5,000 years ago, humans, demons, and gods waged an endless war. Chaos spread everywhere due to the unceasing conflict—until one day, an Unknown Goddess appeared on the battlefield.
*"So it's you."*
The Demon Goddess lowered her sword, its tip pointing toward the ground.
*"Stop this. It's been 500 years already. End this suffering, Xin Lao!"*
*"How could I?! They—those so-called noble gods and goddesses—stole my #####!!!"*
Tears welled in the Demon Goddess's eyes as she raised her sword, pointing it directly at the Unknown Goddess.
*"Don't you remember our friendship? Now you're just one of those 'honorable' gods. If you want to end this war, then swing your sword and finish it with your own hands!"* she challenged.
The Unknown Goddess fell silent for a moment, her grip tightening around the glowing blade in her hand as she struggled to make a decision.
She closed her eyes, raised her sword, poured all her spiritual energy into the blade—and finally struck down the Demon Goddess. But the price was her own life, as she too perished from exhaustion.
**5,000 Years Later...**
Cities bustled with merchants and buyers haggling loudly. The peace dreamed of 5,000 years ago had finally been realized—though the demon clans remained exiled. To ordinary humans, this was an era of tranquility.
Meanwhile, the Xin estate was peaceful as a beautiful noblewoman dashed through its gardens. She was Xin Yuan, the young lady of the Xin noble family.
*"Miss, don't run! You might fall!"* shouted one of her maids.
*"No! My best friend is here—I have to see her as fast as I can!"* Xin Yuan replied.
She sprinted down the corridor toward the main gate, where her lifelong friend, Xin Meng, stood waiting.
*"Ah-Meng!!"*
*"Ah-Yuan!"* Xin Meng called back.
Unlike Xin Yuan, Xin Meng was no noble—just an ordinary girl from the city. Despite this, Xin Yuan's parents had always allowed them to play together.
*"Ah-Meng, guess what? My parents just bought me a beautiful hairpin!"* Xin Yuan exclaimed.
*"Really?"*
*"Yes! Once I learn a little magic, I'll make it my main weapon!"*
*"Haha! How is a hairpin supposed to be a weapon?"*
*"Hmm... You're right..."*
*"Ah-Yuan, want to come with me? I want to show you something!"*
*"Where to?"*
*"Just follow me!"*
Xin Meng grabbed Yuan's hand and dashed through the estate gates toward the city market. Stalls selling jewelry, hairpins, and fabrics lined the streets, but Xin Meng's destination was a small, nearly empty shop.
*"Ah-Meng, what are we doing here?"* Xin Yuan asked, confused.
*"I heard this shop sells a pair of exquisite silk fans—rumored to have spiritual energy that aids cultivation!"*
*"Really? But... aren't silk fans expensive?"*
*"Don't worry, I've saved up plenty! I'll buy them for you!"*
*"REALLY?!"* Xin Yuan beamed.
*"Yes!"*
Soon, the shopkeeper approached them.
*"Young ladies, what can I get for you?"*
*"Sir, do you still have the Twin Lotus Fans?"* Xin Meng asked.
*"Ah, you're looking for those? Of course! One moment."*
The shopkeeper rummaged through his antique collection before pulling out an elegant black-and-gold box.
*"Here you go. You have excellent taste—not many are fortunate enough to even see these!"*
Xin Meng opened the box, revealing two silk fans—one gold, one black—positioned in opposite directions.
*"How much?"*
*"They're quite rare, but since you two are such lovely customers, I'll give you a special price: 500 silver coins!"*
*"I'll take them."*
Xin Meng handed over a heavy pouch of silver coins.
*"Thank you, young ladies! Your refined taste is remarkable for your age!"*
*"Ah-Yuan, you take the gold one, I'll take the black one. Deal?"*
*"Of course! Thank you, Ah-Meng!"*
They left the shop, each holding a fan—one adorned with a white lotus (gold fan) and the other with a red lotus (black fan).
**13 Years Later...**
*"Ah-Meng!"*
Now a grown woman, Xin Yuan sat in a small gazebo in the garden, calling out as her friend entered the estate.
