THE ASSEMBLY

Scholars would often describe the prosperous city of Jade as the center of all sorts of businesses and trades across the Middle Kingdom. Even though it is not the capital, the city's fortune and wealth is certainly not far behind. Situated at the eastern tip of the Middle Kingdom and connected to Xuhai by an isthmus, it is more exposed to the outside world compared to other cities. With seas bounding it from all directions, Jade City has countless source of goods.

It is in Jade City where you can find the finest silk across the continent. It is also home of the kingdom's most skilled blade-maker, Master Tu. In terms of delicacies, there are quite many places to enjoy mouth-watering dishes within the city. The Zhou family's restaurant is known for the biggest prawns ever served on a dining table. The sweetest of sweets can only be found at Aunt Li's store, popular to many customers regardless of age.

Everyday, it is a normal scenery to see and hear different kinds of people along the busy and populated streets of Jade City. But today, the vigor and color on the streets are evidently multiplied for several times. The red color of the hanging lanterns, the waving imperial flags, and the ribbons worn by the unmarried ladies of Jade seem to be brighter today. The sun too is visibly shining extra rays for this day's particular occasion.

The Zhangs are the wealthiest family in Jade City, and their mansion occupies a large portion of Jade's land. Right now, in their spacious courtyard, the twelve masters, as well as the martial artists from various sects, clans and cities are gathered by Minister Shi to drink tea and discuss the current affairs among other towns. There are rumors spreading about the series of mysterious events that has been occurring at different parts of the country. The purpose of the Assembly is not only to discuss, but more importantly, to annihilate whatever evil is lurking within the Middle Kingdom.

"Old Master Li has arrived!"

All of the martial artists stood to greet him.

"Master Li, welcome!" the scheming master, Wang He, offered him a cup of tea. "On my way here, I heard a really disturbing rumor. People living in the outskirts talk about the mysterious disappearances of young ladies in Wei province, your hometown. Well, is that true, Master Li?"

Master Li frowned. He knew very well that Wang He is up to no good. "Indeed, it's true. I came here to discuss it with Minister Shi and the other masters."

"Is that so? I once thought there are no matters that Old Mater Li cannot—"

Wang He was about to say something when a renowned skilled warrior from Northern City arrived. Even though young, Song Xianlong is being praised by several masters for his expertise with the fabled sword technique passed down by his respectable ancestors. As young as twenty-three, he had already made his name by fighting countless rebels and evil masters. There is no lady in the Middle Kingdom who does not know him. All of them dream of marrying the young man someday.

"Oh, is it the promising warrior from the North? Welcome! Young martial artists like you would be the one to replace those masters who are getting old," Wang He continued with his mischievous remarks.

Old Master Li was at his limit and was about to draw his sword when a man at early thirties dressed in Imperial Ministers' robe entered the courtyard. They all bowed and showed respects to him.

"Please cease your quarrel. Master Li, Master Wang. Today is such a good day, isn't it? I thank the Zhangs for having all of us in their beautiful courtyard." Minister Shi showed off his magnanimous smile, which made him the second most desired man in the country, one step behind Song Xianlong.

"It is a pleasure to be your host," Zhang Meng, the owner of the mansion, said.

"It seems like the twelve masters are here. Your Highness, shall we begin?" Master Tu, the well-known blade-making master of Jade, said.

"Oh, let's wait for a little while. Because this is such an important gathering, I invited one more person to join us." The minister smiled at the confused martial artists.

The sound of horses' hooves came from outside the mansion. The twelve masters and all the martial artists in the courtyard turned to look at the entrance to see who is it that made them wait. A peculiar man in black robe with the hood covering his entire face entered the courtyard. There is no single part of his flesh visible to the onlookers. What they could see seems to be only a piece of cloth walking without a living man inside.

None among the multitude of martial artists seemed to have recognized him until the Minister's servant announced the man in black's presence.

"The Thirteenth Master has arrived!"

Minister Shi acknowledged the person's presence by raising him a cup of tea. Song Xianlong stared at the man in cloak with curious eyes. The twelve masters looked at each other confusedly, and they are full of questions.

Master Wang and Master Li, as well as the other masters greeted the newcomer. The mysterious being seemed to stop walking for a split second, as if to greet the other masters too, but instead, he continued walking and headed to his designated seat. All eyes followed him. Song Xianlong withdrew his gaze from the man.

'Just another master with a terrible temper,' he thought, disappointedly.

The courtyard fell into a deafening silence. The sun is at full glory, but the atmosphere is not humid. Cool wind keeps blowing from the North, blessing the courtyard with a very pleasing temperature. At that time, there is one universal question running through the heads of all those present in the courtyard:

He was never seen nor heard of for six years. But why did the obscure thirteenth master suddenly appear in the crowded city of Jade?