Chapter 007: Acceptance

After twelve gruelling days on the road, Yao Yuan's journey finally reached its destination. In the distance, she could see the imposing walls of Yun Heng City looming before her, their dark stones casting an intimidating shadow.

During her travels, she had heard much about the renowned Yun Heng Sword Sect and the city that bore its name. Yun Heng City was named after the legendary Sword Sect, for it was the true power that governed the city, despite its nominal allegiance to the Eastern Yan Kingdom. As the caravan approached the gates, it came to a halt for a routine security check. A burly guard, clad in armour, strode towards them, his voice booming. "Show me your travelling documents!"

One by one, the travellers presented their papers, and when Yao Yuan's turn arrived, the guard scrutinized her document intently before locking eyes with her. "Very well, the rest of you may proceed. Miss, if you would disembark and follow me."

Puzzled, Yao Yuan inquired, "Officer, have I done something wrong?"

The guard shook his head, a hint of respect in his tone. "No, not at all. Individuals of your standing are granted access through the middle gate."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the caravan, and all eyes turned towards Yao Yuan. Only Ma Mo dared to voice his curiosity. "Wow, I had no idea you were a person of high standing."

Equally bewildered, Yao Yuan replied, "Nor did I." She retrieved her travel document, scrutinizing it for the first time. It stated that she was the daughter of the Deputy City Lord of Bai Hu City's prestigious Luo family.

Turning to the guard, she politely declined, "It's alright, I'll stay with the caravan."

"As you wish, Miss. Have a pleasant day." The guard bowed respectfully and took his leave.

Ma Mo's gaze lingered upon her, his curiosity piqued. "So, what's the story?"

Yao Yuan rolled her eyes, unwilling to entertain gossip. "Ma Mo, you shouldn't indulge in such idle chitchat like a woman."

"I'm just curious," he shrugged, though his interest remained undimmed.

"Don't be," Yao Yuan replied curtly, putting an end to the conversation.

 ***

Upon entering Yun Heng City, the caravan made its way to the bustling Yun Heng Trading Center, where they would part ways.

"I'll see you at the Yun Heng Sword Sect!" Ma Mo called out to Yao Yuan as he departed.

Yao Yuan ignored his remark, for she had not yet decided on her next steps and wished to avoid hasty decisions. Brushing off the dust from her travels, she bid farewell to her companions, especially the kind old man who had been her travel companion.

"If you need a place to stay, you're always welcome to seek me out," the old man offered warmly.

"Certainly, if the opportunity arises," Yao Yuan replied, expressing her gratitude.

Feeling the pangs of hunger, she decided to seek out a tavern for a hot meal. She soon found a cosy establishment called 'Come Eat Again' and stepped inside.

A server promptly approached her, inquiring, "Miss, would you prefer to dine in or secure a room?"

Yao Yuan nearly retorted, but remembering Ma Mo's words, she chose to let the gender misconception slide. There was no point in emphasizing such matters anymore.

"Both," she replied. "Procure me a clean, airy room, prepare a hot bath, and a table of food."

"Certainly, miss. Please follow me." The server led her to the third level, where the guest rooms were located. "How about this room?"

Yao Yuan surveyed the spacious quarters approvingly. "Perfect."

"I shall make arrangements for your bath and meal. Please make yourself comfortable." With a polite nod, the server departed, closing the door behind him.

Yao Yuan sank into a chair, massaging her sore shoulders from the long journey. Soon, a group of servant girls arrived, filling the bathtub with steaming hot water.

"Miss, your bath is ready. Shall we attend to you during your bathing?"

"No need, thank you." Despite her circumstances, Yao Yuan still felt uncomfortable with others observing her unclothed form. Even back at the Luo household, she had never allowed her maid, Xiao Cui, to remain present during her baths.

Once the girls had departed, Yao Yuan disrobed and stepped into the inviting warmth of the bathtub, submerging her body in the soothing waters. She sighed deeply, feeling the tensions of the journey melt away with each exhale.

Gazing at her reflection on the water's surface, she studied the features that were both familiar and distinctly different. Perhaps it was time to let go of her past and focus on the more pressing matter at hand – becoming stronger.

Closing her eyes, she began to recite the mantras from the 'Fairy Plays with Butterfly' technique, allowing her spiritual energy to flow into her body and fill the foundation stone at her dantian. With each passing moment, she could feel her cultivation level rising, until it finally stabilized at the ninth stage of the Foundation realm.

Yao Yuan opened her eyes in disbelief, scarcely able to comprehend that her power had almost returned to its former state. This progress was far swifter than she had anticipated, and she could only surmise that her newfound acceptance of her current self had played a pivotal role, though the reasons remained shrouded in mystery, much like the disappearance of the jade stone.

A commotion outside drew her attention, signalling the arrival of her meal. Rising from the bath, she dried herself and donned one of the dresses Luo had placed in the storage ring. The soft fabric caressed her skin as she twirled, relishing the unfamiliar yet comforting sensation.

Recalling the dance recorded in the 'Fairy Plays with Butterfly' manual, she began to move gracefully, feeling the spiritual energy flow around her, obeying her will. With a flick of her finger, she projected a burst of energy outward, shattering a nearby vase with a soft crack.

To her astonishment, the energy was so potent that the shattered pieces were instantly reduced to dust before they could even hit the ground, leaving no trace of the vase behind.

"Wow, this is strong," she murmured, examining her finger in awe, then glancing at the spot where the vase had once stood.

What struck her as even more remarkable was the utter silence that accompanied the destruction, with only the faintest of cracks preceding the vase's obliteration.

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Yao Yuan decided it was time to indulge in a much-needed meal. Food had always been a source of comfort for her.

Entering the living area, she found a table laden with an array of tantalizing dishes, recommended by the attentive server. Pouring herself a cup of wine, she raised a silent toast to her former self, bidding a final farewell. "Thank you, and farewell."

**To be continued