highness’s betrothed.
To marry directly into the monarchical line, and to rule beside the throne’s heir, it was tantamount to sowing a seed that would promise a fruitful reaping for those who sought endeavours of conquest—if in a particularly peaceful method. War was costly in terms of both material resources and human lives, thus, a union benefiting both sides rather than incurring massive losses, only an unwise ruler would pass up this opportunity.
From Xian Le’s neighbouring allies to the furthest north and south, carriages with emblems of imperial significance make up the line from the entrance of the palace, all the way to the towering front gates. Hua Cheng muses to himself how surely the grandiose promises beckons so many participants, it was certainly their greed that has drawn them to this big an opportunity; as surely as moths to a raging inferno.
The eunuchs and servants rush in their pace to tend to the arriving guests, accommodating them to the best of their capabilities. But one look at the rolling sweat down their foreheads attests to the struggle they have been enduring to give face for their esteemed guests.
Crown princes and venerable generals outnumber the attending kings, though much to everyone’s surprise—including Hua Cheng—there were a couple of notable emperors present as well.
The saying goes even the fountains thirst; avarice is never satisfied. Hua Cheng blends in with his garments no less fancier than the rest, looking every bit as noble as anyone else. And to a certain extent, he truly is one—just not on the mortal plane. He observes the headache-inducing crowd at the banquet, seating himself at an inconspicuous spot. Unfortunately, the female servants and dancers alike continuously looking his way renders his efforts null.
Try as he might, unrelenting attention is regardless directed at him, and curious nobles could not help but ask which house he was from, which land was under his name, and most of all, what favor was he hoping to curry from his highness the crown prince?
As a demon king with a limitless range of power and tricks, it was easy to answer them honestly that he was none other than the scourge of the earth, the calamity that would bring ruin upon them all—and just as easily erase his presence with the snap of a finger so that those conversing with him forgot who they were talking to.
They blink wordlessly and turn around, asking themselves, Was there someone there earlier? Onlookers shake their heads in response, jesting they had too much of the plum blossom wine to drink!
The blossoming pink petals of the plum trees sway in the wind, accompanying the cheer of the festivities coinciding with this monumental occasion. Outside the palace walls, rows of stalls were alight with the buzz of the common folk that businesses were seeing more profit.
In tea shops and the most exquisite restaurants, the gossip were of the same subject; who will their beloved crown prince marry? The ones more knowledgeable in politics cite their reasoning why it should be that emperor of Wuyong, because of the uncountable merits their kingdom would be blessed with!
Some sneer at their prepositions and counters, do you not know that the Wuyong emperor is mad? Word of the mouth is that those three missing grand advisors, the emperor himself was who slaughtered them! The remaining advisor swore fealty out of fear and continues to serve till this day.
Another party interjects, what about the crown prince of the east, Lang Qianqiu? Though young, he suppressed the invasion of the Ban Yue people and came home victorious; his coronation date was already set in due time.
More and more Hua Cheng listens, more and more he grows entertained at the prospect of how simple it would be to topple this house of cards with his insertion into the picture. A royal union was nothing but a transaction of interests, history alone has proven inexorably how these relationships were more for functionality than something fostered with real, genuine love.
He hasn’t yet met this Xie Lian but a tinge of pity was beginning to surface for the poor thing; from the sound of it, his highness was driven by his sincerity above all else in his every action.
Take for instance, the new welfare policies and economical procedures; they were all his hard work with the ministers’ and king’s approval to reshape the fundamentals of the structure having proven most ameliorating to the citizens.
For him to be taken advantage of by these bastards with nothing but nefarious intentions would be inevitable lest Hua Cheng intervenes.
And intervene, he will. Sure enough, the first round of the competition would soon begin. Starting with the king’s address and the sole presence who was absent during the feast hours ago finally making his appearance beside his father.
The spectators were in absolute awe, so much so that silence blankets the entirety of the court, it was the kind of silence in which one could hear a pin dropping. There Xie Lian was in the flesh, his robes of the most pristine quality with golden lining and embroidery in the pattern of flowers.
His posture straight, his mannerisms like a gentle tiding wave lapping the shore of a beach, his golden eyes a brilliant shine brighter than the sun. A cascading dark umber of hair swaying with his respectful salutations, and lastly those rose tinted lips curls into a serene smile that steals the breath from the lungs of men and women alike.
