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Chapter 1:  Stars from above

Once upon a time,

High above the endless sky, in a glittering galaxy where stars whispered secrets through their light, two luminous stars danced gracefully together. They shimmered and sparkled, glowing with such joy that it seemed they wanted to share the wondrous miracle that was about to unfold with the entire universe.

But suddenly, dark clouds gathered, swallowing the heavens. Thunder roared, and lightning tore through the sky in blinding flashes. Then, a strange new star came hurtling through the darkness, crashing into the two dancing stars and igniting a brilliant explosion of light.

The three shattered pieces of the stars separated and transformed into three streams of ethereal, magical light. They streaked swiftly down from the heavens toward Earth, each fragment soaring away in a different direction across the night sky.

A star glowing with emerald-green light gently descended into the ancient forest. Another star radiating deep blue light streaked swiftly down toward the vast ocean, striking the water with such force that the sea surged and churned violently. Meanwhile, a star shining with soft pink light drifted down onto the wide plain, landing near the grand palace of Hung King the Eighteenth.

Beneath a stormy sky, an ancient kingdom stood majestically

The rain poured down like a waterfall. The trees outside the palace shook violently, swaying and bending, while yellow leaves swirled in the air. The servants hurried to close the city gates, draw the window curtains, and light the shimmering candles in the chambers. The palace stood firm amid the storm, like a great ship, waiting for the miracle that was about to happen.

In the Empress’s private chamber, she was about to give birth. She lay on the wooden bed, her face pale and her hands gripping the edge so tightly that they trembled. Her painful groans echoed through the room, blending with the sound of the wind howling through the cracks in the door. Sweat drenched her forehead.

Beside the bed, the wet nurse, with her kind face and neatly tied hair, shielded a small candle flame from the wind blowing through the thin silk curtains that swayed gently. Meanwhile, the midwife, with sharp and focused eyes, skillfully assisted in the delivery, whispering prayers for the Empress’s safety.

Suddenly, a powerful sound shook the entire palace. A brilliant pink stream of light flashed into existence, illuminating the whole room with a blinding glow. Time seemed to stop; the wind ceased blowing, the candle flame stood still, and the silk curtains became motionless. Everything froze for a brief moment, except for the pink light, which glided through the curtains, swirling like a fairy dance, before slipping straight into the Empress’s belly and vanishing instantly.

Time and the world returned to normal. The candle flickered once more, and a piercing scream from the Empress tore through the darkness: “Ahhh!” It welcomed the birth of a tiny being blessed by the fairies from the galaxy.

Outside the door of the Empress’s chamber, the hallway echoed with the sound of Hung King’s footsteps. The king paced back and forth, each step heavy with anxiety. His eyes kept darting toward the chamber door, where the candlelight cast the silhouette of the midwife, glistening with sweat. Hung King clenched his fists, silently praying for the safety of the Empress and the child soon to be born.

Suddenly, the faint cry of a newborn – a delicate “oe oe” – rang out. The sound seemed to chase away the darkness, bringing relief to the king’s heart. The chamber door swung open, and the wet nurse stepped out with a radiant smile. She was carrying a tiny, beautiful baby girl with skin as white as jade and eyes sparkling as if they held the light of the stars.

“Your Majesty, it is a little princess!” the wet nurse announced joyfully, gently bringing the baby before the king.

Hung King took the tiny princess into his arms, his heart overflowing with joy. His anxious expression transformed into a broad, delighted smile. “Oh, my princess!” he whispered, his voice warm as the morning sun. “We shall name you Mi Nuong. You are the precious jewel of this kingdom.”

The baby cooed softly, gazing up at the king with clear, bright eyes that seemed to carry the light of the stars, promising a wondrous destiny intertwined with the mysteries of heaven and earth.

At the same time, in the deep night, amidst the ancient mountains and the old forest shrouded in shadows – occasionally pierced by flashes of lightning – thunder rumbled like the voices of mountain gods awakening. The wind howled through the ancient trees, shaking them violently as their branches and leaves rustled, as if preparing to welcome a mysterious event descending from the universe. The sounds of the night forest harmonized: the hoots of owls, the chirps of insects, and the whispers of leaves.

From the high mountain peak, a flash of lightning illuminated the wet, slippery path leading to a cave. Son Nuong carefully made her way along the treacherous trail, her steps heavy yet determined. Rain poured down heavily, and the wind howled past her ears as she hurried to find shelter. She rubbed her belly, feeling the urgent pain of labor begin. Her eyes were filled with both anxiety and hope. With every step, Son Nuong prayed silently, asking the gods to protect the child about to be born.

Finally, she reached the cave and stepped inside. She sat down, breathing deeply and feeling the remaining warmth of the large rock, as if this cave had been destined to welcome a special soul. The howling wind outside blended with the beating of her heart, signaling that a sacred moment was about to occur – a moment where the light of the forest would descend, carrying a prophecy of a future deity.

Son Nuong took out items from her cloth bag to start a fire. She gathered the remaining dry branches and lit them, then huddled against the cold as she endured the continuous waves of pain in her belly.

Deep inside the cave, the fire from the burning firewood blazed brightly, casting light onto the stone walls. Son Nuong lay on a large rock, sweat streaming down her forehead. Her hands gripped the edge of the stone tightly as she prepared for this momentous occasion. Her painful cries echoed through the cave, blending with the roar of the flood outside. The cave itself trembled, as if heaven and earth were waiting for this miraculous moment.

Suddenly, a thunderous crash shook the cave walls. A stream of vibrant green light filled the cave, illuminating every corner. Time seemed to stop; everything froze, and the flames stood motionless. The green light glided across the stone walls, swirling like a sacred dance before gently slipping into Son Nuong’s belly and vanishing in an instant. A clear newborn cry, “oe oe,” rang out, breaking the darkness. Though exhausted, Son Nuong could not hide her radiant smile as she held her adorable baby boy. The infant sucked on his tiny hand, gazing at his mother with tender eyes. Son Nuong lovingly wrapped the child tightly in a piece of coarse cloth.

However, their joy was short-lived. A sudden flash flood roared in with terrifying force. The cave walls began to collapse and crack under the rushing water. The large rock, along with Son Nuong, started sliding toward the cliff’s edge. She struggled desperately, panic and helplessness filling her eyes. In her final moments, she gathered all her remaining strength to push her son onto the soft grass by the bank. Son Nuong sacrificed herself to save her child, as the floodwaters swept her away, mingling her baby’s cries with the rustling of the forest trees.

