The clan's grand hall shimmered with an incandescent glow as the New Year festival burst into life. Lanterns of ruby and gold swung gently from intricately carved beams, while the soft strains of ancient melodies mingled with the clink of porcelain cups and the murmur of excited conversation. Today, tradition and ambition intertwined—a celebration of rising talent and the promise of new beginnings.
Throughout the hall, juniors gathered in tight circles, exchanging pointers as eagerly as they shared pleasantries. In one nook, animated discussions about cultivation techniques and recent breakthroughs filled the air. Against this vibrant backdrop, Yinmo moved like a shadow between clusters of hopeful apprentices, his eyes dark with quiet determination as his thoughts continually returned to the imminent duel with Feng Tao.
Just as the festive energy seemed to crest, the grand entrance swung open with a hush of expectancy. In strode a dignified figure—Master Wei Lian of the renowned Qingyun Clan. His arrival was nothing short of commanding: accompanied by a retinue that included his exceptionally talented prodigy, Shen Liang, Master Wei's every measured step radiated the authority and refined cultivation methods for which his middle clan was famed. Master Wei's presence lent an added sheen of propriety and competition to the proceedings.
With a warm smile and deliberate grace, Master Wei approached the clan leader. "A child like Lei Xuan," he announced in a tone filled with both admiration and unmistakable pride, "is indeed a rare jewel—an honor befitting our legacy." His words resonated in the hall, and a ripple of whispered approval spread throughout the gathering.
As the delegation from the Qingyun Clan settled into their appointed space near the central pavilion, the atmosphere transitioned from casual merriment to a charged anticipation. Juniors now found themselves in the midst of a convergence of talents, and amidst the bustle of exchanged techniques and shared secrets, the time had come for the formal festivities to take an unexpected turn.
Towards the end of the evening, a ceremonial hush fell over the hall as the clan leader ascended a raised dais. In a measured tone, he addressed the assembly:
"Today, we celebrate not merely the arrival of the New Year but the rising promise of our future. This hall witnesses not only accomplished talents but also those yet to be forged. Henceforth, the session for sharing pointers and techniques shall commence."
Even as the words faded into a pregnant pause, a sudden ripple of shock pierced the silence. Without warning, Yinmo stepped forward onto the stage. His eyes, smoldering with raw determination, locked onto the figure of Feng Tao—a name that had become synonymous with the swift, merciless gusts of wind. "Feng Tao!" he called out, his voice ringing clear and defiant. "I challenge you to a duel—right here, right now!"
The hall fell stunned silent. Murmurs circled among the juniors as the clan leader's expression darkened with anger. Displeased at what he saw as an act of impetuousness—embarrassing the clan in the esteemed presence of Master Wei and his delegation—the clan leader barked a few harsh admonitions to Yinmo for such a public breach of decorum.
Master Wei, however, could not hide a sardonic smile. In a low but audible remark to those nearby, he muttered, "I always thought that child was devoid of true talent—but now, he's practically begging for a beating from Feng Tao, whose wind prowess is well known. The Moonveil Clan has seen a surplus of genuine talent this year, far surpassing the middling efforts of many other first-class families." His tone carried both subconscious envy and a cutting critique of the imbalance in cultivated skill among the clans.
The tension on the dais was palpable. The clan leader's displeasure was as clear as the flickering light of the lanterns overhead, while the assembled crowd buzzed with shock and whispered conjectures. Yinmo, undeterred by reprimands and scorn alike, stood resolute—a solitary challenger whose bold step on the stage marked both a cry for recognition and a declaration of his unyielding ambition.
In that charged moment, as excited voices and skeptical glances danced around him, Yinmo's challenge had irrevocably altered the mood of the festival. Every whispered word, every raised eyebrow confirmed that the upcoming duel between him and Feng Tao was fast becoming the talk of the hall.
Under the soft radiance of the lanterns and amidst the mix of jubilation and rivalry, Yinmo's eyes never wavered from his intended opponent. His challenge was not merely a bid for personal honor—it was a battle cry to shatter the limitations imposed upon him. And as the formal session for exchanging pointers began, it was clear that the atmosphere was now seared with the promise of a duel that would test the very fabric of his being.