The vermilion gates of Nalan Mansion stood towering in the depths of Mo City's quietest street like a slumbering beast. Two stone lions, each half a zhang tall, stood before them with furious eyes and exposed fangs, their manes carved strand by strand, even the texture of their fur clearly visible, as though they might leap forth the next instant and quell the clamor outside. Above the gates hung a lacquer-black sandalwood plaque bearing the three gilded characters "Nalan Mansion," written in forceful, dragon-like strokes that carried a sharp edge and gleamed with majesty beneath the afternoon sun. Fine cloud patterns and auspicious beasts were carved along the plaque's edges, revealing everywhere the heritage and grandeur of one of the Jia Ma Empire's three great clans. From deep within the residence came the crisp clashing of weapons, mixed with the full-throated shouts of disciples practicing their punches, adding to the solemn authority of a great aristocratic household.
Xiao Yan stood before the mansion with Qing Lin and Hai Bodong. The Purple Gold Winged Lion King in Qing Lin's arms was still no bigger than a palm, lazily curled in the crook of her arm with its little head resting on her wrist. Its golden eyes were half-closed, its long lashes trembled slightly like tiny fans, and from time to time it licked its paws with its soft pink tongue. It looked every bit like a carefully pampered pet cat, without the slightest trace of the ferocity it had displayed at the Mo Clan residence. They had only just sent a gate attendant clad in a green robe and jade belt inside to announce them when hurried yet light footsteps sounded from within. A slender figure quickly emerged from behind the vermilion gates, her moon-white skirt sweeping over the bluestone slab