Sect Leader Liang Feng knew that the situation was similar in the Blazing Dawn Sect. In fact, it was already far beyond that point. He had not stepped down earlier because of Edina's torment under her aunt. He had decided to stay on as sect leader until Edina came of age, at which point the sect could marry her off to save her from the infighting. But seeing as she was already becoming proactive, even going as far as joining and helping to create the princess faction with Princess Huangshu, it no longer seemed viable for him to continue.
Once the race for ascension started, he would no longer be the sect leader but merely the former sect leader. This would allow him to become the figurehead for Edina’s faction in the sect until she came of age. After some thought, he decided to announce his stepping down on Lin’s fifteenth birthday in 2 months and officially start the race for ascension in the sect.
Ganso City, Capital of Gunghua Province,
In a bustling corner of Ganso City, an old man in his early fifties sipped tea in the back office of a busy store. His dark black hair cascaded down to his shoulders, contrasting with his fair skin. The aura around him, indicative of a 5th-grade martial artist, exuded a quiet but formidable presence. He wore a somewhat luxurious outfit, befitting his status as Chen Huan, the head of Jade Grass Commerce.
Chen Huan's office, though modest, reflected his innovative spirit and determination. The walls were adorned with sketches of clothing designs and charts tracking the store's progress. The ready-made clothing business he had envisioned for so long finally seemed within reach.
A month ago, his fortunes took a turn for the better when Mistress Li Mei Cha Mu of the Mu family invested in his idea. Her influence and reputation helped Chen Huan secure additional funds from investors in other provinces. This influx of capital allowed him to establish a continuous supply of raw materials and hire a skilled workforce of seamstresses and tailors to produce clothing year-round.
The innovative approach to mass-producing clothing enabled Jade Grass Commerce to offer garments at lower prices than ever before. Unlike traditional methods that required unique designs for each dress, the new system allowed for consistent, high-quality production, making fashionable clothing accessible to commoners. The first store opened just a week ago, and the initial investment had already yielded a return of one-fourth, with enough profit left over to open two more stores.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
As Chen Huan gazed out of his office window, he saw herds of peasant families flocking to the store, eagerly purchasing affordable clothes. The sight filled him with a sense of accomplishment and hope. The dream that once seemed unreachable was now unfolding before his eyes.
The store itself was a hive of activity. Rows of neatly arranged garments hung on racks, each piece meticulously crafted. Customers moved through the aisles, marveling at the variety and quality of the clothes on offer. The air was filled with the sounds of excited chatter and the rustling of fabric as people tried on their chosen items.
In the back of the store, seamstresses worked diligently, their hands a blur as they sewed and tailored garments. The rhythmic hum of wooden sewing machines added to the lively atmosphere. Chen Huan had hired some of the best tailors and seamstresses in the region, ensuring that each piece of clothing met his high standards.
Chen Huan couldn't help but smile as he thought about the future. If the current pace continued, Jade Grass Commerce would soon become one of the most profitable businesses in the industry. The success of the stores not only meant financial security for him and his investors but also brought a sense of pride and fulfillment.
Shining Blade Sect, Shenzhou Province
The imperial carriages rolled to a stop in a neat row at the entrance of the Shining Blade Sect. As the doors opened, Princess Huangshu, accompanied by Junior Edina, stepped down with the assistance of Lian Hua and Jinhai. The servants lining the path bowed respectfully as Princess Huangshu entered the main hall.
Princess Huangshu stretched her arms and sighed, "Ha, we are finally back to the Shining Blade Sect. It’s sad that I will have to return to the capital once the ceremony here ends," she said with a somewhat wistful smile.
Junior Edina nodded, her expression thoughtful. "But we will meet up again in Dongu Village after three months, right?" she reminded, her voice tinged with optimism.
Princess Huangshu's smile brightened at the reminder. "Yes, we will. And we have so much to prepare for before then," she said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. The bond between them was evident.
The group chatted for a few more minutes, discussing the upcoming ceremony and their plans for the future. Princess Huangshu's presence exuded a calm authority, while Junior Edina's enthusiasm added a lively energy to their conversation.
After their brief exchange, everyone dispersed to their guest rooms to rest and prepare for the events ahead.
Training Grounds in the Shining Blade Sect
As dawn broke, the training grounds of the Shining Blade Sect came to life with the sounds of dedicated disciples practicing their martial arts. The grounds were vast, with different sections dedicated to various forms of training. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the area, illuminating the sweat and effort of the practitioners.
In one corner of the grounds, Lin was immersed in her training. Her black hair flew in the wind as she skillfully wielded a staff, each movement precise and powerful. She wore a cute hanfu that glowed in the morning sun, the fabric fluttering with her movements. Her concentration was intense, each strike and block executed with perfect form.
Lin’s practice was interrupted when she noticed the imperial carriages arriving at the sect. She paused, wiping the sweat from her brow, and squinted towards the entrance. The sight of the carriages brought a flicker of annoyance to her face.
"So, the cripple is back, huh..." she muttered under her breath, her tone laced with disdain.