Echos

In the Lotus Blossom Monastery, the gardens shimmered under the gentle caress of the morning sun. Tang Wei awoke from her treetop room with the sound of the birds chirping. She let out a slow yawn and stretched her arms high into the air, feeling her sore muscles soften with the contraction as if taffy that had hardened overnight. She quickly dressed for the day and moved gracefully among the blooming flowers, her slender fingers delicately tending to the celestial flora by infusing her spirit into each bloom. Each blossom seemed to respond to her touch, as it always did, unfolding its gorgeous pink dew drop petals in a silent symphony of beauty. As she worked, her thoughts wandered like everyday, drifting like wisps of cloud across the vast expanse of the sky.

Tang Wei pondered the teachings of Immortal Lotus, her mentor and guide, whose words echoed in her mind from earlier. Immortal Lotus, with her ageless wisdom and serene countenance, had raised Tang Wei since she was but a small bud, instilling in her a reverence for the natural order of the Immortal realms. Pulling her from her musings, the tranquil atmosphere was interrupted by the soft footfalls of Tang Wei's personal attendant, Lin Yi, and her other attendant, Xiao Song. Lin Yi, with her fierce gaze and determined stride, exuded an air of quiet confidence, while Xiao Song, with her gentle demeanor and warm smile, brought a sense of comfort to Tang Wei's heart. They had been assigned to her for as long as she could remember. They were her family and her best friends. Sisters, she'd call them if anyone asked.

"Good morning, Tang Wei," Lin Yi greeted. "Another beautiful day in the celestial gardens, is it not?" Tang Wei returned Lin Yi's greeting with a nod, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Indeed," she replied, her voice carrying the soft lilt of a subdued melody. "The gardens seem to flourish under your watchful eye." Xiao Song giggled softly at Tang Wei's joke, her laughter like the tinkling of wind chimes on a breezy day. "Oh, Tang Wei, always so funny," she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Lin Yi was the complete opposite of Tang Wei. "If it weren't for Tang Wei's tender care, these gardens would be nothing but a barren wasteland." Tang Wei chuckled at Xiao Song's playful banter, the sound mingling with garden leaves and the distant hum of celestial energy.

Despite the tranquility of her surroundings, a sense of restlessness stirred within her, similar to yesterday, like a caged bird yearning to spread its wings and soar into the boundless sky. She couldn't understand its source, but it had nagged her constantly since she'd heard the winds songs the day before. As Lin Yi and Xiao Song continued their conversation, drifting to discussing the latest gossip from the Immortal realms, most notably the Demon Prince's latest task to strengthen the Demon realms soldiers, Tang Wei's thoughts drifted to a name that stirred a longing within her that she could not explain.

Crown Prince Chen of the Demon Realm. Though she had never met him, the mere mention of his name sent a shiver down her spine, igniting a spark of curiosity that flickered like a flame in the darkness. Calling to her. Beckoning her. She listened intently as Lin Yi and Xiao Song spoke of Lord Li, the formidable ruler of the Demon Realm, and his enigmatic son, Crown Prince Chen and what supposedly entailed his latest task.

Tales of political intrigue and shadowy dealings filled the air, painting a picture of a realm shrouded in darkness and mystery. Tang Wei felt herself practically leaning in to hear more. As Tang Wei immersed herself in the conversation, a sense of foreboding settled over her like a heavy cloak. Crown Prince Chen's name had not only struck wonder into her being but had also offered a sense of foreboding as well. It was a complex dance between the two polar opposite feelings and she could feel her body alight with the celestial energies weaving within her. She had never experienced this feeling before. Immortal Lotus had always made sure she kept her focus on the 5 virtues of cultivation.

Lin Yi noticed Tang Wei's unusual focus on their conversation, the far-off look in her eyes, and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Is everything alright, Tang Wei?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "You seem…focused." As if jolting her from a hyper-focused trance, Tang Wei forced a smile, though it felt strained on her lips. "I'm fine, Lin Yi," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Just lost in thought, that's all." Xiao Song, ever perceptive, narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "It's that name, isn't it?" she remarked, her tone hushed. "Crown Prince Chen."

Tang Wei's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name, the rush of emotions from before swirling within her like a tempestuous storm. "I don't know what you're talking about," she muttered, though her words lacked conviction. Lin Yi exchanged a knowing glance with Xiao Song before turning her gaze back to Tang Wei. "You can't hide it from us, Tang Wei," she said gently. "We know you've been curious about Crown Prince Chen ever since we heard the rumors." Tang Wei sighed, feeling the weight of her secret pressing down upon her like a mountain.

"I can't explain it," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's like… like something within me recognizes him, even though we've never met. Even though, I don't know who he is or what he looks like. And yet, I just feel like I know him." Xiao Song placed a comforting hand on Tang Wei's arm, her eyes filled with empathy. "Perhaps it's fate, Tang Wei," she suggested, her voice soft but resolute. "Perhaps your destinies are intertwined in ways we cannot yet comprehend."

Tang Wei's heart raced at the thought, a glimmer of hope flickering within her like a solitary flame in the darkness. And also a sense of sadness because she knew her duty to her mentor and these celestial gardens. "Do you really think so? I'm not anyone special, I'm just a lucky flower spirit." she asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Lin Yi nodded, her expression determined. "I believe that everything happens for a reason, Tang Wei," she said wholeheartedly. "While Immortal Lotus has always prided herself on an upright and rigid following of the natural orders of the world, I believe in trusting your heart, too. And if your heart tells you that Crown Prince Chen is someone important to your future, then perhaps he is."

Tang Wei felt a surge of gratitude wash over her, grateful for the unwavering support of her friends. "Thank you, Lin Yi, Xiao Song," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without you both." As the three of them stood together in the celestial garden, a sense of camaraderie and solidarity enveloped them like a warm embrace and Tang Wei felt at peace.