Chapter 113 113: Lady Althea

There were ponds filled with exotic fish, and streams that flowed with water that shimmered with inner energy. Elara could see disciples carefully tending to the plants and animals, extracting rare materials and refining them into powerful potions and elixirs.

Elara continued walking towards the Sect Mater's Residence, the path that led to the Sect Master's Residence was lined with towering trees, whose leaves rustled gently in the breeze. The branches reached high towards the sky, forming a canopy that filtered the sunlight and cast dappled shadows on the ground. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, and the sound of chirping birds and buzzing insects could be heard all around.

As Elara walked further along the path, she noticed several statues of famous cultivators, their stern faces etched into stone as a testament to their achievements. Some of the statues were adorned with offerings of incense and flowers, placed there by disciples who wished to pay their respects to the masters of the past.

The path was also flanked by tranquil gardens, filled with carefully arranged rocks, ponds, and bonsai trees. The gardens were designed to cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility, allowing disciples to meditate and connect with their inner selves.

In the distance, Elara could see the grand entrance to the Sect Master's Residence, its towering gates adorned with intricate carvings and gold trimmings. Two fierce-looking guards stood to watch at the entrance, their eyes scanning the area for any potential threats. As Elara approached, the guards straightened up and saluted her, acknowledging her status as an inner disciple, and as a successor of the sect.

Beyond the gates, Elara could see the grand courtyard of the Sect Master's Residence, with a large fountain at its center. The fountain was adorned with carved dragons and phoenixes, and water flowed from their mouths, creating a mesmerizing display of light and sound. Surrounding the courtyard were several grand buildings, their walls adorned with silk tapestries and paintings depicting scenes of legendary battles and heroes.

Elara felt a sense of awe and reverence as she walked through the grand courtyard, taking in the sights and sounds of the Sect Master's Residence. She knew that this was the heart of the Radiant Holy Lands, where the most powerful cultivators resided and where the most important decisions were made.

As Elara approached the main building, she saw the Sect Master, Lady Althea, standing on the balcony overlooking the courtyard. Lady Althea was the most beautiful cultivator Elara had ever seen, with long flowing hair as black as the night sky and eyes that shone like stars. Her skin was flawless and seemed to emit a soft glow, as if she was a goddess descended from the heavens.

Lady Althea wore a flowing white robe embroidered with intricate patterns of gold and silver threads, and a delicate headdress adorned with jade and pearls. As she moved, her robes flowed around her like a soft cloud, and her movements were graceful and elegant.

Elara had always been in awe of Lady Althea's beauty and cultivation prowess, as she was one of the few Sect Masters in the Radiant Holy Lands who had reached the late-stage of the Core Formation realm. Lady Althea was also known for her unmatched knowledge of the sect's ancient techniques and her mastery of various elements and not just light elements, which made her one of the most powerful cultivators among the past Sect Masters.

As Elara approached Lady Althea, she couldn't help but feel captivated by her beauty and charisma. Lady Althea turned to her with a warm smile, her eyes filled with kindness and wisdom. "Welcome, my dear Elara," she said in a gentle voice. "I have been waiting for you."

Seeing the warm expression on the Sect Master's face, Elara burst into tears, all the sadness she had been keeping bottled up finally pouring out. It was as if she had been holding onto a heavy burden that she could no longer bear, and seeing Lady Althea's kind and motherly expression, Elara felt a sense of relief wash over her.

Lady Althea approached Elara and wrapped her in a comforting embrace, much like a mother comforting her crying child. Elara felt a wave of emotions flood through her, and she couldn't help but let out all her tears and sorrows.

"It's okay, my dear," Lady Althea whispered, her voice soothing and gentle. "Let it all out. I am here for you."

Lady Althea wrapped her in a comforting embrace, much like a mother comforting her crying child. Elara felt a wave of emotions flood through her, and she couldn't help but let out all her tears and sorrows.

As Lady Althea held her, Elara could feel a sense of peace and security wash over her. It was as if all her troubles and worries had been lifted from her shoulders, and she could finally let go and breathe again.

Elara wept uncontrollably, her body shaking with sobs. Lady Althea held her tight, her eyes fixed on the two dead bodies lying on the ground nearby.

"They were brave warriors," Lady Althea said, her voice heavy with sadness. "Their sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Lady Althea whispered words of comfort and strength to Elara. She assured her that everything would be alright and that she would be there for her every step of the way.

Elara wiped her tears and looked up at Lady Althea. "I feel so helpless, Sect Master," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "I couldn't do anything to save them."

Lady Althea shook her head. "You did what you could, my dear," she said. "You fought bravely and with honor. You should be proud of yourself."

Elara nodded, feeling a small glimmer of hope in her heart. Lady Althea was right. She had done all she could, and now it was time to honor the fallen and continue fighting for the sect.

Together, Lady Althea and Elara stood in silence, looking out at the peaceful gardens and the tranquil pond. It was a moment of reflection and mourning, but also a moment of hope and renewal.