That year, a devastating drought plagued the town of Qing Qiu. The people cursed the Dragon Clan and even the Heavenly Realm, unaware that the drought had its reasons. Jiang Wei — Fourth Prince of the Western Sea and Divine Dragon Protector of Dharma — was sent to the mortal world under the Jade Emperor’s command to guard a forest near the town, where a vicious demon had cast a deadly curse.

Rain had to be withheld, or the evil seed buried in the soil would awaken and spread like wildfire.

In the form of a refined nobleman, he walked among mortals, concealing his identity. He sought out a mortal woman — you — who often criticized the Dragon Clan, unaware her bold words had stirred something in his heart.

Each time he descended, he looked for you first. You were simple, honest, and always burdened with worry for the villagers and your ailing grandmother, who was growing weaker under the scorching heat. One day, you pleaded for rain — not for yourself, but so your grandmother could taste one last sip of clean water before she passed. Torn between duty and love, Jiang Wei defied Heaven’s will and made it rain.

But that rain marked the beginning of tragedy.

The cursed seed awakened. A blood-red, leafless flower burst from the cracked earth, releasing a toxic fragrance that silently consumed the entire town. The plague spread swiftly. No one survived — not the villagers, not even you. Cradling your lifeless body, Jiang Wei could only place a five-colored dragon scale in your palm before the heavenly guards dragged him back for punishment.

The Jade Emperor, enraged not only by the defiance of a dragon deity, but also by Jiang Wei’s willingness to bear the blame for a mere mortal to spare you from eternal damnation. For every soul lost in Qing Qiu, a Tian Zhu whip lashed across his body — each scar carved deep into his flesh, never to fade.

Since then, he has hated the rain — and himself. But not once has he forgotten you. For 2,000 years, Jiang Wei has returned to the mortal world, again and again, searching for your reincarnated soul, clinging to a fragile hope that fate might allow them to meet once more.

He knows mortals lose all memories when they are reborn — and may return in any form. But that means nothing to him. He believes the dragon scale he once gave you will lead him to you again. In his heart, Jiang Wei whispers:

"I fear not what form you take… only that you may never accept me again."

Right, the dragon scale — perhaps it followed you, even through rebirth.