“Thus shall it be in heaven or the Yellow Springs: when Beichen’s shadows overlap, the world shall be lost.”
In a time of turmoil, the prophecy from the previous dynasty, “When Beichen’s shadows overlap, the world shall be lost,” rang once more from the summit of Langya Mountain, though the Eastern Qin was then at the height of its prosperity.
As the Emperor Star split in two, a fated calamity descended alongside a time of chaos.
All things that unite must divide, and all things that divide must unite. This was the first sign of the coming upheaval.
And there is no need for a reason to fight for the realm!
You want it, and I am willing to claim it, come what may, amid the chaos of armies, ruling the age from end to end.
“The mighty river surges, the green mountains stretch on. Swords point to the heavens above Langya; iron hooves trample the realm.
Golden armor gleams cold, blades and bows are stained with blood. The zither snaps, its music fades, and beacon fires throw ten thousand miles into chaos.”
The first half of this poem, written over a century ago, veiled the chaos that began in an age of prosperity. Will the second half, written over a century later, foretell the upheaval that is about to come?
Perhaps there is no answer.
“Foolish dreamers lament the realm; mortal lovers are immortals in heaven.”
Neither of us would abandon the realm for the other, nor are we some unparalleled lovers of legendary devotion. In chaotic times, gifted souls emerge, but the endless turmoil of the mortal world can only blind us.
And in the end, only one person will truly set foot on the path to kingship and ascend the throne.
So neither of us expects the other to promise us a future together. We ask only this:
On this journey to heaven or the Yellow Springs, do you dare come with me?
Why would I not dare?
If it is heaven, there is no problem. But if it is the Yellow Springs, what will become of us?
Wait and see.
This is an endless pit of a novel. Updates will be erratic and extremely slow once the completed chapters run out. Read at your own risk.
My abilities and writing are limited. If this isn’t for you, please move along.
