Fate

The riverbank was filled with people on both sides and the crowd was still pouring like an endless tide. From this sense alone, it was clear that the festival was one of the most anticipated and revered occasions celebrated within the kingdom.

Stalls were set up along the stretch of the river as hawkers senselessly screamed to champion their wares. Clay figurines, candied fruits, colored lanterns and various knick-knacks with mouth-watering food and a variety of beverages, anything one could think of was within reach, for a price.

Young ladies fluttered about like beautiful colored butterflies, their faces flushed and beaming with shy smiles as young heroes parade about, trying hard to win the favor of a coveted beauty.

Ming Yue has never seen such a spectacle before. Growing up in isolation, a crowd like this would have stupefied those who were faint of heart. But Ming Yue took every sight with a straight gait and even strides.

Lost within the tide of people, she fluttered from one place to the next, collecting this and that. Her Master had been adamant on going down the mountain on this particular day and she had to go alone.

Although she did not understand, Ming Yue has never questioned her Master's decisions and she would not start now. Since he could not accompany her to play, it would be a shame if she did not bring anything for him when she goes back.

With her crystal-clear eyes on the stalls and other senses paying close attention to the happenings by the water's edge, Ming Yue meandered along following the crowd. The boat race was about to begin, it would be a regret to miss it.

Using lithe and agile steps, Ming Yue continued on her way, searching for a good spot to watch the race. But even with the dense crowd, if one cared to look, they would notice that none could touch even the edge of Ming Yue's simple robes.

Suddenly, the hairs on the back of her neck prickled. Ming Yue stood still and turned in a certain direction. Her crystal gaze is no longer playful nor simple.

Wei Qian flashed to a mask stall and unceremoniously ducked out of sight. He mentally laughed at himself. Why was he hiding?

Within the boisterous crowd and sea of people, it took her a breath to locate him. If Wei Qian had been slower, those needles that flew from her jade-like hands would have pierced him. Curious...

With a flick of his wrist, Wei Qian grabbed an ogre mask from the stall and left a silver tael for the owner. Wei Qian rarely ventures to festivities such as this. He is Golden Immortal Wei; the affairs of the mundane world hold no lure to him. But this particular day was different. The Sage has spoken and even if he did not want to, he has to go.

In truth, Wei Qian was prepared to be tortured into boredom. He selected a wine stall that sold decent alcohol and was about to toast himself to oblivion when he caught sight of her.

She was not a striking beauty nor eye-catching but there was something about her that attracted his attention. It was a novel experience so Wei Qian followed as she wandered around.

Every sigh and smile that escaped her lips were noticed. He silently marveled at her straight-forward and light-hearted manner. She treated every person courteously and was forever curious with the little things around.

If Wei Qian did not feel the strong surge of killing intent the woman aimed his way, he would continue to think of her as a simple and wily maiden.

Wei Qian watched as she skipped along, skirting around the crowd like it was nothing. This time, having learned his lesson, he kept his distance. What is it about her that makes him so...

The steady beat of drums suddenly sounded. The boat race has begun. Wei Qian flashed to a nearby tree and stood lightly on one of its branches. From there, he could watch the race, observe the crowd and see her.

The corner of his thin lips unknowingly lifted when he witnessed her display a set of superior foot technique in order to move ahead of the crowd and stand on the front row.

If the people in the valley find out that he, Wei Qian, smiled at the sight of a girl they would think the world would soon end.

Wei Qian observed intently as she moved. Her gaze was locked on the dragon boats slicing through the river as her long hair swayed with the breeze. She was so engrossed in the race she did not notice the loose soil of the bank and with her next step…

Ming Yue mentally cursed herself. She got too excited and was now paying a price. Normally, she could easily thread through water but when her foot got caught on the bank she felt pain on her ankle. Master always said she was a danger to herself and she should pay more attention. Ming Yue sighed dejectedly and was resolved to train harder when she goes back.

But the anticipated fall did not happen. Within a blink, strong arms caught Ming Yue's falling figure and in the next moment she was back on her feet, firmly on the ground.

The world stood still and the commotion died out. At the moment, even if the heavens were to fall, the two would not notice the chaos.

Ming Yue stared at the man wearing an ogre mask as he silently looked back at her. Their arms fastened securely around each other.

"It's you..." they breathed out in unison.

Who would have thought? Who could have known? That on the fifth day of the fifth month, a legend would be born as two immortals fall heedlessly in love…

The End... or is it?