1 The cheeky martial artist

Lixin was known throughout the martial arts world for his quick wit and cheeky attitude. He was the kind of person who always had a snarky remark at the ready, no matter the situation. As he traveled the land, he encountered many different sects, each with their own unique energy techniques and special powers.

On a sunny Tuesday, while preparing for the new quest his sect had given him, Lixin stumbled upon a group of warriors from the Dragon Sect in the town market, where it was known the forbidden weapons could be bought under the counter.

The Dragon Sect was known for their ferocious fighting style and mastery of fire-based energy techniques. As he approached them, one of the warriors stepped forward and said, "What do you want, stranger?"

Lixin grinned and replied, "I was just passing by and thought I'd stop to see what all the fuss was about. But now that I'm here, I can't help but notice that you all look like you could use a good laugh."

The warriors bristled at Lixin's comment, but he simply shrugged and continued, "No need to get all worked up. I'm just a traveler passing through. I mean no harm."

As the warriors began to relax, Lixin asked, "So, what kind of energy techniques do you guys specialize in?"

One of the warriors stepped forward and said, "We are the Dragon Sect, and we specialize in fire-based energy techniques. Our techniques are among the most powerful in the land."

Lixin raised an eyebrow and said, "Fire-based, huh? That's impressive. But have you ever tried mixing it up with some water-based techniques? Now that's a combination that can pack a punch."

The warriors looked at Lixin incredulously, unsure of how to respond to his audacity. But before they could say anything, Lixin had already turned and walked away, laughing to himself.

He did already get what he wanted from the market, a three-day pill and a black spider venom-infused dagger. Being a little late to the meeting of his sect, he rushed through the streets of Wenji, a city, known for being home to several martial arts sects. Wenji was one of the smaller towns in kingdom of Jianghu.

The city was full of warriors with extraordinary abilities. These warriors had learned to harness the power of their chi, the life force that flowed within them, to perform incredible feats of strength and speed. They had mastered the art of Wu, a martial arts discipline that blended powerful strikes, graceful movements, and mystical energy powers.

Lixin got into a group meeting at the last second, before the doors of his sect master hall closed in hopes of preventing eavesdrops.

"Fellow sect members, welcome," said the rough and rusty voice of the Sect Leader, Li Feng. The leader was in his forties, a strong, muscular man, who might have been ever handsome in his youth. After several battles war and decades later, he was but a shadow of gentleness and beauty. His presence was that of a serious and brutal warrior.

"We have an urgent task for every disciple of Heavenly Sword Sect, and I believe other sects do too."

"Well, this is getting interesting, " thought Lixin.

The leader continued: "There was something stolen from the Sects society ministry last night. I was only told it was a small jade object, that could potentially bring the end of all sects. I have no idea such object even existed, let me tell you," the voice sounded somehow angrier, "But it is our duty to help the ministry, all the other sects, and also, there was a royal decree..."

"A ROYAL Decree??!" a voice from behind shockingly shouted. "Oh, my, my, in my years, I have never even heard that the King would interfere in sects business.

This must be quite serious.

Is there any reward for locating this jade object?

No?

What about finders keepers?"

"Insolent as always, XinLi," another, female voice hissed. The mistress, teacher of chi energy skills in Heavenly Sword Sect, ms. Xiāng was not fond of Xin and his rudeness. She often mixed his name up and called him Xin, which was a common female name. She thought this would enrage the young martial artist. Lixin just ignored her altogether.

"The reward is for us to be kept alive, Lixin." said the leader. "As I am told, this small object is a powerful weapon, that could be turned into a killing tool, that only knows how to kill sect members."

"And... Do you believe the ministry? That object as such exists? That nobody heard about this weapon until today?" Lixin asked in a more serious tone.

The hall grew silent. Lixin words were in the thoughts of many sect members, who were not as rude as their youngest disciple.

"No, I do not believe them," said the leader, "but we must go on this mission and retrieve this object, no matter what this object is. We leave at dawn."

With these words, the meeting was adjourned.