Silver Lotus Rebuild

Layla exhaled sharply. "Fine. But I want a full report on how this trade deal affects sect operations. We can't afford to rely entirely on outside merchants."

Meyu stretched lazily. "Oh, don't worry, dear sect leader. We're in an era of… economic prosperity. You'll thank me later."

Layla shot her a warning look but chose not to press the issue further. Not yet.

Meyu leaned back on a tree, her mind spinning with calculations just like Atlas. Atlas always said, "Control the flow, and you control the future." This wasn't just about making the sect wealthier—it was about ensuring sustainability.

First, the workforce.

She needed to divide the labour between Ryl Trading's people and Silver Lotus Sect's disciples. Merchants and skilled workers would focus on trade, infrastructure, and specialized crafts, while the sect's disciples would be trained in essential survival skills—farming, storage management, and resource conservation. No one would be idle, and no work would be wasted.

Next, the buildings.

Two new structures had to be built.

A school: Literacy was essential if they were going to modernize. A moderate-sized building, 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, with two classrooms and a storage room for scrolls and writing tools. This would be enough to accommodate a steady rotation of students without overwhelming resources.

A sanitation building: Layla had requested better hygiene facilities in the carriage and previously, and now was the time to act. This one would be slightly larger, around 25 meters long and 15 meters wide, designed to house bathing areas, a clean water supply, and proper waste disposal.

Finally, food storage.

The sect needed a preservation system that would last through the harsh winters. She planned for:

Rice & Wheat Storage: A granary elevated on stone pillars to prevent moisture damage.

Meat Storage: A smokehouse built near the northern edge of the sect, using traditional curing methods to preserve protein sources.

Vegetable & Fruit Preservation: Underground storage cellars, where natural insulation would keep them fresh longer.

Meyu's lips curled into a grin. With this, Atlas's influence wouldn't just bring control—it would bring long-term stability.

She turned to Layla. "Alright, I have a plan."

Layla raised an eyebrow. "That was fast."

"Efficiency, dear sect leader." Meyu gestured toward the gathered sect members.

"We divide the workforce between skilled trades and general labor. We construct two new buildings—one for literacy, the other for sanitation, per your request of course. And we establish proper food storage to ensure we never run out of supplies."

Layla's expression shifted into deep contemplation. "Give me the specifics."

As Meyu relayed the details, Layla's mind sharpened, slipping into the practiced calculations of a ruler. A queen does not accept plans blindly—she dissects them, tests them for flaws, and bends them to serve her vision.

She assessed the workforce division first. Splitting labor between traders and sect disciples was logical. The traders handled commerce and craftsmanship, while the disciples learned practical survival skills. It ensured productivity without compromising sect traditions. 

Then the buildings. The school was necessary but had to be scaled properly. A 20-meter by 10-meter structure was reasonable, but she would ensure the space could be expanded later. A small investment now would prevent future stagnation. The sanitation building, on the other hand, was non-negotiable—cleanliness equated to health, and a healthy sect was a strong one. She noted the 25-meter by 15-meter dimensions and approved without hesitation.

Food storage required particular scrutiny. The granary's stone pillars were ideal against moisture, but placement had to be strategic. If positioned too close to the river, flooding could be an issue. She would relocate it to higher ground. The underground cellars for vegetables and fruit were practical, but she would demand an inspection routine to prevent rot.

Satisfied with the foundations, Layla gave her final adjustments. Only when she was certain the sect's future was secure did she nod her approval. When they were finished, Layla nodded. "Approved. Give the orders."

Meyu clapped her hands together, turning toward the crowd. "Alright, listen up! Here's how we're going to change this sect forever—"

The Ryl Trading employees, almost on instinct, snapped into position, standing in neat, disciplined rows like trained soldiers. In stark contrast, the disciples of the Silver Lotus Sect stood haphazardly, shifting uneasily as they observed the precision of their merchant counterparts. Some of the younger sect members whispered among themselves, clearly wondering when and how traders had become more organized than cultivators.

Layla let out a quiet sigh but quickly refocused. She reached out as Lin Wuye handed her a paper and quill—something she hadn't seen in some time. The feeling of the quill between her fingers stirred old memories, but she pushed them aside. Now was not the time for nostalgia.

