The Wei clan compound buzzed with activity as hundreds of servants rushed through the corridors, their arms laden with decorations, ceremonial items, and preparations for the evening's celebration.
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed off the stone walls, punctuated by the occasional bark of orders from senior staff members coordinating the massive undertaking.
In the main hall, Madam Liu Mei stood at the centre of the controlled chaos, her voice ringing out with authority and excitement as she directed the final arrangements.
Unlike previous celebrations where she had delegated most responsibilities, tonight she had thrown herself completely into the preparations with an energy that surprised even the old servants.
"The lanterns need to be positioned higher on the eastern wall," she called out, gesturing with her hands.
"And ensure the incense burners are properly spaced I want the entire hall to carry the fragrance of jasmine and sandalwood."
Her eyes sparkled with pride and anticipation as she surveyed the transformation taking place around her.
What had begun as a quiet family gathering to honor Wei Chen despite his previous circumstances had evolved into something far grander a celebration not only of her son's miraculous awakening and divine physique but also of her daughter's triumphant return from the savage lands.
For the first time in years, both her children would be present, healthy, and positioned to bring unprecedented prosperity to the family name.
My two eldest will be the talk of every noble house in the city, she thought with deep satisfaction.
Chen'er's divine awakening and Lin'er's achievements in the barbarian territories the Wei clan younger generation will command respect like never before.
A slight frown crossed her features as she considered her daughter's typical behavior.
Wei Lin had always been predictable in her family interactions: first seeking out their father to discuss cultivation matters, then finding Wei Chen to catch up on family affairs, and only finally acknowledging her mother's presence. The pattern had annoyed Liu Mei for years.
"If she follows her usual routine tonight, she'll get a piece of my mind later," she muttered under her breath, though her tone carried more fond exasperation than genuine anger.
A senior servant approached with a manifest of arriving guests. "Madam, the early arrivals are expected within the hour, with the main celebration beginning in three hours."
Liu Mei nodded, her excitement building. "Excellent. Ensure the greeting pavilion is properly arranged, and have the musicians ready to begin their welcome performance the moment our first guests arrive."
As two more hours passed, the final touches were placed throughout the compound.
What had originally been planned as an internal clan affair had grown into a significant social event, with representatives from numerous noble families and cultivation sects expected to attend—drawn by rumors of young master Wei's mysterious transformation and the eldest miss's fearsome reputation from the savage lands.
Meanwhile, in his chambers, Wei Chen had just finished bidding farewell to his sister after their private reunion.
The conversation had been deeply meaningful, reaffirming the bond between siblings who had supported each other through years of struggle and uncertainty.
Wei Lin had marveled at his complete transformation, hardly believing that the strong, confident young man before her was the same frail brother she had left behind three years ago.
"I need to check on my companions and ensure they're prepared for tonight's formalities," Wei Lin had said before departing.
"Kira especially she's never attended a proper clan celebration, and I promised her father I'd keep her out of trouble."
"Good luck with that," Wei Chen had replied with a laugh. "From what you've told me about her, she sounds like she could accidentally start an incident just by being herself."
"That's exactly what I'm worried about," Wei Lin had admitted with fond exasperation before heading off to oversee her group's preparations.
"Liu Qin," Wei Chen called out as he returned to his main chamber, noticing she hadn't emerged during his sister's visit.
She appeared from the adjacent room, her expression slightly apologetic.
"I remained inside during your reunion with Young Miss Wei. It was your first meeting since she left for the capital I didn't wish to intrude on such an important moment."
Wei Chen studied her face, recognizing the genuine sincerity in her words. Since their intimate connection had deepened, he had become even more attuned to her thoughtful nature and the careful consideration she gave to every situation.
Moving closer, he gently cupped her face in his hands and pressed soft kisses to her lips once, twice, three times each one tender and filled with gratitude he couldn't quite put into words.
Liu Qin's small hands gripped the fabric of his bathing robes as she leaned into his touch, but then she gently pushed against his chest.
"We can't…not now," she whispered, her cheeks flushed.
"You need to prepare for the celebration before your mother comes looking for you."
Wei Chen chuckled softly at her practical concern, though he was reluctant to break the intimate moment.
"You're right, as always." He moved to his wardrobe with purpose, selecting garments appropriate for such a significant occasion.
When he emerged fully dressed, the transformation was striking.
He wore flowing robes of light blue silk that complemented his enhanced physique perfectly, the fabric moving like water with each step.
His dark hair had been arranged in a traditional style and secured with an azure crown that caught the light, while the rest flowed freely down his back in a way that emphasized his newfound vitality and confidence.
His posture as he walked toward Liu Qin was steady and strong a contrast from when she helped him moved around .
"Qin'er, how do I look?" he asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.
Liu Qin stared at him in open admiration, momentarily lost for words. The young man before her bore little resemblance to the frail master she had cared for just that morning.
Finally, she found her voice.
"Radiant," she breathed. "You look absolutely radiant."
" I'll take the Compliment "Wei Chen's smile widened at her genuine reaction and chuckled.
Without hesitation, he reached for her arm and gently placed it through his..
"This..." Liu Qin began nervously, immediately reverting to formal address as the implications hit her.
"Young Master, we cannot "
"What is it, Qin'er?" Wei Chen asked, seeming oblivious to her distress though his eyes sparkled with mischief.
"We can't appear like this," she whispered urgently. "At least not yet. People will talk, they'll question"
"You worry too much," Wei Chen interrupted gently. "Tonight, you're simply my companion for the evening.
After the celebration, we'll return to maintaining appearances in public, though who knows for how long that will be necessary." His expression grew more serious as he continued.
"I thought I'd give you this moment of recognition before we have to play our respective roles.."
Liu Qin's eyes widened as understanding dawned. He was treating her as an equal, as someone worthy of standing beside him rather than behind him.
The realization that their changed relationship would require discretion in public only made this private acknowledgment more precious.
Her resolve strengthened, and she tightened her grip on his arm.
"Then let us make the most of this evening."
As they walked forward together, her flowing robes and free-falling hair moved gracefully with each step.
A genuine smile adorned her face, expressing the joy and pride she felt in this moment of recognition and partnership.
"Let's find Mother first," Wei Chen decided as they approached the main corridors.
"Sister mentioned she'll join us later for the formal presentations, once she's finished ensuring her companions are properly prepared for tonight's formalities."
Together they made their way toward the main hall, where the sounds of final preparations grew louder with each step.
The celebration awaiting them would be grand, but for now, this quiet moment of walking together.