Chapter 19: Do You Want to Fly?
As Anji’s consciousness gradually returned to reality, she found herself bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. The bustling main courtyard was now quiet. The clashing of sword sounds was replaced with the dull sweeping of brooms as servants tidied the remnants of the day’s activities. Only then did Anji truly become aware of her surroundings as several pairs of amused eyes stared at her.
"Welcome back," Yan Ping greeted, seated on the same chair beside her student. Beside her, several other sect leaders grinned and waved to Anji.
Hurriedly, Anji clasped her hands with slightly trembling fingers and bowed her head in a deep, sincere apology. Her cheeks were flushed pink with embarrassment, resembling a rosy peach that looked delectable enough to bite.
"Anji apologises to the Elders! I had been so engrossed in thoughts that I did not realise what was happening! Daydreaming usually doesn’t last this long..."
Daydreaming? Unable to contain his amusement, Bai Dajin guffawed and slammed the armrest of his chair with enough force that Anji heard a crack. The poor wooden chair did not stand a chance.
"Do children your age normally daydream about the nature of qi?" he barked. "If every child daydreams like you, all of us would be unemployed."
Chuckling from the far end of their seating arrangement, Chen Zhong was the first to offer the young princess his congratulations.
"Attaining a new stage of enlightenment is an incredibly hard feat, even for experienced cultivators like us," the old man smiled kindly. "Congratulations on becoming one step towards enlightenment, Anji. The Black Tortoise Sect will be rooting for you."
Flattered by the praises coming from the important guests, Anji quickly looked around to see if her parents were around. None of her family members were in sight. With the martial arts exchange concluded the young princess soon realised the horrible side effect of becoming lost in thoughts for many hours.
Grumble!
Chen Zhong pulled out a paper package like a friendly grandfather and handed it to Anji.