At Jade Moon Lake, a great waterfall poured down from the mountains, its thunderous roar deafening as it washed over smooth stone walls year after year. Below, a crescent-shaped emerald pool splashed with waves before flowing eastward.
It was a breathtaking scene of the mortal world: verdant for a hundred miles, tranquil and untouched by worldly strife, like a paradise beyond the world, refreshing the heart and mind.
Before Jade Moon Lake, a pretty little girl sat on a rock, her fair bare feet kicking through the water as she entertained herself.
"Yin'er, come back and eat."
From the bamboo-fenced courtyard not far away, Qing Ling stepped out and called.
"Okay."
Hearing this, Yin'er sprang up and ran all the way back for dinner.
Inside the bamboo house, Qing Ling served the food and put extra greens into the little girl's bowl. "Yin'er, after you eat, take your master out for a walk."
"Okay."
Yin'er nodded obediently, shoveling food into her mouth with all her might until her cheeks bulged.
"Slow down. No one's going to steal it from you."
Qing Ling reached out to wipe away a grain of rice from the little girl's mouth and spoke softly.
"Hehe."
Yin'er gave a silly laugh and continued eating diligently.
On the bed in the room, a white-haired figure in plain robes lay quietly. He had slept for ten years and still had not awakened.
Qing Ling walked over and looked at the sleeping figure on the bed, her eyes dimming slightly.
Ten years had passed. Why had he not awakened?
Qing Ling waved her hand and cut open her right arm. Blood brimming with vitality dripped down, silently merging into his body, day after day, without interruption for ten years.
With every drop of blood that merged into the man