The melody of the flute was like a gentle spring rain, softly enveloping the world in its tender embrace, as all living things basked in its nurturing touch and revealed their newfound splendor. The sword’s light pierced through the heavens, like a snow-white blaze blooming in midair. Its chilling radiance rained down like icy needles, leaving no corner for any creature to hide.
 A silvery light soared into the sky, intertwining with a vibrant crimson streak to form a magnificent rainbow that met the snowy blaze halfway. As the scene unfurled, it seemed as delicate as the gentlest breeze, yet ceaselessly enduring.
 Suddenly, the tune of the flute transformed, becoming as fierce as a torrential downpour and thunderous roar. It resonated with the power of a thousand galloping steeds, shaking the earth and stirring the mountains. In an instant, it shifted again, exuding the murderous intent of a thousand soldiers.
 As the snowy blaze and rainbow collided in midair, a dazzling array of lights burst forth, enveloping the heavens and the earth in brilliant hues. Thousands of sword auras interwove, casting a sword-wielding ambience over everything, causing all living things to hold their breath.
 Such peerless swordsmanship and rare expertise were the aspirations of any martial artist and the most coveted spectacle for any lover of martial arts. And yet, some treated it as child’s play.
 Atop a three-foot high platform made of white marble, a hearty voice pierced through the layers of sword aura, echoing far and wide.
 “Place your bets! Place your bets! Time waits for no one!”
 The boisterous call came from a man adorned in dazzling gold. He wore a golden hair clasp, golden short-sleeved martial attire, and a golden collar with a glittering longevity pendant. On his muscular arms, he sported a pair of leopard-shaped golden armbands, and on his wrists, two leopard head bracelets. His every movement caused a cascade of golden light, blinding those nearby.
 “Hey, Little Eight, who are you betting on? Hurry up and place your bet!” The man in gold shouted at the man in yellow beside him, who was intently watching the duel on the platform. The man in yellow had a round, childlike face that made it difficult to determine his age, as he appeared to be somewhere between adolescence and adulthood.
 With a determined gaze, Little Eight took another close look at the duel on the platform before turning to glare at the man shining in gold. “Sixth Brother, I’m betting on Second Brother to win this time! I’ll wager ten gold leaves!”
 “Alright, alright!” Sixth Brother reached out his hand, “Give me the gold leaves!”
 Little Eight pulled a handful of gold leaves from his pocket, counted them carefully, and reluctantly handed them over with the air of a hero severing his own arm. “Here you go!” As soon as the words left his mouth, the gold leaves vanished in a flash of light.
 “Little Eight is always so straightforward.” Sixth Brother grinned, swiftly pocketing the gold leaves and patting Little Eight’s head as a sign of praise. He then turned to the others and urged, “Third Brother, Fifth Brother, have you made up your minds? Hurry up! Little Eight has already placed his bet.”
 “Um…” A man wearing a blue robe with a pair of clever, smiling eyes pondered for a moment, tapping his chin with a long finger. “Alright, this time, I’ll bet that they’ll remain deadlocked, neither winning nor losing. Ten gold leaves.”
 “Alright, hand over the gold leaves.” Without waiting for the man in blue to produce the money, Sixth Brother reached into the man’s money pouch hanging from his waist and took out ten gold leaves to put into his own pouch.
 “You money-grubber!” Little Eight spat out resentfully.
 Still wearing a grin, Sixth Brother corrected his younger brother, “Remember to call me ‘God of Wealth’!” He then turned to the man in green with a refined appearance. “Fifth Brother, have you decided? Third Brother and Little Eight have already placed their bets.”
 “Um… let me think a little longer.” Fifth Brother stared intently at the two evenly matched contestants on the platform. “Ah! Second Brother has actually mastered the ‘Boundless Ocean Without Butterflies’ move, which means he has reached the ninth level of the ‘Flameless Heart Technique’! Seventh Sister might lose this time, so I’ll bet on… Ah! Seventh Sister has just executed the ‘Phoenix Wings Shield the Sky’! Has she truly mastered the ‘Phoenix Shadow Heart Technique’? Then Second Brother can’t possibly win this time! So, I’ll bet on… Ah! Second Brother countered with ‘Snowless Azure Mountain’! Heavens! Second Brother has actually mastered the ‘Flameless Heart Technique’! So, who will win this time?”
