Yuhok asked with earnest curiosity, "Father, who is Sian?"

A potent silence filled the throne room as the devil king's eyes widened, and he lowered his glass on the ornate table.

"You do not have to know or indulge in things that are not important!" The devil king's voice echoed with stern authority, cutting through the stillness.

"But father—"

"Let me ask you this, son...you went to the mortal realm, right?" The devil king's glare intensified.

Yuhok sighed, a mixture of guilt and confession evident in his voice. "Yes, I did!"

"You left hell without my permission...you'll have to face the punishment!" The devil king snapped his fingers, summoning a demon to carry out his command.

The demon appeared promptly, addressing the dark lord, "Yes, dark lord?!"

"Lock him up in the coldest room for the entire day!" The devil king's decree hung in the air, sealing Yuhok's fate. Yuhok rolled his eyes in resignation and walked out of the room, the demon following in tow.

As he navigated the shadowy corridors, a playful ghost approached Yuhok with a teasing smile. "Oh, is the prince getting punished again?"

Yuhok, seemingly indifferent, continued walking towards the coldest room. She persisted, trying to capture his attention, "Why so cocky, prince? Shouldn't you try to be more polite?"

He glanced at her and winked, a sudden flirtatious demeanour catching her off guard. Entering the room as if stepping into a pleasant space, Yuhok endured the freezing storm within. The demon chained him to the wall and departed, leaving him alone in the icy chamber. Shivering, he gritted his teeth against the cold.

Outside the room, the pretty ghost observed him through the frosty window, "Aww, is the prince struggling? You know, I can help you if you say 'please'!"

Yuhok looked at her and smirked, a blend of mischief and determination in his eyes. "A pretty ghost like you should be closer to me, don't you think so?"

The ghost, tempted by the unexpected offer, phased effortlessly through the locked door and settled next to Yuhok, who was visibly shivering. Unlike him, she felt no chill, using her spectral powers to maintain warmth. Meanwhile, Yuhok, stripped of his demonic abilities due to the binding chains, battled against the relentless cold.

As Yuhok struggled with the freezing temperature, his muscles involuntarily flexing, the ghost couldn't help but appreciate the sight. Moving closer, she whispered provocatively, "You seem really cold...maybe I can help you if you say 'please,'" her fingers tracing a teasing path down Yuhok's chest.

Yuhok, smirking, responded in a low tone, "You want to hear something more interesting?"

Intrigued, the ghost looked at him, her fingers now gently caressing his cheek, "Something more interesting? What is it?"

Yuhok continued, his words carrying a weight of honesty, "You're really hot, and I have never seen anyone in hell as hot as you. Do you know why I keep rejecting the demonesses? Because I find you attractive, but I didn't know how to express my feelings since you're a ghost and I am a prince." He paused, a sweet smile playing on his lips. "But now that we are alone... I can say it freely... I want you on my bed, and I want to make you a princess," he confessed, looking into her eyes with sincerity.

Her eyes widened, cheeks flushing with a mix of surprise and joy. "R-Really, my prince? All this time I thought you didn't like me, but it was only because you couldn't express yourself?" She tenderly stroked his hair and leaned in for a kiss.

"Uhh...before we do that..." Yuhok shivered, breaking the romantic moment, "Help me out of here... I am very uncomfortable right now!"

The ghost quickly stood up, realization dawning upon her. "Oh, right!" With stealth, she swiped the key from the unsuspecting demon and returned to assist Yuhok. Unlocking the door and releasing him from the chains, she watched him stretch his arms.

"Thank you, pretty ghost!" Yuhok smirked and, seizing the opportunity, pinned her against the wall, leaning in. Blushing, she closed her eyes in anticipation of his kiss, only to be jolted by an unexpected chill. To her astonishment, she found herself chained to the wall.

She was shocked, her voice trembling, "Prince?!"

Yuhok's smirk deepened, his tone dripping with mockery, "Oh, what did you think? I really wanted a filthy ghost like you?" He laughed callously and exited the room, casually tossing the key away.

"PRINCE YUHOK!!!!! YOU JERK!!!!!" Her anguished scream echoed through the icy chamber. The prince's laughter resonated in the corridors as he made his way to his father's chambers.

Yuhok made his way to his father's chambers, determined to unravel the mystery of Sian. Caution etched his movements as he entered the room, finding it deserted. "Father definitely knows this Sian guy...I must find out the truth!" Rummaging through drawers and cabinets proved futile until his eyes fell upon a silver bracelet adorned with diamonds in a showcase, "What is this? I thought father only liked gold!" Perplexed, he retrieved the ornament, sensing an inexplicable connection.

In an instant, he received a vision. The mortal he had encountered earlier was placing the bracelet on his hand.

"This is my gift for you...they say that spouses should exchange gifts on the wedding night...I am sorry that I can't give you something more expensive, my king...."