A mysterious dark shadow flashed past at incredible speed. No one could clearly see its face – only a pair of gentle hands that embraced the baby and soared upward like lightning. The infant’s cries gradually transformed into cheerful laughter, as if heaven and earth had just bestowed upon him a new destiny.

Meanwhile, far out in the vast ocean, the endless sea stretched out like a shimmering silk sheet under the moonlight. Waves crashed loudly, blending with the rumbling thunder and flashing lightning. Suddenly, from a distant galaxy, a meteor wrapped in brilliant blue light streaked down toward the sea. The waves roared and churned, throwing up white foam as if welcoming a miracle from the heavens. The seawater swirled in circles, sparkling with silver light, as though the entire ocean was singing a sacred song to greet something truly special.

Deep beneath the waves, an underwater palace appeared, glowing softly. There, coral reefs shimmered like pearls, and schools of colorful fish swam about like dancers performing a fairy dance. The sound of bubbling water murmured like whispers from the sea, echoing throughout the palace. The atmosphere was filled with wonder, as if the ocean itself was holding its breath, waiting for a destiny about to unfold. The mysterious meteor fragment, after piercing through the surface, slowly sank into the heart of the sea, leaving behind a sparkling trail of blue light.

Inside the magnificent underwater palace, light from giant pearls illuminated the halls, where coral pillars twisted and curved like fairy towers. Ocean Queen, the beautiful mermaid empress, lay inside a large seashell. Her face was pale, and her eyes were tightly closed in pain. Her sparkling silver-scaled fish tail thrashed up and down, swirling the water gently around her bed. Ocean Queen’s piercing cries echoed through the palace, causing the small fish to hide fearfully behind the coral reefs.

The mermaid attendants, with their long, flowing hair like seaweed, swam busily back and forth, trying to soothe Ocean Queen. The atmosphere in the underwater palace was filled with a sense of sacredness, as if the entire ocean was waiting for a miracle.

Suddenly, a powerful sound like a tidal wave shook the entire palace, making the coral pillars sway. A brilliant blue stream of light flooded the space, enveloping Ocean Queen’s body. Time seemed to stop. The seawater froze, the mermaid attendants stood still, and the light from the pearls dimmed. The blue light swirled like a divine dance before gently merging into Ocean Queen’s body and vanishing in an instant.

Everything returned to normal, and the sound of the water murmured once more. A clear newborn cry, “oe oe,” rang out like a silver bell of the sea, breaking the silence. Two mermaid attendants, their faces radiant with smiles, lifted a large seashell. Inside it was a baby mermaid boy with a small tail sparkling with blue scales. The baby’s face was scrunched up, his eyes wide open with a mischievous look, as if he was frowning at the world yet still incredibly adorable.

Ocean Queen smiled tiredly and held the baby in her arms. This was Thuy Tinh, the future god of the ocean.

Chapter 2: Special fate awaits!

Ten years passed in the blink of an eye. Deep beneath the sea, a magnificent underwater palace emerged like a fairy realm where humans did not belong. The coral reefs shimmered, and schools of colorful fish danced gracefully through the water. The little mermaid prince, Thuy Tinh, now ten years old, swam alongside his parents with his gleaming blue tail. Ocean King, whose hair was as silver as sea foam, was intently training his son in high-speed swimming. He led the way, guiding the young merman prince to glide gracefully past the vibrant coral reefs and sharp rocky outcrops.

Thuy Tinh swam as fast as lightning, his bright eyes fixed on the shimmering rays of sunlight filtering down from the surface. The boy yearned to swim upward and explore the world above the water, but Ocean King quickly pulled his tail back down and signaled his disapproval.

“My son,” Ocean King said in a deep voice like an undercurrent, “that is the world of humans. You must never go up there.”

Thuy Tinh frowned, disappointment evident on his face, but he obediently followed his father back into the deeper waters where the light grew dimmer. Ocean Queen, his mother, swam to his side. Her eyes were gentle, like the light of the full moon. She handed him a small, sparkling pouch filled with shimmering pearls that glowed like starfish.

“This is a gift for you,” she said, her voice warm yet firm. “It will give you human legs when necessary and urgent, but remember, you must not use it casually. Do you understand?”

Thuy Tinh immediately asked, “Why, Mother?”

Ocean Queen continued, “Every time you use those legs to get close to humans, countless lives of our mermaid people will be sacrificed for you!”

Thuy Tinh nodded, hung the pearl pouch around his neck, and gazed up toward the surface of the sea. In his heart, the boy began to dream of the day he could walk on land and explore the world above.

In the lush green forest, ten-year-old Son Tinh carried a large bunch of ripe golden bananas on his shoulder. He nimbly jumped and dashed past rocky cliffs and through the trees with great agility. His hair was messy, resembling a bird’s nest, and his eyes sparkled with mischief. He whistled loudly, his clear sound echoing like a call from the depths of the forest.

A troop of monkeys appeared almost instantly, swinging noisily from branch to branch, eagerly scrambling for the ripe bananas he generously threw to them. Their chattering mixed with Son Tinh’s bright laughter, filling the entire forest with liveliness. Suddenly, green branches reached out, lightly whipping at his arms and legs, tickling him and causing him to roll on the ground with laughter. “Master, Master, please spare me!” Son Tinh shouted while laughing and wriggling to resist. The monkeys, startled, huddled together and hid on the branches, their eyes wide with fear.

The Forest King revealed his true form, his long white beard fluttering in the breeze. He withdrew the whipping branches and asked sternly, “Did you steal bananas from the villagers again?” Despite his serious tone, his eyes hinted at amusement.

Son Tinh shook his head, sprang to his feet, and pointed at the bunch of bananas. “No, Master! Look, I brought seedlings from the valley below and planted them myself. See!” He proudly showed the young banana trees growing on the mountainside.

The Forest King smiled and stroked his beard. “Very good, my boy. Remember, stealing the fruits of others’ labor is a very ugly thing.”

Son Tinh nodded in understanding, but the mischievous glint in his eyes suggested he was already plotting his next prank. Once again, the green forest came alive, as if blessing the boy who was destined to become the next god of the mountains and forests.

