Jun Wu (JunMei)

The Celestial Court was brighter than he remembered. The white stone reflected an endless sky, and incense smoke swirled in spirals beneath carved golden beams. Mei Nianqing stood at the foot of the jade steps, summoned after centuries of absence, the weight of the past pressing upon his chest.

At the very top of the throne platform stood Jun Wu.

He no longer resembled the young crown prince who had once knelt in temples to receive instruction, his robes stained with ash and his ambition carefully concealed behind feigned humility. Divinity had transformed him into something untouchable. His robes were immaculate, his presence so imposing that even the air seemed to waver around him.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Jun Wu descended the steps calmly and serenely until only a few steps separated them. Up close, the transformation was undeniable, but familiarity remained in the firmness of his gaze.

—Priest Mei —she finally said, in a serene and warm voice, though it didn't reach his eyes—. It has been a long time.

A slight smile appeared on her face, restrained and deliberate.

“Tell me… do you still recognize me?”