Waking up to two knocks Haiyang heard the voice of a man outside.

“Young Master Lan, your father is requesting your presence in the main hall,” The man outside yelled.

Walking out from his study Shizi asked, “What is it that he wishes to talk about?”

“Your father didn’t say,” the man replied, “he only wished for you to come.”

Shizi pondered for a moment but couldn’t think of any reason his father would want to talk to him. After only a moment of thought, he decided to just stop trying to think and just go. He motioned for Haiyang to follow and walked out the door. The trio made their way to the main hall in silence.

When the trio arrived after a few minutes of walking they were stunned. They saw a large group of elders and core disciples of the clan all gathered together.

Shizi and Haiyang walked in through the doors and everyone shot them a glance. The looks didn’t stay long though as they all returned to Shizi’s father, who was sitting on his “throne” per usual.

Seeing Shizi and Haiyang enter, Lan Gang stood up and announced, “The Lan Clan has received an invitation from the Emerald Leaf Sect. They wish for us to participate in their yearly trial by fire.”

Murmurs exploded throughout the room. All the elders and disciples discussed among each other.

“SILENCE,” Lan Gang yelled!!

The main all was immediately swept clean of all sound at the command.

“The invitation also states that each of the three clans have been invited. Each of the clans can only bring five disciples of the younger generation. So, in two months time, we will host a tournament. All those that wish to participate in the trial by fire better prepare well because the top five of the tournament will take the five spots.” He waved his hand sending everyone out.

Outside the main hall, all the elders stood and talked while the disciples all ran back to their courtyards.

Back in Shizi’s courtyard, Shizi and Haiyang stood discussing.

Shizi said, “You have to get stronger, and fast. If you don’t you won’t be able to participate in the trial by fire.”

Haiyang didn’t understand why he was putting so much emphasis on getting stronger faster. He drew a small crude question mark in the dirt.

Shizi answered with, “The trial by fire held by the Emerald Leaf Sect is a very good opportunity to get stronger. The trial is held inside of a forest in the mountains of the Emerald Lead Sect.

“Demonic beasts and magical beasts of many kinds inhabit that area. Their body parts can be used to make items, like weapons and armor. You even have the chance of finding the precious beast cores which bring amazing benefits when used in cultivation.

“Within the forest, there grows many medical herbs. You can concoct them into a variety of pills or even just sell them for a hefty sum. So now do you see why? This opportunity is too great to miss.”

Haiyang nodded and his eyes lit up with determination.

Shizi had a smile grow on his face and says, “Good. That determination will be paramount to your success. Since you’re going to facing other cultivators I should tell you important pieces of information.

“First, you must know that there are two primary categories of cultivators. Those are the body cultivators commonly referred to as Martial Artists, and magic cultivators known as Magicians. There are certain ancient records that say after magicians reach a certain realm they are referred to as Magi. Each of these categories break up into countless sub categories, too many to tell you all of them.

“The second thing I must tell you pertains to the Snow Fruits. Using snow fruits is a relatively simple matter. Since they are fruit type medical herb you can eat them like any other fruit. Then, you revolve your qi and slowly absorb the medical energies. This should help your yin type qi progress.

“Now, the building on the left of the house is a training room. Till you finish absorbing the all three snow fruits that is where you will reside. Once you finish come find me. I will most likely be in the study. So now, you mustn’t waste a moment, go train.” Shizi turned and strolled back to his study letting his eagerness to train betray his lackadaisical attitude.

Haiyang was eager to start training even more so than Shizi. He immediately ran to the designated room and slammed the door shut.