A Void for Eternity: BL

It was autumn in the Mortal Realm, and the maple leaves painted the mountains red and gold, carrying a fresh breeze through the air. That year, mortals eagerly awaited the Festival of Blessings for the God of Water, an event that, according to the elders, marked the beginning of a new era of harmony between the heavens and the seas.

The new God of Water, Liu Weishan, recently appointed, had already been given an official courtesy name: "Jinlan Shuiyi," meaning "Elegance of Brocaded Waves." This title, granted by the Celestial Emperor himself, symbolized not only his sovereignty over the waters but also his harmonious connection to the delicacy and strength the seas represented.

In the Celestial Palace, the Emperor had issued a decree:

"Inform the mortals about the new Guardian of the Eternal Waters, Liu Weishan. Let them celebrate his ascension, and let him bestow his blessings. The calm seas will be his gift to those who honor the heavens."

This proclamation brought relief to the villages, which had suffered for years from maritime disasters. When the former God of Water lost his divinity and mysteriously disappeared, the balance was shattered. Storms ravaged the coasts, furious waves destroyed ships and ports, and the sea became a constant threat.

On the eve of the festival, countless fishermen and families gathered before the altars, offering gifts such as fresh fish, exotic fruits, and bowls of water drawn from the purest springs. It was said that by dawn, their nets would be full, and the seas calm for about three years, thanks to the blessings of the new God of Water. Meanwhile, Liu Weishan remained in his residence at the Plum Blossom Palace. Beside him stood Mei Xuanling, holding an ancient scroll that contained some of the techniques of the former God of Water.

Liu Weishan unrolled the scroll with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. As his eyes scanned its contents, a weight grew in his chest. He had been there for months, studying the laws of the Dao and training arduously. Some techniques he had mastered, others he had perfected, and a few, with his own natural brilliance, he had transformed into something entirely new. However, what he saw on the scroll was different. They were techniques, and even some philosophies and poems left by the former God of Water. Complex and vast, like the ocean he was destined to govern. Doubts flooded his mind: could he master it all?

One poem caught his attention with its simplicity, yet it was dense and profound:

"Beneath the infinite sky, rivers flow to the sea, each drop carrying the memory of a thousand eras. In the ocean's depths sleep secrets that sow the strong, and the wind whispers: balance is not strength, but gentleness."

Mei Xuanling merely smiled and then left, leaving him alone with his doubts, as she had always done during these months.

Liu Weishan scoffed, letting the scroll fall to the gleaming wooden floor of the hall, whose columns rose like spears piercing the heavens. The calligraphy of the text, with its delicate and precise curves, seemed to mock his patience. Philosophy, discipline, devotion — these were the words that dominated his existence in the Celestial Realm. And yet, none of them resonated with his restless heart.

"How do they expect me to absorb what even the sages of the Lower Realm do not fully comprehend?", he murmured, crossing his arms and staring at the ceiling adorned with paintings of the ancient gods.

The young immortal knew his words would not escape the attentive ears of Mei Xuanling, whose presence seemed to envelop every corner of the palace like a mist. She was the guardian of his soul and the watcher of his steps, a figure of wisdom and grace whose patience rivaled only the serenity of a pristine lake. Even so, Liu Weishan felt trapped, like a caged phoenix unable to soar beyond the boundaries of its golden prison.

He sighed deeply, realizing his thoughts had wandered beyond the celestial mountains that protected the Realm of Immortals. And as if the universe had responded to his yearning for escape, a sound of laughter and murmurs reached his ears. It was distant, almost imperceptible, but undoubtedly something unusual — something that called him away from the rigidity of his existence.

Curious, Liu Weishan followed the sound, walking lightly through corridors that seemed endless, trying not to attract too much attention. He knew the celestial guards protecting his small residence were always watching, but something within him compelled him to continue. And so, he found the Hall of Eternal Reflections, a place long sealed off to most immortals.

Pushing open the massive doors, Liu Weishan was met with an incomprehensible sight that left him in awe: an immense crystalline pool reflecting the brilliance of the stars, surrounded by golden lotuses floating on its surface. At the center of the hall, an unusual stone occupied a place of honor. Upon it rested a small fox, as serene as a mountain under a veil of snow. Its body was wrapped in monk-like robes, simple yet impeccably clean. The fox's long tail swayed gently, its rhythm leaving Liu Weishan somewhat dazed.