She knelt and began sketching the layout of the new structures with swift, precise strokes. "We need to complete this before winter strikes in full force—no later than two weeks from now. Otherwise, survival will be a problem."

She pointed to the sections of the map. "The workforce will be divided efficiently. Masons and builders will focus on constructing the school and sanitation building. Farmers and general laborers will set up the granary and preservation systems. The sect disciples will have designated training times to ensure physical strength and qi refinement aren't neglected."

She paused, adjusting a few details. "We need to set dedicated training hours—early mornings and evenings. That way, no one loses focus on cultivation while we prepare for the coming months."

Before she could continue, Lin Wuye stepped forward.

"We should modify the labor schedules slightly. While your plan is strong, we need to ensure proper breaks and alternate shifts. Overworking will lead to mistakes, and in winter, mistakes are fatal."

His voice carried more authority than before, a subtle but significant shift. For years, he had remained passive, but now, he was stepping forward—an unmistakable declaration that the Silver Lotus Sect was no longer idle.

Jiang smirked, stepping forward. "I'll take charge of the new trainees. We'll need someone to lead the physical drills and qi refinement."

Layla gave him a pointed look. "Wasn't that a given?"

The murmurs among the elders grew louder. The eldest of them, Elder Jian Bo, narrowed his eyes. "Why this sudden shift? We have followed the same traditions for decades. Now, we're suddenly restructuring everything? Are we not straying too far from our foundations?"

Lin Wuye, his voice firm, interjected before the whispers could grow into outright protest. "We won the last war not through brute strength, but through Meilin's strategy. Yet we nearly lost because we lacked the power to support it. Tell me, elders, if we had to fight warriors all as strong as Shen Mu, would we survive?"

A heavy silence followed, some of the elders shifting uneasily. They knew the answer but refused to speak it aloud.

Meyu clicked her tongue, stepping forward with a dramatic sigh, her voice laced with mockery. "Oh, come now, elders. If your answer isn't a confident 'yes,' then what are we even arguing about? Or are we just debating how long it would take before we're wiped out entirely?" She smirked, eyes gleaming. "Because that's certainly an option. Maybe if we pray hard enough, the next war will be kind enough to ignore us."

A few disciples stifled nervous chuckles, while some elders bristled at her words. However, no one dared to refute her outright. Meyu, much like Atlas, had a way of cutting through pretense and ensuring no room for argument remained.

A young disciple hesitated before raising his hand. "How will we train? Will it be different?"

At that moment, a ripple of realization passed through the gathered sect members. Layla, Jiang, Bao, and Lin Wuye all exchanged glances, recalling their own training under Master Daokan. The elders, especially the eldest, Jian Bo, and even Elder Zhao Lihua, scoffed at the notion. "Master Daokan training people like us? That's nonsense. The man is an untouchable legend."

Layla, undeterred, turned to Bao. "Step forward. Show them your improvements."

Bao moved to the center, taking his stance. He executed the first step of the Steps of the Gale—Whispering Breeze. His movements became elusive, his body gliding like a wisp of air, each step calculated, each strike a blur of precision. The gathered elders and disciples murmured among themselves—this was expected. Bao was a capable fighter, after all.

Then he transitioned into the second step—Rushing Wind. His speed doubled and the wind howled around him, his attacks becoming harder to follow.

Then he transitioned into the third step—Gale's Kiss.

The pressure of his attacks became suffocating, his strikes forming shockwaves that forced the air itself to part around him. The murmurs in the crowd ceased, the disbelief among the elders now turning to stunned silence as they watched a technique that Bao never used before come to life before their eyes.

Silence fell over the crowd as they watched the sheer intensity of his form shift into something beyond what they had previously seen.

Lin Wuye crossed his arms, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Is anyone else doubting our words now?"

The Rebuild Begins

Layla oversaw the rebuilding efforts with the keen eyes of a ruler. The sect had been stagnant for too long, and now was the time for action. The first step was clearing the necessary land. To everyone's astonishment, the Ryl Trading workers, disciplined and efficient, managed to clear the designated areas within half a day—a feat that left the sect disciples in stunned silence.

