High above the Azure Sky Domain, where clouds drifted like rivers of silk, floated the Jade Harmony Sect. Nestled upon Spirit Vein Peaks and wreathed in immortal mist, this sect was famed for its balance of grace and power. Its disciples cultivated harmony between sword and soul, between spirit and emotion — though few truly understood what "harmony" meant.
The sect was famed for its doctrine, priding itself in the harmony between sword and soul, between emotion and will. Yet, like all things touched by man, even harmony could fracture.
Today, beneath the mist-wreathed pavilions, the first cracks appeared.
Then, above the sect skies, a streak of light cut through the morning clouds, and a man descended upon a flying sword, robes fluttering like twin blades of wind. The moment his boots touched the stone courtyard, his smirk bloomed sharper than ever.
Teng Chi, a core disciple of Jade Harmony Sect, top of the provincial tournament, genius of the sword path. His sword intent still hummed faintly around him like ever before.
The smirk he made as he stepped off his flying sword was something else, as fellow disciples along the path saluted respectfully, some with admiration, some with envy. He accepted their greetings with an absent nod, already savoring the thought of the words he would soon hear:
"The engagement has been annulled."
He had waited for that moment ever since news spread that the Sect Master's daughter — the frosty fairy of the sect, Su Yueru, had once been promised to a mortal. A pitiful, rootless youth from a mid tier clan.
The very notion had offended his pride.
He adjusted his collar, turned toward the Core Disciple Quarters, and smiled faintly to himself. "Today, the farce ends."
In the Core Disciple Quarters,
A junior brother hurried up the steps, nearly tripping over his own robes when he spotted Teng Chi.
"Senior Brother Teng! You've returned from the Mist Heaven exchange so soon?"
Teng Chi chuckled, brushing invisible dust from his sleeve. "Hmph. Successful enough. Their disciples are polite but dull. Their sword aura is all talk and no edge."
The younger man laughed nervously. "Indeed, indeed."
Teng Chi waved a hand dismissively. "Never mind them. Tell me, has the Sect Master finally settled that absurd engagement? Surely the elders have convinced Lady Su to dissolve it by now. She cannot still be bound to that mortal—what was his name again? Lin something."
"Lin Ming," the disciple said cautiously.
"Ah yes. Lin Ming. The boy with no roots, no cultivation, no future." Teng Chi smiled cruelly. "Truly, Heaven must have been drunk to let such a match exist. So? Tell me the good news."
The younger disciple hesitated. His fingers fidgeted with the edge of his robe.
"Senior Brother…" he began, lowering his voice, "there… there has been a development."
Teng Chi's brow rose. "A development?"
"Yes. The Sect Master has just announced—Lady Su herself requested to uphold the engagement. She even asked that the marriage be performed without delay."
For a moment, the courtyard fell silent.
Then, a faint whistle cut the air. A line of sword qi burst from Teng Chi's body, slicing through the stone lantern beside him. The shattered halves clattered to the ground as the junior brother fell to his knees in shock.
"She… what?" Teng Chi's voice was low, each word edged.
"Y-yes, Senior Brother. Lady Su said she wished to honor the bond between sect and clan. That she believes in—"
"Enough." Teng Chi's hand clenched. His expression remained eerily calm, but his jaw worked like someone grinding his teeth behind a smile. "So, the Ice Fairy has fallen for a mortal? Very well."
He turned on his heel, sword intent swirling faintly. "Then I will confirm this nonsense myself."
He walked away, leaving a trembling disciple behind and the courtyard littered with shattered stone.
....
The main hall of Jade Harmony Sect was silent, its walls carved with ancient patterns indicating harmony and balance, as spiritual mist drifted between pillars like air.
On a dais sat Su Yunhai, the Sect Master — a man of calm bearing and unfathomable depth. His aura was restrained, yet the space around him quivered as though the mountain itself obeyed his mood.
When Teng Chi entered, he dropped to one knee and performed three kowtows.
"Disciple Teng Chi greets the Sect Master."
"Rise," came the serene voice.
Teng Chi rose but did not look up. "Master… forgive my boldness, but I come to confirm a rumor. Is it true that Lady Su intends to marry that mortal of the Lin family?"
Su Yunhai's eyes remained half-closed. "You speak of Lin Ming."
"Yes, Master."
"It is true. She has chosen him. The matter was announced yesterday."
Teng Chi's head jerked up. "She—chose him?"
"She did. Unless you can convince her otherwise, I will not intervene."
Teng Chi took a step forward, voice rising despite himself. "Master! You once said—after I brought glory to the sect, after I won the provincial tournament—you said I would be rewarded. The elders themselves told me Lady Su would be given to me! How can—"
"Enough."
The single word struck like thunder.
A vast pressure descended from above, the air thickening until Teng Chi's knees hit the floor. His golden core quivered under the weight of a Nascent Soul's will. Sweat beaded on his forehead as Su Yunhai opened his eyes.
"I promised you no woman," the Sect Master said, his tone neither cruel nor kind. "I promised only recognition for your achievements. My daughter is not a prize to be claimed by merit. If you wish for her, then win her heart yourself. Not by decree."
Teng Chi's face twisted. "But Master—!"
"Go."
The command was soft, but its finality struck harder than anything.
Teng Chi clenched his fists until blood ran down his palms, then bowed deeply and backed away.
When he stepped outside, the world seemed colder. His smile had vanished. What replaced it was quiet, sharp, and dangerous.
"Convince her myself, is it?"
He exhaled slowly, sword aura flickering faintly at his back.
"Very well, Su Yueru. Let us see what you see in a mortal."
....
The Morning Over Cloudspire City wasn't quite, as the sun rose between the far below the clouds, dawn brushed gold over the rooftops of Lin family estate.
The Li family bustled with energy. Red silk banners fluttered in the wind, lanterns hung from every gate, and the air was thick with incense and gossip. Servants hurried back and forth, carrying boxes of gifts and jars of wine toward the carriages that waited outside.
Today, the clan would journey to the Jade Harmony Sect for the official marriage rite.
For the elders, it was a chance to strengthen ties with one of the great sects of the Azure Sky Domain. For the younger generation, it was a story to whisper — how their mortal cousin had captured the heart of the sect's fairy.
But not everyone celebrated.
As groups of disciples mounted their flying swords, a lone figure remained on the ground, hands clasped behind his back.
Li Ming watched the scene with a mild expression, his eyes following the glowing trails in the sky as each sword vanished into the clouds.
No one offered him a ride.
One cousin glanced down from above, grinning. "Apologies, Cousin! My sword barely fits me alone!"
Another chuckled. "You understand, don't you? The elders wouldn't want us to risk dropping you!"
Their laughter faded into the distance as the last streak of light disappeared.
Li Ming sighed softly and adjusted his robe. "So, on foot it is."
His uncle's voice echoed faintly from the courtyard.
"Ming'er, don't take it to heart! A true man's legs are his first flying sword! Hahaha!"
Li Ming smiled faintly. "Then may mine reach the heavens before sunset."
With that, he stepped beyond the gates.
Behind him, the Li Clan banners rippled in the wind. Ahead, the mountain peaks of Jade Harmony glimmered in the distance — a place where love, jealousy, and destiny were already waiting for him.