BOOK II: THE RISE OF THE FLOWER

Wu Zhitian

Clouds swallowed the passing years

The thread tied on my finger

Lead to an empty space and could not be knotted

The flowers bloomed across mortal world

Were now only an empty sign

It was too late, the sky began to flow backwards

No matter how many lanterns i lit

They all collapsed back into the abyss

Where your body rested

...

TEN YEARS AGO

"Isn't today your Age of Reckoning? Shouldn't you be preparing for your performance?" Long Wen asked, laying on the ground of Yu Xuelan's bed-chamber.

"Mn, that's why I'm going to bring my pipa outside."

"Outside?!" Long Wen exclaimed, jolting up as she spat out her walnuts in shock. "You're going to go out somewhere? On this day?"

Yu Xuelan smiled, "I've heard people say it is good for one's health and future if they bask in natural sunlight on the day of their Age of Reckoning."

"But what if something happens to you? Don't you know what kind of strange things are outdoors? If you get hurt, then wouldn't that be a sign of bad omen?" Long Wen worried.

"Long Wen, I am not a child. Father may have been a bit too concerned for my wellbeing, but I will not be heading out too far. Mother already knows I am going to go out for some fresh air, so don't worry," Yu Xuelan responded.

Long Wen opened her mouth but closed it shortly after. She could say nothing back, especially seeing as how the girl was already prepared to leave.

"I'm surprised your father or mother didn't scold or ground you when you arrived late to the meeting with that Shu Zhangwei. If it was my mother, I would've died."

"I had my reasons and I have already apologized to Young Master Shu, so there is no bad blood between us."

Long Wen sighed, "Well, of course, there can't be. He's your fiancé after all."

This time, Yu Xuelan did not reply. She just simply smiled like always.

Long Wen sighed, "Alright, alright. Enough talking. Don't come back with an injury or your father will kill you. And me."

"Yes, I won't."

...

The Gou residence was the main residence of where the Sect Master's family lived and also where the highest level cultivators trained. The mountains there were always showered by the sun's warm hues, where bright and light-hearted people polluted the atmosphere.

There were spiritual barriers surrounding the mountain that if one was to have killing intent within their energy flow, the barrier would immediately push them out and alert the seniors of the place.

A man walked into the hall with his back straight, slightly tilting his head lower to meet the eyes of the disciples.

"Today is our daughter's Age of Reckoning. Make sure you decorate the hall and you set the seats up before the sun sets!" The man ordered the servants and maids.

"Yes, Master Yu!"

That man was the Sect Master of HaiShen Yu. Notably, Yu Xuelan's father.

"Honey, Master Shu has arrived. It is quite early, but I've seated them down at the western hall," Yu Xuelan's mother informed.

Her mother and father both treasured their only daughter as if she was a jewel amongst a million rocks. Going through two miscarriages had ultimately destroyed their hope of ever conceiving offspring. With all the pain and anguish they had been through, Yu Xuelan's father constantly prevented her from getting close to anything that posed great threats to her health.

Master Yu beamed in delight. "This early! I'll go greet them now."

The Gou Residence was the main manor owned by the HaiShen Yu Sect. The Sect owned four territories: Yangguang Peak, Mu Peak, ShenYuan Peak, and the Gou Residence. The seniors in Yangguang look after beginner disciples, and the higher the rank of one's cultivation practice, they will ascend peaks with the Gou Residence being the highest.

"What a pleasant sight it is." A man commented and strutted in, examining every inch of the hall with delight.

"Brother!" Master Yu exclaimed in joy as the two firmly exchanged a handshake.

Yu Yang was a prideful man. Some would say the two brothers were opposites regarding personality, values, appearance, perhaps, the only thing they had in common were the same parents. However, the two got along extremely well.

Madam Yu and Yu Yang exchanged greetings. "Madam Yu, how are you doing? I'm sure you are extremely proud of your daughter."

"Yes, I am. It is a blessing to have such a wonderful child."

"Well then, where is my lovely niece! I can't wait to see her finally reaching her Age of Reckoning! Time sure flies..."

Master Yu chuckled, "Xuelan is still in her chambers preparing. It sure is a delight to see what a diligent maiden she has come. Where are Mingling and Jiaying?"

"They're still getting ready. Mingling is taking extra long to prepare herself today. She must look forward to tonight a lot. Well, of course, I'm sure brother would make this ceremony extra grand. Have the other sects in the Four Autumn Alliance reported back?" Yu Yang asked.

"It's good to see Jiaying and Mingling taking their time. And yes, Zheng Long and Shu are here. I was just about to go greet them now!"

"Let us go together! I haven't seen the two brothers in a long time."

Yu Xuelan's mother felt uneasy amidst the joyous occasion, yet she did not know why. As the two brothers conversed, she walked out of the hall and headed to Yu Xuelan's bedchambers.