Hua Cheng was one such victim to the striking beauty, that a being of his calibre long nullified to any and all sensation felt as he has been resuscitated with overwhelming emotions only a mortal would experience. Heart throbbing, ears ringing, his long fortified composure wavering.
Barely his attention rings in on the king’s droning explanation of the rules, and neither was his focus a petite servant was able to garner as she hands him an exquisite wooden plaque, a number carved onto the surface indicating his turn.
Ahead of him, a long queue of men both young and old took their time flattering the crown prince, talking his ears off and demonstrating what they believed wholeheartedly was a set of skills worthy of praise and his highness’s admiration. Xie Lian, graceful as ever, phrases his compliments in the same fashion and should there be any pretence to his words, those keenly aware would’ve long since caught it.
There was no room to guess, however. The sing song of Xie Lian’s voice was a heartfelt melody that even those most accustomed to double meanings behind every sentence scratch their heads in bewilderment; they have lived through scheming ministers and double faced individuals and betrayals were an ordinary part of their lives, yet this crown prince was establishing a precedent with only two possible outcomes.
One, the crown prince has foreseen their intentions, and this ‘competition’ was a guise to weed out future threats to their sovereignty. That would mean this forthright demeanor was an act played out incredibly well to hide the Xie’s eldest son's true agenda.
Not an inkling of malice nor deception could be found within his earnest scrutiny that this type of person was slowly becoming more and more terrifying to the monarchs upon arriving at this conclusion.
Secondly, to appease their unrest beginning to form though they doubt this possibility, is the crown prince, unfortunately for him but fortunate for the opportunistic old foxes, is indeed humbly naive that they can use for their own leverage.
To gamble on either option, what will be their wager on the table is to proceed with caution.
One look at all of them and Hua Cheng was able to tell the workings of their feeble mind, eliciting a roll of his eyes; Could they be any more obvious? Missing the forest for its trees, their biggest threat is not the Xie family’s ploy or their petty throne squabbles, but something beyond the earthly reach.
The sun no longer sits high in the sky and the late hour of the afternoon casts clouds over the heat. Hua Cheng patiently sits at his table with his wine cup refilled for the umpteenth time, sneaking a glance to the crown prince seeing off a retreating suitor whose time has finished.
One glance, and he perceives how tired the poor thing was, and wishes to head on over immediately to urge his highness to take a break for as long as he requires to.
An idea springs into his mind, and he flicks his wrist. The dozen remaining, one by one begin to excuse themselves. That lord was being pulled away by his own attendant, while another was clutching his stomach in agony, and the following after that sway left and right had a wine jar in his hand; the scene was a surprising, yet entertaining turn of events!
Hua Cheng smirks behind his cup, downing the remaining wine and standing to his full height. The last victim was none other than Lang Qianqiu, the youth frowning deeply as if troubled by something great, his eunuch supporting him upright. Hua Cheng spares him not a look and approaches the wide eyed, stunned Xie Lian.
Next to him, his father, while taken aback by the earlier event, peruses this unfamiliar, yet strangely familiar tall man in red robes. He wanted to put a halt to the proceedings to avoid another incident, but now this new suitor was here; it would be rude to refuse him an audience with the crown prince.
Against Hua Cheng’s expectations, Xie Lian’s expression was incomprehensible. The flush on his cheeks was a light shade, an adorable colour if the demon king were to confess, the soft murmurs unclear to him before Xie Lian peers away. Was he… shy?
Hua Cheng sucks in a deep breath, maintaining his calm, confident poise and holding out his arm. “After entertaining those fools for much too long, I believe his highness deserves a breather from it all?”
The smaller arm draped in an expansive, layered silky sleeve loops his own, and Hua Cheng internally coos at the difference in their height. Being a head taller, looking down at the other was a most endearing sight to him. He pointedly ignores the king’s shock, vaguely aware of the surrounding audience whispering to one another.
Hua Cheng was vindicated in his guess, Xie Lian has long yearned to step away but appearances had to be upheld for as long as he could endure. Hua Cheng walks at a languid pace, bringing Xie Lian to the pavilion east of the courtyard, overlooking a scenic view of the garden full of white flowers, a pond full of koi fish and lotus flowers.
The tranquility relaxes Xie Lian, bringing out a sigh as he relishes in the much awaited though a simple quiescence. Hua Cheng chuckles benignly. “His highness has worked himself too hard today.”
“You have no idea.” Xie Lian doesn’t know where to begin; it was already a problem that he remembers all too well the details from each suitor. The information was beginning to pound his brain from sheer overload.
