A Love Across Realms

he room was filled with an almost unbearable silence as Lord Fang Zhu quietly excused himself, leaving Bai Jue alone with Yang Mi. Bai Jue stood by the door for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest, torn between hope and despair. The sight of her weak, pale figure lying so still on the bed was a sharp contrast to the vibrant, strong woman he had known. He could hardly believe that this was the same Yang Mi—his Yang Mi. But even in her fragile state, he could feel the connection between them, a bond that had been forged long ago, transcending realms and time itself.

With slow, deliberate steps, Bai Jue made his way to her bedside. He knelt beside her, his breath catching in his throat as he reached out, his fingers trembling slightly. Her face, though pale, was as beautiful as ever. His hand grazed her cheek, and the softness of her skin was a stark reminder of her vulnerability. She was barely holding on, her body weakened by the trials she had endured in the mortal world.

Without hesitation, Bai Jue leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead, lingering for a moment, as if willing his strength into her frail body. The warmth of his kiss seemed to stir something within her, though her eyes remained closed, and her breathing remained shallow. He gathered her in his arms, cradling her against his chest, his heart breaking at the sight of her frailty.

As he held her close, his hands began to glow softly, and he channeled his inner energy into her, sharing his life force with her in an effort to revive her. He whispered her name, his voice filled with a mixture of love and desperation. "Yang Mi... hold on. I'm here. I'll protect you."

And then, something extraordinary happened. The red and gold thread that had always connected them, the thread of fate, began to shimmer. At first, it was faint, barely noticeable, but it grew brighter and brighter until it illuminated the entire room with an otherworldly glow. The thread pulsed, a tangible sign of their bond, their fates intertwined. Magic swirled around them, flowing through the thread and into Yang Mi's body.

The energy surged, a powerful force that caused the very air around them to hum. Yang Mi's body responded, her chest rising and falling more steadily as the glow from the thread seeped into her, healing her from the inside out.

Suddenly, the door burst open as Lord Fang Zhu and the Queen Mother rushed inside, alarmed by the sudden burst of energy. The magic was so intense that it was hard to believe it could be contained in the small room. The Queen Mother's eyes were wide with fear and hope as she saw the change in her daughter's complexion.

"What's happening?" the Queen Mother demanded, her voice trembling as she took in the glowing thread and the sudden warmth returning to her daughter's face.

Lord Zhe Yan, who had been nearby, immediately rushed to Yang Mi's side, his sharp eyes scanning her. He placed his hand on her wrist, feeling her pulse, his brow furrowing with concentration. After a moment, he looked up, his voice calm but serious. "It's her trial. Yang Mi's soul supposedly was undergoing a trial in the mortal world, and her body was deteriorating as a result. But this... the connection between Bai Jue and Yang Mi... it's healing her."

The Queen Mother let out a long breath of relief, her hand covering her heart. She had feared the worst, but seeing her daughter's complexion improve, even just a little, was enough to bring her hope. "She's saved?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Zhe Yan nodded. "For now, yes. The trial isn't over, but her connection with Bai Jue is what's keeping her alive. Their fates are bound together."

Bai Jue, still holding Yang Mi close, looked up at Lord Zhe Yan, his eyes filled with determination. "What trial was she undergoing in the mortal world? Tell me where she is, and I'll go to her. I won't let her face this alone."

Zhe Yan hesitated, knowing how dangerous it could be to interfere with mortal trials, but he also knew Bai Jue's unwavering resolve. "Her trial is one of survival," Zhe Yan explained. "She was sent to the mortal world, stripped of her memories and her divine powers. She has been living alone in the wilderness, fending for herself. Her strength is being tested."

Bai Jue's fists clenched at his sides, anger bubbling up inside him. "She's been alone all this time? How could this happen to her?" His voice was laced with fury, but there was also deep sorrow. "Where is she now? I need to find her."

Zhe Yan gave him a long, measured look before nodding. "Very well. I'll tell you where she is, but remember, Bai Jue, this is her trial. You can help her, but she must overcome this challenge on her own."

