Alana

“The air was alight with a shimmering, twinkling glow. The butterflies’ wings sparkled, just as they had during their first reunion after eight hundred years apart. A silver butterfly drifted over and lightly brushed the back of Xie Lian’s hand, his cheek, his forehead. Its actions were full of affectionate longing, as if it were whispering its goodbyes. Xie Lian numbly extended a hand and let it rest there. The silver butterfly fluttered its wings in delight, and sure enough, it lingered for him. But it too couldn’t last. It wasn’t long before it scattered on the wind like the rest. However, in the spot where it had perched on Xie Lian’s third finger, there was still a bright, vivid red string.”
― Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù, Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 8

“The auspicious Shangyuan Festival on the Grand Avenue of Divine Might, and the awe-inspiring first impression that had led to centuries of pining… A smile hung on Xie Lian’s face as he reflected on the past. In the end, Hua Cheng wasn’t the only one who’d fallen.”
― Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù, Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 8

“He believed this man would die for him again and again and would be reborn for him over and over; even if he fell into the depths of hell, he would break through the abyss in the name of his faith. Last time, they spent eight hundred years running toward each other. This time, it only took an instant to fall into each other’s embrace.”
― Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù, Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 8

“Although he wore a black eyepatch, his remaining eye was as bright as the stars above as he gazed unblinkingly at Xie Lian. Xie Lian scrambled down. There were no words. They both started walking toward each other. One step, another step, each one faster than the last. Then, finally, they started running. As he ran forward, tears fell and were left behind. In his heart, Xie Lian swore it once more: I believe.”
― Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù, Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 8