The Banner of the Crest Palace is a medium-sized pavilion with an outside courtyard and balcony on the second floor. I had an old-school architype that is hard to find in today's age. One of the first high-end pavilions in Cold Steel City for the Banner of the Crest Palace to stand for so long in a city that has been controlled recently by Midnight's clan. The rich history of this building can be traced back to the beginning of the birth of Cold Steel City. Even with this rich history and strong background, it was still four out of five stars.
One reason was that the owner did not want to upgrade the building and only wanted to maintain its current appearance. The second reason was that The Nation was a four-story building with the latest architecture.
If you include the VIP rooms on the fourth floor, the third floor was for very influential and elite warriors, the second floor was for your standard cultivator, and the first floor was for the common man, with an outside large courtyard with a small pond and several tables for eating.
The nation had five-star chefs as well. The only place you could find a better place would be the Night or Midnight clan's main building, where six or seven-star chefs would stay. They would have the best treatment, and their salaries were nothing to laugh about. For the nation to have a few five-star chefs is really amazing for a small city like Cold Steel.
The reason why Sifir picked the Banner of the Crest Palace over The Nation is quite simple. Less eyes and more freedom to roam to gather information on the current situation within the different territories. As both Purple Night and Fall Night looked at the Banner of the Crest Palace, feelings of past glory shone through. One could be pulled back in time to a time when the era was different and the rules in the city were much calmer than they are now.
"I see this place has some good history. My only question is,Is the food any good, Fall Night?"
"I know you are a foodie at heart, Purple Night. Plus, this place can give something more than the other place can. And that is less eyes and monitoring."
"I see your reasoning. But let's go back to where you called me fat."
"What are you talking about, Purple Night?"
"Did you just call me a foodie? Huh, fall night?"
Purple Night looked straight into Sifir's eyes.
"That is because you always try to eat my food. You make me cook for you. If that isn't a foodie, I don't know what purple night is." Sifir shook his head in helplessness.
"So you do admit to calling me fat?!?!" Purple Night's eyes glowed a light hue of purple from her mask.
"I don't even know how you look under your cloak, Purple Night."
Sifir had a bewildering feeling.
"You want to see what is under my cloak? I will tell you now, Fall Night, one look and your little man will raise like no other." Purple Night giggles with one hand over her mask.
"How? Never mind. Sigh."
Seeing Purple Night giggling more. All Sifir could do was stay silent. Purple Night started to tease Sifir more and more. She made it into a game she enjoyed the most. Waiting for Sifir to make a mistake and taking full advantage of it. Allowing Purple Night to add another powerful pawn to her forces.
"Okay, I am done teasing you this fall night. I see there are a lot of crests of large and medium-sized clans on these pillars. What is that about?"
Sifir is still feeling wrong from the Purple Night teasing. "These are all the clans that have visited this place during the long history of this place. The back two pillars belong to the Midnight and Night clans."
"Huh, that is very interesting. Why are there so many clan crests on those last pillars?"
"As you know, Purple Night, they both had their reign as the leading clan."
"Are you saying that anyone can put their clan crest on the back of those two pillars?"
"I don't know Purple Night." Fall Night shrugged and kept walking to the door.
"Did you want to say more fall nights?"
"Not really. Which floor are we heading to for Purple Night?"
"The second floor, of course. Aren't we important?"
"You might be important. This peasant would not dare to place myself in the same group as yourself, Purple Night."
"Why do I feel like that was more of an insult and backhanded compliment on Fall Night?"
"Me? Insult my captain, who has beauty and charm. I would not."
"If you think I won't bite you this fall, think again!"
As both Purple Night and Fall Night continue their nonsensical banter. Different groups of cultivators closely monitored them. I see them not stopping on the first floor and continuing to move toward the second floor. Many of them didn't make a move and continued having small conversations among themselves.
When Sifir scanned the first floor, he noticed the pavilion master of Iron Hallow in the corner. Even if Iron Hallow is a small sect in the Midnight clan's territory, that does not mean one should take them lightly. They only take in cultivators that use metal elements as their primary. Sifir made sure to keep an eye on that person at all times. Purple Night and Fall Night were about to take a step up the stairs to the second floor.
"Hold it, you two!"
"This is all your Purple Night, since you are the captain."
Sifir walked behind Purple Night like a good soldier who was following their general. Purple Night knew that Sifir was getting back at her for teasing him earlier, and she did not mind. Since she was still working on ways to bring Sifir to her side, Purple Night looked in the direction of the pavilion master of Iron Hallow.
"If it is not important, we will continue to go to the second floor." Purple Night spoke flatly.
"What clan or sect do you belong to too?"
"You don't need to know. I can tell you are not in the best shape either. I advised you to worry about yourself and not us or our business."
"I feel like the person behind you reminds me of someone. Someone who owns me a great debt."
"Fall Night, do you know this person?"
"Purple Night, no, I don't."
