Three days later.
At Feng Manor in the Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm.
“Second Master, the ceremony is about to begin, ” came a disciple’s gentle voice from outside.
“Second Master,” the person inside chuckled, holding up a translucent pearl to examine it carefully against the sunlight. “After today, that word ‘Second’ will never be heard again.”
The disciple outside lowered his head, not daring to speak further. Though the Second Master would officially ascend as the Sect Master after today’s ceremony, until it happened, he dared not change how he addressed him. This was because of the authority that Feng Yuhan had established during his years of ruling the Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm – even with the main branch’s fall from power, that aura of dominance hadn’t completely faded.
“Let’s go.” A man dressed in ornate robes appeared before him. A curved saber hung at his waist, and his boots were adorned with gold threads, showing he had dressed meticulously for the occasion. Yet, despite his efforts, the man still gave off a gloomy and oppressive aura. His sunken eyes shone with a chilling light that unsettled anyone who looked at him. As he stepped forward, his limping gait was both pitiable and somewhat ridiculous.
Compared to that day when Feng Yuhan stood before the Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm, blade in hand, driving away dozens of experts from the two other sects of Yunmeng Prefecture… today’s Second Master Feng Yuli fell far too short. The disciple shook his head – could the once-mighty Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm really be led by such a Sect Master?
Feng Yuli strode quickly toward his palanquin. For years, he had rarely moved so fast, as the quicker his steps, the more obvious his limp became. As the Second Master of the Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm, no one dared mock him openly, yet Feng Yuli always felt that whenever he walked, all eyes were upon him, silently laughing behind their hands. But after today, that would all change!
No one will ever laugh at me again! Feng Yuli sat in the palanquin, taking a deep breath to calm himself. In a deliberately subdued voice, he asked, “Have the envoys from the other two sects arrived?”
“Yes, Second Master,” replied the disciple stationed to the left of the palanquin. “The Second Hall Master of the Heavenly Book Hall and the Master of the Heavenly Water Manor are both at the base of the mountain.”
“That old fellow from Heavenly Water Manor came as well?” Feng Yuli was startled.
“We just received the news this morning. Elder Liu has finally passed the position of manor master to Young Master Liu Duohan. It’s Liu Duohan who has come,” the disciple explained.
“The succession of Heavenly Water Manor… could it really be this simple? Merely a matter of words?” Feng Yuli said in a brooding tone.
The disciple beside the left of the palanquin quickly lowered his head and retreated a step, saying nothing.
“Let’s go,” Feng Yuli ordered.
On the mountain road, two carriages traveled side by side, with disciples on horseback guarding both front and rear. Flags fluttered on both carriages: one bore the emblem of an open book, the other a fish leaping from the water— the emblems of the Heavenly Book Hall and Heavenly Water Manor respectively.
Second Master Mu Pan drew back the side curtain of the Heavenly Book Hall carriage and called to the neighboring carriage. “Congratulations, Brother Liu, on becoming the Master of Heavenly Water Manor. I thought we were only here to celebrate Feng Yuli’s ascension to Sect Master of the Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm, but it seems we have double the cause for celebration!”
Liu Duohan also drew back the curtain and clasped his fist toward Mu Pan. “Thank you, Second Elder Mu. However, I feel your earlier words were somewhat inappropriate. I hope you’ll refrain from repeating them once we reach the mountain.”
“Oh?” Mu Pan raised an eyebrow. “What was inappropriate?”
“My father has retired from the martial world and gone to live in seclusion on the rear mountain of Heavenly Water Manor – that truly is something to celebrate. But here at the Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm, Sect Master Feng Yuhan has vanished without a trace, and Feng Yuli is reluctantly stepping into the position of Sect Master. Even so, he hasn’t given up hope of finding Feng Yuhan. This is no cause for celebration – it should rather fill us with sorrow.”
Mu Pan paused, nodding in agreement. “Brother Liu, your thoughts are truly meticulous.”
Liu Duohan sighed lightly. Having lived for years under the shadow of his father, Liu Ruyuan, he had learned to tread cautiously in all things. This deeply ingrained prudence had become his second nature. Even though he was now officially the Manor Master, the chains in his heart remained unbroken, and he dared not reveal even a shred of joy.
Mu Pan leaned out of the carriage again, surveying the scenery of Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm. His expression turned peculiar as he asked with an ambiguous smile, “I wonder, Brother Liu, have you shared these thoughts with Feng Yuli?”
“I did remind him when we met before.” Liu Duohan observed Mu Pan’s expression and frowned slightly. “Why does Second Master Mu ask such a question?”
Mu Pan burst into laughter. “Just look at the Heavenly Dawn Cloud Realm – every mansion has been painted with fresh red lacquer, and colorful banners hang at every gate. Where’s this ‘sorrow’ you spoke of, Brother Liu? It looks more like they’re preparing for a grand wedding!”
Liu Duohan also leaned out to take in the sight, his expression gradually hardening before he could only shake his head with a sigh. “This Feng Yuli… he really doesn’t have what it takes.”
“Hahaha! Brother Liu, why sigh? The less capable Feng Yuli is, the happier we should be!” Mu Pan didn’t bother hiding his thoughts, speaking with unrestrained candor.
Liu Duohan shot Mu Pan a glance but remained silent.
“Don’t tell me Brother Liu thinks I’m also unsuited for my role?” Mu Pan asked with a smile.
“Second Elder Mu jests,” Liu Duohan let the curtain fall back into place.
“Brother Liu, you live far too cautiously,” Mu Pan also returned to his seat, humming a light tune, his mood seemingly much improved.
At the Immortal Jade Palace, in Feng Wan’er’s residence.
Feng Wan’er had changed into a red dress that matched the celebratory atmosphere blanketing the mountain. However, her dress seemed to have been tailored to her taste, modestly covering most areas while leaving her chest partially exposed. It was hard to look away yet equally hard not to feign disinterest, which was exactly the awkward state Xie Yuling found himself in.
“Third Young Master Xie,” Feng Wan’er called softly. “Third Young Master?”
Xie Yuling looked up at the sky. “Good morning, Aunt Feng.”
“Good morning, Third Young Master Xie. I’ve arranged a palanquin for you all. It will take you to the ceremony shortly. As for me, given my special status, I need to depart ahead of you.” Feng Wan’er covered her mouth and giggled mischievously.
“Aunt Feng, where is my…” Xie Yuling hesitated briefly. “My attendant?”
“He was exhausted last night and is still asleep. He’ll join later,” Feng Wan’er said as she walked past him. “Don’t worry. You’ll see him again today.”
Xie Yuling quickly called out, “Can’t he come with us now?”
Feng Wan’er waved dismissively. “Don’t be impatient. I swear, your reunion will not disappoint.”
Thank you.