Heavenly ㅤ|| ㅤ天官赐福

PROLOGUEㅤ ⚘

There are a lot of unexpected surprises in life, don't you think? It is dangerous, packed with violence and blood, but there are also beautiful elements to life. The problem with humanity is that hatred and negativity may blind people from the beauty around them, only forcing them to see the dangers. It's quite common, and it has a bit of an impact on Bambi far more than she would want.

Bambi is an oni who currently lives in a building that was once abandoned, which she had to clean up herself. She spent the most of her time asleep, often for years or even months if she was truly lucky, and when she wakes up, she wanders the streets at night, curious about what has changed.

But this night was a little different than usual

Bambi's eyes flutter open, and she inhales the aroma of rain despite the fact that her doors and windows are closed. Her body feels energized, and her mind is clear after so much sleep. Her attention wanders over her room, noticing dust and webs all over corners and hard surfaces until she eventually kicks her legs over the edge of the bed and stands up. She extends her arms above her with a little smile.

She knows it's late at night, so she steps to her window to view and maybe hear the rain, but what she sees instead is a temple. This had to be built while she was asleep, but she was a light sleeper, so how did she not wake up due to its loud construction? It also seems bland, with few decorations and colors, creating an unwelcome and sad atmosphere.

And what the hell is the name? Ju Yang? How inappropriate

She lets out a long breath before turning away from her window. She dresses in a simple mint green kimono before leaving her home.

It's obvious that it rained recently. The grass is soaked, and drops of water drip from trees and little buildings, gradually increasing as she entered a small village. The scent was refreshing, and it made her feel comfortable.

The town she's passing through is really small, with just about 400 people living here, maybe even smaller. However, looking at the people she walks past, she believes the number is gradually increasing. She doesn't notice many new markets or stalls, but she does see a few more houses and some new faces.

There wasn't much of a difference over the last several years, which was fairly normal. The biggest difference was the temple. There hadn't been any since she arrived to this town almost 95 years ago, so seeing one today was rather unexpected.

Actually, she wasn't bothered by having a temple here. She has seen several temples on her long walks, but they were all Xuan Zhen temples located to the southwest of here. She didn't seem fond of the Ju Yang temple near her house because of the inappropriate name. She doesn't even want to know what the prayers are.

Bambi has no specific destination. She just walks till she no longer felt like walking. She is currently walking gradually down an empty sidewalk around midnight, reveling in the silence that surrounds her.

However, she suddenly comes to a stop, sensing an unpleasant sensation, but yet it doesn't seem dangerous. She has no idea what to anticipate, yet she still continues on as if she feels nothing. Her pace is steady, and she walks with her back straight and her eyes leveled.

What she sees is a person, a female, who has her back facing her. Her body is tense, and her clothes have minor tears here and there, but it isn't enough to reveal anything that is not meant to be seen.

"You seem to be in distress." The woman flinches in response to her sudden voice. It doesn't sound aggressive or unwelcoming. It sounds peaceful actually, but when the woman quickly turns around, there is a trace of dread on her face.

Her skin appears to be decaying, with chunks visible underneath. It was difficult to tell what was under, but it looks to be muscles pouring a peculiar black liquid the color of ink, possibly her blood. One of her hands was covering her eye. "Are you alright?"