Once the serving women had passed out refreshments and settled between the young lords to pour wine and attend to them, the conversation moved on to topics other than Wu Ling and his painting skills.
"Now, I have a question for our youngest Brother, Fan Chaoyang," Xiong Dahuo said, turning his attention to the elegantly dressed sword cultivator. "You're nineteen this year. Come to the Autumn Festival, it'll be your last chance to compete in the Inner City Young Expert's competition unless you manage to become a Soldier by New Year. Can we expect to see you representing your Pure Edge Sword Sect again this year or has some upstart taken your crown?"
