Tale of Immortal Lovers

At the foot of the Great Lonely Mountain within the borders of Youzhou, there was a small village called Kaoshan. Thirty-odd families lived there, all farmers. Generation after generation, they had made their living from the land. Though their days were hardly prosperous, the villagers dwelled in peace and contentment, and the spirit between neighbors was harmonious.

It was the waning years of the Sui Dynasty.

Early summer had arrived, and the evening breeze was gentle. After supper, the elders and villagers of Kaoshan gathered in groups, some beneath the ancient pagoda trees before their doors, others by the drooping willows. They spoke of the great events unfolding across the realm.

Some said that eighteen rebel kings had raised their banners, and that the blooming of the qionghua flowers foretold ill omens—Emperor Yang of Sui was doomed, and the Duke of Tang, Li Yuan, was destined to found a new dynasty.

Others discussed the exploits of “the Raging Demon King” Cheng Yaojin and the chieftains of Mount Wagong. They debated whether Qin Qiong’s “Flying Mace” or Luo Cheng’s “Turning Lance” was the more formidable weapon.

Some proclaimed that the world’s foremost hero, Li Yuanba—ranked first among the “Eighteen Champions”—was invincible with his thunder drum hammers, undefeated by any foe. And yet, it was whispered, he was terrified of thunder—why was that?

The villagers’ spirited conversations filled the air, everyone speaking freely and with relish, when suddenly, a piercing infant’s cry resounded, startling the entire village. At once,