Meanwhile, Meyu took some of the sect elders, particularly those not crucial to combat or construction, and redirected them into assisting Ryl Trading's business sector. The extra workers were guided in skills that benefited the trading network—logistics management, inventory tracking, and contract negotiations—ensuring they contributed to the sect's new economic structure rather than standing idle.

"I never thought I'd see the day when an elder had to learn bookkeeping," one disciple whispered, watching as an elder struggled to calculate trade values under the watchful eyes of an amused Ryl employee.

The school was the first priority. In just three days, the foundation had been set, and the framework for the 20-meter by 10-meter building took shape. Layla walked the site, inspecting every wooden beam, ensuring that the structure would not only hold but last for generations.

To her surprise, Meyu was also on-site, not just overseeing but actively helping. With shocking ease, she lifted an entire log of wood onto her shoulder, carrying it across the work site. The disciples gawked in disbelief.

Layla blinked. "Meyu, since when could you do that?"

Meyu grinned. "Oh? You thought I was just here to order people around? Strength is an important part of negotiations, you know. Sometimes you have to carry deals—and lumber."

Next came the sanitation building.

The 25-meter by 15-meter facility was a larger undertaking, requiring careful planning for water distribution and waste management. As they walked through the plans, Meyu raised an eyebrow.

"Why do we even need this again? Wouldn't it be easier to just dig some holes and let nature handle the rest?"

Layla shot her a sharp look.

"Do you really want to train alongside people who stink so bad you can't focus? Proper sanitation prevents disease, preserves morale, and improves living conditions. If you want strong warriors, they need to stay healthy."

Meyu hummed. "Fine, fine, you win. But you have to admit—my way was the low-cost option."

The granary and storage facilities progressed steadily. The stone-pillar design was implemented to protect grains from moisture, while the smokehouse's construction ensured a steady supply of preserved meats. Layla had personally inspected the underground cellars to confirm their placement—far enough from any potential flooding zones yet close enough for accessibility. With winter looming, every decision is calculated.

Even as she led the logistics, she didn't neglect her own training. Every dawn, before the sect awoke, she trained—repeating the Steps of the Gale in solitude. Each movement refined, each breath measured.

One evening, as she practiced in isolation, her father, Lin Wuye, approached. "Meilin, your footwork is sharper now, but you still lack the control to execute the first step properly. Come, I'll teach you."

Layla listened intently as her father guided her through the intricate technique of Whispering Breeze. He demonstrated the delicate shifts in balance and the precise qi circulation required to make the movement seamless. Layla attempted to replicate it, but each time she tried, she felt the strain on her body, her Qi dispersing too erratically.

She repeated the step over and over, frustration growing, but she reminded herself—a queen is not forged in comfort, but in discipline.

Through her training, she noticed subtle changes in her body. Her muscles adapted, becoming leaner, more refined. Her Qi reserves, once limited, expanded, allowing her to sustain greater exertion. She felt herself evolving, no longer the same woman who had first arrived into this world.

Jiang led the new trainees in drills, reinforcing strength and discipline, while Lin Wuye provided invaluable insight into qi refinement. Layla often joined them at night, training alongside them, proving that leadership was not about command alone, but example.

However, the combined effort of labor and training was taking a toll. Layla caught a glimpse of herself in the reflection of a nearby water basin—her once delicate form had gained sharper muscle definition, her frame more hardened than before. She frowned slightly.

Meyu, naturally, took notice. "Oh no, Meilin. Don't tell me you're upset about losing that delicate princess look?"

Layla scowled. "I didn't mind being strong, but must I look like I could wrestle Jiang?"

Meyu snickered. "Oh, don't be so dramatic. Besides, this is just proof that all my efficient labor plans worked. Congratulations! You've evolved into a stronger model of yourself."

A week before winter hits in full force, the Break of Dawn

Jiang smirked as he took a stance across from Layla in the sparring ring.

"Meilin, you've improved since your last beatdown. I'd almost say you're unrecognizable—though that might just be because you're still standing this time."

Layla rolled her shoulders, letting the tension ease from her muscles. "Funny. I was just thinking how predictable your footwork is."

