The Banner of the Crest Palace is a medium-sized pavilion with an outside courtyard and a balcony on the second floor. Had an old-school archetype that is hard to find in today's age. One of the first high-end pavilions in the Cold Steel city. For the banner of the Crest Palace to stand for so long in a city that has been controlled recently by Midnight's clan. The rich history of this building can be traced back to the beginning of the birth of the Cold Steel City. Even with this rich history and its strong background, it was still four out of five stars.
One reason was because an owner did not want to upgrade the building and only wanted to maintain the current look. The second reason was that The Nation was a four-story building with the latest archetype.
If you include the VIP rooms on the fourth floor, the third floor was for very influential and elite cultivators, the second floor was for your standard cultivator who had little to no backing, and the first floor was for the non-cultivators, with a large outside courtyard with a small pond and several tables for eating.
The Nation had five-star spirit chefs as well. The only place you could find a better place would be the Night or Midnight Clan's main building, where six or seven star spirit hefs would stay. They would have the best treatment, and their salaries were nothing to laugh about. For the nation to have a few five-star chefs is really amazing for a small city like Cold Steel.
The reason why Sifir picked the Banner of the Crest Palace over the Nation is quite simple. Fewer eyes and more freedom to roam to gather information on the current situation within the different territories. As both Purple Night and Fall Night look at the Banner of the Crest Palace, they feel the past glory shine through. One could be pulled back in time to when the era was different and the rules in the city were much calmer than they are now.
"I see that this place has a rich history." My only question is the food any good, Fall Night?"
"I know you are a foodie at heart, Purple Night. Plus, this place can give something more than the other place can, and that is fewer eyes and less monitoring."
"I see your reasoning. But, let's go back to where you call me fat."
"What are you talking about, Purple Night?"
"Did you just call me a foodie? Huh, Fall Night?"
Purple Night looked straight into Sifir's eyes.
"That is because you are always trying to eat my food, and you make me cook for you. If that isn't a foodie. I don't know what it is, Purple Night." Sifir shook his head in helplessness.
"So you do admit to calling me fat?!?!" Purple Night's eyes glowed with a light purple hue from her mask.
"I don't even know how you look under your cloak, Purple Night."
Sifir had a bewildered feeling.
"You want to see what is under my cloak? I will tell you now, Fall Night, one look and your little man will rise like no other."
Purple Night giggles with one hand over her mask.
"How? Never mind. Sigh."
Purple Night's laughter intensified. All Sifir could do was stay silent. Purple Night started to tease Sifir more and more. She made it into a game she enjoys the most. Waiting for Sifir to make a mistake and taking full advantage of it. Allowing Purple Night to add another powerful pawn to her forces the game she was playing.
"Okay, I am done teasing you, Fall Night. I see there are a lot of crests of large and medium-sized clans on these pillars. What is that about?"
Sifir still feels wrong from Purple Night teasing.
"These are all the clans that had visited during the long history of this place. The back two pillars belong to the Midnight and Night clans."
"Huh, that is very interesting. Why are there so many clan crests on those last pillars?"
"As you know, Purple Night, they both had their reign as the leading clan."
"Are you saying that anyone can put their clan crest on the back of those two pillars?"
"I don't know that, Purple Night." Fall Night shrugged and kept walking to the door.
"I have a feeling you wanted to say more, Fall Night?"
"Not really. Which floor are we heading to, Purple Night?"
"The second floor, of course. Aren't we important?"
"You could be significant. This lowly individual would never presume to align myself with someone of your stature, Purple Night."
"Why do I feel like that was more of an insult and backhanded compliment, Fall Night?"
"Seriously? Slander my captain, who possesses such charm and generosity? Oh, I definitely wouldn't."
"If you think I won't bite you, Fall Night, think again!"
Both Purple Night and Fall Night persist in their absurd humor. Different groups of cultivators closely monitored them. Seeing them not stopping on the first floor and continuing to move toward the second floor. Many of them didn't make a move and continued making small conversation among themselves.
