With determination, Long Ju faced the hardest training of her life. While Hao attended classes with the tutors and her grandfather, she stayed in her garden, training relentlessly. She pushed her Aura to the limit, straining every muscle and fibre, until she mastered the final step. She had finally succeeded: she now had almost complete control over her Aura. While it wasn't as amazing as focusing all her power into a single hair strand, she could freely move it from limb to limb. While on the surface she seemed calm, inwardly she was a boiling cauldron of ideas and possibilities. She felt empowered, free to explore her newfound strength. She practised and trained every day, developing new ways to control and master her Aura. But she could feel it was just the beginning.
It was also time to celebrate her brother's birthday. His Coming of Age Ceremony was going to be grandiose. She couldn't wait to celebrate together with her family and the Clan. It had been so long since they were all together in one place. Long Ju sat on the edge of the cliff, looking down at the vast landscape beneath her. She had always loved her brother, even when they used to bicker, like all siblings do. He turned 14 today, which meant that he was going to officially become part of the Clan as an adult. It was a big occasion, and she knew that it was time for extravagance. She just hoped that everything went smoothly and that there were no surprises. Her little brother was also starting to spar with her and her grandpa. He was incredible and his growth was good news for the Clan. But for some reason, she couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive. She shook off those bad thoughts.
Speaking of surprises, her gift for Hao's birthday was finally ready. She skipped happily on the city streets, towards an unassuming blacksmith shop in a dark alley. It didn't look like much, but this was the best forge in the city.
As Long Ju approached the blacksmith shop, she heard the sound of hammers striking metal. The air was warm and stunk of soot and sweat. The shop was filled with the sound of metal being hammered and shaped, and the smell of hot iron filled the air. A burly man with calloused hands met her at the door. It was old man Kong Jian. As she approached, she saw that the old blacksmith had been working tirelessly.
"Hello, Young Lady. You're just in time. We wouldn't want you to miss your brother's ceremony." He handed her a plain leather sheath. "This is your brother's birthday gift. It's not much, but it's made from the finest steel in the land."
He pulled out a beautiful sword, forged from the purest steel and decorated with intricate patterns. The hilt was made of a rare type of wood, and the blade shone in the dim light of the forge.
Long Ju took the sheath and looked at it with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Her grandfather always said that a weapon should only be used for protecting the weak, never for oppression and senseless slaughter.
"This is the finest sword I've ever made," he said proudly. "I hope your brother likes it."
Long Ju was amazed by the sword's craftsmanship and beauty. She carefully examined every detail and found that it was perfect in every way. Kong Jian smirked under his moustache. He could see the longing and excitement in her eyes. Young Master Hao wasn't the only one who never owned a sword. He remembered when Long Ju was the acting head of the Clan in those chaotic months during the war. The Elders gave her a sword, but just to keep up appearances. It was dull and bigger than her. He could also vaguely recall that it didn't stop her from breaking it on someone's head. The Young Lady was scary back in the day. He dismissed those thoughts and brought out another sword, as finely crafted as the first one.
"Young Lady, would you care to try this?" he asked, holding out the sword in his hand.
Long Ju's eyes widened as she inspected the weapon. She could see that it was equally as elegant, and even more beautiful than the first one. It was a bit longer, but she could manoeuvre it more comfortably, it suited her fighting style perfectly. Although it was quite heavy for some reason.
"It's beautiful," she said, unable to hide her appreciation for the gift.
He handed it to her, and she tried to conceal her excitement as she grasped the hilt and tried out a few practice moves.
"The balance is perfect, and the blade is razor sharp. Thank you, Master Kong Jian," she said, handing it back to him.
"You're welcome, Young Lady. It's rare to see a young lady with such skill, let alone such passion, for this kind of thing. I must say, it's quite refreshing," he said, eyeing her with respect. "You don't need to give it back, it's yours. I hope it serves you well."
She nodded, "I understand, and I promise I will take good care of it."
She took the sword again, twirling it to test its balance. It felt so right in her hands, like a perfect extension of her body. She couldn't wait to try it out in a real battle.
"How much do I owe you?" she asked, wanting to pay him for his hard work.
The blacksmith smiled and waved his hand emphatically.
"Oh, I can't take payment for something like this. After all, you only ordered and paid for your brother's sword. This is a gift from me to you. I hope you enjoy it!"
Long Ju was touched by the blacksmith's kindness and thanked him warmly. She knew that her brother would love the sword, and it would make his birthday even more special. She'd lie if she said didn't always want one for herself too. She just never dared to get one.
"Thank you again, Master Kong Jian," she said, bowing. The old man smiled kindly and patted her shoulders, "Don't even mention it. You and your Clan have done so much for me and this shop. This is just a little gratitude from my family."
"I can't wait for the party tonight, I'll see you later Master Kong," she said, leaving the shop with a spring in her step.
She felt grateful to have such talented and generous people in the community, and she couldn't wait to see the look on her brother's face when he saw the sword.
That evening the party was marvellous, although a bit formal for her tastes. Understandable since it was the coming of age of the Patriarch's son. As soon as she thought that, the Patriarch, her father, stood from his seat demanding attention.