Their sparring began, the clash of blades and shifting footwork echoing through the training grounds. Jiang pushed harder, forcing Layla to match his intensity, but unlike before, she did not falter so easily. Her movements were sharper, her responses quicker, and though she still struggled to fully utilize Whispering Breeze, the progress was undeniable.

From the sidelines, Yuxe Wuye watched with a soft smile, arms crossed as she observed her daughter.

Meyu, naturally, couldn't resist making her own commentary. "Ah, look at that. Just a little while ago, she was getting passed around by Yan Shuren like a training dummy. Now, she's still getting passed around—just a tiny bit less. Improvement!"

Layla shot her a glare mid-movement, nearly missing Jiang's feint. "Meyu—"

Jiang capitalized on her distraction, tapping his blade lightly against her shoulder.

"Still getting distracted, Meilin. You'll never win like that."

Layla exhaled sharply but allowed herself the smallest smile. She wasn't there yet, but she was getting closer. Closer to mastering her techniques. Closer to becoming stronger.

She adjusted her stance and readied herself for another round, but as she moved, she muttered,

"And I will always lose…"

Jiang chuckled. "Good to know you've accepted your fate. Let's keep going."

They continued their sparring, each clash of blades echoing across the training grounds. Sweat dripped down Layla's brow, her muscles aching from the relentless pace, but she refused to slow down. They fought until exhaustion set in, until the movement became instinctive, until her mind was forced to sharpen under pressure.

Meyu, who had been watching with crossed arms, finally sighed.

"Alright, enough of this. I let you have your fun, but we have actual work to do."

Layla, breathing heavily, took a cautious step back. "I think I'll pass. I did my fair share of labor already."

Meyu smirked. "Oh, Meilin. You must have hit your head too hard if you think you get special treatment just because you're exhausted. You're the sect leader—your presence is an inspiration. Your strong, capable hands should be leading the labor force."

Layla's eyes darted toward the exit. "Actually, I—"

Before she could make her escape, Meyu grabbed her by the collar with surprising strength, dragging her forward like a child being taken to task.

"Come along, dear leader. Nothing sets an example better than getting your hands dirty."

Layla groaned, limbs flailing uselessly. "Meyu, let go! I can't feel my legs! I—"

Meyu, ever unfazed, waved to the stunned disciples as she hauled Layla away.

"Fear not, everyone! Our great and benevolent sect leader is merely showing you all how NOT to slack off. A lesson in perseverance!"

From the sidelines, Yuxe Wuye calmly sipped her tea, watching the spectacle unfold. She turned to Jiang with an amused expression.

"Tell me, Jiang, do you think Meyu is worse than Atlas?"

Jiang snorted, crossing his arms. "Lady Yuxe, that depends. If you mean in terms of sheer chaos, Atlas still wins. But if you're talking about immediate suffering, well… Meyu does have a talent for making people regret their choices faster."

Yuxe chuckled lightly. "An efficient tormentor. Fitting."

Jiang smirked. "Indeed. Atlas at least gives you the illusion of choice. Meyu? You realize too late you never had one to begin with."

Two days before winter hit full force.

Layla found herself sprawled across the snow-covered ground, exhaustion seeping into her bones. The combination of relentless training and relentless labor had finally caught up to her. Her breath came in slow, visible puffs, her limbs aching from days of ceaseless movement.

Jiang crouched beside her, nudging her side with the hilt of his sword. "You're not dead, are you? Because that would be really inconvenient."

Layla groaned, barely lifting her head. "I wish."

Jiang chuckled, shaking his head. "You've changed, Meilin. Your body's sturdier, your movements sharper. Even your qi—it's more refined, controlled." He eyed her with something almost like pride. "Still not quite at Bao's level, but you're sitting at least to his level now."

Lin Wuye stood nearby, arms crossed. "She's improved a great deal," he confirmed. "Her qi flow is steadier, and she's not burning out as quickly. Before, she relied too much on precision and intellect to survive. Now? She's built the endurance to back it up."

Layla's fingers curled into the snow, her mind instinctively checking her reserves. Her qi, once erratic and barely manageable, now moved like a steady current, no longer spilling uncontrollably at the slightest exertion. It wasn't limitless, but it was efficient. Strong.

