The sky was dark as dusk began to fade into the darkness of night-time. Torrents of snow fell towards the land creating an endless stretch of white that blanketed as far as the eye could see. However, despite this gloomy looking cold that would typically give the world a silent and desolate flair, there was an exception.

At the remote edges of the Bright Flame Kingdom stood in one region whose current liveliness outshined even the activities of the capital.

Surrounded by an arrangement of hills and mountains was a town that was situated on a broad plain. It was a small town that was about 2 to 3 square kilometers, enclosed by 8 meters high walls with a spacious entrance. From a distance, bright lights gleamed from individual sections of the town walls, including its entrance. Looking a bit further, lights were also hung high up on top of various buildings giving the town a colorful taste on the onset of night.

A sea of people was traveling back and forth, leaving many footprints on the clustered snowy pathway leading towards the town. Many of these footprints belonged to martial practitioners as evident from their wares. Large carriages would also pass by now and then, carrying individuals of varying status. Some being that of luxurious designs pulled by mighty fierce beasts with the rest being ordinary.

As soon as these people entered the town, they would either head towards the pubs or inns filling them up straight to the brim. The others who were more fighting-crazed headed towards the various martial arenas scattered about the town to test their skills and warm up for the nearing selection.

"Step right up and Claim your copy of the latest [Flame-Dragon-List]!" a peddler shouted.

"Small Foundation Pill perfect for those looking to consolidate their cultivation base quickly!" another dressed in alchemist robes said.

"Taking bets!! Who will be the Champion of the Arena? Bet now and earn big!!" said a muscular guy seated in front of the betting platform near a battle arena.

"I'll take one small foundation pill!" a young man said as he quickly made his way over to the alchemist.

"Give me a copy of that listing!" A random traveler said as he stood before the peddler.

As the liveliness of town was in full swing, a vague silhouette was slowly making its way along the path trailing towards Machen Town. It was the figure of a man with a bright red hair dressed in tattered robes with a black sword on his back. Very quickly after a bit of traveling, he soon appeared at the entrance of the town where he paused for a moment, briefly looking around at the lively and crowded atmosphere in surprise.

Step-Step-Step! "It seems that the Sky Splitting Sword School's Talent Selection is going to be even livelier than I'd previously assumed. Heh, the more, the merrier. I must have a look to see how many Dragons and Tigers are hidden amongst the locals." Feng Yu said as he looked over the crowd with a curious vision, while in his mind he thought back to the mysterious youth from the tavern.

"Hmm, that fellow and his companions were no joke; I have a feeling that this Talent Selection could be more than it appears. Oh well, no point pondering over the unknown. I should get myself a drink before I head back to the clan." Closing his thoughts, Feng Yu started to make his way through the crowd towards the nearest pub.

As Feng Yu made his way through the crowded street, a few figures hidden in the alleyways were closely observing his character. Soon, however, they vanished traveling towards a different direction.

∞∞∞

Eastern District of Machen Town, Inside of the Xiang Family Manor.

Within a large courtyard, the figures of two middle-aged men were sitting around a small table playing a round of chess. These two men were Huan Mang, patriarch of the Huan Clan, and Xiang Tian, patriarch of the Xiang Clan. Kneeling before them was a skinny looking youth who was none-other than Xiang Shu. As the two men continued to play chess, Xiang Tian soon knitted his brows as he looked towards the courtyard's entrance followed by Huan Mang and Xiang Shu.

Swish! A figure dressed in black appeared promptly cupping his hands and bowing politely towards them.

"Patriarch, a few of our servants have just informed us about the latest movements on the side of the Feng Clan. It appears that all of the core family elders are still in seclusion. After inquiring about the details through the use of our 'eyes,' there was no significant information gained. Only that over a month ago all core elders and descendants of the family were called back to the clan leaving all of their private estates and businesses to be managed by clan affiliates."

Hearing his reply Xiang Tian frowned, as his face took on a contemplative look.

"The Feng Clan has been acting strange, and I don't like the fact that they're up to something and we don't have any useful information. Tell the 'eyes' to use any means necessary. I must have more information about what Feng Yunlong is planning!" Xiang Tian said as he glanced towards the subordinate with a sharp look in his eyes.

"As you command!" the figure said as he vanished.

Swish!

"Brother Xiang, this Feng Clan is too strange. Suddenly appearing roughly about 100 years later. Even the name of their clan leader remains the same after such a long time. In fact, back in younger years, the previous patriarch of my clan warned us to never provoke the Feng Clan as their origins are too mysterious." Huan Mang said as he looked towards Xiang Tian with a severe look.

"Brother Huan, are you worried about such nonsense? It does not matter how mysterious their origins are. All I care about are the secrets they've kept hidden away from us. I do not believe that they can keep hiding forever. Once we destroy their clan, making ourselves the number one clan in Machen Town will no longer be a dream. It's only a pity, Xiang Fang changed as he left the family to do his matters for so many years now, as we would have already dug them up!!"

____

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