A Sword Embracing Spring

"A sacrificial bride who runs away from her wedding x a fallen Sword Ancestor"

Jiang Jiang had been raised from childhood to be a sacrificial bride. Every word and action, every smile and frown, was meant to win the favor of the Heavenly Journey Perfected Lord.

When she grew up, she decided to run away from the wedding.

One night, while passing an abandoned temple, Jiang Jiang rescued a severely wounded, unconscious Daoist. She picked wild fruit for him, warmed wine for him, and cared for him until his soul returned.

After recovering from his serious illness, the Daoist took up his sword and left.

Halfway up the mountain, he saw the young girl following quietly behind him, her eyes calm but brimming with tears. For the first time, his heart softened.

"I can grant you any wish."

-

And so, in addition to his sword and wine, a young girl joined him on his journeys.

He took her across mountains and seas, traveling thousands of miles. He accompanied her as she sought traces of immortals, savored spring rain, and admired winter snow.

He taught her to read a thousand ancient books and manuals, and to learn the sword techniques and talismans of a hundred schools.

He remembered every one of the girl's likes.

But one bitterly cold spring night, the girl packed her things and waved goodbye with a bright smile.

"I'm going to get married."

For the first time, the hand holding his sword trembled slightly.

-

According to The Unofficial History of Fengchuan, on the day the Heavenly Journey Perfected Lord's third sacrificial bride was to be married, a Daoist in ink-black robes came up the mountain and, before the eyes of everyone present, split open the Gate of Heaven with a single sword stroke.

Before the altar, he stood with his back to the young bride, his snow-stained sword pointing toward the Lord of the Hidden Journey, concealed in the endless night.

"Today, I grant you death."

The Daoist's long shadow stood proud and aloof. "Come out and give thanks."

The one on the altar was no sacrificial offering. She was the pearl in his palm.

He could never forget how, when his Daoist heart had shattered and he was living like a dog, drowning himself in wine and oblivion, she had placed his sword back in his hand.

[First wish: With this sword, I will slay immortals, drive out demons, and protect the realm.

Second wish: With this sword, I will keep her safe and free from worry for the rest of her life.

Third wish... to gather the beauty of spring in my arms.]

Reading guide:

1. Entirely fictional, with cultivation in a post-apocalyptic ancient-style setting. Romance-focused, slow and steady, mutual healing, both leads' first love, happy ending.

2. A parallel-world story about Jiang Jiang: The Gods I Summoned Rank Number One Worldwide!

Theme: Cherish every day.