 “Never mind what they’ve mastered, Fifth Brother. Just tell us who you’re betting on to win this round,” Sixth Brother interrupted Fifth Brother’s excited and somewhat incoherent ramblings.
 “Who will win? I need to think about it,” Fifth Brother said with indecision as he watched the competition. “Ah! Seventh Sister’s move… that’s ‘Snowy Phoenix Dance in the Sky’! Sixth Brother, Seventh Sister has really mastered the ‘Phoenix Shadow Heart Technique’! I’ll bet on… Ah! No, Second Brother’s move… it’s ‘Boundless Sky Without Sun’! Incredible! Seventh Sister can’t dodge that… Ah! No, Seventh Sister’s move is… ‘Phoenix Cry Across the Heavens’!”
 Seeing Fifth Brother engrossed in the contest, Sixth Brother cautiously reached into Fifth Brother’s money pouch while asking, “Fifth Brother, are you placing your bet or not?”
 “Ah! Second Brother’s move is ‘Bloodless Flame Heart’!” Fifth Brother shouted, waving his hands and accidentally hitting Sixth Brother, causing the gold leaves he had just grabbed to fall back into the pouch.
Sixth Brother carefully examined Fifth Brother’s excited, glowing face to determine whether the previous incident was a coincidence or intentional. In the end, he decided it was better not to take any chances. “Fifth Brother, regardless of who you’re betting on, I’ll take the initiative and place a bet of ten gold leaves for you.”
He swiftly grabbed a handful of gold leaves from Fifth Brother’s pouch and quickly stepped back a few feet.
 “Sixth Brother, how many did you get? Is there any extra? We need to split any extra!” Little Eight hurried over.
 “Exactly ten gold leaves, not more, not less.” Sixth Brother shook the gold leaves in his open palm before pocketing them and didn’t forget to teach Little Eight a lesson. “Little Eight, you must know when to quit while you’re ahead.”
Fifth Brother cast an indifferent glance at them before returning his attention to the duel.
 “Since everyone has placed their bets, can we see the results now?” The man in blue, Third Brother, casually asked.
 “The competition isn’t over yet, Third Brother,” Little Eight replied with a cute smile.
Sixth Brother also chimed in, “Their duels always take days and nights. Don’t be impatient, Third Brother.”
Third Brother looked up at the sky and said, “We’re already past the midpoint of the Snake hour, and the sun will be scorching soon. So…”
 “So, what?” Sixth Brother narrowed his eyes at him, and Little Eight stared intently as well.
 “So, it’s better to end it sooner rather than later.” Third Brother flipped his palm, flicked his finger, and a small object shot out at an incredible speed.
 “Third Brother, you’re cheating again!” Little Eight shouted in alarm.
 “What kind of trick are you trying to pull, Third Brother?” Sixth Brother kept his eyes on the object flicked by Third Brother’s fingertip. “If you attack either of them, you’ll have to deal with the consequences later. Don’t expect me to save you…” His words suddenly got stuck in his throat.
 The previously intense sound of the flute suddenly came to a halt, causing the fierce sword auras filling the sky to lose their sharpness. The dazzling sword lights vanished instantly, revealing two figures falling rapidly from mid-air as if they had suddenly lost their support. Just before they were about to crash into the ground, they each somersaulted and landed gracefully.
 One was a man, about 27 or 28 years old, dressed in a purple robe, with a cold and handsome face, and a tall, erect figure reminiscent of a snow-covered pine tree. An air of coldness and stern killing intent surrounded him. Over his shoulder was a red cloak like blazing fire, making him appear as a flame wrapped in ice, a mix of cold and heat.
 The woman was around 20 years old, with long eyebrows extending to her temples, bright phoenix eyes, and dressed in a white silk robe. The wide sleeves were embroidered with intricate and exquisite phoenix feathers using golden threads. As the sleeves fluttered, the dazzling phoenix feathers seemed to spread out like real wings, making the originally plain and elegant white robe appear incredibly luxurious and noble.
