[A/N: A big thanks to Wulfus and kanderson2084 for the Golden Tickets to the book. Thou shall be remembered.]
The sky above the Yu Clan had dimmed to a deep indigo.
The two moons — one gold, one silver — slowly rose over the horizon, casting a sacred glow across the mountainside. The air was crisp, tinged with excitement and spirit energy.
Even though night had arrived, no one rested.
Why would they?
The semifinals of the grand youth tournament had finally begun.
While the arena remained exclusive and quiet, the rest of the clan was anything but.
Floating screens glowed across open pavilions, courtyards, and gathering halls.
Disciples crowded around them in small clusters, shouting, whispering, and cheering.
Some mourned their spiritual stone losses.
Others clutched winning tickets like treasures handed down by the heavens.
In one courtyard, someone had even set up grilled beast skewers and was selling spicy broth.
Truly a festival.