Yuhok's eyes widened in realization. "What?" The revelation complicated matters, leaving him with more questions than answers. He knew the only way to unravel the mystery was to meet that mortal again. With determination, he teleported himself back to the mortal realm, arriving in Eunsang's chambers. Dark smoke filled the room upon his arrival, revealing Eunsang peacefully asleep on the bed. As Yuhok approached, a tiger appeared, rubbing her head against his legs and purring loudly.

Yuhok stared at the tiger, a mix of surprise and amusement on his face. "Woah...aren't you a sweet kitty?" He couldn't help but smirk as he petted her, earning even louder purrs.

"Mortal, wake up right now!" he demanded, but Eunsang remained in slumber.

Frowning, Yuhok moved closer, addressing Eunsang with impatience, "Hey you...wake up!!!" He resorted to poking Eunsang's arm with the hilt of his sword, a sense of urgency driving his actions.

Eunsang's eyes slowly fluttered open, expecting to see Jeongryeong but finding himself face-to-face with Yuhok instead. The sudden realization struck him, and he sprang up from his bed. Kitty's unusual display of affection toward Yuhok added another layer of astonishment, as the tiger reserved such gestures for only Sian, Eunsang, or Jeongryeong.

"Your Highness!!!" Eunsang exclaimed a mix of surprise and relief in his voice.

Yuhok, unfazed, took a seat on the bed, his gaze fixed on Eunsang. A pause lingered between them as they both hesitated, contemplating whether to broach the subject first.

"I want to ask you about Sian," they uttered simultaneously, their voices overlapping in unexpected synchrony.

Yuhok shot Eunsang a glare, asserting, "Me first, mortal!" He presented the bracelet, a tangible link to the mysterious Sian. "This...you gave this to your husband on your wedding night?"

Eunsang's eyes widened, and he took the bracelet in his trembling hands, nodding as tears streamed down his face. "Yes, I did...w-where did you get this from?"

Yuhok, unaccustomed to handling emotions, struggled with Eunsang's tears. "You look ugly as heaven when you cry like that..." he muttered, rolling his eyes. Then, adopting a more serious tone, he continued, "I found it in my father's room. I asked him about Sian, but he refused to tell me!"

Despite his tears, Eunsang couldn't help but chuckle at the demon prince's peculiar remark. Wiping away his tears, he inquired, "Ugly as heaven?"

Yuhok averted his gaze, "Yes! Heaven is ugly...trust me!"

Eunsang quirked an eyebrow, responding with a lighthearted tone, "If you're saying so, then that must be it!" He guided Yuhok towards Sian's portrait. "This is Choi Sian, the late ruler of this kingdom."

Yuhok stared at the image, surprise and an unexpected heaviness settling in his chest. The jade eyes in the portrait held a familiarity he couldn't quite place, stirring an unspoken emotion within him.

"Your Highness, my husband promised me that he'll be together with me even in the afterlife. I have been waiting for 16 years, and I know that the devil king knows all of it...even you are connected to my husband!" Eunsang pulled out the three gold coins from the drawer, and they glowed once again in Yuhok's presence.

Yuhok's gaze locked onto the radiant coins, curiosity etched across his features. "What are those supposed to mean?"

Eunsang explained, his voice trembling with a mix of hope and desperation, "In this kingdom if someone from the royal family gives their partner three gold coins, it means they are claiming them as their soulmate. It signifies that they will be together not only during their lifetime but also in the afterlife...And these gold coins glowing in your presence mean that you're linked with my husband and can help me reach him, maybe?!" Eunsang looked at Yuhok with pleading, hopeful eyes.

Yuhok, though intrigued, couldn't resist a sarcastic remark. "Don't look at me like that...you look like a puppy!"

Eunsang's eyes widened, startled by the unexpected comparison. No one had ever referred to him as a puppy except for his beloved husband.

Yuhok casually picked up a jasmine flower placed in front of Sian's portrait. "Anyway...I think I got my answers. I'll get going now!"

In an instant, Eunsang gripped Yuhok's arm tightly, tears streaming down his face. "WAIT! I CAN'T LOSE YOU AFTER 16 YEARS... YOU ARE SIAN... MY KING!" 

................................

Mount Ether

Myeong, the beautiful two-tailed cat and guardian of the East Kingdom, strolled gracefully near a pond adorned with a huge heavenly lotus.

"Yeonhwa, I am going to meet the heavenly emperor...do not pass through the gates of immortality, do you understand?" Myeong's voice carried a maternal concern as the lotus petals parted, revealing a stunning lady with eyes reminiscent of lotus petals, skin as delicate as porcelain, and hair that sparkled like stars.

"I understand, mother!" Yeonhwa replied with a smile, her own ethereal beauty radiating.

"Take care...I'll be back soon!" Myeong left, and Yeonhwa watched her mother depart before stepping out of the lotus. A silk cloth adorned her left wrist, shrouded in mystery.

