Cheng Yao was an orphan, fragile and helpless. In this chaotic age overrun by demons, even staying alive was difficult. On his deathbed, her father entrusted her to a low-ranking cultivator.
But the world was unpredictable, and promises could easily change. Afraid the deathbed promise might not be enough to protect her, Cheng Yao married the cultivator.
Her husband was handsome and considerate, and had a few impressive spells that could just about keep her safe.
Then her health suddenly began to fail. The physician said her internal organs were deteriorating, a condition she'd had since birth. No matter how many rare treasures they used, she could never be cured.
That day, she saw her husband, who had always seemed like an immortal, trembling. Without a word, he crushed a teacup in his hand.
Later, her husband said gently, "It's broken. We can just get another one."
Another... one?
*
Cheng Yao still died.
Luckily, she opened her eyes in a small sect, sixteen years later.
By then, the land of the Nine Provinces was ravaged, and demons ruled.
The ruler of the Nine Provinces was now a fallen immortal named Rong Dao, who had also been her husband sixteen years earlier.
They said Rong Dao loved to tear out hearts and lungs and extract spiritual roots. He was a demon by nature.
Theme: As long as you're alive, there's hope