When Sifir scanned the first floor, he noticed the pavilion young master of Iron Hallow in the corner. Even if Iron Hollow is a small sect in the Midnight clan's territory, that does not mean one should take them lightly.
They only take in cultivators that used the metal element as their primary. Sifir made sure to keep an eye on that person at all times. When Purple Night and Fall Night were about to take a step up the stairs to the second floor.
"Hold it, you two!"
"This is all your Purple Night, since you are the captain."
Sifir trailed behind Purple Night, akin to a loyal soldier following their commander. Purple Night knew that Sifir was getting back at her for teasing him earlier and she did not mind. She continued to devise strategies to win Sifir over to her side. Purple Night looked in the direction of the pavilion's young master of Iron Hallow.
"If it is not important, we will continue to go to the second floor." Purple Night spoke plainly.
"What is your clan or sect you belong to?"
"You don't need to know. Besides, I can tell you are not in the best shape either. I advised, Worry about yourself and not us or our business."
"I feel like the person behind you reminds me of someone. Someone who owes me a great debt."
"Fall Night, do you know this person?"
"Purple Night, no, I don't."
Sifir knew of the young master of Iron Hallow. That is because he was there when one of the elders of the Midnight Clan injured him. For Sifir, it was in his best interest to remain silent.
"Hold up! What was your name again?
"Mine or Fall Night?"
"Are you two related to the Night Clan?"
"No. Neither one of us is a part of the Night Clan. Now we are moving to the second floor. Unless you are buying our food and drinks. It is in your best interest to mind your own business; that will help you. Focus on recovering and raising your cultivation base."
Purple Night's voice sounded like she was annoyed that this unknown person still wanted to make idle talk. For Purple Night, she had more pressing issues, like what food she was going to eat and what wine she was going to take with her. The pavilion young master of Iron Hallow did not like being talked to like a junior being scolded by his elders.
Just when he was going to make a move, the owner of the Banner of the Crest Palace came out, looking at the interesting exchange of words. Usually the owner does not get involved in small-time conflicts.
However, seeing two guests were walking to the second floor. Thinking like a true business, she stopping the conflict before it went to far. It was a perfect time to help the new guest spend more money in her establishment.
Greetings, esteemed visitor. As the third-generation overseer of Banner of the Crest Palace, I carry forward a legacy rich in history and tradition. Feel free to refer to me as Jaz Vixen."
This young lady was but a mere fledgling in the realm of magical beasts. If one were to assess her age in human years, the young lady would be considered a venerable figure, akin to a woman in her early 200s. Jaz Vixen exuded a sense of maturity that captivated those around her.
She adorned herself in lavish garments befitting the owner of the Banner of the Crest Palace. Her hair was elegantly gathered into a high bun, while the remaining strands cascaded gracefully over her shoulder. Her hair shimmered with hues of pinkish purple. Jaz radiated warmth and approachability. Existing in a realm ruled by those who cultivate their powers. Jaz possessed a formidable martial prowess, capable of quelling most disputes should the situation arise.
"Jaz Vixen, one of the princesses of the Nine Tail clans?"
"It brings me joy that you are aware of my parents' origins. Is it me? This shop is the product of my imagination, a venture I proudly own. Please share your name and the individual accompanying you." Jaz lets out a soft, melodic giggle.
"This is Fall Night. I am Purple Night. No relation to the Night's clan."
"I see. The last name Night is quite famous in these lands. Anyways, let me escort you to the second floor."
"That would be the best, Ms. Jaz." Purple Night responds flatly.
"Are you going to let them go without testing their power, Ms. Jaz?"
"Pavilion Young Master, I must ask you not to interfere with my business. We welcome all guests. If they had the ability to go to the second floor. That is their business, not mine or yours."
Suddenly, a talisman soared through the air, heading straight for where the young pallivion master of Iron Hollow awaited. Sifir and Jaz Vixen, on the other hand, were not surprised. Both are well-acquainted with the essence of Purple Night.
Purple Night speaks with clarity, even when engaging in a lighthearted topic. Purple Night felt a surge of irritation at the pavilion master's conviction that he could control her choices. It was evident that he was playing with fire, and playing with fire inevitably leads to flames.
