Near the Grand Hall of the Gu Clan stands a training ground, not far away. This is where the Heiyan Army trains daily, and it’s also one of the most popular spots among many young members of the Gu Clan. Therefore, the atmosphere here is always vibrant and full of life. On this particular day, along with the Elders of the Lei and Yan Clans had come many promising young members from both clans. They weren’t interested in discussing matters of high importance and had gathered together here naturally — for among youth, regardless of their origin, there is inevitably an urge to prove oneself, particularly when such prodigies encounter each other.
Right now, a large crowd has encircled the practice arena. Most of them wear black armor — they are none other than the famous Heiyan Warriors of the Gu Clan, known for possessing extraordinary fighting strength. Indeed, aside from the Hun Clan, neither the Yan nor the Lei Clans have a comparable army capable of surpassing the Heiyan Warriors as a whole. Becoming a member of the Heiyan Army is the dream of many youths of the Gu Clan, and rising above the ranks to attain the position of Commander brings unparalleled glory even within the mighty Gu Clan. Thus, the ambition of many Gu Clan youths begins right here at the training grounds.
This day however, although tightly encircled by warriors clad in black, their faces were unusually clouded by mild annoyance — their eyes glaring toward the center of the grounds, where stood about ten youthful figures emanating a defiant arrogance. The mark of lightning glimmered on their foreheads — clearly identifying them as members of the Lei Clan.
“Hehe,” one young man laughed nonchalantly, biting onto a blade of grass between his teeth, “Seems the legends about the Gu Clan’s famed Heiyan Warriors aren’t worth much after all. We were actually told to exchange techniques and train with you.”
Across from him, stood several silhouettes. Some faces were indeed familiar: aside from Gu Qingyang and two others captains, Ling Quan and the other commanding officers of the Heiyan Army also watched with expressions darkening further. “Leiyun!” snapped Gu Xing, one of the Four Great Commanders, frowning at the provocation. “Less talk! If you truly want a fight, then come at me!”
“Tch, I’m not interested in battling with big guy like you,” Leiyun said casually while smiling. “Earlier our commander Gu Qingyang already lost against my Senior Brother Leidong — so perhaps the new generation of us Lei Clan might be a bit superior to yours these days.”
“Cut the flattery and jokes,” Leiyun was suddenly stopped by another young man dressed in silver robes as he shook his head slightly, addressing Gu Qingyang and others with folded hands. “Forgive his candid words; his tongue runs faster than reason often does.”
Yet even these seemingly placating words earned a subtle narrowing of brows from Gu Qingyang himself. His words carried veiled implications…
“Well done indeed. Our greatest among young ones is Miss Xun’er.” A commander of the Heiyan interjected sarcastically. “If he desires a real challenge, seek her out.”
“Hmph, Xun’er,” Leidong smirked slightly upon hearing her name; something unfathomable flickered in his eyes. “It’s about time I met her during this visit. Wasn’t Gu Hua rushing away earlier specifically looking for her?”
Upon realizing how piercingly insightful the fellow seemed, some Heiyan commanders subtly shifted expression, discomfort crossing their features.
“Heh, Senior Brother Leidong,” cackled Leiyun, his voice thick with mischief. “Heard that back then you almost married Miss Xun’er? Well since Elder Patriarch is around, why not have him formalize it? With your status now, nobody could possibly question who deserves whom, right?”
At these words, ancient clan leaders tightened visibly — within the Gu Clan youth generation, Xun’er had always commanded immense admiration. Even though she eventually fell for Xiao Yan, to outsiders she remains a dazzling jewel of incomparable value — surely no laughingstock.
“The people of the Lei Clan are annoying as usual…” commented silhouettes stationed atop a nearby stone dais overlooking the commotion below — their fire-shaped markings denoted them as Yan Clan members. Among them was Huo Xuan, someone Xiao Yan once befriended; beside him the masked lady Huo Ya, bearer of the mysterious Lotus Karma Flame.
“Indeed Leidong has progressed significantly recently; obviously trained well by Lei Clan,” remarked Huo Ya calmly. “Considering his achievement, preparing him as next Elder is reasonable, though he still requires tempering his disposition.”
