Deep within a secret chamber under the palace, a noble immortal and the Crown Prince of the Celestial Realm, stood in their divine human guise, watching an egg hatch.

  Now, this is when my story begins. The air around us crackled with magic as I entered this world. The egg cracked open, revealing my soft azure skin and a patch of silver-blue hair. I felt cramped, I needed more space to breathe. Then, with a burst of light, the egg shattered around me. Yet, the broken pieces did not touch the two figures before me; instead, they remained suspended in the air. With a flick of the immortal's wrist, the fragments floated back and neatly reassembled on the table.

  My eyes flutter and the first thing I see is two men watching with rapt attention. One had beads of sweat on his brow, his features were chiseled with splendor. The other one, given that he had perfume on, probably royalty was chubbier. They both had auras of power and nobility. They looked at each other and the energetic one beamed. Although I naturally feel more interested in the calm one.

  The energetic one claps his hands, then places his hand on his chin and shakes his head. "Long Fei, you did it! I can't believe it."

  The calm immortal elegantly wiped the sweat off his brow with his sleeve. "Your Highness, remember this is between you and me. No one is to know."

  Wait, I’m going to be hidden? I can't be caged. I'm a free spirit!

  "Oh alright. Only because you asked. What will you name your guardian?"

  So that’s what I am... a guardian. That means I won't be caged.

  "Ling Yue, meaning she will be clever and have the spirit of the moon."

  Ah, so that’s my name. I love it!

  "How do you know it’s a girl? Is this your way of fending off other women?"

  So I have the authority to keep the ladies away. A devilish grin creeps across my face.

  The stoic one remained silent, a subtle smile tugging at his lips.

  He looks more handsome when he smiles. Okay, we’re going to work on that. I’m going to bring so much joy that he can't help but smile. I’ll turn that frown upside down.

  "Perhaps. It wouldn't hurt. She will have the power of a cyclone within her. So she will be a force to be reckoned with. Anyone that wants to get to me will have to go through her first."

  The power of a cyclone. I like the sound of that! I try to channel such power. Wait... Why can’t I move?

  The Crown Prince scratched his chin, grinning. "If that's the case. You can't train her here. I want the Celestial Realm to remain peaceful and quiet." He let out a sigh. "I know your cultivation was high enough to create a guardian but why did you lock your emotions in her? I told you that I don't need that sacrifice. I trust that you will never betray me or seek the throne."

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Wait, he sacrificed his emotions to bring me to life? In the 10 minutes I've been alive. I already feel special. Tears well up in my eyes. Agree. He is very trustworthy. You have my allegiance! I will make sure to feel your emotions to the fullest.

  The immortal sighs. "I know you didn't ask but I felt it was necessary. This way I could be completely focused on protecting the realm."

  I feel a tinge of sadness. No, he didn't want to give up his emotions. He sacrificed for the greater good to remove unnecessary temptations.

  "But you won't be able to build any romantic relations. Won't you regret it?"

  "That's fine. I do not need it."

  My heart remains steady. Maybe romantic relations are not important after all.

  "That will disappoint a lot of immortals, you are the most sought-after noble after me, that is. I know the Phoenix Princess, Zhen Hua has set her heart on you. Why don't you marry her? She's the most beautiful and talented out of the females, a fitting match for you."

  I already don't like this Phoenix Princess. She sounds like trouble.

  Long Fei shook his head. "You know my brother, Long Yan, has been pining after her for millennia. I can't do that to him. It will break his heart if I marry her."

  So he has a brother, he doesn't sound as captivating as him.

  "And your heart? You can't honestly say you don't find her attractive even the slightest?"

  "Why do you think I locked my emotions away?"

  Personal quest: keep the Phoenix Princess away from him.

  The Crown Prince shakes his head. "I seriously don't understand your logic. Your brother would have understood... I hope you don't regret it."

  Another personal quest: make sure the brother ends up with the princess.

  The Crown Prince leans in and appraises me. "I can't help but think she will be trouble incarnate. I expected her to be a dragon since you're the Dragon of Air. But she looks more like a tiny whale..."

  I don't feel any wings, I try to breathe out fire. Nope, I'm definitely not a dragon. I do feel heavy around the gut.

  "Nothing passes your discerning eye, Your Highness. I have a good relation with the Merfolks. Their monarchs gifted me the egg, that's why she's from the sea. Since you're hesitant for me to train her here, I'll take her to the Ocean Realm."

  As intriguing as their conversation was, it was time for me to make myself known. I tried to move but my body didn't respond. Then I opened my mouth and said the first thing I could think of. I couldn't help but feel a strong bond towards the calm immortal. I felt the need to protect him. Then I said, "Master?"

  Long Fei's eyes softened. "See, I told you she was clever."

  He leans towards me and pats me on the head.

  Oh! This feels great! I will be demanding head pats from now on.

  Then he wrapped a silk cloth around me. "Your Highness, thank you for accommodating us. It's time we head to the Ocean Realm. I will keep you posted as she levels up. Pretty soon, you might have another warrior defending you."

  The Crown Prince claps his hand on Long Fei's back. "She's welcome here any time. I sure hope she keeps your chaotic emotions safe within her. I'll treat your pet like my own." He reaches for my head and pats it.

  I like this one too but not as much as my master.

  His Highness pulls a copper chain, and the door slides open, leading us up the narrow stairs to his bedroom chamber. Then out to the open.

  The chamber was floating on clouds. The sun was setting, casting an orange-pink hue across the sky. Every building was shrouded in clouds. Immortals could be seen riding rainbows and divine beasts. It was a breathtaking view.

  We bid His Highness farewell. Then gusts of wind swirl around us as my master starts to tremble. Divine light envelops us as he transforms into a majestic dragon. His wings spread wide and flap, gently holding me in his claws. I can't believe it—I'm flying! I'm free as a bird!

  Other immortals stop and gape at the sight of my master's splendor. Then he dives down, spinning as he catches the wind. We glide, taking in the view of mountains disappearing into the clouds, a clear sky stretching endlessly, and the vast ocean beneath us. He circles over a spot in the ocean before diving into the deep blue.

  As the water washes over me, I feel alive. I thought my purpose was to be his guardian, but why settle for mediocrity… when I could carve my own legend?