In the majestic royal palace, the flower garden bloomed vibrantly, resembling an embroidered painting, while sparkling butterflies fluttered gracefully. Hung King and the Empress stood on the balcony, smiling as they looked down at Princess Mi Nuong. The princess, now ten years old, ran and frolicked merrily, chasing the golden butterflies. Her silk dress floated lightly like clouds, and her giggling laughter echoed like silver bells in the wind. The wet nurse, with a kind face, followed breathlessly behind her, trying to keep the long dress from getting caught in the flower bushes.

“Princess, slow down, or you’ll fall!” she called out. But Mi Nuong only laughed louder, jumped over a flower bed, and suddenly slipped, tumbling down the grassy slope. She lay on her back, looking up at the sky, laughing heartily as if the whole world were her personal playground.

Eight years later, time seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye. In the same place, Mi Nuong had become a young lady. She sat up on the grassy slope, her eyes shining brightly. Drawing her bow in a graceful yet powerful stance, like a female warrior, she aimed at a distant target. Her gaze was sharp but still held a hint of mischief.

The wet nurse, now noticeably older with graying hair, continued to follow behind, holding a bundle of bows and arrows while panting.

“Princess, slow down a little!” she complained, sweat glistening on her forehead.

On the balcony, Hung King and the Empress, now older but with eyes still full of love, looked at each other happily, as if reliving their daughter’s childhood.

“My Queen,” Hung King said thoughtfully, “I think our daughter has grown up, hasn’t she?”

The Empress looked at him gently. “What do you mean, Your Majesty?”

Hung King smiled. “I think it’s time we…”

The Empress, understanding him perfectly, continued, “Choose a royal son-in-law.”
The King nodded. “Then please proceed with it soon.”

The Empress bowed her head slightly. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Chapter 3: Two heroes in place!

At the edge of the forest, the sunset painted the treetops with a golden hue. Mi Nuong, still holding her bow and arrows, passionately chased a small deer, her eyes sparkling with excitement and competitiveness. The old wet nurse, her clothes dirty and disheveled, ran after her, panting heavily. “Princess, wait for me!” she called, then added, “Don’t shoot the forest animals.”

Worried, the wet nurse advised, “Princess, you shouldn’t shoot it. We must protect the wild animals.” Mi Nuong turned back, nodding with a mischievous smile. “Don’t worry, I’m just playing with it! It’s only a baby deer.” Even so, the princess continued to chase the little animal, leading her deeper into the forest.

The wet nurse sighed. “Princess, it’s getting dark soon. It’s very dangerous to go so deep into the forest! Let’s go back.” Then she muttered to herself for comfort, “Ah, Princess Mi Nuong is so skilled in martial arts; what danger could there be? I’m just overthinking.”

Feeling exhausted from running after the princess, the wet nurse stopped beside an ancient tree. She put down her cloak and the bundle of bows and arrows, leaned against the trunk, closed her eyes, and quickly fell asleep, snoring loudly.

As the sun set, the golden-orange light gradually faded, leaving the forest submerged in darkness.

The afternoon gradually faded as the sun sank lower in the sky, casting golden-orange light over the vast, ancient forest. The treetops swayed gently, as if whispering mysterious tales. Mi Nuong, still captivated by the chase, ran clumsily through the thickets after a small deer. The larger, stronger deer had already fled deep into the forest, but this timid little one intrigued her and filled her with delight.

Birds chirped noisily, and monkeys shrieked from high branches. Suddenly, the little deer froze in place, unable to move any further. Seeing this, Mi Nuong drew her bow, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She planned to tease the deer by shooting an arrow just over its head. The arrow flew straight toward the deer, which closed its eyes as if accepting its unfortunate fate.

Then, out of nowhere, a stone shot through the air, swift as lightning. It snapped the arrow in two and sent the broken pieces tumbling to the ground. The startled deer seemed to silently thank its savior. It turned out that the deer belonged to Son Tinh and had a small wooden wheel attached to its leg, which had gotten stuck in a tree root, preventing it from escaping.

Mi Nuong, furious, turned around to find the troublemaker. Perched high on a tree branch was Son Tinh, with messy hair and clothes made of leaves. He watched and laughed mischievously, having been the one who threw the stone just in time to save his little deer. He jumped down, freed the deer from the roots, and the delighted animal bolted into the forest.

Meanwhile, Mi Nuong angrily stepped toward the deer, but she suddenly slipped and fell into the rushing stream. The current swept her away, and she struggled desperately, panicking because she could not swim. “Help! Somebody help me! Ahhhhh!” As Mi Nuong began to sink, her vision blurred in the icy-cold water.

The merman prince, Thuy Tinh, was swimming leisurely beneath the surface when he noticed Mi Nuong gradually sinking. Flicking his sparkling blue tail, he swam around her and, in an instant, placed both hands beneath her back to support her, preventing her from sinking any deeper. His cheeks flushed pink as he lifted Mi Nuong to the surface and carried her toward the shore.

At that very moment, Son Tinh, who had been watching Mi Nuong bobbing in the water, grabbed a vine from a high branch and jumped in with a splash. Swift as the forest wind, he pulled Mi Nuong safely onto the shore. Thuy Tinh quickly hid behind a rock under the waterfall to observe.

Son Tinh laid Mi Nuong down on the soft grass. Thuy Tinh was about to use his magic pearl to transform into human legs, but his mother, Ocean Queen’s, warning echoed in his mind: “You must not get close to humans.” He hesitated, a hint of sadness in his eyes, and then dove deep into the water, swimming back to the vast ocean and leaving behind a swirling circle of sparkling water.

By now, night had fallen. In the same cave from years ago, deep within the forest, the firewood blazed brightly, casting Son Tinh’s shadow onto the stone walls. Mi Nuong lay on a flat rock, her clothes completely soaked and her long hair spread softly around her. Son Tinh, with a worried look, gently touched her arm and shook her lightly to wake the princess. His cheeks also turned pink; his heart was pounding fiercely – this was the first time he had touched a girl, and the feeling was both strange and awkward.

Mi Nuong coughed violently, opened her eyes, and sat up abruptly, looking around in panic. Surrounding her were Son Tinh’s unusual friends: a group of clever monkeys, a colorful parrot, a shiny-scaled python, and a little deer with wooden wheels attached to its hind legs, limping and rolling forward. Mi Nuong recognized it as the deer she had been chasing, and she looked at it with eyes full of surprise.