"Oh? That is the same talisman from before?"
Purple Night looked at Fall Night and gave him a small nod.
"I will show you something nice, Fall Night."
The seeking talisman that Purple Night used against Fall Night a few days ago. The pavilion young master tried to retreat from this attack. However, Purple Night started to use hand seals.
And the talisman began to multiply. One talisman turns into seven. With unpredictable trajectories, all seven talismans slice into the pavilion young master's neck, knees, inner thighs, and left hand. That was not the end either. All seven talismans exploded after, and the already injured pavilion master gained new injuries.
"You are lucky I am showing the owner of this palace face, or you would die in a bloody mess."
"Sigh. Pavilion Young Master, I told you to mind your own business. The only one to blame is yourself."
"Can we go to the second floor now, Purple Night?"
"Yes, Fall Night."
The group of three pays no attention to the pavilion master of Iron Hollow. The pavilion master had an ugly expression on his face and only stared coldly at Purple Night and Fall Night. Believing that it was all Fall Night's fault for leaving him in his current state. Even if it was not true, it was a good enough reason for the pavilion young master of Iron Hallow to go after them both when he recovered from his new and old injuries. Other cultivators whisper how Purple Night used the talisman and the several techniques at the same time. None dare to approach the group of three when they proceed to the second floor.
When all three of them made it to the second floor of Banner of the Crest Palace. On each side were rooms for VIPs or important clients to use. In the middle of the floor were several tables and a small bar where people could sit if they chose to. Jaz Vixen turned to Sifir and began to whisper in his ear.
"I think you need to hide your bloodline aura a little better there, little fall."
"Thank you for your concern about my bloodline. Please call me Fall Night, Ms. Jaz Vixen."
With a small chuckle. "Oh dear. The pleasure is all mine. Please just call me Jaz or Vixen if you're nasty with it. You should allow me to help to hide your bloodline aura. I have several ways in mind if you are interested."
"Well, Ms. Jaz. I will think about your offer the next time I am here in Cold Steel."
"Fall Night, come here."
"Yes, Purple Night."
"Tsk. It's always the overprotected type that likes to ruin my fun."
"Did you say something there Vixen?"
"Please, Ms. Purple Night. It is Jaz Vixen."
"Well, Fall Night is under my watch. I really don't care for what you are after. Just remember, he is mine."
"Oh, definitely, the classic overprotected type. Oh, absolutely. How could it be anything else?"
While both Purple Night and Jaz Vixen continue their pointless banter. There was a group of four cultivators sitting at a table by the window. Sifir spotted them when they came to the second floor. The group was engrossed in their conversation and not looking at who came in on the second floor. Most cultivators on the second floor did the same, not thinking their lives would be on the line.
However, there are a few that always kept a watch on who was coming in and out of the second floor because death is always around the corner. It was rare to see the owner come up with guests to the second floor. While a few pay attention to the situation, others continue to eat, drink, and talk about the new rumor they heard.
The group of four were talking about the current events. In the midst of what was happening. Unbeknownst to them. Sifir had already spotted them. It is really meeting enemies on a narrow road. It has been three months since this group got the best of Sifir. If it wasn't for the simple fact Sifir came back from one of his wild explorations.
Sifir would have killed all of them. The group of four was originally seven. However, Sifir has been picking them off one by one. Even if one is strong, that doesn't mean you can take on a group of seven cultivators all in the middle stage of the human realm like it was cutting down cabbages.
-
"Big broddie, did you hear anything on our missing members?"
"Nope. I tried to contact them a couple of months back. Yet, I didn't get a response."
"That is strange. Do you think it was that Midnight clan member we ambushed?" One cultivator asked.
"Who knows? Nah mean? We robbed so many. It is hard to tell." The last cultivator in the group retorted.
"More loot for us, right?"
All of them laughed.
"Ayoooooo. I heard from one of my sources that the Elder is looking to gather the top talents from the big three clans."
"That Elder has some wild ambition."
"The Elder probably sent out requests for their talents already."
