The sun hung high, a gentle breeze drifted by, and birdsong rang especially clear through the air.
At the seats in the main hall, the guests from North Seal had gathered. A middle-aged saber wielder had just watched his nephew make a name for himself and was beaming as he accepted everyone's congratulations.
"Fourth Tang, your nephew has probably reached Five Apertures of Divine Observation, hasn't he? To possess such cultivation at such a young age is no simple feat."
"I'd say Six Apertures of Divine Observation is within reach as well."
"Six Apertures of Divine Observation at twenty-three... the future burden of the Tang family will likely fall upon his shoulders."
"In today's sparring exchange, your junior has swept the field. His saber techniques must be the result of your excellent instruction."
"You flatter me, you flatter me. The boy simply has good talent and works hard."
Tang Four stood tall, his face glowing as he waved his hands modestly at the crowd.
North Seal was remote and home to many wandering heroes and bold champions, but most of them had little fame throughout the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths. Yet it had not always been so. Several centuries ago, North Seal had been filled with great sects and powerful experts. They had even formed a martial alliance, their influence blazing like the noonday sun.
As for North Seal's decline, it had to begin more than two hundred years ago, when one alliance leader was draped in a yellow robe...
In short, after that, the region had instead become a place of single-line inheritances and mostly reclusive sects. Even the Hidden Dragon Assembly rarely saw their participation.
But who did not like fame and profit?
Seeing his nephew shine brilliantly onstage, Tang Four could not help but feel stirred.