A Love Beyond Time

Yu-Hu's departure for the Mortal Realm and the Battle of Mount Kunlun

I was originally without a heart and emotions,

But you gave me a heart.

With a heart comes affection,

Affection turns into love.

My heart belongs to you,

My feelings are devoted only to you.

For all my existence, there is only you.

Part 1-Zheng-Yu and Xue-Ning

Both incidents involved Prince Zheng-Yu, the firstborn of the then-Jade Emperor of the new Celestial Kingdom.

It must be said that Xue Ning's initial impression of the Celestial Prince had rapidly deteriorated from undecidable to bad to terrible after several run-ins where the latter often picked on him for no apparent reason. However, what truly got the Dragon Prince's goat was that Zheng-Yu seemed to be stalking Yu-Hu; more than once, he had caught the Celestial immortal cornering the terrified Fox or circling him like he was a delicious piece of fresh meat that he desired to gobble.

On that fateful day, Xue Ning was plucking a superbly gorgeous white osmanthus for Yu-Hu when Zheng-Yu appeared out of nowhere and began to taunt him. The dragon prince could not remember the details of their altercation, only that it escalated rapidly. Then, the enraged Celestial Prince lifted a hand. Sparks crackled from his fingertips and arched toward the perplexed Xue Ning with breathtaking speed.

Lightning Fire. Xue Ning had heard of this weapon that the celestial royalty wielded and its terrifying power. And now he would taste its potency. Just as it was about to strike him, a large furry mass landed in front of him and shoved him aside. The white-bright sparks hit the furry body, and it emitted a sharp whine as it crumbled to the ground.

"Big Brother Yu-Hu!"

Xue Ning screamed. Terror seized his heart, and he rushed forward, only to have Yu-Hu order him to stay away. The nine-tailed beast convulsed violently, and rivulets of bright crimson ran down his snowy coat, dripping onto the grounds. Where the blood landed, jeweled-colored buds began to bloom.

"Your Celestial Highness," Yu-Hu swallowed the blood that filled his mouth and bowed. "Please forgive Prince Xue Ning for angering you. He's young and impulsive and did not mean what he said. Please don't punish him." He panted as more spasms wrecked his body. "If you allow it, then Yu-Hu will accept any punishment on his behalf."

"NO!" Xue Ning bellowed. He trembled in fear and anger. How could Big Brother Yu-Hu say that?

Zheng-Yu looked coldly at the pair before he snorted derisively and vanished. As soon as he did, Xue Ning raced towards Yu-Hu, who had collapsed unconscious. The young Dragon carried the comatose Fox back to the snow mountains and tenderly laid the latter in a large crystal tub, which Yu-Hu had once said contained powerful healing properties. Xue Ning stayed by Yu-Hu's side as he rested and recuperated from his injuries. He did not cry, though his heart was shattered. He only vowed to protect his beloved big brother from the evil Zheng-Yu.

Yet, history repeated itself an unforgiving second time mere weeks later, and this time, things were severe enough to draw the Three Sovereigns' and the Dragon Clan's attention.

It was the night of the 1st day of the Lunar New Year, and all the residents of Mount Kunlun were in a joyous mood as they gathered in the Three Sovereigns' Palace for the 15-day-long celebration. The ruling trio had provided accommodations for the immortals and spiritual beasts who did not live in Central Kunlun. They included Yu-Hu, the Dragon clan, and the Celestial Royal Family.