Aoshū, an ancient earth spirit blessed by the goddess Nuwa, was born with the power to take countless forms. Clever and mischievous, she got into trouble one day after taking her antics too far and angering Pangu. Banished to the mortal world, she was sent through nine lifetimes in nine different forms, her spirit scattered until she no longer knew the way home.
Pangu: “You like changing forms so much? Then go change to your heart’s content!”
Ao Yunli, a true dragon god from the heavenly realm, cut away his own divine essence and gave up his exalted position to search for his beloved wife. He cared nothing for heavenly laws or karma. All he wanted was to stay by her side.
When she was a gentle little calf, he became a hermit in the mountains, keeping her company every day;
When she was a wild little wolf, he silently followed and kept her safe;
When she was a proud bluebird, he searched the nine heavens to bring her pure dew from the parasol tree;
Nine lives, nine different forms. She never recognized him, but he never once let her go.
From mountains and wilderness to rivers and seas, from mortal beasts to spirit dragons, he stayed by her through all her mischief and fun, her trials, and her growing up.
When her spirit finally returned and her memories came back, she blushed and apologized. He drew her into a gentle embrace.
“No matter what form you take, you will always be my wife.”
One meeting with Aoshū, and Ao Yunli was hers for life. Through nine forms and every passing year, they would never part.
