2 Lightning Struck

Before Yun Da Xia opened her eyes, she knew instinctively that something was wrong.

Her hand was tightly held in a grasp, while breathless shaking sobs caused a chill to run down her spine. She was in a position that anyone could take advantage of. Though she could not sense any killing intent from the someone before her, she tensed her body in anticipation for a fight.

Where were the people who wanted to kill her? Where was master?

How was she not dead?

Yun Da Xia forced her eyes open, blinking to dispel a haze and sitting up. She yanked her hand from the hold and fell into a defensive position. A woman yelped, stunned by her quick movement. After the first shock, she did not care that the young lady acted unlike the usual gentle Xia'er [1]. Unfathomable joy colored the woman's face, washing away her haggard appearance.

Her daughter was no longer in a state where she was more dead than alive! Countless doctors had told her to not raise her hopes, but the heavens had felt her pain and wept alongside her!

"Ah! Quickly call the physician, call the master! Xia'er is awake! Xia'er is awake!" The woman cried, leaving the room. Ignoring her, Yun Da Xia scanned the room for any escape route. A shock welcomed her.

There were no signs of technological advancements. Electricity, circuits, and wires were nonexistent; light came from candles and an ink stone lay on a table. The furniture was ornate in a way that was rarely seen in the modern day. Clenching her jaw, her eyes honed on a window. She rushed towards it, but stumbled in the long robes that adorned her body. Panic added fuel to the unease in her heart.

Is this a past life? Had her soul been sent back in time? Many possibilities ran through her head, spurned by the countless fiction pieces she was fond of. Before she attempted to remember the plot lines of novels with a similar premise, a switch clicked in her brain. She froze her actions, perched dangerously on the windowsill.

"When you arrive, look for my brother."

This must be it. Master must have sent her here, to this world he hated. Panicking, she checked if she had brought along her contracted space along with her. Seeing the familiar red stoned ring on her finger, she breathed a sigh of relief. There was no question in Yun Da Xia's mind that master knew those people would come for them. That they would covet their deaths. She shuddered a breath, knowing the cost for sending her soul to this world would be at the expense of something great.

Was that why master couldn't fight against those people? Did he use his life and his power in exchange for her safety?

She wanted to scream.

"Young Miss!" Cries came from behind her, and she glanced at the robed people that gaped at her in horror. Glancing down, Yun Da Xia realized she was still on the windowsill, posed to tumble downwards. "What? What's wrong with my daughter?" The madame of the household entered in a flurry, but abruptly lost her consciousness. Though there were no tender hearts in this generals residence, how could a mother stand to see such scene?

"Yun Da Xia!" A large bearded man bellowed as he charged into the room. In a flash, she was engulfed in a hug, and carried away from the precarious position.

Reeling from the movement, her eyes glinted with a sharpness. By his appearance, this man looked to be in his late thirties but was already a fifth stage Jade cultivator. Though, his talent was worthy of admiration, it added another setback to her escape. "Let me go!" She struggled.

"Unfilial child! You scare your mother and father by getting struck by lightning, now you try to commit suicide! Have we so wronged you that you would rather move on to your next life?" Though the words were sharp and stinging, the gentle way he held her spoke greater volumes.

"But the height from that window isn't enough to take my life?"

Yun Wei glared at her, "Eh? So you were thinking of jumping out!" Biting regret attacked his chest. His years on the battlefield won glory for the kingdom of Zhan, but left his wife without a husband and his children without a father. He failed to protect this pearl, allowing that foolish third prince to wound her spirit so; making her wish to harm her body to cope! Unacceptable! He seethed internally.

At his accusation, Yun Da Xia just nodded, blankly. Her mind was quickly trying to process everything that occurred. Her soul was now taking hold in a body foreign to her. It was clear that the previous soul had people who cared for her and loved her. But how could the current Yun Da Xia pick up her life from now on? She couldn't act to save her life, but all she knew of this world was of its cultivation which master had taught her. In this society that revered the strong, she needed some sort of backing or else she would not make it far.

Deflated, General Yun let his hand rest on her head. "Xia'er, father will claim justice for you! That third prince is not worthy of your affections. Please, don't hurt yourself because of him anymore."

Blinking her eyes slowly at the man, her eyebrows furrowed. She hesitated before asking, "Father?"

A plan had sparked in Yun Da Xia's mind. Didn't he say she was struck by lightning?

Her eyes rounded with a shine. Internally she was screaming: Play along! Pity this poor, dumb girl who doesn't know anything!

Watching his precious daughter's gaze vacant of recognition, the grievance in him rose in waves. "Guards!" He roared, attempting to mask his grief. "Where is that good for nothing physician?"

A man bowed, "Master, he has already stepped foot in the estate." Yun Wei harrumphed, then frowned, calling out. "For now, do not let the madame into this room. Call Yong'er and have him come immediately." The man bowed again and quickly made the arrangements.

At last, the physician entered the room. He was intimidated by the intense pressure the general was releasing, sweat dripping down his face. Setting down his equipment, he took Yun Da Xia's pulse. His eyes widened, and his heart stopped. Checking over her body, he bowed before Yun Wei. "It is a miracle, General Yun! Most of those struck by lightning wake in a timeframe between many months to many years. Her pulse is strong and steady. She should be monitored in case of periods of weakness, which I will prescribe medicine for. But the result is far more generous than we could have hoped for. The Young Miss must be favored by the heavens."

"Hold it." The general commanded, cutting off the physician's flattery. He motioned at the doorway, where a handsome young man stood. His face appeared to have been carved from granite, an icy aura making him unapproachable to many. After briefly glancing at his father, Yun Yong placed all his attention on the figure on the bed. The cold expression on his face softening by a fraction.

"Mei mei [2]." His voce carried a warm affection as he moved towards her. Yun Da Xia quickly shifted back, allowing a flash of distrust color her eyes.

"I'm sorry, but who are you?"

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[1] 'er: this is added on to names as a form of endearment; direct translation is 'child.'

[2] Mei mei: term of endearment meaning little sister.