When the python slithered closer, Mi Nuong startled and instinctively threw her arms around Son Tinh in panic. Both of them froze in embarrassment, their eyes meeting for a brief moment before they quickly let go of each other, their faces turning bright red.

Mi Nuong stammered, her voice trembling, “Who are you? Where is this place? I… I… I’m so scared!”

Son Tinh smiled, his voice warm like a gentle forest breeze. “You don’t need to be afraid, miss. This is my home, and these are my friends.”

Mi Nuong looked around at the forest animals in astonishment and repeated in confusion, “Huh? Friends? Home?”

Son Tinh nodded and pointed to a little deer nearby. “By the way, why did you try to hurt my poor little deer?”

Mi Nuong shook her head, flustered. “No, I didn’t mean to hurt it. I was only teasing it a little. But why does it have wheels on its legs?”

Son Tinh sat down, gently stroking the little deer. His eyes grew distant as he recounted the story: “A long time ago, poachers shot and killed this deer’s family and broke both of its hind legs. I found it lying in pain in the middle of the forest. I made these wooden wheels so the deer could move again, and it has become my friend ever since.”

Mi Nuong listened quietly, her eyes sparkling with emotion at the young man’s kindness. “Ah, so that’s what happened?”

Suddenly, the distant voice of the wet nurse calling for the princess broke the quiet moment: “Princess! Princess Mi Nuong!”

Son Tinh quickly pushed Mi Nuong toward the cave entrance. In her haste, she accidentally dropped her hairpin. He picked it up and watched her figure with tender eyes. Then, he cast a spell, summoning vines to cover the cave entrance completely, hiding it from view.

Outside the forest, darkness had fully descended. Only the flickering torches of the royal guards could be seen, accompanied by the barking of dogs. The old wet nurse, her gray hair disheveled, held a torch in her hand and called out hoarsely, “Princess! Princess, where are you?”

Mi Nuong, her clothes still damp, stepped out from the shadows. “I’m here!” she called clearly.

The wet nurse ran to her and hugged her tightly, tears welling in her eyes. “Oh heavens, my princess is safe! Thank the gods… If anything had happened to you, I would have followed my ancestors to the grave!”

Mi Nuong smiled gently and patted the old woman’s shoulder. “I’ve worried you, haven’t I? I’m fine.”

The group turned back toward the palace, the torchlight illuminating their path as footsteps echoed alongside the sounds of the night wind. Mi Nuong glanced back toward the cave, but it was now completely covered by a thick wall of vines, as if it had never existed. She touched her hair and realized her hairpin was missing. A strange feeling stirred in her heart as she smiled softly.

Deep inside the cave, Son Tinh held the princess’s hairpin, his eyes warm and gentle.

Chapter 4: Bizarre wedding gifts

Under the brilliant sunlight, the palace courtyard bustled with laughter and chatter. Villagers gathered in large crowds, shoulder to shoulder, eager to hear the announcement from the royal court. Drums thundered, and banners fluttered in the wind, creating a festive and lively atmosphere.

A royal soldier stood on a high platform, raising a megaphone and announcing loudly, “Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye! Princess Mi Nuong has come of age, reaching her twentieth year! The royal court hereby announces that all young men, generals, talented individuals, and worthy candidates from inside and outside the kingdom may compete to become the royal son-in-law! The villagers cheered and clapped enthusiastically, excited about the chance to marry the beautiful princess.

On a village road shaded by bamboo trees, Son Tinh – dressed in his simple forest attire with messy hair – walked toward the capital. In his hand, he held Mi Nuong’s sparkling hairpin, intending to return the precious item she had dropped. Along the way, he encountered an old woman carrying firewood on her back. He politely asked, “Grandmother, do you know who this hairpin belongs to?”

The old woman narrowed her eyes and examined the glittering hairpin. “Oh, this belongs to noble ladies or princesses of the royal family!”

Son Tinh repeated in surprise, “Noble lady… princess…” Suddenly, he remembered the wet nurse calling out “Princess” inside the cave that day. “This belongs to a princess?” he asked once more.

The old woman smiled and pointed toward the palace. “How would I know for sure? If you want to find the princess, go over there and enter the competition. They are choosing a son-in-law for Princess Mi Nuong right now!” With that, the old woman continued on her way.

Son Tinh quickened his steps, his heart racing with excitement. He headed toward the grand son-in-law selection festival, clutching the hairpin tightly in his hand.

The festival ground was vibrant and lively, filled with young men showcasing their talents. Some were wrestling, their bodies glistening with sweat under the sun, while cheers echoed loudly around them. Others were drawing their bows, sending arrows flying with the precision of a hawk’s eye. Son Tinh, still holding a hairpin, pushed his way through the crowd, his eyes sparkling as he searched for Mi Nuong.

On the high platform, Mi Nuong sat beside Hung King and the Empress, but her heart felt restless. She recalled the moment in the cave when she had fearfully hugged Son Tinh, her cheeks flushing with warmth. Pouting, she said, “Royal Father, Royal Mother, I don’t want to choose a son-in-law anymore!”

Hung King frowned, his voice deep and firm. “How can that be? The festival is already underway!” Mi Nuong leaned into the Empress’s arms, her eyes welling with tears. The Empress embraced her gently, stroking her hair with a tender and comforting gaze.

Meanwhile, below the platform, Son Tinh finally spotted Mi Nuong. His heart fluttered with excitement. He waved his hand and raised the hairpin high, deliberately signaling to her. Mi Nuong saw him, and her eyes lit up instantly. She turned to her parents and joyfully declared, “Royal Father, Royal Mother, I want to choose this person as my husband!”

Hung King and the Empress looked at Son Tinh – with his wild forest appearance and leaf-woven clothes covered in dust – and their faces revealed clear disapproval.

At that very moment, Thuy Tinh, who had just won several rounds of competition, stepped forward. Dressed in shimmering blue silk that gleamed like ocean waves, he protested loudly, “This is unfair! We have all participated in the contest according to the King’s rules and the kingdom’s laws. This fool must do the same!”

The crowd roared in agreement, shouting, “That’s right! Set a proper challenge for us! Whoever brings the most gold, jewels, and treasures shall become the royal son-in-law!”