Sifir knew of the pavilion master of Iron Hallow. That is because he was there when one of the members of the Midnight clan injured him. Sifir kept his mouth shut, which was in his best interest.
"Hold up! What was your name again?
"Mine or Fall Night?"
"Are you two related to the Night clan?"
"No. Neither one of us is part of the Night clan. Now we are moving to the second floor. Unless you are buying our food and drinks, it is in your best interest to start your own business that will help you. Focus on recovering and raising your cultivation base."
Purple Night's voice sounded like she was annoyed that this unknown person still wanted to make idle talk. For Purple Night, she had more pressing issues, like what food she was going to eat and what wine she was going to take with her. The pavilion master of Iron Hallow did not like being talked to like a junior, being scolded by his elders.
Just when he was going to make a move, the owner of the Banner of the Crest Palace came out, looking at the interesting exchange of words. Usually, the owner does not get involved in small-time conflicts. However, seeing that two guests were walking to the second floor, thinking like a true business owner is stopping the conflict now. It was the perfect time to help the new guest spend more money at this establishment.
"Hello guest. I am the third-generation owner of Banner of the Crest Palace. You can call me Jaz Vixen."
This was a very young lady in her magical-beast years. If it were in human years, the young lady would be considered a very old lady in her early 200s. Jaz Vixen had a mature aura around her. Wearing luxurious clothes that befit the owner of the Banner of the Crest Palace. Her hair was tied up in a high bun, with the rest flowing over her shoulder. The color of her hair was pinkish purple. Although Jaz had a welcoming attitude, he lived in a world that was dominated by cultivators. Jaz's had enough martial strength to stop most conflict if need be.
"Jaz Vixen, one of the princesses of the Nine Tail clans?"
"I am glad you know where my parents are from. Me? I am the business owner of this shop. May I know your name and the person behind you?" Jaz giggles lightly.
"This is fall night. I am Purple Night. There is no relation to the night's clan."
"I see. The last name, Night, is quite famous in this land. Anyway, let me escort you to the second floor."
"That would be the best, Ms. Jaz." Purple Night responds flatly.
"Are you going to let them go without testing their power, Ms. Jaz?
"Pavilion Master, I must ask you not to interfere with my business. We welcome all guests. If they had the ability to go to the second floor, that is their business, not mine or yours."
Out of nowhere, a talisman was flying over to the pavilion master of Iron Hallow. This surprised everyone, except for Sifir and Jaz Vixen. They both know the personality of Purple Night very well. Always straight to the point, even in a playing matter. What annoyed Purple Night the most was that the pavilion master thought he had the strength to tell her what to do. Obviously, he was playing with fire, and playing with fire means you are bound to be burned.
"Oh? That is the same talisman from before."
Purple Night looked at Fall Night and gave him a small nod.
"I will show you something nice, Fall Night."
The seeking talisman that Purple Night used against Fall Night a few weeks ago. The pavilion master tried to retreat from this attack. However, Purple Night started using hand seals.
And the talismans began to multiply. One talisman turns into seven. With unpredictable trajectory, all seven talismans slice into the pavilion, mastering the neck, knees, inner thighs, and left hand. That was not the end, either. All seven talismans exploded after, and the all-ready injury pavilion master gained new injuries.
"You are lucky I am showing the owner of this palace a face. Or you would die in a bloody mess."
"Sigh. Pavilion Master, I told you to mine your own business. The only one to blame is yourself."
"Can we go to the second floor now, Purple Night?"
"Yes, Fall Night."
The group of three pays no attention to the pavilion master of Iron Hallow. The pavilion master had an ugly expression on his face and only stared coldly at Purple Night and Fall Night. Believing that it was all Fall Night's fault for leaving him in his current state. Even if it were not true, it was a good enough reason for the pavilion master of Iron Hallow to go after them both when he recovers from his new and old injuries. Other cultivators whisper how Purple Night used the talisman and several techniques at the same time. None dare approach the group of three when they proceed to the second floor.
When all three of them made it to the second floor of the Banner of the Crest Palace, on each side were rooms that VIPs or important clients could use. In the middle of the floor were several tables and a small bar where people could sit if they chose to. Jaz Vixen turned to Sifir and began to whisper in his ear.
"I think you need to hide your bloodline aura a little better, there little fall."
"Thank you for your concern about my bloodline. Please call me Fall Night, Ms. Jaz Vixen."
With a small chuckle. "Oh dear. The pleasure is all mine. Please just call me Jaz or Vixen if you are nasty about it. You should allow me to help hide your bloodline aura. I have several ways in mind if you are interested."
"I see. Well, Ms. Jaz. I will think about your offer when the next time I am here in Cold Steel."
"Fall night, come here."
"Yes, Purple Night."
"Tsk. It's always the overprotected type that likes to ruin my fun."
"Did you say something there, Vixen?"
"Please, Ms. Purple Night. It is Jaz Vixen."
