The Trials of Love

New Characters in this chapter:

Yu Hua

The reincarnation of the enigmatic Demon Princess Ruo Yin, Yu Hua is the Princess of the Sky Clan. With no memories of her former life, she radiates a serene grace mixed with an unintentional air of mystery. Her natural charisma and sense of justice make her beloved by her people, though her sharp wit and impulsive streak hint at her fiery past. Despite her amnesia, faint echoes of her former self occasionally surface, causing her to experience hauntingly vivid dreams and unexplainable bursts of power.

Lan Lan

Yu Hua's spirited best friend, Lan Lan, serves as the Flower Deity of the Flower Clan. Her playful nature and quick thinking often lead her and Yu Hua into mischief, though she always has her friend's best interests at heart. Beneath her lighthearted demeanor, Lan Lan hides a deep wisdom and an unshakable loyalty to Yu Hua, making her a steadfast ally. She wields her divine control over flora with elegance, often transforming the ordinary into breathtaking beauty.

Yue Feng

The noble and protective Crown Prince of the Sky Clan, Yue Feng is Yu Hua's devoted older brother. Known for his strong sense of duty and unwavering commitment to his family, Yue Feng is a natural leader who inspires respect and admiration. His love for Yu Hua is boundless, and he is fiercely protective of her, sometimes to the point of overbearing affection. 

Zhi Ge

The ambitious and vivacious Fifth Princess of the Southern Sea Lord, Zhi Ge is the soon-to-be Princess Consort of Yue Feng. Though her royal upbringing has made her graceful and charming, her longing for Yue Feng's attention drives her to extremes. Intelligent and strategic, she often devises clever schemes to win his heart. Despite her outward confidence, Zhi Ge wrestles with feelings of insecurity, particularly in the shadow of Yu Hua's bond with Yue Feng.

Sky Emperor Quan Liang

The austere and commanding Sky Emperor, Quan Liang rules the Sky Clan with an iron will. Ascending to the throne after a devastating war five hundred thousand years ago, he has grown colder and more calculating than his predecessor. He demands perfection from his children, particularly Yue Feng. He harbors some hidden dislike towards Yu Hua. His icy exterior masks a lingering sorrow for the loss of his father and a determination to prevent history from repeating itself. 

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"Hua Hua, slow down! I can't keep up with you!" Lan Lan called out, breathless as she chased after Yu Hua.

Lan Lan, the newly appointed Flower Deity, had been Yu Hua's best friend since they were children. Despite being the little princess of the Sky Clan, Yu Hua often escaped the confines of her palace to visit the Flower Clan, where they would spend their days laughing under the vast canopy of cherry blossoms. Those blossoms, always in full bloom, were Yu Hua's favorite part of the Flower Clan.

With a playful twirl, Yu Hua halted mid-run and turned back, her eyes alight with excitement. "Xiao Lan, the river is just up ahead! Run faster!" Her laughter filled the air as she spun around and darted forward again, her black, silky hair catching the breeze. Cherry blossom petals danced around her, tangling in her hair like an impromptu crown.

Known throughout the Immortal Realm as the most beautiful immortal, Yu Hua carried an air of effortless grace—until it came to magic. Her spells were infamous for their unintended consequences. Once, while trying to rescue a nine-tailed fox trapped in a tree, she had accidentally transformed it into a startled housecat. From that day forward, she was forbidden from using magic unsupervised.

"I… I can't run any faster!" Lan Lan gasped, struggling to catch her breath.

When they were younger, Yu Hua's elder brother, Yue Feng, would often join them on their adventures to the Flower Clan. But now, as the Crown Prince of the Sky Clan, Yue Feng's royal duties kept him tethered to the palace. Lan Lan, with her lighter responsibilities as Flower Deity—maintaining the balance of seasons in the Mortal Realm—still had time to indulge in these playful outings with Yu Hua.

Today, their destination was the legendary Thousand Tears River.

Nestled deep within the Flower Clan's borders, the river was one of its greatest marvels. Its tranquil waters shimmered with an otherworldly glow, and its beauty was rivaled only by the myth that surrounded it. It was said that long ago, a grief-stricken water immortal had wept here after the death of her lover, her endless tears forming the river. In despair, she cast herself into its depths, her spirit merging with the waters. The myth claimed the river now held the power to reveal glimpses of the person you loved most.

"Zhi Ge wasn't wrong—this place really is stunning," Yu Hua thought aloud as she neared the river's edge. She cupped her hands around her mouth to shout back at Lan Lan, "Wah! The river is so beautiful!"

Zhi Ge, Yue Feng's future Princess Consort, was the Fifth Princess of the Southern Sea Lord. Although Yue Feng was indifferent toward her, the marriage had been arranged by their father, Sky Emperor Quan Liang. Yue Feng had seized the opportunity to strike a deal with her father: if he was forced to marry Zhi Ge, then Yu Hua would be free to choose her own partner.

What Yu Hua didn't know was that Yue Feng had agreed to the marriage only to secure her happiness. Nor did she notice the simmering resentment that burned in Zhi Ge's eyes whenever they met.

Lan Lan, trailing behind, couldn't help but wonder why Zhi Ge had recommended the Thousand Tears River to Yu Hua. Though it seemed like a kind gesture, an unsettling feeling gnawed at her. Something about this didn't sit right.

Finally reaching the river, Lan Lan stopped, her breath catching—not from exertion, but from unease. Yu Hua, who had been so lively moments before, now stood still, her excitement extinguished.

"Hua Hua, are you okay?" Lan Lan asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Yu Hua didn't respond. Her gaze was fixed on the shimmering water, her expression unusually serious.

"Hua Hua, don't scare me like this!" Lan Lan cried, taking a hesitant step closer.

After a long pause, Yu Hua finally spoke, her voice soft and laden with an emotion Lan Lan couldn't quite place.

"Lan Lan," she asked, "why is fate stronger than love?"