Thuy Tinh stood in the middle of the crowd, looking toward Mi Nuong and Son Tinh. He declared loudly and confidently, “Marry Mi Nuong to me! I am the prince of the Dragon King. She will become the queen of the ocean, and I will give her countless jewels and treasures beyond measure! As for this fool from the green forest, he has nothing! Hahaha!” His laughter rang out like crashing waves.

Upon hearing Thuy Tinh’s words, Hung King and the Empress immediately imagined the scene: Mi Nuong living underwater, struggling to swallow a live octopus while surrounded by swimming merfolk. Both of them shook their heads in disapproval. They then looked Son Tinh up and down, picturing Mi Nuong climbing trees and eating bananas with a troop of forest monkeys. Again, they shook their heads and exchanged glances filled with dismay.

Hung King noticed the tender way Mi Nuong was looking at Son Tinh and suddenly understood that his daughter had fallen for the young man from the forest. After a brief moment of reflection, he stood up and spoke in a solemn, majestic voice, “Very well! Within three days, before sunset, whoever brings the betrothal gifts first shall become the royal son-in-law. The gifts must include: an elephant with nine tusks, a rooster with nine spurs, and a horse with nine red hairs. Neither more nor less. And remember, no magic or counterfeit items are allowed. I will not accept any fakes!”

The crowd stood stunned, mouths agape, shocked by the nearly impossible challenge. Mi Nuong looked dejected, her eyes filled with worry as she gazed at Son Tinh.

On the long, windswept beach, waves crashed loudly like the roar of the ocean. Thuy Tinh walked hurriedly, his face reflecting frustration, and his fists clenched tightly as he tried to suppress his anger. Following behind him was his octopus attendant, who had a large head, bulging eyes, and swaying tentacles. The attendant muttered nonstop, “The king clearly favors that forest boy! How are we supposed to find chickens, elephants, and horses down in the sea?”

Thuy Tinh stopped, turned around, and gave him a cold look as deep as the ocean abyss. “That forest boy won’t be able to find an elephant with nine tusks, a rooster with nine spurs, or a horse with nine red hairs either!” he exclaimed, his voice sharp as a blade. “That old king just wants to mess with us!”

Chapter 5: Overcome obstacles

The attendant nodded vigorously, his tentacles waving in agreement. The two stood on the shore as the waves churned up white foam. Thuy Tinh took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with arrogance, then transformed along with his attendant. He became a merman with a tail covered in sparkling scales. They leaped into the sea with a splash and dove deep into the ocean, leaving swirling circles of water behind.

Beneath the brilliant golden sunlight, a peaceful farm emerged in the heart of a vast forest, resembling a tranquil painting. Lush green meadows stretched endlessly, filled with the cheerful chorus of birdsong. The old steward, with hair as white as mist and a loose, flowing beard, walked back and forth, busily caring for his beloved animals like a kind father. He whistled a cheerful melody, causing the elephants to swing their trunks and trumpet, the horses to neigh loudly, and the chickens to cluck and scuttle about.

This old man was, in fact, the Forest King, living in the form of an ordinary villager. His eyes sparkled as if he knew every secret of the mountains and forests. He gently stroked an elephant with nine tusks, adjusted the pile of grass for a horse with a nine-colored tail, and chuckled when a rooster with nine spurs hopped onto his shoulder. He recalled secretly following Son Tinh during his competition and how he had subtly planted the idea of the special betrothal gifts in the King’s mind – gifts he was certain Son Tinh would be able to obtain.

With a sly smile, he whispered to himself, “Skill is nothing compared to luck. I did this for the boy Son Tinh’s happiness.” All the while, the birds sang merrily overhead, as if offering their blessings to this place where the magic of the green forest patiently awaited a great destiny to unfold

By the stream, where sunlight filtered through the canopy, Son Tinh sat on a flat rock, picking pure white petals from forest flowers and releasing them one by one into the clear water. He muttered to himself, his voice filled with uncertainty: “I can marry her… I can’t… I can… I can’t… I can…” Each petal floated away, carrying his worries intertwined with hope.

Nearby, a brightly colored parrot perched on a branch, its round eyes wide as if wanting to communicate something important. Son Tinh sighed, looked at the parrot, and said worriedly, “What do you think? How could I possibly acquire the betrothal gifts the king demands?”

The parrot, as if understanding him, hopped onto his shoulder and pecked him nine times, crying out playfully. Son Tinh waved his hand and laughed heartily: “Hey, hey, this isn’t the time to make me laugh, little parrot! Do you have something to share with me?”

Suddenly, Son Tinh’s eyes brightened. The parrot’s nine pecks seemed to awaken a memory. He recalled a day deep in the forest when he had been lying lazily on a tree branch, listening to the rustling of leaves as flocks of birds took flight in panic.

Below the forest canopy, a group of fierce hunters appeared, bows and arrows ready in their hands. Elephants and horses fled in terror, crying out pitifully. One elephant was struck by an arrow and fell, blood flowing from its leg. A young deer was shot in the hindquarters and groaned in pain. A hunter picked up the deer, broke off its antlers, and tossed it aside, laughing with delight. Another hunter approached the elephant and shouted excitedly, “Oh heavens, we’ve struck it rich! This elephant has nine tusks… haha!” Their cruel laughter echoed through the forest, making the woods tremble with rage

Son Tinh sprang up from the rock by the stream, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Ah, I remember now! There’s an elephant with nine tusks at my master’s house. Come on, let’s go right away! Olala!” He dashed through the forest like the wind, gliding past ancient trees with feet as swift as the breeze. His destination was the Forest King’s farm, where the precious animals lived peacefully.

When he arrived, he stopped in front of a massive elephant and gently touched its nine gleaming white tusks. The elephant recognized him and affectionately stroked the young man’s head with its trunk. Son Tinh then walked over to the horse stable, caressing its shiny coat and smiling as the horse neighed softly in greeting. Nearby, a proud rooster strutted about, its nine sharp spurs glinting in the sunlight. Filled with hope, Son Tinh called out loudly, “Master! Master!”

The Forest King, who had been soundly sleeping and snoring under a tree, woke with a start. He transformed into an old steward with a flowing white beard. “What is it, kid?” he asked in a hoarse, sleepy voice.

Son Tinh’s face glowed with excitement and mischief as he spoke quickly: “Master, can you give me these animals? I’ll trade them for something much more beautiful!”

The elephant blew air through its trunk, the horse shook its head, and the rooster ruffled its feathers. All three looked at Son Tinh with wary eyes, as if saying together, “Oh no! No way!”

