MDZS FanSeries: Rise of the Phoenix

Chapter One

The streets of Caiyi Town was busy during the fall season as the townspeople were getting ready for the approaching harsh cold winter. Wool and thick clothing was being sold here and there, chopped up wood for the fire to keep themselves nice and warm within their homes, and stocking up in food and ingredients needed.

The boats were being hauled out of the water for when the winter comes, the streams, rivers, and lakes will be frozen. It's common for these kind of things to happen in Gusu. Compared to other clans, it was closest to the snowy mountains to the north. The wind carries the cool air over, as well as snow that covers up most of the ground leaving the place like a winter wonderland.

As exciting and as usually as this was, two juniors from Cloud Recesses up on the mountains would not be able to enjoy the winter festivities and snowfall at this time. They were called to investigate an unknown clan that had been long forgotten and just recently found. The two young males walked in the busy market of Caiyi to get the necessary items they would need to bring along such as water and food.

"Why did Zewu Jun have to choose us of all the other juniors..." One complained as he lets out a desperate, long, and heavy sigh. He wore a long white hanfu gown, one that people outside of the clan would think that they were mourning clothes. Every junior in GusuLan wore a white ribbon with cloud patterns on it wrapped around their foreheads that symbolizes their rightful and proper clan. "And here I was looking forward for the winter festival too."

The other junior who was with him was buying food and drinks they needed for their long journey, putting it in the small satchel bags that they had brought with them. "JingYi," the other one began, "Zewu Jun had a reason to have chosen us to go and investigate this unknown. Remember, we proved ourselves when we helped Senior Wei and HanGuang Jun through the troubles they went together. Zewu Jun trusts us that we can accomplish this as well as reporting to him of our findings one we get back." The slightly shorter junior hands him his satchel and began walking with Lan JingYi.

"I do like a good praising here and there," Lan JingYi muttered, "but SiZhui, what if we miss the fireworks? What are we to do then?" he asked as he looked at him scowling to himself, "I'm pretty sure by the time we get back, we'll be receiving taunts and teasing by the others about us missing the whole ordeal." Lan SiZhui only chuckled at his friend's statement and banter about the winter fest.

Before this, their lives took a turn after what had happened at the Mo Village a few years ago, learning about so many things they were clueless about, and reunion with old comrades and family. Lan SiZhui got his own adventure cut out for him a few months back as well.

Now, he was on another journey, sooner than he expected, and up for another adventure, this time, with Lan JingYi.

"I'm sure you'll love this more than the Winter fest. Facts really," Lan SiZhui replied once Lan JingYi was done with his rant and complain. "I've never even heard of Wu Yáng City and the unknown clan report with it until now. Plus, if you look at the map of China, you'll notice it isn't even part of any of the clans nor any of the city we know about outside as well. Don't you think it's worth checking it out?" he asked.

The taller junior only shook his head and sighs in irritation. He just can't seem to understand what's so special of this place. It's a city, with people, and shops. Nothing new.

With a straight face and expressionless look, he says, "No, there is nothing special about a city that is similar to other ones we have gone to before. If this is different, then it's going to take a lot more to impress me enough to get curious."

They continued their talk as they exit the town and down a roadpath, leaving Gusu behind them without a second glance.

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