Zhang Xiu

Next to a raging river, a caravan of fives carriages and a dozen knights on horses travel towards a misty, curved mountain range. Within the second carriage in line a 13-14 year old girl looked ruminative as she gazed towards their destination. Looking towards the dreamlike mountain range, that seemed to be able touch the stars, worry and wonder became increasingly prominent within her gaze.

"What are you wondering about Zhang Xiu?" Zhang Ling, her 17 year old sister, asked, despite knowing the answer.

Zhang Xiu casually responded, "Nothing much."

With a somber atmosphere the caravan separated from the river side, as they moved towards the distant mountain range.

The caravan stopped after reaching a city at the edge of the valley. This valley lead into the depths of the mountain range, and was the destination of this trip. The city, named Dark Moon City, had high red walls, tight security, and a great deal of trade and people for it's size. The caravan members were lead to a large inn by members that visited the city before. There were rooms reserved for them beforehand.

Zhang Xiu was in her room waiting for dinner. As she looked around her room she saw a mirror. There was amazement in her golden eyes. Despite her family's prosperity, even she can't get a personal mirror in her room. She couldn't help but wonder how wealthy this city is, compared to Zhang city.

Within the mirror was a girl with waist long, deep blue hair. Her skin lightly tanned with a black line on her forehead. She wore white robes, with a dark red shirt and pants beneath it. On her delicate feet were simple sandals. She had a simple sword and dark brown sheath tied to the right side of her waist. She only had a undecorated silver ring on her left hand, despite coming from an influential family. Zhang Xiu took a moment observing herself.

She looked to her left and saw a comfortable bed and dark wood night stand next to it. It was on the other side of the bed that the full body mirror was hung on the wall. On the night stand was a lamp that used a illuminant crystal. There was a well made desk and chair across from the bed. Above this desk was a small shelf with a variety of books. On the other half of the room was the door outside, and across from it was the bathroom door.

After she looked around, Zhang Xiu decided to take a nap while she waited for dinner. She put her sword on the side of the bed, and placed her robe on the desk chair. Its been a month since she last slept in a bed, so Zhang Xiu was looking forward to it.

Before she closed her eyes her mind wandered. She thought about how her family has been in dire straits, as the Tranquility Sect they supported was destroyed. All the poisonous people that wanted their wealth, and the great pressure this caused them. Could they even join the Moon Palace? Before her thoughts grew more wild she forced herself to stop thinking about it. Instead thinking of the comfortable bed as she closed her eyes.

Only moments seemed to pass before she was being shaken awake. She groggily opened her eyes and saw Zhang Ling. Her sister had similar dark blue hair, though it barely touched her shoulders, and green eyes instead of gold.

"Stop shaking me so hard, Zhang Ling. You stupid brute…" Zhang Xiu grumbled as soon as she woke up. However she should've been a little quieter because the result was a stinging pain to the back of the head. "Oww! The hell was that for..!" she yelled in a childish manner, but her voice full of rage.

"Humph!" Zhang Ling looked down at her with anger as she said, "What was that for?" she grabbed her sister's arms and started shaking her as she continued, "What was that for?! Call me a brute again! I dare you!"

Realizing her sister heard her muttering, Zhang Xiu was suddenly speechless. Looking away from her sister's angry gaze, she, with great embarrassment, said lightly, "A brute? You know I would never call ya that sis…"

Zhang Ling simply made a tsk sound before turning around. "Get up quickly. It's time for dinner. There is probably gonna be some speech for motivation, or why this is important, yadda yadda," her sister talked in annoyance. Zhang Ling walked to the door after complaining to herself.

Zhang Xiu stood up, threw her robe over her shoulders and picked up her sword as she followed her sister.

At a large, 4 stories tall restaurant in a reserved side of the second floor. The Zhang family was gathered and talked while they ate. In total there were 30 members from the Zhang family, and 10 people that just worked for the Zhang family. The 30 Zhang family members were in the center with 10 children on the sides. The adults ranged from 30 to 40 years old with two elders that looked 50. The 10 children were anywhere between 7 and 16. Everyone in the group wore martial artists robes and had swords on their sides.

Once everyone was given food, one of the elders started to speak. "We've come a long way to get here. I know everyone is probably tired, but we can't rest just yet. Zhang city is losing its prominence. Our forces are getting weaker. As long as the Mu family keeps targeting Zhang city, then the Zhang family. won't last long," the elder spoke seriously. Everyone's reactions were different. The Zhang family employees looked biter, the Zhang family adults were unwilling and angry, while the children were even more so. Of course, there were exceptions, such as a guard that was filled with righteous anger, or Zhang Ling who looked annoyed on the surface, but was clearly trying to hide that her anxious.

The elder continued, "That's why we've taken this journey. In three days the Moon Palace will hold a disciple acceptance ceremony! Now that we're at the Silver mountains, some of you must enter the Moon Palace. The fate of the Zhang family depends on it!" As the elder continued to speak, he got more agitated, and his voice had a tone of urgency as he continued, "If each of you can even become lowly labor disciples, that would be enough. If any one of you can become an outer court disciple, in just a few years, our family's fate would completely change!"

After a moment of silence the elder slowly finished what he had to say, "You must all do your very best, not only in your cultivation or during the exam, you must do your best afterwards too. You're the hope of our Zhang family."

Under a solemn atmosphere, the Zhang family finished their meal. They then returned to the inn and started cultivating like mad.