The day of the feast had arrived, and the Skyward Lotus Sect's courtyard had been transformed into a grand spectacle of color and light. Lanterns hung from every arch, their soft light flickering in the early evening, casting a warm glow that bathed the courtyard in a golden hue. The light danced across the faces of the disciples, highlighting their expressions of focus as they moved about, while the lanterns themselves swayed gently in the evening breeze, adding a sense of life and rhythm to the scene. Festive red and gold banners adorned the stone pillars, embroidered with intricate patterns of lotuses and auspicious symbols, their vibrant colors standing out against the darkening sky. The faint scent of incense drifted through the air, the smoky tendrils curling upwards, adding a sense of solemnity and grandeur to the atmosphere.
Despite the sect's limited resources, the disciples had managed to create a welcoming, elegant environment that masked any sense of their underlying struggles. The courtyard looked as though it had stepped out of a painting, every detail meticulously crafted to impress.
The courtyard was bustling with activity, the sect members moving with hurried precision as they made the final arrangements. Tables laden with elaborate dishes were being set, disciples carefully placing each item with precision.
One disciple adjusted the steamed buns shaped like lotus flowers, ensuring they were evenly spaced, while another meticulously arranged the roasted duck, the glaze catching the lantern light. Others hovered over platters of fruits and sweets, adjusting the angles just so, their brows furrowed in concentration as they worked to make each display perfect. Large jade vases filled with fresh-cut flowers stood at the edges of the courtyard, their petals glistening with dew, and long silk ribbons swayed gently in the evening breeze, giving the scene a sense of motion and life. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, Elder Han, Elder Hua, and Tian Shou stood at the main entrance, waiting to welcome their esteemed guests.
A ceremonial bell chimed in the distance, its deep tone resonating through the air and signaling the arrival of the first visiting sect—the Blazing Sun Sect. A procession approached, their crimson robes a vivid splash of color against the evening landscape, adorned with sun motifs that seemed to glow under the lantern light. The disciples moved in perfect unison, their steps synchronized, the rhythmic sound of their boots striking the ground echoing through the courtyard. Their crimson robes were cinched at the waist with sashes of deep red, adorned with golden tassels that swayed with each step. Sun-themed pendants hung from their necks, glinting in the lantern light. Their heads were held high, their eyes scanning their surroundings with a sense of pride.
At the forefront of the group was Elder Fang, his presence commanding and his eyes sharp as they scanned the courtyard, taking in every detail as if assessing the worth of the Skyward Lotus Sect. His robes shimmered with golden embroidery, the intricate sun patterns catching the light and giving him an almost ethereal appearance.
Elder Han stepped forward, his voice carrying with practiced grace. "Welcome, Elder Fang, and honored guests of the Blazing Sun Sect. We are delighted to have you join us." He gestured towards a disciple who stepped forward, presenting a finely crafted jade sun pendant—a symbolic offering to honor the Blazing Sun Sect's heritage and emphasize the ceremonial aspect of the event.
Elder Fang nodded curtly, his gaze drifting across the courtyard as if measuring the worth of the Skyward Lotus Sect with every glance. "Indeed, Elder Han," he said, his voice clipped, "let us hope your sect can meet the expectations set for such an occasion." Behind him, the disciples stood straight, their expressions composed, though Tian Hao could sense the underlying air of superiority they carried, as if they considered themselves the rightful standard to which all others should aspire.
YOU ARE READING
This Hedonistic Young Master
FantasyAbstract "A man who gains power through pleasure, reborn in a life where pleasure is a sin." Yu Cheng didn't sign up for this-a life of noodles, endless shifts, and envy was all he knew. But one cosmic fluke later, he's reborn as Tian Hao 2.0, the s...