“Hmph, improvement or no improvement— don’t forget whom Xun’er fancies, which is also exactly who resides in Guxie at present.” sneared Huo Xuan cynically. “Once he emerges, these guys from Lei Clan will regret stepping out today…”
“You mean Xiao Yan?” asked Huo Ya, slightly taken aback. Then she murmured, “Rumors say Master of the Hun Temple Hun Miensheng perished at his hands. I wonder how true that really is.”
“Truth probably lies in the claim itself. When I left, the Clan leader entrusted instructions that urged closer relations with Xiao Yan. Only once did I encounter a youngster who drew such serious attention from Clan Elder.”
“Oho?” Huo Ya arched delicate eyebrows upward slightly — surprise fleeting through deep eyes.
Meanwhile, amidst this conversation above, tempers boiled hotter beneath surrounding armored commanders facing Leiyun’s provocations. They readied hands on sword hilts… but before erupting fully into action, Commander-in-Chief Gu Zhen raised his arm halting movement.
“Mind your tongue, Leiyun,” Gu Zhen warned cryptically. “Unrestrained remarks may invite misfortune soon.”
“Oh? Really?” scoffed Leiyun unphased.
“Actually,” came a sudden calm chuckle echoing from behind, stopping all murmurs instantly as countless eyes pivoted simultaneously forward— three new figures materialized atop northern platform of practice field, surveying proceedings coolly downward from on high.
“Xun’er… Xiao Yan!” gasped Qingyang and co., shock flashing across every face.
“Heh,” Leiyun resumed grinning irreverently. “Is *this* Miss Xun’er? Truly a breathtaking beauty! Perfectly matched with senior brother Leidong!”
Eyes lit with admiration upon laying sights on her, voices murmuring praise—but abruptly hushed as Leidong silenced the impulsive speaker.
“Eh?” surprised at intervention, Leiyun turned only to find Leidong fixed intensely upon shadowy black-robed figure standing beside Xun’er.
“You’d be Xiao Yan from Xiao Clan if my guess holds correct?” Leidong stared intently toward him; fiery determination flickered barely suppressed in eyes focused entirely upon target.
“Xiao Yan!!? Could he be THE legendary Xiao Yan defeating Hun Miensheng!!?” blurted astonishment escaped Leiyun lips before recovering composure.
Above high tier, Xiao Yan smiled tranquilly —nodding affirmation.
“What’s so impressive? Who says victory over Hun isn’t staged anyway!” spat resentful whisper erupted amongst arrogant younger members of Lei Clan. Though low, whether intentionally or accidentally, such disdain drifted outward, infecting ambient space around them.
Brow knotted with faint distaste, poised on response—when Xun’er halted with graceful hand gesture from Xiao Yan advancing one step forth.
“I heard your martial demonstration entertained the gathering…” He smiled genially forward. “Might one join for enjoyment’s sake?”
“Hah, stepping in defense of your allies then? But surely Sir Yan, you’re no direct blood of Gu Clan yourself, hmm?”
“Brother Xiao Yan here *is* Xun’er’s chosen groom.” Gu Qingyang responded coolly. “Therefore, considered essentially a member of the Gu family.” All know their bond here already sealed fate immovably under Elder endorsement long accepted.
“Oh?” brows shot up intrigued as finally Leidong reacted, lip curling into smirk, electric arcs sparking ominously. “Glad you share interest. Welcome aboard, Brother Xiao!”
As final syllable fell—blinding torrents burst violently outward from frame, crackling violent coils dancing wild ’round like storm vipers conjured midair—a palpable aura surged outward, causing waves through entire assembly watching.
“Wonder what tactics Xiao Yan shall deploy this time,” whispered former Heiyan generals eyeing volatile energy wreathed ‘bout Lei dong’s limbs again—previously shattered beneath those dread volts unleashing devastation too rapid for defensive wards to withstand resistance.
“Black Magic Lightning?” observed Xiao Yan with mild surprise. Recognition flickered momentarily at sight of familiar force mastered so skillfully—unexpected yet expected result considering adversary’s reputation explaining previous defeat inflicted upon Qingyang’s faction—but for himself…
Before further speculation, Xiao Yan leapt effortlessly into battlefield stance just inches before foe—sweepingly glancing all ten Lei opponents present, smirking slightly as foot shifted forward eliciting synchronized astonishment sweeping mass observers:
“With limited time remaining, feel free all of you—join the dance.”
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