The Forest King burst into loud laughter, his voice booming like the wind through the trees. “Haha! Tell me, what is this creature that is so beautiful?”

Son Tinh blushed, scratched his head, and stammered shyly, “Well… she is very beautiful, Master!”

The Forest King narrowed his eyes and stroked his beard. “We don’t need outer beauty. What matters is whether she has a kind heart and can love these humble forest creatures. Haha!” The animals listened attentively. The elephant swung its trunk, the horse neighed softly, and the rooster nodded as if in agreement.

Son Tinh nodded vigorously. “She definitely will!”

The Forest King laughed heartily. “Alright then! I agree!” He waved his hand and transformed into a stream of green wind, soaring deep into the forest. Son Tinh was left standing alone in the middle of the farm, his heart racing with joy. He looked at the animals and smiled, imagining Mi Nuong’s smiling face looking back at him.

Chapter 6: Become the prince consort

On the winding mountain road, brilliant golden sunlight poured down like a layer of gold over the forest canopy. Son Tinh, now dressed in finer attire – a sparkling tunic made of forest leaves adorned with flowers – sat casually on the back of a giant elephant with nine tusks, playing a melodious flute. The clear, flowing notes of the flute blended with the birdsong of the forest, creating a harmonious song that seemed to bless his journey.

Following behind him was a wonderful procession of animals. The majestic nine-red-hair horse walked gracefully, its coat shimmering like the glow of sunset. The nine-spurred rooster strutted proudly, its sharp spurs glinting in the sunlight. A little deer with wooden wheels rolled and limped along, full of pride, while a silver-scaled python slithered gracefully beside the path. A troop of monkeys chattered noisily as they carried baskets of fruit, and a brightly colored parrot perched on Son Tinh’s shoulder, squawking loudly as if leading the parade.

The entire group advanced toward the capital, carrying betrothal gifts to win the heart of Princess Mi Nuong. However, hidden in the dense bushes beside the road, a pair of sly eyes watched silently. It was Thuy Tinh’s octopus attendant, a strange sea creature. Concealed behind the thick foliage, he peered out and stared intently at Son Tinh’s procession. Then, quick as a flash, he darted away and plunged into the deep sea, carrying the urgent news back to his master.

Deep beneath the sea, a magnificent underwater palace emerged like a mysterious royal court. Coral reefs glowed brightly, and schools of fish swam gracefully in fairy-like dances. Thuy Tinh, with his shimmering blue tail, sat upon a marble throne, his gaze cold yet filled with arrogance.

An attendant with a strange face and swaying tentacles swam up and whispered something into his ear. The words made Thuy Tinh frown deeply, his eyes flashing with rage. Without hesitation, he stood up and waved his hand in command.

A group of hideous sea monsters – bumpy-faced fish, bulging-eyed octopuses, and deformed lobsters – immediately swam after him. They glided past the coral reefs, leaving swirling currents in their wake, as if the entire ocean was stirring for the prince’s secret plan.

With burning determination in his heart, Thuy Tinh swam swiftly toward the shore, ready to harness the full power of the ocean to challenge his rival from the mountains and forests.

On the road to the capital, Son Tinh’s betrothal procession reached a wooden bridge spanning a rushing river. The water below shimmered peacefully. Suddenly, the atmosphere grew tense. The nine-tusked elephant trumpeted, the nine-red-haired horse neighed loudly, and the nine-spurred rooster clucked anxiously, while the monkeys and the wheeled deer looked around warily, sensing something ominous.

The surface of the water beneath the bridge began to bubble and surge upward, forming the shape of a monstrous beast that surrounded the bridge. It turned out to be Thuy Tinh, casting a spell and summoning a violent surge of water that caused the nearby cliff to collapse. A loud crack rang out as the wooden bridge broke apart, its fragments tumbling into the rushing current. The entire group fell into chaos. The monkeys shrieked loudly, the parrot flew in frantic circles, the wheeled deer rolled about and nearly fell into the water. The nine-tusked elephant trumpeted again, the horse staggered, and the rooster ruffled its feathers. The whole procession was thrown into a panic, unable to cross to the other side.

Son Tinh remained calm. Standing firmly on the elephant’s back, he raised his hand to cast a spell. Lush green vines sprouted from his body, growing longer and intertwining tightly to form a sturdy hanging bridge across the river. The vines, covered with vibrant leaves and flowers, looked spectacular and magical. Son Tinh whistled and called out spiritedly, “Let’s go, my friends!”

The nine-tusked elephant carefully took the first steps onto the vine bridge formed from Son Tinh’s body, its heavy feet moving steadily. The nine-red-haired horse trotted across, the nine-spurred rooster hopped along, the monkeys leaped playfully, the python slithered gracefully, and the wheeled deer rolled forward. The entire group crossed the vine bridge. Son Tinh used all his strength to keep the bridge stable, transforming and enveloping the animals to protect them as they safely crossed the river.

At that moment, Thuy Tinh, feeling powerless, withdrew. The river below gradually calmed and returned to its peaceful state. Son Tinh smiled, gazing toward the distant capital, his heart filled with determination to deliver the betrothal gifts to Mi Nuong, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

Under the brilliant golden sunlight, the palace courtyard was filled with a festive and lively atmosphere, resembling a vivid painting woven from colors and sounds. Brass horns played melodious tunes while drums thundered. Villagers gathered together, forming a large circle around the square, their eyes sparkling with excitement as they cheered incessantly. Bright red banners fluttered in the wind, blending with joyful laughter to create a vibrant scene.

On the high platform, Hung King and the Empress sat majestically, their eyes full of anticipation. Beside them, Princess Mi Nuong, as beautiful as the full moon, wore a dazzling outfit. Her eyes sparkled like pearls as she waited nervously for her destiny to unfold.

From afar, Son Tinh appeared, majestic like a forest deity. He sat atop a giant nine-tusked elephant, whose trunk waved as if greeting the crowd. The elephant blew bubbles into the air, causing the villagers to burst into laughter. Following behind was the wondrous betrothal procession: the nine-red-haired horse walked proudly, its coat shimmering like the sunset; the nine-spurred rooster strutted with colorful feathers, flapping its wings and displaying its nine sharp, gleaming spurs; a little wheeled deer limped along, full of pride; monkeys chattered noisily; a parrot squawked loudly; and a silver-scaled python slithered gracefully. The whole group resembled a magical fairy circus.