"Well, Fall Night is under my watch. I really don't care what you are after. Just remember, he is mine."
"Definitely the overprotected type. Definitely."
While both Purple Night and Jaz Vixen continued their pointless banter, there was a group of four people. Sifir spotted them when they came to the second floor. The group was engrossed in their conversation and not looking at who came on the second floor. Most people on the second floor did the same. However, there are a few that always keep a watch on who is coming in and out of the second floor. It was rare to see the owner come with guests to the second floor. While a few pay attention to the situation, others continue to eat and drink.
The group of four is talking about current events. In the mist of what was happening. Unknown to them. Sifir had already spotted them. It is really like meeting enemies on a narrow road. It has been three months since these groups got the best of Sifir. If it weren't for the simple fact that Sifir came back from one of his wild explorations,.
Sifir would have killed all of them. The group of four was originally seven. However, Sifir has been picking them off one by one. Even if one is strong, that doesn't mean you can take a group of seven cultivators all in the middle stage of the human realm, like cutting down cabbages.
"Aye, bruh, did you hear what is happening?"
"Nah. Is there something big happening that we don't know about?"
"I heard the Elder send a request to the Midnight clan for one of their talents to join one of their squads."
"Broddie, do you know what squad that person is being assigned to?"
"No, since the information is still recent."
"Huh. I see. I guess there is more trouble on the way than."
"We wouldn't be in this situation if the Midnight and Night clans did not start both Great Wars against the Dragon clan."
"What do you know, family?" I heard that something happened within the Midnight clan to form the Night clan."
"How can that be? When did the Midnight clan split?"
"Do you know the foundering father of both the Midnight and Night clans?"
"Isn't the foundering father of the Midnight clan's Messyah?"
"And who is the foundering father of the Night clan?"
"Isn't that Darksyde?"
"Are you saying that Darksyde is part of the Midnight clan?"
"That's what the rumors have been saying."
"Aye! You three need to keep your mouths quiet before someone overhears you."
"What? Aren't the Midnight Clan's in troublesome times since the 2nd Great War?"
"Again, do you want to die without knowing how? A dying camel is still bigger than a horse." One cultivator in the group said it coldly with a sneer.
"That is true. Let's talk about that little rut, Sifir."
"I can't believe we were able to rob him of several materials that we can sell for several purple coins or a silver card."
"Me either. Who would know he would retreat without putting up a fight either?" Shrug another unknown cultivator in the group.
"We got lucky. I believe Sifir was injured and didn't want to put himself in greater danger. Most great geniuses would have taken the chance to kill us all and paid a reasonable amount for those actions." Another unknown cultivator shook his head.
"Do you think he is the one who killed our members?"
"Who knows? We do have plenty of enemies who want us dead. So we can't rule out Sifir. However, even if it is Sifir, what can we do about it? One cultivator shrugged.
"Sigh. That is true. When are we going to make the trade with the auction house?" One cultivator looks excited.
Jaz Vixen and Purple Night were mid-conversation when they saw Sifir make a move. They were bewildered as to why Sifir would make a move against the group of four cultivators. They knew that favors and grudges go hand in hand. One cannot be prosperous without another being destitute because of their fortune or opportunities.
Sifir executed the second step of the Nine Extinction Steps, a short step. This is what Sifir used when Purple Night tried to touch him again in the street. With swift movements, Sifir arrived a few feet away from the group of four's table. Leaping in the air and rotating like a drill. Sifir unleashed the true immolation claw on these unexpected cultivators. The black aura particles started to solidify instantly and form a giant liger claw that slammed down with ruthless aggression.
The cultivators that were hit by the attack. The Sifir attack didn't hit them just once, but three times. The last hit was the fastest and strongest of them all. The only thing the people could hear was screaming and the agony of the dying cultivators, who had no chance against the merciless attack of Sifir. Sifir bends over and picks up the bags of the four cultivators, placing them in his dimensional space bag. Purple Night and Jaz Vixen were shocked. By the raw power that Sifir displayed. Also, the quick decision to kill without question. Somehow, Purple Night was really excited about how cold Sifir can be. On the other hand, Jaz Vixen was not pleased about the damage to her pavilion.
"How are you going to pay for the damages that you cause on Fall Night?" Jaz Vixen has a cold tone in her voice.
"How much do you need to repair the damages, Ms. Jaz Vixen?"
"How about you give me some of your blood? We can count the debt settled more than fall night."
"No. How much money do I need to pay you?"
"You are a petty man, Fall Night."
"Did you hear that Fall Night? You are petty. How about giving me what I want now, fall night?" Purple Night spoke in a teasing manner.
"Either 10 thousand purple coins or 1 silver card." Jaz Vixen spoke calmly.
"Here than. 1 silver card that has 25 thousand purple coins on it, Jaz Vixen." Sifir walked over to pass the silver card.
"Sigh. Thank you, Fall Night, for paying me for my losses. Let me escort you and Purple Night to our VIP room."