A decade slipped past like flowing water. In those years, Taiyi remained mostly in the Fire Realm, a husband, a father, and—at least outwardly—no longer the Heavenly Emperor who shook the heavens.
Tie Ling, under her father's personal guidance, ascended to godhood. Her foundation was flawless, her dao radiant. Yet to Taiyi, she was still the little girl who once clung to his robe in the mortal world. He spoiled her shamelessly, cooking for her, sparring with her, and carrying her on his back as though time had never passed.
Even Feng Jiu, who had carried burdens alone for so long, softened in those years. Their home in the Fire Realm rang often with laughter, arguments over trivial things, and the quiet warmth of a family rediscovering itself.
But peace, Taiyi knew, was always borrowed time.
One evening, under a sky veiled with endless stars, Taiyi extended his hand toward Feng Jiu.
"Come," he said simply.
She frowned. "Where?"
"You asked me once when I would fight for us—not for the realms, not for the Dao, but for us. Tonight, I will give you your answer."
She hesitated, then placed her hand in his.
The world shifted. Flames, skies, and stars melted away, and in the next breath she found herself standing in a place she had never seen before.
It was a hidden valley, untouched by heaven or earth. A lake of glass reflected the heavens, and fields of wildflowers stretched endlessly, their petals glowing faintly with immortal light. Above them, constellations turned in slow harmony, undisturbed by the laws of the Heavenly Dao.
Feng Jiu's breath caught. "This place…"
Taiyi smiled faintly. "A realm I carved for us alone. The Dao cannot reach here. No rules, no thrones, no chains. Only us."
For a long time, she could not speak. He guided her to the water's edge, where he produced a simple wooden box. Opening it revealed a clay teapot and two chipped cups—mortal trinkets, fragile and ordinary.
"I brought these back from the mortal realm long ago. Do you remember? We drank tea under the peach blossoms of Qin state."
Her eyes softened with memory. She remembered his laughter then, so unburdened it scarcely resembled the man she later knew.
"This," Taiyi said, pouring the tea with steady hands, "is why I fight. Not for crowns or order. For this. To sit with you, with our daughter, without fear."
She accepted the cup, her hands trembling slightly. For the first time in centuries, she allowed herself to believe him.
---
A few years later, the family chose to live as mortals for a time. In a small bustling city of the mortal realm, they took a modest house, cooked simple meals, and walked the markets hand in hand.
Tie Ling adapted quickly, delighted by the mortal world's freedom. She loved the crowded streets, the clamor of merchants, the sweet smell of roasted chestnuts. To passersby, she and Feng Jiu seemed like sisters, their beauty drawing stares wherever they went.
On one such evening, the trio sat in a humble restaurant, sharing hot wine and mortal dishes that Tie Ling insisted they try. The warmth of lanterns painted their faces golden.
It was then that twenty-five celestial soldiers appeared.
Time froze. The laughter of the restaurant died mid-breath, chopsticks hung motionless in midair. The air thickened with divine aura.
Taiyi, unbothered, continued sipping his wine. He waved a hand lazily, signaling silence. The soldiers bowed deeply, retreating behind him. They dared not disturb the moment further—for the Queen of the Fire Realm sat at his side, and their union was no longer rumor but undeniable truth.
---
The Purple Palace
After dinner, Taiyi excused himself. "I'll return in a day."
He vanished from the mortal city and reappeared in the Purple Palace. Seated upon his throne, he brewed tea with practiced calmness.
Little Fox entered, bowing deeply.
"You have the time it takes for this tea to boil to tell me what must be told," Taiyi said, his voice soft but firm.
"Master," Little Fox said carefully, "our scouts report an army moving toward us. In two years' time, they will reach our borders. It is to be a decisive battle. What should we do?"
Taiyi's eyes remained on the rising steam of the kettle. "Summon all commanders and all rulers of the realms. I will return shortly."
Little Fox bowed again, concealing his unease. The last time such a summons had been issued, entire realms had been bent to Taiyi's will. Now the same storm was brewing again.
When Taiyi returned to the mortal realm, he found Feng Jiu and Tie Ling walking the street. A short, chubby man had cornered them, his face flushed as he attempted to impress Feng Jiu with poor flattery.
"Excuse me, miss," he stammered, bowing clumsily. "You must be new here. Beauties such as yourself are rare."
Feng Jiu's smile was faint, cold, yet the man's lustful gaze grew heated. Tie Ling turned away in disgust, her patience worn thin.
It was at that moment Taiyi arrived. Without a word, he slipped an arm around Feng Jiu's waist, pulling her against him. His eyes met hers, unyielding, as he murmured, "Thank you for entertaining my wife."
The mortal's envy burned, but when Taiyi's killing intent brushed him, his legs trembled, and sweat drenched his back. He stumbled away, barely holding onto his life.
"He was only a mortal," Feng Jiu whispered. "Did you have to scare him so?"
Taiyi did not answer. With a flick of his wrist, time froze once more. The world fell silent, lantern flames stilled in mid-dance.
Then, without hesitation, Taiyi lowered his lips to hers, the kiss sealing not only his claim but his promise.