It had been two weeks since Edina returned to the Shining Blade Sect, and today was finally the day of the coming-of-age ceremony for Young Master Tian Lian. Once the ceremony was over, she could return home to the Blazing Dawn Sect.
Unlike her usual habit of waking up late, Junior Edina was already up and dressed with the help of her maid, Lian Hua. As she looked in the mirror, she took a moment to compose herself. She then took her cane and, with Lian Hua’s hand for support, walked out of her guest room.
The Shining Blade Sect was a sight to behold. The early morning sun bathed the sect in a golden light, highlighting the intricate architecture and well-maintained gardens. Disciples were bustling about, preparing for the ceremony. The air was filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. Beautifully crafted banners and lanterns adorned the paths, and the scent of incense wafted through the air, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and celebration.
Edina's journey to the main hall was filled with greetings and polite bows from the sect members. Despite her status as a guest, she was treated with great respect, a testament to her noble lineage and the influence of the Blazing Dawn Sect. She noticed the meticulous care taken in every aspect of the sect’s maintenance, from the polished stone pathways to the blooming flowers in the garden.
Meanwhile, at the training grounds of the Shining Blade Sect,
Li Mei was pushing her children, Wei and Lin, through rigorous training. With a powerful swing, she sent Wei sprawling across the field. For a week now, she had been dedicating her time to training them, as she couldn’t engage in her usual responsibilities here and Wei was on the verge of breaking through to grade 1.
“That’s the fifth time you’ve run straight into the attack, Wei,” Li Mei scolded, her tone firm yet patient. “That’s not how you fight. Take a break, then get dressed for Young Master Tian’s ceremony. We will practice again once we get back home.”
Wei, lying on the ground and panting heavily, looked up at his mother. “Okay, mother,” he replied, his voice weary yet determined.
Li Mei gave him an approving smile before turning to leave. Lin, who had been sitting on the sidelines, walked up to her brother with a smirk. “Man, you are so hopeless,” she said, her tone teasing.
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Wei glared at her as he tried to catch his breath. “Why are you still here watching me train? I thought you’d already gone to get ready for the ceremony,” he retorted.
Lin shrugged nonchalantly. “Watching you train is like watching a man try to pick up a coin glued to the ground. He can’t pick it up, no matter how much he tries, but watching him struggle is hilarious,” she said with a mischievous glint in her eye.
Before Wei could respond, Li Mei’s voice rang out from across the field. “Lin, don’t be mean to your brother,” she admonished.
The training grounds of the Shining Blade Sect were bustling with activity. Disciples of all ages were engaged in various forms of martial training, from practicing sword techniques to honing their qi control. The air was filled with the sounds of clashing weapons and the focused grunts of exertion. The grounds themselves were meticulously maintained, with neatly trimmed grass and pathways lined with smooth, polished stones.
Wei pushed himself up from the ground, wincing slightly as he did so. Despite the pain, there was a fire in his eyes—a determination to improve and prove himself. He glanced at Lin, who was now looking at him with a mixture of amusement and mild concern.
Main Hall, Shining Blade Sect
The main hall of the Shining Blade Sect was a grand sight to behold. Elaborate decorations adorned the walls, and intricate tapestries told the story of the sect's glorious past. Guests from all walks of life were present, from Princess Huangshu to the old merchants of the region. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and excitement.
Junior Edina sat next to Princess Huangshu, engaged in quiet conversation. Despite the social nature of the event, she mostly avoided interaction with others, preferring the company of the princess. Her thoughts were preoccupied with the upcoming return to the Blazing Dawn Sect, and the responsibilities that awaited her there.
The ceremony began with the entrance of Xu Lian, he sect leader of the Shining Blade Sect. She walked with an air of authority and grace, her robes flowing behind her. The crowd fell silent as she took the stage, bringing her son, Tian Lian, to the forefront.
Xu Lian addressed the assembly with a voice that commanded attention. "Today, we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in the life of my son, Tian Lian. As he comes of age, it is with great pride that I present him with the traditional crest-forged sword of our sect."
She unveiled the sword, its blade gleaming under the light of the lanterns. The hilt was intricately designed, bearing the crest of the Shining Blade Sect—a symbol of their enduring legacy and commitment to martial excellence.
"Tian Lian," Xu Lian continued, turning to her son, "this sword represents not only your passage into adulthood but also your responsibility to uphold the values and traditions of our sect. May it serve as a reminder of your duty to protect and lead with honor."
Tian Lian accepted the sword with a solemn nod, his expression one of determination and pride. The hall erupted into applause as he held the weapon aloft, signifying his readiness to embrace his role within the sect.
Throughout the ceremony, Junior Edina remained mostly silent, her eyes occasionally meeting those of Princess Huangshu.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the guests began to disperse. Junior Edina, along with Princess Huangshu, exchanged polite farewells with those around them. It wasn't long before Edina found herself with her aunt Li Mei, her uncle, and their children.
Together, they made their way out of the Shining Blade Sect and began their journey back to the Blazing Dawn Sect.