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Soft white clouds covered the blue sky. It was neither too hot nor too cool, just right. On the dirt pavement, surrounded by trees, were two carriages. One was filled with ornament lacquer boxes and even more were strapped on top. Meanwhile, the other carried two men- a young man and his senior by many years.
“In three li, we will soon reach Pure Water Sect. Are you nervous?” The elderly man asked, his smile hidden by his long grey mustache and beard.
“No, sect leader.” The young man smiled.
Indeed, that was not a lie. His heart was calm, more than ever.
Zi Xin chuckled. “Pure Water Sect is very reclusive. They seldom go out to the common world, nor do they trouble themselves with Wulin affairs. Whenever they do go out, they don’t show their faces, as their sect is filled with maidens. Rumors say that all the sect members are hideous monsters.”
The old man leaned his back against the wall of the carriage and continued to tease his disciple. “Jing Yi, do you think your bride-to-be is a scarred beast? Are you not even the slightest bit curious about your bride?”
“Rumors are merely what they are- rumors. Although the Pure Water sect may be seclusive and small, they are of respectable martial arts. I am sure, as the inheritor to Pure Water Sect, Lady Shu Yue is an outstanding and brilliant lady.” The young man answered.
Zi Xin nodded his head, content with the reply.
In truth, Jing Yi did not think much about the marriage, only that it would benefit his sect. This was a sacrifice that he was willing to make. This was his duty.
The carriage stopped to a halt. They had finally reached their destination. The two men gathered their things within the carriage and stepped out.
Before them were the Pure Water Sect gates, which were wide open, welcoming the Heavenly White Sword Sect members. In front of the stone gates stood the elders of the Pure Water Sect and Wei Min. Every member of the Pure Water sect was wearing a white mil to cover their faces, as they were receiving outside guests.
“Welcome, Zi Xin, Jing Yi.” Although she wore a mili, her smile could be heard through her warm welcome.
The old man smiled gleefully. “It is nice to see you, Wei Min. You still look as beautiful as ever, not a day over sixteen.”
Wei Min laughed. “Still as playful as ever, I see.”
Zi Xin motioned to the other sect members who drove the carriages to retrieve the betrothal gifts. “These are the presents Jing Yi personally selected for our precious Shu Yue.”
Wei Min directed her gaze to the carriage full of gifts. “Thank you, Zi Xin.”
She glanced at Elder Su Su beside her. “Elder Su Su, please kindly show them where to place the gifts.”
The said elder nodded and did as she was told, the servants following behind with the bestowal.
“Please, come inside.”
With that, Wei Min led the men into the sect grounds.
As the guests entered Pure Water Sect grounds, they realized how quiet it was. Many of the disciples were nowhere to be seen and the elders that previously greeted them had dispersed to return to their duties. True to their sect customs, not only did the female sect members hide their faces, but the disciples were instructed to keep to themselves in their rooms while guests were present.
The young ladies gossiped with one another, wondering who the guests were. Their sect rarely received visitors and so to welcome them was a peculiar event. None of them knew that their sect was soon to align itself with the Heavenly White Sword Sect and that their admired Senior Shu Yue was soon to be wed.
Shu Yue on the other hand was once again practicing her swordsmanship under the camellia tree. Her sword cut the air in long swift movements, creating sharp sounds of the wind whipping from the cuts. Eyes closed, she focused on every step that she took, every breath she inhaled and let out, the weight of the sword in her hand, the atmosphere around her.
With one final line she made in the air, she stopped, savoring the sound and feeling. Adjusting her posture, she stood straight and opened her eyes. This time, she felt closer to perfection.
Black eyes glanced up at the sky, taking in the sight above her. When she started, the sky was dark and covered with specks of light. Now, it was a bright blue decorated with the softest white clouds. She was not able to sleep and decided to train.
Perhaps, she was anxious about the marriage. Of course, any woman would be. Marriage is an important event in a woman’s life, not something insignificant. Especially since this was not a marriage formed from a personal desire, but the need of her sect. Perhaps, it was just in her nature. She always needed to be moving around- kept busy… distracted. It never felt right to do nothing. Training always felt good. It gave her a sense of purpose and strength.
Shu Yue sheathed her sword and began to venture back to the sect palace. By now, her husband-to-be should have already arrived and she needed to get ready and present herself for their first meeting. She did not want to set a bad impression right from the start, it would do the sect no good.
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