He inhales with his hand pressed to his chest. Tired though he was, every movement a choreography of grace, as Hua Cheng tentatively observes. “May my lord forgive me for asking, how may I address his lordship? It wasn’t announced before we left and that is an oversight on my part—”
Hua Cheng shakes his head. “It was this humbled one that whisked his highness away, and there is no apology to be given. Rather I should be the one on my knees begging for forgiveness.”
Xie Lian suddenly snorts, and Hua Cheng raises his eyebrow, amused. Xie Lian waves in dismissal, “His lordship is quite the smooth talker, isn’t he? What begging for forgiveness, instead I should be thanking you!”
It was the closest sounding thing to a laugh and Hua Cheng finds himself wishing to beguile a more proper one. “No need for thanks either, having his highness here is more than enough, and seeing him relaxed is this one’s fulfilled wish by bringing you here.
“And replying to his highness, you may call this one as San Lang.”
‘Hua Cheng’, is a name too well known by many as the myth, the legend, the nightmare of all three realms and he does not doubt Xie Lian’s knowledgeable scope lacks this information.
At the same time, there was something within him that urged him to conceal for now the real nature of his notoriety to the crown prince, his reason tying to a form of vulnerability he dares not address.
Besides that, why should he adhere to the customs set by these humans? The formality alone was choking him that Hua Cheng wanted nothing more than to erase the line to redraw it anew without such restraints, especially if it helps Xie Lian let loose from such strict codes of conduct.
The complication was written all over his expression, and the rebuttal was already at the tip of Xie Lian’s tongue. Because this ‘San Lang,’ while easy to converse with, was a very… mysterious presence. More mysterious were the silvery butterfly motifs in his ensemble; from the vambraces to his jewelry, his elegant robes that Xie Lian couldn’t pinpoint what region or tribe this distinct element was native of.
There was also the refusal to share more than necessary; that would only keep him guessing as well drawing out his growing curiosity. Father will more than likely scold him for his unbecoming behaviour, but, Xie Lian feels in the confines of the pavilion, next to his ‘San Lang’, safety and assurance like nothing else.
“San Lang…” He says, a faint attempt. Better than ‘my lord,’ if Xie Lian was honest.
Hua Cheng perks up, leaning closer in a gesture that bids him to be louder. Xie Lian purses his lips at this, “San Lang is just teasing me now.” And the pout could almost be heard in his voice.
Laughing, he withdraws with a satisfied smile. “This one doesn’t dare, I was simply very fond of how it sounds said by his highness.”
A light, yet well meaning smack collides with his shoulder, and he sees Xie Lian flustered, as if aghast by his own actions. This rouses a louder, more boisterous laughter from Hua Cheng that adds oil to the burning flames of embarrassment enveloping Xie Lian.
“Honestly! All those other ones with their sweet talks and empty flattery cannot compare to you by any means, as if I were so susceptible that such insincerity would charm me as they think it will the frail hearts of maidens.”
That was where Xie Lian was mistaken, and rectifying this were two pairs of long, dexterous fingers catching his chin, and his gaze met Hua Cheng’s fascinating onyx irises. Somehow, it was as if they flared with shades akin to burning embers between the cracks of coals, sometimes yellowing, and softening to a red hue.
It was mesmerizing, and with the accompanying touch like a scorching heat alighting his skin with unknown desire, Xie Lian could not help but lean into the caress. “I promise you, your highness, that you will never find anyone else that is as sincere as me.
“I will not bore you with meaningless attempts those undeserving pile of trash have demonstrated, nor do I have the intention to flaunt uncountable wealth and land the narrow minded bastards trying to sway you with.”
When he speaks, his voice reverberates a deep, baristone cadence with a dangerous allure in every chord, a danger that was bewitching, and that Xie Lian’s more rational side of himself warned against. Yet, his mouth was faster than that rationality could keep up with. He whispers, “What does San Lang have to offer to this humbled crown prince of Xian Le?”
The smirk he wears was unlike the warm smiles Hua Cheng has been giving, and Xie Lian wills the thrashing beats of his heart to quell lest he risk it grow so loud that Hua Cheng could hear them! He wills down too, the lament of Hua Cheng removing his hand and reaching to grab his.
Though confused, Xie Lian watches Hua Cheng’s next move. He twists his palm, and seconds later a litter of glittering specks appears out of thin air. These specks multiply until a glow of light forms fully into the shape of a butterfly!
