Yan Province, Yongning City.
Ten miles outside the city stood Xingyun Mountain, a branch of the Yanxing Mountain range, where the famed Xingyun Sect had established its gate.
The fifth of the seventh month. The sun was high in the sky.
Hundreds of people had gathered before the mountain gate, the line snaking down like a long serpent all the way to the foot of the mountain.
Yan Province had a strong martial tradition; nearly everyone, regardless of age or gender, knew a thing or two about fighting. Families with the means would send their children to train at martial sects or academies.
The Xingyun Sect recruited disciples on the fifth of every month.
Despite the strict entry requirements, an endless stream of young hopefuls would arrive on this day, many having made special journeys from other provinces.
Most of the people in line were between thirteen and eighteen, the prime age for martial arts training. The younger ones were accompanied by their elders.