*"Xin Yuan! Reading cultivation manuals again, aren't you?"* Xin Meng teased, knowing her too well.
*"You've memorized my daily routine, haven't you?"* Xin Yuan laughed.
*"Where'd you buy this one?"*
*"An antique shop near Mount Xiaojin."*
*"Ah-Yuan... You're so obsessed with cultivation, dreaming of becoming a goddess, aren't you?"*
The question caught Xin Yuan off guard—Xin Meng had never asked something like this before.
*"Why don't you try joining a cultivation sect in the mountains?"*
*"Wait—there are still sects accepting disciples?!"*
After the war 5,000 years ago, many sects had dwindled and vanished. News of new disciples being accepted was rare.
*"I heard from people in town—Mount Ruoyue's sect is taking in a few. I even grabbed an admission notice for you."*
Xin Meng handed her a gold-cloud-patterned envelope, still sealed.
Xin Yuan tore it open immediately.
*"Admissions are in five days!! I'm going!"*
*"Ah-Yuan, shouldn't we ask your parents first?"*
*"I almost forgot! Ah-Meng, come with me!"*
Excited, Xin Yuan dragged Xin Meng to her parents' chambers, barging in without knocking.
*"Father! Mother!"*
*"Ah-Yuan? What's the matter?"* her mother asked.
*"I want to join a cultivation sect in the mountains! Can I? Pleaaase?"*
*"Absolutely not! You're our only daughter!"* her father objected.
*"Master Xin, Madam Xin, I can assure you the sect is trustworthy. My sources are reliable,"* Xin Meng interjected.
*"But learning magic means fighting demons and evil spirits...?"* her mother worried.
*"Mother... Father... You know this has been my dream since childhood! Just this once?"*
*"Ah-Yuan, you've lived a pampered life as a noble's daughter. A sect means no servants—you'd have to be independent,"* her father reasoned.
*"Please! Just this once! If I'm unhappy, I'll ask Xin Meng to bring me home!"*
Her parents fell silent, weighing their only child's plea.
*"Fine... But promise to keep in touch!"* her mother relented.
*"OF COURSE!!! THANK YOU, MOTHER!"*
*"When do you leave?"* her father asked.
*"In five days!"*
The Xin family adored their daughter. Xin Guo and Yue Fei, the noble couple ruling Sifei City's markets, had spoiled her since childhood. Yet, the Xin family was also known for their kindness to servants and wise governance, ensuring the city's prosperity.
**Five Days Later...**
The day of departure arrived. The estate buzzed with preparations.
*"Ah-Yuan, are you *sure* about this?"* Xin Meng asked.
*"Yes! I've never been more certain!"*
As they spoke, Xin Yuan's parents entered.
*"Ah-Yuan, is this truly what you want?"* Yue Fei asked.
*"Mother, I'm surer than ever! I want to chase my dreams!"*
She stood, taking their hands reassuringly.
*"Ah-Yuan, cultivation is dangerous—it can backfire. Have you considered that?"* Xin Guo pressed.
*"Father, trust me just this once. I've thought about this every night. My decision is final."*
They embraced tightly—the Xin family's bond was unshakable.
*"Ah-Yuan, your carriage is ready,"* Xin Meng said.
*"Alright, let's go—"*
"The Xin family, heed the Heavenly Decree!!!"
A thunderous voice boomed across the courtyard. Everyone rushed outside to see a celestial herald holding a divine scroll. All knelt.
"The Heavenly Emperor proclaims: In recognition of the Xin family's service to the people, a blessing is bestowed."
The crowd held its breath.
"The Heavenly Emperor commands: Xin Meng shall be a candidate for the new Empress Selection."
All eyes turned to Xin Meng. How could an ordinary girl receive such an honor?
"Forgive me, but—"
"A Heavenly Decree cannot be refused."
"Is there a mistake in the name?" Xin Meng asked.
"We repeat: Xin Meng."
Xin Yuan stood frozen. Her friend—with no cultivation background—was now a candidate.
"I, Xin Meng... accept the Heavenly Decree."