Chapter 1 Forgotten Past

It's said to ignore the past in favor of the present, but don't memories of the past hold just as much weight? To what end do you devote your efforts? Was there anything you were doing? Someone whose name is near and dear to your heart - who is it? It's only by discovering the past that you can determine where the present is; otherwise, how would you ever locate it? It is evident that, without our past, we would all end up just like the mysterious boy who heard, saw, and traveled a thrilling story once, about working toward all the dreams one had as a child. People were inclined to view it that way; the boy simply disappeared, and the story of his journey was not even noticed by those who deemed it beautiful, but just tossed it into a void. His name does not appear in the 'book' anymore. Something without a beginning simply has one generic ending. This lacks diversity.

Heavenly Realm

The sunlight rises in a room far from others that has a mystical beauty, as a young man with long auburn hair and two long black streaks on his left side sits on the bed while his eyes are greyish blue and his skin color is fair. Although he hasn't fully awakened, he still appears to be on high alert, distrustful of his surroundings, expecting devastation, but none shows as a knock is heard at the door. His ears are starting to perceive the melodies of the classical piano while a scent of calmness permeates the air; however, it is hard to pinpoint exactly what is relieving his surrounding anxiety.

"Good morning, I hope you slept well," an equally calming voice calls out as the owner of said voice enters the room he appeared to be a man in his mid-twenties dressed in an elegant white and light red traditional robe with a bit of silver along the hem that made a statement on his high social position with his long brown hair arranged in an equally elegant hairstyle as if he was the epitome of elegance. Having watched him sit in silence on the bed, the stranger asked him, "What led you to that location? It was quite dangerous." However, no response was forthcoming, and if not for the music playing in the background, the silence would have been deafening. In response, the stranger changed his questions' nature to a more concerned, "Are you all right, Wu Ming? Are you feeling all right now? Have you been able to understand me?"

"Wu Ming?" he asked his head while mouthing the name again and again. Eventually, he answered, "Wu Ming? Is that me, Wu Ming?" he asked. Despite being a question, Wu Ming's response felt more like confirmation rather than confusion, and with that, the stranger changed his tone yet again this time he used a more subdued voice this time afraid that if he used a tone of voice that was too hurried or jumbled that would cause him to get confused. "I'm Yin Zhen, and you are Wu Ming-can you remember anything?" Wu Ming processes the information, then freezes, looks up, and shakes his head "May I inquire where it is exactly you've taken me?" In response to a simple question, he received a much more complicated reply, "Heaven." Although so quickly as he had said such a strange answer, he had elaborated just a quick "You ascended, but then went missing, so we managed to find you, and I hastened your restoration honestly I was anxious you might have been gone forever."

A person's ascent is primarily a function of his or her ability, hard work, and luck. People can usually achieve godhood through ambition, pure martial might, a combination of multiple deeds, or through an extraordinary deed. There are still cases in which completely incompetent individuals have been able to ascend despite their high capabilities, so it's unclear what the exact mechanism of this process is exactly. Because of this, the event is considered a bit of a coincidence.

"I don't think I have what it takes to become a god." Wu Ming had said that with such confidence it almost made Yin Zhen freeze in a gentle tone he lightly reprimanded "Wu Ming you aren't simply capable but you already possess them, so don't say things like that." The result is that Wu Ming shakes his head. "So, what do I do now?" Yin Zhen replies with a hum more cheerfully, "Honestly, I'm glad that you woke up now." At that, Wu Ming looks up expectantly "I have important business to deal with so the fact that you have awoken makes me a lot less worried since I can now bring you your clothes and you can get to know the person who will assist you." As he walks out Wu Ming calls out, "Thank you and I am sorry for worrying you." With a chuckle, he exits out the door.

Yin Zhen and Wu Ming were walking somewhere unknown on their journey they truly were in heaven, there were golden palaces and places filled with jade everywhere Wu Ming was awestruck by the entire time until Yin Zhen interrupted his stupor, saying, "So is the clothing to your liking?" Wu Ming nods enthusiastically when hearing the question. Currently, Wu Ming was dressed in a traditional black and royal blue Hanfu, with sliver rose-like designs on the belt and coat along with the outfit Yin Zhen had given him, a fan decorated with silver and royal blue designs. "Though what I don't get is why you gave me these things?" Yin Zhen turns and looks at Wu Ming "Well, it's a simple case of, they were yours, to begin with. I was just returning them to you." Now paying more attention to Yin Zhen, Wu Ming asks "Then why did you have them were you holding on to them?" At that Yin Zhen nods "Whenever you came to visit me you would always forget something." shaking his head Wu Ming reply wistfully "They must not be loved by me to treat them thus."