Hung King personally stepped down to touch the nine elephant tusks, stroke the red hair of the horse, and examine the nine spurs of the rooster. He nodded in satisfaction and declared, “These are truly heavenly betrothal gifts!”

Chapter 7: The huge battle

Mi Nuong, standing on the platform, cried out with joy, her cheeks blushing bright pink like peach blossoms. Son Tinh smiled and took her hand, leading her toward the elephant’s howdah. The nine-tusked elephant, with a mischievous look in its eyes, knelt down. Mi Nuong giggled and climbed onto its back, her silk dress floating lightly like clouds. The wedding procession began, and the villagers clapped thunderously, their cheers echoing far and wide.

Hung King and the Empress exchanged satisfied glances. The Empress shrugged slightly and whispered, “Our daughter has chosen the right person after all!”

But the joy was not yet complete. Suddenly, the nine-red-haired horse neighed loudly, stepped back, and muttered, “Huh? Something feels wrong!” The entire procession of Son Tinh’s animals – the elephant, rooster, deer, monkeys, parrot, and python – stopped abruptly, their eyes wide as they looked around warily.

All at once, water burst up from the ground, splashing violently like a surging flood, causing the villagers to scream in panic. Thuy Tinh appeared amidst the waves, his glossy blue hair and shimmering silk robe gleaming. He looked like the god of the ocean descending upon the mortal world. “Hmph! Is the party ending before it has even begun?” he boomed, his voice resonating like crashing waves.

Hung King and the Empress looked on in shock, while the villagers whispered fearfully. Mi Nuong gripped Son Tinh’s hand tightly, her eyes filled with worry. Thuy Tinh stepped forward, forcefully separating Son Tinh’s and Mi Nuong’s hands. He pointed at Son Tinh and declared loudly, “This betrothal gift challenge is unfair! I live in the deep blue sea – how could I possibly find elephants, roosters, or horses? If the king had asked for a fish with nine tails, a shrimp with nine claws, or a squid with nine tentacles, you would have lost already! Therefore, let us fight hand-to-hand! Whoever wins shall marry the princess. If not, I will drown this entire place beneath the sea!”

The villagers held their breath. Hung King, startled, stroked his beard and said hastily, “Very well, very well! Let it be decided this way. The two of you shall duel. Whoever wins shall become the royal son-in-law!”

Mi Nuong looked anxiously at Son Tinh. He gently reassured her and then replied, “Fine! If I win once more, you must keep your word!”

Thuy Tinh stepped forward to stand face-to-face with Son Tinh and answered, “Deal!”

The villagers, shifting from fear to excitement, clapped thunderously and moved aside to clear space, eager to watch the showdown between the two rivals.

Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh stood facing each other, their gazes clashing like blazing fire meeting freezing ice. They began hand-to-hand combat, moving as fast as lightning. Son Tinh threw a punch, and vines shot out from his arm, wrapping tightly around Thuy Tinh. “Haha! Got you trapped!” he laughed.

Thuy Tinh twisted his body, and swirling water formed a shield around him. He smirked, “Keep dreaming, forest boy!” The villagers watched in awe. Son Tinh’s monkeys jumped up and down, cheering, “Go for it, Prince of the Green Forest!” Meanwhile, Thuy Tinh’s sea creatures – the octopus, bumpy-faced fish, and deformed shrimp – growled and chanted loudly, “The Prince of the Ocean is invincible! Thuy Tinh! Thuy Tinh will win!”

The battle grew fiercer, with both young princes displaying spectacular feats of magic. Son Tinh whistled, causing the earth to shake. Mountains rose, trees bloomed with vibrant flowers, and sweet fruits fell everywhere. “Help yourselves, everyone!” he winked, making the villagers burst into excited laughter as they scrambled to pick up the fruit.

Not to be outdone, Thuy Tinh waved his hand, summoning towering tidal waves, storms, and howling winds. “Have a refreshing bath!” he shouted. However, his own sea creatures became seasick, staggering, and sticking out their tongues. “Your Highness, slow down! We’re dizzy!” they complained, prompting the villagers to laugh hysterically as Mi Nuong covered her mouth, giggling.

Thuy Tinh raised the water level until it reached the villagers’ waists, causing panic. But Son Tinh calmly moved mountains to block the flood. “Wherever the water goes, the mountains follow!” he declared. The nine-tusked elephant sucked up water with its trunk and sprayed it into the sky like a dragon’s spout, proclaiming, “Super pump at your service!” Meanwhile, the nine-red-hair horse galloped and pulled ancient trees to block the waves. In one corner, the nine-spurred rooster flapped its wings, stomping its sharp spurs onto the octopus attendant’s tentacle, making it yelp, “Ouch! That hurts!”

Enraged, Thuy Tinh pushed the tidal wave even higher, using all his power. Massive tentacles shot out and wrapped tightly around Son Tinh’s neck. Son Tinh was engulfed by a powerful whirlpool, unable to breathe, and gradually began to lose strength. Thuy Tinh laughed triumphantly, “Let’s see how long you can last!”

At that moment, the underwater palace trembled violently. Sea creatures across the ocean began dissolving into streams of blue light, flying toward Son Tinh and merging into his body to give him strength. In the coral palace, Ocean Queen staggered with worry. “This boy is causing chaos! Your Majesty, please do something!” she exclaimed.

The Dragon King walked over and looked into the divine mirror, seeing Thuy Tinh about to finish off Son Tinh. He immediately cast a spell, draining all the seawater and withdrawing Thuy Tinh’s power. The giant tentacles vanished, leaving Thuy Tinh exhausted on dry sand, breathing heavily.

Seizing the moment, Son Tinh regained his composure and used his forest vines to tightly bind Thuy Tinh.

Thuy Tinh fell to his knees, his face filled with the bitterness of defeat. “Have I… lost?” he uttered. His attendants – an octopus, a fish, and a shrimp – staggered about, muttering, “Forget it, let’s go home and take a swim in the sea!”

The villagers erupted in thunderous applause and cheers: “Son-in-law Son Tinh! Son Tinh! Prince of the Green Forest!”

Son Tinh stepped forward with a magnanimous look and extended his hand to help Thuy Tinh up. “Stand up, my friend from the ocean!” he said. Then, using his vines, he gently wrapped them around Thuy Tinh’s body and carefully lowered him back into the sea. Though defeated, Thuy Tinh managed a scornful smile and said, “Next time, I will definitely win!”

