Chapter 1

The first light of dawn crept through the thin, worn curtains of Lian Yi's chamber, casting delicate patterns across the wooden floor. The soft glow illuminated the modest room, revealing its simple yet elegant furnishings—a low writing desk cluttered with scrolls, a polished bronze mirror reflecting the early morning light, and a narrow bed draped with a faded but lovingly maintained silk canopy.

A gentle knock interrupted the morning silence.

"Miss Lian, it's time to rise," came the soft, familiar voice of Mei, her personal maid and closest confidante within the Wind Flower Sect.

Lian Yi stirred beneath the embroidered quilt, her dark lashes fluttering open to reveal eyes still hazy with sleep. She took a deep breath, savoring the crisp morning air tinged with the faint scent of dew-covered lotus blossoms that drifted in through the open window.

"Come in, Mei," Lian Yi called softly, pushing herself up and brushing loose strands of ebony hair away from her face.

Mei entered with practiced grace, balancing a tray laden with steaming tea and delicate pastries. Her own simple attire was neat and well-kept, though the fabric showed signs of wear—much like many things within the sect these days. Despite this, her eyes sparkled with unwavering devotion and warmth.

"Good morning, Miss Lian," Mei greeted, setting the tray down on a small table near the window. "I hope you slept well."

"Well enough," Lian Yi replied, offering a small smile as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. "Is there a reason for such an early wake-up call?"

Mei hesitated for a moment before replying, her hands smoothing over the wrinkles in her apron. "Master Lian has requested you dress in your finest attire today. He mentioned an important guest arriving before midday."

Lian Yi's brows furrowed slightly. It was unusual for her father to make such requests without prior notice. "Did he say who this guest is?"

Shaking her head gently, Mei began to lay out a series of intricately folded garments from a nearby chest. "No, Miss. But he seemed quite anxious about the meeting. I thought it best not to press for details."

Lian Yi rose from the bed and moved towards the garments now spread across her dressing screen. The centerpiece was a breathtaking silk dress she had not worn in over a year—a garment reserved for only the most significant occasions.

The dress was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, woven from the finest silks that shimmered subtly in shades of azure and silver, reminiscent of a clear sky meeting the first light of dawn. Delicate embroidery adorned the fabric, depicting intricate patterns of wind-blown flowers—the emblem of their sect—intertwined with flowing motifs that suggested both grace and quiet strength. Tiny pearls and crystals were sewn into the design, catching the light and adding a subtle sparkle that enhanced the ethereal quality of the gown.

As Mei assisted her into the dress, the cool silk glided over Lian Yi's skin, the fabric hugging her slender frame before cascading elegantly to the floor. The skirts swirled around her like a gentle breeze stirring a field of wildflowers, each movement breathing life into the intricate designs.

Mei stepped back to admire her work, her eyes shining with pride. "You look stunning, Miss Lian. Like the very embodiment of our sect's spirit."

Lian Yi turned to face the tarnished mirror, observing her reflection with a mixture of appreciation and apprehension. The dress transformed her, lending an air of maturity and poise that belied her fifteen years. Yet, beneath the surface, uncertainty gnawed at her. The sudden formality, her father's uncharacteristic secrecy, it was all so weird.

"Thank you, Mei," she replied softly, adjusting a stray lock of hair that had escaped the elaborate braid Mei had woven. "I only hope I can live up to whatever expectations father has for me today."

Mei's expression softened as she placed a reassuring hand on Lian Yi's shoulder. "You always do, Miss. The Wind Flower Sect is proud to have you as our future."

Lian Yi offered a grateful smile before taking a deep breath. "Well then, shall we?"

Stepping out into the courtyard, Lian Yi was greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of the Wind Flower Sect coming to life. The compound, nestled amidst rolling hills and ancient willow trees, held a serene beauty that spoke of a proud history and enduring traditions. Graceful archways and delicately carved wooden structures dotted the landscape, connected by winding stone paths that had been trodden by generations of disciples.

Yet, beneath the surface elegance, signs of neglect were evident. Roof tiles sat askew, moss crept over once-pristine stonework, and the paint on ornate columns had begun to fade and peel. The gardens, though still vibrant, bore the telltale signs of needing a more attentive hand the koi pond's water was not as clear as it once was, with weeds threatening to overtake the carefully arranged flowerbeds.

As Lian Yi walked along the main path, several servants paused in their duties to bow respectfully.

"Good morning, Miss Lian," greeted Lao, an elderly gardener who had tended the sect's grounds since before Lian Yi was born. He straightened from his work pruning a rose bush, his weathered face breaking into a warm smile.

"Good morning, Lao," Lian Yi replied, pausing to admire his work. "The roses are blooming beautifully despite the dry season."

Lao's eyes twinkled with pride. "They thrive under care, much like our sect. A little attention goes a long way."

Lian Yi nodded thoughtfully, sensing the deeper meaning behind his words. "Is there anything you need?"

He waved a dismissive hand, though gratitude shone in his gaze. "Just knowing our future leader is attentive to such details is heartening enough."

