In the ethereal realm of Mount Qiyun, Master Chen sat in his celestial workshop, crafting toys not for mortal children, but for the spirit companions of immortals. His weathered hands moved with practiced precision as he shaped divine materials into playthings that would delight the celestial beasts who served the gods.

“The Dragon Lord’s kitten grows restless again,” his apprentice Li Ming announced, entering with a flutter of silk robes. “She seeks another of your creations.”

Chen’s eyes, ancient as the mountains themselves, remained fixed on the gleaming jade ball taking shape beneath his fingers. “Every toy I craft carries a piece of my essence,” he murmured. “With each one, my immortality dims further.”

Li Ming’s brow furrowed. “Master, surely you don’t mean—”

“We all make choices, dear student. Even immortals must eventually decide what truly matters.”

The workshop fell silent save for the whisper of Chen’s tools against precious materials. Each toy he created was more than a mere plaything - it was an artifact that could soothe the wildest celestial beast, bringing joy to both pet and master. But the cost was his own life force, gradually depleting with each masterpiece.

“You’ve taught me everything except the final enchantment,” Li Ming said softly. “Why won’t you share that secret?”

Chen finally looked up, his eyes containing millennia of wisdom and sorrow. “Because, my child, it requires something that cannot be taught - the willing sacrifice of one’s own immortality. Each toy carries a fragment of eternal life, freely given.”

Li Ming’s voice shook. “Then let me take up the burden. I am young, my immortality fresh and strong.”

“No.” Chen’s tone was gentle but firm. “This is my path. I chose it five thousand years ago when I first discovered the joy my creations could bring. Besides,” he smiled, “I have lived long enough to know that even immortality grows tiresome without purpose.”

As he completed the jade ball, infusing it with his essence, Chen felt his physical form grow slightly more transparent. Soon he would fade entirely, having given away the last of his immortal energy piece by piece through countless toys that brought delight to the heavens.

Li Ming watched through tears as his master worked, understanding at last that true immortality lies not in endless existence, but in the joy we create for others. When Chen finally disappeared, leaving only his final creation behind, the workshop filled with the sound of distant laughter - the eternal echo of happiness his toys had brought to the celestial realm.

The jade ball found its way to the Dragon Lord’s kitten, who played with it for centuries to come, each bounce and roll containing a spark of the craftsman who had loved his work enough to give everything for it.