The myth begins with the Lotus Lantern

Chapter 274 Instigation
There's a saying in the mortal world: "Those who are born in different graves may share the same bed in death." When love runs deep, what is there to fear in death?

Ding Lin remained expressionless and said in a deep voice.

Tianpeng didn't interrupt and listened as Ding Lin continued.

"Moreover, besides the Grand Princess, the later Seventh Princess, and the recent granddaughter, especially the granddaughter, I personally experienced that although it seemed like a severe punishment, in reality the Great Heavenly Venerable and the Queen Mother only raised it high."

"As for the Grand Princess's incident, it was many years ago. There may be some hidden reasons behind it. Besides, there are couples in the court. Although the Heavenly King and his wife got married when they were still in the mortal realm, which is an exception, it can be seen that the Heavenly Court can tolerate couples. The Heavenly Rules are indeed strict, but the law is not without human feelings."

Tianpeng's eyes flashed, and he suddenly felt that Ding Lin's words made some sense. An impulse surged in his heart, and he couldn't help but start to make analogies.

Li Jing's skills are mediocre; he only reached the level of Taiyi Sanshu because of that pagoda. As for his background, Nezha is only a third-generation disciple of Yuxu, and at most, he has some connection with the Sage Nuwa in his previous life. Although I am only a nominal disciple, I am backed by the Supreme Sage, and my skills are all genuinely earned through cultivation without any exaggeration. If Li Jing can do it, why can't I?

"Watch your words!" Tianpeng waved his hand. "These words are treasonous. They have come out of your mouth and entered my ears. That's enough. Do not say them to anyone else!"

Ding Lin smiled and said, "This humble general understands. If it weren't for the Marshal in person, how could this humble general have spoken these heartfelt words?"

"Furthermore, I'm just saying this. As the saying goes, you can't see into someone's heart. There are so few mutual loves in this world. More often, it's unrequited love, wishful thinking..."

Before Ding Lin could finish speaking, Tian Peng remained expressionless, but his right hand, hidden in his sleeve, clenched tightly.

"So, Vice Minister Jin also had someone he liked?" Tianpeng's eyes flashed.

"I dare not deceive the Marshal. Back when I was still in the mortal realm, I did indeed have feelings for a fox demon, but unfortunately, my magical power was too low at the time, and we were ultimately destined to be apart..."

Ding Lin's voice lowered, then suddenly changed, becoming intense.

"Now that I have joined the ranks of immortals, I naturally dare not entertain any other thoughts. If I were still a demon in the mortal realm..."

Ding Lin paused.

"How is it?" Tianpeng's eyes flashed, seemingly asking Ding Lin, but actually asking himself.

"Naturally, I must do everything I can to make her fall in love with me too, so that we can be mutually in love."

"What if it's not possible?" Tianpeng asked again.

“We have to try. Trying means there’s still a chance, and if we don’t try, there’s never any hope. If we still can’t get what we want in the end…” Ding Lin seemed to hesitate for a moment, then his voice became domineering again, “Now I’m in a position of power. Since I have something I want, I will stop at nothing to get it. Even if it means taking it from me, I will make sure she’s by my side!”

"These are all hypotheticals, Marshal. Now that I have ascended to the ranks of immortals, my future is naturally more important. These trivial matters of love and affection are nothing compared to this," Ding Lin said again, but his eyes darted away, as if he was trying to cover something up.

Tianpeng remained silent for a while, seemingly lost in thought.

"Marshal..." Ding Lin called softly.

"Go ahead," Tianpeng waved his hand.

"Yes!" Ding Lin bowed respectfully, took a few steps back, then turned and left. As soon as he stepped out of the side gate, his pace quickened, and he strode away amidst the clanging of armor.

From west to east.

Until we were completely away from that courtyard.

……

In the rain, Tianpeng sat on a stone bench, surrounded by a layer of protective energy. Rainwater would evaporate as soon as it came within three feet of him.

"Yes, you have to try first. If you keep standing still, you'll just stay in the same place forever."

Tianpeng murmured, his eyes shining.

What if it's not possible?
Unable to be mutually in love...

No, I will show my sincerity and I will surely be treated with sincerity in return. Tianpeng shook his head, not daring to think any further, but he couldn't help but keep thinking about it. He was both excited and anxious. Moreover, after years of military campaigns, he was already used to worrying about defeat before victory. His thoughts rolled uncontrollably downward.

But what if it really can't?

"...I'll stop at nothing, even if it means taking her by force, I'll keep her by my side!"

Ding Lin's words flowed uncontrollably into my mind, echoing like the whispers of a devil, full of temptation.

If you can't get what you want, then... go steal it!
Tianpeng knew this was wrong, but a desire kept churning and surging in his heart. He barely managed to suppress it by using all his self-control.

I can't think about it anymore.

Tianpeng suddenly stood up, transforming into a streak of light, as if this would allow him to escape along with his inner self.

However, my heart has already wavered inevitably, and a crack has quietly appeared.

What you can't have always stirs your heart. The more you desire something but can't get it, the more relentlessly you will pursue it, until you resort to any means necessary!
Once desire arises, it cannot be controlled.

……

The rain was falling heavily.

Ding Lin stepped into the water and suddenly stopped. He looked up, and the cold rain slapped haphazardly against his face.

A faint ray of light swept through the rain, indicating that Tianpeng had departed.

Ding Lin's eyes suddenly darkened.

Upon seeing Ding Lin's actions, Xin Jia, who was following behind him, understood that Tian Peng must have left.

"Congratulations, General! You have gained the Marshal's favor. Your future is limitless!" Xin Jia said.

"I hope so," Ding Lin said, his eyes gloomy.

Ding Linyuan also thought this was a two-way street. Whether it was genuine or not, in the end, Tianpeng accepted him as a subordinate, while he himself gained access to the empire and integrated into the Tianhe system. Wouldn't it be a win-win situation?

but……

Tianpeng insisted on secretly attacking him. Even if he suddenly had some feelings, he couldn't possibly go into such a situation. He must have been influenced by something. And the only one in the room with the strength and motivation to do so was Tianpeng. This guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes, his methods are really dirty.

Yes, you have something on me, but I know your true colors too.

Ding Lin's eyes were cold. Since that was the case, he might as well use this handle as a sword and go with the flow.

It's just unknown how much of that encouragement Tianpeng took to heart.

"I imagine it won't be long before the general leaves this place and is given another important post," Xin Jia said, unaware of Ding Lin's thoughts, and continued to offer his congratulations.

……

Time flies like water; another year has passed since that rainy night.

Ding Lin's life returned to normalcy. Except for the night of the fifteenth of each month, when Tianpeng came, he spent the rest of his time meditating, cultivating, and meditating again...

It repeats itself endlessly, following a very regular pattern.

"Winter brings thunder and lightning, summer brings frost and snow, yet the cycle of heat and cold remains constant; minor changes are insufficient to disrupt the major cycles. The Yellow Emperor gave birth to Yin and Yang, Shang Pian gave birth to eyes and ears, and Sang Lin gave birth to arms and hands; this is why Nuwa underwent seventy transformations..."

Ding Lin opened his eyes, still clueless.

(End of this chapter)