"I understand," Bai Jue replied. "But I won't let her suffer any longer."

Meanwhile, in the mortal world, Yang Mi had grown up in the most desolate conditions imaginable. She had no memory of her past, no recollection of who she truly was or where she came from. All she knew was survival. She had lived in the depths of the jungle for as long as she could remember, alone and afraid, scavenging for food and shelter.

Her home was a simple shack made of sticks and straw, barely enough to keep out the elements. Her clothes were ragged, her body thin from years of foraging for food. She had lived like this for as long as she could remember, unaware of the grand life she had once lived in the celestial realms.

One day, while foraging for food in the forest, Yang Mi stumbled upon a group of bandits. They were rough men, with cruel eyes and even crueler intentions. They spotted her immediately, their gazes hungry and lecherous as they closed in on her.

"Look what we have here," one of the bandits sneered. "A little wild girl, all alone. What should we do with her?"

Yang Mi's heart raced with fear as the bandits approached. She turned and ran, her feet pounding against the forest floor as she fled for her life. But the bandits were fast, and they were gaining on her. She could hear their taunts and laughter as they chased her down.

Just as they were about to catch her, a figure appeared out of the shadows—Bai Jue. His expression was cold, his eyes burning with fury as he faced the bandits. Without hesitation, he drew his sword, moving with deadly precision. In mere moments, the bandits were lying on the ground, defeated.

Yang Mi, still trembling with fear, had hidden herself behind a bush. She hadn't seen her savior—only the terrifying violence that had unfolded before her. She was too afraid to move, too afraid to reveal herself.

"Yang Mi!" Da Yi called out, his voice filled with concern as he searched the area with Tan Qi by his side.

Tan Qi was the first to spot her. She rushed over to the bush where Yang Mi was hiding, her heart aching at the sight of her lady in such a fragile state. "My lady," Tan Qi whispered softly, "it's alright. We're here. You're safe now."

Yang Mi looked up at Tan Qi, her eyes wide with confusion and fear. "Who... who are you?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

Tan Qi knelt beside her, her eyes filled with kindness. "We're here to help you, my lady. You don't have to be afraid anymore."

Bai Jue approached slowly, his heart aching at the sight of Yang Mi in such a weakened state. She was nothing like the goddess he had known, but even now, there was a strength in her that drew him to her. He knelt down beside her, his voice gentle but filled with emotion. "Yang Mi... do you remember me?"

Yang Mi shook her head slowly, her brow furrowing in confusion. "No... I don't," she whispered, her voice shaky. "I don't know who you are."

Bai Jue's chest tightened, but he smiled softly. "It's alright," he murmured. "You don't have to remember right now. Just know that I'm here to protect you."

Without another word, Bai Jue scooped her up into his arms, cradling her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. She was so light, so fragile, and it pained him to see her like this. But he knew that he would do whatever it took to keep her safe, even if she didn't remember him.

As they made their way back through the forest, heading toward the small shack that Yang Mi called home, Da Yi and Tan Qi exchanged worried glances. The condition of her home was shocking—it was little more than a pile of sticks, barely standing, with a leaky roof and thin walls made of straw.

When they arrived, Yang Mi smiled weakly, her eyes lighting up as she saw the familiar sight of her home. "This is... where I live," she said softly, her voice filled with a strange mix of pride and sadness.

Bai Jue's heart broke at her words. How had she survived in such conditions? She deserved so much more than this. But he didn't want to overwhelm her with his thoughts, not when she was so fragile. "It's... a fine place," he said gently, though his eyes betrayed his true feelings. "May I stay with you tonight, as thanks for saving you?"

Yang Mi looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "Stay with me?" she asked, her voice soft and uncertain. She had been alone for so long that the idea of having company, even just for one night, was both comforting and terrifying. But something in Bai Jue's presence made her feel safe, made her want to trust him. "Yes," she whispered. "You can stay."

Little did she know, the man standing before her wasn't just a stranger—he was her husband, her protector, and the one who would ensure that her trial in the mortal world came to an end.