The two princes of the Lianyu Clan, Lixuan and Mingzhao, were on their way to the Yuzhen Clan to receive their training. Mingzhao was the elder brother. He shook Lixuan awake and said,
"Lixuan, wake up. We've arrived at Yuzhen."
Lixuan opened his eyes slightly and replied sleepily,
"Let me sleep a little longer…"
Mingzhao said sternly,
"Get up, or I'll leave without you."
Lixuan took a deep breath and got up. The two brothers, along with their servants, began walking toward the Yuzhen Clan. However, Lixuan had lost his invitation letter, and because of that, the Yuzhen soldiers refused to let them enter.
Just then, Zhiyun, the leader of the Yuzhen Clan and also a master, arrived and allowed them inside. But Lixuan was punished. Zhiyun said firmly,
"Rules are the same for everyone. Whoever breaks them must be punished."
Master Zhiyun ordered Lixuan to bring back a leaf from the Sacred Satyavati Tree of their clan. Reaching that place was not easy. To get there, Lixuan had to cross an old bridge. As soon as he stepped onto it, the bridge began to shake, and one of the ropes snapped.
At that moment, two princes of the Shenmai Clan, Xiangu and Zhichen, arrived there to begin their own training. Seeing Lixuan crossing the bridge, Xiangu warned him,
"Prince, this place is dangerous. Step back!"
But it was difficult for Lixuan to turn back. Gathering his courage, he moved forward. The bridge kept shaking, the ropes kept tearing, yet Lixuan did not stop.
He finally reached the tree and plucked a leaf from the Satyavati Tree, which seemed to glow with an invisible power. His heart filled with joy. But as he tried to return, the bridge collapsed.
As Lixuan fell, Zhichen instantly grabbed his hand. Clouds filled Lixuan's vision, and his eyes slowly began to close.
Ending Hook
They held each other's hands, unaware that—
this meeting would lead them down a path from which returning would be impossible,
and once the truth was revealed, nothing would ever remain the same again.