 “Fourth Brother, what are you doing?” The man in the purple robe asked coldly.
 “It has nothing to do with me,” a calm and unhurried voice replied. The speaker was a man in black sitting cross-legged on the edge of the platform, leaning against a white marble railing. With raven-black hair and snow-white skin, his handsome face surpassed that of ordinary people. He casually waved a white jade flute in his hand, a small stone firmly lodged in one of the holes.
 On the other side, a commotion erupted.
 “Third Brother, you cheated! Sixth Brother, this doesn’t count! Give me back my gold leaves!” Little Eight yelled at Third Brother while grabbing Sixth Brother’s hand.
 “How can you call it cheating? I didn’t obstruct or interrupt Second Brother and Seventh Sister’s duel. I just thought that Fourth Brother’s flute sound was irritating my ears, so I asked him to take a short break,” Third Brother said nonchalantly.
 “Making excuses! You clearly knew that every move and technique in this duel between Second Brother and Seventh Sister was in sync with Fourth Brother’s flute sound! How can they continue their duel without the flute? Third Brother, you’re a crafty villain!” Little Eight glared at Third Brother with wide eyes.
 “A clandestine harmony of the flute? How am I unaware of this? When did Second Brother and Seventh Sister ever mention it?” Third Brother inquired with an innocent expression upon his face.
 “You… you… you…” Little Eight attempted to continue, only to be interrupted.
 “One must honor the wager, Little Eight.” Sixth Brother’s wrist deftly twisted, freeing himself from Little Eight’s dual claws, and took a step back. “Let me make it clear to you that your ten golden leaves shall not be returned.”
 “Sixth Brother…” Little Eight’s body shifted as his hands once again entwined around Sixth Brother, a face of grievance displayed. “This time, it was clearly Third Brother’s mischief.”
 “Coquetry shall not avail you.” Sixth Brother waved his hand, dispelling Little Eight’s grasp, then turned to address Fifth Brother, whose brow was furrowed in regret at the abrupt cessation of the contest. “Fifth Brother, you have not declared a wager on the victor even after the contest’s conclusion. The opportunity has passed, and thus, you have lost.”
 Fifth Brother, still lamenting with a sigh, offered no response to Sixth Brother’s words.
 “Then I have at least emerged victorious, have I not?” Third Brother grinned, his countenance amiable.
 “Third Brother.” Sixth Brother turned his head, his smile even more genial and inviting fortune. “The outcome of this contest is ‘abrupt termination,’ not ‘inconclusive victory or defeat,’ so you have still lost!”
 “Indeed, befitting of the ‘Iron Rooster General.'” Third Brother, upon hearing the words, displayed neither anger nor resentment, simply shaking his head and uttering a single phrase.
 “It is the ‘Wealth God General.'” Sixth Brother corrected his elder sibling.
 “Sixth Brother,” Little Eight gently tugged at the brilliantly golden robe of Sixth Brother with his fingertips.
 Sixth Brother turned his head and asked, “What is it?”
 Little Eight’s plump face broke into a smile as enchanting as a fortune-bringing ingot doll. Extending one hand in front of Sixth Brother, he said, “Nothing much, just return five golden leaves to me.” His demeanor expressed that this was only natural.
 Sixth Brother forced a smile upon hearing this and said, “When have you ever seen money that enters my pouch leave again?”
 “Are you really not giving it back?” Little Eight inquired once more.
 “Of course,” Old Sixth patted his money pouch in response.
 Unperturbed, Little Eight cast a nonchalant glance at Sixth Brother before striding toward the center of the stage. In the blink of an eye, he had reached the side of the man dressed in purple and the woman clad in white.
 The intense sparring match from earlier had suddenly halted, leaving the purple-garbed man and the white-garbed woman almost breathless. To prevent injury to their meridians, both had to sit down and regulate their breathing. As peerless experts, their energy had returned to normal after merely a single circulation cycle.
 “Seventh Sister,” Little Eight gazed at the woman in white with his large round eyes, appearing exceedingly endearing.
