Myth Beyond Heaven

Tie Muqiu's fingers trembled slightly as she pressed them against her chest, feeling the steady pulse of Yun Lintian's energy merging with her own. It was warm—unnervingly so—like sunlight piercing through the cold iron of her resolve.

She turned her gaze to the statue of her father, Tie Mutian, the legendary blacksmith whose weapons had carved their names into the annals of history. The White Dragon Spear, the Heaven Piercing Sword, the seven elemental blades—each one had been wielded by Yun Lintian in his rise to power.

And now, because of her father's legacy, Yun Lintian stood before her, refusing to let her go.

"I am forever grateful to Senior Tie," Yun Lintian said, his voice firm yet carrying an undercurrent of something deeper. "Without his weapons, I would have fallen countless times in my journey. The White Dragon Spear pierced through the heavens for me. The Heaven Piercing Sword cut down gods. The seven elemental swords shielded me from calamity."

He stepped closer, his golden eyes unwavering. "Do you think Senior Tie would want his daughter to throw her life away?"

Tie Muqiu's lips thinned. "You don't understand. My life was meant for one purpose—to forge the God Slaying Sword. Now that it's done, there's nothing left."

"That's not true," Yun Lintian countered. "You just haven't found a new purpose yet."

She scoffed. "You sound like those naive fools who think life is just about finding happiness."

"No," Yun Lintian said. "Life is about moving forward, even when the path is unclear."

He turned toward the village below, where the scent of molten metal and burning coal still lingered in the air. "Come with me to Nine Firmament City. Walk along the canals. Eat good food. Talk to people. Maybe you'll find something worth living for."

Tie Muqiu stared at him. "You're too domineering. You ignore my wishes—my feelings."

"Because your wish is to die," Yun Lintian said bluntly. "And I refuse to accept that."

Silence stretched between them. The wind howled across the mountaintop, carrying the distant sounds of the village below.

Finally, Tie Muqiu let out a slow breath. "...Fine. I'll go."

Yun Lintian's expression softened slightly. "Good."

Tie Muqiu followed Yun Lintian down the mountain path, her steps slow but steady. The wind carried the scent of burning coal and iron from the village below—a scent that had been her entire world for years.

As they approached the village gates, the villagers paused in their work, their eyes widening when they saw Tie Muqiu. Whispers spread like wildfire.

"Young Mistress Muqiu... left the mountain?"

"I haven't seen her come down in years!"

Tie Cheng, the village head, was overseeing the repair of a furnace when he caught sight of them. His wrinkled face split into a wide grin, and he hurried forward, wiping his soot-covered hands on his apron.

"Young Master Yun! And... Young Mistress Muqiu?" His voice trembled slightly in disbelief. "You've finally come down!"

Tie Muqiu gave a slight nod, her expression as indifferent as ever. "Uncle Cheng."

Yun Lintian smiled. "Village Head Tie, I have a proposal for you."

Tie Cheng's bushy eyebrows rose. "Oh? What is it?"

With a wave of his hand, Yun Lintian summoned the Gate of Beyond Heaven, its golden frame shimmering with divine energy. The villagers gasped, backing away in awe.

"This gate connects directly to Nine Firmament City," Yun Lintian explained. "From now on, your people can use it to trade, visit, or even relocate if they wish. No more isolation."

Tie Cheng's jaw dropped. He reached out hesitantly, as if afraid the gate would vanish under his touch. "This... this is..."

"A change in your life," Yun Lintian finished.

Tie Cheng's eyes grew misty. "Young Master Yun, you've already done so much for us. The barrier, the resources... and now this?"

Yun Lintian shook his head. "What I did might be too much for you, but in fact it was just a flip of hand for me. You don't have to worry about it much."

Tie Cheng laughed, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. "Hah! I haven't stepped foot in a city in decades! It's about time this old man sees the world again!"

The villagers, emboldened by their leader's excitement, began chattering excitedly.

"Nine Firmament City? It must be a big city, right?"

"Do you think they'll buy our weapons?"

"Maybe I can finally find a wife!"

Tie Muqiu watched the scene silently. She had spent years in solitude, believing her purpose was tied only to the forge. But now... the village was awakening.

Yun Lintian glanced at her. "You don't have to stay in the city if you don't want to. But at least give it a try."

Tie Muqiu didn't answer immediately. Instead, she turned to Tie Cheng. "Uncle Cheng... you're really going?"

Tie Cheng grinned. "Of course! And you should too, Young Mistress. Your father wouldn't want you to waste away on that mountain."

Tie Muqiu's fingers curled slightly at the mention of her father.

Yun Lintian added, "The gate will remain here permanently. You can come back anytime. Let's go."

The moment they stepped through the Gate of Beyond Heaven, Tie Muqiu and the others were met with a sight she had never imagined—a city of floating pavilions, golden bridges arching over crystal-clear canals, and streets bustling with cultivators and mortals alike.

Nine Firmament City was alive in a way Iron Village had never been.

Tie Cheng stumbled slightly, his eyes wide. "By the heavens... it's even grander than any cities I have ever seen."

Yun Lintian smiled. "Take your time exploring. The city is yours to enjoy."

The villagers hesitated at first, but soon, curiosity won over. They scattered, some heading toward the food stalls, others marveling at the towering pavilions.

Tie Muqiu remained rooted in place, her gaze sweeping over the bustling streets.

"Overwhelmed?" Yun Lintian asked.

She frowned. "It's... loud."

"You'll get used to it."

A vendor nearby called out, "Freshly grilled Snow Chicken wings! Try one, Young Mistress!"

Tie Muqiu ignored him, but Yun Lintian tossed a spirit stone at the vendor and grabbed two skewers. He handed one to her.

"Eat."

She stared at the skewer as if it were a foreign object. "...Why?"

"Because it tastes good."

Reluctantly, she took a bite. The moment the flavor hit her tongue, her eyes flickered.

It was... delicious.

Yun Lintian smiled. "See? There's more to life than just forging."

Tie Muqiu didn't respond, but she didn't throw the skewer away either…