Song of Cangwu: The Sea of Clouds Is Near, but Longing Knows No End

Beyond the Three Realms lies the Ashen Abyss, where nine floating immortal islands are divided among the Celestial Ash, Terrestrial Ash, and Mortal Ash clans. The Celestial Ash clan commands the paths of the stars and forges “Starpath Chains” from immortal energy. The Terrestrial Ash clan lives beside the River of Forgetfulness, nourishing “Rebirth Flowers” with blood and tears. The Mortal Ash clan dwells at Heartbreak Cliff at the bottom of the abyss, bearing the “Love Tribulation Mark”; when they fall in love, their immortal bones burn. To marry across clans, one must carve out half a heart on the “Heart-Cutting Terrace” in exchange for a century together. Those who break the law are hunted by “Chaos Heart-Eater Beasts,” and once their souls are scattered, they are never allowed to reincarnate.

Su Weiwan enters Celestial Ash territory in search of the “Reverse Life Herb,” accidentally touches a Starpath Chain, and is captured by Xie Yunzheng. He intends to punish her according to the law, but then he sees the image of the little girl he saved a century ago appear on the Rebirth Flower bracelet around her wrist.

“What is your name?” he asks coldly, though his fingers unconsciously brush her wrist, reddened by the chain.

“Su Weiwan,” she says timidly, looking up to meet the scattered starlight in his eyes. Her heart skips a beat.

After that, Xie Yunzheng often takes her to see the sea of stars, claiming he has to “keep an eye on a criminal.” When she rises on tiptoe to point out Orion, he waves his hand and arranges the stars into her likeness. When she feels cold, he takes off his starry cloak and says awkwardly, “The Terrestrial Ash clan is frail. If you freeze to death, I'll have to write up a report.”

A thousand years later, a glowing Rebirth Flower blooms on Heartbreak Cliff. Hidden in its heart is half a beating heart.