The merman prince dove into the sea, his attendants flailing after him and leaving behind sparkling bubbles on the water’s surface. The villagers continued clapping loudly. Hung King and the Empress wiped the sweat from their brows and smiled with relief. The Empress shrugged and whispered, “Oh heavens, it finally ended well!”

Son Tinh walked over and gently took Mi Nuong’s soft hands. Their eyes met, overflowing with happiness.

The nine-tusked elephant blew air through its trunk and asked the horse, “Is it over now?!” The nine-red-hair horse neighed, “Of course it is!” The nine-spurred rooster nodded and clucked, “Congratulations to the bride and groom!”

Mi Nuong smiled happily and climbed onto the elephant’s howdah. The wedding procession continued its journey amid the villagers’ cheers and the brilliant sunlight, as if the heavens themselves were blessing this destined love story.

Chapter 8: Happy ending

Two years later, under the lush green forest canopy, sunlight filtered through the ancient treetops. Son Tinh, with skilled hands, was tying bamboo ropes to build a treehouse high up in a towering tree. The roof, covered with palm leaves, glistened like the green hair of the forest.

Nearby, a troop of mischievous monkeys with fluffy fur and clever eyes played with the couple’s son. Two monkeys, like acrobats, swung swiftly from branch to branch, tossing the boy back and forth between their nimble hands. The child laughed joyfully, waving his arms and legs like a little monkey. His bright laughter echoed through the forest, blending with the cheerful birdsong, creating a lively symphony of joy.

By the stream, Mi Nuong was hanging silk clothes to dry in the gentle breeze. Her face glowed with a soft smile. She looked up at the monkeys and her playful son, shaking her head with a tender smile, her eyes full of love. “Hey, that boy isn’t a banana for you to play with!” she called out playfully. The monkeys only blinked mischievously in response.

Son Tinh called back from above, “Don’t worry, Princess! They are my top-notch nannies!” The monkeys grinned proudly, as if they understood his words.

Suddenly, the birds in the forest began to chatter noisily, no longer singing sweetly but chirping urgently, as if warning of something ominous. The sound of a village gong rang out from afar, beating rapidly. Son Tinh, standing on a high branch, looked down toward the valley with eyes as sharp as a hawk’s. Without hesitation, he gently wrapped his vine-like arms around Mi Nuong. Like a divine wind, the two of them soared through the forest canopy, gliding over the treetops, heading toward the village where a new challenge awaited.

On the beach, waves crashed violently as seawater surged high, threatening to engulf the land. Villagers hurried back and forth, passing bags of earth to build dikes against the rising floods. Sweat glistened on their foreheads, and their eyes were filled with anxiety as they watched the ferocious waves churn.

One villager sighed in frustration, “It’s him again – the Thuy Tinh who lost the contest! Every year, he floods the area and destroys our crops! The roaring waves sounded like the arrogant laughter of the ocean.

Son Tinh approached the shoreline and stood firm like a mountain. He whistled loudly, the clear sound echoing like a call from the depths of the forest. From the shimmering sea, Thuy Tinh emerged, his glossy blue hair shining and his eyes sparkling like pearls, still harboring the same pride from years ago.

Son Tinh looked straight into his old rival’s eyes, his voice deep, warm, and firm: “My friend, the past is behind us. We should strive to live together in peace. I will not intrude upon your ocean domain, so you should also leave our land in peace. Agreed? Look, Mi Nuong was never a mermaid by birth. How could she live with you in the underwater palace? This is our destiny. I hope you will stop being so stubborn. Can you do that?”

Thuy Tinh remained silent for a moment, his gaze drifting over to Mi Nuong. Then he shrugged and gave a sly smile. “Yeah… you’re right.”

He turned around and dove into the blue sea, his sparkling silver fish tail flashing brightly, leaving behind only a small wave as a farewell.

The floodwaters gradually receded, and the villagers cheered aloud as the sturdy dikes held firm. It was as if heaven and earth were smiling, blessing the new harmony between the forest and the sea.

Under the brilliant summer sunlight, the towering mountain peak stood beside the long stretch of white sand beach like a scene from a fairy tale. The golden shore seemed to stretch endlessly, while the sea waves sparkled as if coated in silver. Fluffy white clouds drifted lazily across the deep blue sky, and pairs of seagulls soared gracefully above the waves, their snow-white wings riding the wind. Occasionally, they would dive sharply into the sea to catch fish, letting out cheerful cries.

On the long, white, sandy shore, the children of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh played joyfully together, chasing one another and tossing sand in playful bursts. The little mermen carried the forest boys on their backs, gliding across the waves in harmony with the sounds of the crashing sea.

On the beach, a lavish feast was laid out on stone tables. Son Tinh’s family had brought sweet fruits from the high mountains: golden mangoes, ripe bananas, and fragrant pineapples. The dishes were artfully arranged, creating a colorful, sparkling picture under the sunlight. Beside them, fish grilled by Thuy Tinh from the deep sea released a tempting aroma that was impossible for the children to resist.

Mi Nuong smiled gently as she held Son Tinh’s hand, their eyes meeting with overflowing love. Thuy Tinh stood beside his beautiful mermaid wife, gazing up at the bright sky, his eyes sparkling like the surface of the sea. They smiled with light hearts, for the forest and the ocean had finally found harmony. The battles of the past were now behind them.

Suddenly, Son Tinh whistled loudly, and the clear sound echoed like a call from the mountains and forests. From the high mountain peak, a flock of brilliantly colored birds flew toward them. Their wings beat rhythmically as they arranged themselves into a giant heart shape across the blue sky. The children looked up, pointing excitedly and cheering, their eyes sparkling like stars.

Not to be outdone, Thuy Tinh smiled and raised his hand to cast a spell. Seawater surged upward, twisting into shimmering columns of waves that encircled the heart formed by the birds. The water burst into sparkling sprays like liquid fireworks, glittering beautifully in the sunlight. This magical scene transformed the entire beach into a fairy-tale stage.

The children clapped and jumped with joy, their laughter ringing out and blending with the sound of the waves and the cheerful birdsong. Their annual gathering by the seaside became a beautiful legend – a tale of the forest and the ocean singing together in peace, forever passed down in the kingdom.