It was God Love Year, a celebration held once every thousand years in the Four Realms.
(Unmarried gods celebrated like Valentine's Day—they proposed to their beloved and lit lanterns, symbolizing their wish to be together.)
Unbeknownst to the realms, the leader of Xie Lingyu was planning an attack.
In the Heavenly Realm:
Prince Long Hua: "Shuiton, send an invitation to Yufan. I want to celebrate this festival with her."
Shuiton Shan: "Yes, Your Highness."
The invitation was sent. Empress Xiao Yufan received it and her heart soared with happiness.
In the Demon Realm:
Prince Wen Yili wished to meet Princess Lin Zhang, but she refused. Determined, he sent her a letter:
"To my dear Princess,
I am deeply sorry for what happened, and I feel regretful. Since you have refused to meet me, I send this invitation instead. Please meet me in the Garden of Four Realms this evening. I will wait for you.
—Wen Yili"
Princess Lin Zhang read the letter and, after some thought, decided she would go.
Meanwhile, Second Prince Xiao Yu Song could no longer hide his feelings for Princess Li Long and sent her an invitation of his own.
In the Garden of Four Realms:
It was a grand, joyful day for everyone. Empress Xiao Yufan and Prince Long Hua met.
Prince Long Hua gazed into her eyes.
Empress Xiao Yufan: "Your Highness… is there something you wish to see in my eyes?"
Prince Long Hua (taking a deep breath): "Today… I cannot hide it anymore. I have liked you since the very first time we met. I was afraid to tell you before, but today I gather all my courage to speak the truth. I… love you."
Empress Xiao Yufan smiled warmly. "Actually… I love you too, very much."
Prince Long Hua's face lit up with joy, and he embraced her tightly. Princess Lin Zhang met Prince Wen Yili, who bowed respectfully.
Prince Wen Yili: "I ask for your forgiveness, Lin Zhang."
She nodded, forgiving him.
Prince Wen Yili: "I love you, Lin Zhang. I have loved you since childhood. You do not have to answer me now… I will wait for your response."
Meanwhile, Prince Xiao Yu Song confessed to Princess Li Long:
Prince Xiao Yu Song: "Li Long… I have loved you since childhood. I even came to see you in secret. Today, I can no longer hide it. I love you… more than anything."
Princess Li Long's eyes filled with tears of joy. She embraced him, telling him she loved him just as much.
The couples lit their lanterns, the sky glowing with countless wishes.
Suddenly, a shout pierced the air. Chaos erupted. Everyone ran—the festival was under attack.
The princes and princesses fought fiercely, but the attackers were overwhelming. During the chaos, Empress Xiao Yufan was struck and fell unconscious. As someone moved to kill her, the Phoenix mark on her forehead glowed. Instinctively, she soared into the sky, transforming into a magnificent Phoenix.
The gods cried out: "Look! She is the Queen of Phoenix!"
Unconsciously, the Phoenix retaliated, striking with deadly power. In the melee, she killed Demon Prince Chou Yili—the man in black.
She flew wildly, her aura unstoppable, until Chief God Hei Ping arrived. With a surge of divine energy, he restored Empress Xiao Yu Fan to her normal form.
In the Heavenly Realm:
Empress Xiao Yufan lay unconscious.
Prince Long Hua knelt beside her. "Chief God… what happened to her?"
Chief God Hei Ping's voice was grave. "It is time… you learned the truth."
To be continued.