"Sorry, mother...but I only get to visit the mortal world once a month when you visit the heavenly emperor..." she giggled and headed toward the gate of immortality. The colossal tree blocking the gate parted at her touch, allowing her passage into the mortal world. As she breathed in the fresh air, she started walking down the forest path.

After a while, she encountered a handsome man meditating beneath a cold waterfall. His shirtless form glistened in the sunlight, revealing chiselled abs and divine features. His long, wet hair cascaded over his bare torso, adding to the allure. Impressed by his appearance and temperance, Yeonhwa decided to test him.

"Hello there, sir!" she greeted, her eyes fixed on him, awaiting a response. However, the man remained unmoved.

Undeterred, Yeonhwa grinned mischievously and playfully splashed water on him, yet he maintained his serene meditation.

"Your temperance amazes me, sir!" she chuckled, moving closer. She reached for a strand of his wet hair, twirling it around her fingers, her actions carrying a hint of fascination and curiosity. The man remained unmoved, his focus on meditation unwavering. Yeonhwa, undeterred, decided to try a different approach.

She leaned in closer, whispering in his ear, "Are you not affected by the beauty of the heavenly realms, or are you simply uninterested?" Still, he remained in deep meditation, not acknowledging her presence.

Yeonhwa, intrigued and determined, conjured a small ball of celestial light in her palm. She let it dance between her fingers, creating a mesmerizing display of colours. She then gently placed it on the water's surface, where it floated and emitted a soft, enchanting glow.

The man's closed eyes twitched slightly, a subtle reaction to the celestial display before him. Yeonhwa took this as a sign of progress and continued her playful attempts to break his meditation.

" Perhaps a celestial melody will awaken you," she smirked, and with a wave of her hand, a melodic tune filled the air. The forest seemed to respond, with leaves rustling in harmony with the celestial music. Yet, the man persisted in his meditation, seemingly unaffected by the beauty and magic that surrounded him.

Yeonhwa, now both amused and impressed, decided to reveal her true identity."You truly are a master of concentration," she said, her voice taking on a more ethereal tone. "I am Yeonhwa, a deity. What is it about your meditation that captivates you so?"

The man slowly opened his eyes and turned his head towards her but his eyes remained unfocused. Yeonhwa realized that those eyes couldn't perceive the world around them, she felt a pang of sympathy for him.

A faint smile played on his lips as he finally acknowledged her presence. "The mortal world is full of distractions, but in meditation, I find clarity. What brings you to this realm, other than to test the focus of a humble practitioner?"

Yeonhwa grinned, appreciating his composure. "I visit the mortal world once a month during my mother's trips to the heavenly emperor. Today, I find myself drawn to the serenity of this forest and the intriguing presence of a meditating man."

The man chuckled as he nodded, rising from his spot and stepping out of the waterfall near the shore. He picked up a blindfold, tying it around his eyes. "I am Cha Yunki!" he introduced himself, "And I have been living here with my brothers for the last 16 years..." As he spoke, he put on his shirt, the fabric clinging to his wet body.

"I thought Mount Ether was avoided by human beings! Is there a reason you and your brothers are living here?" Yeonhwa asked, driven by curiosity.

"Yes! We are training ourselves to connect to the supernatural realm....perhaps you are the sign that we've succeeded?" Yunki said, turning towards her.

"You want to connect to our realm? Why so?" Yeonhwa looked at him with curious eyes.

"Our wife....she died 16 years ago...." He sighed with a heavy heart, "We want to connect to her again...we've been waiting for her!"

Yeonhwa smiled, moved by their devotion. "How devoted you all are...if that's the case, then I am willing to help. I'll search my realm and look for your wife!"

Yunki smiled gratefully, "Thank you so much, divine lady! Her name was Soyoung, and she was the daughter of the guardian of the East Kingdom."

Yeonhwa mumbled to herself, "Daughter of my mother? That means my sister? She did say that she had a mortal daughter...now this is going to be interesting!"

Lady Yeonhwa?" Yunki's voice brought her back to reality.

"Yes! I'll look for her...don't you worry! I shall get going now!" She said, walking away.

Yunki listened to her footsteps fading away before he returned to his hut where he stayed with his brother.

Jin smiled as soon as he saw him, "Welcome back, Yunki! How was your training today?"

Yunki smiled, "I met a deity today!"

Jin left what he was doing and came closer to him, "You did?" He took Yunki's hands in his gloved hands.

"Yes, hyung! And she said she will help us look for Soyoung!" Yunki said.

Jin was happy to hear that but then he noticed that Yunki's wedding ring had regained its color. He checked his own, but his ring remained colourless, "Yunki...." He gasped, "Your ring...."

________________________________________

A/N

This is the last chapter for this year. See you all next month (year) on 14th Jan 2024. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance 💜💜