 Seventh Sister rose to her feet, her chin slightly raised, exuding a natural air of pride. “Little Eight, what was all that noise you were making just now?”
 “Seventh Sister, you’ve mastered the ‘Phoenix Shadow Heart Technique’? How impressive!” Admiration filled Little Eight’s face, but he soon heaved a heavy sigh. “Alas, if only Third Brother hadn’t interrupted Fourth Brother’s flute melody, perhaps we could have had a decisive match with Second Brother this time. Ah…” He sighed again, “It’s all Third Brother’s fault.”
 Upon hearing this, Seventh Sister cast a half-smiling glance at Little Eight, then shifted her gaze to Third Brother, who was advising Fifth Brother, and murmured softly, “So that’s how it is.”
 Before the word “it” had fully left her lips, Little Eight felt a sudden rush of sword wind before his eyes. When he turned his head, he saw a bundle of sword light enveloping the previously nonchalant Third Brother.
 “Seventh… Seventh Sister, let’s talk things out properly. There’s no need to resort to swords without saying a word!” Third Brother was immediately caught off guard and thrown into a frenzy.
 “Who―told―you―to―meddle!” Seventh Sister enunciated each word forcefully, her long sword thrusting relentlessly toward Third Brother’s face.
 “Seventh Sister… Restrain your blade, Seventh Sister. You must understand that your elder brother is a refined gentleman, incapable of accompanying you in such a game. My back will give way if this continues.” The impenetrable sword light rendered Third Brother incapable of defending himself, and he hurriedly sidestepped to take cover behind Fifth Brother.
 “Hmph!” Seventh Sister snorted coldly, raising her wrist. The sword light swerved towards Third Brother from the other side of Fifth Brother.
 “Ah!” Third Brother cried out in alarm, barely dodging the life-snatching strike. “Seventh Sister, stop! Fifth Brother, are you not going to persuade her?” As he spoke, he crouched and evaded yet another soul-hooking slash. “Ah… Seventh Sister… stop… Fifth Brother… Fifth Brother…”
 No matter where Third Brother sought refuge, the sword light would either trail him like a shadow or clash head-on. Though he had not been struck, cold sweat drenched him, and he called out repeatedly for Fifth Brother’s aid. Alas, Fifth Brother remained rooted in place, seemingly frightened by the sudden turn of events, his face filled with indecision. He appeared unsure whether he should first rescue Third Brother behind him or dissuade Seventh Sister before him. His gentle, brown eyes shifted restlessly from left to right.
 Little Eighth smiled innocently at the sight of the dodging Third Brother, before sidling up to the purple-robed man observing the scene with cold eyes. “Second Brother, you were so valiant just now! Little Eighth knew you would be the victor this time!”
 Second Brother raised an eyebrow, neither affirming nor denying, as he gazed at Little Eighth.
 “Second Brother, Sixth Brother cheated again during your duel with Seventh Sister, using it as an opportunity to set up a gambling racket.” Little Eighth pointed at Sixth Brother, who was counting gold leaves with a beaming face. “He swindled me out of ten gold leaves, which I had intended to use to buy a jar of ‘Tusu’* wine to celebrate your victory over Seventh Sister.”
 As soon as Little Eighth finished speaking, a flash of purple appeared before his eyes. As Sixth Brother, who was counting his gold leaves, sensed a gust of wind approaching from behind and prepared to evade, he felt a chill on his face, and the money pouch was snatched away in a heartbeat.
 “My gold leaves!” Sixth Brother cried out in pain.
 Second Brother’s gaze fixed on the sword’s tip, where Sixth Brother’s money pouch was suspended.
 “Give me back my gold leaves!” Sixth Brother attempted to seize the pouch, but seeing the chilling, treasured sword in Second Brother’s hand and contemplating the outcome of a physical confrontation, he could only halt in his tracks.
 Second Brother elegantly flicked the tip of his sword, and the money bag gracefully soared into Little Eight’s hands.
 “Little Eight, purchase ten jars,” Second Brother commanded with an air of indifference before returning his sword to its sheath.
