Two days after settling into the Wen estate, Master Su Yuelian summoned Bai Rouyuan early in the morning.
"Prepare your things," she said gently.
"Today, we go to the Sacred Lotus Pavilion."
Rouyuan's eyes brightened.
Bai Yanyu looked excited.
Wen Xianyi squealed so loudly that half the servants jumped.
"The Sacred Lotus Pavilion?!"
Wen Xianyi grabbed Ruyan's hands, "That's where Master Su grew up right?!"
"Only geniuses and divine healers are allowed inside!"
Master Su smiled at the girl's enthusiasm.
"Can I go too?" Wen Xianyi excitedly asks.
"You two may come as a guest," she said to Bai Yanyu and Wen Xianyi,
"But remember— the Pavilion is a sacred ground, not a playground."
Wen Xianyi nodded rapidly, "I'll behave! I'll behave twice!"
Bai Yanyu bowed politely, "I will observe quietly, Master Su."
She nodded approvingly.
"Good. Then let us depart."
Journey to the Sacred Mountain
The carriage followed a smooth jade-paved road toward the mountains of the Southern Silk Region.
The scenery changed gradually.
Lingnan City's silk markets…became quiet villages of herb farmers…then wide-open fields…and finally, a valley filled with mist and lotus ponds.
Bai Yanyu pressed his face to the window.
"This place… feels peaceful." Wen Xianyi breathed in deeply.
"It smells like herbs… and something sweet."
Rouyuan recognized it instantly. "Moonlotus pollen."
Master Su Yuelian nodded from the front seat.
"The Sacred Lotus Pavilion is hidden within a valley blessed by rare spiritual herbs."
"Even the air here heals."
The deeper they went, the more ethereal the world became.
Snow-white cranes flew across the sky. Lotus petals floated over rivers like drifting stars. The mountains emitted a faint fragrance of sandalwood.
Rouyuan felt her heart soften.
It was beautiful. Calm. And strangely familiar.
The Sacred Lotus Pavilion Appears
The path opened to reveal an exquisite palace built entirely of pale jade and white wood. The roofs curved like petals. Silver bells hung from every corner, chiming in the breeze.
The entrance gate bore three elegant characters: 圣莲阁 — Sacred Lotus Pavilion
Rouyuan held her breath. Even Bai Yanyu's eyes widened. Wen Xianyi nearly fainted from amazement.
"It's like a palace from a fairy tale…" Wen Xianyi whispered.
Master Su smiled softly.
"Come. This is where true healers are born."
Entering the Pavilion
The moment they stepped inside, the scent of lotus and herbs enveloped them.
Physicians in pale robes walked gracefully between halls.
Young disciples carried baskets of fresh herbs.
Patients rested in quiet courtyards, tended by apprentices.
An elegant woman in sky-blue robes approached, "Yuelian, welcome home."
Master Su bowed lightly.
"This is Elder Hua Xuelin, my senior."
Elder Hua Xuelin turned to Bai Rouyuan, Bai Yanyu, and Wen Xianyi, "So, these are the little ones you mentioned."
She studied Bai Rouyuan first.
Those wise, gentle eyes…that calm heartbeat…that natural sensitivity to herbs…
Her lips curved. "You have talent, child."
Rouyuan bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Elder."
Elder Hua Xuelin moved to Bai Yanyu.
"And you—the strategist's eyes. Different, but insightful."
Bai Yanyu bowed politely, "I like studying patterns and formations."
"And that is a form of healing too," Elder Hua Xuelin said.
"Understanding how the world moves."
Then she looked at Wen Xianyi, "You… are full of energy."
Wen Xianyi beamed. "Thank you!"
Elder Hua Xuelin blinked.,"…That wasn't quite meant as a compliment."
Rouyuan laughed softly behind her veil.
Master Su Yuelian's Living Quarters
Master Su guided them through a corridor lined with floating lotus lanterns.
She opened the door to a tranquil courtyard with a small herb garden, a pond, and two simple rooms.
"You will stay here," she said. "My quarters are next door. You may train with me every morning."
Rouyuan touched a blooming snow-lotus."It's beautiful."
"It will be yours," Master Su said quietly."This whole courtyard will belong to you if you choose to stay."
Rouyuan felt her chest tighten.
A home…Another home…Built for healing and learning.
The First Lesson Begins
Master Su led Rouyuan into a small chamber with shelves of herbs and glowing stones.
"Sit."
Rouyuan sat obediently.
"Close your eyes."
Rouyuan obeyed.
"Feel the air. Feel the herbs around you. Let their scents enter your spirit."
Rouyuan breathed in slowly.
Lotus…Jasmine roots…Snow-sage…Moonflower berries…
Master Su's voice softened. "You have a gift. Your mother had it too."
Rouyuan's eyes trembled behind closed lashes.
Mother…
A warm hand rested gently on her shoulder.
"You will surpass her," Master Su whispered.
"I can feel it."
Meanwhile — Bai Yanyu & Wen Xianyi Explore
Outside, Bai Yanyu and Wen Xianyi wandered the pavilion.
Bai Yanyu examined herbal fields with fascination.
"This arrangement is like a defensive formation," he murmured.
"They planted herbs by effect — cooling herbs on the east, warming herbs on the west…"
Wen Xianyi blinked. "You… see battle strategy… in a garden?"
Bai Yanyu straightened proudly, "Yes."
Wen Xianyi sighed dramatically. "You're amazing, Cousin."
He blushed lightly.
A New Beginning
When Rouyuan finally opened her eyes, she felt calmer than she had in years.
Master Su studied her closely.
"You are ready," she said.
"For what?" Ruyan asked softly.
Master Su Yuelian's eyes glimmered with something ancient and powerful. "To inherit your mother's gift—and to forge a path that may one day change the empire."
Rouyuan's heart thumped.
Outside, lotus petals drifted in the wind.
And she knew—
Her new life had only just begun.