Its small lips formed a faint smile, but it was impossible to discern whether it carried compassion, challenge, or an enigma no one could ever decipher. The fox did not move. It remained there, commanding the room with its quiet dignity, a diminutive figure exuding the authority of an emperor in humble attire. Those who knew it always described its presence in the same way:

"Whoever seeks me comes from afar; whoever finds me never forgets."

"Ah, such a restless young soul!", the fox said, laughing with a voice that was both playful and full of wisdom. "You must be Liu Weishan, the ward of the austere Mei Xuanling. Tell me, young one, what brings you here?"

Liu Weishan hesitated, but the old fox's presence was curiously comforting.

"I am weary of this place's monotony", he confessed. "I long for something beyond studies and exhausting training. I crave… freedom."

The fox laughed again, this time tapping an old staff on the floor, sending golden ripples across the hall.

"Ah, freedom! Such a mortal desire for an immortal. Have you heard of the Great Sage, the Trickster Fox?"

Liu Weishan's eyes widened. It was impossible to grow up in the Celestial Realm without hearing the tales of Yao Qing, the nine-tailed fox who had defied the very heavens in its quest for power and freedom.

"Yao Qing? Of course, I've heard of him. He challenged the gods and was imprisoned by the Oracle Goddess."

"Exactly", replied the old fox, its eyes gleaming with a mysterious fire. "But what few know is that the spirit of his rebellion still echoes in the far reaches of the universe. You, young Liu Weishan, carry that same spark. I see it in your eyes."

Before Liu Weishan could respond, the old fox rose and pointed toward the crystalline pool.

"If you truly wish to escape monotony, you must prove your worth. Dive deep into the Lake of a Thousand Illusions and mount the old Dragon Liang Cai. He hasn't welcomed a visitor of flesh and bone in millennia. Freedom requires daring."

Liu Weishan froze where he stood, surprise rooting him in place as he stared at the old fox before him. The Oracle Goddess had warned him about the old fox monk, cautioning more than once:

"Never fall for Yao Qing's tricks, or you'll live to regret it."

Yet here he was, alone in the Hall of Eternal Reflections, facing the sly smile of a being whose mischief was legendary.

"So, young Liu Weishan", said Yao Qing, tilting his head slightly, his ears swaying gently. "Will you do it, or shall I do all the work for you? Just a little push, and you'll have your fun. Or not."

Liu Weishan hesitated, recalling Mei Xuanling's words. But what could he do? Ignoring the provocation was impossible, especially when the fox seemed to have a special talent for irritating him with every word.

"I'm not looking for excitement", he replied, crossing his arms in a defensive gesture. "I just want something that makes sense. All this philosophy and training feel… hollow. But it doesn't have to be so intense either."

Yao Qing laughed, a sound both comforting and dangerous, like a hypnotizing melody.

"Ah, the emptiness of a perfect life. I know that feeling well. But imagine the thrill of riding a dragon?"

Liu Weishan blinked, unsure if he had heard correctly.

"You're joking, aren't you?" he stood firm in his suspicions.

"I'm always joking, but that doesn't mean it's a lie", Yao Qing retorted, leaning on his staff. "I'm talking about Liang Cai, the Old Black Dragon. He's not just any dragon, you know. He once served as the mount of Huang Changfeng, the most irreverent Taoist this realm has ever seen. They say Changfeng could travel between worlds as easily as walking through an open door, always in search of adventures and… well, trouble. And Liang Cai faithfully accompanied him."

A shiver ran down Liu Weishan's spine. He knew the story of Liang Cai, of course. Who didn't? The Black Dragon was legendary, a being of unparalleled kindness and bravery, but also a symbol of defiance. Unlike many dragons who preferred to dwell in the Mortal Realm, hiding among mountains or in the depths of oceans, Liang Cai had remained in the Celestial Realm, refusing to serve any lord who hadn't earned his respect.

"Liang Cai is really… here?" Weishan asked, his mouth suddenly dry.

