A Brewing Storm

"It's a red-"

The girl hadn't even completed her statement when the door of the room suddenly swung open.

"A red seal; what is it this time?" Old Lao murmured to himself as a look of concern flashed across his face for a moment.

"Little Ling, you may return first. Tell your sister I would be making a quick trip to the palace; both of you should handle all affairs till I return." Old Lao instructed as he sent Little Ling off.

"Oh, and one more thing…" He added as Little Ling was about to take off.

---

"Whenever they send a red-sealed letter, you are to ignore all rules and barge through the door."

Old Lao said as he waved his sleeves and summoned a long sword and took off, leaving a confused Little Ling behind.

"What's happening this time; master has never looked this disturbed before." She muttered as she watched Old Lao disappear into the horizon.

---

Back in the Yun Empire, lies the Spring Rain Kingdom; a mighty country that held three of the twelve strongest clans of the prosperous Yun Empire.

East of this mighty kingdom was a city of unprecedented beauty; the City of Ernes.

Ernes was built at the center of a gorgeous jungle and is truly a state-of-the-art sight.

Its appearance is matched by the backdrop of pristine skies which have helped shape the city into what it is today.

The climate these skies brought was of great importance, but they were also influential when it came to architectural designs as the vast majority of buildings have been built with simple but luxurious grandeur; after all, it was one of the biggest economical cities in the empire.

The mountains and hills within this city are riddled with grand mansions and castles that have been designed to adorn the city and each other.

The abundance of beast body parts and medicinal herbs is one of the thriving businesses in Ernes and it attracts lots of attention.

A few new cultures have left their mark not just on the city's cuisine, but also on the city's identity.

What historically was a city of few cultures has grown into a fusion of everything and it's this that unites the 200 thousand people to this day.

Ernes was a city ruled by the majestic Ji Clan; the only clan within the empire that not only excels in business but battles as well.

Right at the center of Ernes stood a town that was about twice the size of the Southern Ji Family's town.

Upon the highest hill of this town laid the residence of the Patriarch of the Ji Clan, and within it was the Clan Hall which was currently occupied by four figures who from the quiet and sparse atmosphere seemed to be having a secret meeting.

"So, that was how everything went." Said one of them who was dressed in a luxurious and elegant robe that screamed prestige.

"Well, since we have their support, then I think we don't need to worry much about it anymore." Said another who was wearing a more expensive robe that looked elegant but much simpler.

"No brother, I know Ji Tang very well, and if the news of the return of his grandkid is true and that he is now cured, then I think we still need to be cautious." The man in the simple but expensive robe advised.

"Regardless; with you, the elders, and the Clan's heirloom, I believe our victory is assured."

The man in the elegant robe said as he leaned into his seat to reveal a 'Patriarch' tag tied to his waist.

"Definitely; then once everything is over, we can move to the next phase of our plan."

The other man who turned out to be the banished patriarch of the Ji Clan added with a slight smile.

A few minutes later, these men ended their secret meeting and walked each other out of the Clan Hall with the other figures tagging behind them like a guard or retainer.

As they stepped out of the Clan Hall's walls, they arrived by a very luxurious carriage waiting with another two armored guards.

'Soon, very soon, our clan shall retake its rightful position, and put everyone in their rightful place.'

The Patriarch added as he watched his brother's carriage take off and disappear into the distance with a longing expression.

Meanwhile.

Back at the borders of the demon continent, and atop its tallest mountain, was a figure who was seated in a meditative posture, with two other figures standing on either side.

The darkness of the night had just begun to encroach the area as the sun set towards this figure's right and the moon hung in the sky to his left with its radiance just beginning to outshine that of the sun.

A small camp was set up just behind these figures containing four tents in total.

"I want both of you to return and start the training of the family members.

Then once everything is up and running; Fang, you are to stay behind and oversee the first part of their training regime.

Wang, you are to return and help me scout this mountain range; check if you can pick up the tracks of our mysterious expert."

Ji Tang's voice said in a hushed tone as they were trying hard not to disturb the duo slumbering in the two tents adjacent to them.

"Once the first regime has been completed, both of you will swap shifts, and that is how we will manage the training of the people whilst keeping them safe as well." Ji Tang added as his sworn brothers nodded in unison.

"Have the kids woken yet?" Ji Tang asked.

"Not yet, but it seems Qing'er would most likely wake first."

Ji Fang answered as he looked to his side in a manner that seemed like his gaze was peering into one of the tents erected a certain distance from them.

"I will continue to oversee their training and ensure that they are undisturbed.

I will also send word to Master Li and have him come and assist us with the matter of this mysterious expert." He added as Ji Wang sank into one of the shadows of the trees in the area and vanished.

Ji Fang, on the other hand simply left a few snaky sparks in his wake as Ji Tang found himself alone with two kids atop the largest mountain in the demon continent's outskirts.