The Skyward Lotus Sect buzzed with a frenetic energy, a hive of activity preparing for the arrival of dignitaries from neighboring sects. Disciples scurried like ants, their arms laden with vibrant banners depicting the sect's lotus blossom insignia. Lanterns, painted with auspicious symbols, swayed from newly erected bamboo frames, casting a warm, inviting glow across the meticulously swept courtyards. The air thrummed with anticipation, a palpable tension underlying the forced smiles and hurried greetings.

Tian Hao, however, found himself strangely detached from the flurry of activity. He’d been assigned the seemingly simple task of overseeing the courtyard decorations, a role intended to keep him occupied and out of trouble, but even this seemingly menial task proved challenging.

"No, no, not like that!" he exclaimed, waving his hands in exasperation as a group of younger disciples struggled to hang a particularly elaborate banner. "The tassels are supposed to face east, towards the rising sun, to symbolize prosperity! Do you want to curse us with bad luck?"

The disciples, clearly intimidated by his unexpected outburst of authority, fumbled with the silk banner, their faces a mixture of confusion and fear. They adjusted the banner hastily, their hands trembling slightly as they tried to appease the young master, their earlier annoyance replaced with nervous apprehension. Tian Hao sighed, rubbing his temples. Even the simplest tasks seemed to require herculean efforts. He longed for the quiet serenity of his hidden garden, the comforting presence of Lin Mei, and the delicious distractions provided by Fatty Wu.

He paced the courtyard, his gaze scanning the decorations, a growing sense of unease settling in his stomach. This feast was more than just a celebration; it was a crucial test for the Skyward Lotus Sect, a chance to prove their strength and stability to the watchful eyes of their neighbors. His father’s words echoed in his mind – "We cannot afford any mistakes." The weight of that responsibility, a burden he had previously shrugged off, now pressed heavily on his shoulders.

Lost in his thoughts, Tian Hao almost missed the sight of a group of disciples struggling to put up a banner across the courtyard. His brow furrowed as he watched one of them wobble precariously on a stool, the banner unfurling unevenly. A sigh escaped his lips, snapping him out of his reverie.

"No, no, that's too high," Tian Hao called out, waving his hand. "You need it lower, so people can actually read it."

The disciples looked at him with a mixture of annoyance and resignation, adjusted the banner.

"No, no, not that low," Tian Hao interjected again, shaking his head. "Do you want people to walk into it?!"

One of the disciples let out an audible sigh, muttering, "I swear, he's never satisfied." Another disciple, trying to be helpful, suggested, "Maybe if we angle it a bit—"

Tian Hao's eyes narrowed. "Angle it? Are we trying to hang an art installation here or just put up a banner? Straight, but not so low people can use it as a headband!"

The disciples exchanged weary glances, one of them whispering under his breath, "If we survive this, we're demanding extra rations."

After what seemed like the tenth adjustment, Tian Hao finally gave them a lazy thumbs-up. "Perfect. See? Easy."

The disciples glared at him, one of them mouthing, "Easy, my foot," as they trudged away to the next task.

Later that afternoon, as he made his way towards the kitchens, seeking solace in Fatty Wu’s culinary creations, he passed by the sect's meeting hall. The doors were slightly ajar, and he could hear the muffled voices of his father, Elder Han, and Elder Hua. He paused, his curiosity piqued.

"We must present a united front," Tian Shou's voice, strained with worry, filtered through the gap in the doors. "The Blazing Sun Sect and the Golden Feather Sect are both watching us closely. They sense our weakness. We cannot give them any reason to doubt our strength.”

Elder Hua’s sharp voice cut through the air. "Indeed. Discipline and decorum are paramount. Any sign of weakness, any hint of internal discord, will be exploited. We must ensure that every disciple understands the gravity of this situation."

Elder Han's gentler tone followed. "While discipline is important, we should also emphasize hospitality. We must show them that we are not only strong but also gracious hosts, capable of forging alliances and building lasting relationships.”

Tian Hao leaned closer, peering through the crack in the door. His father sat at the head of the long, polished table, his face etched with fatigue, his shoulders slumped under the weight of responsibility. Elder Hua, her expression stern and unyielding, sat across from him, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Elder Han, his face lined but calm, sat beside her, his hand resting gently on the table, a silent gesture of reassurance.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

The sight of his father’s weary face, the tension in his posture, struck a chord within Tian Hao. He'd always seen his father as an unyielding figure, a man whose strength and authority were unwavering. Now, seeing the cracks in that façade, the vulnerability beneath the surface, he felt a pang of empathy, a sudden understanding of the immense pressure his father was under. He’d always dismissed his father's lectures about duty and honor as empty platitudes, but now, seeing the weight of responsibility etched on his face, he realized how much Tian Shou cared for the Skyward Lotus Sect. The weight of his legacy, the burden of the Tian clan—it rested squarely on his shoulders.