Yao Qing smiled, revealing sharp teeth that contradicted his wise appearance.

"Sleeping, as always. Over there, in that pool you ignored when you walked in. It looks calm, doesn't it? But dive deep enough, and you'll find eyes that have witnessed entire eras pass by."

Liu Weishan took a step back, his eyes involuntarily darting toward the pool, which now seemed more sinister than before. He knew the Black Dragon was gentle to those he deemed worthy, but he was also known to test visitors with challenges few dared to face.

"Are you trying to scare me?" the young immortal questioned, trying to sound more confident than he felt.

"Scare you?" Yao Qing laughed again, this time almost genuinely. "Of course not. I'm merely suggesting… an adventure. You want to escape monotony, don't you? Then why not challenge Liang Cai? Tell him you wish for him to be your first mount. Who knows? He might accept.

Liu Weishan felt his face burn. The idea was absurd, but he couldn't help imagining what would happen if he actually succeeded. Riding the Old Black Dragon… It would be a feat no young immortal had attempted in ages. Then again, he was the only young immortal of his age in ages.

Still, the countless warnings from Mei Xuanling echoed once more in his mind like distant thunder: "Do not trust Yao Qing. He is a cunning fox. His words are like mist — they conceal traps and deceit that even the Celestial Emperor once fell for."

"And if he doesn't accept?" Liu Weishan asked, trying to suppress the unease growing in his chest. "If he deems me unworthy?"

Yao Qing smiled again, but this time, there was something darker in his eyes.

"Ah, well, my boy, that's the thrill, isn't it? If Liang Cai doesn't like you… he won't be as gentle as Mei Xuanling. But if that scares you, perhaps you'd best go back to your scrolls. Philosophy never hurt anyone, did it?"

Liu Weishan clenched his fists, torn between reason and desire. He knew accepting any proposal from Yao Qing was risky. But the idea of challenging Liang Cai, of stepping out of the shadows of his training and proving himself, was too tempting to ignore.

Even so, he said nothing, letting the silence hang between them as Yao Qing watched him, as if he knew exactly what was happening in the boy's mind.

"Think about it, boy," the fox finally said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "When you're tired of being a bird trapped in a gilded cage, remember the Black Dragon. He's waiting..."

Liu Weishan exhaled deeply, fixing Yao Qing with a more serious expression. The fox's words still echoed in his mind, but he couldn't let them distract him. He knew what was right, what needed to be done. "Don't get carried away by nonsense," he thought. "Stay focused, Liu Weishan. You can't stray from the path."

He had been responsible for his own actions ever since he was reborn from the Golden Lotus. There was no doubt about that. But now, he found himself in a curious dilemma: why, then, was he so tempted to challenge the Black Dragon? Why did Yao Qing's provocation carry so much weight in his mind? What was it that made him hesitate, a mix of curiosity and apprehension?

"Who am i, really?"

This question hammered incessantly in his mind. In his past life, he had always been a reserved person, focused on his studies and the pursuit of immortal knowledge. He knew where he came from; he knew who he was. But now, everything seemed different. He couldn't clearly remember his old life — his memories tangled like disconnected threads, and an unsettling feeling enveloped him, as if he were in a body he didn't fully recognize.

The personality he carried now felt disconnected, an imperfect reflection of who he had once been. "Is this change really mine?" He looked at the palms of his hands as if searching for a sign of who he truly was. The contours of his own actions and choices were blurred, and that bothered him more than he cared to admit.

"Mei Xuanling said my memories of the past life would fade completely. The person I was no longer exists."

Liu Weishan's former life was beginning to vanish like mist dissipating at dawn. Some memories might remain intact, perhaps, but they wouldn't carry the same weight. He would be just Liu Weishan. Just himself. Not the man of the past, not the being who wandered existence burdened with secrets. No more. He was beginning to understand that this transformation, though disconcerting, was an inevitable part of his destiny. He would be forced to face a future where the lines between who he was and who he would become were impossible to distinguish.

