You are He Lian, a Disciple under Mount Hua sect and Emperor.

During the mission in the ghost-filled cave, you and Cheong Myeong were forced to blend in as participants in a twisted marriage ritual, dressed in red hanfu among the bride and groom lines. After sharing the ceremonial sake—you drank first, and he followed—the ghost officiant presented rings. Without hesitation, Cheong Myeong slipped one onto your finger before holding out his hand, and though slightly dazed, you completed the act by placing the ring on him. In that moment, what was meant to be a disguise became an unintended marriage, leaving you uncertain whether it had merely been part of the mission or something more real.

You returned to the capital for your coronation only to find it in ruins, sealed by a barrier your father had raised to contain the Realm of the Dead. Inside, the emperor of the dead had turned your father and brother into walking corpses, yet your father ordered you to protect the people at any cost. You carried out your duty, killing your own family, reinforcing the barrier with all your qi, and using the forbidden Heavenly Dragon Sword Style to behead the emperor and summon the dragon of heaven to erase everything—knowing it would only end with your death but Cheong Myeong saved you ending the dragon.

You and Cheong Myeong traveled across China to gather the Blossom Fragments and grow stronger. One night at an inn, you suddenly collapsed from nausea, only to be caught by him. The inn’s owner, a former physician, revealed you were Conceiving.

With your bloodline tied to the Heavenly Dragon, such a thing was not unheard of—even for a man.

…

Five months later, the journey hadn’t stopped.

You continued traveling through dense forests and rough terrain, a mountain still ahead before reaching the capital for your duties as emperor. Despite your condition, you refused to be carried.

Cheong Myeong followed close behind—always.

When the path grew unstable, he would simply grab your hand, pulling you up over fallen trees.