 “That is my gold leaf!” Sixth Brother exclaimed in anguish, “At least give me five jars.” With his capabilities, five jars of “Tusu” wine could undoubtedly be sold for a fortune, allowing him to recoup his losses.
 “Sixth Brother,” Little Eight called out sweetly, blinking his eyes, “I shall offer all of them for Second Brother to drink.”
 “Little Eight, do not be too ruthless,” Sixth Brother squinted at his younger brother, maintaining a cordial demeanor.
 Little Eight weighed his options and then said, “Two jars.”
 “Three jars,” Sixth Brother stretched out three fingers.
 “Very well, we have a deal,” Little Eight nodded decisively.
 As peace and harmony were established on one side, the desperate cries of Third Brother still echoed from the other.
“Seventh Sister… Ah! The mandarin duck embroidery pouch gifted by Xiao Yan’er from Yan Gui Pavilion… Sister Seven… I… Stop… I… Fifth Brother, won’t you help me… Second Brother… You… You cannot merely watch… Quickly restrain Seventh Sister… The Purple Crystal Star Crown gifted by Xiao Xian’er… ah, Seventh Sister… Fourth Brother! Fourth Brother! Quickly tell Seventh Sister to stop! Or you will lose the most intelligent and capable elder brother…”
 “Poor Third Brother,” Little Eight sympathized as he watched Third Brother fleeing in a sorry state under Seventh Sister’s sword light, seemingly having completely forgotten that he himself was the cause of this chaos.
 “Ah, one truly reaps what one sows.” The Sixth Brother expressed not a shred of sympathy, “It is well known that our Seventh Sister abhors being disturbed during her sparring sessions. She prefers to let her fists do the talking when angered. This time, he will surely suffer his just deserts.”
 “I wonder who will come to his rescue this time?” The Eighth Brother’s gaze shifted between the indifferent Second Brother who stood with folded arms and the Fourth Brother who leisurely observed with an amused smile from the white marble railing.
 “Shall we place another wager?” The Sixth Brother’s eyes lit up.
The Eighth Brother glanced back at him and decisively uttered two words, “No need!”
 “Coward!” The Sixth Brother left the words hanging before turning his attention to the spectacle.
 The Eighth Brother remained nonchalant, “I am the youngest after all, it’s only natural that I’m a bit more timid.”
 “Fourth Brother… Fourth Brother, please have mercy…” At this moment, the Third Brother was in a disheveled state, his clothing tattered and sweat pouring down his back. The suave elegance he once exuded was nowhere to be found. However, the Fifth Brother, whom he had been using as a shield, remained unscathed, not even a single hair out of place. This was a testament to the Seventh Sister’s exceptional martial prowess.
 “The Seventh Sister’s martial arts skills have improved once again,” the Sixth Brother muttered.
 “I wonder if the Fourth Brother will save him,” the Eighth Brother commented.
 “It seems that the Second Brother truly won’t intervene,” the Sixth Brother observed, noting the Second Brother’s lack of intent to even lift a finger.
 “The only one who can match our Seventh Sister’s swordplay is the Fourth Brother. Alas…” The Little Eight feigned regret.
 “What a pity, our Fourth Brother… So kind and courteous to outsiders, but merciless in teasing his own siblings!” The Sixth Brother shook his head, feigning sympathy while his eyes gleamed with schadenfreude**.
“Seventh Sister, please show mercy…”
 “I’ve made up my mind. Once this is over, I’ll drag the Third Brother to Yan Gui Pavilion and treat him to drinks. Those who admire him must witness his current state,” Little Eighth’s round eyes sparkled with excitement.
 “Esteemed Generals, His Majesty has been waiting in the Ju Long Hall for two hours now.”
 In the midst of the commotion on stage, a shrill cry suddenly arose from below.
 “His Majesty bade this old servant to inquire of the esteemed Generals whether they required another five days and five nights of waiting this time. From below the elevated platform, a eunuch’s voice rang out. It was not that he couldn’t ascend the platform, but rather that past experiences had taught him to value his own life and stay grounded.
