Chapter One: The Mandate of Descent
Above the boundless skies, beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens, the imperial bell of the Celestial Court rang nine times, echoing across the vast, mist-shrouded expanse. Amidst the swirling clouds and radiant light, a solitary figure knelt on the jade steps of the Violet Immortal Hall. Her robes flowed like mist, her posture graceful, and her expression as serene and cold as untouched snow.
Upon the throne, the Heavenly Emperor, clad in his nine-star golden robe, gazed down at her. His eyes, deep as the starry abyss, were tinged with sorrow.
“Mo Li,” he called softly, his voice layered with reluctant affection. “Do you truly wish to take this path?”
The girl raised her head. Her eyes shone like cold stars, unwavering.
“Father, you once said: one who has never known the sufferings of mortals can never lead the Three Realms. I am willing to descend to the mortal world, to endure love’s tribulations and temper my heart, so that one day I may be worthy of Heaven’s mandate.”
The Emperor was silent for a long moment. Then, with a wave of his sleeve, a scroll of divine decree materialized in midair, its surface glowing with sacred light. Upon the jade scroll, a name appeared—Xuanyuan Mo Li.
“In this life, you shall be born into the mortal imperial clan under the name Xuanyuan Mo Li. Nobility shall be your shell, hardship your shadow. Though destined for greatness, you will fall into the snare of love, and only by breaking through it can you achieve true enlightenment.”
Mo Li’s gaze flickered slightly at the word love tribulation, but she remained composed.
“Why love?” she asked quietly.
“Because your heart is too pure,” the Emperor replied. “You have never known longing, sorrow, or heartbreak. Without such knowledge, how can you carry the burden of the heavens? Once you descend, your divine power shall be sealed. Only in times of mortal peril may you summon your celestial arts—no more than three times.”
Three strands of golden light appeared in his hand, forming three jade talismans that settled into her brow, chest, and palm.
“One to save your life. One to guard your heart. One to sever your love.”
Mo Li bowed deeply. “I will remember, Father.”
A gale of divine wind surged through the heavens as the Gate of Transcendence slowly opened, its golden light spilling like a river of stars. Mo Li stepped forward, her figure gradually dissolving into the light. From her sleeve, a jade flute rang with a faint chime—her celestial weapon whispering farewell.
She did not look back. In her heart, she silently vowed:
When I return, I will fear nothing under heaven.
In a flash of light, she vanished.
The Heavenly Court fell silent once more. The Emperor stood long in stillness, before finally murmuring:
“You are jade by nature, untainted and pure. May the mortal world not soil your soul, nor desire mislead your path.”