The translucent butterfly flutters its shimmering wings, as it rests on the finger Xie Lian carefully brings up to inspect the creature closer. It was… “San Lang, this is incredible!” His jubilance was most evident, but Xie Lian was afraid of making any abrupt movements that would scare the butterfly away.
“How did you do it? You… Is San Lang a magician? Wait, no, not a magician but perhaps you’re a cultivator and this is made by your spiritual energy?”
Xie Lian’s unoccupied hand Hua Cheng clasps ever so genially, and grazing the snow white, fair knuckles was the most feathery of a kiss. An audible gasp escapes and his smile presses into the skin, before he subsequently retreats.
“This little one is yours and will not flee from his highness unless you explicitly make it clear you want it gone.”
“I know you have many questions,” he rises to his feet, putting a stop to Xie Lian’s next line of inquiries. “Though regrettably I must take my leave now, with how cruelly short the time we could have together.”
Hua Cheng’s heart melts at the visible disappointment on Xie Lian’s face. “Will I be able to see you again, San Lang?” The hopefulness couldn’t be mistaken in the little prince’s tone and Hua Cheng escorts him out of the pavilion.
“The soonest you wish to, your companion will be the guiding light to your desire.”
They were nearing the steps to the court’s side entrance and the presence beside him disappeared in a flash.
Xie Lian whips his head left and right in a maddening trance, looking for any trace of the enigmatic man in red robes but spots none whatsoever, save for the exception of the butterfly.
Thudding sounds of footsteps echo from inside the hall and the doors part wide open with a bang. Standing there was his frazzled father and a couple of servants, all rushing toward him with worry and a flurry of interrogation as to what that red robed man did, where did he take him, what were they doing out for so long?!
Xie Lian did not notice the lanterns were all lit up, nor the darkening sky, did he and San Lang spend that much time together? It didn’t at all feel that way and was instead comparable to a passing wind, gone as soon as it appeared.
What’s more, it doesn’t seem like his father—nor anyone else for that matter—notices the very obvious, strange butterfly he was carrying with him as he heads inside.
After that, time seems to creep by in a haze and before Xie Lian knows it, it’s time for bed. He’s left feeling wistful and longing thanks to the interaction he had with the strange man who had asked to be referred to as ‘San Lang.’ Although, true to his words, the silver butterfly stays close.
With an exhausted sigh, Xie Lian makes to get ready for bed.
It’s a soothing process, getting out of the heavy and expensive robes along with the priceless jewelry that glints bright in the dim lights of his chambers. Next, he attempts to free his hair from the suffocating style it had been braided to earlier that day. It’s a complicated process, but after much hard work, Xie Lian’s scalp tingles pleasantly from the relief.
Perhaps he should’ve called Mu Qing for assistance, but the ceremony had exhausted him severely and even the thought of being in the presence of another drains his remaining energy.
Just as Xie Lian moves to part the gauzy canopy surrounding his bed, the butterfly’s glow catches his eye.
The butterfly flutters its wings enticingly upon sensing Xie Lian’s curious gaze on its form, and the movement causes a brief flicker of glowing sparks around it.
Captivated by the beauty of the creature, a very reckless decision begins to take root in the back of his mind. Xie Lian purses his lips before holding out a gentle hand for the butterfly to perch on. It takes bait, and Xie Lian can’t help but smile when it lands on the tip of his index finger.
“The soonest you wish to, your companion will be the guiding light to your desire,” is what San Lang had told him when he’d inquired about seeing him again.
Seeing no harm in testing such a thing out, Xie Lian takes a deep breath before he asks his question.
“Hello, sweet friend. Would you mind taking me to your master?”
A heartbeat of anticipation ticks by. Seeing how the butterfly remains still, Xie Lian allows the disappointment to quash down what naive hope had gripped him.
Of course the butterfly wouldn’t understand his request. What was he even thinking, talking to a butterfly and asking such a thing? Besides, it would be the scandal of the decade if anyone caught the crown prince of Xian Le sneaking out in the dead of the night to see a stranger like a—a harlot!
Just as Xie Lian is about to shoo the butterfly away, it flaps its wings once before hovering before his face. Xie Lian’s lips part, about to ask a question when the butterfly flits around his head excitedly and to the large ornate door leading out of his bedchambers.
