Early in the morning Pitu was ushered with huge swathes of crowd ushering from the nearby two villages and roads were swarmed with various monster beast carriages. Hundreds of stalls set up across the village with various novelties, delicacies and toys. Festive atmosphere seethed through everyone that it's very hard to find any depressing place. Even the less fortune were overjoyed, as some free food places and free entertainment rides were arranged according to chief Tai Peng's instructions.
"Watch out" a rhino looking monster beast carriage with ferocious looks seems to run down the street and some people could not step out of the way in time. The coachman did his best to reign-in the monster and avoided injuring any one on the road. It stopped suddenly and a young boy with colorful robes descended from it apologizing and offering help to the people who fell down in a hurry.
"This kindness is going to bite him in the back one day" Ming Jian was worried. Looking at the people, they don't appreciate at all. Some out of envy, some feeling it's hypocrisy, some even are whispering righteous words about how the carriage owner has no manner.
The coachman immediately apologized " I'm sorry sir. This is a newly caught monster beast 3 days back. I thought it was tamed and fast enough to reach your destination but I failed to keep it under control ". "Well, you don't need to feel too bad about it. Go at a normal pace now that we have almost arrived" Ming Rui asserted. The coach-man nodded and Shin also came back after helping them and noting the people's behavior.
Tai Xun who was responsible for some events today in the crowd watched it silently and nodded his head in approval of the young man's behavior. Most of the carriages are usually by horse and only few have the privilege to actually use a monster beast as a steed.
After that, the family of three have arrived at the center of the city where they were provided accommodation in a 3 room luxurious hut. On the way Shin has seen from the carriage window how various people are paying copper coins to buy different things. Being his first to Pitu, he was very curious and wanted to meet up with his friends and stroll together but was denied by his mother.
"Shin, today you are going to take part in the medical exam. Make sure you do it well"
"Hehe, it will be a breeze mom"
Three large venues were laid out around a 5 mile distance to conduct the three exams and registrations were taking place at various venues. Shin, being adventurous and longing always to explore the world and curious by nature, is more inclined to martial might than being fixed to a place studying medicine. He secretly went off to register for martial exam by paying 300 copper coins.
Meanwhile all three village chiefs and deputy chiefs have assembled together to welcome the convoy. The convoy shall stay for their duration at Hei Pavillion which shall be overseen by Rin Meihun. The Hei pavilion consists of four buildings where the outer most is where the convoy guards shall reside and protect it, the third layer is where convoy exhibits their novelties and trades, the second layer for the staff and executives of the convoy. The core part is where Rin Meihun resides.
This pavilion was constructed only 3 years back when Meihun first arrived in this town and it is the only proper structured building in the neighboring villages. There is neither the skill, nor such precious stones and materials available to actually build a concrete construction in this backward place. Hence, his contempt grew even more for these barbarians.
Villagers often gawk when passing through the pavilion and it's magnificent structure but don't dare to approach seeing the ferocious guards patrolling outside. Nobody can stroll withing the perimeter of a mile or they shall be unscrupulously beaten and thrown away by the guards.
The chiefs along with their deputies have arrived at the pavilion and stayed with the guards who give off a 'Don't you dare to come near attitude'. Even the village chief's can't afford these guards in condensing stage. Each village contributed to bring three strong people in Bone Forging realm bot for the chief's protection and also to maintain their status.
Shin has converged with his gang after registration and they are currently in tow with Tai Xun and Tai Xue as well as the Zhang Lao (10) and Zhang Shao(9) brothers who are Mu Shen's (Chen Village chief) kids. " Brother Xun, you seem to have gotten even stronger than when I met last year" Zhang Shao flattered Tai Xun. Both Zhang Lao and Zhang Shao are both Level 7 warrior and trained arduously to increase their strength after seeing their village plight due to the beast attack.
"Nothing, I'm still stuck in the peak ninth warrior and should breakthrough soon" Tai Xun replied with pride. Zhang brothers admired Tai Xun ever since they lost to him in the previous year after their arrogance. It is also on then that Zhang Lao has noticed Tai Xue who always has a kind smile and growing up to be as pretty as a jade. He is confident that he can ask for her hand in marriage in the future as hos own due to his position and also his strength.
Tai Xun is a simple and fighting maniac who is taught by his father and strongest bone forging elder in the village since he was a kid. where does he notice these simple tricks and flattery. Shin nodded his head politely to Tai Xun as a greeting. The group was going forward when large drums were heard rhythmically in the huge crowd.
"Look's like the convoy is here" Du Baoji was spirited. Most of the crowd flocked to the place to see the convoy with curiosity. "Let's go everyone. I want to see how big the convoy shall be" Tai Xue urged and everyone followed while trying not to get lost in the crowd. At the village entrance, nearly 20 huge carriages with 10 guards at the front and 20 guards in the rear are proceeding forward while the crowd found it hard to breathe in their presence.
The noise subsided and people started whispering while mesmerized about the magnanimity while also fearful of three monsters which looked like level 4 and 7 of them level 3 while the rest being level 2 monster. Any single monster can decimate all three villages with their strength. Within the crowd, Shin and the lot were breathing heavily with such tensed atmosphere with stars in their eyes.
People consciously gave a wide way for the entourage without any obstacles. From the carriages likewise, a 12 year old girl was looking at the crowd with curious eyes looking at their shabby clothing and the tattered huts. Tai Xue and Meng Kai stood out as sore spots along with the boys with good clothing, pretty as a jade while looking so refined.
"Huh? Aunt Shu, look, I found two girls who don't look barbaric" the girl smiled sweetly.
"Oh? Miss, it seems they should be kids of village chiefs" a middle aged woman who lloked heroic responded politely.
"See, now I don't get bored during the trip. Aunt Shu, let them board our carriage. I want to meet them"
"Miss, we need to quickly go the pavilion. Also, I'm sure you can meet them there"
While dejected, the girl felt that someone was observing her. She found Shin looking at her 'Who is this girl? I thought there would be only merchants and supervisors coming with the convoy'. She immediately shut down her window and fumed "How dare a barbaric boy directly look me in the eye?". 'Ah, there goes Miss with her temper again' Aunt Shu was helpless.
'I need to make him an example to put these barbarians in their place' the girl flared up. The procession carried forward with drums and festive music towards the Hei pavilion. The crowd also moved along to the main stage anticipating the five day celebrations.