"Everyone, I can't express my joy at seeing the whole family and all the Clan members celebrating together and congratulating my son for his coming of age ceremony. To me, it seems like it was yesterday when he was as big as a wheel of cheese." He laughed: "And yet he's now a man... That reminds me that for far too long the seat of Heir has been vacant. Now that he's finally joining the Clan as an adult, I'd like to inform everyone that I'm bestowing this title onto him."
A strange silence ensued, but it was soon overwhelmed by clapping. It was a swift and subtle switch of allegiances. In just a second, it seemed like the most natural and obvious thing for Hao to become the heir.
"Congratulations Hao!"
"Hahaha can't call him just Hao anymore moron, you have to call him 'young master', hahaha"
"Who, this twig? Hao is Hao, or am I really calling you your Lordship? Huh?"
"C'mon guys stop it you're still my friends, don't tease me"
Hao's smile was radiant. He didn't seem to understand what was happening around him. The implications of his father's words.
Long Ju watched, on the sides. Her expression was neutral. Her fingers gripped the rails a bit harder. She always thought the title of Heir was hers, as she was the oldest one. She thought it was just a formality. And yet...
Long Ju couldn't believe her ears. Nor could she believe how quickly all the people who supported her abandoned her. She had always dreamed of inheriting the title of Patriarch, but now that it was being given to her brother, she felt a mix of emotions. Sadness, anger, betrayal - all of them warred within her. It was as if a part of her identity had just been stripped from her. She wanted to cry, to shout, to run away, anything to vent her frustration. But she didn't want to make a scene in front of everyone. So she stood there, stiff and silent, while her brother was showered with praise.
**********************
Two months later
"What do you mean marriage? I don't want to marry! I don't even know this Tan Yun guy!"
She threw the wooden sword at the wall, skewering it from side to side. Her Aura had grown a lot recently, and it was difficult to control it.
"So is this it? You decide to make Hao the heir, and suddenly I am but a pawn to use for political gain?"
Her father, the Patriarch, stayed silent.
"What about my training? What about my sacrifices? WHAT ABOUT MY LIFE?"
Her voice echoed through the training arena. It was loud and desperate and full of anger. Long Ju had always known that her father valued the survival of the clan above all else, but she had never imagined that he would be willing to sacrifice her happiness for it. At least not in an arranged marriage. He, more than anyone, knew her value. Maybe he thought this was his chance to give her a normal life. As a normal girl. She was brought up as a sharp sword since birth and now he wanted her to become a good wife and to live as his little princess? These were but wishful dreams.
"What happens to me now?" she demanded.
"You know very well what happens now, Ju," replied her father. "You will be married to the Young Master of the Azure Wind Sect and create a strong alliance for our future." He said this as if it was a done deal, as if he had already made the decision without even consulting her. He left her there, wallowing in her own fury. Unseen, Long Lin gripped his sleeves, the feeling of guilt almost overwhelming him. But he knew he didn't have another choice. He hoped at least Long Ju could resign to live happily as a wife and a mother, safe in the Azure Wind Sect, finally free from the horrors of war. A war he could feel was coming again.
Long Ju's eyes flashed with anger, and she wanted to scream, but she forced herself to remain calm. She couldn't lose control now, it was up to her to be strong and face the future with grace and dignity, even if it was a future that she didn't want.
But maybe she had another choice. The corners of her lips lifted in a thin defiant smile.
That evening, Long Tai visited her courtyard. He was not the type to play mediator in family disputes, but this matter involved the well-being of the Clan. He had to make sure that all parties took a step back and worked together, to avoid internal fighting.
"Don't be too angry with your father... his responsibilities as the Patriarch are sometimes heavier than those as a father. I know this well," he started to say in a grave tone.
The grandfather sighed. There was no response. He cleared his throat, but only silence echoed. His eyebrows shot up.
"She wouldn't have..."
Grandfather Tai quickly jumped into his granddaughter's living quarters: they were empty. Clothes were all around the floor, jewellery, precious trinkets, and the old paintings from the walls were missing. He was flabbergasted.
"She actually just ran away????"
Grandpa grabbed his sides and suddenly started laughing.
"Hahaha she pulled a fast one on you son hahaha, that cunning little girl" he thundered Grandpa while laughing and thinking about the Patriarch's reaction when he found out.
Long Tai couldn't help but grin at the thought. His granddaughter, always so obedient and dutiful, had finally broken out of her shell and taken action. He felt a sense of pride and admiration towards her, he knew that she had the strength and determination to succeed on her own.
As for the father, he knew that Long Lin would not be pleased with his daughter's sudden departure. But Long Tai loved her too much to let her be lost to a political marriage. He still would have to find her and bring her back safely, no matter the cost. If he was sure of one thing, it was the fact that the Azure Wind Sect would not take this insult lightly.
Long Ju had no idea what the future held for her, but she knew one thing for sure: she was in control of her own destiny now. She was no longer bound by the expectations and obligations of her family and her tribe. She was free to forge her own path, to make her own choices, and to live the life she wanted. It felt scary but also exhilarating, and she was ready to embrace whatever came her way.