The butterfly’s excitement must be spontaneous because soon, Xie Lian is on his feet, questions itching to fall from his lips with his heart racing but there’s no time to waste when he could be following the butterfly to see San Lang once more.
Xie Lian has enough sense to gesture for the butterfly to wait so that he can pull an inconspicuous-looking cloak over his night robes, not wanting to attract the attention of the guards stationed all around the castle.
When he reaches the door, Xie Lian allows himself a moment to steel his resolve—not that it’s needed when the prospect of seeing San Lang’s handsome face and conversing with the witty lord is enough to convince him.
Finally, he reaches for the door handle, and with a determined voice, tells his little companion, “Guide me to San Lang.”
Sneaking from home, Xie Lian finds, is surprisingly not too hard of a feat. Sure, it’s a bit tricky to go unnoticed by the hundreds of guards with their keen senses, but Xie Lian is not the illustrious prince for nothing.
It doesn’t take long for Xie Lian to finally slip past the castle’s borders and into the bustling city unaffected by the late hour. He keeps an eye out for red robes donned by a tall figure, but spots none. The butterfly keeps going, and Xie Lian has to quicken his pace to keep up with it.
When it rushes towards the treeline leading to the dense forest bordering the city, Xie Lian’s resolution falters briefly. Is he sure that the butterfly knows where it's going?
Immediately, Xie Lian shakes his head at the thought. They’ve come so far already, it would be a shame if he turned back now. So with that, he keeps going, eyes locked firmly on the tiny spark of light leading him.
The butterfly is a beacon in the darkness embracing him, and it’s only thanks to his years of practicing his footwork that he doesn’t fall face first on the ground. As Xie Lian trails after it through the dark, the wind begins to pick up, the cold biting at his cheeks. The further he goes, the colder it gets and Xie Lian regrets not wearing proper clothes earlier.
Luckily enough, Xie Lian catches sight of an opening just a few feet forward, and seeing the butterfly heading towards it, he hurries up.
Soon, Xie Lian finds himself standing on a cliff that overlooks the entirety of the city. Taken by surprise at the sight, he freezes in shock, awed by the beauty of the capital from such a high place.
Xie Lian takes a few steps forward, until he’s standing on the edge of the cliff with the hem of his cloak brushing dangerously over the side. With a joyful smile painting his lips, Xie Lian closes his eyes and inhales, taking in his surroundings and letting the comfort of mother nature cradle him.
When he blinks his eyes open, Xie Lian thinks the whole thing must’ve been a dream.
Lanterns, thousands of them, adorn the midnight blue sky. It’s a sight to behold, and Xie Lian struggles to register the entirety of it to commit it to his memory.
One lantern hovers close to him and unbidden, Xie Lian reaches forward to gently cradle it in his grasp. A single glance is enough to tell him that the material must’ve cost a fortune.
Tearing his eyes off the lantern in his hold, Xie Lian looks up at the sky once more.
It looks majestic, the lights twinkling teasingly and making it look like a galaxy of its own. Words can’t describe the sheer incredibility of it. Xie Lian wants to fly between them.
For a moment, Xie Lian despairs at not having someone by his side to appreciate such unrivaled beauty. He’s not left to dwell over it for long when someone’s footsteps bring him back.
Xie Lian knows who it is even without turning and sure enough, when the person speaks to him, it’s the one he was waiting for.
“Does your highness like it?”
With his eyes reflecting the lights of a thousand lanterns, all Xie Lian can manage to breathe out is, “It’s beautiful. ”
The footsteps come closer, and before Xie Lian knows it, San Lang stands next to him. Xie Lian cranes his head to look up at him, and feels even more mesmerized at how captivating he looks, painted in hues of brilliant gold.
San Lang’s eyes glow brighter than the lanterns when he turns to make eye contact with Xie Lian with his lips pulled into a smile. “It doesn’t hold a candle to your beauty, though.”
Xie Lian is sure that there’s a joke he didn’t catch in there, but all he can think of at the moment is how much he wants to kiss San Lang. The urge to just tip forward a bit and pull San Lang down to kiss him under the glow of a thousand lanterns grows stronger when he notices the glances the one before him keeps stealing at his lips.
“San Lang… I…”
With a deep breath and a thundering heart, Xie Lian leans forward.
San Lang meets him halfway.
It’s the greatest gift Xie Lian has received until now and by the end of it, Xie Lian has made up his mind; if he’s to marry anyone, it’ll be this San Lang who makes him know happiness easier than ever.