He straightened up, pulling away from the door, a newfound resolve hardening his gaze. He couldn’t just stand idly by, indulging in his pleasures while his father carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. He had to contribute, to do his part, to show that he wasn’t just a useless burden. He may not be able to match Liang Chen’s cultivation prowess, but he could certainly find other ways to contribute, to make a difference, to show his father, and the sect, that he wasn’t the wastrel they thought he was.

That evening, under the soft glow of the moon, Tian Hao gathered his allies in the overgrown garden. Fatty Wu, ever the gourmand, had prepared a small feast—experimental dishes infused with rare spiritual herbs and exotic spices. The air was fragrant with the scent of roasted meats, simmering broths, and the subtle sweetness of blooming jasmine flowers.

Lin Mei, her expression a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, eyed the unfamiliar dishes with a discerning gaze. "What are these?" she asked, pointing to a small, clay pot filled with a bubbling, emerald-green liquid.

Fatty Wu beamed, his round cheeks flushed with pride. "This, Miss Lin Mei, is my latest creation – 'Jade Heart Lotus Broth.' Infused with the essence of Jade Heart Lotus, it's said to enhance spiritual clarity and… other… pleasurable sensations." He winked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Tian Hao grinned, clapping his hands together. “Alright, everyone, listen up. I have a plan.” He looked at Lin Mei and Fatty Wu, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “This feast isn’t just about showing off our cultivation prowess. It's about showing the other sects that the Skyward Lotus Sect is more than just a fading power—we are innovative, adaptable, and capable of forging lasting alliances.”

He turned to Fatty Wu, his voice filled with a newfound authority. “Fatty Wu, I need you to bring your best dishes to the feast. Not just the usual fare, but your experimental creations. The ones with the… special ingredients. We need to wow them with flavors they’ve never experienced before. Let's showcase our culinary arts, not just our Qi manipulation!”

Fatty Wu’s eyes widened, his round face lighting up like a lantern. "Young Master, are you serious? You want me to use the herbs? But Elder Hua…"

Tian Hao waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about Elder Hua. I'll handle her. This feast is about more than just following tradition. It's about making an impression. What better way to do that than with food that’s… unforgettable?” He winked, and Fatty Wu’s hesitation vanished, replaced by a wide, enthusiastic grin.

“Oh, Young Master, I’ve been waiting for this day! I have a few creations that will blow their minds! ‘Heavenly Spirit Duck,’ ‘Profound Pork Belly Delight’… they're just the beginning!” He rubbed his hands together gleefully, already envisioning the culinary masterpieces he would create. “Just imagine their faces when they taste the ‘Qi Infused Cloudberry Tart’! It'll be a symphony of flavors, a dance of textures, a culinary revelation!”

He paused, then added with a conspiratorial wink, “With a little extra… something… to enhance their appreciation. They’ll be begging for more!”

Tian Hao chuckled, turning to Lin Mei, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Lin Mei, I need your help with the decorations. Not just the usual banners and lanterns. I want something… spectacular. Something that will enhance the atmosphere, amplify the experience. You’re good with formations, right? Can you create something subtle, something that will enhance the flavors of the food, amplify the aromas, create a sense of… harmony?”

Lin Mei hesitated, her brows furrowing slightly. "Formations that enhance flavors? I’ve never heard of such a thing. It’s… unorthodox.”

Tian Hao’s grin widened. “Exactly! We’re not going for orthodox, Mei Mei. We’re going for unforgettable. Think of it… subtle formations woven into the decorations, amplifying the aromas of Fatty Wu’s dishes, creating a symphony of scents that will tantalize their senses. Combine that with the… unique… properties of the spirit herbs, and we’ll have a feast that’s not just delicious but also… subtly enhances their cultivation. They’ll be talking about this for years!”

Lin Mei’s eyes widened, a spark of excitement igniting within them. The initial skepticism vanished, replaced by a growing enthusiasm. "I… I think I can do that,” she said, her voice filled with a newfound confidence. “It’s a challenge, but… it sounds… incredible.” A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "It will certainly be… unexpected."

Tian Hao beamed, clapping his hands together. “Excellent! We’ll work on the details tomorrow. For now,” he reached into Fatty Wu’s basket, pulling out a steaming dumpling, “let’s enjoy the fruits of our labor – or rather, the dumplings of Fatty Wu's labor.” He winked, and the three of them settled down to feast, their laughter echoing through the garden, the soft glow of the moon casting long shadows amongst the overgrown foliage.

The feast was just a few days away, and for the first time, Tian Hao felt a sense of anticipation, a thrill of excitement, not just for the indulgence to come but for the opportunity to prove himself, to show everyone, including his father, that even a lazy young master could contribute to the Skyward Lotus Sect.