Tian Wei's eyes beheld a vision of a dashing figure, she moved with the swiftness of the wind itself.
In the blink of an eye, a cascade of an onyx black liquid splattered upon the table, drenching the booth and besmirching the garments of Xuan Yi who was caught off guard. Xuan Yi was sitting quietly across from him. The liquid was a black ink that formed droplets that marred the pristine surface.
As if a premonition of chaos, two feather quills descended upon the table, their descent accompanied by a gust of wind that carried the scent of paint. The figure, with the grace of a fleeting phantom, darted out of the restaurant, leaving behind a wind and a gentle mysterious aura.
The waiter, who had just approached with their order, was caught off guard by the sudden gust, causing the tray to tremble violently. It was only through the swift reflexes of Tian Wei that the tray was saved from a disastrous collision with the floor, averting the sacrificial offering of their long awaited meal to the ancestors.
The waiter, visibly shaken by the events that had unfolded, cast a bewildered gaze upon Tian Wei and Xuan Yi.
The little artist girl that moved like the wind had long gone, but the two feathers she left behind were a duel challenge. Once those feathers were served, the one that got them, either fought or died.
Tian Wei, and even Xuan Yi might not know this little painter girl but based on her speed, she was no light opponent.
A tremor of fear coursed through the waiter's quivering lips, her voice barely finding the strength to utter the dreaded words, "The Mo!"
"Huh?" Xuan Yi's countenance contorted with confusion. The once hushed ambiance of the restaurant erupted into hushed whispers, as even those who had been tidying up after the previous commotion now froze in their tracks. Their eyes darted around the room settling upon the booth occupied by Tian Wei and Xuan Yi, where the ink's splatters adorned the table like a sinister omen.
"Aii... it seems that in their commotion earlier, they had unwittingly offended the Mo Sect," muttered a waiter under his breath as he gathered the shattered fragments and splintered wood.
His companion, shaking his head in pity, interjected, "Young master Xuan Yi has been absent, unaware of the recent developments."
After gathering herself, the waitress leaned over to explain the incident to Xuan Yi. She untucked a towel from her waist and began wiping the table to make room for the tray of food that Tian Wei now held.
"Young master, you may not be aware, but you have been challenged to a duel by the disciples of the Mo Sect.You either fight or you die. The Mo sect have been the Xuan Sect guests for a few months now. They are a terrifying nightmare and for you to offend them this early in your return may have been a terrible lack on your part. You can only hope that the sect leader intervenes on your behalf." the waiter continued after gathering her composure.
A resigned sigh escaped Xuan Yi's lips, his nonchalance evident. To him, the Mo Sect whoever they were sounded like nothing more than an inconsequential faction, a mere blip on his radar. In this moment, fear held no dominion over him.
After all, he was no longer the trash he had once been. Besides, an immortal sat across from him. A mischievous grin danced upon his lips as he pondered the situation.
Curiosity tinged his voice as he turned to the waiter, observing her deft movements as she transferred bowls and delicacies from tray to table.
"Do tell, what brings the Mo Sect to this place? Who are they exactly?" he inquired with intrigue.
"I am unfamiliar with their origins, and I had never heard about them until a few weeks back. However, what I do know is that even the esteemed Xuan Sect's master, Xuan, treats them with the utmost respect." Leaning in closer, she whispered, a hint of excitement in her voice, "Rumors abound, suggesting that even the sect master fears them. It is said that they may be backed by a formidable sect, or that they might be some powerful mysterious hidden sect. Whether they have come to supplant the Xuan Sect or are merely passing through, remains unclear. Only a select few of their disciples and their masters have come."
It appeared a lot had changed since Xuan Yi was away.
Tian Wei thought about what the waiter said. He knew better than to trust the rumors of waiters and villagers. But he couldn't entirely dismiss their words.
There was a small chance, very small, that what they said had a little merit. It may be exaggerated but some element of truth had to remain after sifting the truth out.
Even though the waiter had diligently wiped the table, it still bore the inky stains. They both chose to carry their bowls into the next booth.
The girl who just left had already transcended past the Tempered bones phase. To think she'd reached that level, while being so young, was in itself a hint at how formidable her background and talent was.