 It seemed as if their eldest brother had come to the rescue this time, and fortune favored him. The Sixth Brother sighed, seemingly unsatisfied. “Indeed,” the Eighth agreed, with a hint of regret in his voice. “Alas, I had no opportunity to drag Third Brother, looking like this, to the Yan Gui Pavilion.”
 Indeed, as their words fell, they saw their Fourth Brother alight elegantly from the white marble railing, his robes fluttering, exuding an indescribable charm. “Seventh Sister, you must be tired as well. Let us retire to the Gathering Dragon Hall for a cup of tea and some respite.”
 “Agreed.” As soon as the words were spoken, the sword light withdrew. “Hah! I’m saved,” exclaimed the Third Brother, wiping the sweat from his brow.
 Seventh Sister, however, appeared composed and serene, a smile playing on her lips as she regarded the disheveled Third Brother. “Third Brother, next time when Second Brother is unavailable, I shall seek you out for some sword practice. Your lightness skill shall aid in increasing my attack speed.” Satisfied, she returned her sword to its scabbard only after hearing the Third Brother’s desperate cry of “No!”
 “Let us go,” the Fourth Brother called out to the Second, stealing a seemingly casual glance at Little Eighth.
The Eighth Brother hurriedly approached, his face split in a charming grin. “Fourth Brother, I’ve obtained five more jars of ‘Tusu’ wine. I shall deliver them to you this evening.”
 “Very well,” the Fourth Brother replied, his smile gentle as the spring breeze.
 The Sixth sibling, who had been listening, drew near. “Little Eight, are you not at a loss?”
 “Am I?” Little Eight wrinkled his nose. “Five jars for Fourth Brother, three for Sixth Brother, one for Second Brother, and one for me. That makes ten jars in total.”
 “Such favoritism,” the Sixth Brother remarked, curling his lip.
 In hushed tones, Little Eight whispered, “Sixth Brother, it is preferable to offend the martially unparalleled Second Brother than to cross the flawless Fourth Brother.” Contemplating his words, Sixth Brother nodded solemnly in agreement. Seventh Sister, who was passing by, overheard the conversation, yet offered no response, only the hint of a smile gracing her lips.
 “Phew!” Third Brother exhaled a breath of relief, having narrowly escaped a perilous situation. “That’s the consequence of fooling around,” Fifth Brother uttered impassively. Unrepentant, Third Brother retorted, “You could have at least helped me, Fifth Brother. How cold-hearted!” Shaking his head, Fifth Brother walked away, leaving Third Brother to straighten his attire, only to realize that no one remained at the high platform. Hurrying to catch up, he called out, “Wait for me!”
 “What could our Eldest Brother want from us this time?”
 “As long as he doesn’t complain about the tiresome remonstrations of the Imperial Censors, it’ll be fine.”

…  

Faint laughter and chatter echoed through the majestic and resplendent Imperial Palace as the seven brothers, led by Second Brother, sauntered leisurely, gradually disappearing into the labyrinthine palace halls. This was during the first year of the “Yuan Ding” era when the Eastern Dynasty had just been established.
 These seven spirited men, renowned as the Seven Great Generals of the Eastern Dynasty, were Huang Ti, Ning Jingyuan, Feng Ji, Bai Yima, Hua Jingtai, Feng Duying, and Nan Pianyue. They awaited their sovereign, Dong Shixiu, the founder of the Eastern Dynasty, in the Dragon Gathering Hall.
 The eight of them, all of humble origins, had used their wits and martial prowess to traverse the world, creating the powerful Eastern Dynasty – a glorious feat akin to a miracle in history. Their bond, forged in loyalty and brotherhood, remained unshaken through the hardships of their youth and the wealth and power of the present day. They lived together as one, residing in the lofty Imperial Palace, a tale of splendor akin to a myth in history.
In those days, everything was perfect and carefree.

Tusu* wine (屠苏酒 / tú sū jiǔ) – Tusu wine, is one of the most well-known wines coming from ancient times. The name comes from the tusu style building it was created in. It’s also called suìjiǔ (岁酒), “sui” being a synonym of “nian.” It is most commonly drink during Spring Festival.

Schadenfreude** meaning: joy over some harm or misfortune suffered by another.

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