The Journey to the Forbidden Land
Centuries passed, and time reshaped all things.
Prince Long Hua had ascended to the title of the Dragon God — the most powerful being in the Heavenly Realm. His wisdom matched his strength, and the heavens bowed to his name.
In the Shuilu Kingdom, Princess Xiao Yufan grew into a woman of incomparable grace — beautiful, gentle, and kind-hearted. For hundreds of years, she cultivated tirelessly until she awakened her true form — the Divine Phoenix. Her radiance became the pride of her realm.
But one day, sorrow darkened the kingdom.
Empress Xiao had fallen gravely ill — her life hung by a single breath. The Immortal Doctor examined her and shook his head.
Immortal Doctor: "Your Majesty, there is but one cure — the Crystal Nut, a sacred fruit found only in the southern forbidden lands of the Demon Realm. Perhaps the Demon God can guide you."
Emperor Xiao Yuqing: "The Demon Realm…?"
He fell silent. The forbidden lands were known as the most perilous place in the Four Realms — a place where even gods dared not tread.
Yet, love outweighed fear. The emperor announced a decree across all realms:
"Whoever brings back the Crystal Nut shall be greatly rewarded!"
When Princess Yufan heard this, she immediately went to the palace.
She knelt before her father.
Princess Xiao Yufan: "Royal Father, please allow me to go and bring the Crystal Nut."
Emperor Xiao Yuqing: "No, my dear child. I cannot send you there — that land devours even immortals. It's too dangerous."
Princess Xiao Yufan: "But Father, we have no other choice. If I do not go, Mother will…"
Emperor Xiao Yuqing: "No, Yufan! I cannot risk losing you."
At that moment, her brothers — Prince Xiao Yu Lang and Prince Xiao Yu Song — entered and bowed deeply.
Prince Xiao Yu Lang: "Royal Father, do not worry. We will go with her."
The emperor sighed, heavy with love and fear.
Emperor Xiao Yuqing: "Very well. I have no other choice. The three of you shall go — but take the royal guards with you."
Princess Xiao Yufan: "No, Father. The guards must stay to protect the kingdom while we're gone."
And so, the three royal siblings set out toward the Demon Realm, guided by courage and filial love.
A Vision in the Heavens
Far above, in the Heavenly Palace, the dragon mark on Prince Long Hua's neck began to glow once again — brighter than ever before.
Alarmed, Jade Emperor Donghua summoned the Immortal Doctor.
Emperor Donghua: "Quickly! What is happening to the dragon mark?"
Immortal Doctor: "Your Majesty, Prince Long Hua must close his eyes. Let him tell us what he sees."
Long Hua obeyed, closing his eyes as divine light shimmered around him.
Prince Long Hua: "I see… chaos. A battle between gods and demons… and a girl — a girl with a phoenix mark on her forehead. She's about to be struck from behind!"
Immortal Doctor: "Then you must go to the Demon Realm at once — she needs your help."
Prince Long Hua: "But… why her? Why do I feel this pain in my heart?"
Immortal Doctor: "The time for truth has not yet come. For now, follow the heavenly order — protect her, and help her complete her mission."
The command from heaven was sealed. A beam of red light descended, and the Dragon God vanished — heading straight to the Demon Realm.
Audience with the Demon God
In the dark halls of the Demon Palace, Princess Xiao Yufan and her brothers stand in front of Demon God Zou Chou.
Princess Xiao Yufan: "Your Highness, we seek your aid. Our mother's life depends on a sacred fruit — the Crystal Nut, said to grow in the southern forbidden lands."
Demon God Zou Chou: "The forbidden land…" Her deep voice echoed. "That place devours even demons. I cannot let you enter."
Prince Xiao Yu Song: "Your Highness, please — we only need the map."
Demon God Zou Chou: "No one who enters has ever returned. I will not send you to your death."
Desperate, Princess Yufan stepped forward.
Princess Xiao Yufan: "Your Highness, I beg of you — this is a matter of life and death. Please grant us a chance!"
Zou Chou's eyes softened slightly.
Demon God Zou Chou: "Very well. If you can win a battle of skill, I will grant you the map."
Before the trial could begin, a swirl of crimson light filled the room. A tall figure emerged — Prince Long Hua.
He bowed deeply.
Prince Long Hua: "Your Highness, by the heavenly order of Chief God Hei Ping, the map to the forbidden land shall be given to Princess Xiao Yufan."
Demon God Zou Chou: "A heavenly decree… Very well. Princess Yufan, the map is yours. Green Demon Princess Lin Zhang and my son, Prince Wen Yili, shall accompany you as guides."
Princess Xiao Yufan: "Thank you, Your Highness."
As they turned to leave, Yufan looked at Long Hua in surprise.
Princess Xiao Yufan: "Your Highness… why are you here?"
The Dragon God said nothing — only smiled faintly, his eyes calm yet deep as an ocean. Without another word, the group set off toward the southern forbidden lands — unaware that their destinies had already begun to entwine.
To be continued.