A chuckle can be heard both Wu Ming and Yin Zhen look at the approaching figures "I don't agree because I believe you're of the type to find pleasure in almost anything, but when you are reminiscing about the clothing you once forgot, isn't that clearly a sign of fond memories for these items?" before they stood two identical people wearing matching robes that comprise the colors white and purple the design is of beautiful golden clouds the one that had spoken was the young man "I am Jiang Jing and my sister is Jiang Ning it has been quite a while since we last saw you Young Master Wu Ming and we will also be the ones helping you retrieve your memories." Wu Ming gazes at Yin Zhen, who is simply smiling warmly, then turns back and bows to pay respect "At this point Wu Ming I must depart When I return I hope you would remember something though you should remember that it takes more than one cold day for a river to freeze a meter deep." This time Jiang Ning says something "Your Majesty need not be concerned, he is in excellent hands." When Yin Zhen is finished closing his eyes he sighs, he bids his final goodbyes, "Ah, bye Yin Zhen I'll make sure to remember something by the time you get back." Wu Ming was quiet but Yin Zhen still hears him and leaves with a peaceful mind.

"No need, no need!" Confused, Wu Ming looks back "Worry isn't necessary if you didn't cultivate your inner self you would age rapidly!" Wu Ming only looks more confused "Praise be to the calm waters that attract so much beauty. Smile, smile Young Master never smiles or laughs, but when Young Master does, he wears his most beautiful smile!" 'Jiang Jing has much more spirit than his sister' Wu Ming thought yet still smiled, feeling peaceful at the moment "Now for the memory thing?" Jiang Jing skipped around Wu Ming, "Memory? Memory? What use do you have for such a thing?" Jiang Ning pulls him back "Well I have no true home to call my own already because I have lost the directions." At that Jiang Jing, all but explodes with excitement "Wow, wow well said but You forget what you want to remember and remember what burdens you but did you ever consider the why? Why did you forget the reason you forget?" Even more confused, Wu Ming looks towards Jiang Jing yet again "Young Master, think and think changes, but the times they are changing but isn't always changing exhausting, so why do you not become like the water you may choose the shape, but I will decide the flavor!" Wu Ming humors Jiang Jing "What flavor would you choose then?" Jiang Jing pretends to ponder before answering, "Something sweet like strawberries… What is sweet and simple is what I most cherish."

The golden palace in the distance drawn Wu Ming's attention even though he had seen them earlier. Being in close proximity only made them seem more breathtaking as the details were simply exquisite. He thought even the trees seemed to be glistening with a spiritual glow as the tree leaves seemed to float like butterflies over ice caves it was truly wonderful to be able to go through this once again he might have mistaken his loss of memories for a blessing instead of a curse. Having pointed toward the said golden palace, Jiang Ning says, "That is the Jiang Palace, it is my brother and I's palace, and you can find any information there that you need we will always be glad to assist you." Initially, looking wide-eyed at the twins, Wu Ming thought it was weird that they seemed somewhat unpredictable, but he realized that the truth was they were quite extraordinary despite even Jiang Jing's strange mannerisms. As Wu Ming hears about the palace he wonders, "Is that where we're going?" Jiang Ning nodded and replied softly, "Yes, that's where we will decide on what you should do." The reply caused Wu Ming to stutter nervously as he laughed nervously: "So you don't know what to do with me yet?"

As they walked into Jiang Palace with Wu Ming's question on their lips, Jiang Jing runs off somewhere leaving Wu Ming and Jiang Ning behind "Young Master although I'm sure this is of no problem to you it has been brought to our attention that your spiritual flow has been interrupted." 'That's not a problem?' Wu Ming was about to voice his thoughts until Jiang Jing spoke first "We were thinking that you could descend and perhaps discover what the problem was." As Wu Ming pointed at himself, asking, "You want me to find the root cause?" Jiang Jing nodded in agreement, concluding, "You happened to be the one who was afflicted by this. Only you would understand what it is!" 'So in other words they are saying is that they don't understand what happened to me.' With that, Wu Ming was unable to help but sigh. "How did you come across me?" Wu Ming asked. A cave! How exciting, isn't it?" Yet another sigh escapes from Wu Ming "Is there anything that you are absolutely certain of?" Jiang Ning answered his question instead of Jiang Jing as Jiang Jing had run off yet again this time making a bit of noise in the process whatever he was doing seemed to be important so Wu Ming decided not to inquire how many questions about it "Well there is something strange about the cave."