"That could be good news for us. More prey for us, right? No Malice."
"How many times do I have to tell you not to say our names, Little Fool?"
"Haha. More ways to be robbed, if you ask me. No malice."
"Why are you following the footsteps of Little Fool, Hungry For Death?"
"Wave Tsu? What's wrong?"
"I thought I felt someone staring at us. Now, I can't feel them."
"Do you think it is one of the Elder's people looking for talents?"
They all looked at each other and started laughing out loud again, not caring for their surroundings.
"Us? We are not like them, those heavenly geniuses. We are just lowly cultivators who are trying to make it in this cold world, no blanket. Nah mean?!"
"That is true, Wave Tsu. Do you feel like there's been an increase in guards in the cities we've been visiting?"
"I do, Little Fool. From one of my sources, they said the dragons had increased their pressure on the Midnight, Night, and Sunchaser clans."
Slap!
"This is the fault of the Midnight clan starting both of the Great Wars."
"I thought the Night Clan started the 2nd Great War, No Malice?"
"Does it even matter?"
No Malice looks at Hungry for Death mockingly.
"There has been a rumor spreading in several regions. Some say that Midnight and the Night were once one clan. And the founding father of the Night clan, Darksyde, is from the main branch of the Midnight clan."
"Where did you hear this, Hungry for Death?"
"From the local strip joint. You can get heard a lot of things in there, among others."
Hungry for Death just smile stupidly.
"Interesting. If that's the case, a strong if, what is the connection between the founding father of the Midnight clan Messyah and Darksyde?"
"Bruh. That is above our thinking. Let's hit the local strip joint and see some fly honeys and engage in some lucrative activities."
They all agreed and continued to eat and drink.
-
Jaz Vixen and Purple Night were mid-conversation when they saw Sifir make a move. They were bewildered as to why Sifir would move to confront the group of four cultivators. They knew that favors and grudges go hand in hand. One can not be prosperous without another being destitute because of their fortune or opportunities.
Sifir carried out the second step of the [Nine Extinction Steps], known as the [Short Step]. Sifir employed this when Purple Night attempted to reach out to him once more in the street. Sifir approached the table where the group of four sat, his movements quick and purposeful, closing the distance in an instant.
With the precision of a drill, Sifir soared through the sky. Sifir unleashed the formidable [Immolation Claw] upon the unsuspecting cultivators. The dark aura particles began to coalesce rapidly, shaping into a massive liger claw that descended with fierce intensity.
The sudden assault left the cultivators paralyzed, caught in a moment of shock. Sifir launched his assault on them not merely once, but three times in total. The final strike, a whirlwind of speed and power, eclipsed all that had come before it. The air was thick with the echoes of screams, a haunting symphony of despair as the dying cultivators faced the relentless onslaught of Sifir's merciless assault. Sifir leaned down, gathering the bags belonging to the four cultivators and carefully stowing them away in his dimensional space bag.
Purple Night and Jaz Vixen stood in awe, taken aback by the sheer intensity of Sifir's power. Moreover, Sifir made the quick decision to terminate a life without any hesitation. There was an undeniable thrill in the air as Purple Night watched the cold, raw killing intent Sifir brought with it. Conversely, Jaz Vixen found herself discontented with the harm inflicted upon her pavilion.
"How are you going to pay for the damages that you cause, Fall Night?" Jaz Vixen has a cold tone in her voice.
"How much do you need to repair the damages, Ms. Jaz Vixen?"
"How about you give me some of your blood? We can count the debt settled by Fall Night."
"No. How much money do I need to pay you?"
"You are a petty man, Fall Night."
"Did you hear that, Fall Night? You are petty. How about giving me what I want now, Fall Night?" Purple Night spoke in a teasing manner.
"Either 10 thousand purple coins or 1 silver card." Jaz Vixen spoke calmly.
"Here then. one silver card that has 25 thousand purple coins on it, Jaz Vixen." Sifir walked over and passed the silver card.
"Sigh. Thank you, Fall Night, for paying me for my losses. Let me escort you and Purple Night to our VIP room."