Continuing her walk, Lian Yi couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility weighing heavier on her shoulders. The Wind Flower Sect had seen better days, even if they were before her time, but she was determined to restore it to its former glory. Her father's leadership had been steady but cautious, and she hoped to bring renewed vitality and purpose when her time came to replace him.

As she approached the central pavilion, Mei caught up to her, slightly out of breath.

"Miss Lian, your father requests your presence in the main hall," she said, her cheeks flushed from haste.

"Now?" Lian Yi asked, surprised. "I thought the guest wasn't arriving until later."

But just before Mei could respond, a commotion near the entrance gates drew their attention. The heavy wooden doors, adorned with intricate carvings of wind and flora, creaked open to reveal a lone figure silhouetted against the morning sun.

The man strode into the courtyard with an air of unhurried confidence, his steps leisurely yet purposeful. He was of medium height, his frame solid and robust, though softened by a noticeable paunch that stretched the fabric of his simple, travel-worn tunic. Despite the casualness of his attire, there was an undeniable presence about him, a latent strength that belied his relaxed demeanor.

His hair was a wild mop of raven black, strands falling haphazardly around a face that seemed perpetually amused. Sharp, discerning eyes scanned the surroundings with a lazy curiosity, taking in every detail without seeming to focus on anything in particular. At his side hung a sheathed sword, the scabbard unremarkable and worn, suggesting a weapon that saw more travel than combat.

As he drew closer, Lian Yi noticed the faint smell of rice wine that accompanied him, confirmed by the well-used gourd tied loosely to his belt. He took a swig from it openly, smacking his lips in satisfaction, before his gaze settled on her.

"Well, aren't you dressed to make the flowers jealous?" he drawled, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. "If I'd known there was a banquet, I'd have worn my better shoes."

Lian Yi blinked, momentarily taken aback by his audacity. Gathering herself quickly, she fixed him with a cool, measured gaze.

"And who might you be to walk unannounced into our sect and make such bold comments?" she replied, her tone polite but edged.

The man's grin widened, seemingly unfazed by her poised retort. "Just a humble traveler seeking old friends and new wines," he said, taking another casual sip from his gourd. "Name's Ahmad Fadl Xu. Perhaps you've heard of me, though I won't hold it against you if you haven't. And by your presence, I assume you are the little princess? Your mother must be gorgeous to offset that ugly mug of his,"

Lian Yi blinked again, stunned yet again by the audacity of the comment. It took her a moment to realize that he must be referring to her father. When the meaning finally sank in, she felt a flush of irritation rise to her cheeks.

Her glare could have cut through steel, but the man seemed entirely unaffected. His eyes, despite their lazy demeanor, had a sharpness to them that made her feel like he was evaluating her, sizing her up in a way she couldn't quite understand.

Though before she could respond, the doors to the main hall creaked open, and her father, Lian Wei, stepped out. His face, usually so calm and composed, was etched with worry lines that hadn't been there a few weeks ago.

"Ahmad!" Lian Wei called out, his voice a mix of forced warmth and underlying anxiousness. "You've arrived earlier than expected."

Ahmad turned away from Lian Yi, his grin turning into an even more joyous one as he nodded to her father. "Has it? I can still clearly see your drunken face, so it hasn't been that long."

Lian Yi looked between the two men, confusion gnawing at her. She had never heard her father mention this man before, yet here he was, strolling in like he owned the place. And her father's reaction, relief, yes, but also something more, was equally puzzling.

Lian Wei approached, his eyes flicking briefly to his daughter before settling on the man. "I see you've already met my daughter."

Ahmad shrugged. "We had a little chat. She's got your personality, and that seems to be the only thing she inherited."

Lian Wei managed a thin smile, trying his best to ignore the rude comment. "Come inside. We need to talk."

He nodded and started to follow Lian Wei into the main hall.

Lian Yi watched him go, a mix of emotions swirling in her chest. She had no idea who this man was or why her father seemed so concerned about his arrival. But something told her that it wasn't anything good

As the doors closed behind the two men, she found herself frozen in place, caught between curiosity and apprehension. She knew she should go back to her quarters, but instead, she lingered in the courtyard, her thoughts a chaotic mess.

—

The heavy wooden doors of the main hall creaked shut behind Ahmad and Lian Wei, leaving Lian Yi standing in the courtyard, her heart pounding with unease. The early morning light, which had seemed so tranquil, now felt heavy with foreboding. She stared at the closed doors, torn between obeying her father's implicit command to remain outside and the gnawing curiosity that urged her to follow.

Inside, the hall was dimly lit, the soft glow from the narrow windows casting elongated shadows across the room. The main hall of the Wind Flower Sect was a place of tradition, with walls adorned by tapestries depicting the history of their sect, from its founding to its most glorious victories. But like everything else in the sect, the hall showed signs of wear—the once vibrant colors were now faded, the wood polished by generations had lost its luster.

