More than a thousand years ago, Qiu Min used his true form, the Thousand Lantern Tree, to hold Quru Mountain together as it crumbled. He sealed the Ghost-Faced Guanyin beneath the mountain and was appointed its mountain god. More than a thousand years later, the Thousand Lantern Tree began to wither and the barrier was damaged. When Bao Xiangzhi, the third young mistress of the Fang family, was lured into a cave and nearly stumbled into the barrier, Qiu Min stopped her. Their bond began then.
Her disabled husband's abuse, her mother-in-law's scolding, and the servants' contempt left Xiangzhi bitter and gloomy. Her longing for love drew her to develop feelings for Qiu Min. Qiu Min resigned as mountain god and came to the Fang residence to investigate a flower demon, unaware that it was all part of the Ghost-Faced Guanyin's plan...
As their feelings for each other grew stronger, Qiu Min's life began to fade away.
Before the temple shrine, countless people prayed and made their wishes with devout reverence. Among them were these two prayers:
"Bodhisattva, please keep Qiu Min safe and healthy." She, who had long since stopped believing in gods and Buddhas, knelt before the statue.
"High God, please grant Xiangzhi peace and happiness." A god's prayer before another god.
Gods and Buddhas protect all living things, but cannot protect themselves. Only when faith collapses can one finally see oneself.
"All loving bonds are formed by causes and conditions. When they come together, they must part; nothing is permanent or lasts forever."
(Ah, writing a blurb is so hard.)
Theme: None.