She exhaled. Progress.

Before she could savor the moment, Meyu clapped her hands together, instantly ruining the quiet.

"Alright, everyone! It's time for the moment you've all been dreading—education!" She held up a scroll dramatically, unfurling it to reveal a perfectly structured schedule.

Confused silence followed.

The elders exchanged glances. The disciples blinked in unison. Even Layla, barely recovering from her collapse, squinted up at Meyu in sheer disbelief. "...What?"

Meyu's smirk widened as she shifted into full Atlas mode. "Oh? You thought we were just going to build a school and not use it? Come now, dear sect members. Reading, writing, mathematics—all critical tools for any cultivator! What happens if you're tricked in a contract? If you can't count the enemy forces properly? If you don't understand basic business etiquette?" She placed a hand over her chest, her face almost sorrowful. "Truly tragic. It's like leaving a sword to rust."

"That's—" One of the younger disciples hesitated. "That's actually… kind of reasonable?"

"Of course it is!" Meyu declared, ignoring the baffled stares. "And to make sure this happens, we've brought in the finest instructors money can bribe!"

As if on cue, the Ryl Trading workers, who had been seen building the buildings just a day ago, emerged from the side—dressed in full scholar attire. Long robes, ink-stained sleeves, even glasses that made them look ten times more intellectual than before.

The transformation was too much.

"What—" Layla's eye twitched. "When did they—?"

"Oh, please," Meyu waved a hand dismissively. "You think we were just clearing land? We were preparing for the future. These men will teach you English, Mathematics, Science, and Business." She paused dramatically. "Because you, my dear disciples, are Atlas' investment. And this… is how you start repaying the deal."

The Zhao Lihua gaped. "This is the most absurd thing I've ever heard!"

"Yet you can't argue with the logic," Meyu shot back smoothly, her smirk unwavering.

Zhu Fen scratched his head. "So… we're learning now?"

One of the "scholars" stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Yes! First lesson—how to count beyond what's needed for simple market haggling. And by the end of the month, you will know how to read a contract without being swindled!"

Jiang sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Meilin, if we don't stop her, she's going to turn this sect into a corporate empire."

Layla, still lying in the snow, covered her face. "It's already too late."

The Arrival of Winter

Winter came swiftly, blanketing the sect in an unforgiving layer of snow. Layla observed the way the ice crystals clung to the trees, how the wind howled through the mountain paths, piercing even the thickest of robes. Without a proper fireplace or insulated shelter, surviving out here would be nearly impossible.

The warmth of the thick, fluffy cloaks provided by Ryl Trading was proof of the company's resources. They weren't just well-off—they were thriving. Every sect member had received proper winter attire, ensuring no one froze within their quarters. Temporary barracks had also been constructed by Ryl Trading's workers, their efficiency never waning, even against the harsh climate.

But despite the accommodations, the cold seeped in.

Meyu, however, seemed entirely unaffected—probably because she was currently latched onto Layla like a leech.

Layla groaned, shifting slightly, but Meyu only held on tighter, burying herself against her side as though she were a living fireplace.

"Meyu," Layla muttered, voice still groggy.

"Why are you sleeping beside me?"

"Haven't you heard? Body warmth is the best way to fight the cold," Meyu half asleep replied, not even bothering to lift her head.

Layla's eye twitched. "You have your own quarters."

"Too far. This is better." Meyu snuggled in closer, completely shameless before falling asleep again. 

Layla was about to argue when she suddenly felt Meyu twitch slightly in her sleep. Her breathing hitched—just for a moment—before settling again. The usual smug expression she always wore was gone, replaced by something tense, something fragile.

Layla recognized that look all too well. Memories. Painful ones.

Meyu murmured something incoherent, gripping Layla's sleeve as if she were afraid it would be taken away.

Layla sighed quietly. A queen does not turn away from her people, no matter how insufferable they may be.

Gently, she adjusted the blanket, making sure it covered Meyu properly. She did not wake her, nor did she pry. Instead, she simply whispered

"Rest. You've earned it."

And for the first time, Meyu's grip loosened just slightly, as if something—just for tonight—had been lifted from her shoulders.