The chosen day had come. From the eaves of the temple, bronze bells swayed in the wind, their clear ringing echoing like heaven's own will.
Wrapped in fine silk, Liu Yuexi slept soundly in her parents' arms. Once more, they knelt with respect before the statue of the Emperor God of Shangqing. The old Taoist priest lit incense, arranged offerings, and laid a peachwood sword across the altar. Everything followed the ancient rules.
"This child's fate is heavy with shadow. Today we bind her to the God, seeking his protection."
As his low, ancient chant rose, the incense burned brighter. Smoke filled the temple, and an unseen power gathered from the air. Suddenly, dark clouds rolled above, the sky turned black, and gentle rain became a raging storm.
The mother trembled, holding her baby close and shielding her with her body. "Don't cry, don't cry… Mother is here," she whispered. The father spread his arms, protecting both wife and child. Thunder roared like beasts, and the baby screamed in fear.
Just then, a golden light split the sky, piercing through the storm. It fell directly upon the family, warm and radiant, sweeping away the wind and rain. It was as if heaven itself had sent its blessing.
The parents opened their eyes carefully—and saw their daughter, who had been crying moments ago, smiling in the golden light. Their terror melted into awe and relief.
And in the baby's innocent gaze, the light shaped itself into a young figure.
He wore robes of snow-white, a long sword at his side, a jade pendant hanging from its hilt. His eyes were sharp, his expression proud, yet at the corner of his eye rested a cold, lonely beauty mark. The youth bent down, lips curved in a smile, his gaze fixed on the child in swaddling.
"Little one…" His voice was clear and cool, like wind through bamboo. "When you grow older, will you marry me as my wife?"
Of course, the baby could not understand. She only cooed and waved her tiny hand toward him.
The youth paused, then laughed brightly. "I cannot understand you either… but I will take it as yes. After all, you are the wife heaven has given me. You cannot escape."
To her parents, it seemed their daughter was simply babbling at empty air. Fear crept into their hearts.
But the Taoist let out a long breath and pressed his palms together. "Do not be afraid. The Emperor God of Shangqing himself is speaking to the child."
The youth turned his gaze toward the Taoist, who could not see him, and smirked. "Little brat. Long time no see. You've grown so old. When your life ends, come and serve under me again."
The Taoist shivered without knowing why.
The youth then lowered his head once more, reaching out to hold the baby's tiny hand. His fingertips were cool, yet his voice turned strangely gentle. "Grow well. I will guard your life."
With those words, the figure in white faded into the light.
All others saw only the prayer beads on the baby's wrist glowing softly, as if their light merged with her very blood.
The Taoist's heart shook with awe, but he still stroked his beard and smiled. "The ceremony is complete. From this day forward, the Emperor God of Shangqing is her spiritual father. She shall turn misfortune into safety and grow up unharmed."
The parents knelt again, knocking their foreheads against the ground until they bled. "Thank you, Emperor God, for saving our daughter! Thank you for your mercy!"
The temple grew silent, the only sound the faint ringing of bells in the wind.
But in the unseen void, the youth in white stood with hands behind his back, a smile still lingering in his eyes. It was not the distant mercy of a god toward mortals… but something far more possessive.
"Spiritual father? Hah. They only know half the truth."
In his gaze, the infant's figure reflected clear as day. His lips curved, and with one finger he traced a hidden vow in the air.
"She is not only my goddaughter. She is my wife. My destined one."
Incense smoke coiled in the temple, and mortals remained unaware.
Only the ancient god above the nine heavens looked down, a soft smile at his lips—gentle, and yet dangerous.
What no one knew was that this so-called binding, meant to bring protection and long life, had already strayed from its true path.
From the very beginning, Liu Yuexi was not simply the god's spiritual child… she was his chosen bride.