Jiang Jing comes running over with scrolls "Yes! Yes, very strange we've looked through all the recodes even went through them twice there is nothing about that cave anywhere!" Now directing my attention back onto Jiang Jing "Does that sound strange at all." Wu Ming shakes his head to no avail, no matter what he thinks. There are obviously dozens of caves that have yet to be recorded, so how could that one cave possibly hold any significance in this matter at all? Though that being said, there could be one way. "Could it be because I was found there that it is odd? In a sound that sounds like that of a bell, Jiang Jing proclaims, "Young Master is right! In a cave-like this, Young Master could not possibly be so well maintained and yet on the verge of death! It is just impossible!" The announcement made by Jiang Jing was great confirmation, but it also brought Wu Ming more questions: "What exactly was my state?" The question also left him with an uncomfortable feeling in his mouth, as if it were meant to offend, even though he was the one who asked it. "Young Master was well taken care of, did whoever kidnapped him have kindness toward him, though he was unable to be healed spiritually." 'Kidnapped?! So they think I was kidnapped?!' As Jiang Jing noticed the worried expression on Wu Ming's face, he changed his tone. "But no one in their right mind would steal a god, so nothing to worry about!" His choice of words was peculiar, but it brought Wu Ming some comfort.

"While we're on the subject of what's happened to me, do you have any speculations?" Wu Ming asked expectantly, "Yes, but I'm afraid they're a bit strange." Jiang Ning looked almost hesitant as she started explaining "We think you were stuck there unable to leave during your stay there: you took care of your wounds but that wasn't enough, so instead of giving up, you tried to heal yourself with something that failed and made you forgetful." 'I don't remember waking up with any wounds they must have healed them' "If I may ask is there something your hiding from me?" Jiang Ning made a sad sort of expression before responding "I apologize for withholding this information, but I thought it might be frightening even though you are entitled to know it. There's another theory that you were indeed kept up in the cave but against your will, since you returned, a ghost had become quite active. It seems the ghost might have been keeping you there. The only problem with this theory is why would he go to such lengths in order to preserve you?" Most if not all ghosts hold grudges against the gods, so for a ghost to try to save Wu Ming's life was quite far-fetched. But if that was one of two theories, then the other ones must have been even more ludicrous!

"Oh? Is Young Master curious about the ghost?" Wu Ming was startled out of his thought process by an entirely too close Jiang Jing taking a step back Wu Ming nods "Well I somehow doubt his rank will be low but the fact that he has been destroying ghost territories makes me think he wants to rule them!" At first glance Jiang Jing could be mistaken for happy there was a hidden sneer in his tone. Jiang Ning continues the tale in a more controlled way "It's true that he's been attacking ghosts, though that can be normal for those seeking the top, it still makes you wonder what his true motives are. Sadly, I am unable to describe exactly how he looks since he changes his appearance too often. What's worse is the higher-up named him 'No Name', as though they are just adding to these tallies of unknown." A person without a real appearance and a true name is sad indeed! "Suppose this person was the reason I have suffered such misfortunes. What do you suppose would happen if we met?" The atmosphere was gloomy along with Jiang Ning's expression "… I fear Young Master will only suffer more pain, that's why you must refrain from the conflict until you have recovered in order to find the answers please think thrice before you act."

The tense and gloomy atmosphere that was built up was easily destroyed by Jiang Jing over in a corner he clapped his hands as if to get the attention of the others "As a person who has seen you jump into action before I know you will not be reckless enough to deliberately cause yourself harm. I believe you will have no problem finding the root of your problem. There is no need for you to rush to get your memories but you do need to protect yourself as well." With an even softer tone, he continued, "That's why we told you, because you need to know there could be someone out there deliberately trying to cause you harm." Although his explanation made sense, there was still something confusing about the whole thing. "I'll be going by myself?" They both nodded "If you have more than one god attending you and someone is targeting you, we cannot allow them to see you as weak, but you are not worried because we have an aid that you can use to channel your spiritual power. Please use the spiritual communication line if you need anything." While saying that Jiang Ning opened a box containing a single sapphire earring the sapphire part hung from a short chain it appeared to have a steal-like metal that curved around the gem in a beautiful way "How does it even work?" Jiang Ning took the earring out and placed it in Wu Ming's ear though Wu Ming's ears were not pierced but it appeared to not need any piercings for it to work "That part of the jewel stores your spiritual power, which you can then freely use. We chose the earrings because it directly matches your damaged spiritual force."

"Are these the only things I will need?" Despite her apparent unwillingness to agree, Jiang Ning nodded before he could even hear her concerns before Jiang Jing interjected. "Don't pick fights and don't show any weakness you are a god and anyone who rises to godhood doesn't become a god easily. Now go and solve this mystery!" As Jiang Jing pushed Wu Ming out the door, Jiang Ning yelled, "I know you will be able to solve this problem. Just don't bite off more than you can chew. Stay safe!"