As the morning sun bathed the Blazing Dawn Sect in its golden light, signaling the start of Lin’s birthday celebrations, the sect was bustling with activity. Servants hurriedly decorated the grounds with vibrant banners and delicate flowers, setting the stage for the day’s events. Yet, amidst the lively preparations, a heart-wrenching sob echoed through the halls of Shun Mansion. The sorrowful sound came from Lu Lan, who had just returned to the sect after over a year away.
Lu Lan had been filled with excitement at the prospect of celebrating her younger cousin Lin’s birthday. The anticipation had grown over the past few weeks, especially after receiving an invitation detailing the plans for the grand celebration. But a letter, received just days before her arrival, shattered her joy. It carried news of her brother, Lu Shun’s, grave condition—an affliction that had left him in a deep, life-threatening coma. Now, standing beside her brother’s bedside, the reality of the situation hit her like a wave, her sobs uncontrollable as she gazed at his still, unconscious form.
By the doorway, her husband, Liu Yang, stood with a somber expression, his usual strong presence subdued by the weight of the moment. He watched his wife’s grief with silent understanding, knowing there was little he could do to ease her pain. Standing with him were Qin, Lu Lan’s mother, and her father, Lu Mingfei, their faces etched with similar grief. Both had been with Lu Shun throughout his ordeal, but seeing Lu Lan's raw emotion brought a fresh wave of sorrow into the room.
Lu Mingfei, seemed visibly affected by his daughter’s distress. His face, usually calm and stern, was softened by concern for his children. He remained silent, but his eyes betrayed the heavy burden he carried as the head of the family.
Qin approached her daughter after some time, gently placing a hand on her shoulder to steady her sobs. She began explaining everything that had transpired while Lu Lan was away—the demonic attack that had left her brother in this state, the tireless efforts of Mount Hua’s and their physicians, and the grave diagnosis they had delivered. Lu Lan listened intently, her tears slowing but her heart still heavy. Her mother’s voice was calm but tinged with sadness, and every word felt like a dagger in Lu Lan’s chest.
When Qin mentioned that only the legendary Heavenly Doctor might have the skill to save Lu Shun, Lu Lan’s eyes widened. “The Heavenly Doctor?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. She had heard of the mysterious figure, renowned for their miraculous cures but infamous for being nearly impossible to find—or convince to help.
Qin nodded slowly. “Yes, only he can heal him now. Your Aunt Li Mei has already sent a letter to Verdant Valley Sect, requesting his help.”
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
Lu Lan wiped her eyes, trying to pull herself together. “Then all we can do is wait?”
“For now, yes. We must wait for a reply,” Qin said softly. “But knowing her, your Aunt Li Mei will not rest until she gets an answer.”
Lu Lan’s gaze drifted back to her brother, her heart aching at the sight of him lying motionless, his once vibrant energy completely drained. “Shun was always so strong... It doesn’t feel real to see him like this.”
Her mother’s hand squeezed her shoulder gently. “He is strong, Lan, and we must have faith that he will pull through. We just need time.”
Liu Yang stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Lu Lan’s back. “We will stay as long as it takes. Your brother will need you by his side when he wakes up.”
Lu Mingfei, who had been silent throughout the exchange, finally spoke, his deep voice filled with quiet determination. “We will do everything in our power, Lan. No one in this family is giving up on Shun.”
The room fell into a heavy silence, the unspoken fear hanging in the air. Even though they were putting their hope in the Heavenly Doctor, there was no guarantee he would come—let alone be able to save Lu Shun. But for now, it was all they had.
Meanwhile, in Jinwei Mansion,
the atmosphere was quite different. Junior Edina was already preparing for the morning banquet, where they would be hosting guests from the sect's affiliates. Despite the toned-down celebrations due to Lu Shun’s condition, the affiliated sects still had to be invited, as the banquet served more than just a social purpose. The real reason for gathering the affiliated sect leaders was that Sect Leader Liang Feng planned to announce his retirement during the evening’s event.
Earlier that morning, Junior Edina had discreetly sent a letter to Princess Huangshu, informing her about the upcoming retirement announcement. She knew it would take time for the letter to reach the imperial palace, but by the time it did, the announcement would have already been made. Edina was careful, ensuring that their faction had an advantage by getting the information ahead of their rivals. Every piece of information mattered, and staying ahead was crucial in the delicate power play that was about to unfold.
As she stood in her room, Edina began picking out a dress for the breakfast banquet. Lian Hua, her trusted maid, laid out several choices in front of her. The silks shimmered in the morning light, but one particular dress caught Edina’s eye. The intricate design bore the unmistakable seal of the Jade Grass Commerce, a rising star in the world of trade.
“Lian Hua, where did this dress come from?” Junior Edina asked, her curiosity piqued as she held up the garment, running her fingers over the delicate embroidery.
Lian Hua smiled, pleased that her mistress had noticed. “It’s from Jade Grass Commerce, miss. The store has been incredibly successful these past few months. They've opened 23 stores across four regions in just three months, and there’s talk of expanding to at least 13 more in the capital.”
Edina’s brows furrowed slightly, her mind racing as she processed this information. This wasn’t supposed to happen. She remembered that Senior Edina had told her that Jade Grass Commerce wouldn't become popular for another four years. And yet, here it was, flourishing far ahead of schedule.
Something had changed. This unexpected early success of Jade Grass Commerce was an anomaly she couldn’t ignore. She made a mental note to pass this information on to Senior Edina during their usual exchange next Tuesday.
But for now, she had to focus on the present. The banquet was looming, and with it, the first steps toward securing her future position within the sect. With her grandfather’s retirement announcement, the power dynamics within the Blazing Dawn Sect were about to shift, and Edina needed to be ready.