The Primordial Resonance sect rented out several of the training grounds for their disciples. In one of the private rooms, Laau Kai danced in the center of a ring of fire, his shadows shifting and changing with the flames. He swung a giant sun wheel around his body as he continued his movements. One after another he cut down imaginary enemies. His sweat instantly steamed off and filled the air with mist.
Within a breath, he violently spun around and extinguished the flames in one motion. Then he tossed it in the air and performed the Laau family’s battle chant, the ferocity of which kept the room just as hot as the flames did moments ago. The blade hummed as it sliced through the air until it landed in his hands. And with a precision that could only come from years of practice, he scraped his weapon in an arc on the stone floor and sent sparks in all directions. As the flames reignited, he arched back and released a triumphant cry into the air.
The Dài Festival always filled the streets with vendors of all kinds. While the shops had out their best merchandise and every bar was full from sunrise to sunrise. People always stopped whatever their main business was to take advantage of the tourists during this once a decade opportunity. Some would even spend the years in between experimenting with new ideas or maturing sought after wines. And some simply took the time to relax, soaking in the atmosphere and betting on the outcomes of the different events.
“I’m telling you, that enchantress from the Divine whatever school-“
“Divine Bosom sect.”
“Oh shut up, you stupid old ofe.”
“Regardless, you two, like I said that blond one is the one to keep an eye out for. I’m sure that they could convince the others to drop out with their beauty alone.” The rosy faced man slammed his drink on the table. “You can’t underestimate the power of feminine charms!”
“You’re the fool, you drunk bastard! How could you not expect one of Lord Kijin’s children to win? Not only did he win when he competed all those years ago, but he has eight children competing this year including the heavenly blessed Mistress Sienna.” An older woman croaked while smoking a pipe.
“See what you two fail to realize is that handsome young lad from the Primary Residence sect has them both beat. Did you not watch the same parade I did when they arrived? The way he can move just gives me ideas.” The other man said as he hugged himself.
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“It’s Primordial Resonance sect you old pervert, sometimes I swear you get things wrong just to irritate me.” The drunk man pinched his brow.
“Well what do you say we make a bet of it? Hmm?” The old woman smiled at the other two. “I’ll bet on Mistress Sienna, Lu with the one from Divine Hearts, and Wang with his eye candy.” She tapped the ashes of her pipe onto a tray.
“That’s all well and good, but what if none of them win?” Wang spoke up.
“Oh? What’s this using the correct head for once?” Lu scoffed as he reached for another drink. “But he does have a point. What are we to do if none of them win? I suppose we could bet on who’ll make it the furthest.”
Before any of them could come to a decision, a broad chested young man burst into the conversation.
“I couldn’t help but to overhear your conversation, my misguided elders. But, allow me to offer a solution to your little wager. You see, I have it under good authority who will win this festival.” He paused with a smug smile, waiting for them to ask.
Lu was the first to speak up. “And who do you suppose that is? It couldn’t possibly be some no name like yourself.” He chuckled at his own joke before taking another sip.
“Ah, but that is where you’re wrong, good sir. For I will take first place in the festival and teach all of you proud city dwellers, that the great Xénos of the Supreme Body sect is the strongest of men.” He pumped his chest out even further and slammed a fist against it.
“That’s right! There’s no one as quick as my brother or who can fight off three full grown Tiger Shou with one arm!” A small round youth spoke up.
“Who is this child? You need to have some hair on your chest to be in here.” Lu grumbled.
“Forgive my little brother, and while he may be deficient in some areas, rest assured I have enough hair on my chest for the both of us.” He smiled and opened the top of his robe to show the fur behind it.
“Oh-ho, it’s like a rug.” Wang reached out to feel it.
“No one is built like my bro, he goes out into the wilderness every morning for his breakfast and comes back with at least three eggs the size of your head. And for dinner he hunts down the mother that laid them.” The short man boasted.
Between his boast, the muscular young man flexed his muscles and flirted with a passing server. His shorter brother mimicked his actions like a distorted mirror.
The elders stared blankly at them before bursting into laughter.
“Come now boy! No one has heard of you or your sect and you expect to win the festival on your first try?” Lu cackled.
“It’s charming that he thinks muscles alone will help him win.” The old woman wiped tears from her eyes. “You’d be better off betting on the lord’s daughter with me. Her muscles are more refined than the bloated ones you brag about.” She jabbed his chest with the butt of her pipe.
“Hmm I don’t know, I quite like them. My door will be open if you need comfort after your defeat, young man.” Wang winked at him.
“Why you… you senile old fools! I will show you that I am the greatest talent of this generation! Come now Durań there’s no use for us to try and lead the blind any longer!”