Third Day

"Young Master."

A gentle tap on the paper door synchronized with a deferential whisper from the maidservant, enticing Yi Tian from the depths of his slumber. His eyes slowly fluttered open as he adjusted his posture, rising into a sitting position. Turning his gaze toward the room's window, he noticed the nascent rays of dawn peeping through the slight separation in the curtains, softly illuminating the space.

As the paper door slid open, a young maid entered the room, bowing deeply before Yi Tian. "Forgive my intrusion so early, Young Master. Elder Feng has arrived and requested your presence."

"Mmh." Yi Tian acknowledged with a nod, and swung his legs over the side of the bed, his bare feet meeting the cold touch of the wooden floor. The maid approached with a pair of cloth boots, respectfully helping him put them on.

Rising to his feet, Yi Tian stretched languidly, a sigh of contentment escaping his lips. The room was cloaked in dim morning light, but his vision adjusted enough to make out his surroundings. Approaching his desk, he collected three items: the two martial arts manuals and the book bestowed upon him by Elder Feng.

Halfway towards the door, Yi Tian paused, retracing his steps back to his bed to retrieve the Lotus Blade hanging on the wall. Small protrusions jutting from the surface had caught his eye the previous night, suggesting their use for weapon storage.

Stepping out of his bedroom and navigating around the paper screen, Yi Tian entered the antechamber. The room was bathed in the soft, warm glow of the breaking dawn, creating a serene ambiance. The cream-colored carpet underfoot muffled his steps as he approached Elder Feng, who was seated comfortably, savoring his morning tea.

Elder Feng gestured for Yi Tian to sit. Complying with the gesture, Yi Tian took his place as the attending maid bowed and exited the room. Settling into the cushioned chair, Yi Tian watched Elder Feng, who set his tea cup down on the wooden table with a soft clink.

"Morning, Old Man. To what do I owe the pleasure of this early visit?" Yi Tian inquired calmly.

"Since I'm tutoring you, it seems fitting we start the day early," Elder Feng responded with a smile, his bushy eyebrows lifting slightly.

Yi Tian nodded in understanding, maintaining his quiet demeanor and steady gaze on the still-smiling Elder Feng.

Noticing Yi Tian's silence, Elder Feng let out a soft chuckle, his hand coming up to stroke his pointed beard. "Though there is another reason for my early arrival."

Yi Tian raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "And what might that be?" he asked.

"Your stellar display at yesterday's Youth Festival!" The elder exclaimed, as if he had unveiled a significant secret. Observing the calm mask on Yi Tian's face, Elder Feng sighed, sinking back into his chair.

With a nonchalant wave of his hand, Elder Feng pressed on, "Upon receiving word of your exploits this morning, I surmised that you must have gleaned an understanding of the Cloud Ascension Physique, particularly when I heard of how you descended from the sky as if riding on the air."

Leaning forward, Elder Feng's bushy eyebrows shot up as he locked his gaze on Yi Tian. He lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, even though they were the sole occupants of the room, "But without unlocking your Blood Qi, controlling your descent should be impossible."

Suddenly standing, Elder Feng began to pace along the centre carpet, back and forth before Yi Tian, deep in thought. "So, what could it be?" He turned abruptly to Yi Tian, stopping his movements.

Before Yi Tian had the chance to respond, Elder Feng, his robes rustling in his wake, raised his hand dismissively, "No, no, I understand now." Placing his hands behind his back, he locked eyes with Yi Tian, his voice carrying a sobering seriousness, "You've mastered the Drifting Cloud Form."

The words reverberated through the antechamber, leaving a palpable silence in their wake. A slight smile tugged at the corners of Yi Tian's lips as he too rose from his seat, stepping forward to meet Elder Feng eye-to-eye. Despite his younger age, the two stood at the same height. In the same composed tone, Yi Tian replied, "Indeed, old man. I have already mastered it."

Elder Feng's visage blossomed into a broad smile, the lines of his age deepening in his delight. Twirling around, he made his way towards the exit, murmuring to himself, "Once in a lifetime. A true prodigy. Simply incredible."

The early sun, its light softened by the curtains, cast a gentle glow upon Elder Feng as he halted before the grand entrance doors. Glancing back, he beckoned, "Hasten, Yi Tian. We must inform Zhu Yi Chang."

Grasping the intricate bronze handles adorning the doors, Elder Feng pushed them open, the light outside beckoning them. Following closely behind, Yi Tian joined him.

...

"Second Young Master and Elder Feng have arrived!" The thunderous proclamation reverberated throughout the grand expanse of the Yi Harmony Conclave Hall, its resonance bouncing off the monumental pillars.

The imposing wooden doors groaned as they were nudged open by dutiful attendants. Two figures— one aged, one youthful—emerged from the entrance, their identities unmistakable as Elder Feng and Yi Tian.

As Yi Tian surveyed the room, his gaze fell on the elevated platform at the center, surrounded by a smattering of figures adorned in the distinct purple and grey robes he'd seen before. Occupying the platform were the venerable Yi Chang and the disheveled Yi Jun, their presence commanding the room.

Their steps echoed against the high vaulted ceiling as Elder Feng and Yi Tian proceeded to halt before the grand table at the heart of the room. They both bowed in respect, but it was Elder Feng's voice that first shattered the silence.

"Yi Chang, we are here to bring joyful tidings!"

Seated at the central position on the elevated platform, Yi Chang cast a hawk-eyed glance at the duo. His stern visage, bathed in the brilliant sheen of his fine robes, contemplated Elder Feng's words. He could make a guess about the nature of the news, but inquired regardless, "Yi Feng, do tell us, what joyful tidings do you bring?"

Elder Feng stood erect, his bushy eyebrows lending character to his smile, "Indeed, it is joyous news! The Second Young Master has mastered the first form of the Cloud Ascension Physique." The exuberance in Elder Feng's voice incited murmurs around the table, filling the hall with an air of intrigue.