The idea of defining himself through his actions — without the old memories to guide his steps — was both liberating and terrifying. Could he truly reinvent himself? Could he embrace the promise of a fresh start and not look back? Every action he took now carried the weight of who he chose to be, no longer the lessons of a past life. On the other hand, it also meant leaving the past behind, with no return, no regret.

He pushed these thoughts aside for a moment, recalling once more what Mei Xuanling had said. She always spoke in a grave tone, a tone of warning, as if she understood the consequences of his choices. "Never lose focus," she always said. "The Celestial Realm demands discipline, and you must stand firm like a rock against the turbulent waters of destiny."

"But am I truly ready for that discipline?" he wondered, looking once more at the tranquil pool where the Black Dragon, Liang Cai, rested. "Was true discipline in following without question, or in seeking what the heart desired, even if it meant challenging one's own principles?"

Liu Weishan's thoughts were a silent storm. The echo of Yao Qing's words still danced in his mind, but he knew the choice was his. What he did next would define the person he would become in the future — not who he had been, but who he chose to be now. The journey, in some way, would reveal who Liu Weishan truly was.

Yet he turned to the pool, then faced Yao Qing. The fox, with his mischievous expression, smiled like a playful child who had just devised a prank. His eyes glimmered with the cunning of someone accustomed to meddling with others' thoughts. Liu Weishan felt a chill run down his spine — not of fear, but of frustration. That sly creature seemed to have a gift for unsettling his mind with a simple smile, and he didn't like it.

Scowling, Liu tried to mask the irritation building inside him, but deep down, part of him found it oddly amusing. After all, he was just a fourteen-year-old boy, reborn as a God of Water, and wasn't meant to be taken so seriously, was he?

That feeling of rebellion grew within him. "I'll show him." It was as if Yao Qing's small provocation had ignited something within Liu, something he could no longer ignore. If the fox thought he was just a boy, someone easy to fool, he was about to prove otherwise.

Liu walked to the edge of the starlit pool, feeling the light breeze caress his face and ruffle his hair. He lifted the hem of his usual white-and-blue robe slightly, and with the tips of his fingers, he touched the water. Surprisingly, the water was warm, almost welcoming. But what truly held him back wasn't the temperature — it was the fear spreading through his body. Fear of being ridiculed, perhaps, or even of failing at something so simple. However, he couldn't give in to that fear. He couldn't allow it to paralyze him, especially now that he had something to prove.

"Take a deep breath," he told himself. And then, with a gentle exhale, he leaped into the air, his small figure floating gracefully like a feather. But before his feet could touch the pool's surface, the air around him shifted.

Liu Weishan felt a presence. The familiarity of the sensation made him pause mid-air, suspended for a moment as if time had slowed. He looked to the pool's edge and saw Mei Xuanling standing there, one hand on her forehead and her gaze lost on the horizon. Her expression was one of disapproval, though not anger. It was the expression of a worried mother, maintaining her celestial composure yet clearly disappointed.

"Liu Weishan…" she began, her voice soft yet filled with an unbreakable calm. She shook her head, almost regretful — she had likely foreseen this happening. Mei Xuanling's maternal posture made Liu hesitate for a moment.

Mei Xuanling observed him with a gaze that mixed slight reproach and genuine concern. She knew Liu Weishan was impulsive. His typically fearless and courageous demeanor was also the root of small mischiefs that sometimes turned into big problems.

"Do you really think you should keep pursuing this?" she asked, her voice grave and measured. "Is there nothing else on your mind besides this? If something goes wrong, I'll be the one who has to deal with the consequences."

Liu Weishan sighed. He already knew this was a losing battle. When Mei Xuanling decided to intervene, there wasn't much he could do. She took care of him, but she also recognized that his independence was something he needed to earn. However, at that moment, he felt the weight of her authority tethering him to a greater responsibility.

Even so, he couldn't completely rid himself of his rebellious nature. The urge to defy authority, even when that authority was a powerful goddess, remained in his heart. But he also knew that, no matter how much he wanted to go against the current, he wasn't alone in this Celestial Realm. Mei Xuanling, as harsh as her words might be, was his guide. And he knew she had her reasons for being concerned.

"Perhaps I shouldn't challenge her like this," he thought, feeling a mix of guilt and contradiction.

