The fateful day has arrived. Bao Baiyu dreaded this day as it will be the start of her downfall where she will no longer be the apple of her parents' eyes. She prayed that thing will be different but, fate is still hard to avoid.
Each passing seconds only proved that every single thing is just the same as that day. So be it. At least, this time, she will no longer be as clueless and sad as she was then. She knows that the celebration has already started but she takes her own sweet times to prepare herself before walking into her 'gallows'.
After each of her maidservants are satisfied with how she looks like, the four of them walk in front and behind her in pairs as she walks in the middle. Within minutes, all five of them has arrived at their destination.
"The arrival of Eldest Miss Bao!!!"
Everyone stops talking upon hearing the announcement from one of the guards guarding the door of the spacious hall only to see a small girl standing at the entrance with her young maid-servants on her sides and behind her.
The Elders are assessing her from afar and are quite alarmed by the cold aura emitted by a young child. This child is definitely not a simple one they silently thought amongst themselves. The Emperor has instructed them to assess her in a thorough manner and report every single detail about the assessment back to His Majesty. This is something unheard of but knowing that His Majesty is a good friend to Duke Bao means that His Majesty is sincerely concerned about the wellbeing on this particular family.
Bao Baiyu calmly walks to her seat which is located next to her mother. When she sits, her maidservants are standing each on her sides with the other two standing behind her.
The others who see this are aware that the maidservants are using themselves in order to erect a protective barrier for her and to serve and/assist her as well. What an odd group of young girls they thought to themselves.
Her grandparents have decided not to attend her birthday celebration because of their old age, and they do not like the festive environment as it is too noisy for their liking. Just like that time too. The glow on her mother's face is unmistakable. Just like the wide grin on her father's face. Nothing has changed except for her and her maidservants.
"The arrival of the First Prince Li Youshi!"
She freezes when she heard the familiar name resulting on the jade teacup holds by her to break into pieces when her small hands accidentally let go of it. She immediately bows her head down so that she will not look at him as she stands to give respect to the surprise uninvited guest. This definitely did not happen in the other lifetime of hers. Why is he here? They aren't supposed to meet with one another for now.
"Duke Bao, this prince hope that him being here will not dampen the festive mood. I am personally here to bring my imperial father's edict and birthday gift."
His voice is still enigmatic as ever, but he is still young, a 12-year old to be exact. Young but incredibly talented in cultivation and an intelligent prince as well. Good looking, wise and strong with high cultivation. This was the man that she married in the other lifetime. He is not supposed to be here just yet. Why is he here?
"Of course not, Your Highness. We are honoured for you to be here. Our daughter is lucky to be graced by your presence on her important day."
She noticed that every single person in the hall turn their heads to look at her as she continues to bow her head down acting as if she is a shy young girl. The truth is that she is not ready to face him. Ever.
"Eldest Miss Bao, do accept the Emperor's imperial edict."
Everyone immediately kneels on the floor upon hearing the announcement made the First Prince including herself.
"The legitimate Eldest Miss of the Bao family is hereby decreed to be the disciple of Dark Lord An Shenyuan and Light Mistress Guang Liang of the Quanheng Sect. There will be no need for her to undergo the cultivation test. Three years later, she will be required to stay at the Celestial Realm until she completely finishes her study."
First Prince Li Youshi walks nearer to where Bao Baiyu is kneeling and gently takes her small hands so that she will stand up before passing the imperial edict to her personally.
"Eldest Miss Bao is indeed lucky to have been chosen by Quanheng Sect to be its disciple. Congratulation."
She still bows her head as she curtsies as if she has done so countless times in another lifetime, "This humble one graciously accepted His Majesty's imperial edict."
By now, her head is slightly hurting due to this unexpected development. This suddenly throws every single thing of her so-called knowledge as this never happens in the other lifetime.
Quanheng Sect is a well-known Sect, but it has always closed its doors to anyone who wishes to be its disciple. Both Elders are known to be limitless in their powers but never shows themselves in the public, unlike the other Elders. This group of highly cultivated people even build another Realm just for their Sect and to prevent others from seeking them. Why on earth they wanted her as their disciple is beyond her comprehension.
This is different. Totally different. Suddenly, all she can see is darkness.
"Eldest Miss! Eldest Miss!"