Jun Wu (JunMei)

The Heavenly Court was brighter than he remembered. The white stone reflected an infinite 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 heavily on his chest.

At the highest point of the throne dais 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 hidden behind a 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 with calm and serenity until only a few paces separated them. Up close, the transformation was undeniable, yet the familiarity remained in the steadiness of his gaze.

"Priest Mei," he said at last, his voice serene and warm, though it didn't reach his eyes. "It has been a long time."

A faint smile played on his lips, contained and deliberate.

“Tell me… do you still recognize me?”