Ahmad walked casually to the center of the room, his eyes scanning the space as if assessing its worth. He finally turned to Lian Wei, who had been watching him with a mixture of wariness and expectation.

"You've let this place go to seed, Wei," Ahmad remarked, though his tone held no malice, just a blunt observation. "I remember when the Wind Flower Sect… actually never mind, I was quite drunk back then."

Lian Wei winced slightly but said nothing, choosing instead to take a seat at the low table in the center of the room. With a gesture, he invited Ahmad to do the same. The two men sat facing each other, a silence settling between them that spoke volumes.

"There's no easy way to say this," he began, his voice low. "I need your help."

Ahmed leaned back, resting one arm over the back of his chair, his eyes thoughtful. "And here I thought you just wanted to have a drink. Guess you're finally doing good on that promise I made you?"

Lian Wei's gaze fell to the table. "I am. It's about my daughter, Yi. The Wind Flower Sect… we're in trouble. There's pressure from the hidden blade sect, and they want to marry her off to strengthen their own position. I can't let that happen. She's too young to have her future decided like that."

The man remained silent, listening intently.

"I need her to be strong, strong enough to choose her own path," Lian Wei continued, his voice thick with emotion. "But I don't have the time or resources to train her properly. That's why I called you. I know you're not just any martial master, Ahmad. I need your help to protect her."

"Can't I just kill them? No sect, no pressure." He proclaimed nonchalantly.

"Absolutely not!" Lian Wei said, raising his voice. "They are a subsidiary sect of the Tang Clan. Even if you are strong enough to do that, it would only make things worse. She's still 15, so I can hold them off for a while, in that time I want you to train her, so strong that they can't simply ask me to give them my own daughter those bastards!"

Ahmad sighed deeply, the amusement in his eyes giving way to something more serious. He set his gourd down on the table and leaned forward, his expression turning thoughtful.

"Considering the time, there are three ways to train in martial arts without it taking forever," the man began, his voice deep and unhurried.

Lian Wei stopped pacing and fixed his old friend with a glare. "I didn't bring you here for riddles, Ahmed. I need a real solution."

Ahmed shrugged, unperturbed. "You want to save your daughter from that marriage, don't you? Then hear me out." He held up three fingers. "There's the dangerous and expensive way, the expensive way, and the dangerous way."

Lian Wei's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"The dangerous way," Ahmed explained, lowering one finger, "is to send her out into the world with only the basics. Let her learn by fighting for her life. She'll either die or become strong very quickly."

Lian Wei recoiled, horror in his eyes. "Are you crazy? What father would wish that for his daughter?"

The man smirked. "Thought you might say that. The second option is the expensive way, send her to a top sect. If she has talent, they'll nurture her into a powerful martial artist, maybe even eliminating the expensive part. If not... well, there's no helping that."

"No," Lian Wei said, shaking his head firmly. "If I send her to another sect, she might be safe, but if it's any clan other than the Tang it would be used as justification to destroy our clan. And if I send her to the Tang I might as well give her to the Hidden Blade Sect."

Ahmed sighed and lowered another finger. "Then there's the expensive and fast way: buy a mountain of medicinal herbs and train her in the three-way approach."

Lian Wei raised an eyebrow. "The three-way approach? What's that?"

"It's simple," Ahmed replied, leaning back in his chair. "You beat them up every day until they can fight back. You hit them, so their body grows stronger. They don't want to get hit, so they learn to dodge, block, or redirect the blows. And when they get tired of the pain, they learn to hit back. After that, you bathe them in medicinal herbs to heal them up for the next day. Rinse and repeat."

Lian Wei's face twisted with disgust. "Absolutely not! Ignoring the ridiculous amount of money that would take, having my daughter beaten up every single day and telling myself it's for the best is not something I can do! The other two also have too many problems. I sent for you to come teach her, and two of those solutions don't even involve you!"

Ahmed studied the sect master's face before offering a final option. "There is one more way, but I'm not sure if you'll like it. 

Lian Wei sighed, shoulders slumping. "I don't have many options. Just say it."

"I could take her with me, make her my disciple." he answered. "We'd travel the world, challenging other sects, and she'd learn through experience and under my guidance. She wouldn't be here for years, but the favor isn't enough, I'd need additional compensation"

Lian Wei hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. His eyes were tired, filled with the worry of a man who had been pushed to his limits. "And you believe this will make her strong enough?"

"Oh, don't worry, she'll be strong. Strong enough to make her own choices when… if she returns. To grow you must face danger, she'll be safer than if she went alone. But I'm not guaranteeing anything" Ahmed replied.

The room fell into silence once more as Lian Wei considered the offer. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he nodded. "I guess I can claim she ran away after learning the truth. It would at the very least buy some time." He sighed, "Take her. Make her strong enough to forge her own destiny."

Lian Wei watched him leave the hall with a sigh, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was the right decision, even if it was the hardest one he had ever made. His daughter's future was now in the hands of a man he hadn't seen in years, a man whose true nature remained a mystery even to him. 

All hinging on a stupid favor promised to him while they were both drunk.