City Seven, Blazing Flame Bar.
Some time ago, the Supernatural Affairs Bureau's hunt for members of the criminal Three Wen Society had briefly affected business at Blazing Flame Bar, but after closing for just a few days to put things in order, the bar had reopened.
Now it was as bright and boozy as ever, filled with men and women lost in the revelry.
A young man in a tight sequined outfit threaded through the crowd, reached a room at the end of the corridor, and pushed the door open.
The room was circular, with liquor lockers lining the walls. The servers held the keys to most of the lockers here; only a small number were held by the customers themselves.
The young man wore heavy makeup with dark eyeliner, giving his features a somewhat uncanny look. He went straight to locker 66 opposite the door, unlocked it with his key, and saw several bottles of liquor inside.
He picked up one of them, saw a folded note underneath, and took it out.
He unfolded the note and read: "The hall master has ordered the establishment of a branch in River City. Disciples who have entered the Astral Realm may compete for the position of Branch Leader. Elder Gongsun has set the rules for the first round of selection-"
"Those wishing to participate must assemble outside the Dark Fiend Fruit Grove in City Seven at midnight three days from now. All candidates will attack the Dark Fiend Garden together and engage the Supernatural Affairs Bureau guards. Escape the grove with one Dark Fiend Fruit to pass the first round."
"If only one person passes, that person will become Branch Leader. If several pass, further magical duels will be held."
Reading the message on the note, the young man's eyes widened,