He looked at Mei Xuanling, his gaze softer now but still holding a hint of resistance. "I just wanted to break free from the monotony; I feel suffocated and can't stand this terrible pressure anymore. Everyone in the Celestial Realm is testing my patience, and I feel like I'm going to explode at any moment," he said, finally planting his feet back on the ground.

Mei Xuanling simply sighed, her gaze less severe than before. She understood what he was trying to convey. The young Liu Weishan was undoubtedly still finding himself, still trying to grasp who he was, even at the height of his newfound power. But what she feared was that he was so caught up in his personal struggle that he might lose himself, and that was something she couldn't allow.

"I know," she murmured. "But remember, you are Jinlan Shuiyi now... The path of power is not merely a quest for strength. It also requires a sense of self-control."

Liu Weishan, proud as he was of his youth and determination, knew there was some truth to her words. He was no longer a mere mortal, but the path he would take to achieve his true essence was still unfolding.

Mei Xuanling, with a wave of her hand, calmed the wind she had used earlier to stop Liu, her previously soft expression now turning more austere. She turned to Yao Qing, her eyes blazing like flames threatening to consume everything in their path.

"Yao Qing, remove your influence from his mind now, or I'll have to be less polite," she said, her voice cold and unyielding as ice. "Don't be foolish. If you meddle with young master Jinlan Shuiyi like this again, you'll face the consequences of your actions. And I'm not someone who will turn a blind eye to your mistakes. If you do this again, you'll be confined to this palace for another hundred years, forbidden from setting foot in the Mortal Realm or the Celestial Court. Do you understand?"

Yao Qing, usually impervious to pressure, swallowed hard and immediately prostrated himself, his forehead touching the ground in respect. He snapped his fingers, releasing Liu from the illusion he had subjected him to. The fox figure, usually exuding confidence and cunning, now appeared diminished in the presence of Mei Xuanling's imposing aura. He was an ancient and clever being, unaccustomed to being humbled in this manner.

"Forgive me, my lady," he said in a reverent tone, though a slight shadow of discomfort lingered. "It was not my intention to disturb young Liu Weishan. I ask your forgiveness, and the young master's as well. I will not repeat such an act again."

Mei Xuanling looked at him with an intensity that seemed to pierce his soul. She realized that, despite his ancient nature, Yao Qing lacked the understanding needed for the care this young man required. He saw Liu as a mere pawn of the celestial beings but did not comprehend the depth of the responsibilities involved. Mei Xuanling sighed, her gaze softening slightly but remaining firm.

"You need to understand, Yao Qing," she said patiently. "This young man is not like the others. He is not a mere mortal you can manipulate for your amusement. Liu Weishan has a crucial role to play, one beyond what any of us can imagine. And as such an ancient Yao, you should be wiser. You cannot treat this boy carelessly," she paused, the silence between them growing heavier before adding, "You will have an important role in his life too — one you don't yet comprehend, but it will come with time."

Yao Qing rose slowly, still maintaining a respectful posture. What she said went beyond the simple mischief he had tried to cause. A crucial role? He frowned but dared not question her. He felt that Mei Xuanling's words were not spoken lightly. There was something more, something in Liu Weishan that he had yet to understand but would, at some point, learn to respect.

"I understand," Yao Qing said, his voice now softer. "I will not repeat my mistakes and will observe the young master more closely."

Mei Xuanling nodded, a serene glow returning to her eyes. "I hope you do, you old trickster."

Liu Weishan, who had listened to the exchange between Mei Xuanling and Yao Qing in silence, finally took a deep breath and stepped closer. He felt a slight unease but also a sense of relief. The tension between the two adults was beginning to dissipate, and with it, a part of his own anxiety.

"I... I'll try to be more responsible," he said suddenly, with a half-forced smile, addressing Mei Xuanling. She looked at him and smiled gently, knowing that, although he was stubborn and impulsive, the truth behind his words was sincere.

Mei Xuanling did not respond with words, only with a gesture. She approached him, placing her hand gently on his shoulder, and her presence radiated calm, like a beacon in the ocean.

"Responsibility comes with time, Liu Weishan. Don't worry. You'll learn with each step."

Continued...