Yongli turned back to the window, his heart lighter but his resolve unshaken. The Central Plains had weathered countless storms, and now it would weather another. The actions he would take in the coming days would alter the course of the empire’s history forever.
Outside, the clouds parted completely, and the moon shone brightly, as if bearing witness to the decision that would shape the fate of the Central Plains and beyond.
A month had passed since Sect Leader Liang Feng's announcement of retirement, and the bitter cold of winter in Gunghua Province was beginning to relent. The icy winds persisted, but the once-relentless snowfall had diminished, making travel less treacherous for messengers. As a result, communication between distant regions was now flowing with fewer interruptions.
It was under these improved conditions that a missive of great importance arrived from the far south. The message contained not only a response from the renowned Heavenly Doctor but also an urgent request for assistance. Both matters were directly tied to the fate of the Blazing Dawn Sect and its current fragile political balance.
The sect's main hall, the Blazing Sun Mansion, was filled with palpable tension as key members gathered to discuss the letter's implications. Around the long, polished wooden table sat the central figures of the sect, each wearing an expression of gravity. On the left were the three elders, whose years of experience made them formidable voices within the sect.
Elder Qin Han Cha Mu, the most senior, exuded an aura of wisdom, his flowing white hair and calm demeanor lending him a sage-like presence. Beside him sat Elder Dao Cha Mo, a younger man in his thirties whose sharp black eyes matched his neatly tied dark hair. Despite his relative youth, Dao commanded respect with his keen intellect and polished speech. Completing the trio was Elder Lu Cha Mi, an older man who looked remarkably youthful, his dark hair betraying his age. Known for his pragmatic outlook, he sat silently, his calculating gaze sweeping over the room.
On the right were the sect’s most prominent family leaders. Lu Mingfe Cha Ling, head of the Jade Faction, sat with his wife, Qin Cha Ling, at his side. Qin, originally from the prestigious Mount Hua Sect, wore a composed expression, though her worried glances toward her husband betrayed her concern. Dressed in elegant yet modest robes, she projected an air of quiet dignity.
Next to them was Li Mei Cha Mu, the headstrong figurehead of the Gold Faction, resplendent in a deep crimson silk robe adorned with intricate golden embroidery. Her dark hair was tied into an elaborate bun, and her sharp gaze indicated her readiness to defend her stance. Beside her sat her husband, Han Cha Mu, a towering man with a broad frame and the confident bearing of a seasoned warrior.
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Further down the table sat the younger members, including Junior Edina, who was flanked by her faction’s figurehead, Chuang Chi. Despite her relatively young age and inexperience compared to the others, Edina’s presence was commanding. She bore the quiet intensity of someone determined to prove herself.
Presiding over this tense assembly was Liang Feng Cha Ling, the retired sect leader, who now occupied the central seat as a neutral arbiter. Despite relinquishing official authority, his word still carried immense weight.
It was Li Mei who first spoke, her tone direct and unwavering. "The Heavenly Doctor has agreed to examine Lu Shun, but his message also carries an urgent plea. Their sect in Verdant Valley is under siege by barbarian tribes from the south. He has requested reinforcements from the Blazing Dawn Sect, citing the need for additional warriors to repel the attack."
Her words sent murmurs rippling through the room, but she pressed on. "I could have concealed the doctor’s request for reinforcements and taken the opportunity to curry favor with the Verdant Valley Sect by sending warriors from my faction alone. However, I chose to disclose this to show my transparency and loyalty to this family. Lu Shun’s condition is dire, and his recovery is paramount. But I will not risk my honor to achieve it."
It was a surprising declaration, especially given the political atmosphere. Li Mei had refrained from leveraging the situation to bolster her faction's influence. Her decision not to exploit the moment for personal gain was a rarity in the current climate of unbridled ambition.
Lu Mingfe spoke next, his voice heavy with emotion. "If this is the case, we cannot afford to delay. Lu Shun has been in a coma for more than two months. Every day that passes dims his chances of recovery. We must act immediately. I propose that we each contribute warriors to the effort. Let us set aside these factional disputes for now and focus on saving my son."
His desperation was clear. For all his political maneuvering, Lu Mingfe was, at his core, a father desperate to save his child. The room fell silent, the weight of his plea hanging in the air.
Finally, Liang Feng broke the silence. "Li Mei," he said, turning his steady gaze to his daughter, "it would be prudent for you to lead this mission yourself, given your ties to the Heavenly Doctor. Your presence would ensure the mission's success and reassure our allies of our sincerity."
Li Mei stiffened, her expression hardening. "No," she replied firmly. "I care for Lu Shun deeply, but I cannot and will not go south. I will send capable martial artists from my faction, but I will not personally lead them."
Her refusal was met with quiet murmurs of shock, though no one voiced their objections. The room was keenly aware of her past—of the year and a half she had spent as a captive of the southern barbarians during her youth. The trauma of those days had left deep scars, and her unwillingness to return to that region was understood, if not entirely accepted.
The silence was broken by an unexpected voice. "I will go," Junior Edina said, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
All eyes turned to her. The air seemed to still as the assembly regarded the young woman, her face set with determination. At that moment, the room was filled with a quiet intensity.